ARBOR REALTY TRUST INC - Annual Report: 2008 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission file number : 001-32136

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(516) 506-4200

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

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

 

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 o     No þ

 

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 proceeding 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 þ     No o

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, all of which is voting, held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2008 (computed based on the closing price on such date as reported on the NYSE) was $160.5 million. As of March 9, 2009, the registrant had 25,142,410 shares of common stock outstanding (excluding 279,400 shares held in treasury).

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2009 Proxy Statement”), to be filed within 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

INDEX

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the operating performance of our investments and financing needs. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “endeavor,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking information. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, our actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate market specifically; adverse changes in the financing markets we access affecting our ability to finance our loan and investment portfolio; changes in interest rates; the quality and size of the investment pipeline and the rate at which we can invest our cash; impairments in the value of the collateral underlying our loans and investments; changes in the markets; legislative/regulatory changes; completion of pending investments; the availability and cost of capital for future investments; competition within the finance and real estate industries; and other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC reports. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect our management’s views as of the date of this report. The factors noted above could cause our actual results to differ significantly from those contained in any forward-looking statement. For a discussion of our critical accounting policies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries — Significant Accounting Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies” under Item 7 of this report.

 

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform these statements to actual results.

PART I

 

 

Overview

 

We are a specialized real estate finance company which invests in a diversified portfolio of structured finance assets in the multi-family and commercial real estate markets. We invest primarily in real estate-related bridge and mezzanine loans, including junior participating interests in first mortgages, preferred and direct equity, and in limited cases, discounted mortgage notes and other real estate-related assets, which we refer to collectively as structured finance investments. We also invest in mortgage-related securities. Our principal business objective is to maximize the difference between the yield on our investments and the cost of financing these investments to generate cash available for distribution, facilitate capital appreciation and maximize total return to our stockholders.

 

In 2008, the global economic and financial deterioration that began in 2007, continued to worsen resulting in ongoing disruptions in the credit and capital markets, significant devaluations of assets, lack of liquidity throughout the worldwide financial system and a global economic recession. The failure of several worldwide financial institutions as well as global deleveraging by most financial institutions has severely limited the availability of capital for most businesses, including those involved in the commercial real estate sector. As a result, most institutions in our space, including ours, have significantly reduced new investment activity until the capital markets become more stable and market liquidity increases. Under normal market conditions, we rely on these credit and equity markets to generate capital for financing the growth of our business. However, in this current environment we are focused on managing our portfolio to preserve capital, generate and recycle liquidity from existing assets and actively manage our financing facilities.

 

We are organized to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on that portion of its REIT taxable income (“Taxable Income”) which is distributed to its stockholders, provided that at least 90% of Taxable Income is distributed and provided that certain other requirements are met. Certain of our assets that produce non-qualifying income are held in taxable REIT subsidiaries. Unlike other subsidiaries of a REIT, the income of a taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to federal and state income taxes.

 

We commenced operations in July 2003 and conduct substantially all of our operations and investing activities through our operating partnership, Arbor Realty Limited Partnership, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. We serve as the general partner of our operating partnership, and own a 100% partnership interest in our operating partnership as of December 31, 2008.

 

We are externally managed and advised by Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC (“ACM”), a national commercial real estate finance company which specializes in debt and equity financing for multi-family and commercial real estate, pursuant to the terms of a management agreement described below. ACM provides us with all of the services vital to our operations other than asset management and securitization, and our executive officers and other staff are all employed by our manager, ACM, pursuant to the management agreement. The management agreement requires ACM to manage our business affairs in conformity with the policies and investment guidelines that are approved and monitored by our board of directors. We believe ACM’s experience and reputation positions it to originate attractive investment opportunities for us. Our management agreement with ACM was developed to capitalize on synergies with ACM’s origination infrastructure, existing business relationships and management expertise.

 

We believe the financing of multi-family and commercial real estate offers opportunities that demand customized financing solutions. ACM has granted us a right of first refusal to pursue all structured finance investment opportunities in the multi-family or commercial real estate markets that are identified by ACM or its affiliates. ACM continues to originate and service multi-family and commercial mortgage loans under Fannie Mae, Federal Housing Administration and conduit commercial lending programs. We believe that the customer relationships established from these lines of business may generate additional real estate investment opportunities for our business.

Our Corporate History

 

On July 1, 2003, ACM contributed a portfolio of structured finance investments to our operating partnership. Concurrently with this contribution, we and our operating partnership entered into a management agreement with ACM pursuant to which ACM manages our investments for a base management fee and incentive compensation, and the nine person asset management group of ACM became our employees.

 

In exchange for ACM’s contribution of structured finance investments, our operating partnership issued approximately 3.1 million units of limited partnership interest, or operating partnership units, and approximately 0.6 million warrants to purchase additional operating partnership units at an initial exercise price of $15.00 per operating partnership unit to ACM. Concurrently, we, our operating partnership and ACM entered into a pairing agreement. Pursuant to the pairing agreement, each operating partnership unit issued to ACM and issuable to ACM upon exercise of its warrants for additional operating partnership units in connection with the contribution of initial assets was paired with one share of the Company’s special voting preferred stock. In October 2004, ACM exercised these warrants and held approximately 3.8 million operating partnership units, constituting an approximately 16% limited partnership interest in our operating partnership. ACM had the ability to redeem each of these operating partnership units for cash or, at our election, one share of our common stock. We granted ACM certain demand and other registration rights with respect to the shares of common stock that may be issued upon redemption of these operating partnership units. Each of these operating partnership units were also paired with one share of our special voting preferred stock entitling ACM to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Upon redemption of these operating partnership units, an equivalent number of shares of our special voting preferred stock would be redeemed and cancelled.

 

Concurrently with ACM’s contribution of investments to our operating partnership, we sold approximately 1.6 million of our units, each consisting of five shares of our common stock and one warrant to purchase an additional share of common stock at an initial exercise price of $15.00 per share, for $75.00 per unit in a private placement and agreed to register the shares of common stock underlying these units and warrants for resale under the Securities Act of 1933. In July 2004, we registered approximately 9.6 million shares of common stock underlying these units and warrants. At December 31, 2005, approximately 1.6 million warrants were exercised, of which 0.5 million were exercised “cashless”, for a total of 1.3 million common shares issued pursuant to their exercise.

 

In April 2004, we closed our initial public offering in which we issued and sold 6.3 million shares of common stock and a selling stockholder sold 22,500 shares of common stock, each at $20.00 per share. Concurrently with the initial public offering, we sold 0.5 million shares of common stock at the initial public offering price directly to an entity wholly-owned by one of our directors. The underwriters of our initial public offering exercised their overallotment option and, in May 2004, we issued and sold an additional 0.5 million shares of our common stock pursuant to such exercise.

 

In March 2007, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) with respect to an aggregate of $500.0 million of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares and warrants, that may be sold by us from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 of the 1933 Act. On April 19, 2007, the SEC declared this shelf registration statement effective.

 

In June 2007, we sold 2,700,000 shares of our common stock registered on the shelf registration statement in a public offering at a price of $27.65 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $73.6 million after deducting the underwriting discount and the other estimated offering expenses. We used the proceeds to pay down debt and finance our loan and investment portfolio. The underwriters did not exercise their over allotment option for additional shares.

 

Since January 2005, we completed three non-recourse collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) transactions, whereby $1.44 billion of real estate related and other assets were contributed to three newly-formed consolidated subsidiaries, which issued $1.21 billion of investment grade-rated floating-rate notes in three separate private placements. These proceeds were used to repay outstanding debt and resulted in a decreased cost of funds relating to the CDO assets.

Since March 2005, we issued a total of $276.1 million of junior subordinated notes in nine separate private placements. The junior subordinated notes are unsecured, have a maturity of 29 to 30 years, pay interest quarterly at a floating rate of interest based on three-month LIBOR and, absent the occurrence of special events, are not redeemable during the first five years.

 

In June 2008, our external manager exercised its right to redeem its approximate 3.8 million operating partnership units in our operating partnership for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, the special voting preferred shares paired with each operating partnership unit, pursuant to the pairing agreement, were redeemed simultaneously and cancelled. ACM currently holds approximately 21.4% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock.

 

Our Investment Strategy

 

Our principal business objectives are to invest in bridge and mezzanine loans, including junior participating interests in first mortgages, preferred and direct equity and other real estate related assets in the multifamily and commercial real estate markets and actively manage our investment portfolio in order to generate cash available for distribution, facilitate capital appreciation and maximize total return to our stockholders. We believe we can achieve these objectives through the following business and growth strategies:

 

Provide Customized Financing.  We provide financing customized to the needs of our borrowers. We target borrowers who have demonstrated a history of enhancing the value of the properties they operate, but whose options may be limited by conventional bank financing and who may benefit from the sophisticated structured finance products we offer.

 

Execute Transactions Rapidly.  We act quickly and decisively on proposals, provide commitments and close transactions within a few weeks and sometimes days, if required. We believe that rapid execution attracts opportunities from both borrowers and other lenders that would not otherwise be available. We believe our ability to structure flexible terms and close loans in a timely manner gives us a competitive advantage over lending firms that also primarily serve this market.

 

Manage Credit Quality.  A critical component of our strategy in the real estate finance sector is our ability to manage the real estate risk that is underwritten by our manager and us. We actively manage the credit quality of our portfolio by using the expertise of our asset management group, which has a proven track record of structuring and repositioning structured finance investments to improve credit quality and yield.

 

Use Arbor Commercial Mortgage’s Relationships with Existing Borrowers.  We capitalize on ACM’s reputation in the commercial real estate finance industry. ACM has relationships with a large borrower base nationwide. Since ACM’s originators offer senior mortgage loans as well as our structured finance products, we are able to benefit from its existing customer base and use its senior lending business as a potential refinance vehicle for our structured finance assets.

 

Offer Broader Products and Expand Customer Base.  We have the ability to offer a larger number of financing alternatives than ACM has been able to offer to its customers in the past. Our potential borrowers are able to choose from products offering longer maturities and larger principal amounts than ACM could previously offer.

 

Leverage the Experience of Executive Officers, Arbor Commercial Mortgage and Our Employees.  Our executive officers and employees, and those of ACM, have extensive experience originating and managing structured commercial real estate investments. Our senior management team has on average over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

 

Our Targeted Investments

 

We actively pursue lending and investment opportunities with property owners and developers who need interim financing until permanent financing can be obtained. We primarily target transactions under $40 million where we believe we have competitive advantages, particularly our lower cost structure and in-house underwriting capabilities. Our structured finance investments generally have maturities of two to five years, depending on type,

have extension options when appropriate, and generally require a balloon payment of principal at maturity. Borrowers in the market for these types of loans include, but are not limited to, owners or developers seeking either to acquire or refurbish real estate or to pay down debt and reposition a property for permanent financing.

 

Our investment program emphasizes the following general categories of real estate related activities:

 

Bridge Financing.  We offer bridge financing products to borrowers who are typically seeking short-term capital to be used in an acquisition of property. The borrower has usually identified an undervalued asset that has been under managed and/or is located in a recovering market. From the borrower’s perspective, shorter term bridge financing is advantageous because it allows time to improve the property value through repositioning the property without encumbering it with restrictive long term debt.

 

The bridge loans we make typically range in size from $1 million to $75 million and are predominantly secured by first mortgage liens on the property. The term of these loans typically is up to five years. Historically, interest rates have typically ranged from 1.10% to 9.00% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed rates ranging from 4.00% to 13.00%. At December 31, 2008, interest rates typically ranged from 1.10% to 6.50% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed rates ranging from 4.00% to 12.20%. Additional yield enhancements may include origination fees, deferred interest, yield look-backs, and participating interests, which are equity interests in the borrower that share in a percentage of the underlying cash flows of the property. Borrowers generally use the proceeds of a conventional mortgage to repay a bridge loan.

 

Junior Participation Financing.  We offer junior participation financing in the form of junior participating interest in the senior debt. Junior participation financings have the same obligations, collateral and borrower as the senior debt. The junior participation interest is subordinated to the senior debt by virtue of a contractual agreement between the senior debt lender and the junior participating interest lender.

 

Our junior participation loans typically range in size from $1 million to $60 million and have terms of up to ten years. Historically, interest rates have typically ranged from 2.30% to 9.75% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed rates ranging from 5.00% to 12.80%. At December 31, 2008, interest rates typically ranged from 2.30% to 4.00% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed rates ranging from 5.00% to 12.80%. As in the case with our bridge loans, the yield on these investments may be enhanced by prepaid and deferred interest payments, yield look-backs and participating interests.

 

Mezzanine Financing.  We offer mezzanine financing in the form of loans that are subordinate to a conventional first mortgage loan and senior to the borrower’s equity in a transaction. Mezzanine financing may take the form of loans secured by pledges of ownership interests in entities that directly or indirectly control the real property or subordinated loans secured by second mortgage liens on the property. We may also require additional security such as personal guarantees, letters of credit and/or additional collateral unrelated to the property.

 

Our mezzanine loans typically range in size from $1 million to $50 million and have terms of up to ten years. Historically, interest rates have typically ranged from 2.00% to 12.00% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed rates ranging from 5.00% to 16.00%. At December 31, 2008, interest rates typically ranged from 2.00% to 10.00% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed rates ranging from 6.00% to 16.00%. As in the case with our bridge loans, the yield on these investments may be enhanced by prepaid and deferred interest payments, yield look-backs and participating interests.

 

We hold a majority of our mezzanine loans through subsidiaries of our operating partnership that are pass-through entities for tax purposes or taxable subsidiary corporations.

 

Preferred Equity Investments.  We provide financing by making preferred equity investments in entities that directly or indirectly own real property. In cases where the terms of a first mortgage prohibit additional liens on the ownership entity, investments structured as preferred equity in the entity owning the property serve as viable financing substitutes. With preferred equity investments, we typically become a special limited partner or member in the ownership entity.

 

Our preferred equity investments typically range in size from $0.3 million to $11.0 million, have terms up to ten years and interest rates that have typically ranged from 3.75% to 6.00% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed

rates ranging from 5.00% to 15.00%. At December 31, 2008, our preferred equity investments ranged in size from $0.3 million to $113.0 million and interest rates typically ranged from 3.75% to 6.00% over 30-day LIBOR, with fixed rates ranging from 6.22% to 10.00%.

 

Real Property Acquisitions.  We may purchase existing domestic real estate for repositioning and/or renovation and then disposition at an anticipated significant return. From time to time, we may identify real estate investment opportunities. In these situations, we may act solely on our own behalf or in partnership with other investors. Typically, these transactions are analyzed with the expectation that we will have the ability to sell the property within a one to three year time period, achieving a significant return on invested capital. In connection with these transactions, speed of execution is often the most critical component to success. We may seek to finance a portion of the acquisition price through short-term financing. Repayment of the short-term financing will either come from the sale of the property or conventional permanent debt.

 

Note Acquisitions.  We may acquire real estate notes from lenders in situations where the borrower wishes to restructure and reposition its short-term debt and the lender wishes, for a variety of reasons (such as risk mitigation, portfolio diversification or other strategic reasons), to divest certain assets from its portfolio. These notes may be acquired at a discount. In such cases, we intend to use our management resources to resolve any dispute concerning the note or the property securing it and to identify and resolve any existing operational or any other problems at the property. We will then either restructure the debt obligation for immediate resale or sale at a later date, or reposition it for permanent financing. In some instances, we may take title to the property underlying the real estate note.

 

Agency Sponsored Whole Loan Pool Certificates.  We have and may, in the future, invest in certificates issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, or Ginnie Mae, Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association, or Freddie Mac, that are collateralized by whole pools of residential or commercial, fixed or adjustable rate mortgage loans. These certificates entitle the investor to monthly payments of interest and principal that, in effect, are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the borrowers on the underlying mortgage loans and the repayment of the principal of the underlying mortgage loans, whether prepaid or paid at maturity. Their yield and maturity characteristics differ from conventional fixed-income securities because their principal amount may be prepaid at any time without penalty due to the fact that the underlying mortgage loans may be prepaid at any time. Therefore, they may have less potential for growth in value than conventional fixed-income securities with comparable maturities. To the extent that we purchase agency-sponsored whole loan pool certificates at a premium, prepayments may result in loss of our principal investment to the extent of the premium paid.

 

Equity Securities.  We have and may, in the future, invest in securities such as the common stock of a commercial real estate specialty finance company. Investments in these securities have the risk of stock market fluctuations which may result in the loss of our principal investment.

 

Commercial Real Estate Collateralized Debt Obligation Bonds.  We have and may, in the future, invest in securities such as investment grade commercial real estate collateralized debt obligation bonds. These certificates are purchased at a discount to their face value which is accreted into interest income on an effective yield adjusted for actual prepayment activity over the average life of the related security as a yield adjustment. These securities have underlying credit ratings assigned by the three leading nationally recognized rating agencies (Moody’s Investor Service, Standard & Poor’s and Finch Ratings) and are generally not insured or otherwise guaranteed.

 

Our Structured Finance Investments

 

We own a diversified portfolio of structured finance investments consisting primarily of real estate-related bridge, junior participation interests in first mortgages, and mezzanine loans as well as preferred equity investments and mortgage-related securities.

 

At December 31, 2008, we had 136 loans and investments in our portfolio, totaling $2.3 billion. These loans and investments were for 73 multi-family properties, 26 office properties, 13 hotel properties, 12 land properties, seven commercial properties, three condominium properties, and two retail properties. We have an allowance for

loan losses of $130.5 million at December 31, 2008 related to ten loans in our portfolio with an aggregate carrying value of $312.7 million, net of these reserves. The loan loss reserves were the result of our regular quarterly risk rating review process which is based on several factors including current market conditions, values and the operating status of these properties. We continue to actively manage all loans and investments in the portfolio through our strict underwriting and active asset management with the goal of maintaining the credit quality of our portfolio and limiting potential losses.

 

The overall yield on our portfolio in 2008 was 7.80%, excluding the impact from the recognition of $0.7 million of interest income from equity and profits interests in our loans and investment portfolio for 2008, on average assets of $2.5 billion. This yield was computed by dividing the interest income earned during the year by the average assets during the year. Our cost of funds in 2008 was 5.0% on average borrowings of $2.2 billion. This cost of funds was computed by dividing the interest expense incurred during the year by the average borrowings during the year.

 

Our average net investment (average assets less average borrowings) in 2008 was $374.4 million, resulting in average leverage (average borrowings divided by average assets) of 85.3%. Including average trust preferred securities of $276.0 million as equity, our average leverage was 74.4%. The net interest income earned in 2008 yielded a 24.0% return on our average net investment during the year. This yield was computed by dividing net interest (interest income less interest expense) earned in 2008 by average equity (computed as average assets minus average borrowings) invested during the year.

 

Our business plan contemplates that our leverage ratio, including our trust preferred securities as equity, will be approximately 70% to 80% of our assets in the aggregate. However, including our trust preferred securities as equity, our leverage will not exceed 80% of the value of our assets in the aggregate unless approval to exceed the 80% limit is obtained from our board of directors. At December 31, 2008, our overall leverage ratio including the trust preferred securities as equity was 78.4%.

The following table set forth information regarding our loan and investment portfolio as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

The following table sets forth geographic and asset class information regarding our loan and investment portfolio as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

Our Investments in Available-for-Sale Securities

 

Agency Sponsored Whole Loan Pool Certificates.  We purchased $57.4 million face amount of agency-sponsored whole loan pool certificates in 2004 and we sold these investments in the first quarter of 2007. The underlying mortgage loans bore interest at a fixed rate for the first three years and adjusted annually thereafter, beginning in March 2007, and had a weighted average coupon rate of 3.8%. As of December 31, 2006, we financed these investments pursuant to a $100.0 million repurchase agreement, maturing in July 2007, at a rate of one-month LIBOR plus 0.20%. As of December 31, 2006, the amortized cost of these investments was $22.2 million and the amount outstanding on the related repurchase agreement was $20.7 million. These investments had been in an unrealized loss position for more than twelve months as of December 31, 2006, but they recovered their fair value during the first quarter of 2007 in conjunction with a change in their interest rates. When we sold these securities in 2007, we recorded a gain of $30,182 on the sale and also repaid the related repurchase agreement.

 

Equity Securities.  During 2007, we purchased 2,939,465 shares of common stock of CBRE Realty Finance, Inc., a commercial real estate specialty finance company, for $16.7 million which had a fair value of $0.5 million, at December 31, 2008. We also had a margin loan agreement with a financial institution related to the purchases of this security which may not exceed $7.0 million, bears interest at pricing over LIBOR, and is due upon demand from the lender. In July 2008, the margin loan was repaid in full.

 

Our Investments in Held-to-Maturity Securities

 

Commercial Real Estate Collateralized Debt Obligation Bonds.  In 2008, we purchased $82.7 million of investment grade commercial real estate (“CRE”) collateralized debt obligation bonds for $58.1 million, representing a $24.6 million discount to their face value. This discount will be accreted into interest income on an effective yield adjusted for actual prepayment activity over the average life of the related security as a yield adjustment. These securities bear interest at a weighted average spread of 40 basis points over Libor, have a weighted average stated maturity of 37.7 years but have an estimated average remaining life of 5.8 years due to the maturities of the underlying assets. For the period ended December 31, 2008, the average yield on these securities based on their face values was 6.41%, including the accretion of discount. We did not have any securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2007.

 

Regulatory Aspects of Our Investment Strategy

 

Real Estate Exemption from Investment Company Act.  We believe that we conduct, and we intend to conduct, our business at all times in a manner that avoids registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the Investment Company Act. Entities that are primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring “mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate,” are exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act if they maintain at least 55% of their assets directly in qualifying real estate assets and meet certain other requirements. Assets that qualify for purposes of this 55% test include, among other things, direct investments in real estate, mortgage loans and agency-sponsored whole loan pool certificates. Our bridge loans, which are secured by first mortgage liens on the underlying properties, and our loans that are secured by second mortgage liens on the underlying properties generally qualify for purposes of this 55% test. These two types of loans constituted more than 55% of our assets as of December 31, 2008.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, we purchased $57.4 million face amount of aggregate principal amount of agency-sponsored whole loan pool certificates and sold them in March 2007. We may invest in additional agency-sponsored whole loan pool certificates in the future if we determine that we need to purchase such certificates for purposes of meeting the 55% test. If the SEC takes a position or makes an interpretation more favorable to us, we may have greater flexibility in the investments we may make. Our investment guidelines provide that no more than 15% of our assets may consist of any type of mortgage-related securities, such as agency-sponsored whole loan pool certificates, and that the percentage of our investments in mortgage-related securities as compared to our structured finance investments be monitored on a regular basis.

Management Agreement

 

On July 1, 2003, we and our operating partnership entered into a management agreement with ACM. On January 19, 2005, we, our operating partnership, Arbor Realty SR, Inc., one of our subsidiaries and ACM entered into an amended and restated management agreement with substantially the same terms as the original management agreement in order to add Arbor Realty SR, Inc. as a beneficiary of ACM’s services. Pursuant to the terms of the management agreement, our manager has agreed to service and manage our investments and to provide us with multi-family and commercial real estate-related structured finance investment opportunities, finance and other services necessary to operate our business. Our manager is required to provide a dedicated management team to provide these services to us, the members of which will devote such of their time to our management as our independent directors reasonably deem necessary and appropriate, commensurate with our level of activity from time to time. We rely to a significant extent on the facilities and resources of our manager to conduct our operations. For performing services under the management agreement, ACM receives a base management fee, up to 1% of loan and investment origination fees and incentive compensation calculated as described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Item 7 of this report.

 

Operations

 

Our Manager’s Investment Services.  Under the management agreement, ACM is responsible for sourcing originations, providing underwriting services and processing approvals for all loans and other investments in our portfolio. ACM also provides certain administrative loan servicing functions with respect to our loans and investments. We are able to capitalize on ACM’s well established operations and services in each area described below.

 

Origination.  Our manager sources the origination of most of our investments. ACM has a network of nine sales offices located in Alpharetta, Georgia; Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Boston, Massachusetts; Spokane, Washington; Plano, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Deerfield, Illinois; New York, New York; and Uniondale, New York. These offices are staffed by approximately 20 loan originators who solicit property owners, developers and mortgage loan brokers. In some instances, the originators accept loan applications meeting our underwriting criteria from a select group of mortgage loan brokers. While a large portion of ACM’s marketing effort occurs at the branch level, ACM also markets its products in national industry publications and targeted direct mailings. ACM markets structured finance products and our product offerings using the same methods. Once potential borrowers have been identified, ACM determines which financing products best meet the borrower’s needs. Loan originators in every branch office are able to offer borrowers the full array of ACM’s and our structured finance products. After identifying a suitable product, ACM works with the borrower to prepare a loan application. Upon completion by the borrower, the application is forwarded to ACM’s underwriters for due diligence.

 

Underwriting.  ACM’s loan originators work in conjunction with its underwriters who perform due diligence on all proposed transactions prior to loan approval and commitment. The underwriters analyze each loan application in accordance with the guidelines set forth below in order to determine the loan’s conformity with respect to such guidelines. In general, ACM’s underwriting guidelines require it to evaluate the following: the historic and current property revenues and expenses; the potential for near-term revenue growth and opportunity for expense reduction and increased operating efficiencies; the property’s location, its attributes and competitive position within its market; the proposed ownership structure, financial strength and real estate experience of the borrower and property management; third party appraisal, environmental and engineering studies; market assessment, including property inspection, review of tenant lease files, surveys of property comparables and an analysis of area economic and demographic trends; review of an acceptable mortgagee’s title policy and an “as built” survey; construction quality of the property to determine future maintenance and capital expenditure requirements; and the requirements for any reserves, including those for immediate repairs or rehabilitation, replacement reserves, tenant improvement and leasing commission costs, real estate taxes and property casualty and liability insurance. Key factors considered in credit decisions include, but are not limited to, debt service coverage, loan to value ratios and property, financial and operating performance. Consideration is also given to other factors, such as additional forms

of security and identifying likely strategies to effect repayment. ACM will refine its underwriting criteria based upon actual loan portfolio experience and as market conditions and investor requirements evolve.

 

Investment Approval Process.  ACM applies its established investment approval process to all loans and other investments proposed for our portfolio before submitting each proposal to us for final approval. A written report is generated for every loan or other investment that is submitted to ACM’s credit committee for approval. The report includes a description of the prospective borrower and any guarantors, the collateral and the proposed use of investment proceeds, as well as borrower and property consolidated financial statements and analysis. In addition, the report includes an analysis of borrower liquidity, net worth, cash investment, income, credit history and operating experience. If the transaction is approved by a majority of ACM’s credit committee, it is presented for approval to our credit committee, which consists of our chief executive officer, chief credit officer, and executive vice president of structured finance. All transactions require the approval of a majority of the members of our credit committee. Following the approval of any such transaction, ACM’s underwriting and servicing departments, together with our asset management group, assure that all loan approval terms have been satisfied and that they conform with lending requirements established for that particular transaction. If our credit committee rejects the loan and our independent directors allow ACM or one of its affiliates to pursue it, ACM will have the opportunity to execute the transaction.

 

Servicing.  ACM services our loans and investments through its internal servicing operations. Our manager currently services an expanding portfolio, consisting of approximately 1,021 loans with outstanding balances of $6.3 billion through its loan administration department in Buffalo, New York. ACM’s loan servicing operations are designed to provide prompt customer service and accurate and timely information for account follow up, financial reporting and management review. Following the funding of an approved loan, all pertinent loan data is entered into ACM’s data processing system, which provides monthly billing statements, tracks payment performance and processes contractual interest rate adjustments on variable rate loans. Our manager utilizes the operations of its loan administration department to service our portfolio with the same efficiency, accuracy, and promptness. ACM also works closely with our asset management group to ensure the appropriate level of customer service and monitoring of these loans.

 

Our Asset Management Operations.  Our asset management group is comprised of 25 of our employees. Prior to our formation, the asset management group successfully managed numerous transactions, including complex restructurings, refinancings and asset dispositions for ACM.

 

Effective asset and portfolio management is essential to maximizing the performance and value of a real estate investment. The asset management group customizes an asset management plan with the loan originators and underwriters to track each investment from origination through disposition. This group monitors each investment’s operating history, local economic trends and rental and occupancy rates and evaluates the underlying property’s competitiveness within its market. This group assesses ongoing and potential operational and financial performance of each investment in order to evaluate and ultimately improve its operations and financial viability. The asset management group performs frequent onsite inspections, conducts meetings with borrowers and evaluates and participates in the budgeting process, financial and operational review and renovation plans of each of the underlying properties. As an asset and portfolio manager, the asset management group focuses on increasing the productivity of onsite property managers and leasing brokers. This group communicates the status of each transaction against its established asset management plan to senior management, in order to enhance and preserve capital, as well as to avoid litigation and potential exposure.

 

Timely and accurate identification of an investment’s operational and financial issues and each borrower’s objectives is essential to implementing an executable loan workout and restructuring process, if required. Since existing property management may not have the requisite expertise to manage the workout process effectively, the asset management group determines current operating and financial status of an asset or portfolio and performs liquidity analysis of properties and ownership entities and then, if appropriate, identifies and evaluates alternatives in order to maximize the value of an investment.

 

Our asset management group continues to provide its services to ACM on a limited basis pursuant to an asset management services agreement between ACM and us. The asset management services agreement will be effective throughout the term of our management agreement and during the origination period described in the management

agreement. In the event the services provided by our asset management group pursuant to this agreement exceed by more than 15% per quarter the level anticipated by our board of directors, we will negotiate in good faith with our manager an adjustment to our manager’s base management fee under the management agreement, to reduce the scope of the services, the quantity of serviced assets or the time required to be devoted to the services by our asset management group.

 

Operating Policies and Strategies

 

Investment Guidelines.  Our board of directors has adopted general guidelines for our investments and borrowings to the effect that: (1) no investment will be made that would cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT; (2) no investment will be made that would cause us to be regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act; (3) no more than 25% of our equity (including trust preferred securities as equity), determined as of the date of such investment, will be invested in any single asset; (4) no single mezzanine loan or preferred equity investment will exceed $75 million; (5) our leverage (including trust preferred securities as equity) will generally not exceed 80% of the value of our assets, in the aggregate; (6) we will not co-invest with our manager or any of its affiliates unless such co-investment is otherwise in accordance with these guidelines and its terms are at least as favorable to us as to our manager or the affiliate making such co-investment; (7) no more than 15% of our gross assets may consist of mortgage-related securities. Any exceptions to the above general guidelines require the approval of our board of directors.

 

Financing Policies.  We finance the acquisition of our structured finance investments primarily by borrowing against or “leveraging” our existing portfolio and using the proceeds to acquire additional mortgage assets. We expect to incur debt such that we will maintain an equity to assets ratio no less than 20% (including trust preferred securities as equity), although the actual ratio may be lower from time to time depending on market conditions and other factors deemed relevant by our manager. Our charter and bylaws do not limit the amount of indebtedness we can incur, and the board of directors has discretion to deviate from or change our indebtedness policy at any time. However, we intend to maintain an adequate capital base to protect against various business environments in which our financing and hedging costs might exceed the interest income from our investments.

 

Our investments are financed primarily by collateralized debt obligations, our variable rate junior subordinate notes, and through our floating rate warehouse lines of credit, term and revolving credit agreements, loan repurchase agreements and other financing facilities with institutional lenders. Although we expect that these will be the principal means of leveraging our investments, we may issue preferred stock or secured or unsecured notes of any maturity if it appears advantageous to do so.

 

Credit Risk Management Policy.  We are exposed to various levels of credit and special hazard risk depending on the nature of our underlying assets and the nature and level of credit enhancements supporting our assets. We originate or purchase mortgage loans that meet our minimum debt service coverage standards. ACM, as our manager, our chief credit officer, and our asset management group, reviews and monitors credit risk and other risks of loss associated with each investment. In addition, ACM seeks to diversify our portfolio of assets to avoid undue geographic, issuer, industry and certain other types of concentrations. Our board of directors monitors the overall portfolio risk and reviews levels of provision for loss.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management Policy.  To the extent consistent with our election to qualify as a REIT, we follow an interest rate risk management policy intended to mitigate the negative effects of major interest rate changes. We minimize our interest rate risk from borrowings by attempting to structure the key terms of our borrowings to generally correspond to the interest rate term of our assets.

 

We may enter into hedging transactions to protect our investment portfolio from interest rate fluctuations and other changes in market conditions. These transactions may include interest rate swaps, the purchase or sale of interest rate collars, caps or floors, options, mortgage derivatives and other hedging instruments. These instruments may be used to hedge as much of the interest rate risk as ACM determines is in the best interest of our stockholders, given the cost of such hedges and the need to maintain our status as a REIT. In general, income from hedging transactions does not constitute qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income requirements. To the extent, however, that a hedging contract reduces interest rate risk on indebtedness incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets, any income that is derived from the hedging contract, while comprising non-qualifying income for

purposes of the REIT 75% gross income test, would not give rise to non-qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. ACM may elect to have us bear a level of interest rate risk that could otherwise be hedged when it believes, based on all relevant facts, that bearing such risk is advisable.

 

To date, we have entered into various interest rate swaps in connection with the issuance of floating rate secured notes, the issuance of variable rate junior subordinate notes, and to hedge the interest risk on forecasted outstanding LIBOR based debt. The notional amount of each interest rate swap agreement and the related terms have been designed to protect our investment portfolio from interest rate risk and to match the payment and receipts of interest on the underlying debt instruments, where applicable.

 

Disposition Policies.  Although there are no current plans to dispose of properties or other assets within our portfolio, ACM evaluates our asset portfolio on a regular basis to determine if it continues to satisfy our investment criteria. Subject to certain restrictions applicable to REITs, ACM may cause us to sell our investments opportunistically and use the proceeds of any such sale for debt reduction, additional acquisitions, or working capital purposes.

 

Equity Capital Policies.  Subject to applicable law, our board of directors has the authority, without further stockholder approval, to issue additional authorized common stock and preferred stock or otherwise raise capital, including through the issuance of senior securities, in any manner and on the terms and for the consideration it deems appropriate, including in exchange for property. We may in the future issue common stock in connection with acquisitions. We also may issue units of partnership interest in our operating partnership in connection with acquisitions of property. We may, under certain circumstances, repurchase our common stock in private transactions with our stockholders, if those purchases are approved by our board of directors. In August 2006, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase plan pursuant to which we purchased an aggregate of 279,400 shares. The plan expired in February 2007.

 

Conflicts of Interest Policies.  We, our executive officers, and ACM face conflicts of interests because of our relationships with each other. ACM currently has an approximate 21% voting interest in our common stock. Mr. Kaufman, our chairman and chief executive officer, is the chief executive officer of ACM and beneficially owns approximately 92% of the outstanding membership interests of ACM. Mr. Martello, one of our directors, is the chief operating officer of Arbor Management, LLC (the managing member of ACM) and a trustee of two trusts which own minority membership interests in ACM. Mr. Elenio, our chief financial officer and treasurer, is the chief financial officer of ACM. Mr. Horn, our secretary and one of our directors, is the secretary of ACM. Each of Messrs. Kaufman, Martello, Elenio and Horn, as well as Mr. Weber, our executive vice president of structured finance and Mr. Kilgore, our executive vice president of structured securitization are members of ACM’s executive committee. Each of Messrs. Kaufman, Martello, Elenio, Horn, Weber, Kilgore, and Mr. Fogel, our senior vice president of asset management, own minority membership interests in ACM.

 

We have implemented several policies, through board action and through the terms of our charter and our agreements with ACM, to help address these conflicts of interest, including the following:

 

 

 

Our board of directors has approved the operating policies and the strategies set forth above. Our board of directors has the power to modify or waive these policies and strategies, or amend our agreements with ACM, without the consent of our stockholders to the extent that the board of directors (including a majority of our independent directors) determines that such modification or waiver is in the best interest of our stockholders. Among other factors, developments in the market that either affect the policies and strategies mentioned herein or that change our assessment of the market may cause our board of directors to revise its policies and strategies. However, if such modification or waiver involves the relationship of, or any transaction between, us and our manager or any affiliate of our manager, the approval of a majority of our independent directors is also required. We may not, however, amend our charter to change the requirement that a majority of our board consist of independent directors or the requirement that our independent directors approve related party transactions without the approval of two thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by our stockholders.

 

Compliance with Federal, State and Local Environmental Laws

 

Properties that we may acquire directly or indirectly through partnerships, and the properties underlying our structured finance investments and mortgage-related securities, are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations. Under these laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner of real estate (including, in certain circumstances, a secured lender that succeeds to ownership or control of a property) may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum product releases at, on, under or in its property. These laws typically impose cleanup responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or control party knew of or was responsible for the release or presence of the hazardous or toxic substances. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of these substances may be substantial and could exceed the value of the property. An owner or control party of a site may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from a site. Certain environmental laws also impose liability in connection with the handling of or exposure to materials containing asbestos. These laws allow third parties to seek recovery from owners of real properties for personal injuries associated with materials containing asbestos. Our operating costs and the values of these assets may be adversely affected by the obligation to pay for the cost of complying with existing environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, as well as the cost of complying with future legislation, and our income and ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be affected adversely by the existence of an environmental liability with respect to properties we may acquire. We will endeavor to ensure that these properties are in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations regarding hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum products.

 

Competition

 

Our net income depends, in large part, on our manager’s ability to originate structured finance investments with spreads over our borrowing costs. In originating these investments, our manager competes with other mortgage REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, other lenders, governmental bodies and other entities, some of which may have greater financial resources and lower costs of capital available to them. In addition, there are numerous mortgage REITs with asset acquisition objectives similar to ours, and others may be organized in the future. The effect of the existence of additional REITs may be to increase competition for the available supply of structured finance assets suitable for purchase by us. Competitive variables include market presence and visibility, size of loans offered and underwriting standards. To the extent that a competitor is willing to risk larger amounts of capital in a particular transaction or to employ more liberal underwriting standards when evaluating potential loans, our origination volume and profit margins for our investment portfolio could be

impacted. Our competitors may also be willing to accept lower returns on their investments and may succeed in buying the assets that we have targeted for acquisition. Although management believes that we are well positioned to continue to compete effectively in each facet of our business, there can be no assurance that we will do so or that we will not encounter further increased competition in the future that could limit our ability to compete effectively.

 

Employees

 

We have 32 employees, including Messrs. Weber, Kilgore, Felletter, Fogel and Horn, Mr. Guziewicz, our chief credit officer, and a 25 person asset management group. Mr. Kaufman, our chief executive officer and Mr. Elenio, our chief financial officer are full time employees of ACM and are not compensated by us (other than pursuant to our equity incentive plans).

 

Corporate Governance and Internet Address

 

We have adopted corporate governance guidelines and a code of business conduct and ethics, which delineate our standards for our directors, officers and employees, and the employees of our manager who provide services to us. We emphasize the importance of professional business conduct and ethics through our corporate governance initiatives.

 

Our internet address is www.arborrealtytrust.com. We make available, free of charge through a link on our site, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports, if any, as filed with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after such filing. Our site also contains our code of business conduct and ethics, code of ethics for chief executive and senior financial officers, corporate governance guidelines, stockholder communications with the board of directors, and the charters of the audit committee, nominating/corporate governance committee, and compensation committee of our board of directors. No information contained in or linked to our website is incorporated by reference in this report.

 

Our business is subject to various risks, including the risks listed below. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected and the value of our common stock could decline.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Prolonged disruptions in the financial markets could affect our ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms and have other adverse effects on us and the market price of our common stock.

 

Global stock and credit markets have recently experienced significant price volatility, dislocations and liquidity disruptions, which have caused market prices of many stocks to fluctuate substantially and the spreads on prospective debt financings to widen considerably. These circumstances have materially impacted liquidity in the financial markets, making terms for certain financings less attractive, and, in certain cases, have resulted in the unavailability of certain types of financing. If these conditions persist, lending institutions may be forced to exit markets such as repurchase lending, become insolvent or further tighten their lending standards or increase the amount of equity capital required to obtain financing, and in such event, could make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. Our profitability will be adversely affected if we are unable to obtain cost-effective financing for our investments. A prolonged downturn in the stock or credit markets may cause us to seek alternative sources of potentially less attractive financing, and may require us to adjust our business plan accordingly. In addition, these factors may make it more difficult for our borrowers to repay our loans as they may experience difficulties in selling assets, increased costs of financing or obtaining financing at all. These events in the stock and credit markets may also make it more difficult or unlikely for us to raise capital through the issuance of our common stock or preferred stock. These disruptions in the financial markets also may have a material adverse effect on the market value of our common stock and other adverse effects on us or the economy generally.

 

Increases in loan loss reserves and other impairments are expected if economic conditions do not improve.

 

A further decline in economic conditions could negatively impact the credit quality of our loans and investments portfolio. If we do not see a stabilization of the financial markets and such market conditions continue to decline further, we will likely experience significant increases in loan loss reserves, potential defaults and other asset impairment charges.

 

Loan loss reserves are particularly difficult to estimate in a turbulent economic environment.

 

We perform an evaluation of loans on a quarterly basis to determine whether an impairment is necessary and adequate to absorb probable losses. The valuation process of our loans and investments portfolio requires us to make certain estimates and judgments, which are particularly difficult to determine during a recession in which the availability of commercial real estate credit is severely limited and commercial real estate transactions have dramatically decreased. Our estimates and judgments are based on a number of factors, including projected cash flows from the collateral securing our commercial real estate loans, loan structure, including the availability of reserves and recourse guarantees, likelihood of repayment in full at the maturity of a loan, potential for a refinancing market coming back to commercial real estate in the future and expected market discount rates for varying property types. If our estimates and judgments are not correct, our results of operations and financial condition could be severely impacted.

 

Loan repayments are less likely in the current market environment.

 

In a market in which liquidity is essential to our business, loan repayments have been a significant source of liquidity for us. However, many financial institutions have drastically curtailed new lending activity and real estate owners are having difficulty refinancing their assets at maturity. If borrowers are not able to refinance loans at their maturity, the loans could go into default and the liquidity that we would receive from such repayments will not be available. Furthermore, without a functioning commercial real estate finance market, borrowers that are performing

on their loans will almost certainly extend such loans if they have that right, which will further delay our ability to access liquidity through repayments.

 

We may not be able to access the debt or equity capital markets on favorable terms, or at all, for additional liquidity, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

In order to obtain additional liquidity, future equity or debt financing may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. Our ability to access additional debt and equity capital depends on various conditions in these markets, which are beyond our control. If we are able to complete future equity offerings, they could be dilutive to our existing shareholders or could result in the issuance of securities that have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our other securities. Our inability to obtain adequate capital could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

We may be unable to invest excess equity capital on acceptable terms or at all, which would adversely affect our operating results.

 

We may not be able to identify investments that meet our investment criteria and we may not be successful in closing the investments that we identify. Unless and until we identify investments consistent with our investment criteria, any excess equity capital may be used to repay borrowings under our warehouse credit facility, bridge loan warehouse facility, term and revolving credit agreements and repurchase agreements, which would not produce a return on capital. In addition, the investments that we acquire with our equity capital may not produce a return on capital. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify attractive opportunities to invest our equity capital which would adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Changes in market conditions could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

As with other publicly traded equity securities, the value of our common stock depends on various market conditions which may change from time to time. Among the market conditions that may affect the value of our common stock are the following:

 

 

The market value of our common stock is based primarily upon the market’s perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings and cash dividends. Consequently, our common stock may trade at prices that are higher or lower than our book value per share of common stock. If our future earnings or cash dividends are less than expected, it is likely that the market price of our common stock will diminish.

 

Our stock could be at risk of being delisted by the New York Stock Exchange and could have a materially adverse effects on our business

 

The price of our common stock has declined significantly and rapidly since September 2008. In the event we record additional losses, it is possible that the value of our common stock could decline further. This reduction in stock price could have materially adverse effects on our business, including reducing our ability to use our common stock as compensation or to otherwise provide incentives to employees and by reducing our ability to generate capital through stock sales or otherwise use our stock as currency with third parties.

 

In the event that the average closing price of our common stock is less than $1.00 or our market capitalization is less than $25 million over a consecutive 30 trading-day period, our stock could be delisted from the NYSE. However, due to the continued turbulence of the market, the NYSE has temporarily reduced its minimum market capitalization rule to $15 million, and has also suspended its minimum stock price rule until June 30, 2009. The threat of delisting and/or a delisting of our common stock could have adverse effects by, among other things:

 

 

 

A prolonged economic slowdown, a lengthy or severe recession, or declining real estate values could harm our operations.

 

We believe the risks associated with our business is more severe during periods of economic slowdown or recession if these periods are accompanied by declining real estate values. Declining real estate values will likely reduce our level of new mortgage loan originations, since borrowers often use increases in the value of their existing properties to support the purchase or investment in additional properties. Borrowers may also be less able to pay principal and interest on our loans if the real estate economy weakens. Declining real estate values also significantly increase the likelihood that we will incur losses on our loans in the event of default because the value of our collateral may be insufficient to cover our cost on the loan. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect both our net interest income from loans in our portfolio as well as our ability to originate, sell and securitize loans, which would significantly harm our revenues, results of operations, financial condition, business prospects and our ability to make distributions to the stockholders.

 

A declining portfolio and reductions in short-term debt could adversely affect the returns on our investments.

 

Continued dislocations in the market will likely lead to a reduction in our loans and investments portfolio. Additionally, the majority of the proceeds received from repayments of loans are expected to be used to repay short-term borrowings. This deleveraging will likely result in reduced returns on our investments.

 

Our investments in commercial mortgage-related securities are subject to risks relating to the particular REIT issuer of the securities, which may result in losses to us.

 

Our investments in commercial mortgage-related securities involve special risks relating to the particular issuer of the securities, including the financial condition and business outlook of the issuer. The issuers of these securities are experiencing many of the same risks resulting from the continued disruptions in the financial markets and deteriorating economic conditions. In addition, our investments are also subject to the risks described above with respect to commercial real estate loans and mortgage-backed securities and similar risks, including risks of delinquency and foreclosure, the dependence upon the successful operation of, and net income from, real property, risks generally related to interests in real property, and risks that may be presented by the type and use of a particular commercial property. REITs have been severely impacted by the current economic environment and have had very little access to the capital markets or the debt markets in order to meet their existing obligations or to refinance maturing debt.

 

We depend on key personnel with long standing business relationships, the loss of whom could threaten our ability to operate our business successfully.

 

Our future success depends, to a significant extent, upon the continued services of ACM as our manager and our and ACM’s officers and employees. In particular, the mortgage lending experience of Mr. Kaufman and Mr. Weber and the extent and nature of the relationships they have developed with developers and owners of multi-family and commercial properties and other financial institutions are critical to the success of our business. We cannot assure you of their continued employment with ACM or service as our officers. The loss of services of one or more members of our or ACM’s management team could harm our business and our prospects.

 

The real estate investment business is highly competitive. Our success depends on our ability to compete with other providers of capital for real estate investments.

 

Our business is highly competitive. Competition may cause us to accept economic or structural features in our investments that we would not have otherwise accepted and it may cause us to search for investments in markets outside of our traditional product expertise. We compete for attractive investments with traditional lending sources,

such as insurance companies and banks, as well as other REITs, specialty finance companies and private equity vehicles with similar investment objectives, which may make it more difficult for us to consummate our target investments. Many of our competitors have greater financial resources and lower costs of capital than we do, which provides them with greater operating flexibility and a competitive advantage relative to us.

 

We may not achieve our targeted rate of return on our investments.

 

We originate or acquire investments based on our estimates or projections of overall rates of return on such investments, which in turn are based upon, among other considerations, assumptions regarding the performance of assets, the amount and terms of available financing to obtain desired leverage and the manner and timing of dispositions, including possible asset recovery and remediation strategies, all of which are subject to significant uncertainty. In addition, events or conditions that we have not anticipated may occur and may have a significant effect on the actual rate of return received on an investment.

 

As we acquire or originate investments for our balance sheet portfolio, whether as new additions or as replacements for maturing investments, there can be no assurance that we will be able to originate or acquire investments that produce rates of return comparable to returns on our existing investments.

 

Our due diligence may not reveal all of a borrower’s liabilities and may not reveal other weaknesses in its business.

 

Before investing in a company or making a loan to a borrower, we will assess the strength and skills of such entity’s management and other factors that we believe are material to the performance of the investment. In making the assessment and otherwise conducting customary due diligence, we will rely on the resources available to us and, in some cases, an investigation by third parties. This process is particularly important and subjective with respect to newly organized entities because there may be little or no information publicly available about the entities. There can be no assurance that our due diligence processes will uncover all relevant facts or that any investment will be successful.

 

We invest in junior participation notes which may be subject to additional risks relating to the privately negotiated structure and terms of the transaction, which may result in losses to us.

 

We invest in junior participation loans which is a mortgage loan typically (i) secured by a first mortgage on a single commercial property or group of related properties and (ii) subordinated to a senior note secured by the same first mortgage on the same collateral. As a result, if a borrower defaults, there may not be sufficient funds remaining for the junior participation loan after payment is made to the senior note holder. Since each transaction is privately negotiated, junior participation loans can vary in their structural characteristics and risks. For example, the rights of holders of junior participation loans to control the process following a borrower default may be limited in certain investments. We cannot predict the terms of each junior participation investment. A junior participation may not be liquid and, consequently, we may be unable to dispose of underperforming or non-performing investments. The higher risks associated with a subordinate position in any investments we make could subject us to increased risk of losses.

 

We invest in mezzanine loans which are subject to a greater risk of loss than loans with a first priority lien on the underlying real estate.

 

We invest in mezzanine loans that take the form of subordinated loans secured by second mortgages on the underlying property or loans secured by a pledge of the ownership interests of either the entity owning the property or a pledge of the ownership interests of the entity that owns the interest in the entity owning the property. These types of investments involve a higher degree of risk than long-term senior mortgage lending secured by income producing real property because the investment may become unsecured as a result of foreclosure by the senior lender. In the event of a bankruptcy of the entity providing the pledge of its ownership interests as security, we may not have full recourse to the assets of such entity, or the assets of the entity may not be sufficient to satisfy our mezzanine loan. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt. As a result, we may not recover some or

all of our investment. In addition, mezzanine loans may have higher loan to value ratios than conventional mortgage loans, resulting in less equity in the property and increasing the risk of loss of principal.

 

Preferred equity investments involve a greater risk of loss than traditional debt financing.

 

We invest in preferred equity investments, which involve a higher degree of risk than traditional debt financing due to a variety of factors, including that such investments are subordinate to other loans and are not secured by property underlying the investment. Furthermore, should the issuer default on our investment, we would only be able to proceed against the partnership in which we have an interest, and not the property underlying our investment. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment.

 

We invest in multi-family and commercial real estate loans, which may involve a greater risk of loss than single family real estate loans.

 

Our investments include multi-family and commercial real estate loans that are considered to involve a higher degree of risk than single family residential lending because of a variety of factors, including generally larger loan balances, dependency for repayment on successful operation of the mortgaged property and tenant businesses operating therein, and loan terms that include amortization schedules longer than the stated maturity and provide for balloon payments at stated maturity rather than periodic principal payments. In addition, the value of commercial real estate can be affected significantly by the supply and demand in the market for that type of property.

 

Volatility of values of multi-family and commercial properties may adversely affect our loans and investments.

 

Multi-family and commercial property values and net operating income derived from such properties are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, events such as natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes, acts of war and/or terrorism and others that may cause unanticipated and uninsured performance declines and/or losses to us or the owners and operators of the real estate securing our investment; national, regional and local economic conditions, such as what we have experienced over the past year (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of housing, retail, industrial, office or other commercial space); changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, construction cost, age and design; demographic factors; retroactive changes to building or similar codes; and increases in operating expenses (such as energy costs). In the event a property’s net operating income decreases, a borrower may have difficulty repaying our loan, which could result in losses to us. In addition, decreases in property values reduce the value of the collateral and the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay our loans, which could also cause us to suffer losses.

 

Many of our commercial real estate loans are funded with interest reserves and our borrowers may be unable to replenish those interest reserves once they run out.

 

Given the transitional nature of many of our commercial real estate loans, we required borrowers to post reserves to cover interest and operating expenses until the property cash flows were projected to increase sufficiently to cover debt service costs. We also generally required the borrower to replenish reserves if they become depleted due to underperformance or if the borrower wanted to exercise extension options under the loan. Despite low interest rates, revenues on the properties underlying any commercial real estate loan investments will likely decrease in the current economic environment, making it more difficult for borrowers to meet their payment obligations to us. We expect that in the future some of our borrowers may have difficulty servicing our debt and will not have sufficient capital to replenish reserves, which could have a significant impact on our operating results and cash flow.

 

We may not have control over certain of our loans and investments.

 

Our ability to manage our portfolio of loans and investments may be limited by the form in which they are made. In certain situations, we may acquire investments subject to rights of senior classes and servicers under inter-

creditor or servicing agreements; acquire only a participation in an underlying investment; co-invest with third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities, thereby acquiring non-controlling interests; or rely on independent third party management or strategic partners with respect to the management of an asset.

 

Therefore, we may not be able to exercise control over the loan or investment. Such financial assets may involve risks not present in investments where senior creditors, servicers or third party controlling investors are not involved. Our rights to control the process following a borrower default may be subject to the rights of senior creditors or servicers whose interests may not be aligned with ours. A third party partner or co-venturer may have financial difficulties resulting in a negative impact on such asset, may have economic or business interests or goals which are inconsistent with ours. In addition, we may, in certain circumstances, be liable for the actions of our third party partners or co-venturers.

 

The impact of any future terrorist attacks and the availability of terrorism insurance expose us to certain risks.

 

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 disrupted the U.S. financial markets, including the real estate capital markets, and negatively impacted the U.S. economy in general. Any future terrorist attacks, the anticipation of any such attacks, and the consequences of any military or other response by the United States and its allies may have a further adverse impact on the U.S. financial markets and the economy generally. We cannot predict the severity of the effect that any such future events would have on the U.S. financial markets, the economy or our business. Any future terrorist attacks could adversely affect the credit quality of some of our loans and investments. Some of our loans and investments will be more susceptible to such adverse effects than others. We may suffer losses as a result of the adverse impact of any future terrorist attacks and these losses may adversely impact our results of operations.

 

In addition, the enactment of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, or the TRIA, and the subsequent enactment of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, which extended TRIA through the end of 2014, requires insurers to make terrorism insurance available under their property and casualty insurance policies in order to receive federal compensation under TRIA for insured losses. However, this legislation does not regulate the pricing of such insurance. The absence of affordable insurance coverage may adversely affect the general real estate lending market, lending volume and the market’s overall liquidity and may reduce the number of suitable investment opportunities available to us and the pace at which we are able to make investments. If the properties that we invest in are unable to obtain affordable insurance coverage, the value of those investments could decline and in the event of an uninsured loss, we could lose all or a portion of our investment.

 

We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and furnish a report on our internal control over financial reporting.

 

We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 requires us to assess and attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and requires our independent registered public accounting firm to opine as to the adequacy of our assessment and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We may not receive an unqualified opinion from our independent registered public accounting firm with regard to our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Failure to maintain an exemption from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act would adversely affect our results of operations.

 

We believe that we conduct, and we intend to conduct our business in a manner that allows us to avoid being regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Pursuant to Section 3(c) (5) (C) of the Investment Company Act, entities that are primarily engaged in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring “mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate” are exempted from regulation thereunder. The staff of the SEC has provided guidance on the availability of this exemption. Specifically, the staff’s position generally requires us to maintain at least 55% of our assets directly in “qualifying real estate interests.” To constitute a qualifying real estate interest under this 55% test, an interest in real estate must meet various criteria. Loans that are secured by equity interests in entities that directly or indirectly own the underlying real property, rather than a mortgage on the

underlying property itself, and ownership of equity interests in real property owners may not qualify for purposes of the 55% test depending on the type of entity. Mortgage-related securities that do not represent all of the certificates issued with respect to an underlying pool of mortgages may also not qualify for purposes of the 55% test. Therefore, our ownership of these types of loans and equity interests may be limited by the provisions of the Investment Company Act. To the extent that we do not comply with the SEC staff’s 55% test, another exemption or exclusion from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act or other interpretations under the Investment Company Act, we may be deemed to be an investment company. If we fail to maintain an exemption or other exclusion from registration as an investment company we could, among other things, be required either (a) to substantially change the manner in which we conduct our operations to avoid being required to register as an investment company or (b) to register as an investment company, either of which could have an adverse effect on us and the market price of our common stock. If we were required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would become subject to substantial regulation with respect to our capital structure (including our ability to use leverage), management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act), portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration and other matters.

 

Risks Related to Our Financing and Hedging Activities

 

We may not be able to access financing sources on favorable terms, or at all, which could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.

 

We finance our assets over the short and long-term through a variety of means, including repurchase agreements, term facilities, credit facilities, CDOs and other structured financings. We have also financed our investments through the issuance of $276.1 million of trust preferred securities. Our ability to execute this strategy depends on various conditions in the markets for financing in this manner which are beyond our control, including lack of liquidity and wider credit spreads, which we have seen over the past year. If these conditions continue to worsen, we cannot assure you that these sources are feasible for financing of our assets, as there can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed or extended at expiration. If our strategy is not viable, we will have to find alternative forms of long-term financing for our assets, as secured revolving credit facilities and repurchase facilities may not accommodate long-term financing. This could subject us to more recourse indebtedness and the risk that debt service on less efficient forms of financing would require a larger portion of our cash flows, thereby reducing cash available for distribution to our stockholders, funds available for operations as well as for future business opportunities.

 

Our credit facilities contain restrictive covenants relating to our operations.

 

Each of our credit facilities contains various financial covenants and restrictions, including minimum net worth, minimum liquidity, debt-to-equity ratios and fixed and senior fixed charge coverage ratios. Other restrictive covenants contained in our credit facility agreements include covenants that prohibit us from effecting a change in control, disposing of or encumbering assets being financed and restricting us from making any material amendment to our underwriting guidelines without approval of the lender. At December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with all financial covenants and restrictions with the exception of a minimum liquidity requirement with three financial institutions. We are required to have a minimum unrestricted cash and cash equivalents total balance ranging from $5.0 million to $15.0 million, depending on the financial institution. We have obtained waivers of these covenants for December 31, 2008 from all three financial institutions. However, if economic conditions continue to weaken and capital for commercial real estate remains scarce, we expect credit quality in our assets and across the commercial real estate sector to decline as well. While we remain focused on actively managing our loans and investments portfolio, a continued weak environment will make maintaining compliance with the credit facilities’ covenants more difficult. If we are not in compliance with any of our covenants, there can be no assurance that our lenders would waive or amend such non-compliance in the future and any such non-compliance could have a material adverse effect on us.

 

Investor demand for commercial real estate CDOs has been substantially curtailed.

 

The recent turmoil in the structured finance markets, in particular the sub-prime residential loan market, has negatively impacted the credit markets generally. As a result, investor demand for commercial real estate CDOs has

been substantially curtailed. In recent years, we have relied to a substantial extent on CDO financings to obtain match-funded financing for our investments. Until and unless the market for commercial real estate CDOs recovers, we may be unable to utilize CDOs to finance our investments and we may need to utilize less favorable sources of financing to finance our investments on a long-term basis. There can be no assurance as to when or if the demand for commercial real estate CDOs will return or the terms of such securities investors will demand or whether we will be able to issue CDOs to finance our investments on terms beneficial to us.

 

We may not be able to obtain the level of leverage necessary to optimize our return on investment.

 

Our return on investment depends, in part, upon our ability to grow our balance sheet portfolio of invested assets through the use of leverage at a cost of debt that is lower than the yield earned on our investments. We generally obtain leverage through the issuance of collateralized debt obligations, or CDOs, term and revolving credit agreements, repurchase agreements and other borrowings. Our ability to obtain the necessary leverage on beneficial terms ultimately depends upon the quality of the portfolio assets that collateralize our indebtedness. Our failure to obtain and/or maintain leverage at desired levels, or to obtain leverage on attractive terms, would have a material adverse effect on our performance. Moreover, we are dependent upon a few lenders to provide financing under credit agreements and repurchase agreements for our origination or acquisition of loans and investments and there can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed or extended at expiration. Our ability to obtain financing through CDOs is subject to conditions in the debt capital markets which are impacted by factors beyond our control that may at times be adverse and reduce the level of investor demand for such securities.

 

The repurchase agreements and credit facilities that we use to finance our investments may require us to provide additional collateral.

 

We use credit facilities and repurchase agreements to finance some of our investments. If the market value of the loans pledged or sold by us to a funding source decline in value, we may be required by the lending institution to provide additional collateral or pay down a portion of the funds advanced. We may not have the funds available to pay down our debt, which could result in defaults. Posting additional collateral to support our repurchase and credit facilities would reduce our liquidity and limit our ability to leverage our assets. In the event we do not have sufficient liquidity to meet such requirements, lending institutions can accelerate our indebtedness, increase interest rates and terminate our ability to borrow. Such a situation would likely result in a rapid deterioration of our financial condition and possibly necessitate a filing for protection under the United States Bankruptcy Code. Further, facility providers may require us to maintain a certain amount of cash uninvested or set aside unlevered assets sufficient to maintain a specified liquidity position which would allow us to satisfy our collateral obligations. As a result, we may not be able to leverage our assets as fully as we would choose, which could reduce our return on assets. In the event that we are unable to meet these collateral obligations, our financial condition could deteriorate rapidly.

 

Our use of leverage may create a mismatch with the duration and index of the investments that we are financing.

 

We attempt to structure our leverage such that we minimize the difference between the term of our investments and the leverage we use to finance such an investment. In the event that our leverage is shorter term than the financed investment, we may not be able to extend or find appropriate replacement leverage and that would have an adverse impact on our liquidity and our returns. In the event that our leverage is longer term than the financed investment, we may not be able to repay such leverage or replace the financed investment with an optimal substitute or at all, which will negatively impact our desired leveraged returns.

 

We attempt to structure our leverage such that we minimize the difference between the index of our investments and the index of our leverage — financing floating rate investments with floating rate leverage and fixed rate investments with fixed rate leverage. If such a product is not available to us from our lenders on reasonable terms, we may use hedging instruments to effectively create such a match. For example, in the case of fixed rate investments, we may finance such an investment with floating rate leverage, but effectively convert all or a portion of the attendant leverage to fixed rate using hedging strategies.

Our attempts to mitigate such risk are subject to factors outside of our control, such as the availability to us of favorable financing and hedging options, which is subject to a variety of factors, of which duration and term matching are only two such factors.

 

We utilize a significant amount of debt to finance our portfolio, which may subject us to an increased risk of loss, adversely affecting the return on our investments and reducing cash available for distribution.

 

We utilize a significant amount of debt to finance our operations, which can compound losses and reduce the cash available for distributions to our stockholders. We generally leverage our portfolio through the use of bank credit facilities, repurchase agreements, securitizations, including the issuance of CDOs and other borrowings. The leverage we employ varies depending on our ability to obtain credit facilities, the loan-to-value and debt service coverage ratios of our assets, the yield on our assets, the targeted leveraged return we expect from our portfolio and our ability to meet ongoing covenants related to our asset mix and financial performance. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral for our borrowings. Our return on our investments and cash available for distribution to our stockholders may be reduced to the extent that changes in market conditions cause the cost of our financing to increase relative to the income that we can derive from the assets we acquire.

 

Our debt service payments, including payments in connection with any CDOs, reduce the net income available for distributions. Moreover, we may not be able to meet our debt service obligations and, to the extent that we cannot, we risk the loss of some or all of our assets to foreclosure or sale to satisfy our debt obligations. Currently, neither our charter nor our bylaws impose any limitations on the extent to which we may leverage our assets.

 

We may guarantee some of our leverage and contingent obligations.

 

We guarantee the performance of some of our obligations, including but not limited to some of our repurchase agreements, derivative agreements, and unsecured indebtedness. Non-performance on such obligations may cause losses to us in excess of the capital we initially may have invested/committed under such obligations and there is no assurance that we will have sufficient capital to cover any such losses.

 

We may not be able to acquire suitable investments for a CDO issuance, or we may not be able to issue CDOs on attractive terms, or at all, which may require us to utilize more costly financing for our investments.

 

We have financed, and, if the opportunities exist in the future, we may continue to finance certain of our investments through the issuance of CDOs. During the period that we are acquiring investments for eventual long-term financing through CDOs, we intend to finance these investments through repurchase and credit agreements. We use these agreements to finance our acquisition of investments until we have accumulated a sufficient quantity of investments, at which time we may refinance them through a securitization, such as a CDO issuance. As a result, we are subject to the risk that we will not be able to acquire a sufficient amount of eligible investments to maximize the efficiency of a CDO issuance. In addition, conditions in the debt capital markets may make the issuance of CDOs less attractive to us even when we do have a sufficient pool of collateral, or we may not be able to execute a CDO transaction due to substantial curtailment in demand for commercial real estate CDOs, such as currently exists. If we are unable to issue a CDO to finance these investments, we may be required to utilize other forms of potentially less attractive financing.

 

We may not be able to find suitable replacement investments for CDOs with reinvestment periods.

 

Some of our CDOs have periods where principal proceeds received from assets securing the CDO can be reinvested for a defined period of time, commonly referred to as a reinvestment period. Our ability to find suitable investments during the reinvestment period that meet the criteria set forth in the CDO documentation and by rating agencies may determine the success of our CDO investments. Our potential inability to find suitable investments may cause, among other things, lower returns, interest deficiencies, hyper-amortization of the senior CDO liabilities and may cause us to reduce the life of our CDOs and accelerate the amortization of certain fees and expenses.

The use of CDO financings with over-collateralization and interest coverage requirements may have a negative impact on our cash flow.

 

The terms of CDOs will generally provide that the principal amount of investments must exceed the principal balance of the related bonds by a certain amount and that interest income exceeds interest expense by a certain amount. Generally, CDO terms provide that, if certain delinquencies and/or losses or other factors cause a decline in collateral or cash flow levels, the cash flow otherwise payable on subordinated classes may be redirected to repay senior classes of CDOs until the issuer or the collateral is in compliance with the terms of the governing documents. Other tests (based on delinquency levels or other criteria) may restrict our ability to receive net income from assets pledged to secure CDOs. We cannot assure you that the performance tests will be satisfied. If our investments fail to perform as anticipated, our over-collateralization, interest coverage or other credit enhancement expense associated with our CDO financings will increase. With respect to future CDOs we may issue, we cannot assure you, in advance of completing negotiations with the rating agencies or other key transaction parties as to the actual terms of the delinquency tests, over-collateralization and interest coverage terms, cash flow release mechanisms or other significant factors upon which net income to us will be calculated. Failure to obtain favorable terms with regard to these matters may adversely affect the availability of net income to us.

 

We may be required to repurchase loans that we have sold or to indemnify holders of our CDOs.

 

If any of the loans we originate or acquire and sell or securitize through CDOs do not comply with representations and warranties that we make about certain characteristics of the loans, the borrowers and the underlying properties, we may be required to repurchase those loans or replace them with substitute loans. In addition, in the case of loans that we have sold instead of retained, we may be required to indemnify persons for losses or expenses incurred as a result of a breach of a representation or warranty. Repurchased loans typically require a significant allocation of working capital to carry on our books, and our ability to borrow against such assets is limited. Any significant repurchases or indemnification payments could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.

 

Our loans and investments may be subject to fluctuations in interest rates which may not be adequately protected, or protected at all, by our hedging strategies.

 

Our current balance sheet investment program emphasizes loans with both “floating” interest rates and fixed interest rates. Floating rate investments earn interest at rates that adjust from time to time (typically monthly) based upon an index (typically LIBOR), allowing this portion of our portfolio to be insulated from changes in value due specifically to changes in rates. Fixed interest rate investments, however, do not have adjusting interest rates and, as prevailing interest rates change, the relative value of the fixed cash flows from these investments will cause potentially significant changes in value. Depending on market conditions, fixed rate assets may become a greater portion of our new loan originations. We may employ various hedging strategies to limit the effects of changes in interest rates (and in some cases credit spreads), including engaging in interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate derivative products. No strategy can completely insulate us from the risks associated with interest rate changes and there is a risk that they may provide no protection at all and potentially compound the impact of changes in interest rates. Hedging transactions involve certain additional risks such as counterparty risk, the legal enforceability of hedging contracts, the early repayment of hedged transactions and the risk that unanticipated and significant changes in interest rates may cause a significant loss of basis in the contract and a change in current period expense. We cannot make assurances that we will be able to enter into hedging transactions or that such hedging transactions will adequately protect us against the foregoing risks. In addition, cash flow hedges which are not perfectly correlated (and appropriately designated and documented as such) with a variable rate financing will impact our reported income as gains, and losses on the ineffective portion of such hedges will be recorded.

 

Hedging instruments often are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearing house, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities and involve risks and costs.

 

The cost of using hedging instruments increases as the period covered by the instrument lengthens and during periods of rising and volatile interest rates. We may increase our hedging activity and thus increase our hedging costs during periods when interest rates are volatile or rising and hedging costs have increases.

In addition, hedging instruments involve risk since they often are not traded on regulated exchanges, guaranteed by an exchange or its clearing house, or regulated by any U.S. or foreign governmental authorities. Consequently, there are no requirements with respect to record keeping, financial responsibility or segregation of customer funds and positions. Furthermore, the enforceability of agreements underlying derivative transactions may depend on compliance with applicable statutory and commodity and other regulatory requirements and, depending on the identity of the counterparty, applicable international requirements. The business failure of a hedging counterparty with whom we enter into a hedging transaction will most likely result in a default. Default by a party with whom we enter into a hedging transaction may result in the loss of unrealized profits and force us to cover our resale commitments, if any, at the then current market price. Although generally we will seek to reserve the right to terminate our hedging positions, it may not always be possible to dispose of or close out a hedging position without the consent of the hedging counterparty, and we may not be able to enter into an offsetting contract to cover our risk. We cannot assure you that a liquid secondary market will exist for hedging instruments purchased or sold, and we may be required to maintain a position until exercise or expiration, which could result in losses.

 

We may enter into derivative contracts that could expose us to contingent liabilities in the future.

 

Subject to maintaining our qualification as a REIT, part of our investment strategy involves entering into derivative contracts that could require us to fund cash payments in the future under certain circumstances (e.g., the early termination of the derivative agreement caused by an event of default or other early termination event, or the decision by a counterparty to request margin securities it is contractually owed under the terms of the derivative contract). The amount due would be equal to the unrealized loss of the open swap positions with the respective counterparty and could also include other fees and charges. These economic losses will be reflected in our financial results of operations, and our ability to fund these obligations will depend on the liquidity of our assets and access to capital at the time, and the need to fund these obligations could adversely impact our financial condition.

 

Changes in values of our derivative contracts could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

 

Certain of our derivative contracts, which are designed to hedge interest rate risk associated with a portion of our loans and investments, could require the funding of additional cash collateral for changes in the market value of these contracts. Due to the recent volatility in the financial markets, the value of these contracts have declined substantially.

 

As a result, as of December 31, 2008, we funded approximately $46.5 million in cash related to these contracts. If we continue to experience significant changes in the outlook of interest rates, these contracts could continue to decline in value, which would require additional cash to be funded. However, at maturity the value of these contracts return to par and all cash will be recovered. We may not have available cash to meet these requirements, which could result in the early termination of these derivatives, leaving us exposed to interest rate risk associated with these loans and investments, which could adversely impact our financial condition.

 

We are subject to certain counterparty risks related to our derivative contracts.

 

We periodically hedge a portion of our interest rate risk by entering into derivative financial instrument contracts. As a result of the global credit crises, there is a risk that counterparties could fail, shut down, file for bankruptcy or be unable to pay out contracts. The failure of a counterparty that holds collateral that we post in connection with certain interest rate swap agreements could result in the loss of such collateral.

 

Risks Related to Our Corporate and Ownership Structure

 

We are substantially controlled by ACM and Mr. Kaufman.

 

Mr. Ivan Kaufman, our chairman, chief executive officer and president and the chief executive officer of ACM, beneficially owns approximately 92% of the outstanding membership interests of ACM. At December 2007, ACM owned approximately 3.8 million operating partnership units, representing a 16% limited partnership interest in our operating partnership. The operating partnership units were redeemable for cash or, at our election, for shares of our common stock generally on a one-for-one basis. Each of the operating partnership units ACM owned was paired with one share of our special voting preferred stock, each of which entitled ACM to one vote on all matters

submitted to a vote of our stockholders. In June 2008, ACM exercised its right to redeem its approximate 3.8 million operating partnership units in our operating partnership for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, the special voting preferred shares paired with each operating partnership unit, pursuant to a pairing agreement, were redeemed simultaneously and cancelled. As a result of this conversion and its ownership of an additional 1,607,254 shares of our common stock, ACM currently has 21.4% of the voting power of our outstanding stock. As a result of Mr. Kaufman’s beneficial ownership of stock held by ACM as well as his beneficial ownership of an additional 124,549 shares of our common stock, Mr. Kaufman currently has 21.9% of the voting power of our outstanding stock. Because of his position with us and our manager and his ability to effectively vote a substantial minority of our outstanding stock, Mr. Kaufman has significant influence over our policies and strategy.

 

Our charter as amended generally does not permit ownership in excess of 7.0% of our capital stock, and attempts to acquire our capital stock in excess of this limit are ineffective without prior approval from our board of directors.

 

For the purpose of preserving our REIT qualification, our charter generally prohibits direct or constructive ownership by any person of more than 7.0% (by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of our common stock or 7.0% (by value) of our outstanding shares of capital stock. For purposes of this calculation, warrants held by such person will be deemed to have been exercised if such exercise would result in a violation. Our charter’s constructive ownership rules are complex and may cause the outstanding stock owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than these percentages of the outstanding stock by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity to own constructively in excess of these percentages of the outstanding stock and thus be subject to our charter’s ownership limit. Any attempt to own or transfer shares of our common or preferred stock in excess of the ownership limit without the consent of the board of directors will result in the shares being automatically transferred to a charitable trust or otherwise be void.

 

We granted ACM and Mr. Kaufman, as its controlling equity owner, an exemption from the ownership limitation contained in our charter in order to acquire the approximately 3.8 million shares of special voting preferred stock that ACM subsequently converted into common stock in June 2008. In 2007, we granted Mr. C. Michael Kojaian, one of our directors, an exemption from this ownership limitation so that he may own up to 8.3% of the number of shares of our common stock that may be outstanding at any time.

 

Our staggered board and other provisions of our charter and bylaws may prevent a change in our control.

 

Our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. The current terms of the Class I, Class II and Class III directors will expire in 2010, 2011 and 2009, respectively. Directors of each class are chosen for three year terms upon the expiration of their current terms, and each year one class of directors is elected by the stockholders. The staggered terms of our directors may reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though a tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our stockholders. In addition, our charter and bylaws also contain other provisions that may delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

 

Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest with Our Manager

 

We are dependent on our manager with whom we have conflicts of interest.

 

We have only 32 employees, including Messrs. Weber, Fogel, Felletter, Horn, Guziewicz, and are dependent upon our manager to provide services to us that are vital to our operations. ACM, our manager currently has approximately 21.4% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our capital stock and Mr. Kaufman, our chairman and chief executive officer and the chief executive officer of ACM, beneficially owns these shares. Mr. Martello, one of our directors, is the chief operating officer of Arbor Management, LLC (the managing member of ACM) and a trustee of two trusts which own minority membership interests in ACM. Mr. Elenio, our chief financial officer and treasurer, is the chief financial officer of ACM. Each of Messrs. Kaufman, Martello, Elenio,

Horn, Weber, Kilgore are members of ACM’s executive committee and own minority membership interests in ACM. Mr. Fogel also owns a minority membership interest in ACM.

 

We may enter into transactions with ACM outside the terms of the management agreement with the approval of a majority vote of the independent members of our board of directors. Transactions required to be approved by a majority of our independent directors include, but are not limited to, our ability to purchase securities, mortgages and other assets from ACM or to sell securities and assets to ACM. ACM may from time to time provide permanent mortgage loan financing to clients of ours, which will be used to refinance bridge financing provided by us. We and ACM may also make loans to the same borrower or to borrowers that are under common control. Additionally, our policies and those of ACM may require us to enter into intercreditor agreements in situations where loans are made by us and ACM to the same borrower.

 

We have entered into a management agreement with our manager under which our manager provides us with all of the services vital to our operations other than asset management services. However, the management agreement was not negotiated at arm’s length and its terms, including fees payable, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. Certain matters relating to our organization also were not approved at arm’s length and the terms of the contribution of assets to us may not be as favorable to us as if the contribution was with an unaffiliated third party.

 

The results of our operations are dependent upon the availability of, and our manager’s ability to identify and capitalize on, investment opportunities. Our manager’s officers and employees are also responsible for providing the same services for ACM’s portfolio of investments. As a result, they may not be able to devote sufficient time to the management of our business operations.

 

Our directors have approved very broad investment guidelines for our manager and do not approve each investment decision made by our manager.

 

Our manager is authorized to follow very broad investment guidelines. Our directors will periodically review our investment guidelines and our investment portfolio. However, our board does not review each proposed investment. In addition, in conducting periodic reviews, the directors rely primarily on information provided to them by our manager. Furthermore, transactions entered into by our manager may be difficult or impossible to unwind by the time they are reviewed by the directors. Our manager has great latitude within the broad investment guidelines in determining the types of assets it may decide are proper investments for us.

 

Our manager has broad discretion to invest funds and may acquire structured finance assets where the investment returns are substantially below expectations or that result in net operating losses.

 

Our manager has broad discretion, within the general investment criteria established by our board of directors, to allocate the proceeds of the concurrent offerings and to determine the timing of investment of such proceeds. Such discretion could result in allocation of proceeds to assets where the investment returns are substantially below expectations or that result in net operating losses, which would materially and adversely affect our business, operations and results.

 

The management compensation structure that we have agreed to with our manager may cause our manager to invest in high risk investments. Our manager is entitled to a base management fee, which is based on the equity of our operating partnership. The amount of the base management fee does not depend on the performance of the services provided by our manager or the types of assets it selects for our investment, but the value of our operating partnership’s equity will be affected by the performance of these assets. Our manager is also entitled to receive incentive compensation based in part upon our achievement of targeted levels of funds from operations. In evaluating investments and other management strategies, the opportunity to earn incentive compensation based on funds from operations may lead our manager to place undue emphasis on the maximization of funds from operations at the expense of other criteria, such as preservation of capital, in order to achieve higher incentive compensation. Investments with higher yield potential are generally riskier or more speculative. This could result in increased risk to the value of our invested portfolio.

Risk Related to Our Status as a REIT

 

If we fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to tax as a regular corporation and could face substantial tax liability.

 

We conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. However, qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Internal Revenue Code provisions for which only limited judicial and administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could jeopardize our REIT status. Our continued qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. In particular, our ability to qualify as a REIT depends in part on the relative values of our common and special voting preferred stock, which have not been determined by independent appraisal, are susceptible to fluctuation, and could, if successfully challenged by the IRS, cause us to fail to meet the ownership requirements. In addition, our ability to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT depends in part on the actions of third parties over which we have no control or only limited influence, including in cases where we own an equity interest in an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Furthermore, new tax legislation, administrative guidance or court decisions, in each instance potentially with retroactive effect, could make it more difficult or impossible for us to qualify as a REIT. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any tax year, then:

 

 

Even if we remain qualified as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow.

 

Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording taxes. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders. In addition, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements, or to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, we may hold some of our assets through taxable subsidiary corporations.

 

The “taxable mortgage pool” rules may increase the taxes that we or our stockholders may incur, and may limit the manner in which we effect future securitizations.

 

Certain of our securitizations have resulted in the creation of taxable mortgage pools for federal income tax purposes. So long as 100% of the equity interests in a taxable mortgage pool are owned by an entity that qualifies as a REIT, including our subsidiary Arbor Realty SR, Inc., we would generally not be adversely affected by the characterization of the securitization as a taxable mortgage pool. Certain categories of stockholders, however, such as foreign stockholders eligible for treaty or other benefits, stockholders with net operating losses, and certain tax-exempt stockholders that are subject to unrelated business income tax, could be subject to increased taxes on a portion of their dividend income from us that is attributable to the taxable mortgage pool. In addition, to the extent that our stock is owned by tax-exempt “disqualified organizations,” such as certain government-related entities that are not subject to tax on unrelated business income, under recently issued IRS guidance, we could incur a corporate level tax on a portion of our income from the taxable mortgage pool. In that case, we may reduce the amount of our distributions to any disqualified organization whose stock ownership gave rise to the tax. Moreover, we could be

precluded from selling equity interests in these securitizations to outside investors, or selling any debt securities issued in connection with these securitizations that might be considered to be equity interests for tax purposes. These limitations may prevent us from using certain techniques to maximize our returns from securitization transactions.

 

Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities.

 

To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.

 

Complying with REIT requirements may force us to liquidate otherwise attractive investments.

 

To qualify as a REIT we must ensure that at the end of each calendar quarter at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and qualified REIT real estate assets. The remainder of our investment in securities generally cannot comprise more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities, of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our assets (other than assets which qualify for purposes of the 75% asset test) may consist of the securities of any one issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct such failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter to avoid losing our REIT status and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result, we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments.

 

Liquidation of collateral may jeopardize our REIT status.

 

To continue to qualify as a REIT, we must comply with requirements regarding our assets and our sources of income. If we are compelled to liquidate investments to satisfy our obligations to our lenders, we may be unable to comply with these requirements, ultimately jeopardizing our status as a REIT.

 

We may be unable to generate sufficient revenue from operations to pay our operating expenses and to pay dividends to our stockholders.

 

As a REIT, we are generally required to distribute at least 90% of our taxable income each year to our stockholders. In order to qualify for the tax benefits accorded to REITs, we intend to pay quarterly dividends and to make distributions to our stockholders in amounts such that we distribute all or substantially all of our taxable income each year, subject to certain adjustments. However, our ability to make distributions may be adversely affected by the risk factors described in this report. In the event of a downturn in our operating results and financial performance or unanticipated declines in the value of our asset portfolio, we may be unable to declare or pay quarterly dividends or make distributions to our stockholders. The timing and amount of dividends are in the sole discretion of our board of directors, which considers, among other factors, our earnings, financial condition, debt service obligations and applicable debt covenants, REIT qualification requirements and other tax considerations and capital expenditure requirements as our board may deem relevant from time to time.

 

Among the factors that could adversely affect our results of operations and impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders are:

 

 

A change in any one of these factors could affect our ability to make distributions. If we are not able to comply with the restrictive covenants and financial ratios contained in our credit facilities, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders may also be impaired. We cannot assure you that we will be able to make distributions to our stockholders in the future or that the level of any distributions we make will increase over time.

 

In addition, distributions to stockholders are generally taxable to our stockholders as ordinary income, but a portion of these distributions may be designated by us as long-term capital gains to the extent they are attributable to capital gain income recognized by us, or may constitute a return of capital to the extent they exceed our earnings and profits as determined for tax purposes.

 

We may need to borrow funds under our credit facilities in order to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements, and a portion of our distributions may constitute a return of capital. Debt service on any borrowings for this purpose will reduce our cash available for distribution.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT, we must generally, among other requirements, distribute at least 90% of our taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, to our stockholders each year. To the extent that we satisfy the distribution requirement, but distribute less than 100% of our taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we pay out to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified under federal tax laws.

 

From time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our net income for financial reporting purposes, or our taxable income may be greater than our cash flow available for distribution to stockholders (for example, where a borrower defaults and an asset is deem impaired resulting in the recording of a loan loss provision). If we do not have other funds available in these situations we could be required to borrow funds, sell investments and our equity securities at disadvantageous prices or find another alternative source of funds to make distributions sufficient to enable us to pay out enough of our taxable income to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax and the 4% excise tax in a particular year.

 

We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could reduce the market price of our common stock.

 

At any time, the federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws may change. Any such changes may have retroactive effect, and could adversely affect us or our stockholders. Legislation enacted in 2003 and extended in 2006 generally reduced the federal income tax rate on most dividends paid by corporations to individual investors to a maximum of 15% (through 2010). REIT dividends, with limited exceptions, will not benefit from the rate reduction, because a REIT’s income generally is not subject to corporate level tax. As such, this legislation could cause shares in non-REIT corporations to be a more attractive investment to individual investors than shares in REITs, and could have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock.

 

Restrictions on share accumulation in REITs could discourage a change of control of us.

 

In order for us to qualify as a REIT, not more than 50% of the value of our outstanding shares of capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals during the last half of a taxable year.

 

In order to prevent five or fewer individuals from acquiring more than 50% of our outstanding shares and a resulting failure to qualify as a REIT, our charter provides that, subject to certain exceptions, no person, including entities, may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, more than 7.0% of the aggregate value or number of shares (whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding common stock, or more than 7.0%, by value, of our outstanding shares of capital stock of all classes, in the aggregate. For purposes of the ownership limitations, warrants held by a person will be deemed to have been exercised.

 

Shares of our stock that would otherwise be directly or indirectly acquired or held by a person in violation of the ownership limitations are, in general, automatically transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary, and the purported owner’s interest in such shares is void. In addition, any person who acquires shares in excess of these limits is obliged to immediately give written notice to us and provide us with any information we

may request in order to determine the effect of the acquisition on our status as a REIT. We granted Arbor Commercial Mortgage and Mr. Kaufman, as its controlling equity owner, an exemption from the ownership limitation contained in our charter, in connection with Arbor Commercial Mortgage’s acquisition of 3,146,724 shares of our special voting preferred stock on July 1, 2003, which exemption also allowed Arbor Commercial Mortgage to acquire an additional 629,345 shares of special voting preferred stock. At December 2007, Arbor Commercial Mortgage owned 3,776,069 shares of our special voting preferred stock which it subsequently converted to common stock in June 2008. During 2007 we granted Mr. C. Michael Kojaian, one of our directors, an exemption from the ownership limitation contained in our charter. The exemption granted to Mr. Kojaian sets his ownership limitation at 8.3%.

 

While these restrictions are designed to prevent any five individuals from owning more than 50% of our shares, they could also discourage a change in control of our company. These restrictions may also deter tender offers that may be attractive to stockholders or limit the opportunity for stockholders to receive a premium for their shares if an investor makes purchases of shares to acquire a block of shares.

 

Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively.

 

The REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to hedge our operations. Under current law, any income that we generate from derivatives or other transactions intended to hedge indebtedness incurred to acquire and carry qualifying real estate assets or to manage the risk of currency fluctuations with respect to other qualifying income will not be taken into account in applying the REIT income tests, provided certain identification requirements are met. Other income generated from derivatives or other hedging transactions would generally constitute non-qualifying income for purposes of the REIT income tests. As a result of these rules, we may have to limit our use of hedging techniques that might otherwise be advantageous, which could result in greater risks associated with interest rate or other changes than we would otherwise incur.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Arbor Commercial Mortgage, our manager, leases our shared principal executive and administrative offices, located at 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard in Uniondale, New York.

 

 

We are not involved in any litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any litigation threatened against us.

 

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of 2008.

 

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ABR” since our initial public offering in April 2004. The following table sets forth for the indicated periods the high and low sales prices for our common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, and the dividends declared and paid with respect to such periods.

 

 

 

 

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or a REIT, which requires that we distribute at least 90% of taxable income. No assurance, however, can be given as to the amounts or timing of future distributions as such distributions are subject to our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.

 

On March 6, 2009, the closing sale price for our common stock, as reported on the NYSE, was $0.65. As of March 6, 2009, there were 12,076 record holders of our common stock, including persons holding shares in broker accounts under street names.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans which are set forth under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” of the 2009 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Performance Graph

 

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on shares of our common stock with the cumulative total return of the NAREIT All REIT Index and the Russell 2000 Index. The periods shown commence on April 7, 2004, the date that our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange after our common stock was first registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and end on December 31, 2008, the end of our most recently completed fiscal year. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on April 7, 2004 and the reinvestment of any dividends. This graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. The information included in the graph and table below was obtained from SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA.^© 2009.

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Total Return Performance

 

 

 

In accordance with SEC rules, this section entitled “Performance Graph” shall not be incorporated by reference into any of our future filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

Recent Issuances of Unregistered Securities

 

In 2008, we issued 559,354 shares of common stock to ACM as incentive compensation earned under the management agreement for the quarters ended December 31, 2007, March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008. The issuances of these 559,354 shares were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) thereof.

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF
ARBOR REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

The following tables present selected historical consolidated financial information for the periods indicated. The selected historical consolidated financial information presented below under the captions “Consolidated Statement of Operations Data” and “Consolidated Balance Sheet Data” have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the historical consolidated financial statements for such period. In addition, since the information presented below is only a summary and does not provide all of the information contained in our historical consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, you should read it in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our historical consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, included elsewhere in this report.

 

 

 

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the sections of this report entitled “Risk Factors”, “Forward-Looking Statements”, and “Selected Consolidated Financial Information of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries” and the historical consolidated financial statements of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries, including related notes, included elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

We are a Maryland corporation that was formed in June 2003 to invest in multi-family and commercial real estate-related bridge, junior participating interests in first mortgages, mezzanine loans, preferred and direct equity and, in limited cases, discounted mortgage notes and other real estate-related assets, which we refer to collectively as structured finance investments. We have also invested in mortgage-related securities. We conduct substantially all of our operations through our operating partnership and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

 

Our operating performance is primarily driven by the following factors:

 

 

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or a REIT and to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code with respect thereto. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on that portion of its REIT-taxable income which is distributed to its stockholders provided that at least 90% of its REIT-taxable income is distributed and provided that certain other requirements are met. Certain of our assets that produce non-qualifying income may be held in taxable REIT subsidiaries. Unlike other subsidiaries of a REIT, the income of a taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to Federal and state income taxes. We did not record a provision for income taxes related to the assets that are held in taxable REIT subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

On July 1, 2003, ACM, our manager, contributed $213.1 million of structured finance assets, encumbered by $169.2 million of borrowings in exchange for an equity interest in our operating partnership represented by 3,146,724 units of limited partnership interest and 629,345 warrants to acquire additional units of limited partnership interest. In addition, certain employees of ACM became our employees. We are externally managed and advised by ACM and pay ACM a management fee in accordance with a management agreement. ACM originates, underwrites and services all structured finance assets on behalf of our operating partnership.

 

Concurrently with ACM’s asset contribution, we consummated a private placement of 1.6 million units, each consisting of five shares of our common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock, for $75.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $120.2 million. Gross proceeds from the private placement combined with the concurrent equity contribution by ACM totaled approximately $164.1 million in equity capital.

 

On April 13, 2004, we sold 6,750,000 shares of our common stock at a price to the public of $20.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $124.4 million after deducting the underwriting discount and the other estimated

offering expenses. On May 11, 2004, we issued and sold 524,200 additional shares of common stock, for net proceeds of approximately $9.8 million after deducting the underwriting discount pursuant to the exercise of a portion of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters of our initial public offering. As of December 31, 2005, we issued 1,256,130 shares of common stock from the exercise of warrants originally issued as a component of units on July 1, 2003, for proceeds of $17.1 million. In addition, in June 2007, we issued 2,700,000 shares of common stock in a public offering.

 

Sources of Operating Revenues

 

We derive our operating revenues primarily through interest received from making real estate-related bridge, mezzanine and junior participation loans and preferred equity investments. Interest income earned on these loans and investments represented approximately 96%, 90%, and 93% of our total revenues in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

 

Interest income is also derived from profits of equity participation interests. In 2008, 2007 and 2006 interest income from participation interests represented approximately 1%, 10%, and 6% of total revenues, respectively.

 

We also derive interest income from our investments in CRE mortgage related securities. Interest on these investments represented 2% of our total revenues in 2008 and less than 1% of our total revenues in 2007 and 2006.

 

Property operating income is derived from our real estate owned. In 2008, property operating income represented 1% of total revenue. No such income was recognized in 2007 and 2006.

 

In addition, we derived operating revenue from income from swap derivatives, which represented income from interest rate swaps on junior subordinated notes relating to trust preferred securities. In 2006, income from swap derivatives represented less than 1% of our total revenues. There was no such revenue in 2008 and 2007.

 

Additionally, we derive operating revenues from other income that represents loan structuring and miscellaneous asset management fees associated with our loans and investments portfolio. Revenue from other income represented less than 1% of our total revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

(Loss) Income from Equity Affiliates and Gain on Sale of Loans and Real Estate

 

We derive income from equity affiliates relating to joint ventures that were formed with equity partners to acquire, develop and/or sell real estate assets. These joint ventures are not majority owned or controlled by us, and are not consolidated in our financial statements. These investments are recorded under either the equity or cost method of accounting as appropriate. We record our share of net income and losses from the underlying properties on a single line item in the consolidated statements of operations as (loss) income from equity affiliates. In 2008, loss from equity affiliates totaled $2.3 million. In 2007 and 2006, income from equity affiliates totaled $34.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

 

We also may derive income from the gain on sale of loans and real estate. We may acquire (1) real estate for our own investment and, upon stabilization, disposition at an anticipated return and (2) real estate notes generally at a discount from lenders in situations where the borrower wishes to restructure and reposition its short-term debt and the lender wishes to divest certain assets from its portfolio. No such income has been recorded to date.

 

Significant Accounting Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that could affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. A summary of our significant accounting policies is presented in Note 2 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof. Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements included in this report. Certain of the accounting policies used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are particularly important for an understanding of the financial position and results of

operations presented in the historical consolidated financial statements included in this report and require the application of significant judgment by management and, as a result, are subject to a degree of uncertainty.

 

Loans and Investments

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“SFAS 115”) requires that at the time of purchase, we designate a security as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading depending on ability and intent. We do not have any trading securities at this time. Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value, while securities and investments held-to-maturity are reported at amortized cost. Unrealized losses that are determined to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings in accordance with SFAS 115. The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is a subjective process requiring judgments and assumptions. The process may include, but is not limited to, assessment of recent market events and prospects for near term recovery, assessment of cash flows, internal review of the underlying assets securing the investments, credit of the issuer and the rating of the security, as well as our ability and intent to hold the investment. We closely monitor market conditions on which we base such decisions.

 

In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets,” we also assess certain of our held-to-maturity securities, other than those of high credit quality, to determine whether significant changes in estimated cash flows or unrealized losses on these securities, if any, reflect a decline in value which is other-than-temporary and, accordingly, written down to its fair value against earnings. On a quarterly basis, we review these changes in estimated cash flows, which could occur due to actual prepayment and credit loss experience, to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is deemed to have occurred. The determination of other-than-temporary impairment is a subjective process requiring judgments and assumptions. We calculate a revised yield based on the current amortized cost of the investment, including any other-than-temporary impairments recognized to date, and the revised yield is then applied prospectively to recognize interest income.

 

Loans held for investment are intended to be held-to-maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, loan purchase discounts, and net of the allowance for loan losses when such loan or investment is deemed to be impaired. We invest in preferred equity interests that, in some cases, allow us to participate in a percentage of the underlying property’s cash flows from operations and proceeds from a sale or refinancing. At the inception of each such investment, management must determine whether such investment should be accounted for as a loan, joint venture or as real estate. To date, management has determined that all such investments are properly accounted for and reported as loans.

 

Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Loans are considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Specific valuation allowances are established for impaired loans based on the fair value of collateral on an individual loan basis. The fair value of the collateral is determined by selecting the most appropriate valuation methodology, or methodologies, among several generally available and accepted in the commercial real estate industry. The determination of the most appropriate valuation methodology is based on the key characteristics of the collateral type. These methodologies include the evaluation of operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, and estimated sales value of the collateral computed by applying an expected capitalization rate to the stabilized net operating income of the specific property, less selling costs, discounted at market discount rates.

 

If upon completion of the valuation, the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loan is less than the net carrying value of the loan, an allowance is created with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. The allowance for each loan is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb probable losses. We had a $130.5 million allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2008 related to ten loans in our portfolio with an aggregate carrying value, net of reserves, of approximately $312.7 million. At December 31, 2007, we had a $2.5 million allowance for loan losses related to two loans in our portfolio with an aggregate carrying value, net of reserves, of approximately $58.5 million.

Repurchase Obligations

 

In certain circumstances, we have financed the purchase of investments from a counterparty through a repurchase agreement with that same counterparty. We currently record these investments in the same manner as other investments financed with repurchase agreements, with the investment recorded as an asset and the related borrowing under the repurchase agreement as a liability on our consolidated balance sheet. Interest income earned on the investments and interest expense incurred on the repurchase obligations are reported separately on the consolidated statement of operations. These transactions may not qualify as a purchase by us under FSP FAS 140-3 which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We would be required to present the net investment on our balance sheet as a derivative with the corresponding change in fair value of the derivative being recorded in the statement of operations. The value of the derivative would reflect not only changes in the value of the underlying investment, but also changes in the value of the underlying credit provided by the counterparty. See Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof.

 

Capitalized Interest

 

We capitalize interest in accordance with SFAS No. 58 “Capitalization of Interest Costs in Financial Statements that Include Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method.” This statement amended SFAS No. 34 “Capitalization of Interest Costs” to include investments (equity, loans and advances) accounted for by the equity method as qualifying assets of the investor while the investee has activities in progress necessary to commence its planned principal operations, provided that the investee’s activities include the use of funds to acquire qualifying assets for its operations. One of our joint ventures, which is accounted for using the equity method, has used funds to acquire qualifying assets for its planned principal operations. During 2007, the joint venture sold both of the acquired properties and we discontinued the capitalization of interest on its remaining investment in the joint venture as activities required under SFAS No. 34 ceased to continue. We capitalized $0.3 million and $0.9 million of interest during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relating to this investment. We did not capitalize interest during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Interest Income.  Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis as it is earned from loans, investments and securities. In many instances, the borrower pays an additional amount of interest at the time the loan is closed, an origination fee, and deferred interest upon maturity. In some cases, interest income may also include the amortization or accretion of premiums and discounts arising from the purchase or origination of the loan or security. This additional income, net of any direct loan origination costs incurred, is deferred and accreted into interest income on an effective yield or “interest” method adjusted for actual prepayment activity over the life of the related loan or security as a yield adjustment. Income recognition is suspended for loans when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. Income recognition is resumed when the loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. Several of the loans provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management’s determination that accrued interest and outstanding principal are ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the borrower. If management cannot make this determination regarding collectibility, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt. Additionally, interest income is recorded when earned from equity participation interests, referred to as equity kickers. These equity kickers have the potential to generate additional revenues to us as a result of excess cash flows being distributed and/or as appreciated properties are sold or refinanced. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recorded $1.0 million, $30.0 million and $13.2 million of interest on such loans and investments, respectively.

 

Property operating income.  Property operating income represents operating income associated with the operations of an office building recorded as real estate owned, net. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we recorded approximately $3.2 million of property operating income relating to real estate owned. There was no property operating income in 2007 or 2006.

Stock Based Compensation

 

We record stock-based compensation expense at the grant date fair value of the related stock-based award in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, (“SFAS 123R”). We measure the compensation costs for these shares as of the date of the grant, with subsequent re-measurement for any unvested shares granted to non-employees with such amounts expensed against earnings, at the grant date (for the portion that vest immediately) or ratably over the respective vesting periods. The cost of these grants is amortized over the vesting term using an accelerated method in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 28 “Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Options or Award Plans” (“FIN 28”), and SFAS 123R. Dividends are paid on the restricted shares as dividends are paid on shares of our common stock whether or not they are vested. Stock based compensation was disclosed in our Consolidated Statement of Operations under “employee compensation and benefits” for employees and under “selling and administrative” expense for non-employees.

 

Income Taxes

 

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT and to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code with respect thereto. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on taxable income which is distributed to its stockholders, provided that at least 90% of taxable income is distributed and provided that certain other requirements are met. Certain of our assets that produce non-qualifying income are held in taxable REIT subsidiaries. Unlike other subsidiaries of a REIT, the income of a taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to federal and state income taxes.

 

In July 2006, the FASB released Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FAS 109. This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. This interpretation was effective January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on our financial results.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”) as a revision to FIN No. 46, which requires a variable interest entity (“VIE”) to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary (“PB”). The PB is the party that absorbs a majority of the VIE’s anticipated losses and/or a majority of the expected returns.

 

On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our loans and investments and investments in equity affiliates to determine whether they are VIEs. This evaluation resulted in us determining that our bridge loans, junior participation loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments and investments in equity affiliates were potential variable interests. For each of these investments, we have evaluated (1) the sufficiency of the fair value of the entities’ equity investments at risk to absorb losses, (2) that as a group the holders of the equity investments at risk have (a) the direct or indirect ability through voting rights to make decisions about the entities’ significant activities, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity and their obligations are not protected directly or indirectly, (c) the right to receive the expected residual return of the entity and their rights are not capped, (3) substantially all of the entities’ activities do not involve or are not conducted on behalf of an investor that has disproportionately fewer voting rights in terms of its obligation to absorb the expected losses or its right to receive expected residual returns of the entity, or both.

 

Entities that issue junior subordinated notes are considered VIEs. However, it is not appropriate to consolidate these entities under the provisions of FIN 46 as equity interests are variable interests only to the extent that the investment is considered to be at risk. Since our investments were funded by the entities that issued the junior subordinated notes, they are not considered to be at risk. In addition, we have evaluated our investments in

collateralized debt obligation securities and have determined that the issuing entities are considered VIEs under the provisions of FIN 46, but have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary.

 

As of December 31, 2008, we have identified 45 loans and investments which were made to entities determined to be VIEs. However, for the 45 VIEs identified, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiaries and as such the VIEs should not be consolidated in our financial statements. For all other investments, we have determined they are not VIEs. As such, we have continued to account for these loans and investments as a loan or joint venture, as appropriate. A summary of our identified VIEs is presented in Note 9 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof.

 

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the carrying values of interest rate swaps and the underlying hedged liabilities are reflected at their fair value. As of December 31, 2008 we have retained the services of Chatham Financial Corporation, a Statement on Auditing Standards No. 70 (“SAS 70”), “Service Organizations” compliant, third party financial services company to determine these fair values. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are either offset against the change in the fair value of the hedged liability through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. Derivatives that do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting treatment are adjusted to fair value through earnings.

 

Because the valuations of our hedging activities are based on estimates, the fair value may change if our estimates are inaccurate. For the effect of hypothetical changes in market interest rates on our interest rate swaps, see “Interest Rate Risk” in “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, set forth in Item 7A hereof.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

We adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” for financial assets and liabilities effective January 1, 2008. This standard defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. This standard does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather applies to all other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.

 

Fair value is defined as the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity.

 

Assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, defined by SFAS 157 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

 

 

 

Determining which category an asset or liability falls within the hierarchy requires significant judgment and we evaluate its hierarchy disclosures each quarter.

 

At December 31, 2008, we measured certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including available-for-sale securities and derivative financial instruments. Fair values of our derivative financial instruments were approximated on current market data received from financial sources that trade such instruments and are based on prevailing market data and derived from third party proprietary models based on well recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions. These items were included in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with SFAS 157, we incorporated credit valuation adjustments in the fair values of its derivative financial instruments to reflect counterparty nonperformance risk. In addition, the fair value of our available-for-sale securities were approximated on current market quotes received from financial sources that trade such securities.

 

At December 31, 2008, we measured certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, including loans and securities held-to-maturity. Fair values of loans were estimated using discounted cash flow methodology, using discount rates, which, in the opinion of management, best reflect current market interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar characteristics and credit quality. Loans are designated as held for investment and are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, loan purchase discounts, and net of the allowance for loan losses when such loan or investment is deemed to be impaired. We consider a loan impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We perform evaluations of its loans to determine if the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loan is less than the net carrying value of the loan, which may result in an allowance and corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. In addition, the fair values of our securities-held-to maturity were approximated on current market quotes received from financial sources that trade such securities.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

For a discussion of the impact of new accounting pronouncements on our financial condition or results of operations, see Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” set forth in Item 8 hereof.

 

Changes in Financial Condition

 

Our loan portfolio balance, including our held-to-maturity securities, decreased $352.2 million, or 14%, to $2.2 billion at December 31, 2008, with a weighted average current interest pay rate of 6.13%, as compared to $2.6 billion, with a weighted average current interest pay rate of 8.18%, at December 31, 2007. At December 31, 2008, advances on financing facilities totaled $2.0 billion, with a weighted average funding cost of 3.51%, as compared to $2.3 billion, with a weighted average funding cost of 6.16% at December 31, 2007.

 

In 2008, we originated 13 loans and investments totaling $175.0 million, of which $163.9 million was funded as of December 31, 2008. We also purchased seven CRE collateralized debt obligation bond securities at a discounted price of approximately $58.1 million with a face amount of approximately $82.7 million. Of the new loans and investments, eight were bridge loans totaling $97.7 million, four were mezzanine loans totaling

$42.3 million, and one was a junior participating interest totaling $35.0 million. We have received full satisfaction of 25 loans totaling $512.4 million, partial repayment on loans totaling $52.5 million and 16 loans were refinanced during the year totaling $320.5 million. In addition, 19 loans totaling approximately $451.2 million were extended in accordance with the extension options of the corresponding loan agreements.

 

Since December 31, 2008, we have not originated any loans. We have received $10.9 million for the repayment in full of four loans, all of which were loans on properties that were either sold or refinanced outside of Arbor.

 

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $21.4 million, or 96%, to $0.8 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $22.2 million at December 31, 2007. All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The decrease was primarily due to approximately a $34.6 million increase in funding of additional cash collateral for a portion of our interest rate swaps whose value has declined as a result of reductions in the projected LIBOR rates.

 

Restricted cash decreased $45.9 million, or 33%, to $93.2 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $139.1 million at December 31, 2007. Restricted cash is kept on deposit with the trustees for our collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), and primarily represents proceeds from loan repayments which will be used to purchase replacement loans as collateral for the CDOs. The decrease was primarily due to the redeployment of funds during 2008 from proceeds received near the end of 2007 from the full satisfaction of loans held in the CDO and the transfer of loans from other financing facilities to the CDOs.

 

Other assets increased $56.0 million, or 67%, to $139.7 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $83.7 million at December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to a $34.6 million increase in funding additional cash collateral for a portion of our interest rate swaps whose value has declined as a result of reductions in the projected LIBOR rates. See Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for further information relating to our derivatives. The increase was also due to a $16.5 million third party member receivable recorded during the second quarter of 2008 in connection with the Prime Outlets Member LLC (“POM”) transaction. This amount reflects the third party member’s pro-rata portion of the $48.5 million debt recorded from the consolidated entity in notes payable at December 31, 2008. In addition, in 2008, we paid approximately $4.8 million of margin calls related to the financing of certain held-to-maturity securities, as well as a $4.7 million increase in the fair value of non-qualifying CDO basis swaps. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $5.4 million in deferred financing costs associated with the amortization of costs associated with our financing sources.

 

Securities held to maturity were $58.2 million at December 31, 2008, and reflects the purchase of $82.7 million of investment grade CRE collateralized debt obligation bonds for $58.1 million during the second quarter of 2008. A portion of the $24.6 million discount received on the purchases of these bonds will be accreted into interest income on an effective yield adjusted for actual prepayment activity over the estimated life remaining of 5.8 years of the securities as a yield adjustment. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we determined that one bond, with an amortized cost of approximately $1.4 million, was other-than-temporarily impaired, resulting in a $1.4 million impairment charge to our financial statements. We did not have any securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2007. See Note 5 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof for a further description of these transactions.

 

Real estate owned, net was $46.5 million at December 31, 2008, representing the net carrying value of an office property which we foreclosed on during the second quarter of 2008. In addition, we recorded a $41.4 million first lien on the property in mortgage notes payable. See Note 3 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof for a further description of these transactions.

 

Prepaid management fee increased $7.3 million, or 38%, to $26.3 million at December 31, 2008 due to a $7.3 million incentive management fee paid on the $33 million of cash received in June 2008 from the agreement to transfer 16.67% of our 24.17% interest in POM, one of our equity affiliates. Upon the closing of this transaction, which is expected to occur on or before June 26, 2009, we will exchange our 16.67% interest in POM for approximately $37 million of preferred and common operating partnership units in another REIT, at which time the deferred management fee will be recognized as expense. See Note 6 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof for further description of this transaction.

Other liabilities increased $67.3 million, or 100%, from $67.4 million at December 31, 2007 compared to $134.6 million at December 31, 2008. The increase was primarily due to a $68.3 million increase in unrealized losses on the fair value of our interest rate swaps, due to a reduction in LIBOR rates, with a corresponding offset to other comprehensive loss.

 

In 2008, we recorded $16.2 million in other-than-temporary impairment charges against our available-for-sale securities, shares of common stock of CBRE Realty Finance, Inc., representing an adjustment to their fair value at December 31, 2008. These securities had a fair value of $0.5 million and $15.7 million at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, these securities have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) require that these securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary, though it is not intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. We believe that based on recent market events and the unfavorable prospects for near-term recovery of value, that there is a lack of evidence to support the conclusion that the fair value decline is temporary. Prior to the third quarter of 2008, changes in the fair market value of our available-for-sale securities were considered unrealized gains or losses and were recorded as a component of other comprehensive income or loss.

 

In June 2008, ACM, our manager, exercised its right to redeem its 3,776,069 operating partnership units in the operating partnership for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. As a result, ACM’s operating partnership ownership interest in us was reduced to zero and the balance of minority interest was charged directly to equity in additional paid-in capital, as of June 30, 2008. See Notes 8 and 12 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof for a further description of this transaction.

 

In June 2008, we issued an aggregate of 70,000 shares of restricted common stock under the stock incentive plan to certain employees of ours and ACM. One third of the 70,000 shares of restricted stock granted to each of the employees were vested as of the date of grant, another one third will vest in June 2009, and the remaining third will vest in June 2010.

 

In April 2008, 14,000 restricted shares were issued to non-management members of the board of directors under the stock incentive plan. One third of the restricted stock granted was vested as of the date of grant, another one third will vest in April 2009, and the remaining third will vest in April 2010.

 

In April 2008, we issued 216,740 shares of restricted common stock under the stock incentive plan to certain employees of ours and ACM. One fifth of the restricted stock granted to each of these employees were vested as of the date of grant, the second one-fifth will vest in April 2009, the third one-fifth will vest in April 2010, the fourth one-fifth will vest in April 2011, and the remaining one-fifth will vest in April 2012.

 

ACM was paid an aggregate of 559,354 shares of common stock for its fourth quarter 2007, first quarter 2008 and second quarter 2008 incentive management fees during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Comparison of Results of Operations for Year Ended 2008 and 2007

 

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Interest income decreased $69.8 million, or 25%, to $204.1 million in 2008 from $274.0 million in 2007. This decrease was due in part to the recognition of $37.6 million of interest income from profits and equity interests from our investment in equity affiliates during 2007 as compared to $1.3 million in 2008.

 

Excluding these transactions, interest income decreased $33.5 million, or 14%, compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to a 16% decrease in the average yield on the assets from 9.34% in 2007 to 7.80% in 2008. This decrease in yield was the result of a decrease in LIBOR over the same period and a reduction in the yield on new originations compared to higher yielding loan payoffs from the same period in 2007. This was partially offset by a portion of our portfolio having LIBOR floors and fixed rates of interest. In addition, interest income from cash equivalents decreased $4.5 million to $4.4 million for 2008 compared to $8.9 million for 2007 as a result of decreased average restricted and unrestricted cash balances as well as lower interest rates.

 

Property operating income of $3.2 million in 2008 represents operating income associated with the operations of an office building recorded as real estate owned, net. There was no property operating income in 2007.

Other income increased $42,826, or 108%, to $82,329 in 2008 from $39,503 in 2007. This was primarily due to increased miscellaneous asset management fees on our loan and investment portfolio.

 

Expenses

 

Interest expense decreased $39.1 million, or 26%, to $108.7 million in 2008 from $147.7 million in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to a 26% decrease in the average cost of these borrowings from 6.76% for 2007 to 5.00% for 2008 due to a reduction in average LIBOR on the portion of our debt that was floating over the same period. This decrease was also due to $2.9 million in gains recorded in 2008 related to the recognition of mark-to-market adjustments on certain of our CDO basis swaps. In addition, there was a 1% decrease in the average balance of our debt facilities from the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 as a result of decreased leverage on our portfolio due to the paying down of certain outstanding indebtedness by repayment of loans, the transfer of assets to our CDO vehicles which carry a lower cost of funds and from available capital.

 

Employee compensation and benefits expense decreased $1.3 million, or 14%, to $8.1 million in 2008 from $9.4 million in 2007. These expenses represent salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation related to employees, and incentive compensation for those employed by us during these periods. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in employee compensation and benefits, partially offset by an increase in costs related to restricted stock awards granted to employees in 2008.

 

Selling and administrative expense increased $2.6 million, or 47%, to $8.2 million in 2008 from $5.6 million in 2007. These costs include, but are not limited to, professional and consulting fees, marketing costs, insurance expense, directors’ fees, licensing fees, travel and placement fees, and stock-based compensation relating to the cost of restricted stock granted to our directors and certain employees of our manager. The increase was primarily due to expenses related to the Prime Outlets transaction and other increases in professional fees including general corporate legal expenses. This increase was also due to $0.4 million of losses recognized from the sales of two properties securing two bridge loans during 2008. See Note 3 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof for further details on these transactions.

 

Property operating expenses of $3.0 million in 2008 represents all expenses related to the operations of an office building recorded as real estate owned, net. There were no property operating expenses in 2007.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense of $0.8 million in 2008 represents depreciation on property, leasehold improvements, and equipment associated with the consolidation of an office building as real estate owned, net. There were no depreciation and amortization expenses in 2007.

 

Other-than-temporary impairment charges of $17.6 million in 2008 primarily represents the recognition of a $16.2 million impairment that was considered other-than-temporary relating to the fair market value of our available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2008. Prior to September 30, 2008, changes in the fair market value of our available-for-sale securities were considered unrealized gains or losses and were recorded as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. Other-than-temporary impairment charges in 2008 also included $1.4 million for the recognition of an impairment that was considered other-than-temporary relating to one of our securities held-to-maturity. These securities represent common stock and a CDO bond security, both issued by CBRE, another commercial REIT. There were no other-than-temporary impairment charges in 2007.

 

Provision for loan losses totaled $132.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, and $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The provision recorded in 2008 was based on our normal quarterly loan reviews during the year, where it was determined that ten loans with an aggregate carrying value of $443.2 million, before reserves, became impaired. We performed quarterly evaluations of the loans and determined that the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loans was less than the net carrying value of the loan, resulting in us recording a $132.0 million provision for loan losses. The provision recorded in 2007 was based on our normal quarterly loan review at December 31, 2007, where it was determined that two loans with an aggregate carrying value of $58.5 million, before reserves, were impaired.

 

Management fees decreased $21.5 million, or 86%, to $3.5 million in 2008 from $25.0 million in 2007. These amounts represent compensation in the form of base management fees and incentive management fees as provided for in the management agreement with our manager. The incentive management fees decreased by $21.8 million, or

100%, to $0 in 2008 from $21.8 million in 2007. This decrease was due to losses in 2008, versus income in 2007, primarily due to $132.0 million of provisions for loan losses, along with other-than-temporary impairment charges on our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities totaling $17.6 million in 2008. This decrease was also due to $72.2 million of income from profits and equity interests in 2007. The base management fees increased by $0.3 million, or 10%, to $3.5 million in 2008 from $3.2 million in 2007. This increase is primarily due to increased average stockholders’ equity directly attributable to greater undistributed profits and capital raised from the June 2007 public offering of our common stock.

 

Losses or Income From Equity Affiliates

 

Losses from equity affiliates totaled $2.3 million in 2008. Income from two of our investments in equity affiliates totaled $34.6 million for 2007. The $2.3 million loss recorded during 2008 reflects a portion of the joint venture’s losses from a $10.2 million equity investment, partially offset by $0.7 million in income from two of our other investments.

 

Income Allocated to Minority Interest

 

Income allocated to minority interest decreased by $12.5 million, or 74%, to $4.4 million in 2008 from $17.0 million in 2007. These amounts represent the portion of our income allocated to our manager as well as a third party’s interest in a consolidated subsidiary which holds a note payable that is accruing interest expense. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in our manager’s limited partnership interest in us. Our manager had a weighted average limited partnership interest of 7.6% in our operating partnership in 2008 compared to 16.6% in 2007. In June 2008, our manager exercised its right to redeem its 3,776,069 operating partnership units in our operating partnership for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. As a result, our manager’s operating partnership ownership interest percentage was reduced to zero at June 30, 2008. This decrease was also due to a 43% decrease in the average income before minority interest reduced by the provision for income taxes for the first two quarters of 2008 as compared to all four quarters of 2007. 2008 included a loss allocated to minority interest of $0.3 million representing a third party member’s share of a $1.0 million distribution received from a profits interest. In addition, 2008 also included a gain allocated to minority interest of $0.3 million representing the portion of loss allocated to the third party’s interest in a consolidated subsidiary, which holds a note payable that is accruing interest expense. This note payable is related to the POM transaction discussed in Note 6 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, we are generally not subject to federal income tax on our REIT - taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders, provided that we distribute at least 90% of our REIT - taxable income and meet certain other requirements. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we were in compliance with all REIT requirements and, therefore, have not provided for income tax expense on our REIT - taxable income for years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

Certain of our assets that produce non-qualifying income are owned by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, the income of which is subject to federal and state income taxes. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we recorded a $16.9 million provision on income from these taxable REIT subsidiaries. No such provision had been recognized for the year ended December 31, 2008. The provision for the year ended December 31, 2007 resulted from $38.3 million of pretax income from our taxable REIT subsidiaries.

Comparison of Results of Operations for Year Ended 2007 and 2006

 

The following table sets forth our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

 

Revenue

 

Interest income increased $101.2 million, or 59%, to $274.0 million in 2007 from $172.8 million in 2006. This increase was due in part to the recognition of $37.6 million of interest income from profits and equity interests from our investment in equity affiliates during 2007 as compared to $10.4 million in 2006.

 

Excluding these transactions, interest income increased $74.0 million, or 46%, over the same period. This increase was primarily due to a $938.7 million, or 63%, increase in the average balance of the loan and investment portfolio from $1.5 billion in 2006 to $2.4 billion in 2007 due to increased loan and investment originations. This was partially offset by an 11% decrease in the average yield on assets from 10.48% in 2006 to 9.34% in 2007. This decrease in yield was the result of a reduction in yield on new originations compared to higher yielding loan payoffs during 2006 and 2007, partially offset by an increase in LIBOR over the same period. Interest income from cash equivalents increased $4.2 million to $8.9 million for 2007 compared to $4.7 million for 2006 as a result of increased restricted cash balances due to the issuance of CDO III in December 2006.

 

Income from swap derivative totaled $0.7 million during 2006 and was the result of a change in accounting treatment according to a new technical clarification of accounting for interest rate swaps in 2006 on one of our junior subordinated notes relating to trust preferred securities. This reflected the cumulative fair value of the interest rate swap on one of our trust preferred securities on the date it was deemed an ineffective cash flow hedge. This swap was terminated in January 2007.

Other income decreased $0.1 million, or 77%, to $0.1 million from $0.2 million in 2006. This was primarily due to decreased miscellaneous asset management fees on our loan and investment portfolio.

 

Expenses

 

Interest expense increased $55.0 million, or 59%, to $147.7 million in 2007 from $92.7 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to an $897.0 million, or 70%, increase in the average balance of our debt facilities from $1.3 billion in 2006 to $2.2 billion in 2007 as a result of increased portfolio growth and financing facilities. This was partially offset by a 5% decrease in the average cost of these borrowings from 7.11% for 2006 to 6.76% for 2007, due to reduced borrowing costs primarily as a result of an increase in average CDO debt, combined with an increase in income from interest rate swaps on our variable rate debt associated with certain of our fixed rate loans, partially offset by an increase in average LIBOR.

 

Employee compensation and benefits expense increased $3.3 million, or 54%, to $9.4 million in 2007 from $6.1 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to the expansion of staffing needs associated with the areas of asset management, structured securitization and underwriting due to the growth of the business and increased size of our portfolio. These expenses represent salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation related to employees, and incentive compensation for those employed by us during these periods.

 

Selling and administrative expense increased $0.4 million, or 8%, to $5.6 million in 2007 from $5.2 million in 2006. Theses costs include, but are not limited to, professional and consulting fees, marketing costs, insurance expense, director’s fees, licensing fees, travel and placement fees, and stock-based compensation relating to the cost of restricted stock granted to our directors and certain employees of our manager. The increase is primarily due to professional fees, including legal, accounting services, and consulting fees relating to investor relations, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and regulatory filings.

 

Provision for loan losses totaled $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and there was no provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2006. The provision recorded was based on our normal quarterly loan review at December 31, 2007, where it was determined that two multi-family loans were impaired. We performed an evaluation of the loans and determined that the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the impaired loans was less than the net carrying value of the loan resulting in us recording a $2.5 million provision for loan losses.

 

Management fee expense increased $12.2 million, or 95%, to $25.0 million in 2007 from $12.8 million in 2006. These amounts represent compensation in the form of base management fees and incentive compensation management fees as provided for in the management agreement with our manager. The base management fee expense increased by $0.6 million, or 22%, to $3.2 million in 2007 from $2.6 million in 2006. This increase is primarily due to increased stockholders’ equity directly attributable to greater undistributed profits and capital raised from the June 2007 public offering of our common stock over the same period in 2006. The incentive compensation management fee expense increased $11.6 million, or 114%, to $21.8 million in 2007 from $10.2 million in 2006. This increase was due in part to the recognition of $37.6 million of interest income from profits and equity interests and $34.6 million of income from equity affiliates during 2007 as compared to $10.4 million of interest income from profits and equity interest and $4.8 million of income from equity investments in 2006.

 

Income From Equity Affiliates

 

Income from equity affiliates increased $29.8 million to $34.6 million in 2007 from $4.8 million for 2006. This increase was due to $29.6 million in gains recognized on the sale of properties within one of our equity affiliates, and $5.0 million of income from excess proceeds received from the sale and refinancing of certain properties in the portfolio of another of our investments in equity affiliates. During 2006, we recognized $4.8 million of revenue from excess proceeds received from the refinancing of properties of one of our investments in equity affiliates.

 

Income Allocated to Minority Interest

 

Income allocated to minority interest increased $5.9 million, or 53%, to $17.0 million in 2007 from $11.1 million in 2006. These amounts represent the portion of our income allocated to our manager. This increase

was primarily due to a 65% increase in income before minority interest reduced by the provision for income taxes over the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in our manager’s limited partnership interest in us. Our manager had a weighted average limited partnership interest of 16.6% and 18.0% in our operating partnership in 2007 and 2006, respectively. At December 31, 2007, our manager had a limited partnership interest of 15.5% in our operating partnership.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT and to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income which is distributed to our stockholders, provided that at least 90% of the taxable income is distributed and provided that certain other requirements are met. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we were in compliance with all REIT requirements and, therefore, have not provided for income tax expense on our REIT taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

We also have certain investments in taxable REIT subsidiaries which are subject to federal and state income taxes. During the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we recorded a $16.9 million and $0.2 million provision, respectively, on income from these taxable REIT subsidiaries. The increased provision for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 resulted from an increase in taxable income related to the sales of certain properties of our investments in equity affiliates that are held in taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Sources of Liquidity

 

Liquidity is a measurement of the ability to meet potential cash requirements. Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs include ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund future loans and investments, fund additional cash collateral from potential declines in the value of a portion of our interest rate swaps, fund operating costs and distributions to our stockholders as well as other general business needs. Our primary sources of funds for liquidity consist of proceeds from equity offerings, debt facilities and cash flows from operations. Our equity sources consist of funds raised from our private equity offering in July 2003, net proceeds from our initial public offering of our common stock in April 2004, net proceeds from our public offering of our common stock in June 2007 and depending on market conditions, proceeds from capital market transactions including the future issuance of common, convertible and/or preferred equity securities. Our debt facilities include the issuance of floating rate notes resulting from our CDOs, the issuance of junior subordinated notes to subsidiary trusts issuing preferred securities and borrowings under credit agreements. Net cash provided by operating activities include interest income from our loan and investment portfolio reduced by interest expense on our debt facilities, cash from equity participation interests, repayments of outstanding loans and investments and funds from junior loan participation arrangements.

 

We believe our existing sources of funds will be adequate for purposes of meeting our short-term and long-term liquidity needs. Our loans and investments are financed under existing credit facilities and their credit status is continuously monitored; therefore, these loans and investments are expected to generate a generally stable return. Our ability to meet our long-term liquidity and capital resource requirements is subject to obtaining additional debt and equity financing. If we are unable to renew our sources of financing on substantially similar terms or at all, it would have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Any decision by our lenders and investors to enter into such transactions with us will depend upon a number of factors, such as our financial performance, compliance with the terms of our existing credit arrangements, industry or market trends, the general availability of and rates applicable to financing transactions, such lenders’ and investors’ resources and policies concerning the terms under which they make such capital commitments and the relative attractiveness of alternative investment or lending opportunities.

 

Recent conditions in capital and credit markets have made certain forms of financing less attractive, and in certain cases less available, therefore we will continue to rely on cash flows provided by operating and investing activities for working capital and potential changes in dividend policy in our efforts towards capital preservation.

To maintain our status as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, we must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT - taxable income. These distribution requirements limit our ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital for operations. However, we believe that our capital resources and access to financing will provide us with financial flexibility and market responsiveness at levels sufficient to meet current and anticipated capital requirements.

 

In December 2008, the IRS issued “Revenue Procedure 2008-68” that allows listed REITs to offer shareholders elective stock dividends, which are paid in a combination of cash and common stock with at least 10% of the total distribution paid in cash, to satisfy the dividend requirement through 2009.

 

Equity Offerings

 

Our authorized capital provides for the issuance of up to 500 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 100 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

 

In March 2007, we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC under the 1933 Act with respect to an aggregate of $500.0 million of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares and warrants, that may be sold by us from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 of the 1933 Act. On April 19, 2007, the Commission declared this shelf registration statement effective.

 

In June 2007, we sold 2,700,000 shares of our common stock registered on the shelf registration statement in a public offering at a price of $27.65 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $73.6 million after deducting the underwriting discount and the other estimated offering expenses. We used the proceeds to pay down debt and finance our loan and investment portfolio. The underwriters did not exercise their over allotment option for additional shares.

 

In August 2008, we entered into an equity placement program sales agreement with a securities agent whereby we may issue and sell up to three million shares of our common stock through the agent who agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell such shares during the term of the agreement and under the terms set forth therein. To date, we have not utilized this equity placement program.

 

At December 31, 2008, we had $425.3 million available under the shelf registration described above and 25,142,410 shares outstanding.

 

Debt Facilities

 

We also maintain liquidity through two term credit agreements, one of which has a revolving credit component, three master repurchase agreements, one working capital facility, one note payable, three junior loan participations and one bridge loan warehousing credit agreement with seven different financial institutions or companies. In addition, we have issued three collateralized debt obligations or CDOs and nine separate junior subordinated notes. London inter-bank offered rate, or LIBOR, refers to one-month LIBOR unless specifically stated. As of December 31, 2008, these facilities had an aggregate capacity of $2.2 billion and borrowings were approximately $2.0 billion.

The following is a summary of our debt facilities as of December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

These debt facilities are described in further detail in Note 7 of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

Repurchase obligation financings provide us with a revolving component to our debt structure. Repurchase agreements provide stand alone financing for certain assets and interim, or warehouse financing, for assets that we plan to contribute to our CDOs. At December 31, 2008, the aggregate outstanding balance under these facilities was $60.7 million.

 

We have a $200.0 million repurchase agreement with a financial institution, effective October 2006, which was amended in December 2007 to increase the committed amount of the facility to $200.0 million from $150.0 million. The agreement has a term expiring in October 2009 and bears interest at pricing over LIBOR, varying on the type of asset financed. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance under this facility was $37.0 million with a current weighted average note rate of 1.50%.

 

We have a $100.0 million repurchase agreement with a second institution that bears interest at pricing over LIBOR and had a maturity date of September 2008. In January 2008, we were notified that no further advances could be taken under this facility. The facility matured in September 2008 and, under the terms of the repurchase agreement, the facility was to be paid in its entirety by December 2008. In December 2008, we amended this facility extending the maturity to June 2009. The amendment also includes an increase in interest rate pricing over LIBOR to 250 basis points, a paydown of $3.1 million by January 31, 2009 and full repayment of the facility by June 2009. At December 31, 2008, the aggregate outstanding balance under this facility was $15.6 million with a current weighted average note rate of 3.07%. In addition, at January 31, 2009, the aggregate outstanding balance under this facility was $7.4 million.

 

We have an uncommitted master repurchase agreement with a third financial institution, effective April 2008, entered into for the purpose of financing our CRE CDO bond securities. The agreement has a term expiring in May 2010 and bears interest at pricing over LIBOR, varying on the type of asset financed. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we paid approximately $4.8 million of margin calls related to certain assets financed in this facility, due to a decrease in values associated with a change in market interest rate spreads. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance under this facility was $8.2 million with a current weighted average note rate of 2.48%.

 

We had a $100.0 million master repurchase agreement with Nomura Credit and Capital, Inc. that expired in December 2007. We exercised our right under the repurchase agreement to extend the repayment date until June

2008. No further advances were permitted under the agreement. This repurchase agreement bore interest at pricing over LIBOR, varying on the type of asset financed. This facility was repaid in its entirety in February 2008.

 

CDOs

 

We completed three separate CDOs since 2005 by issuing to third party investors, tranches of investment grade collateralized debt obligations through newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Issuers”). The Issuers hold assets, consisting primarily of real-estate related assets and cash which serve as collateral for the CDOs. The assets pledged as collateral for the CDOs were contributed from our existing portfolio of assets. By contributing these real estate assets to the various CDOs, these transactions resulted in a decreased cost of funds relating to the corresponding CDO assets and created capacity in our existing credit facilities.

 

The Issuers issued tranches of investment grade floating-rate notes of approximately $305.0 million, $356.0 million and $447.5 million for CDO I, CDO II and CDO III, respectively. CDO III also has a $100.0 million revolving note which was not drawn upon at the time of issuance. The revolving note facility has a commitment fee of 0.22% per annum on the undrawn portion of the facility. The tranches were issued with floating rate coupons based on three-month LIBOR plus pricing of 0.44% - 0.77%. Proceeds from the sale of the investment grade tranches issued in CDO I, CDO II and CDO III of $267.0 million, $301.0 million and $317.1 million, respectively, were used to repay higher costing outstanding debt under our repurchase agreements and notes payable. The CDOs may be replenished with substitute collateral for loans that are repaid during the first four years for CDO I and the first five years for CDO II and CDO III, subject to certain customary provisions. Thereafter, the outstanding debt balance will be reduced as loans are repaid. Proceeds from the repayment of assets which serve as collateral for the CDOs must be retained in its structure as restricted cash until such collateral can be replaced and therefore not available to fund current cash needs. If such cash is not used to replenish collateral, it could have a negative impact on our anticipated returns. Proceeds from CDO I and CDO II are distributed quarterly with approximately $2.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively, being paid to investors as a reduction of the CDO liability. For accounting purposes, CDOs are consolidated in our financial statements.

 

At December 31, 2008, the outstanding note balance under CDO I, CDO II and CDO III was $275.3 million, $343.3 million and $533.7 million, respectively.

 

The continued turmoil in the structured finance markets, in particular the sub-prime residential loan market, has negatively impacted the credit markets generally, and, as a result, investor demand for commercial real estate collateralized debt obligations has been substantially curtailed. In recent years, we have relied to a substantial extent on CDO financings to obtain match funded financing for our investments. Until the market for commercial real estate CDOs recovers, we may be unable to utilize CDOs to finance our investments and we may need to utilize less favorable sources of financing to finance our investments on a long-term basis. There can be no assurance as to when demand for commercial real estate CDOs will return or the terms of such securities investors will demand or whether we will be able to issue CDOs to finance our investments on terms beneficial to us.

 

Our CDO bonds contain interest coverage and asset over collateralization covenants that must be met in order for us to receive such payments. If we fail these covenants in any of our CDOs, all cash flows from the applicable CDO would be diverted to repay principal and interest on the outstanding CDO bonds and we would not receive any residual payments until that CDO regained compliance with such tests. We were in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2008. In the event of a breach of the CDO covenants that could not be cured in the near-term, we would be required to fund our non-CDO expenses, including management fees and employee costs, distributions required to maintain REIT status, debt costs, and other expenses with (i) cash on hand, (ii) income from any CDO not in breach of a covenant test, (iii) income from real property and unencumbered loan assets, (iv) sale of assets, (v) or accessing the equity or debt capital markets, if available. We have the ability to cure covenant breaches which would resume normal residual payments to us by purchasing non-performing loans out of the CDOs. However, we may not have sufficient liquidity available to do so at such time.

 

Junior Subordinated Notes

 

The junior subordinated notes are unsecured, have a maturity of 29 to 30 years, pay interest quarterly at a floating rate of interest based on three-month LIBOR and, absent the occurrence of special events, are not

redeemable during the first five years. At December 31, 2008, the aggregate outstanding balance under these facilities was $276.1 million with a current weighted average note rate of 7.21%.

 

Notes Payable

 

Notes payable consists of two term credit agreements, a revolving credit line, a working capital facility, a bridge loan warehousing credit agreement, a note payable and a junior loan participation. At December 31, 2008, the aggregate outstanding balance under these facilities was $518.4 million.

 

In June 2007, we entered into a $60.0 million working capital facility with Wachovia. In July 2008, the facility was extended for one year to June 2009 and was amended to decrease the amount of the facility to $45.0 million from $60.0 million. In addition, the amendment includes required quarterly paydowns of $3.0 million beginning October 1, 2008 and an interest rate increase from 210 bps over Libor to 500 bps over Libor. At December 31, 2008, the aggregate outstanding balance under this facility was $41.9 million with a current weighted average note rate of 5.51%.

 

In November 2007, we entered in two new credit agreements with Wachovia which replaced two of our existing repurchase agreements totaling $757.0 million with Wachovia and an affiliate of Wachovia. The outstanding balance under these two repurchase agreements totaled approximately $542.0 million at the time the repurchase agreements were replaced. The first credit agreement consists of a $473.0 million term loan and a $100.0 million revolving commitment which has a commitment period of two years with a one year auto extension feature, subject to certain criteria, to November 2010. The second credit agreement is a $69.0 million term loan which has a commitment period of two years with a one year extension period to November 2010. These two new credit agreements each bear interest at pricing over LIBOR, and have eliminated the mark to market risk as it relates to interest rate spreads that existed under the terms of the repurchase agreements.

 

The $473.0 million term loan has repayment provisions which included reducing the outstanding balance to $425.0 million by December 31, 2007 and also required a further reduction of the outstanding balance to $300.0 million by December 31, 2008. The advance rates for this term facility are similar to the advance rates that existed under the previous repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance under this facility was $280.2 million with a current weighted average note rate of 3.34%. The $100.0 million revolving commitment is used to finance new investments and can be increased with lender approval to $200.0 million now that the term loan has been paid down below $400.0 million. The term loan was paid down to $400.0 million on February 15, 2008. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance under this revolving facility was $64.8 million with a current weighted average note rate of 3.08%.

 

The $69.0 million term loan includes $10.0 million of annual repayment provisions in quarterly installments. The advance rate on this term facility is higher than the advance rate for the collateral that was in the repurchase agreement and eliminates the mark to market risk as it relates to interest rate spreads that existed under the terms of the repurchase agreement. We have also pledged our 24% equity interest in Prime Outlets Members, LLC (“POM”) as part of the agreement. In the second and third year of this term facility, we will be required to paydown this facility by an additional amount equal to distributions in excess of $10.0 million per year received by us from our investment in POM, if any. In connection with the POM transaction in July 2008, we agreed to pay down approximately $11.6 million of this facility from proceeds received from this transaction. In addition, 16.7% of our 24.2% equity interest in POM was released as collateral in conjunction with this paydown. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance under this facility was $32.9 million with a current weighted average note rate of 2.98%.

 

We have a $90.0 million bridge loan warehousing credit agreement with a fifth financial institution, effective June 2005, to provide financing for bridge loans. This agreement bears a variable rate of interest, payable monthly, based on Prime plus 0% or pricing over 1, 2, 3 or 6-month LIBOR, at our option. In October 2008, this facility was amended to extend the maturity date to October 2009. The amendment also includes an increase in interest rate pricing over LIBOR of approximately 135 basis points on all new additions to the facility and a reduction of the committed amount to $70.0 million. At December 31, 2008, the outstanding balance under this facility was $43.8 million with a current weighted average note rate of 5.15%.

We have a $48.5 million note payable related to the POM transaction. The note is initially secured by our 16.67% interest in POM, matures in July 2016 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.00%.

 

We have three junior loan participations with a total outstanding balance at December 31, 2008 of $6.3 million. These participation borrowings have a maturity date equal to the corresponding mortgage loan and are secured by the participant’s interest in the mortgage loans. Interest expense is based on a portion of the interest received from the loans.

 

Mortgage Note Payable

 

During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a $41.4 million first lien mortgage related to the foreclosure of an entity in which we had a $5.0 million mezzanine loan. The mortgage bears interest at a fixed rate, has a maturity date of June 2012 and the outstanding balance of this mortgage was $41.4 million at December 31, 2008.

 

Note Payable — Related Party

 

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we borrowed $4.2 million from our manager, ACM. At December 31, 2008, we had outstanding borrowings due to ACM totaling $4.2 million, which was recorded in notes payable — related party. In January 2009, the loan was repaid in full.

 

The working capital facility, bridge loan warehousing credit agreement, term and revolving credit agreements, and the master repurchase agreements require that we pay interest monthly, based on pricing over LIBOR. The amount of our pricing over these rates varies depending upon the structure of the loan or investment financed pursuant to the specific agreement.

 

The working capital facility, term and revolving credit agreements, bridge loan warehousing credit agreement, and the master repurchase agreements require that we pay down borrowings under these facilities pro-rata as principal payments on our loans and investments are received. In addition, if upon maturity of a loan or investment we decide to grant the borrower an extension option, the financial institutions have the option to extend the borrowings or request payment in full on the outstanding borrowings of the loan or investment extended. The financial institutions also have the right to request immediate payment of any outstanding borrowings on any loan or investment that is at least 60 days delinquent.

 

Cash Flow From Operations

 

We continually monitor our cash position to determine the best use of funds to both maximize our return on funds and maintain an appropriate level of liquidity. Historically, in order to maximize the return on our funds, cash generated from operations has generally been used to temporarily pay down borrowings under credit facilities whose primary purpose is to fund our new loans and investments. Consequently, when making distributions in the past, we have borrowed the required funds by drawing on credit capacity available under our credit facilities. However, given current market conditions, we may have to maintain adequate liquidity from operations to make any future distributions.

 

Restrictive Covenants

 

Each of the credit facilities contains various financial covenants and restrictions, including minimum net worth, minimum liquidity, debt-to-equity ratios and fixed and senior fixed charge coverage ratios. In addition to the financial terms and capacities described above, our credit facilities generally contain covenants that prohibit us from effecting a change in control, disposing of or encumbering assets being financed and restrict us from making any material amendment to our underwriting guidelines without approval of the lender. If we violate these covenants in any of our credit facilities, we could be required to pledge more collateral, or repay all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity at a time when we might be unable to arrange financing for such repayment on attractive terms, if at all. If we are unable to retire our borrowings in such a situation, (i) we may need to prematurely sell the assets securing such debt, (ii) the lenders could accelerate the debt and foreclose on the assets that are pledged as collateral to such lenders, (iii) such lenders could force us into bankruptcy, (iv) such lenders could force us to take other actions to protect the value of their collateral and (v) our other debt financings could become

immediately due and payable. Any such event would have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, the value of our common stock, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and our ability to continue as a going concern. Violations of these covenants may also result in our being unable to borrow unused amounts under our credit facilities, even if repayment of some or all borrowings is not required. Additionally, to the extent that we were to realize additional losses relating to our loans and investments, it would put additional pressure on our ability to continue to meet these covenants.

 

We were in compliance with all financial covenants and restrictions for the periods presented with the exception of a minimum liquidity requirement with three financial institutions at December 31, 2008. We are required to have a minimum unrestricted cash and cash equivalents total balance ranging from $5.0 million to $15.0 million, depending on the financial institution. We have obtained waivers of these covenants for December 31, 2008 from all three financial institutions and expect to be in compliance with these covenant calculations or receive the waivers and amendments in future periods.

 

Share Repurchase Plan

 

In August 2006, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan that enabled us to buy up to one million shares of our common stock. At management’s discretion, shares were acquired on the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan. A Rule 10b5-1 plan permits us to repurchase shares at times when we might otherwise be prevented from doing so. As of December 31, 2006, we repurchased 279,400 shares of our common stock in the open market and under a 10b5-1 plan at a total cost of $7.0 million (an average cost of $25.10 per share). This plan expired on February 9, 2007 and we did not purchase any shares during the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Contractual Commitments

 

As of December 31, 2008, we had the following material contractual obligations (payments in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

 

We have several off-balance-sheet investments, including joint ventures and structured finance investments. These investments all have varying ownership structures. Substantially all of our joint venture arrangements are accounted for under the equity method of accounting as we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control over the operating and financial decisions of these joint venture arrangements. Our off-balance-sheet arrangements are discussed in Note 6, “Investments in Equity Affiliates” of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8 hereof.

 

Management Agreement

 

Base Management Fees.  In exchange for the services that ACM provides us pursuant to the management agreement, we pay our manager a monthly base management fee in an amount equal to:

 

 

The base management fee is not calculated based on the manager’s performance or the types of assets it selects for investment on our behalf, but it is affected by the performance of these assets because it is based on the value of our operating partnership’s equity. We incurred $3.5 million, $3.2 million and $2.6 million in base management fees for services rendered in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Incentive Compensation.  Pursuant to the management agreement, our manager is also entitled to receive incentive compensation in an amount equal to:

 

 

 

 

(2) the weighted average of our operating partnership’s outstanding operating partnership units.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2008, ACM did not earn an incentive compensation fee and an overpayment of the incentive fee was recorded and included in due from related party in the amount of $2.9 million. Installments of the annual incentive compensation are subject to quarterly recalculation and potential reconciliation at the end of the fiscal year, and any overpayments are required to be repaid in accordance with the management agreement. During the first and second quarters of 2008, ACM received incentive compensation installments totaling $2.9 million, of which $1.4 million was elected by ACM to be paid in 116,680 shares of common stock and $1.5 million paid in cash. In addition, we recorded a $7.3 million deferred management fee related to the incentive compensation fee earned from the monetization of the POM equity kicker transaction in June 2008, which was subsequently paid and reclassified to prepaid management fees. Upon the closing of this transaction, which is expected to occur on or before June 26, 2009, we will recognize the $7.3 million as management fee expense. The $7.3 million incentive compensation fee was elected by ACM to be paid in 355,903 shares of common stock and $4.1 million paid in cash.

 

In 2007, ACM earned an incentive compensation installment totaling $40.8 million, of which $13.7 million was elected by ACM to be paid in 556,631 shares of common stock and $27.1 million paid in cash. Included in the $40.8 million of incentive compensation was $21.8 million recorded as management fee expense and $19.0 million

recorded as prepaid management fees related to the incentive compensation management fee on the deferred revenue recognized on the transfer of control of the 450 West 33rd Street property of one of our equity affiliates. As of December 31, 2007, ACM’s fourth quarter installment of $2.9 million was included in due to related party. As provided for in the management agreement, ACM elected to be paid its fourth quarter incentive compensation management fee partially in 86,772 shares of common stock with the remainder to be paid in cash totaling $1.5 million, which was subsequently paid in February 2008.

 

In 2006, ACM earned incentive compensation installments totaling $10.2 million, of which $8.5 million was elected by ACM to be paid in 306,764 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2006, ACM’s fourth quarter installment of $3.6 million was included in due to related party. As provided for in the management agreement, ACM elected to receive this entire incentive compensation fee in common stock, which was subsequently paid in February 2007 in common shares totaling 121,005.

 

We pay the annual incentive compensation in four installments, each within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter. The calculation of each installment is based on results for the 12 months ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter for which the installment is payable. These installments of the annual incentive compensation are subject to recalculation and potential reconciliation at the end of such fiscal year. Subject to the ownership limitations in our charter, at least 25% of this incentive compensation is payable to our manager in shares of our common stock having a value equal to the average closing price per share for the last 20 days of the fiscal quarter for which the incentive compensation is being paid.

 

The incentive compensation is accrued as it is earned. In accordance with Issue 4(b) of EITF 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services,” the expense incurred for incentive compensation paid in common stock is determined using the valuation method described above and the quoted market price of our common stock on the last day of each quarter. At December 31 of each year, we remeasure the incentive compensation paid to our manager in the form of common stock in accordance with Issue 4(a) of EITF 96-18 which discusses how to measure at the measurement date when certain terms are not known prior to the measurement date. Accordingly, the expense recorded for such common stock is adjusted to reflect the fair value of the common stock on the measurement date when the final calculation of the annual incentive compensation is determined. In the event that the annual incentive compensation calculated as of the measurement date is less than the four quarterly installments of the annual incentive compensation paid in advance, our manager will refund the amount of such overpayment in cash and we would record a negative incentive compensation expense in the quarter when such overpayment is determined.

 

Origination Fees.  Our manager is entitled to 100% of the origination fees paid by borrowers on all loans and investments that do not exceed 1% of the loan’s principal amount. We retain 100% of the origination fee that exceeds 1% of the loan’s principal amount.

 

Term and Termination.  The management agreement has an initial term of two years and is renewable automatically for an additional one year period every year thereafter, unless terminated with six months’ prior written notice. If we terminate or elect not to renew the management agreement in order to manage our portfolio internally, we are required to pay a termination fee equal to the base management fee and incentive compensation for the 12-month period preceding the termination. If, without cause, we terminate or elect not to renew the management agreement for any other reason, including a change of control of us, we are required to pay a termination fee equal to two times the base management fee and incentive compensation paid for the 12-month period preceding the termination.

 

Inflation

 

Changes in the general level of interest rates prevailing in the economy in response to changes in the rate of inflation generally have little effect on our income because the majority of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have floating rates of interest. However, the significant decline in interest rates during the latter part of 2007 and 2008 triggered LIBOR floors on certain of our variable rate interest-earning assets. This resulted in an increase in interest rate spreads as the rates we pay on variable rate interest-bearing liabilities declined at a greater pace than the rates we earned on our variable rate interest-earning assets. Additionally, we have various fixed rate loans in our portfolio which are financed with variable rate LIBOR borrowings. In connection with these loans,

we have entered into various interest swaps to hedge our exposure to the interest rate risk on our variable rate LIBOR borrowings as it relates to certain fixed rate loans in our portfolio. However, the value of our interest-earning assets, our ability to realize gains from the sale of assets, and the average life of our interest-earning assets, among other things, may be affected. See Item 7A - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

 

Related Party Transactions

 

Related Party Loans

 

At December 31, 2008, due from related party was $2.9 million as a result of an overpayment of incentive management compensation based on the results of the twelve months ended December 31, 2008. Refer to the section “Management Agreement” above for further details.

 

Due to related party was $1.0 million at December 31, 2008 and consisted of $0.8 million of management fees that were due to ACM and remitted in February 2009 and $0.2 million of unearned fees due to ACM that were also remitted by us in February 2009. Due to related party was $2.4 million at December 31, 2007 and consisted of $3.2 million of management fees that were due to ACM and remitted in February 2008, which was partially offset by $0.8 million of extension and filing fees received by ACM which were remitted to us in January 2008.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we borrowed $4.2 million from our manager, ACM. At December 31, 2008, we had outstanding borrowings due to ACM totaling $4.2 million, which was recorded in notes payable — related party. In January 2009, the loan was repaid in full.

 

In 2008, ACM purchased from third party investors, investment grade CDO notes issued by certain of our subsidiaries, with an aggregate face value of $20.4 million for $8.2 million.

 

At June 30, 2007, we had a $1.3 million first mortgage co-op loan which was past its maturity date. The loan was contributed to us by Arbor Commercial Mortgage in 2003 as part of the initial capitalization for ACMs’ equity ownership in ARLP. In July 2007, ACM purchased the $1.3 million loan back from us at par including all accrued and unpaid interest. We had also sold a participating interest in the loan for $125,000 which was recorded as a financing and was included in notes payable. The loan participation was satisfied in September 2007.

 

In June 2007, we provided a $0.6 million mezzanine loan for the development of a 38 unit rental apartment complex in Connecticut that matures in July 2012 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 7.97%. The first mortgage loan was originated by ACM. The borrower was delinquent and in October 2007, ACM purchased the $0.6 million loan from us at par including all accrued and unpaid interest.

 

ACM has a 50% non-controlling interest in an entity, which owns 15% of a real estate holding company that owns and operates a factory outlet center. At December 31, 2007, ACM’s investment in this joint venture was approximately $0.2 million. We had a $28.3 million preferred equity investment to this joint venture, which was collateralized by a pledge of the ownership interest in this commercial real estate property. This loan was funded by ACM in September 2005 and was purchased by us in March 2006. The loan required monthly interest payments based on one month LIBOR and was due to mature in September 2007. Interest income recorded from this loan for the year ended December 31, 2006 was approximately $2.7 million. The loan was repaid in full in November 2006.

 

During the first quarter 2006, ACM originated permanent financing of $31.5 million to a borrower to repay an existing $30.0 million bridge loan with us. Pursuant to the terms of the bridge loan agreement, we had a right of first offer to provide permanent financing, a right of first refusal to match the terms and conditions from a third party lender and a potential prepayment fee of $0.9 million. In August 2006, ACM received a $0.5 million fee for the securitization of the $31.5 million permanent financing. This fee was remitted to us in August 2006 in consideration of us waving our right of first refusal and potential prepayment fee under the original terms of the bridge loan.

 

During 2006, we originated a $7.2 million bridge loan and a $0.3 million preferred equity investment secured by garden-style and townhouse apartments in South Carolina. We also had a 25.0% carried profits interest in the borrowing entity. In January 2008, the borrowing entity refinanced the property through ACM’s Fannie Mae program and we received $0.3 million for our profits interest as well as full repayment of the $0.3 million preferred equity investment and the $7.0 million outstanding balance on the bridge loan. We retained the 25% carried profits interest.

At December 31, 2006, we had a $7.75 million first mortgage loan that bore interest at a variable rate of one month LIBOR plus 4.25% and was scheduled to mature in March 2006. In March 2006, this loan was extended for one year with no other change in terms. The underlying property was sold to a third party in March 2007. We provided the financing to the third party and, in conjunction with the sale, the original loan was repaid in full in March 2007. The original loan was made to a not-for-profit corporation that holds and manages investment property from the endowment of a private academic institution. Two of our directors are members of the board of trustees of the original borrower and the private academic institution. Interest income recorded from the original loan for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, was approximately $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

Other Related Party Transactions

 

ACM contributed the majority of its structured finance portfolio to our operating partnership pursuant to a contribution agreement. The contribution agreement contains representations and warranties concerning the ownership and terms of the structured finance assets it contributed and other customary matters. ACM has agreed to indemnify us and our operating partnership against breaches of those representations and warranties. In exchange for ACM’s asset contribution, we issued to ACM approximately 3.1 million operating partnership units, each of which ACM could redeem for one share of our common stock or an equivalent amount in cash, at our election, and 629,345 warrants, each of which entitled ACM to purchase one additional operating partnership unit at an initial exercise price of $15.00. The operating partnership units and warrants for additional operating partnership units issued to ACM were valued at approximately $43.9 million at July 1, 2003, based on the price offered to investors in our units in the private placement, adjusted for the initial purchaser’s discount. We also granted ACM certain demand and other registration rights with respect to the shares of common stock issuable upon redemption of its operating partnership units. In 2004, ACM exercised all of its warrants for a total of 629,345 operating partnership units and proceeds of $9.4 million.

 

Each of the approximately 3.8 million operating partnership units owned by ACM was paired with one share of our special voting preferred stock that entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. As operating partnership units were redeemed for shares of our common stock or cash an equivalent number of shares of special voting preferred stock would be redeemed and cancelled. As a result of the ACM asset contribution and the related formation transactions, ACM owned approximately a 16% limited partnership interest in our operating partnership and the remaining 84% interest in our operating partnership was owned by us.

 

In June 2008, our external manager exercised its right to redeem its approximate 3.8 million operating partnership units in our operating partnership for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. In addition, the special voting preferred shares paired with each operating partnership unit, pursuant to a pairing agreement, were redeemed simultaneously and cancelled. ACM currently holds approximately 21% of the voting power of our outstanding common stock.

 

We and our operating partnership have entered into a management agreement with ACM pursuant to which ACM has agreed to provide us with structured finance investment opportunities and loan servicing as well as other services necessary to operate our business. As discussed above in “Contractual Commitments,” we have agreed to pay our manager an annual base management fee and incentive compensation each fiscal quarter and share with ACM a portion of the origination fees that we receive on loans we originate with ACM pursuant to this agreement.

 

Under the terms of the management agreement, ACM has also granted us a right of first refusal with respect to all structured finance investment opportunities in the multi-family and commercial real estate markets that are identified by ACM or its affiliates.

 

In addition, Mr. Kaufman has entered into a non-competition agreement with us pursuant to which he has agreed not to pursue structured finance investment opportunities in the multi-family and commercial real estate markets, except as approved by our board of directors.

 

We are dependent upon our manager (ACM), with whom we have a conflict of interest, to provide services to us that are vital to our operations. Our chairman, chief executive officer and president, Mr. Ivan Kaufman, is also the chief executive officer and president of our manager, and, our chief financial officer, Mr. Paul Elenio, is the chief financial officer of our manager. In addition, Mr. Kaufman and the Kaufman entities together beneficially own

approximately 92% of the outstanding membership interests of ACM and certain of our employees and directors, also hold an ownership interest in ACM. Furthermore, one of our directors also serves as the trustee of one of the Kaufman entities that holds a majority of the outstanding membership interests in ACM and co-trustee of another Kaufman entity that owns an equity interest in our manager.

 

We and our operating partnership have also entered into a services agreement with ACM pursuant to which our asset management group provides asset management services to ACM. In the event the services provided by our asset management group pursuant to the agreement exceed by more than 15% per quarter the level of activity anticipated by our board of directors, we will negotiate in good faith with our manager an adjustment to our manager’s base management fee under the management agreement, to reflect the scope of the services, the quantity of serviced assets or the time required to be devoted to the services by our asset management group.

 

Funds from Operations

 

We are presenting funds from operations (FFO) because we believe it to be an important supplemental measure of our operating performance in that it is frequently used by analysts, investors and other parties in the evaluation of real estate investment trusts (REITs). We also use FFO for the calculation of the incentive compensation for our manager, ACM. The revised White Paper on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, in April 2002 defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP)), excluding gains (losses) from sales of depreciated real properties, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. We consider gains and losses on the sales of real estate investments to be a normal part of our recurring operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be excluded when calculating FFO.

 

FFO is not intended to be an indication of our cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) or a measure of our liquidity, nor is it entirely indicative of funding our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions. Our calculation of FFO may be different from the calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited.

 

FFO for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and real estate values. The primary market risks that we are exposed to are real estate risk and interest rate risk.

 

Market Conditions

 

We are subject to market changes in the debt and secondary mortgage markets. These markets are currently experiencing disruptions, which could have a short-term adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition.

 

Current conditions in the debt markets include reduced liquidity and increased risk adjusted premiums. These conditions may increase the cost and reduce the availability of debt. We attempt to mitigate the impact of debt market disruptions by obtaining adequate debt facilities from a variety of financing sources. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be successful in these efforts, that such debt facilities will be adequate or that the cost of such debt facilities will be at similar terms.

 

The secondary mortgage markets are also currently experiencing disruptions resulting from reduced investor demand for collateralized debt obligations and increased investor yield requirements for these obligations. In light of these conditions, we currently expect to finance our loan and investment portfolio with our current capital and debt facilities.

 

Real Estate Risk

 

Commercial mortgage assets may be viewed as exposing an investor to greater risk of loss than residential mortgage assets since such assets are typically secured by larger loans to fewer obligors than residential mortgage assets. Multi-family and commercial property values and net operating income derived from such properties are subject to volatility and may be affected adversely by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, events such as natural disasters including hurricanes and earthquakes, acts of war and/or terrorism (such as the events of September 11, 2001) and others that may cause unanticipated and uninsured performance declines and/or losses to us or the owners and operators of the real estate securing our investment; national, regional and local economic conditions (which may be adversely affected by industry slowdowns and other factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of housing, retail, industrial, office or other commercial space); changes or continued weakness in specific industry segments; construction quality, construction delays, construction cost, age and design; demographic factors; retroactive changes to building or similar codes; and increases in operating expenses (such as energy costs). In the event net operating income decreases, a borrower may have difficulty repaying our loans, which could result in losses to us. In addition, decreases in property values reducing the value of collateral, and a lack of liquidity in the market, could reduce the potential proceeds available to a borrower to repay our loans, which could also cause us to suffer losses. Even when the net operating income is sufficient to cover the related property’s debt service, there can be no assurance that this will continue to be the case in the future.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk is highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political considerations and other factors beyond our control.

 

Our operating results will depend in large part on differences between the income from our loans and our borrowing costs. Most of our loans and borrowings are variable-rate instruments, based on LIBOR. The objective of this strategy is to minimize the impact of interest rate changes on our net interest income. In addition, we have various fixed rate loans in our portfolio, which are financed with variable rate LIBOR borrowings. We have entered into various interest swaps (as discussed below) to hedge our exposure to interest rate risk on our variable rate LIBOR borrowings as it relates to our fixed rate loans. Many of our loans and borrowings are subject to various interest rate floors. As a result, the impact of a change in interest rates may be different on our interest income than it is on our interest expense.

 

Based on our loans, securities held-to-maturity and liabilities as of December 31, 2008, and assuming the balances of these assets and liabilities remain unchanged for the subsequent twelve months, a 0.5% increase in

LIBOR would decrease our annual net income and cash flows by approximately $2.6 million. This is primarily due to various interest rate floors that are in effect at a rate that is above a 0.5% increase in LIBOR which would limit the effect of a 0.5% increase, and increased expense on variable rate debt, partially offset by our interest rate swaps that effectively convert a portion of the variable rate LIBOR based debt, as it relates to certain fixed rate assets, to a fixed basis that is not subject to a 0.5% increase. Based on the loans and liabilities as of December 31, 2008, and assuming the balances of these loans and liabilities remain unchanged for the subsequent twelve months, a 0.5% decrease in LIBOR would increase our annual net income and cash flows by approximately $1.8 million. This is primarily due to various interest rate floors which limit the effect of a decrease on interest income and decreased expense on variable rate debt, partially offset by our interest rate swaps that effectively converted a portion of the variable rate LIBOR based debt, as it relates to certain fixed rate assets, to a fixed basis that is not subject to a decrease.

 

As of December 31, 2007, a 1.5% increase in LIBOR would have decreased our annual net income and cash flows in the subsequent twelve months by approximately $1.3 million. This is primarily due to various interest rate floors that are in effect at a rate that is above a 1.5% increase in LIBOR which would limit the effect of a 1.5% increase, and increased expense on variable rate debt, partially offset by our interest rate swaps that effectively convert a portion of the variable rate LIBOR based debt, as it relates to certain fixed rate assets, to a fixed basis that is not subject to a 1.5% increase. As of December 31, 2007, a 1.5% decrease in LIBOR would have increased our annual net income and cash flows by approximately $12.5 million. This is primarily due to various interest rate floors which limit the effect of a 1.5% decrease on interest income and decreased expense on variable rate debt, partially offset by our interest rate swaps that effectively converted a portion of the variable rate LIBOR based debt, as it relates to certain fixed rate assets, to a fixed basis that is not subject to a 1.5% decrease.

 

In the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, defaults could increase and result in credit losses to us, which could adversely affect our liquidity and operating results. Further, such delinquencies or defaults could have an adverse effect on the spreads between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

In connection with our CDOs described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we entered into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the exposure to the risk of changes in the difference between three-month LIBOR and one-month LIBOR interest rates. These interest rate swaps became necessary due to the investor’s return being paid based on a three-month LIBOR index while the assets contributed to the CDOs are yielding interest based on a one-month LIBOR index.

 

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had ten of these interest rate swap agreements outstanding that have combined notional values of $1.3 billion for both periods. The market value of these interest rate swaps is dependent upon existing market interest rates and swap spreads, which change over time. As of December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2007, if there were a 50 basis point increase in forward interest rates, the value of these interest rate swaps would have decreased by approximately $0.1 million for both periods. If there were a 50 basis point decrease in forward interest rates, the value of these interest rate swaps would have increased by approximately $0.1 million for both periods.

 

In connection with the issuance of variable rate junior subordinate notes, we entered into various interest rate swap agreements. These swaps have total notional values of $236.5 million and $191.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007. The market value of these interest rate swaps is dependent upon existing market interest rates and swap spreads, which change over time. As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, if there had been a 50 basis point increase in forward interest rates, the fair market value of these interest rate swaps would have increased by approximately $3.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively. If there were a 50 basis point decrease in forward interest rates, the fair market value of these interest rate swaps would have decreased by approximately $3.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2008, we had 33 interest rate swap agreements outstanding that have a combined notional value of $689.9 million. As of December 31, 2007 we had 27 interest rate swap agreements outstanding with combined notional values of $584.7 million to hedge current and outstanding LIBOR based debt relating to certain fixed rate loans within our portfolio. The fair market value of these interest rate swaps is dependent upon existing market interest rates and swap spreads, which change over time. As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, if there had been a 50 basis point increase in forward interest rates, the fair market value of these interest rate swaps

would have increased by approximately $15.7 million and $14.9 million, respectively. If there were a 50 basis point decrease in forward interest rates, the fair market value of these interest rate swaps would have decreased by approximately $16.2 million and $15.4 million, respectively.

 

Certain of our interest rate swaps, which are designed to hedge interest rate risk associated with a portion of our loans and investments, could require the funding of additional cash collateral for changes in the market value of these swaps. Due to the prolonged volatility in the financial markets that began in 2007, the value of these interest rate swaps have declined substantially. As a result, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, we funded approximately $46.5 million and $11.9 million, respectively, in cash related to these swaps. If we continue to experience significant changes in the outlook of interest rates, these contracts could continue to decline in value, which would require additional cash to be funded. However, at maturity the value of these contracts return to par and all cash will be recovered. If we do not have available cash to meet these requirements, this could result in the early termination of these interest rate swaps, leaving us exposed to interest rate risk associated with these loans and investments, which could adversely impact our financial condition.

 

Our hedging transactions using derivative instruments also involve certain additional risks such as counterparty credit risk, the enforceability of hedging contracts and the risk that unanticipated and significant changes in interest rates will cause a significant loss of basis in the contract. The counterparties to our derivative arrangements are major financial institutions with high credit ratings with which we and our affiliates may also have other financial relationships. As a result, we do not anticipate that any of these counterparties will fail to meet their obligations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to adequately protect against the foregoing risks and will ultimately realize an economic benefit that exceeds the related amounts incurred in connection with engaging in such hedging strategies.

 

We utilize interest rate swaps to limit interest rate risk. Derivatives are used for hedging purposes rather than speculation. We do not enter into financial instruments for trading purposes.

 

INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
ARBOR REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

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

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 9, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

 

New York, New York

March 9, 2009

ARBOR REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS