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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY - Annual Report: 2007 (Form 10-K)

form10k-88627_freit.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2007
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 2-27018
 
FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
New Jersey
 
22-1697095
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
505 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey
 
07601
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
201-488-6400

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each Class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
None
 
Not Applicable
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
Shares of Beneficial Interest

(Title of class)
 
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 x
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o  No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No 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 registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer x
Non-Accelerated Filer o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o  No x
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares of beneficial interest held by non-affiliates was approximately $128 million. Computation is based on the closing sales price of such shares as quoted on the over-the-counter-market on April 30, 2007, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.
 
As of January 10, 2008, the number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding was 6,760,652.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 9, 2008 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report.




TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K


 
 
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain information included in this Annual Report contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The registrant cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to the registrant’s investment policies and objectives; the financial performance of the registrant; the ability of the registrant to service its debt; the competitive conditions which affect the registrant’s business; the ability of the registrant to obtain the necessary governmental approvals for the development, expansion or renovation of its properties, the impact of environmental conditions affecting the registrant’s properties, and the registrant’s liquidity and capital resources, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors, including, without limitation, the registrant’s future financial performance; the availability of capital; general market conditions; national and local economic conditions, particularly long-term interest rates; federal, state and local governmental regulations that affect the registrant; and the competitive environment in which the registrant operates, including, the availability of retail space and residential apartment units in the areas where the registrant’s properties are located. In addition, the registrant’s continued qualification as a real estate investment trust involves the application of highly technical and complex rules of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report and the registrant assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those projected in such forward-looking statements.

PART I
   
ITEM 1
BUSINESS
   
(a)
General Business
 
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) is an equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) organized in New Jersey in 1961. FREIT acquires, develops, constructs and holds real estate properties for long-term investment and not for resale.
 
FREIT’s long-range investment policy is to review and evaluate potential real estate investment opportunities for acquisition that it believes will (i) complement its existing investment portfolio, (ii) generate increased income and distributions to its shareholders, and (iii) increase the overall value of FREIT’s portfolio. FREIT’s investments may take the form of wholly-owned fee interests, or if the circumstances warrant diversification of risk, ownership on a joint venture basis with other parties, including employees and affiliates of Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”) (See “Management Agreement”), provided FREIT is able to maintain management control over the property. While our general investment policy is to hold and maintain properties long-term, we may, from time-to-time, sell or trade certain properties in order to (i) obtain capital to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which we have determined or determine are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.
 
           Fiscal Year 2007 Developments
   
(i)
FINANCING
 
(a) On April 2, 2007, FREIT repaid the outstanding principal balance with respect to its $19.2 million, 8.31% mortgage note which was due on July 1, 2007, and which was secured by its Westridge Square commercial property. The outstanding principal balance of $15.8 million was repaid using funds available on hand and borrowings from FREIT’s credit line. The decision to retire the debt early was made in order to take advantage of lower long-term interest rates relative to the outstanding note. No prepayment penalty was incurred as a result of the early retirement of this debt.  On April 25, 2007, FREIT refinanced the above mentioned mortgage debt with the placement of a $22 million 5.55% mortgage note due in May 2017, also secured by FREIT’s Westridge Square commercial property. This new mortgage note will be “interest only” through the maturity date. It is FREIT’s intent to use the additional proceeds to fund existing capital projects.

(b) During August 2006, construction of The Boulders in Rockaway Township, NJ (FREIT’s 129 garden apartment project in Rockaway, NJ) was completed. Construction costs were funded from draws against a construction loan. As of October 31, 2006 FREIT had drawn down construction advances of approximately $14,369,000 and had no plans to request any additional construction draws since it has used funds from its own reserves to complete the construction of the project. The maturity date for the construction loan was January 1, 2007, and under certain circumstances, this date could be extended to February 1, 2007. On January 10, 2007, FREIT converted the construction loan to a permanent loan with additional funding to bring the permanent loan balance up to $20.7 million. The permanent loan bears a fixed interest rate of 5.37%, and requires fixed monthly interest and principal payments totaling $115,850. The final payment of unpaid principal will be due on January 10, 2022. It is FREIT’s intention to use the additional proceeds to fund existing capital projects.




(c) During August 2007, Damascus Centre, LLC, a 70% owned affiliate of FREIT, received a commitment from a financial institution to provide the construction financing at the Damascus Center Shopping Center, Damascus, MD (See Construction below). The loan amount will be for $27.3 million, will bear interest on outstanding draws at LIBOR plus 1.35%, and will have a term of forty-eight (48) months, with an option to extend for an additional twelve (12) months. The loan is collateralized by the shopping center and is guaranteed by FREIT.
   
(ii)
ACQUISITIONS & DISPOSITIONS
 
(a)           On June 26, 2007, FREIT closed on its contract for the sale of the Lakewood Apartments in Lakewood, New Jersey. The sales price for the property was $4 million. The property was acquired in 1962 for approximately $407,000. A portion of the proceeds from the Lakewood sale (approximately $1.6 million) was used to acquire comparable real estate during the 4th quarter of Fiscal 2007. (See (ii) (b) below for more details on this transaction.) This real estate purchase was structured in a manner that qualified the $1.6 million of the Lakewood proceeds as a like-kind exchange pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, and as such resulted in a deferral for income tax purposes of a portion of the gain recognized on the Lakewood sale. (See Note 3 for more details on this transaction.)
 
(b)           On September 28, 2007, FREIT acquired three (3) parcels of land in Rochelle Park, NJ. The Rochelle Park sites total approximately one acre. The acquisition cost was approximately $2.5 million, of which $1.6 million relates to the land and $0.9 million relates to an advance to the Pascack Community Bank, the lessee of the property, for construction of a bank branch on the site. A portion of the funds (approximately $1.6 million) used to acquire the Rochelle Park land qualified as a “1031 exchange” under current Internal Revenue Code regulations.
   
(iii)
CONSTRUCTION
 
A modernization and expansion is underway at our Damascus Center in Damascus, MD (owned by our 70% owned affiliate, Damascus Centre, LLC). Total construction costs are estimated to be approximately $21.9 million.  Building plans for Phase I have been approved and construction on Phase I began in June 2007 with completion of Phase I expected no later than February 2008. Phase I construction costs will approximate $4 million of which $2.5 million has already been expended. Construction financing for approximately $27.3 million has been committed that will be available to fund future and already expended construction costs, and will be drawn upon as needed.  Because of this expansion leases for certain tenants have been allowed to expire and not renewed. This has caused occupancy to decline, on a temporary basis, during the construction phase.
 
FREIT recently completed the re-configuration and renovation of the space formerly occupied by a movie theater at its Westridge Square Shopping Center in Frederick, MD at a cost approximating $1 million.  The former movie theater operator, as part of its lease termination fee, supplied the funds for this re-configuration.
   
 (b)
Financial Information about Segments
 
FREIT has two reportable segments: Commercial Properties and Residential Properties. These reportable segments have different types of tenants and are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies and management expertise. Segment information for the two years ended October 31, 2007 is incorporated by reference to Note 12, “Segment Information.”
   
 (c) 
Narrative Description of Business
   
FREIT was founded and organized for the principal purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a portfolio of diverse income producing real estate properties. FREIT’s developed properties include residential apartment communities and commercial properties that consist of multi and single tenanted properties. Our properties are located in New Jersey, Maryland and on Long Island. We also currently own approximately 40.37 acres of unimproved land in New Jersey. See “Item 2 Properties - Portfolio of Investments.” 
 
FREIT elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. FREIT operates in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT in order to take advantage of certain favorable tax aspects of the REIT structure. Generally, a REIT will not be subject to federal income taxes on that portion of its ordinary income or capital gain that is currently distributed to its equity holders.
 
As an equity REIT, we generally acquire interests in income producing properties to be held as long-term investments. FREIT’s return on such investments is based on the income generated by such properties mainly in the form of rents.
 
From time to time, FREIT has sold, and may sell again in the future, certain of its properties in order to (i) obtain capital used or to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which FREIT has determined or determines are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.
 
We do not hold any patents, trademarks, or licenses.
 
 


 
Portfolio of Real Estate Investments
 
At October 31, 2007, FREIT’s real estate holdings included (i) nine (9) apartment buildings or complexes containing 1,075 rentable units, (ii) ten (10) commercial properties (retail and office) containing approximately 1,265,000 square feet of leasable space, including one (1) single tenant store, two (2) separate one acre parcels subject to ground leases, and (iii) four (4) parcels of undeveloped land consisting of approximately 40.37 acres. FREIT and its subsidiaries own all such properties in fee simple. See “Item 2 Properties - Portfolio of Investments” of this Annual Report for a description of FREIT’s separate investment properties and certain other pertinent information with respect to such properties that is relevant to FREIT’s business.
 
           Investment in Subsidiaries 
 
The consolidated financial statements (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K) include the accounts of the following subsidiaries not wholly owned by FREIT:
 
Westwood Hills, LLC (“Westwood Hills”): FREIT owns a 40% membership interest in Westwood Hills, which owns and operates a 210-unit residential apartment complex in Westwood, NJ.
 
Wayne PSC, LLC (“WaynePSC”): FREIT owns a 40% membership interest in Wayne PSC, which owns a 322,000 sq. ft. community center in Wayne, NJ.
 
S And A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S And A”): FREIT owns a 65% partnership interest in S And A which owns a 269-unit residential apartment complex in Hackensack, NJ.
 
Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande”): FREIT owns a 60% membership interest in Grande which owns a 217,000 square foot mixed use property in Baltimore, MD.
 
Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus”): FREIT owns a 70% membership interest in Damascus, that owns a 140,000 square foot shopping center in Damascus, MD.
 
WestFREIT Corp: FREIT owns a 100% membership interest in WestFREIT, which owns a 257,000 square foot shopping center in Frederick, MD.
 
WestFredic LLC: FREIT owns a 100% membership interest in WestFredic, which assumed a $22 million mortgage loan that is secured by the Westridge Square Shopping Center in Frederick, MD.
 
            Employees
 
On October 31, 2007 FREIT and its subsidiaries had twenty-five (25) full-time employees and six (6) part-time employees who work solely at the properties owned by FREIT or its subsidiaries. The number of part-time employees varies seasonally.
 
Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Donald W. Barney, President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. John A. Aiello, Esq., Secretary and Executive Secretary, are the executive officers of FREIT. Mr. Hekemian devotes approximately fifty to sixty percent (50% - 60%) of his business activities to FREIT, Mr. Barney devotes approximately fifteen percent (15%) of his business activities to FREIT, and Mr. Aiello devotes approximately eight percent (8%) of his business activities to FREIT. Refer to “Item 10 – Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.” Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”) has been retained by FREIT to manage FREIT’s properties and is responsible for recruiting, on behalf of FREIT, the personnel required to perform all services related to the operation of FREIT’s properties. See “Management Agreement.” 
 
            Management Agreement
 
On April 10, 2002, FREIT and Hekemian executed a Management Agreement whereby Hekemian would continue as Managing Agent for FREIT. The term of the Management Agreement currently runs until October 31, 2009 and shall be automatically renewed for periods of two years unless either party gives not less than six (6) months prior notice to the other of non-renewal. The salient provisions of the Management Agreement are as follows: FREIT continues to retain the Managing Agent as the exclusive management and leasing agent for properties which FREIT owned as of April 2002 and for the Preakness Shopping Center acquired on November 1, 2002 by WaynePSC. However, FREIT may retain other managing agents to manage certain other properties acquired after April 10, 2002 and to perform various other duties such as sales, acquisitions, and development with respect to any or all properties. The Managing Agent is no longer the exclusive advisor for FREIT to locate and recommend to FREIT investments, which the Managing Agent deems suitable for FREIT, and is no longer required to offer potential acquisition properties exclusively to FREIT before acquiring those properties for its own account. The Management Agreement includes a detailed schedule of fees for those services, which the Managing Agent may be called upon to perform. The Management Agreement provides for a termination fee in the event of a termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement under certain circumstances.


 
Pursuant to the terms of the new Management Agreement, FREIT pays Hekemian certain fees and commissions as compensation for its services. From time to time, FREIT engages Hekemian to provide certain additional services, such as consulting services related to development and financing activities of FREIT. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between Hekemian and FREIT with respect to such additional services. During the 4th quarter of Fiscal 2007, FREIT’s board of directors approved development fee arrangements for The Rotunda and Damascus Center redevelopment projects, as well as the South Brunswick development project. These development fees payable to Hekemian, or an affiliate of Hekemian, in connection with these projects are as follows: The Rotunda, owned by Grande Rotunda, LLC, a 60% owned subsidiary of FREIT, 6.375% of development costs of up $136,000,000 as may be modified; Damascus, owned by Damascus Centre, LLC, a 70% owned subsidiary of FREIT, 7% of development costs of up to $17,328,000 as may be modified; and South Brunswick, 7% of development costs of up to $21,000,000 as may be modified. These arrangements are subject to the execution of definitive contracts, which have not yet been finalized and approved.  See “First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 8.” 
 
Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a Trustee of FREIT, is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian. Mr. Hekemian owns approximately 0.2% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hekemian. Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr, a Trustee of FREIT, is the President of Hekemian, and owns approximately 33.3% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hekemian.
 
            Real Estate Financing
 
FREIT funds acquisition opportunities and the development of its real estate properties largely through debt financing, including mortgage loans against certain of its properties. At October 31, 2007, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $189.4 million with an average interest cost on a weighted average basis of 5.79%. FREIT has mortgage loans against certain properties, which serve as collateral for such loans. See the tables in “Item 2 Properties - Portfolio of Investments” for the outstanding mortgage balances at October 31, 2007 with respect to each of these properties.
 
FREIT is currently highly leveraged and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. This increased level of indebtedness also presents an increased risk of default on the obligations of FREIT and an increase in debt service requirements that could adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of FREIT. A number of FREIT’s mortgage loans are being amortized over a period that is greater than the terms of such loans; thereby requiring balloon payments at the expiration of the terms of such loans. FREIT has not established a cash reserve sinking fund with respect to such obligations and at this time does not expect to have sufficient funds from operations to make such balloon payments when due under the terms of such loans. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under Item 7.
 
FREIT is subject to the normal risks associated with debt financing, including the risk that FREIT’s cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; the risk that indebtedness on its properties will not be able to be renewed, repaid or refinanced when due; or that the terms of any renewal or refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the indebtedness being replaced. If FREIT were unable to refinance its indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, FREIT might be forced to dispose of one or more of its properties on disadvantageous terms which might result in losses to FREIT. These losses could have a material adverse effect on FREIT and its ability to make distributions to shareholders and to pay amounts due on its debt. If a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and FREIT is unable to meet mortgage payments, the mortgagee could foreclose upon the property, appoint a receiver and receive an assignment of rents and leases or pursue other remedies, all with a consequent loss of revenues and asset value to FREIT. Further, payment obligations on FREIT’s mortgage loans will not be reduced if there is a decline in the economic performance of any of FREIT’s properties. If any such decline in economic performance occurs, FREIT’s revenues, earnings, and funds available for distribution to shareholders would be adversely affected.
 
Neither FREITs Declaration of Trust nor any policy statement formally adopted by FREITs Board of Trustees limits either the total amount of indebtedness or the specified percentage of indebtedness (based on the total capitalization of FREIT), which may be incurred by FREIT. Accordingly, FREIT may incur in the future additional secured or unsecured indebtedness in furtherance of its business activities, including, if or when necessary, to refinance its existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT could bear interest at rates, which are higher than the rates on FREITs existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT could also bear interest at a variable rate. Increases in interest rates would increase FREITs variable interest costs (to the extent that the related indebtedness was not protected by interest rate protection arrangements), which could have a material adverse effect on FREIT and its ability to make distributions to shareholders and to pay amounts due on its debt or cause FREIT to be in default under its debt. Further, in the future, FREIT may not be able to, or may determine that it is not able to, obtain financing for property acquisitions or for capital expenditures to develop or improve its properties on terms, which are acceptable to FREIT. In such event, FREIT might elect to defer certain projects unless alternative sources of capital were available, such as through an equity or debt offering by FREIT.  
 
            Competitive Conditions
 
FREIT is subject to normal competition with other investors to acquire real property and to profitably manage such property. Numerous other REITs, banks, insurance companies and pension funds, as well as corporate and individual developers and owners of real estate, compete with FREIT in seeking properties for acquisition and for tenants. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than FREIT.
 
In addition, retailers at FREIT's commercial properties face increasing competition from discount shopping centers, outlet malls, sales through catalogue offerings, discount shopping clubs, marketing and shopping through cable and computer sources, particularly over the internet, and telemarketing. In many markets, the trade areas of FREIT's commercial properties overlap with the trade areas of other shopping centers. Renovations and expansions at those competing shopping centers and malls could negatively affect FREIT's commercial properties by encouraging shoppers to make their purchases at such new, expanded or renovated shopping centers and malls. Increased competition through these various sources could adversely affect the viability of FREIT's tenants, and any new commercial real estate competition developed in the future could potentially have an adverse effect on the revenues of and earnings from FREIT's commercial properties.
 

 


  
(A)
General Factors Affecting Investment in Commercial and Apartment Properties; Effect on Economic and Real Estate Conditions
 
The revenues and value of FREIT’s commercial and residential apartment properties may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including, without limitation, the national economic climate; the regional economic climate (which may be adversely affected by plant closings, industry slow downs and other local business factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail space or apartment units); perceptions by retailers or shoppers of the security, safety, convenience and attractiveness of a shopping center; perception by residential tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of an apartment building or complex; the proximity and the number of competing shopping centers and apartment complexes; the availability of recreational and other amenities and the willingness and ability of the owner to provide capable management and adequate maintenance. In addition, other factors may adversely affect the fair market value of a commercial property or apartment building or complex without necessarily affecting the revenues, including changes in government regulations (such as limitations on development or on hours of operation) changes in tax laws or rates, and potential environmental or other legal liabilities.
     
  
(B)
Commercial Shopping Center Properties' Dependence on Anchor Stores and Satellite Tenants
 
FREIT believes that its revenues and earnings; its ability to meet its debt obligations; and its funds available for distribution to shareholders would be adversely affected if space in FREIT's multi-store shopping center properties could not be leased or if anchor store tenants or satellite tenants failed to meet their lease obligations.
 
The success of FREIT's investment in its shopping center properties is largely dependent upon the success of its tenants. Unfavorable economic, demographic, or competitive conditions may adversely affect the financial condition of tenants and consequently the lease revenues from and the value of FREIT's investments in its shopping center properties. If the sales of stores operating in FREIT's shopping center properties were to decline due to deteriorating economic conditions, the tenants may be unable to pay their base rents or meet other lease charges and fees due to FREIT. In addition, any lease provisions providing for additional rent based on a percentage of sales could be rendered moot. In the event of default by a tenant, FREIT could suffer a loss of rent and experience extraordinary delays while incurring additional costs in enforcing its rights under the lease, which may or may not be recaptured by FREIT. As at October 31, 2007 the following table lists the ten (10) largest commercial tenants, which account for approximately 51.6% of FREIT’s commercial rental space and 34.2% of fixed commercial rents.
 

     
Tenant
         Center
Sq. Ft.
Burlington Coat Factory
Westridge Square
85,992
Kmart Corporation
Westwood Plaza
84,254
Macy's Federated Department Stores, Inc.
Preakness
81,160
Pathmark Stores Inc.
Patchogue
63,932
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.
Preakness
61,020
Giant of Maryland LLC
Westridge Square
55,330
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.
Franklin Crossing
48,673
Safeway Stores Inc.
Damascus Center
45,189
Giant of Maryland LLC
The Rotunda
35,152
TJMAXX
Westwood Plaza
28,480




  
 
(C)
 
Renewal of Leases and Reletting of Space
 
There is no assurance that we will be able to retain tenants at our commercial properties upon expiration of their leases. Upon expiration or termination of leases for space located in FREIT's commercial properties, the premises may not be relet or the terms of reletting (including the cost of concessions to tenants) may not be as favorable as lease terms for the terminated lease. If FREIT were unable to promptly relet all or a substantial portion of this space or if the rental rates upon such reletting were significantly lower than current or expected rates, FREIT's revenues and earnings, FREIT’s ability to service its debt, and FREIT’s ability to make expected distributions to its shareholders, could be adversely affected. During Fiscal 2006, one lease, which we consider material, for approximately 18,954 sq. ft. at our Damascus shopping center, was allowed to expire without attempting renewal in order to allow FREIT to redevelop and expand the center. During Fiscal 2007 there were no material lease expirations, and there are no material lease expirations expected during Fiscal 2008 and 2009.
     
  
(D)
Illiquidity of Real Estate Investments; Possibility that Value of FREIT's Interests may be less than its Investment
 
Equity real estate investments are relatively illiquid. Accordingly, the ability of FREIT to vary its portfolio in response to changing economic, market or other conditions is limited. Also, FREIT's interests in its partially owned subsidiaries are subject to transfer constraints imposed by the operating agreements which govern FREIT’s investment in these partially owned subsidiaries. Even without such restrictions on the transfer of its interests, FREIT believes that there would be a limited market for its interests in these partially owned subsidiaries.
 
If FREIT had to liquidate all or substantially all of its real estate holdings, the value of such assets would likely be diminished if a sale was required to be completed in a limited time frame. The proceeds to FREIT from any such sale of the assets in FREIT’s real estate portfolio might be less than the fair market value of those assets.
 
          Impact of Governmental Laws and Regulations on Registrant's Business
 
FREIT’s properties are subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including those relating to the environment and local rent control and zoning ordinances.
     
  
(A)
Environmental Matters
 
Both federal and state governments are concerned with the impact of real estate construction and development programs upon the environment. Environmental legislation affects the cost of selling real estate, the cost to develop real estate, and the risks associated with purchasing real estate.
 
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under such property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property). Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owners knew of, or were responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances. Such liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of any operator of, or tenant at the property. The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal or property damages and the owner's liability therefore could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. If FREIT incurred any such liability, it could reduce FREIT's revenues and ability to make distributions to its shareholders.
 
A property can also be negatively impacted by either physical contamination or by virtue of an adverse effect upon value attributable to the migration of hazardous or toxic substances, or other contaminants that have or may have emanated from other properties.
 
At this time, FREIT is aware of the following environmental matters affecting its properties:
     
  
(i)
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center, Westwood, NJ
 
This property is in a HUD Flood Hazard Zone and serves as a local flood retention basin for part of Westwood, New Jersey. FREIT maintains flood insurance in the amount of $500,000 for the subject property, which is the maximum available under the HUD Flood Program for the property. Any reconstruction of that portion of the property situated in the flood hazard zone is subject to regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP"), which could require extraordinary construction methods.


 

  
(ii)
Franklin Crossing, Franklin Lakes, NJ
 
The redeveloped Franklin Crossing shopping center was completed during the summer of 1997. Also in 1997, a historical discharge of hazardous materials was discovered at Franklin Crossing. The discharge was reported to the NJDEP in accordance with applicable regulations. FREIT completed the remediation required by the NJDEP.
 
In November 1999, FREIT received a No Further Action Letter from the NJDEP concerning the contaminated soil at Franklin Crossing. Monitoring of the groundwater will continue pursuant to a memorandum of agreement filed with the NJDEP.
     
  
(iii)
Preakness Shopping Center, Wayne, NJ
 
Prior to its purchase by WaynePSC, a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessment of the Preakness shopping center revealed soil and ground water contamination with Percloroethylene (Dry Cleaning Fluid) caused by the mishandling of this chemical by a former Dry Cleaner tenant.
 
The seller of the center to WaynePSC is in the process of performing the remedial work in accordance with the requirements of the NJDEP. Additionally, the seller has escrowed the estimated cost of the remediation and has purchased a cap-cost insurance policy covering any expenses over and above the estimated cost.
 
In performing the remedial work, possible contamination of this property by groundwater migrating from an offsite source was discovered. The NJDEP has not made any determination with respect to responsibility for remediation of this possible condition, and it is not possible to determine whether or to what extent Wayne PSC will have potential liability with respect to this condition or whether or to what extent insurance coverage may be available.
 
  
(iv)
Other
 
a) The State of New Jersey has adopted an underground fuel storage tank law and various regulations with respect to underground storage tanks.
 
FREIT no longer has underground storage tanks on any of its properties.
 
FREIT has conducted environmental audits for all of its properties except for its undeveloped land; retail properties in Franklin Lakes (Franklin Crossing) and Glen Rock, New Jersey; and residential apartment properties located in Palisades Park and Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Except as noted in subparagraph (iii) above, the environmental reports secured by FREIT have not revealed any environmental conditions on its properties, which require remediation pursuant to any applicable Federal or state law or regulation.
 
b) FREIT has determined that several of its properties contain lead based paint (“LBP”). FREIT complies with all Federal, state and local requirements as they pertain to LBP.
 
FREIT does not believe that the environmental conditions described in subparagraphs (i) - (iv) above will have a materially adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, revenues, earnings, financial condition or competitive position of FREIT.
     
  
(B)
Rent Control Ordinances
 
Each of the apartment buildings or complexes owned by FREIT is subject to some form of rent control ordinance which limits the amount by which FREIT can increase the rent for renewed leases, and in some cases, limits the amount of rent which FREIT can charge for vacated units, except for Westwood Hills and The Boulders at Rockaway which are not subject to any rent control law or regulation.
     
  
(C)
Zoning Ordinances
 
Local zoning ordinances may prevent FREIT from renovating, expanding or converting its existing properties, for their highest and best use as determined by FREIT’s Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is not aware of any such zoning impediments to the development of the South Brunswick property described herein.
     
  
(D)
Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sale
 
FREIT does not engage in operations in foreign countries and it does not derive any portion of its revenues from customers in foreign countries.
   
 ITEM 1 A
RISK FACTORS
   
See discussion under Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
   
 ITEM 1 B
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
   
 None.


 

 ITEM 2
 
PROPERTIES
 
Portfolio of Investments: The following tables set forth certain information relating to each of FREIT's real estate investments in addition to the specific mortgages encumbering the properties.
 

Residential Apartment Properties as of
October 31, 2007:
                         
                       
Depreciated Cost of 
           
Average Annual 
 
Mortgage Balance 
 
Buildings & 
Property and Location
Year Acquired
 
No. of Units 
 
Occupancy Rate 
 
$(000)
 
Equipment($000) 
                             
Palisades Manor
1962
   
12
      96.8 %  
None (1)
   
$
39
 
Palisades Park, NJ
                                 
                                   
Grandview Apts.
1964
   
20
      97.7 %  
None (1)
   
$
136
 
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
                                 
                                   
Heights Manor
1971
   
79
      95.0 %  
$
3,231
   
$
531
 
Spring Lake Heights, NJ
                                 
                                   
Hammel Gardens
1972
   
80
      98.3 %  
$
4,705
   
$
757
 
Maywood, NJ
                                 
                                   
Steuben Arms
1975
   
100
      97.1 %  
$
6,524
   
$
1,270
 
River Edge, NJ
                                 
                                   
Berdan Court
1965
   
176
      96.8 %  
$
12,885
   
$
1,446
 
Wayne, NJ
                                 
                                   
Pierre Towers (3)
2004
   
269
      93.6 %  
$
34,125
   
$
44,835
 
Hackensack, NJ
                                 
                                   
Westwood Hills (2)
1994
   
210
      97.3 %  
$
16,589
   
$
 12,280
 
Westwood , NJ
                                 
                                   
Boulders (4)
2006
   
129
      88.0 %  
$
20,487
   
$
 17,986
 
Rockaway, NJ
                                 
                                   
                       
(1)
Security for draws against FREIT's Credit Line.
(2)
FREIT owns a 40% equity interest in Westwood Hills. See Investment in Affiliates.
(3)
Pierre Towers is 100% owned by S And A Commercial Associates LP, which is 65% owned by FREIT.
(4)
Construction completed in August 2006 on land acquired in 1963 / 1964.
 
 



Commercial Properties as of October 31, 2007:

            
     
Leaseable Space- 
             
Depreciated Cost of 
     
Approximate 
 
Average Annual 
 
Mortgage Balance 
 
Buildings & 
Property and Location
Year Acquired
 
Sq. Ft. 
 
Occupancy Rate 
 
$(000)
 
Equipment ($000) 
Franklin Crossing
1966 (2)
   
87,041
      97.8 %  
None (1)
   
$
8,850
 
Franklin Lakes, NJ
                                 
                                   
Westwood Plaza
1988
   
173,854
      99.2 %  
$
9,226
   
$
10,591
 
Westwood, NJ
                                 
                                   
Westridge Square (6)
1992
   
256,620
      89.3 %  
$
22,000
   
$
20,328
 
Frederick, MD
                                 
                                   
Pathmark Super Store
1997
   
63,962
      100 %  
$
5,929
   
$
8,718
 
Patchogue, NY
                                 
                                   
Glen Rock, NJ
1962
   
4,800
      100 %  
None (1)
   
$
137
 
                                   
Preakness Center (3)
2002
   
322,136
      98.5 %  
$
31,188
   
$
31,568
 
Wayne, NJ
                                 
                                   
Damascus Center (4)
2003
   
139,878
      55.9 %  
None
   
$
11,971
 
Damascus. MD
                                 
                                   
Rochelle Park, NJ
2007
 
1 Acre
   
N/A
   
None
   
$
2,542
 
 
   
Landlease
                         
                                   
Rockaway, NJ
1964/1963
 
1 Acre
      100 %  
None
   
$
169
 
 
   
 Landlease
 
                       
                                 
The Rotunda (5)
2005
   
216,645
      88.2 %  
$
22,500
   
$
33,503
 
Baltimore, MD
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Security for draws against FREIT's Credit Line.
(2)
The original 33,000 sq. ft. shopping center was replaced with a new 87,041 sq. ft. center that opened in October 1997.
(3)
FREIT owns a 40% equity interest in WaynePSC that owns the center.
(4)
FREIT owns a 70% equity interest in Damascus Centre, LLC that owns the center.
(5)
FREIT owns a 60% equity interest in Grande Rotunda, LLC that owns the center.
(6)
FREIT owns a 100% interest in WestFREIT Corp that owns the center.
 
 
Land Under Development and Vacant Land as of October 31, 2007:
     

         
     
Permitted Use per
Acreage Per
Location (1)
Acquired
Current Use
Local Zoning Laws
Parcel
         
Vacant Land:
       
Franklin Lakes, NJ
1966
None
Residential
4.27
         
Wayne, NJ
2002
None
Commercial
2.1
         
Rockaway, NJ
1964
None
Residential
1.0
         
So. Brunswick, NJ (2)
1964
Principally leased
as farmland
qualifying for state
farmland assessment
tax treatment
 
Industrial
33.0
(1)   All of the above land is unencumbered, except as noted.
(2)   Site plan approval received for the construction of a 563,000 square foot industrial building.
 

FREIT believes that it has a diversified portfolio of residential and commercial properties. FREIT’s business is not materially dependent upon any single tenant or any one of its properties.





The following table lists FREIT’s properties that have contributed approximately 15% or more of FREIT’s total revenue in one (1) or more of the last three (3) fiscal years.
     
  
 
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 
 
 
2007 
 
2006 
 
2005 
Preakness Center
    14.4 %     14.8 %     16.2 %
Pierre Towers
    14.4 %     14.9 %     16.3 %
 
Although FREIT’s general investment policy is to hold properties as long-term investments, FREIT could selectively sell certain properties if it determines that any such sale is in FREIT’s and its shareholders’ best interests. With respect to FREIT’s future acquisition and development activities, FREIT will evaluate various real estate opportunities, which FREIT believes would increase FREIT’s revenues and earnings, as well as compliment and increase the overall value of FREIT’s existing investment portfolio.
 
Except for the Pathmark supermarket super store located in Patchogue, Long Island, the Commerce Bank branch located in Rockaway, NJ and the Pascack Community Bank branch to be constructed on our land in Rochelle Park, NJ, all of FREIT’s and its subsidiaries commercial properties have multiple tenants.
 
FREIT and its subsidiaries’ commercial properties have seventeen (17) anchor / major tenants, that account for approximately 59% of the space leased. The balance of the space is leased to one hundred and eighty eight (188) satellite and office tenants. The following table lists the anchor / major tenants at each center and the number of satellite tenants:  
           
Commercial Property
Shopping Center (SC)
Office Building (O)
Net Leaseable Space
Anchor/Major Tenants
 
No. Of
Satellite
Tenants
 
Westridge Square
256,620 (SC)
Giant Food
   
27
 
Frederick, MD
 
Burlington Coat Factory
       
Franklin Crossing
87,041 (SC)
Stop & Shop
   
19
 
Franklin, Lakes, NJ
 
 
       
Westwood Plaza
173,854 (SC)
Kmart Corp
   
20
 
Westwood, NJ
 
TJMaxx
       
Preakness Center (1)
322,136 (SC)
Stop & Shop
   
40
 
Wayne, NJ
 
Macy's
       
 
 
CVS
       
 
 
Annie Sez 
       
 
 
ClearView Theaters 
       
Damascus Center (2)
139,878 (SC)
Safeway Stores
   
11
 
Damascus, MD
 
 
       
The Rotunda (3)
138,276 (O)
Clear Channel Broadcasting
   
63
 
Baltimore, MD
 
US Social Security Office
       
 
 
Janus Associates 
       
 
78,369 (SC)
Giant Food
   
8
 
 
 
Rite Aid Corporation
       
 
 
Bank of America 
       
(1)
FREIT has a 40% interest in this property.
 
(2)
FREIT has a 70% interest in this property.
 
(3)
FREIT has a 60% interest in this property.
 
 
With respect to most of FREIT’s commercial properties, lease terms range from five (5) years to twenty-five (25) years with options, which if exercised would extend the terms of such leases. The lease agreements generally provide for reimbursement of real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties. During the last three (3) completed fiscal years, FREIT’s commercial properties (excluding The Rotunda, which was acquired in July 2005) averaged a 91.6% occupancy rate with respect to FREIT’s available leasable space
 
Leases for FREIT’s apartment buildings and complexes are usually one (1) year in duration. Even though the residential units are leased on a short-term basis, FREIT has averaged, during the last three (3) completed fiscal years, a 94.7% occupancy rate with respect to FREIT’s available apartment units.
 
FREIT does not believe that any seasonal factors materially affect FREIT’s business operations and the leasing of its commercial and apartment properties.
 
FREIT believes that its properties are covered by adequate fire and property insurance provided by reputable companies and with commercially reasonable deductibles and limits.
 




ITEM 3
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which FREIT is a party, or of which any of its properties is the subject. There is, however, ordinary and routine litigation involving FREIT's business including various tenancy and related matters. Notwithstanding the environmental conditions disclosed in “Item 1(c) Narrative Description of Business - Impact of Governmental Laws and Regulations on Registrant’s Business; Environmental Matters,” there are no legal proceedings concerning environmental issues with respect to any property owned by FREIT.

ITEM 4
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of FREIT's 2007 fiscal year.
 
PART II
   
ITEM 5
MARKET FOR FREIT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
   
 Shares of Beneficial Interest
 
Beneficial interests in FREIT are represented by shares without par value (the “Shares”). The Shares represent FREIT’s only authorized, issued and outstanding class of equity. As of January 10, 2008, there were approximately 500 holders of record of the Shares.
 
The Shares are traded in the over-the-counter market through use of the OTC Bulletin Board Service (the “OTC Bulletin Board”) provided by NASD, Inc. FREIT does not believe that an active United States public trading market exists for the Shares since historically only small volumes of the Shares are traded on a sporadic basis. The following table sets forth, at the end of the periods indicated, the Bid and Asked quotations for the Shares on the OTC Bulletin Board.
             
  
 
Bid
   
Asked
 
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2007
 
 
   
 
 
First Quarter
  $
24.85
    $
25.08
 
Second Quarter
  $
24.21
    $
24.28
 
Third Quarter
  $
26.17
    $
26.22
 
Fourth Quarter
  $
23.81
    $
23.93
 
 
 
 
Bid
   
Asked
 
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2006
 
 
   
 
 
First Quarter
  $
32.00
    $
33.00
 
Second Quarter
  $
33.37
    $
35.00
 
Third Quarter
  $
25.15
    $
25.15
 
Fourth Quarter
  $
23.50
    $
23.60
 
 
The bid quotations set forth above for the Shares reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The source of the bid and asked quotations is Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC., members of the New York Stock Exchange and other national securities exchanges.
 
FREIT did not repurchase any shares of beneficial interest during the period covered by this report.
 
            Dividends
 
The holders of Shares are entitled to receive distributions as may be declared by FREIT’s Board of Trustees. Dividends may be declared from time to time by the Board of Trustees and may be paid in cash, property, or Shares. The Board of Trustees’ present policy is to distribute annually at least ninety percent (90%) of FREIT’s REIT taxable income as dividends to the holders of Shares in order to qualify as a REIT for Federal income tax purposes. Distributions are made on a quarterly basis. In Fiscal 2007 and Fiscal 2006, FREIT paid or declared aggregate total dividends of $1.30 and $1.25 per share, respectively, to the holders of shares. See “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Distributions to Shareholders.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
Refer to “Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”



 
ITEM 6
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The selected consolidated financial data for FREIT for each of the five (5) fiscal years in the period ended October 31, 2007 are derived from financial statements herein or previously filed financial statements. This data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report and with FREIT’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. 
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
As At October 31,
 
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
   
2003
 
 
 
(In thousands of dollars)
 
Total Assets
  $
242,755
    $
234,786
    $
214,998
    $
190,575
    $
155,764
 
Mortgage Loans
  $
189,389
    $
180,679
    $
166,874
    $
148,244
    $
126,767
 
Shareholders' Equity
  $
25,130
    $
24,972
    $
26,115
    $
28,671
    $
19,783
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                                       
Basic
   
6,753
     
6,574
     
6,440
     
6,378
     
6,268
 
Diluted
   
6,916
     
6,816
     
6,774
     
6,658
     
6,522
 

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Year Ended October 31,
 
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
   
2003
 
 
 
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Revenue:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Revenue from real estate operations
  $
40,738
    $
37,893
    $
33,268
    $
29,952
    $
25,005
 
Expenses:
                                       
Real estate operations
   
16,673
     
15,658
     
13,414
     
11,235
     
8,925
 
General and administrative expenses
   
1,543
     
1,212
     
1,001
     
689
     
592
 
Depreciation
   
5,311
     
4,726
     
4,252
     
3,663
     
2,826
 
Totals
   
23,527
     
21,596
     
18,667
     
15,587
     
12,343
 
                                         
Operating income
   
17,211
     
16,297
     
14,601
     
14,365
     
12,662
 
                                         
Investment income
   
634
     
232
     
229
     
183
     
201
 
Interest expense including amortization of deferred financing costs
    (11,897 )     (11,127 )     (10,039 )     (9,046 )     (7,838 )
Minority interest
    (776 )     (407 )     (426 )     (555 )     (2,254 )
Income from continuing operations
   
5,172
     
4,995
     
4,365
     
4,947
     
2,771
 
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Income from discontinued operations, net of Minority Interests *
   
3,771
     
163
     
129
     
10,124
     
914
 
Net income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
4,494
    $
15,071
    $
3,685
 

* Includes gain on disposal of $3,680 and $12,681 in fiscal years 2007 and 2004 respectively.
                               
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Continuing operations
  $
0.76
    $
0.76
    $
0.68
    $
0.77
    $
0.44
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.56
     
0.02
     
0.02
     
1.59
     
0.15
 
Net income
  $
1.32
    $
0.78
    $
0.70
    $
2.36
    $
0.59
 
Diluted earnings per share:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $
0.74
    $
0.73
    $
0.64
    $
0.74
    $
0.42
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.55
     
0.03
     
0.02
     
1.53
     
0.14
 
Net income
  $
1.29
    $
0.76
    $
0.66
    $
2.27
    $
0.56
 
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share
  $
1.30
    $
1.25
    $
1.20
    $
1.10
    $
0.90
 




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

Cautionary Statement Identifying Important Factors That Could Cause FREIT’s Actual Results to Differ From Those Projected in Forward Looking Statements.
 
Readers of this discussion are advised that the discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of FREIT (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain statements in this discussion may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect FREIT’s current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of FREIT, and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. FREIT has tried, wherever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend, “ “plan,” “ estimate,” or words of similar meaning.
 
Although FREIT believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to the following: general economic and business conditions, which will, among other things, affect demand for rental space, the availability of prospective tenants, lease rents and the availability of financing; adverse changes in FREIT’s real estate markets, including, among other things, competition with other real estate owners, governmental actions and initiatives; environmental/safety requirements; and risks of real estate development and acquisitions. The risks with respect to the development of real estate include: increased construction costs, inability to obtain construction financing, and unforeseen construction delays.
 
 
Overview
 
FREIT is an equity real estate investment trust ("REIT") that owns a portfolio of residential apartment and retail properties. Our revenues consist primarily of fixed rental income from our residential and retail properties and additional rent in the form of expense reimbursements derived from our income producing retail properties. Our properties are primarily located in northern New Jersey and Maryland. We acquire existing properties for investment, and we acquire properties, which we feel have redevelopment potential, and develop and construct properties on our vacant land. Our policy is to acquire and develop real property for long-term investment.
 
Almost all of FREIT’s income and cash flow is derived from the net rental income (revenues after expenses) from our properties. FREIT’s business and financial results are affected by the following fundamental factors:

 
·
the national and regional economic climate;
 
·
occupancy rates at the properties;
 
·
tenant turn-over rates;
 
·
rental rates;
 
·
operating expenses;
 
·
tenant improvement and leasing costs;
 
·
cost of and availability of capital;
 
·
new acquisitions and development projects; and
 
·
governmental regulations.

A negative quality change in the above factors could potentially cause a detrimental effect in FREIT’s revenue, earnings and cash flow.

Effects of recent accounting pronouncements:
 
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No.123 (R) "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." SFAS 123 (R) establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. This Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS 123 (R) requires that the fair value of such equity instruments be recognized as an expense in the historical financial statements as services are performed. Prior to SFAS 123 (R), only certain pro forma disclosures of fair value were required. SFAS 123 (R) was effective for FREIT as of November 1, 2005. The adoption of this new accounting pronouncement did not have any impact on FREIT's consolidated financial statements.


 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") disclosure guidance for "Critical Accounting Policies," the SEC defines Critical Accounting Policies as those that require the application of Management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.
 
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, the preparation of which takes into account estimates based on judgments and assumptions that affect certain amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. The accounting policies and estimates used, which are outlined in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements which is presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K, have been applied consistently as at October 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the years ended October 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. We believe that the following accounting policies or estimates require the application of Management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments:
 
Revenue Recognition: Base rents, additional rents based on tenants' sales volume and reimbursement of the tenants' share of certain operating expenses are generally recognized when due from tenants. The straight-line basis is used to recognize base rents under leases if they provide for varying rents over the lease terms. Straight-line rents represent unbilled rents receivable to the extent straight-line rents exceed current rents billed in accordance with lease agreements. Before FREIT can recognize revenue, it is required to assess, among other things, its collectibility. If we incorrectly determine the collectibility of revenue, our net income and assets could be overstated.
 
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets: We periodically assess the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever we determine that events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. When FREIT determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may be impaired, the measurement of any impairment is based on a projected discounted cash flow method determined by FREIT's management. While we believe that our discounted cash flow methods are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows may significantly affect the measurement of impairment.
 
In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 requires the reporting of discontinued operations to include components of an entity that have either been disposed of or are classified as held for sale. FREIT has adopted SFAS No. 144. During 2004 and 2007, FREIT sold its Olney, MD and its Lakewood, NJ properties, respectively. FREIT has reclassified the net income (loss) from the operation of these properties as Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have an impact on net income, but only impacted the presentation of these properties within the consolidated statements of income. The results of this reclassification can be seen in "Item 6 Selected Financial Data" above and in the Consolidated Financial Statements of FREIT (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
 

 
Since we consider net income from continuing operations to be the most significant element of net income, all references and
comparisons refer to this item unless otherwise stated. All references to per share amounts are on a diluted basis (unless
otherwise indicated), and refer to earnings per share from continuing operations and have been adjusted to reflect the one-
for-one share dividends paid in October 2001 and March 2004.
 



 

 
Results of Operations:
 
Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2007 and 2006
 
Summary revenues and net income for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 (“Fiscal 2007”) and October 31, 2006 (“Fiscal 2006”) are as follows:
 
   
For the Year Ended
 
   
October 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
 
   
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Commercial revenues:
                 
Same properties (1)
  $
22,088
    $
21,926
    $
162
 
New properties
   
24
     
-
     
24
 
     
22,112
     
21,926
     
186
 
Residential revenues:
                       
Same properties (1)
   
16,274
     
15,583
     
691
 
New properties
   
2,352
     
384
     
1,968
 
     
18,626
     
15,967
     
2,659
 
      Total Real Estate Revenues
   
40,738
     
37,893
     
2,845
 
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
  Real estate operations
   
16,673
     
15,658
     
1,015
 
  General and administrative
   
1,543
     
1,212
     
331
 
  Depreciation
   
5,311
     
4,726
     
585
 
      Total operating expenses
   
23,527
     
21,596
     
1,931
 
                         
      Operating Income
   
17,211
     
16,297
     
914
 
                         
Investment income
   
634
     
232
     
402
 
                         
  Financing costs
    (11,897 )     (11,127 )     (770 )
  Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries
    (626 )     (257 )     (369 )
  Distribution to certain minority interests
    (150 )     (150 )    
-
 
Income from continuing operations
   
5,172
     
4,995
     
177
 
                         
Income from discontinued operations
   
3,771
     
163
     
3,608
 
                         
Net Income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
3,785
 
                         
Basic earnings per share:
                       
  Continuing operations
  $
0.76
    $
0.76
     
-
 
  Discontinued operations
  $
0.56
    $
0.02
    $
0.54
 
Net income
  $
1.32
    $
0.78
    $
0.54
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
  Continuing operations
  $
0.74
    $
0.73
    $
0.01
 
  Discontinued operations
  $
0.55
    $
0.03
    $
0.52
 
Net income
  $
1.29
    $
0.76
    $
0.53
 
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                       
  Basic
   
6,753
     
6,574
         
  Diluted
   
6,916
     
6,816
         
                         
(1) Properties operated since the beginning of Fiscal 2006.
                 

Revenue for Fiscal 2007 increased 7.5% to $40,738,000 compared to $37,893,000 for Fiscal 2006. The increase in real estate revenues was principally attributable to FREIT’s residential operations, primarily at The Boulders in Rockaway Township, NJ, which accounted for 69.2% of the increase in revenues.
 



 

During the 3rd quarter of Fiscal 2007, FREIT sold its Lakewood Apartments in Lakewood, New Jersey. In compliance with current accounting guidance, the gain on the sale, as well as the current and prior year’s earnings of the Lakewood operation are classified as “Income from discontinued operations”, which is included within “Net Income” after “Income from continuing operations”. (See Note 3 for a further discussion of the sale.) Net income for Fiscal 2007 was $8,943,000 ($1.29 diluted) compared to $5,158,000 ($0.76 diluted) for the prior year. Income from continuing operations for Fiscal 2007 was $5,172,000 ($0.74 diluted) compared to $4,995,000 ($0.73 diluted) for the prior year. The schedule below provides a detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted revenue and net income for Fiscal 2007 and 2006:


NET INCOME COMPONENTS
                 
   
Year Ended October 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Change
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial Properties
                 
Same Properties (1)
  $
13,085
    $
12,710
    $
375
 
Damascus Center - undergoing renovation
   
406
     
752
      (346 )
Total Commercial Properties
   
13,491
     
13,462
     
29
 
                         
Residential Properties
                       
Same Properties (1)
   
9,177
     
8,541
     
636
 
Boulders at Rockaway
   
1,397
     
232
     
1,165
 
Total Residential Properties
   
10,574
     
8,773
     
1,801
 
                         
Total income from real estate operations
   
24,065
     
22,235
     
1,830
 
                         
Financing costs:
                       
Fixed rate mortgages
                       
Same Properties (1)
    (8,858 )     (9,374 )    
516
 
Boulders at Rockaway
    (1,108 )    
-
      (1,108 )
Floating Rate - Rotunda
    (1,638 )     (1,509 )     (129 )
Corporate interest - Line / Floating
    (293 )     (244 )     (49 )
Total financing costs
    (11,897 )     (11,127 )     (770 )
                         
Investment income
   
634
     
232
     
402
 
                         
Corporate expenses
    (816 )     (800 )     (16 )
Accounting
    (727 )     (412 )     (315 )
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries
    (626 )     (257 )     (369 )
Distribution to Westwood Hills minority interests
    (150 )     (150 )    
-
 
                         
Depreciation:
                       
Same Properties (1)
    (4,786 )     (4,601 )     (185 )
Boulders at Rockaway
    (525 )     (125 )     (400 )
Total depreciation
    (5,311 )     (4,726 )     (585 )
                         
Income from continuing operations
   
5,172
     
4,995
     
177
 
                         
Income from discontinued operations
   
3,771
     
163
     
3,608
 
                         
Net Income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
3,785
 
                         
 (1) Properties operated since the beginning of Fiscal 2006.
                       









SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The following table sets forth comparative operating data for FREIT’s real estate segments:
 
   
Commercial         
 
Residential         
 
Combined   
   
Year Ended
             
Year Ended
             
Year Ended 
   
Oct 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Oct 31,
 
Increase (Decrease) 
 
Oct 31,
   
2007
 
2006
 
$
 
%
 
2007
 
 2006*
 
$
 
%
 
2007
 
 2006*
   
(in thousands) 
         
(in thousands) 
         
(in thousands)
Rental income
  $
16,692
    $
16,264
    $
428
      2.6 %   $
18,333
    $
15,777
    $
2,556
      16.2 %   $
35,025
    $
32,041
 
Reimbursements
   
4,639
     
4,669
      (30 )     -0.6 %                    
-
             
4,639
     
4,669
 
Other
   
182
     
161
     
21
      13.0 %    
293
     
190
     
103
      54.2 %    
475
     
351
 
Total Revenue
   
21,513
     
21,094
     
419
      2.0 %    
18,626
     
15,967
     
2,659
      16.7 %    
40,139
     
37,061
 
                                                                                 
Operating expenses
   
8,621
     
8,464
     
157
      1.9 %    
8,052
     
7,194
     
858
      11.9 %    
16,673
     
15,658
 
Net operating income
  $
12,892
    $
12,630
    $
262
      2.1 %   $
10,574
    $
8,773
    $
1,801
      20.5 %    
23,466
     
21,403
 
Average
                                                                               
Occupancy %
    90.3 %     90.3 %             0.0 %     95.0 %     95.6 %             -0.6 %                
                                                                                 

Reconciliation to consolidated net income:          
             
Deferred rents - straight lining              
 
298
     
342
 
Amortization of acquired leases          
 
301
     
490
 
Net investment income              
 
634
     
232
 
General and administrative expenses          
  (1,543 )     (1,212 )
Depreciation                  
  (5,311 )     (4,726 )
Financing costs              
  (11,897 )     (11,127 )
Distributions to certain minority interests          
  (150 )     (150 )
Minority interest              
  (626 )     (257 )
Income from continuing operations          
 
5,172
     
4,995
 
Income from discontinued operations          
 
3,771
     
163
 
    Net income              
$
8,943
    $
5,158
 

* Reclassified to reflect discontinued operations (See Notes 1 & 3 to the consolidated financial statements for more details.)
                                                 
 
The above table details the comparative net operating income (“NOI”) for FREIT’s Commercial and Residential Segments, and reconciles the combined NOI to consolidated Net Income. NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), lease amortization, depreciation and financing costs. FREIT assesses and measures segment operating results based on NOI. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flow as measured by generally accepted accounting principles, and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT
The commercial segment contained ten (10) separate properties during Fiscal 2007 and nine (9) separate properties during Fiscal 2006. Seven are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and one is a single tenanted store. In addition, FREIT owns land in Rockaway, NJ and Rochelle Park, NJ from which it receives monthly rental income. The Rockaway land is leased to a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on the land. In Rochelle Park, FREIT leases the land to a tenant who plans to build and operate a bank branch on the land.
 
Revenue and NOI from FREIT’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2007 increased $419,000 (2.0%) and $262,000 (2.1%), respectively, over Fiscal 2006. The primary reasons for the increase in revenue and NOI, not including Damascus, were higher occupancy levels and a decrease in operating expense over last year, specifically leasing commissions at The Rotunda. The increase in revenue and NOI was tempered slightly by the adverse effect of the anticipated planned renovation at our Damascus Shopping Center (the “Damascus Center”), which caused a temporary decline in occupancy levels (see discussion below). Average occupancy rates for FREIT’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2007 was at 94.6%, exclusive of the Damascus Center, compared to 93.0% for Fiscal 2006. Occupancy rates for the Damascus Center decreased to 55.9% for Fiscal 2007 from 68.6% for Fiscal 2006.
 



 

 
The impact of this renovation on the year-to-date results of the commercial segment is reflected in the following table:
 
  
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
October 31, 2007
   
October 31, 2006
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
   
Commercial
Combined
   
Damascus
   
Same
Properties
   
Commercial
Combined
   
Damascus
   
Same
Properties
 
Revenues
  $
21,513
    $
816
    $
20,697
    $
21,094
    $
1,178
    $
19,916
 
Expenses
   
8,621
     
410
     
8,211
     
8,464
     
426
     
8,038
 
NOI
  $
12,892
    $
406
    $
12,486
    $
12,630
    $
752
    $
11,878
 
 
Revenues and NOI for same properties increased 4% and 5% respectively for Fiscal 2007 over Fiscal 2006.
 
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
A modernization and expansion is underway at our Damascus Center in Damascus, MD (owned by our 70% owned affiliate, Damascus Centre, LLC). Total construction costs are expected to approximate $21.9 million.  Building plans for Phase I have been approved and construction on Phase I began in June 2007 with completion expected no later than February 2008. Phase I construction costs will approximate $4 million of which $2.5 million has already been expended. Construction financing for approximately $27.3 million has been committed that will be available to fund future and already expended construction costs, and will be drawn upon as needed.  Because of this expansion leases for certain tenants have been allowed to expire and not renewed. This has caused occupancy to decline, on a temporary basis, during the construction phase.
 
Development plans and studies for the expansion and renovation of our Rotunda property in Baltimore, MD (owned by our 60% owned affiliate Grande Rotunda, LLC) continued during Fiscal 2007. The Rotunda property, on an 11.5-acre site, currently consists of an office building containing 138,000 sq. ft. of office space and 78,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower floor of the main building. The building plans incorporate an expansion of approximately 180,500 sq ft. of retail space, approximately 302 residential rental apartments, 56 condominium units and 120 hotel rooms, and structured parking. These development costs are expected to approximate $145 million. City Planning Board approval has been received, and construction is expected to start during calendar 2008.
 
FREIT recently completed the re-configuration and renovation of the space formerly occupied by a movie theater at its Westridge Square Shopping Center in Frederick, MD at a cost approximating $1 million.  The former movie theater operator, as part of its lease termination fee, supplied the funds for this re-configuration.

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT
On June 26, 2007, FREIT sold the Lakewood Apartments in Lakewood, New Jersey for $4 million. For financial reporting purposes, FREIT recognized a gain of approximately $3.7 million from the sale. In compliance with current accounting guidance, the gain on the sale and the earnings of the Lakewood operation are classified as discontinued operations. (See Note 3 for a further discussion of the sale.)DuringFiscal 2007, FREIT operated nine (9) multi-family apartment communities totaling 1,075 apartment units, not including the Lakewood property. During the latter part of June 2006, tenants began taking occupancy at completed buildings at FREIT’s 129-unit Rockaway, NJ project, The Boulders, which had been under construction.  (See discussion below.) Fiscal 2007 was the first full year of operation for The Boulders. As of December 31, 2007 occupancy was in excess of 93%.
 
During Fiscal 2007 revenues increased $2,659,000 (16.7%) to $18,626,000 and NOI increased $1,801,000 (20.5%) to $10,574,000 over Fiscal 2006. The favorable results at FREIT’s residential segment for Fiscal 2007 were primarily attributable to the contribution made by The Boulders, in addition to a combination of higher occupancy levels and higher rents. As a result of the continuing firming of the apartment rental markets in FREIT’s operating areas, we expect continued favorable operating results at our residential segment during Fiscal 2008.
 
The contribution made by The Boulders, to revenues and NOI during Fiscal 2007 and 2006 is reflected in the following table:
       
  
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
October 31, 2007
   
October 31, 2006
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
   
Residential
Combined
   
Boulders
   
Same
Properties
   
Residential
Combined
   
Boulders
   
Same
Properties
 
Revenues
  $
18,626
    $
2,352
    $
16,274
    $
15,967
    $
384
    $
15,583
 
Expenses
   
8,052
     
955
     
7,097
     
7,194
     
152
     
7,042
 
NOI
  $
10,574
    $
1,397
    $
9,177
    $
8,773
    $
232
    $
8,541
 
 
 



 
Our residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a factor of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. A 1% decline in annual average occupancy, or a 1% decline in average rents from current levels, results in an annual revenue decline of approximately $197,000 and $187,000 respectively.
 
Capital expenditures: During Fiscal 2007 we expended $460,000 ($679 per apartment unit) excluding The Pierre and the newly constructed Boulders. Since our apartment communities were constructed more than 25 years ago, we tend to spend more in any given year on maintenance and capital improvements than may be spent on newer properties.
 
At The Pierre, a major renovation program is ongoing. We intend to modernize, where required, all apartments and to modernize some of the building’s mechanical services. This renovation is expected to cost approximately $3 - $4 million and apartments are to be renovated as they become temporarily vacant, over the next several years. These costs will be financed from operating cash flow and cash reserves. Through October 31, 2007, we expended approximately $2.7 million in capital improvements at The Pierre, including approximately $794,000 during Fiscal 2007.
 
The Boulders, Rockaway Township, NJ
Construction, which had begun in July 2005, was completed in August 2006 on 129 garden apartment units on FREIT’s property in Rockaway, NJ. Development costs estimated at $17.7 million were financed from construction financing and funds available from our cash and cash equivalents. Certificates of Occupancy for the buildings have been received, and tenants started taking occupancy during June 2006. As of December 31, 2007 occupancy was in excess of 93%.
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Net investment income increased 173% to $634,000 during Fiscal 2007 from $232,000 in Fiscal 2006. Net investment income is principally derived from interest earned from cash on deposit in institutional money market funds and interest earned from secured loans receivable (loans made to Hekemian employees, including certain members of the immediate family of Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT CEO and Chairman of the Board, for their equity investment in Grande Rotunda, LLC, a limited liability company, in which FREIT owns a 60% equity interest and Damascus Center, LLC, a limited liability company, in which FREIT owns a 70% equity interest). The increase in net investment income for the current year was primarily attributable to higher interest income for the current year due to higher interest rates on the Company’s investments, coupled with interest income relative to the secured loans made to Hekemian employees in connection with the sale of an equity interest in the Damascus Center, effective October 31, 2006.

FINANCING COSTS
Financing costs are summarized as follows: 
 
   
Year Ended
 
   
October 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
 Fixed rate mortgages
           
         1st mortgages
           
               Existing
  $
6,503
    $
9,242
 
               New (1)
   
1,728
     
-
 
         2nd mortgages
               
               Existing
   
1,774
     
540
 
 Variable rate mortgages:
               
     Acquisition loan - Rotunda
   
1,580
     
1,460
 
     Credit line
   
185
     
86
 
 Other
   
84
     
134
 
     
11,854
     
11,462
 
 Amortization of mortgage costs
   
277
     
246
 
      Less construction period interest capitalized
    (234 )     (581 )
 Financing costs expensed
  $
11,897
    $
11,127
 
                 
(1) Mortgages not in place at beginning of Fiscal 2006.
 
 
Financing costs for Fiscal 2007 increased by $770,000 (6.9%) compared to Fiscal 2006. The principal reasons for the increase were due to increased financing levels at The Boulders (construction and permanent loans) resulting in an increase in financing costs of $1,108,000 for Fiscal 2007, coupled with higher interest rates relative to The Rotunda acquisition loan of $22.5 million, which bears a floating interest rate. Higher interest rates over the course of the last year raised the level of interest expense for The Rotunda by $120,000, to $1,580,000 for Fiscal 2007.


 

 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Our general and administrative expenses increased $331,000 (27.3%) to $1,543,000 for Fiscal 2007 from $1,212,000 for Fiscal 2006. The increases for Fiscal 2007 were primarily attributable to increases in accounting and auditing fees of $315,000.
 
DEPRECIATION
Depreciation expense in Fiscal 2007 increased $585,000 (12.4%) to $5,311,000 from $4,726,000 for Fiscal 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to depreciation related to The Boulders property, completed in August 2006.
 
Results of Operations:
Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2006 and 2005
 
Revenues for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006 (“Fiscal 2006”) increased $3,755,000 or 20.7% over revenues for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 (“Fiscal 2005”). The components of the increase are summarized in this table:
 
   
For the Year Ended
 
   
October 31,
 
   
2006
   
2005
   
Change
 
   
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Commercial revenues:
                 
Same properties (1)
  $
17,835
    $
17,184
    $
651
 
New properties
   
4,091
     
987
     
3,104
 
     
21,926
     
18,171
     
3,755
 
Residential revenues:
                       
Same properties (1)
   
15,583
     
15,097
     
486
 
New properties
   
384
     
-
     
384
 
     
15,967
     
15,097
     
870
 
Total Real Estate Revenues
   
37,893
     
33,268
     
4,625
 
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Real estate operations
   
15,658
     
13,414
     
2,244
 
General and administrative
   
1,212
     
1,001
     
211
 
Depreciation
   
4,726
     
4,252
     
474
 
Total operating expenses
   
21,596
     
18,667
     
2,929
 
                         
Operating Income
   
16,297
     
14,601
     
1,696
 
                         
Investment income
   
232
     
229
     
3
 
                         
Financing costs
    (11,127 )     (10,039 )     (1,088 )
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries
    (257 )     (246 )     (11 )
Distribution to certain minority interests
    (150 )     (180 )    
30
 
Income from continuing operations
   
4,995
     
4,365
     
630
 
                         
Income from discontinued operations
   
163
     
129
     
34
 
                         
Net Income
  $
5,158
    $
4,494
    $
664
 
                         
Basic earnings per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $
0.76
    $
0.68
    $
0.08
 
Discontinued operations
  $
0.02
    $
0.02
     
-
 
Net income
  $
0.78
    $
0.70
    $
0.08
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $
0.73
    $
0.64
    $
0.09
 
Discontinued operations
  $
0.03
    $
0.02
    $
0.01
 
Net income
  $
0.76
    $
0.66
    $
0.10
 
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
   
6,574
     
6,440
         
Diluted
   
6,816
     
6,774
         
                         
(1) Properties operated since the beginning of Fiscal 2005.
                       
 
 In compliance with current accounting guidance, the prior years’ results have been reclassified to reflect the earnings of the Lakewood operation as “Income from discontinued operations”, which is included within “Net Income” after “Income from continuing operations”. (See Note 3 for a further discussion of this reclassification.)
 
Revenue for Fiscal 2006 increased 13.9% to $37,893,000 compared to $33,268,000 for Fiscal 2005. FREIT’s acquisition of The Rotunda in July 2005 (see Note 3 for further discussion of The Rotunda acquisition), and revenue generated from FREIT’s newly constructed property (The Boulders) in Rockaway, NJ accounted for 10% of the increase in revenues.


 

 
Income from continuing operations was $4,995,000 in Fiscal 2006 compared to $4,365,000 in Fiscal 2005, an increase of 14.4%. This increase was primarily attributable to improved operating results at FREIT’s Same Properties.

SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The following table sets forth comparative operating data for FREIT’s real estate segments:
                                                         
   
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Combined 
   
Year Ended 
          
Year Ended
         
Year Ended 
   
Oct 31, 
 
Increase (Decrease) 
 
Oct 31,
 
Increase (Decrease) 
 
Oct 31,
   
2006 
 
2005 
 
$
 
%
 
2006 
 
 2005*
 
$
 
%
 
2006 
 
2005*
   
(in thousands) 
         
(in thousands) 
         
(in thousands)
Rental income
  $
16,264
    $
13,651
    $
2,613
      19.1 %   $
15,777
    $
15,027
    $
750
      5.0 %   $
32,041
    $
28,678
 
Reimbursements
   
4,669
     
4,063
     
606
      14.9 %                                    
4,669
     
4,063
 
Other
   
161
    
128
    
33
     25.8 %    
190
    
70
    
120
     171.4 %    
351
     
198
 
Total Revenue
   
21,094
     
17,842
     
3,252
      18.2 %    
15,967
     
15,097
     
870
      5.8 %    
37,061
     
32,939
 
                                                                                 
Operating expenses
   
8,464
    
6,615
    
1,849
     28.0 %    
7,194
    
6,799
    
395
     5.8 %    
15,658
     
13,414
 
Net operating income
  $
12,630
  $
11,227
  $
1,403
    12.5 %   $
8,773
  $
8,298
  $
475
    5.7 %    
21,403
     
19,525
 
Average
                                                                               
Occupancy %
    90.3 %     91.1 %             -0.8 %     95.6 %     93.4 %             2.2 %                
                                                                                 

Reconciliation to consolidated net income:          
             
Deferred rents - straight lining          
 
342
     
329
 
Amortization of acquired leases          
 
490
     
-
 
Net investment income              
 
232
     
229
 
General and administrative expenses          
  (1,212 )     (1,001 )
Depreciation                  
  (4,726 )     (4,252 )
Financing costs              
  (11,127 )     (10,039 )
Distributions to certain minority interests          
  (150 )     (180 )
Minority interest              
  (257 )     (246 )
Income from continuing operations          
 
4,995
     
4,365
 
Income from discontinued operations          
 
163
     
129
 
Net income
 $
5,158
     $
4,494
 

* Reclassified to reflect discontinued operations (See Notes 1 & 3 to the consolidated financial statements for more details.)
                                                 
 
The above table details the comparative net operating income (“NOI”) for FREIT’s Commercial and Residential Segments, and reconciles the combined NOI to consolidated Net Income. NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation and financing costs. FREIT assesses and measures segment operating results based on NOI. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flow as measured by generally accepted accounting principles, and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT
During Fiscal 2006 revenues and NOI increased $3,252,000 (18.2%) and $1,403,000 (12.5%), respectively over Fiscal 2005. The increase in revenue and NOI is primarily attributable to the operations at The Rotunda, as reflected in the following table:
 
  
 
Year Ended
 
 
 
October 31, 2006
   
October 31, 2005
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
   
Commercial
Combined
   
Rotunda
   
Same
Properties
   
Commercial
Combined
   
Rotunda
   
Same
Properties
 
Revenues
  $
21,094
    $
3,535
    $
17,559
    $
17,842
    $
969
    $
16,873
 
Expenses
   
8,464
     
2,507
     
5,957
     
6,615
     
585
     
6,030
 
NOI
  $
12,630
    $
1,028
    $
11,602
    $
11,227
    $
384
    $
10,843
 
 
Revenues and NOI for the Same Properties increased 4.1% and 7.0%, respectively for Fiscal 2006 over Fiscal 2005.

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT
During most of Fiscal 2006 FREIT operated nine (9) multi-family apartment communities totaling 986 apartment units. During the later part of June 2006, tenants began taking occupancy at completed buildings at FREIT’s 129-unit Rockaway, NJ project, The Boulders that had been under construction. Since operations at The Boulders during Fiscal 2006 were immaterial, the NOI discussion below concerns FREIT’s same residential properties.
 



 
 
During Fiscal 2006 revenues increased $870,000 (5.8%) to $15,967,000 and NOI increased $475,000 (5.7%) to $8,773,000 over Fiscal 2005.  The favorable results at FREIT’s residential segment for Fiscal 2006 was a combination of higher occupancy levels and higher rents, as a result of the continuing firming of the apartment rental markets in FREIT’s operating areas.
 
Our residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income.  Total rental income is a factor of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. A 1% decline in annual average occupancy, or a 1% decline in average rents from current levels, results in an annual revenue decline of approximately $185,000 and $173,000 respectively.
 
Capital expenditures: During Fiscal 2006 we expended $368,000 ($513 per apartment unit) excluding The Pierre and the newly constructed Boulders. Since our apartment communities were constructed more than 25 years ago, we tend to spend more in any given year on maintenance and capital improvements than may be spent on newer properties.
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Net investment income increased slightly to $232,000 during Fiscal 2006 from $229,000 in Fiscal 2005. Net investment income is principally derived from interest earned from our cash on deposit in institutional money market funds, and interest earned from our secured loans receivable (loans made to Hekemian employees for their equity investment in Grande Rotunda). The amount of earnings is dependent on prevailing interest rates in effect from time-to-time.
 
FINANCING COSTS
Financing costs are summarized as follows:
 
   
Year Ended
 
   
October 31,
 
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(in thousands)
 
 Fixed rate mortgages
           
         1st mortgages
           
               Existing
  $
8,661
    $
8,869
 
               New (1)
   
581
     
-
 
         2nd mortgages
               
               Existing
   
540
     
540
 
 Variable rate mortgages:
               
     Acquisition loan - Rotunda
   
1,460
       340  
         Credit line
   
86
     
-
 
 Other
   
134
     
94
 
     
11,462
     
9,843
 
 Amortization of mortgage costs
   
246
     
196
 
      Less construction period interest capitalized
    (581 )    
-
 
 Financing costs expensed
  $
11,127
    $
10,039
 
                 
(1) Mortgages not in place at beginning of Fiscal 2005.
 
 
Financing costs for Fiscal 2006 increased by $1,088,000 (10.8%) compared to Fiscal 2005. The principal reason for the increase was the mortgage loan on FREIT’s acquisition of The Rotunda in Fiscal 2005. The decrease in financing costs from existing mortgages is principally attributable to reduced interest costs resulting from lower mortgage balances from normal loan amortization and from the pre-payment of the $2.3 million loan on the Damascus property in January 2005.
 
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Our General and Administrative expenses increased $211,000 (21.1%) to $1,212,000 for Fiscal 2006 from $1,001,000 for Fiscal 2005. The principal reasons for the increase were the Sarbanes-Oxley Act accounting compliance costs and Trustees’ compensation.
 
DEPRECIATION
Depreciation expense in Fiscal 2006 increased $474,000 (11.1%) to $4,726,000 from $4,252,000 for Fiscal 2005. The principal reasons for the increase were the acquisition of The Rotunda during July of Fiscal 2005, and the completion and coming into service of the Boulders property in Rockaway, NJ.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Our financial condition remains strong. Net cash provided by operating activities was $11.1 million for Fiscal 2007 compared to $12.1 million for Fiscal 2006. We expect that cash provided by operating activities will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments, recurring capital improvements and dividends necessary to retain qualification as a REIT (90% of taxable income).
 
As at October 31, 2007, we had cash and marketable securities totaling $12.7 million compared to $9.6 million at October 31, 2006.


 

 
We are planning an expansion and redevelopment of The Rotunda in Baltimore, MD and have begun the rebuilding of the Damascus Shopping Center, in Damascus, MD. The total capital required for these projects is estimated at $145 million, and $21.9 million, respectively. Financing for these projects will be, in part, from construction and mortgage financing and, in part, from funds available in our institutional money market investment. We expect these development projects to add to revenues, income, cash flow, and shareholder value.
 
As at October 31, 2007, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $189.4 million. This debt bears a fixed weighted average interest rate of 5.794%. The fixed rate mortgages, which have an average life of approximately 6.07 years, are subject to repayment (amortization) schedules that are longer than the term of the mortgages. As such, balloon payments for all mortgage debt will be required as follows:
  
Year
 
$ Millions
 
2008
 
$
28.4
 
2010
 
$
12.2
 
2013
 
$
8.0
 
2014
 
$
25.9
 
2016
 
$
24.5
 
2017
 
$
22.0
 
2019
 
$
28.1
 
2022
 
$
14.4
 

The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of our long-term debt at October 31, 2007 and 2006: 
             
(In Millions)
 
October 31,
2007
   
October 31,
2006
 
Fair Value
  $
188.7
    $
184.4
 
Carrying Value
  $
189.4
    $
180.7
 

Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at the end of each fiscal year and on discounted cash flow analysis. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect these fair value estimates.
 
FREIT expects to re-finance the individual mortgages with new mortgages when their terms expire. To this extent we have exposure to interest rate risk on our fixed rate debt obligations. If interest rates, at the time any individual mortgage note is due, are higher than the current fixed interest rate, higher debt service may be required, and/or re-financing proceeds may be less than the amount of mortgage debt being retired. For example, a 1% interest rate increase would reduce the fair value of our debt by $9.4 million, and a 1% decrease would increase the fair value by $10.2 million.
 
We believe that the values of our properties will be adequate to command re-financing proceeds equal to, or higher than, the mortgage debt to be re-financed. We continually review our debt levels to determine if additional debt can prudently be utilized for property acquisition additions to our real estate portfolio that will increase income and cash flow to shareholders.
 
Credit Line: FREIT has an $18 million line of credit provided by the Provident Bank. The line of credit is for three years but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, at each anniversary date. Draws against the credit line can be used for general corporate purposes, for property acquisitions, construction activities, and letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, Franklin Lakes, NJ, retail space in Glen Rock, NJ, Palisades Manor Apartments, Palisades Park, NJ, and Grandview Apartments, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. .Interest rates on draws will be set at the time of each draw for 30, 60, or 90-day periods, based on our choice of the prime rate or at 175 basis points over the 30, 60, or 90-day LIBOR rates at the time of the draws.
 
In connection with its construction activities in Rockaway, NJ, FREIT had drawn down $1.5 million and further utilized the credit line for the issuance of a $2 million Letter of Credit (“LoC”). The $1.5 million was repaid during the current year’s first quarter and the $2 million LoC was retired on May 16, 2007.
 
During the current year’s second quarter, FREIT utilized $15.8 million of its credit line to repay currently maturing mortgage debt secured by Westridge Square. The $15.8 million utilized under the credit line was subsequently repaid on April 25, 2007, using proceeds from the refinancing of the Westridge Square debt. $18 million is currently available under the line of credit.


 

 
Interest rate swap contract: To reduce interest rate volatility, FREIT uses “pay fixed, receive floating” interest rate swaps to convert floating interest rates to fixed interest rates over the terms of certain loans. We enter into these swap contracts with a counterparty that is usually a high-quality commercial bank.
 
In essence, we agree to pay our counterparty a fixed rate of interest on a dollar amount of notional principal (which corresponds to our mortgage debt) over a term equal to the terms of the mortgage note. Our counterparty, in return, agrees to pay us a short-term rate of interest - generally LIBOR - on that same notional amount over the same term as our mortgage note.
 
FASB 133 requires us to mark-to-market fixed pay interest rate swaps. As the floating interest rate varies from time-to-time over the term of the contract, the value of the contract will change upward or downward. If the floating rate is higher than the fixed rate, the value of the contract goes up and there is a gain and an asset. If the floating rate is less than the fixed rate, there is a loss and a liability. These gains or losses will not affect our income statement. Changes in the fair value of these swap contracts will be reported in other comprehensive income and appear in the equity section of our balance sheet. This gain or loss represents the economic consequence of liquidating our fixed rate swap contracts and replacing them with like-duration funding at current market rates, something we would likely never do.
 
FREIT had a variable interest rate mortgage securing its Patchogue, NY property. To reduce interest rate fluctuations FREIT entered into an interest rate swap contract. This rate swap contract effectively converted variable interest rate payments to fixed interest rate payments. The contract was initially based on a notional amount of approximately $6,769,000 ($5,929,000 at October 31, 2007). FREIT has the following derivative-related risks with its swap contract: 1) early termination risk, and 2) counterparty credit risk.
 
Early Termination Risk: If FREIT wants to terminate its swap contract before maturity, it would be bought out or terminated at market value; i.e., the difference in the present value of the anticipated net cash flows from each of the swap’s parties. If current variable interest rates are significantly below FREIT’s fixed interest rate payments, this could be costly. Conversely, if interest rates rise above FREIT’s fixed interest payments and FREIT elected early termination, FREIT would realize a gain on termination. At October 31, 2007, FREIT’s swap contract was in-the-money. If FREIT had terminated its contract at that date it would have realized a gain of about $14,000. This amount has been included as an asset in FREIT’s balance sheet as at October 31, 2007, and the change (gain or loss) between reporting periods included in comprehensive income.
 
Counterparty Credit Risk: Each party to a swap contract bears the risk that its Counterparty will default on its obligation to make a periodic payment. FREIT reduces this risk by entering swap contracts only with major financial institutions that are experienced market makers in the derivatives market.
 
FREIT’s total capital commitments represent obligations under its mortgage loan and construction contracts as follows: 

 
 CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
                             
 (in thousands of dollars)
                             
         
Within
   
 2 - 3
   
4 - 5
   
After 5
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
One Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Years
 
Long-Term Debt
                                 
Annual Amortization
  $
25,829
    $
2,167
    $
5,067
    $
5,583
    $
13,012
 
Balloon Payments
   
163,560
     
28,394
     
12,216
     
-
     
122,950
 
Total Long-Term Debt
   
189,389
     
30,561
     
17,283
     
5,583
     
135,962
 
                                         
Construction Contracts (a)
   
1,678
     
1,678
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total Capital Commitments
  $
191,067
    $
32,239
    $
17,283
    $
5,583
    $
135,962
 
                                         
(a) Represents construction contracts related to Damascus Center redevelopment project.
         






Funds From Operations (“FFO”)
 
Many consider FFO as the standard measurement of a REIT’s performance. We compute FFO as follows:
 

Funds From Operations
 
Year Ended
 
   
October 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
4,494
 
Depreciation
   
5,311
     
4,726
     
4,252
 
Amortization of deferred mortgage costs
   
277
     
246
     
196
 
Deferred rents (Straight lining)
    (298 )     (342 )     (329 )
Amortization of acquired leases
    (301 )     (490 )    
-
 
Capital Improvements - Apartments
    (460 )     (368 )     (626 )
Discontinued operations
    (3,771 )     (163 )     (129 )
Minority interests:
                       
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
776
     
407
     
426
 
Distributions to minority interests
    (998 )     (780 )     (728 )
FFO
  $
9,479
    $
8,394
    $
7,556
 
                         
Per Share - Basic
  $
1.40
    $
1.28
    $
1.17
 
Per Share - Diluted
  $
1.37
    $
1.23
    $
1.12
 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
                       
Basic
   
6,753
     
6,574
     
6,440
 
Diluted
   
6,916
     
6,816
     
6,774
 
 
 
FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and therefore should not be considered a substitute for net income as a measure of results of operations or for cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, the application and calculation of FFO by certain other REITs may vary materially from that of FREIT’s, and therefore FREIT’s FFO and the FFO of other REITs may not be directly comparable.

Distributions to Shareholders
 
Since its inception in 1961, FREIT has elected to be treated as a REIT for Federal income tax purposes. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of highly technical and complex operational requirements including that we must distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income. We anticipate making distributions to shareholders from operating cash flows, which are expected to increase from future growth in rental revenues. Although cash used to make distributions reduces amounts available for capital investment, we generally intend to distribute not less than the minimum of REIT taxable income necessary to satisfy the applicable REIT requirement as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. With respect to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the reduction of the tax rate on dividends does not apply to FREIT dividends. Since it is FREIT’s policy to pass on at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders, FREIT’s taxable income is untaxed at the trust level. As a result, FREIT’s dividends will be taxed as ordinary income.


 
It has been our policy to pay fixed quarterly dividends for the first three quarters of each fiscal year, and a final fourth quarter dividend based on the fiscal year’s net income and taxable income. The following tables list the quarterly dividends paid or declared for the three most recent fiscal years and the percent the dividends were of taxable income.
 
       
   
Fiscal Year ended October 31,   
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
First Quarter
  $
0.30
    $
0.25
    $
0.25
 
Second Quarter
  $
0.30
    $
0.25
    $
0.25
 
Third Quarter
  $
0.30
    $
0.25
    $
0.25
 
Fourth Quarter
  $
0.40
    $
0.50
    $
0.45
 
Total For Year
  $
1.30
    $
1.25
    $
1.20
 
 
                      
         
(in thousands of dollars)
 
Dividends
Fiscal
 
Per
   
Total
   
Ordinary
   
Capital Gain
   
Taxable
   
as a % of 
Year
 
Share
   
Dividends
   
Income
   
Income
   
Income
   
Taxable Income 
2007
  $
1.30
    $
8,787
    $
5,353
    $
2,040
    $
7,393
      118.9 %
2006
  $
1.25
    $
8,313
    $
5,250
    $
-
    $
5,250
      158.3 %
2005
  $
1.20
    $
7,740
    $
4,778
    $
-
    $
4,778
      162.0 %
                                                 

  
INFLATION
 
Inflation can impact the financial performance of FREIT in various ways. Our commercial tenant leases normally provide that the tenants bear all or a portion of most operating expenses, which can reduce the impact of inflationary increases on FREIT. Apartment leases are normally for a one-year term, which may allow us to seek increased rents as leases renew or when new tenants are obtained.
 

* * *





ITEM 7A
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Commercial and Residential Segment” above.

ITEM 8
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data of FREIT are submitted as a separate section of this Form 10-K. See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements" on page 32 of this Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 9
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
Effective September 13, 2006, FREIT changed its independent registered public accounting firm from J.H. Cohn LLP to Eisner LLP, as reported in FREIT’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13, 2006. The decision to change FREIT’s independent registered public accounting firm was made by the Audit Committee of FREIT’s board of directors and ratified by FREIT’s board of directors. In connection with the audits of FREIT’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005, and in the subsequent interim period from November 1, 2005 through and including September 8, 2006, there were no disagreements between FREIT and its auditors, J.H. Cohn, on any matters of accounting principles or practices, consolidated financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope and procedures, which if not resolved to the satisfaction of J.H. Cohn, would have caused J.H. Cohn to make reference to the matter in their reports on the financial statements for such years.
 
ITEM 9A
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of FREIT’s disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with participation of FREIT’s management, including FREIT’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who concluded that FREIT’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in FREIT’s internal controls or in other factors, which could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date we carried out our evaluation.
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in FREIT’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in FREIT’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including FREIT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — FREIT’s management, under the supervision of FREIT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management evaluated the effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2007.
 
Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2007, has been audited by Eisner LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included in “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — FREIT’s management, with the participation of FREIT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated whether any change in FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2007. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that there has been no change in FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B     OTHER INFORMATION
 None.






Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees and Shareholders
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”, that First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries (“FREIT”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). FREIT’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, management’s assessment that FREIT maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2007, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also in our opinion, FREIT maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of FREIT as of October 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and undistributed earnings and cash flows for the years then ended, and our report dated January 10, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Eisner LLP
New York, NY

January 10, 2008




PART III
 
Certain information required by Part III is incorporated by reference to FREIT's definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of FREIT's fiscal year covered by this Annual Report. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement that specifically address the items set forth in this Annual Report are incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement into this Annual Report.
 
ITEM 10
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The information concerning FREIT's trustees required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections titled "Election of Trustees" and "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act" in FREIT's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2008.

ITEM 11
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information pertaining to executive compensation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled "Election of Trustees - Executive Compensation" in FREIT's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2008.
 
ITEM 12
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in FREIT's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2008. 

ITEM 13
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" in FREIT's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2008.
 
ITEM 14
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
The information required in response to this item is incorporated by reference to the sections titled “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” “ Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” contained in FREIT’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2008.

 





PART IV
 
ITEM 15:
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

Page
 
 
34/35
 
 
36
 
 
37
 
 
38
 
 
39
 
 
 
 
 
55
 
 
 
 
 
52/53





 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, FREIT has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey
 
       
 
 
 
 
Dated: January 14, 2008
 
By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian
 
       
 
 
Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By: /s/ Donald W. Barney
 
       
 
 
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
 
 






Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
 
To the Trustees and Shareholders
 
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries (“FREIT”) as of October 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and undistributed earnings and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audit also included the Financial Statement Schedule XI listed in the index at item 15(c). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of FREIT'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 FREIT as of October 31, 2007 and 2006 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO) and our report dated January 10, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/ Eisner LLP
 
New York, NY
 
January 10, 2008
 
 




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees and Shareholders
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and undistributed earnings and cash flows of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries (“FREIT”) for the year ended October 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of FREIT's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, FREITs consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the year ended October 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
As discussed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, FREIT has restated its consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended October 31, 2005. 
 
Our audit referred to above included the information in Schedule XI for the year ended October 31, 2005, which presents fairly, when read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, the information required to be set forth therein.
 


/s/ J.H. Cohn LLP
Roseland, New Jersey

January 10, 2006, except for Note 15, as to which the date is January 30, 2007.
 
 




FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
OCTOBER 31, 2007 AND 2006
             
             
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
ASSETS      
             
Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation
  $
204,732
    $
204,313
 
Construction in progress
   
7,331
     
2,995
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
12,740
     
9,616
 
Tenants' security accounts
   
2,369
     
2,161
 
Sundry receivables
   
4,833
     
3,320
 
Secured loans receivable
   
3,326
     
3,109
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
2,852
     
4,201
 
Acquired over market leases and in-place lease costs
   
1,104
     
1,395
 
Deferred charges, net
   
3,454
     
3,589
 
Interest rate swap contract
   
14
     
87
 
Totals
  $
242,755
    $
234,786
 
                 
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
                 
Liabilities:
               
Mortgages payable
  $
189,389
    $
180,679
 
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
5,193
     
6,097
 
Dividends payable
   
2,704
     
3,375
 
 Tenants' security deposits
   
3,124
     
2,823
 
 Acquired below market value leases and deferred revenue
   
3,911
     
3,945
 
Total liabilities
   
204,321
     
196,919
 
                 
Minority interest
   
13,304
     
12,895
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Shares of beneficial interest without par value:
               
8,000,000 shares authorized;
               
     6,760,652 and 6,750,652 shares issued and outstanding
   
23,225
     
23,150
 
  Undistributed earnings
   
1,891
     
1,735
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
14
     
87
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
25,130
     
24,972
 
Totals
  $
242,755
    $
234,786
 

                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
AND UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005
                   
                   
                   
INCOME
 
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Revenue:
                 
Rental income
  $
35,624
    $
32,873
    $
29,007
 
Reimbursements
   
4,639
     
4,669
     
4,063
 
Sundry income
   
475
     
351
     
198
 
Totals
   
40,738
     
37,893
     
33,268
 
                         
Expenses:
                       
Operating expenses
   
10,742
     
9,848
     
7,996
 
Management fees
   
1,775
     
1,687
     
1,505
 
Real estate taxes
   
5,699
     
5,335
     
4,914
 
Depreciation
   
5,311
     
4,726
     
4,252
 
Totals
   
23,527
     
21,596
     
18,667
 
                         
Operating income
   
17,211
     
16,297
     
14,601
 
                         
Investment income
   
634
     
232
     
229
 
Interest expense, including amortization
                       
  of deferred financing costs
    (11,897 )     (11,127 )     (10,039 )
Minority interest
    (626 )     (257 )     (246 )
Distribution to certain minority interests
    (150 )     (150 )     (180 )
Income from continuing operations
   
5,172
     
4,995
     
4,365
 
Discontinued operations:
                       
   Earnings from discontinued operations
   
91
     
163
     
129
 
   Gain on sale
   
3,680
     
-
     
-
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
3,771
     
163
     
129
 
Net income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
4,494
 
                         
Basic earnings per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $
0.76
    $
0.76
    $
0.68
 
Discontinued operations
  $
0.56
    $
0.02
    $
0.02
 
Net income
  $
1.32
    $
0.78
    $
0.70
 
Diluted earnings per share:
                       
Continuing operations
  $
0.74
    $
0.73
    $
0.64
 
Discontinued operations
  $
0.55
    $
0.03
    $
0.02
 
Net income
  $
1.29
    $
0.76
    $
0.66
 
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
   
6,753
     
6,574
     
6,440
 
Diluted
   
6,916
     
6,816
     
6,774
 
                         
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                       
Net income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
4,494
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest
                       
   rate swap contract
    (73 )     (9 )    
256
 
Comprehensive income
  $
8,870
    $
5,149
    $
4,750
 
                         
UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $
1,735
    $
4,890
    $
8,136
 
Net income
   
8,943
     
5,158
     
4,494
 
Less dividends declared
    (8,787 )     (8,313 )     (7,740 )
Balance, end of period
  $
1,891
    $
1,735
    $
4,890
 
Dividends declared per share
  $
1.30
    $
1.25
    $
1.20
 

                         
                         
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                       



FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005
                     
                     
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
   
(In Thousands of Dollars)
   
Operating activities:
                   
Net income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
4,494
   
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
                         
operating activities (including discontinued operations):
                         
  Depreciation
   
5,319
     
4,739
     
4,265
   
  Amortization
   
763
     
757
     
413
   
  Net amortization of acquired leases
    (301 )     (490 )    
-
   
  Deferred revenue
   
420
     
66
     
27
   
  Minority interest
   
776
     
407
     
426
   
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
    (3,680 )    
-
     
-
   
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                         
   Tenants' security accounts
    (208 )     (253 )     (131 )  
   Sundry receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets
    (795 )    
1,137
      (3,293 )  
   Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (394 )    
234
     
3,220
   
   Tenants' security deposits
   
301
     
336
     
277
   
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
11,144
     
12,091
     
9,698
   
Investing activities:
                         
Capital improvements - existing properties
    (2,038 )     (2,351 )     (2,047 )  
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
   
3,796
     
-
           
Construction and pre development costs
    (6,043 )     (14,463 )     (4,157 )  
Additions to leasing costs
   
-
      (298 )    
-
   
Acquisition of real estate
    (2,545 )    
-
      (8,390 )
(a)
Sale of minority interest in subsidiary
   
-
     
3,224
           
Secured loans to minority interest
   
-
      (1,451 )     (1,658 )  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (6,830 )     (15,339 )     (16,252 )  
Financing activities:
                         
Repayment of mortgages
    (19,621 )     (1,989 )     (3,945 )  
Proceeds from mortgages and construction loans
   
28,331
     
15,794
     
75
   
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
75
     
2,021
     
435
   
Dividends paid
    (9,458 )     (7,854 )     (8,036 )  
Distribution to minority interest
    (998 )     (780 )     (728 )  
Contributions by minority interest
   
481
     
-
     
5,582
   
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (1,190 )    
7,192
      (6,617 )  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
3,124
     
3,944
      (13,171 )  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
   
9,616
     
5,672
     
18,843
   
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $
12,740
    $
9,616
    $
5,672
   
                           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow data:
                         
Interest paid, including capitalized construction period interest
                         
     of $234 and $581 in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.
  $
11,669
    $
11,462
    $
9,844
   
Income taxes paid
  $
20
    $
19
    $
36
   
Supplemental schedule of non cash financing activities:
                         
Accrued capital expenditures, construction costs and pre-development costs
  $
1,910
    $
2,445
    $
-
   
Dividends declared but not paid
  $
2,704
    $
3,375
    $
2,916
   

                           
(a) In July 2005, Grande Rotunda, LLC, a 60% owned affiliate of FREIT, completed the acquisition of The Rotunda, a 217,000 sq. ft. office and retail building in Baltimore, MD. The acquisition cost of approximately $30,890,000 was paid in part with the pro
                           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
                         



FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Organization and significant accounting policies:
 
Organization:
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey ("FREIT") was organized November 1, 1961 as a New Jersey Business Trust. FREIT is engaged in owning residential and commercial income producing properties located primarily in New Jersey, Maryland and New York.
 
FREIT has elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust under the provisions of Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Accordingly, FREIT does not pay Federal income tax on income whenever income distributed to shareholders is equal to at least 90% of real estate investment trust taxable income. Further, FREIT pays no Federal income tax on capital gains distributed to shareholders.
 
FREIT is subject to Federal income tax on undistributed taxable income and capital gains. FREIT may make an annual election under Section 858 of the Internal Revenue Code to apply part of the regular dividends paid in each respective subsequent year as a distribution for the immediately preceding year.
 
Principles of consolidation:
In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued revised FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.” (“FIN 46R”). FIN 46R requires the consolidation of certain entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity (variable interest entities, or “VIEs”). Entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise when it has a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the entity. FIN 46R is applicable for financial statements of public entities that have interests in VIEs or potential VIEs referred to as special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 31, 2003.
 
In accordance with the definition of related parties as defined in paragraph 16 of FIN 46R and the guidance in paragraph 4h, it is the belief of the management of FREIT that FIN 46R is applicable to Westwood Hills, LLC and Wayne Preakness, LLC, both 40% owned by FREIT. Because of this determination, FREIT has consolidated these two entities in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FREIT and its following significant subsidiaries:
Subsidiary 
 
Owning
Entity
 
%
Ownership
 
Year
Acquired/Organized
 
S and A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership   ("S and A") 
 
 
FREIT
 
 
65%
 
2000
 
Westwood Hills, LLC 
 
 
FREIT
 
 
40%
 
1994
 
Damascus Centre, LLC ("Damascus") 
 
 
FREIT
 
 
70%
 
2003
 
Wayne Preakness, LLC 
 
 
FREIT
 
 
40%
 
2002
 
Pierre Towers, LLC 
 
 
S and A
 
 
100%
 
2004
 
Grande Rotunda, LLC 
 
 
FREIT
 
 
60%
 
2005
 
WestFREIT Corp 
 
 
FREIT
 
 
100%
 
2007
 
WestFredic LLC 
 
 
FREIT
 
 
100%
 
2007
 


The consolidated financial statements include 100% of each subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows with the interests not owned by FREIT reflected as "minority interest”. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.


 

 
Cash and cash equivalents:
Financial instruments that potentially subject FREIT to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. FREIT considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. FREIT maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank and other accounts, the balances of which, at times, may exceed Federally insured limits. At October 31, 2007 and 2006, such cash and cash equivalent balances exceeded Federally insured limits by approximately $10.5 million and $6.4 million, respectively. Exposure to credit risk is reduced by placing such deposits with high credit quality financial institutions.
 
Depreciation:
Real estate and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line method by annual charges to operations calculated to absorb costs of assets over their estimated useful lives.
 
Impairment of long-lived assets:
Impairment losses on long-lived assets, such as real estate and equipment, are recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than their carrying value and, accordingly, all or a portion of such carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are then measured by comparing the fair value of assets to their carrying amounts.
 
Deferred charges:
Deferred charges consist of mortgage costs and leasing commissions. Deferred mortgage costs are amortized on the straight-line method by annual charges to operations over the terms of the mortgages. Amortization of such costs is included in interest expense and approximated $277,000, $246,000 and $196,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Deferred leasing commissions are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the applicable leases.
 
Revenue recognition:
Income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis regardless of when payment is due. Lease agreements between FREIT and commercial tenants generally provide for additional rentals based on such factors as percentage of tenants' sales in excess of specified volumes, increases in real estate taxes, Consumer Price Indices and common area maintenance charges. These additional rentals are generally included in income when reported to FREIT, when billed to tenants, or ratably over the appropriate period.
 
Interest rate swap contract:
FREIT utilizes derivative financial instruments to reduce interest rate risk. FREIT does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. FREIT recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in fair value of those instruments are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. The accounting for gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of the derivative and the effect on the consolidated financial statements depends on its hedge designation and whether the hedge is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value of cash flows or the assets or liabilities hedged.
 
Advertising:
FREIT expenses the cost of advertising and promotions as incurred. Advertising costs charged to operations amounted to approximately $109,000, $115,000 and $151,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Stock-based compensation:
At October 31, 2007, FREIT has a stock-based employee compensation plan that was approved on September 10, 1998 by the Board of Trustees, which is described more fully in Note 10. Prior to November 1, 2005, FREIT accounted for this plan under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, (“APB 25”) and related interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123”). In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 123 (R) “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS 123 (R)”) which superseded APB 25 and replaced SFAS 123. SFAS 123 (R) requires that all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in the income statement as compensation expense, based on their fair values, over the employee’s service period, which will normally be the vesting period of the option. Effective November 1, 2005, FREIT adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 (R), using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost includes a cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not vested as of November 1, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of Statement 123, and compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to November 1, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123 (R).


 

 
As all outstanding stock options were vested prior to November 1, 2005 and no stock options were granted during Fiscal 2006, the adoption of Statement 123 (R) had no effect on FREIT’s results of operations for the year ended October 31, 2006.
 
In accordance with the provisions of APB 25, prior to November 1, 2005, FREIT recognized compensation cost as a result of the issuance of stock options to employees, including directors, based on the excess, if any, of the fair value of the underlying shares at the date of grant or award (or at an appropriate subsequent measurement date) over the amount the employees must pay to acquire the shares (the “intrinsic value method”). However, FREIT did not recognize compensation cost as a result of any grants to employees at an exercise price that was equal to or greater than fair value. FREIT made proforma disclosures, as required by FASB Statement No. 123 and SFAS 148, of net income or loss as if a fair value based method of accounting for stock options had been applied if such amounts differed materially from the historical amounts.
 
All issuances of shares of beneficial interest, options or other equity instruments to nonemployees as the consideration for goods or services received by FREIT are accounted for based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued (unless the fair value of the consideration received can be more reliably measured). The fair value of any options or similar equity instruments issued is estimated based on option pricing models and the assumption that all of the options or other equity instruments will ultimately vest. Such fair value is measured as of an appropriate date pursuant to EITF Issue 96-18 (generally, the earlier of the date the other party becomes committed to provide the goods or services or the date performance by the other party is complete) and capitalized or expensed as if FREIT had paid cash for the goods or services.
 
Recent accounting pronouncements:
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which 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. FIN 48 is effective for our fiscal year beginning November 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 is not anticipated to have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This new standard does not require fair values to be used in any situations not already covered by GAAP; however, for some entities, the application of this standard will change current practice. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of SFAS 157 is not anticipated to have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). This new standard allows companies to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value, rather than at historic cost. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Once the fair value option is elected, the decision is irrevocable. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS 159 is not anticipated to have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued two new accounting standards, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), and No. 160, “Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). The standards are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and earlier adoption is prohibited.
 
 
·
The objective of SFAS 141R is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. To accomplish that, this Statement establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer:
 
 
(a)
Recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree;
 
(b)
Recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase;




 
(c)
Determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.
 
 
·
The objective of SFAS 160 is to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of financial information provided to investors by: (i) Requiring all entities to report non-controlling interests (minority interests) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity; (ii) Requiring that the amount of net income attributable to the parent and non-controlling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; and (iii) Expanding the disclosure requirements with respect to the parent and its non-controlling interests.
 
FREIT is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 will have on its financial statements.
 
Reclassifications:
Certain accounts in the 2006 and 2005 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. (See Note 13.)

Note 2 - Minority Interests: 
 
FREIT’s 40% owned subsidiary, Westwood Hills, LLC (“LLC”) had a capital deficit resulting from distributions to members, including proceeds received on refinancing the mortgage on the residential building owned by LLC. Prior to June 1, 2007, minority members were under no legal obligation to restore their share of the capital deficit, and as a result cash distributions made to minority members of LLC were charged to expense.
 
Effective June 1, 2007, the Operating Agreement of LLC was amended by a majority of the Members of LLC to require the Members to restore their negative capital accounts caused by any future losses, distributions from operations or net refinancing proceeds from the effective date of this amendment forward. As a result of this amendment, future minority interest distributions by LLC will be recorded as a receivable from minority members and no longer impact FREIT’s net income.

 Note 3 – Dispositions and Acquisitions:
 
On July 19, 2005, FREIT’s 60% owned affiliate, Grande Rotunda, LLC, completed the acquisition of The Rotunda, a mixed-use property in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rotunda site is approximately 11.5 acres and is in close proximity to Johns Hopkins University. Its current configuration contains about 138,000 sq. ft. of office space, primarily in the four-story main building, and 78,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the main building. A Giant Supermarket anchors the retail space.
 
The acquisition cost was approximately $31 million (inclusive of transaction costs), which was financed in part from an acquisition loan in the amount of $22.5 million, and the balance in cash. The acquisition mortgage loan bears interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR and has an initial term of three (3) years, which makes the loan repayment date July 19, 2008. FREIT contributed 60% of the cash required, with the balance contributed by its joint venture partner, Rotunda 100, LLC, whose equity investors are principally employees of Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”). Hekemian is the managing agent for FREIT’s other properties. In order to incentivize the employees of Hekemian to identify and provide real estate investment opportunities for FREIT, FREIT agreed to advance, only to the employees of Hekemian, up to 50% of the amount of the equity capital required to be contributed by them to Rotunda 100, LLC, for this transaction. FREIT has advanced $1.9 million to the Hekemian employees (certain of whom are members of the family of FREIT’s Chairman of the Board), and these loans bear a floating rate of interest payable quarterly and are secured by the Hekemian employees’ membership equity interest in Rotunda 100, LLC.
 
It is FREIT’s policy that initial valuations are finalized, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations”, no later than six months from the acquisition date. Accordingly, as of January 31, 2006, based on the above independent appraisal and FREIT’s evaluation of the acquired in-place leases, the purchase price was re-allocated as follows: approximately $15.8 million allocated to the building, $16.6 million to the land, $0.9 million to leases in place, $0.9 million to leases at above market rents, and approximately $3.3 million to leases at below market rents which was recorded as a liability.
 
The capitalized above-market lease values, classified as other assets, are being amortized as a reduction of base rental revenue over the remaining term of the leases, and the capitalized below-market lease values are being amortized as an increase to base rental revenue over the remaining terms of the leases, including renewal options. The value ascribed to leases in place, also classified as other assets, is being amortized over the weighted average remaining lease terms as calculated above. This reallocation did not have a material effect on FREIT’s net income for the year ended October 31, 2005.


 

 
 
The following unaudited pro forma information shows the results of operations for fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 for FREIT and Subsidiaries as though The Rotunda had been acquired at the beginning of Fiscal 2005:
 
   
Year Ended
October 31,
 
   
2005
 
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues
  $
35,999
 
Net expenses
    (31,589 )
Minority Interest
    (274 )
Income before discontinued operations
   
4,136
 
Discontinued Operations
   
129
 
Net Income
  $
4,265
 
Basic Earnings Per Share:
       
Continuing operations
  $
0.64
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.02
 
    Net Income
  $
0.66
 
Diluted earnings per share:
       
Continuing operations
  $
0.61
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.02
 
    Net Income
  $
0.63
 

The unaudited pro forma results include adjustments for depreciation based on the purchase price and increased interest expense based on the mortgage placed on the property at acquisition date and reduced net investment income related to assets utilized to make the acquisition and obligations incurred to complete the transaction.
 
The unaudited pro forma results of operations set forth above are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisition been made at the beginning of fiscal 2005, or of future results of operations of FREIT's combined properties.
 
On June 26, 2007, FREIT closed on its contract for the sale of the Lakewood Apartments in Lakewood, NJ. The sales price for the property was $4 million. The property was acquired in 1962 for approximately $407,000. For financial reporting purposes, FREIT recognized a gain of approximately $3.7 million from the sale. (See Note 13.)
 
On September 28, 2007, FREIT acquired three parcels of land in Rochelle Park, NJ totaling approximately one acre. The acquisition cost was approximately $2.5 million, of which $1.6 million relates to the land and $0.9 million relates to an advance to the Pascack Community Bank, the lessee, for construction of a bank branch on the site.
 
FREIT structured the Lakewood sale and the subsequent purchase of the land in Rochelle Park in a manner that would qualify as a like-kind exchange of real estate pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, which resulted in a deferral for income tax purposes of $1.6 million of the gain on the Lakewood sale. Since it is the intention of FREIT to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust, deferred tax would be minimal.

Note 4 - Real estate and equipment:
Real estate and equipment consists of the following:
 
 
Range of
           
 
Estimated
           
 
Useful Lives
 
2007
   
2006
 
     
(In thousands of dollars)
 
Land
    $
70,455
    $
68,849
 
Unimproved land
     
729
     
728
 
Apartment buildings
  7-40 years
   
79,279
     
77,470
 
Commercial buildings/shopping centers
15-50 years
   
94,326
     
92,644
 
Equipment
  3-15 years
   
2,408
     
2,465
 
       
247,197
     
242,156
 
Less accumulated depreciation
     
42,465
     
37,843
 
Totals
    $
204,732
    $
204,313
 

 



 

 
Note 5 - Mortgages and notes payable:
Mortgages and notes payable consist of the following:
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
Northern Life Insurance Cos. - Frederick, MD (A)
  $
-
    $
15,968
 
Nationwide Life Insurance Cos. - Frederick, MD (B)
   
22,000
     
-
 
State Farm Bank - Rockaway, NJ (C)
   
20,487
     
-
 
National Realty Funding L.C - Westwood, NJ (D)
   
9,226
     
9,416
 
Centerline Capital Group - Spring Lake, NJ (E)
   
3,231
     
3,298
 
Bank Of America - Patchogue, NY (F)
   
5,929
     
6,139
 
Centerline Capital Group - Wayne, NJ (G):
               
First mortgage
   
9,624
     
9,827
 
Second mortgage
   
3,261
     
3,349
 
Centerline Capital Group - River Edge, NJ (H):
               
First mortgage
   
4,698
     
4,796
 
Second mortgage
   
1,826
     
1,871
 
Centerline Capital Group - Maywood, NJ (I):
               
First mortgage
   
3,409
     
3,480
 
Second mortgage
   
1,296
     
1,328
 
Centerline Capital Group - Westwood, NJ (J):
               
First mortgage
   
13,556
     
13,838
 
Second mortgage
   
3,033
     
3,107
 
MetLife - Wayne, NJ (K)
   
31,188
     
31,768
 
State Farm Life Insurance Co. - Hackensack, NJ (L)
   
34,125
     
34,125
 
Total fixed rate mortgage loans
   
166,889
     
142,310
 
Bank Of America - Baltimore, MD (M)
   
22,500
     
22,500
 
State Farm Bank, F.S.B. - Rockaway, NJ (N)
               
Construction Loan
   
-
     
14,369
 
The Provident Bank (O)
               
Line of Credit
   
-
     
1,500
 
Total mortgages and notes payable
  $
189,389
    $
180,679
 

 
(A)
Payable in monthly installments of $152,153 including interest at 8.31% through June 2007 at which time the outstanding balance was paid. The mortgage was secured by a retail building in Frederick, Maryland having a net book value of approximately $20,328,000.
     
   
(B)
Payable in monthly installments of interest only computed over the actual number of days in the elapsed monthly interest period at the rate of 5.55% through May 2017 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Frederick, Maryland having a net book value of approximately $20,328,000.
     
 
(C)
Payable in monthly installments of $115,850 including interest at 5.37% through February 2022 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a residential building in Rockaway, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $20,603,000.
     
 
(D)
Payable in monthly installments of $73,248 including interest at 7.38% through February 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Westwood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $10,591,000.
     
  
(E)
Payable in monthly installments of $23,875 including interest at 6.70% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Spring Lake, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $531,000.
 
 
 




 
(F)
Payable in monthly installments of $17,500 plus interest at the thirty-day LIBOR rate plus 200 basis points through March 2008 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Patchogue, New York having a net book value of approximately $8,718,000.
     
 
(G)
The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $76,023 including interest at 7.29% through July 2010 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $20,878 including interest at 4.92% through July 2010 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in Wayne, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $1,446,000.
     
 
(H)
The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $34,862 including interest at 6.75% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $12,318 including interest at 5.53% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in River Edge, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $1,270,000.
     
 
(I)
The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $25,295 including interest at 6.75% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $8,739 including interest at 5.53% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in Maywood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $757,000.
     
 
(J)
The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $99,946 including interest at 6.693% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $21,954 including interest at 6.18% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in Westwood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $12,280,000.
     
  
(K)
Payable in monthly installments of interest only of $161,067 at the rate of 6.04% through June 2006, thereafter payable in monthly installments of $206,960 including interest until June 2016 at which time the unpaid balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a shopping center in Wayne, NJ having a net book value of approximately $31,568,000.
     
  
(L)
Payable in monthly installments of interest only of $152,994 at the rate of 5.38% through May 2009, thereafter payable in monthly installments of $191,197 including interest until May 2019 at which time the unpaid balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Hackensack, NJ having a net book value of approximately $44,835,000.
     
  
(M)
Payable in monthly installments of interest only at the rate of 150 basis points over LIBOR, in effect from time-to-time. The loan is due on July 19, 2008, but may be extended, under certain circumstances, for an additional one year. The loan is secured by a mixed-use property in Baltimore, MD having a net book value of approximately $33,503,000.
     
  
(N)
This construction loan bears interest on the outstanding principal balance, which is payable monthly at the rate of 140 basis points over LIBOR in effect from time-to-time. Funding under the construction loan is based on draw requests for work in progress and can total up to $20,700,000. When construction was completed in August 2006, the construction loan was converted to a permanent mortgage loan for $20,700,000.
     
  
(O)
On February 4, 2005, FREIT replaced its expired $14 million line of credit with an $18 million line of credit. The line of credit is for three years but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, at each anniversary date. Draws against the credit line can be used for general corporate purposes, for property acquisitions, construction activities, and letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, Franklin Lakes, NJ, retail space in Glen Rock, NJ, Lakewood Apartments, Lakewood, NJ, Palisades Manor Apartments, Palisades Park, NJ, and Grandview Apartments, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. In the aggregate, these properties have a net book value of approximately $9,497,000 at October 31, 2006. Interest rates on draws will be set at the time of each draw for 30, 60, or 90-day periods, based on our choice of the prime rate or at 175 basis points over the 30, 60, or 90-day LIBOR rates at the time of the draws.
 



 

 
The fair value of FREIT's long-term debt, which approximates $188.7 million and $184.4 million at October 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, is estimated based on the current rates offered to FREIT for debt of the similar remaining maturities.
 
Principal amounts (in thousands of dollars) due under the above obligations in each of the five years subsequent to October 31, 2007 are as follows: 
 
Year Ending
October 31,
 
Amount
 
2008
 
$
30,560
 
2009
 
$ 
2,463
 
2010
 
14,820
 
2011
 
2,707
 
2012
 
2,877
 
 
 Note 6 - Interest rate swap contract: 
 
During November 2002, FREIT entered into an interest rate swap contract to reduce the impact of interest rate fluctuations on its variable rate mortgage secured by its Patchogue, NY property. At October 31, 2007, the derivative financial instrument has a notional amount of approximately $5,929,000 and a current maturity date of March 2008. The contract effectively converted the variable rate to a fixed rate of 5.95%. In accordance with SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, FREIT marks to market its fixed pay interest rate swaps, taking into account present interest rates compared to the contracted fixed rate over the life of the contract. As of October 31, 2007 and 2006, FREIT recorded the fair value of the swap, an asset of $14,000 and $87,000, respectively. Comprehensive income includes losses related to the swap of $73,000 and $9,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and a gain of $256,000 in 2005 related to the swap, which has been designated as a cash flow hedge.
 
Note 7 - Commitments and contingencies:
 
Leases:
     Commercial tenants:
FREIT leases commercial space having a net book value of approximately $129.6 million at October 31, 2007 to tenants for periods of up to twenty-five years. Most of the leases contain clauses for reimbursement of real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties. Minimum rental income (in thousands of dollars) to be received from non-cancelable operating leases in years subsequent to October 31, 2007 is as follows:
 
Year Ending
October 31,
 
Amount
 
2008
 
$
14,846
 
2009
   
13,729
 
2010
   
12,185
 
2011
   
11,113
 
2012
   
8,348
 
Thereafter
   
49,930
 
Total
 
$
110,151
 
 
The above amounts assume that all leases which expire are not renewed and, accordingly, neither minimal rentals nor rentals from replacement tenants are included.
 
Minimum future rentals do not include contingent rentals, which may be received under certain leases on the basis of percentage of reported tenants' sales volume or increases in Consumer Price Indices. Rental income that is contingent on future events is not included in income until the contingency is resolved. Contingent rentals included in income for each of the three years for the period ended October 31, 2007 were not material.
 
Residential tenants:
Lease terms for residential tenants are usually one year or less.
 



 

 
Environmental concerns:
In accordance with applicable regulations, FREIT reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP") that a historical discharge of hazardous material was discovered in 1997 at the renovated Franklin Lakes shopping center (the "Center").
 
In November 1999, FREIT received a no further action letter from the NJDEP concerning the historical discharge at the Center. However, FREIT is required to continue monitoring such discharge, the cost of which will not be material.
 
Construction activities:
A modernization and expansion is underway at our Damascus Center in Damascus, MD (owned by our 70% owned affiliate, Damascus Centre, LLC). FREIT has issued a bond of approximately $1 million to guaranty completion of off-site improvements when construction and renovation starts at its Damascus, MD shopping center site. Total construction costs will be approximately $21.9 million. Construction on Phase I began in June 2007. Phase I construction costs will approximate $4 million of which $2.5 million has already  been expended. Construction financing for approximately $27.3 million has been committed that will be available to fund future and already expended construction costs, and will be drawn upon as needed.
 
Note 8 - Management agreement, fees and transactions with related party:
Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”) currently manages all the properties owned by FREIT, except for The Rotunda, which is managed by an independent third party management company. The management agreement with Hekemian, effective November 1, 2001, requires the payment of management fees equal to a percentage of rents collected. Such fees were approximately $1,656,000, $1,577,000 and $1,524,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, inclusive of $13,000, $21,000 and $19,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Total Hekemian management fees that were unpaid at October 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006 were $155,000 and $142,000, respectively. The agreement expires on October 31, 2009, and is automatically renewed for periods of two years unless either party gives notice of non-renewal. From time to time, FREIT engages Hekemian to provide certain additional services, such as consulting services related to development and financing activities of FREIT. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between Hekemian and FREIT with respect to such additional services. During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2007, FREIT’s board of directors approved development fee arrangements for The Rotunda and Damascus Center redevelopment projects, as well as the South Brunswick development project. These development fees payable to Hekemian, or an affiliate of Hekemian, in connection with these projects are as follows: The Rotunda, owned by Grande Rotunda, LLC, a 60% owned subsidiary of FREIT, 6.375% of development costs of up $136,000,000 as may be modified; Damascus, owned by Damascus Centre, LLC, a 70% owned subsidiary of FREIT, 7% of development costs of up to $17,328,000 as may be modified; and South Brunswick, 7% of development costs of up to $21,000,000 as may be modified. These arrangements are subject to the execution of definitive contracts, which have not yet been finalized and approved. FREIT’s development and acquisition fees and commissions charged by Hekemian in connection with the sale of the Lakewood Apartments during fiscal 2007; the development and construction of The Boulders, Rockaway, NJ, during fiscal 2006; the acquisition of The Rotunda during fiscal 2005; and various mortgage refinancing and lease acquisition fees, amounted to approximately $1,016,000, $721,000 and $961,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. 
 
During fiscal 2005, FREIT’s Board of Trustees, to incentivize employees of Hekemian, authorized an investor group, comprised principally of Hekemian employees, including certain members of the immediate family of Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT CEO and Chairman of the Board, to acquire a 30% equity interest in Damascus Centre, LLC that owns the Damascus Shopping Center in Damascus, Maryland. The sale price, based on the fair market value of the shopping center, reduced FREIT’s equity interest to 70%. FREIT has agreed to advance, only to employees of Hekemian, up to 50% of the amount of the equity purchase price required by them. These advances are in the form of secured loans that bear interest that will float at 225 basis points over LIBOR, in effect from time-to-time. The sale was completed on October 31, 2006, at a sales price of $3,224,000, of which FREIT financed approximately $1,451,000. The sale price was equivalent to the book value of the interest sold.
 
Note 9- Dividends and earnings per share:
FREIT declared dividends of $8,787,000 ($1.30 per share), $8,313,000 ($1.25 per share) and $7,740,000 ($1.20 per share) to shareholders of record during 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive shares, such as those issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants, were issued during the period.
 

 


 

 
 
In computing diluted earnings per share for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2007, the assumed exercise of all of FREIT's outstanding stock options, adjusted for application of the treasury stock method, would have increased the weighted average number of shares outstanding as shown in the table below:
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
6,753,282
     
6,573,752
     
6,439,952
 
Shares arising from assumed exercise of stock options
   
163,189
     
242,722
     
334,145
 
Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding
   
6,916,471
     
6,816,474
     
6,774,097
 

Note 10- Equity incentive plan:
On September 10, 1998, the Board of Trustees approved FREIT's Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") which was ratified by FREIT's shareholders on April 7, 1999, whereby up to 920,000 of FREIT's shares of beneficial interest (adjusted for stock splits) may be granted to key personnel in the form of stock options, restricted share awards and other share-based awards. In connection therewith, the Board of Trustees approved an increase of 920,000 shares in FREIT's number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. Key personnel eligible for these awards include trustees, executive officers and other persons or entities including, without limitation, employees, consultants and employees of consultants, who are in a position to make significant contributions to the success of FREIT. Under the Plan, the exercise price of all options will be the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The consideration to be paid for restricted share and other share-based awards shall be determined by the Board of Trustees, with the amount not to exceed the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The maximum term of any award granted may not exceed ten years. The Board of Trustees will determine the actual terms of each award.
 
Upon ratification of the Plan on April 7, 1999, FREIT issued 754,000 stock options (adjusted for stock splits), which it had previously granted to key personnel on September 10, 1998. The fair value of the options on the date of grant was $7.50 per share.
 
On April 4, 2007, FREIT shareholders approved amendments to FREIT’s Equity Incentive Plan as follows: (a) reserving an additional 300,000 shares for issuance under the Plan; and (b) extending the term of the Plan until September 10, 2018.
 
In the opinion of management, if compensation cost for the stock options granted in 1999 had been determined based on the fair value of the options at the grant date under the provisions of SFAS 123 or SFAS 148 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and assuming a risk-free interest rate of 4.27%, expected option lives of ten years, expected volatility of 1.65% and expected dividends of 8.59%, FREIT's pro forma 2005 net income and pro forma net income per share arising from such computation would not have differed materially from the corresponding historical amounts.
The following table summarizes stock option activities: 
 
   
Years Ended October 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
No. of
Options
Outstanding
   
Average
Exercise
Price
   
No. of
Options
Outstanding
   
Average
Exercise
Price
   
No. of
Options
Outstanding
   
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Balance beginning of period
   
242,500
    $
7.50
     
512,000
    $
7.50
     
570,000
    $
7.50
 
Grants during period
   
-
             
-
             
-
         
Options exercised
    (10,000 )   $
7.50
      (269,500 )   $
7.50
      (58,000 )   $
7.50
 
Options cancelled
   
-
             
-
             
-
         
Balance at end of period
   
232,500
    $
7.50
     
242,500
    $
7.50
     
512,000
    $
7.50
 
 
The impact on FREIT's consolidated shareholders' equity for the options that were exercised during fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 was to increase the number of shares outstanding by the amount of options exercised and values of beneficial interest outstanding by $75,000, $2,021,000 and $435,000, respectively, for those fiscal years. The options outstanding at October 31, 2007 are exercisable and expire in September 2008.
 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during Fiscal 2007 and 2006 was $173,000 and $4,868,000, respectively and the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at October 31, 2007 and 2006 was $3,511,000 and $3,900,000, respectively.




Note 11- Deferred fee plan:
 
During fiscal 2001, the Board of Trustees adopted a deferred fee plan (the "Plan") for its officers and trustees. Pursuant to the Plan, any officer or trustee may elect to defer receipt of any fees that would be due them. FREIT has agreed to pay any participant (the "Participant") in the Plan interest on any deferred fee at 9% per annum, compounded quarterly. Any such deferred fee is to be paid to the Participants at the later of: (i) the retirement age specified in the deferral election; (ii) actual retirement; or (iii) upon cessation of a Participant's duties as an officer or trustee. The Plan provides that any such deferral fee will be paid in a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not to exceed 10 years, at the election of the Participant. As of October 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately $1,924,000 and $1,478,000, respectively, of fees have been deferred together with accrued interest of approximately $520,000 and $335,000, respectively. The deferred amounts for fiscal 2007 and 2006 are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
Note 12- Segment information:
 
SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," established standards for reporting financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial reports and provides for a "management approach" in identifying the reportable segments.
 
FREIT has determined that it has two reportable segments: commercial properties and residential properties. These reportable segments offer different types of space, have different types of tenants and are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies and management expertise.
 
The commercial and residential segments contained the following number of properties during the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2007:
 
 
October 31,
 
2007
2006
2005
Commercial segment
10 (a)
9
9 (b)
 
 
 
 
Residential segment
9 (c)
10 (d)
9
 
 
 
 
(a) Rochelle Park land acquired September 2007.
(b) Rotunda property acquired July 2005.
(c) Lakewood Apartments sold in June 2007.
(d) Rockaway property, under construction since Fiscal 2005, started coming on line during June 2006.
     
    The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1.

The chief operating decision-making group of FREIT's commercial segment, residential segment and corporate/other is comprised of FREIT's Board of Trustees.
 
FREIT assesses and measures segment operating results based on net operating income ("NOI"). NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation, financing costs and amortization of acquired lease values. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flows from operating activities as measured by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.
 
Continuing real estate rental revenue, operating expenses, NOI and recurring capital improvements for the reportable segments are summarized below and reconciled to consolidated net income for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2007. Asset information is not reported since FREIT does not use this measure to assess performance.


 

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Real estate rental revenue:
 
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
Commercial
  $
21,513
    $
21,094
    $
17,842
 
Residential
   
18,626
     
15,967
     
15,097
 
Totals
   
40,139
     
37,061
     
32,939
 
Real estate operating expenses:
                       
Commercial
   
8,621
     
8,464
     
6,615
 
Residential
   
8,052
     
7,194
     
6,799
 
Totals
   
16,673
     
15,658
     
13,414
 
Net operating income:
                       
Commercial
   
12,892
     
12,630
     
11,227
 
Residential
   
10,574
     
8,773
     
8,298
 
Totals
  $
23,466
    $
21,403
     
19,525
 
Recurring capital improvements- residential
  $
460
    $
368
    $
626
 
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
                       
Segment NOI
  $
23,466
    $
21,403
    $
19,525
 
Deferred rents - straight lining
   
298
     
342
     
329
 
Amortization of acquired leases
   
301
     
490
     
-
 
Net investment income
   
634
     
232
     
229
 
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries
    (776 )     (407 )     (426 )
General and administrative expenses
    (1,543 )     (1,212 )     (1,001 )
Depreciation
    (5,311 )     (4,726 )     (4,252 )
Financing costs
    (11,897 )     (11,127 )     (10,039 )
Income from continuing operations
   
5,172
     
4,995
     
4,365
 
Discontinued operations
   
3,771
     
163
     
129
 
Net income
  $
8,943
    $
5,158
    $
4,494
 


Note 13- Discontinued operations:
 
On June 26, 2007, FREIT closed on its contract for the sale of the Lakewood Apartments in Lakewood, New Jersey and recognized a gain of approximately $3.7 million from the sale. In compliance with current accounting guidance (SFAS No. 144 – “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”), the gain on the sale, as well as earnings of the Lakewood operation are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying income statements, and prior periods’ income statements have been reclassified. Revenue attributable to discontinued operations was $268,000, $412,000 and $399,000 for Fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 
Note 14- Quarterly data (unaudited):
 
The following summary represents the results of operations for each quarter for the years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
Jan 31,
   
Apr 30,
   
Jul 31,
   
Oct 31,
 
2007:
                       
Revenue
  $
10,193
    $
10,087
    $
10,598
    $
10,494
 
Expenses
   
9,389
     
8,990
     
9,050
     
8,771
 
Income from continuing operations
   
804
     
1,097
     
1,548
     
1,723
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
42
     
34
     
3,695
     
-
 
Net income
  $
846
    $
1,131
    $
5,243
    $
1,723
 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Continuing
  $
0.12
    $
0.16
    $
0.23
    $
0.26
 
Discontinued
   
0.01
     
0.01
     
0.55
     
-
 
              Net income
  $
0.13
    $
0.17
    $
0.78
    $
0.26
 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Continuing
  $
0.11
    $
0.16
    $
0.22
    $
0.25
 
Discontinued
   
0.01
     
-
     
0.54
     
-
 
             Net income
  $
0.12
    $
0.16
    $
0.76
    $
0.25
 
Dividends declared per share
  $
0.30
    $
0.30
    $
0.30
    $
0.40
 
 
 


 
   
Quarter Ended
 
 
2006:
 
Jan 31,
   
Apr 30,
   
Jul 31,
   
Oct 31,
 
Revenue
  $
9,478
    $
9,198
    $
9,613
    $
9,836
 
Expenses
   
8,222
     
8,199
     
8,037
     
8,672
 
Income from continuing operations
   
1,256
     
999
     
1,576
     
1,164
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
32
     
36
     
53
     
42
 
Net income
  $
1,288
    $
1,035
    $
1,629
    $
1,206
 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Continuing
  $
0.20
    $
0.15
    $
0.24
    $
0.17
 
Discontinued
   
-
     
0.01
     
0.01
     
0.01
 
              Net income
  $
0.20
    $
0.16
    $
0.25
    $
0.18
 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Continuing
  $
0.19
    $
0.14
    $
0.23
    $
0.16
 
Discontinued
   
-
     
0.01
     
0.01
     
0.01
 
             Net income
  $
0.19
    $
0.15
    $
0.24
    $
0.17
 
Dividends declared per share
  $
0.25
    $
0.25
    $
0.25
    $
0.50
 
 
Note: Due to rounding, total of quarterly per share amounts may not agree to amounts reported for the full fiscal year.
 
Note 15-Restatement:
 
Effective with the consolidation for the year ended October 31, 2004 of FREITs 40% owned subsidiary, Westwood Hills, LLC (“LLC”) (see Note 1), FREIT on its consolidated balance sheet reflected as minority interest the minority members share of LLCs capital deficit. Such deficit resulted from distributions to the minority members, including proceeds received on refinancing the mortgage on the residential building owned by LLC. Inasmuch as the minority members are under no legal obligation to restore their share of the capital deficit, such deficit under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), should have been accounted for as a reduction of undistributed earnings. Accordingly FREIT’s 2005 financial statements included in its Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2006 were restated by reducing undistributed earnings as of October 31, 2004 as previously reported by $2,497,000, representing the minority members’ capital deficit at such date. In addition, net income for the year ended October 31, 2005 was increased by $38,000 ($.01 per share) from the amounts previously reported to reflect minority interest expense attributable to LLC's equivalent to cash distributions made to minority members during such years. The effects of such adjustments on net income and undistributed earnings originally reported for the year ended October 31, 2005 are shown in the table below:
 
   
2005
 
   
(in thousands)
 
       
Net income previously reported
  $ 4,456  
Deduction in expense representing
       
  minority share of earnings of subsidiary
    38  
Restated net income
  $ 4,494  
         
Undistributed earnings, beginning of year
       
  as previously reported
  $ 10,633  
Adjustments to prior fiscal year's ending
       
  undistributed earnings
    (2,497 )
         
Restated net income
    4,494  
         
Dividends
    (7,740 )
Restated undistributed earnings end of year
  $ 4,890  


* * *





 
 

 
FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                       
                                                                           
SCHEDULE XI - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
                                             
October 31, 2007
                                                                         
(In Thousands of Dollars)      
                                                             
                                                                           
Column A
 
Column B
   
Column C
   
Column D
   
Column E 
   
Column F
   
Column G
   
Column H
 
Column I
                                                                           
         
Initial Cost
   
Costs Capitalized
   
Gross Amount at Which
                     
         
to Company
   
Subsequent to Acquisition
   
Carried at Close of Period
                     
                                                                         
Life on
               
Buildings
                           
Buildings
                         
Which De-
   
Encum-
         
and
         
Improve-
   
Carrying
         
and
         
Accumulated
   
Date of
   
Date
 
preciation
Description
 
brances
   
Land
   
Improvements
   
Land
   
ments
   
Costs
   
Land
   
Improvements
   
Total (1)
   
Depreciation
   
Construction
   
Acquired
 
is Computed
                                                                           
Residential Properties:
                                                                         
Grandview Apts., Hasbrouck  
                                                                     
    Heights, NJ
        $
22
    $
180
    $
-
    $
316
          $
22
    $
496
    $
518
    $
383
   
1925
   
1964
 
 7-40 years
Lakewood Apts.
(Sold June 2007)
  
     
11
     
396
      (11 )     (396 )          
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
   
1960
   
1962
 
 7-40 years
Hammel Gardens, Maywood, NJ
  $
4,705
     
312
     
728
     
-
     
927
           
312
     
1,655
     
1,967
     
1,210
   
1949
   
1972
 
 7-40 years
Palisades Manor, Palisades
                                                                                           
   Park, NJ
           
12
     
81
     
-
     
107
           
12
     
188
     
200
     
161
   
 1935/70
   
1962
 
 7-40 years
Steuben Arms, River Edge, NJ  
6,524
     
364
     
1,773
     
-
     
1,124
           
364
     
2,897
     
3,261
     
1,991
   
1966
   
1975
 
 7-40 years
Heights Manor, Spring Lake  
                                                                                         
    Heights, NJ
   
3,231
     
109
     
974
     
-
     
766
           
109
     
1,740
     
1,849
     
1,318
   
1967
   
1971
 
 7-40 years
Berdan Court, Wayne, NJ  
12,885
     
250
     
2,206
     
-
     
2,957
           
250
     
5,163
     
5,413
     
3,968
   
1964
   
1965
 
 7-40 years
Westwood Hills, Westwood, NJ  
16,589
     
3,849
     
11,546
     
-
     
1,666
           
3,849
     
13,212
     
17,061
     
4,781
   
 1965-70
   
1994
 
 7-40 years
Pierre Towers, Hackensack, NJ  
34,125
     
8,390
     
37,486
     
19
     
2,679
           
8,409
     
40,165
     
48,574
     
3,739
   
1970
   
2004
 
 7-40 years
                                                                   
-
                         
Boulders - Rockaway, NJ
   
20,487
     
5,019
             
-
     
16,234
           
5,019
     
16,234
     
21,253
     
650
   
 2005-2006
   
 1963/1964
 
 7-40 years
                                                                                                 
Retail Properties:
                                                                                               
Damascus Shopping Center,   
                                                                                         
    Damascus, MD
   
-
     
2,950
     
6,987
     
-
     
3,839
           
2,950
     
10,826
     
13,776
     
752
   
1960's
   
2003
 
 15-39 years
Franklin Crossing,
Franklin Lakes, NJ
     
29
             
3,382
     
7,539
           
3,411
     
7,539
     
10,950
     
2,100
   
1963/75/97
   
1966
 
 10-50 years
Glen Rock, NJ
           
12
     
36
     
-
     
204
           
12
     
240
     
252
     
115
   
1940
   
1962
 
 10-31.5 years
Pathmark Super Center,
                                                                                               
   Patchogue, NY
   
5,929
     
2,128
     
8,818
     
-
      (20 )          
2,128
     
8,798
     
10,926
     
2,207
   
1997
   
1997
 
 39 years
Westridge Square S/C, Frederick, MD  
22,000
     
9,135
     
19,159
     
37
     
1,804
            9,172 *    
20,963
     
30,135
     
9,771
   
1986
   
1992
 
 15-31.5 years
Westwood Plaza,
Westwood, NJ
  
9,226
     
6,889
     
6,416
     
-
     
2,288
           
6,889
     
8,704
     
15,593
     
5,002
   
1981
   
1988
 
 15-31.5 years
Preakness S/C, Wayne, NJ  
31,188
     
9,280
     
24,217
     
-
     
1,182
           
9,280
     
25,399
     
34,679
     
3,381
   
1955/89/00
   
2002
 
 15-31.5 years
The Rotunda, Baltimore, MD  
22,500
     
16,263
     
14,634
     
232
     
3,393
     
 
     
16,495
     
18,027
     
34,522
     
934
   
1920
   
2005
 
 40 Years
                                                                                                   
Land Leased:
                                                                                                 
Rockaway, NJ
           
114
             
55
     
-
             
169
             
169
     
-
           
 1963/1964
 
Rochelle Park, NJ
           
1,640
     
905
     
-
     
-
             
1,640
     
905
     
2,545
     
2
           
2007
   
Vacant Land:
                         
`
                                                                   
Franklin Lakes, NJ
           
224
              (156 )    
-
             
68
             
68
     
-
           
 1966/93
   
Wayne, NJ
           
286
                     
-
             
286
             
286
     
-
           
2004
   
South Brunswick, NJ
           
80
             
451
     
-
             
531
     
*
     
531
     
-
           
1964
   
                                                                                                   
    $
189,389
    $
67,368
    $
136,542
    $
4,009
    $
46,609
    $
-
    $
71,377
    $
183,151
    $
254,528
    $
42,465
                   
                                                                                                   

* Included in land balances are improvements classified under construction in progress.
                                                   
                                                                                                   
(1) Total cost for each property is the same for Federal income tax purposes, with the exception of Pierre Towers, Preakness S/C and The Rotunda,
   
whose cost for Federal income tax purposes is approximately $31.6 million. $28.4 million and $31.8 million, respectively.
                           











 

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE XI - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
(In Thousands of Dollars)

 
Reconciliation of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation:
                   
                         
   
2007
         
2006
   
2005
 
                         
Real estate:
                       
Balance, Beginning of year
  $
245,151
          $
226,281
    $
189,189
 
                               
Additions:
                             
Buildings and improvements
   
10,072
           
17,424
     
37,094
 
                               
Adjustments/Deletions - buildings & improvements
    (695 )  
(a)
     
1,446
      (2 )
                               
Balance, end of year
  $
254,528
     #     $
245,151
    $
226,281
 
                                 
Accumulated depreciation:
                               
Balance, beginning of year
  $
37,843
            $
33,095
    $
28,832
 
                                 
Additions - Charged to operating expenses
   
5,311
             
4,739
     
4,265
 
                                 
Adjustments/Deletions
    (689 )  
(b)
     
9
      (2 )
                                 
Balance, end of year
  $
42,465
            $
37,843
    $
33,095
 
                                 
(a) Relates to the sale of the Lakewood property assets in June 2007
                         
(b) Includes $594 of accumulated depreciation related to the sale of the Lakewood property in June 2007.
 







POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert S. Hekemian his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, in the capacities, and on the dates indicated have signed this report below:
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
       
/s/ Robert S. Hekemian 
 
 
 
Robert S. Hekemian
 
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer and
Trustee (Principal Executive
Officer)
 
January 14, 2008
/s/Donald W. Barney 
 
 
 
Donald W. Barney
 
President, Treasurer,
Chief Financial Officer and Trustee
(Principal Financial /
Accounting Officer)
 
January 14, 2008
/s/ Herbert C. Klein 
 
 
 
Herbert C. Klein
 
Trustee
 
January 14, 2008
       
/s/ Ronald J. Artinian 
 
 
 
Ronald J. Artinian
 
Trustee
 
January 14, 2008
       
/s/ Alan L. Aufzien 
 
 
 
Alan L. Aufzien 
Trustee
 
January 14, 2008
       
/s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr 
 
 
 
Robert S. Hekemian, Jr
 
Trustee
 
January 14, 2008
       
/s/ David F. McBride 
 
 
 
David F. McBride
 
Trustee
 
January 14, 2008
 



FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY (“FREIT”)
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
 
     
3
 
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of FREIT, as further amended on January 21, 2004 and May 15, 2007. (a)
     
4
 
Form of Specimen Share Certificate, Beneficial Interest in FREIT. (b)
     
10.1
 
Management Agreement dated April 10, 2002, by and between FREIT and Hekemian & Co., Inc. (c)
     
10.2
 
Wayne PSC, L.L.C. Operating Agreement dated March 25, 2002 between FREIT and H-TPKE, LLC ( c)
     
10.3
 
Line of Credit Note in the principal amount of $14 million executed by FREIT as Borrower, and delivered to The Provident Bank, as Lender, in connection with the Credit Facility provided by The Provident Bank to FREIT. (d)
     
 
Subsidiaries of FREIT
     
 
Consent of J.H. Cohn LLP
     
 
Consent of Eisner LLP
     
24
 
Power of Attorney (filed with signature pages).
     
 
Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
     
 
Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Financial Officer
     
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
     
 
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
  
 
The following filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated by reference: 
     
Footnote
 
 
     
(a)
Exhibit No. 3.1 to FREITs Form 10-Q filed on June 11, 2007.
 
     
(b)
FREIT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998.
 
     
(c)
FREIT’s Form 8-K filed on April 29, 2002.
 
     
(d)
Exhibit 10 to FREIT’s Form 10-Q filed on September 13, 2002.
 

  
 
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