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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY - Annual Report: 2011 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2011

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

 

Commission File No. 000-25043

 

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 £ No S

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

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 S No £

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

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 £ Accelerated Filer S Non-Accelerated Filer £

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares of beneficial interest held by non-affiliates was approximately $88 million. Computation is based on the closing sales price of such shares as quoted on the over-the-counter-market on April 30, 2011, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.

As of January 13, 2012, the number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding was 6,942,143

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 4, 2012 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

FORM 10-K 

 

PART I     Page No.
       
  Item 1 Business 3
       
  Item 1A Risk Factors 10
       
  Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments 13
       
  Item 2 Properties 14
       
  Item 3 Legal Proceedings 17
       
  Item 4 (Removed and Reserved) 17
       
PART II      
       
  Item 5 Market for FREIT’s Common Equity, Related Security Holder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 17
       
  Item 6 Selected Financial Data 19
       
  Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
       
  Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 36
       
  Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 36
       
  Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 36
       
  Item 9A Controls and Procedures 36
       
  Item 9B Other Information  36
       
PART III       
       
  Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 38
       
  Item 11 Executive Compensation 38
       
  Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 38
       
  Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 38
       
  Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 38
       
PART IV      
       
  Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 39
       
       

 

 

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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 borrow and service its debt; the economic and 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., FREIT’s managing agent (“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 for the 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.

FREIT Website

All of FREIT’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings for the past three years are available free of charge on FREIT’s website, which can be accessed at http://www.FREITNJ.com.

Fiscal Year 2011 Developments

(i) FINANCING

(a) The expansion and rebuilding of the Damascus Shopping Center, located in Damascus, Maryland (the “Damascus Center”) and owned by Damascus Centre, LLC, a 70% owned affiliate of FREIT was completed in November 2011. The total capital required for this project, including tenant improvements, approximates $22.7 million. Total construction costs were  funded from a $27.3 million construction loan entered into by Damascus Centre, LLC on February 12, 2008. As a result of a reevaluation of the future funding needs for this project, on May 6, 2010, Damascus Centre, LLC reduced the amount of the construction loan facility to $21.3 million. As of October 31, 2011, Damascus Centre, LLC drew down $11.8 million of this loan to cover construction costs. In addition to the $21.3 million construction loan obtained by Damascus Centre, LLC, FREIT has loaned to Damascus Centre, LLC approximately $2.2 million to cover construction costs for the redevelopment project at the Damascus Center, at the prevailing interest rate for similar loans.

 

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(b) The $22.5 million mortgage loan entered into by Grande Rotunda, LLC for the acquisition of the Rotunda was scheduled to come due on July 19, 2009, and was extended by the bank until February 1, 2010. On February 1, 2010, a principal payment of $3 million was made reducing the original loan amount of $22.5 million to $19.5 million and the due date was extended until February 1, 2013. As part of the terms of the loan extension agreement, the loan is further collateralized by a first mortgage lien and the assignment of the ground lease on FREIT’s Rochelle Park, NJ land parcel. Under the restructured terms, the interest rate is now 350 basis points above the BBA LIBOR with a floor of 4%, and monthly principal payments of $10,000 are required. An additional principal payment may be required on February 1, 2012 in an amount necessary to reduce the loan to achieve a stipulated debt service coverage ratio. FREIT believes that its debt service coverage ratio will meet the stipulated requirements, and, therefore, anticipates no additional principal payments will be required. Under the agreement with the equity owners of Grande Rotunda, LLC, FREIT would be responsible for 60% of any cash required by Grande Rotunda, LLC, and 40% would be the responsibility of the minority interest. (See Notes 4 and 6 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.)
(c) FREIT has an $18 million line of credit provided by the Provident Bank. The line of credit is for a two year term ending in January 2014, but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, within 60 days before or after each anniversary date. The credit line will automatically be extended at the termination date of the current term and each subsequent term for an additional period of 24 months, provided there is no default and the credit line has not been cancelled. 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. The interest rate on the line of credit has a floor of 4%. As of October 31, 2011, $18 million was available under the line of credit, and no amount is outstanding.

(ii)   CONSTRUCTION

The modernization and expansion project at the Damascus Center was completed in November 2011. Total construction costs, inclusive of tenant improvement costs, approximates $22.7 million. The building plans incorporated an expansion of retail space from 140,000 sq. ft. to approximately 150,000 sq. ft., anchored by a modern 58,000 sq. ft. Safeway supermarket. Construction was completed in three phases. Phase I began in June 2007, and was completed in June 2008, at a cost of approximately $6.2 million, of which $1.1 million related to tenant improvements. Phase II, which comprised the new Safeway supermarket, began in December 2008, and was completed in September 2009, at a cost of approximately $9.8 million. Phase III construction, which began in June 2011, was substantially complete as of October 31, 2011, and was completed in November 2011, at a cost of approximately $6.4 million. Additional tenant fit-up costs are expected, once the new space is leased and occupied. Funding for this project was made available under a construction loan facility in the amount of $21.3 million. The construction loan is secured by the Damascus Center. The loan was drawn upon as needed to fund construction costs at the Damascus Center. Because of this expansion, leases for certain tenants were allowed to expire and were not renewed. This has caused occupancy to decline, on a temporary basis, during the construction phase. However, with the completion of each of the three phases, certain tenant leases have been renewed and occupancy is beginning to increase.  

Redevelopment plans and studies for the phased expansion and renovation of the Rotunda have been prepared. The Rotunda, 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. Development costs for this project are expected to approximate $200 million. As of October 31, 2011, the Company has incurred approximately $7.5 million of such costs, which are included in Construction in Progress (“CIP”) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. City Planning Board approval has been received. Due to the difficult economic environment, that redevelopment activity was placed on hold by FREIT during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008. The delay notwithstanding, at this time, FREIT currently intends, upon improvement in the economic and financing climate, to resume the redevelopment of the Rotunda as planned. To that end, FREIT has had, from time to time, ongoing discussions with potential sources of financing and potential major national and local tenants. 

(iii)   PLANNED DISPOSITION

On July 7, 2010, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized management to pursue a sale of the 256,620 sq. ft. Westridge Square Shopping Center (“Westridge”) located in Frederick, Maryland. The decision to sell the property (acquired in 1992) was based on the Board’s desire to re-deploy the net proceeds or other consideration arising from the sale to real estate assets in other areas of FREIT’s operations.

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On April 15, 2011, FREIT was notified by Giant of Maryland LLC (“Giant”), the former tenant and operator of the 55,330 sq. ft. Giant Supermarket at Westridge that it would not extend the term of its lease, which expired on October 31, 2011. Giant elected not to renew its lease at Westridge, and FREIT is actively pursuing the re-leasing of the space vacated by Giant. FREIT will reevaluate its decision to market Westridge for sale in light of the Giant lease expiration. See “Segment Information – Commercial Segment” under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” below.

On June 3, 2011, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized management to pursue the sale of the Palisades Manor Apartments, in Palisades Park, NJ, the Grandview Apartments in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, and the Heights Manor Apartments in Spring Lake Heights, NJ. The decision to pursue the sale of these properties was based on the Board’s desire to re-deploy the net proceeds arising from the sale to real estate assets in other areas of FREIT’s operations. It is not possible for management to estimate when a sale of any of these properties will occur, and therefore, the properties continue to be classified as held for use as of October 31, 2011.

(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 three years ended October 31, 2011 is included in Note 11 “Segment Information” to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

(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, NY. 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, registered trademarks, or licenses. 

Portfolio of Real Estate Investments

At October 31, 2011, 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 of 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”): S And A owns a 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC, which owns a 269-unit residential apartment complex in Hackensack, NJ. FREIT owns a 65% partnership interest in S And A.

Grande Rotunda, LLC: FREIT owns a 60% membership interest in Grande Rotunda, which owns a 217,000 square foot mixed use property in Baltimore, MD.

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Damascus Centre, LLC: FREIT owns a 70% membership interest in Damascus Centre, LLC which owns the Damascus Center that has recently been renovated and expanded. See Item 1-a(ii), “Construction”.

Damascus Second, LLC: FREIT owns a 70% interest in Damascus Second, LLC, which assumed a $21.3 million (originally $27.3 million) construction loan from Bank of America for the purpose of assisting Damascus Centre, LLC in owning, operating, managing and, as required, renovating the land and premises of the Damascus Center.

WestFREIT Corp: FREIT owns a 100% membership interest in WestFREIT, which owns Westridge, 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 Westridge in Frederick, MD.

Employees

On October 31, 2011 FREIT and its subsidiaries had seventeen (17) full-time employees and seven (7) 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 seventy percent (70%) 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 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” below. 

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 renewed on November 1, 2011 for a two-year term, will expire on October 31, 2013. The Management Agreement automatically renews for successive 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 retains Hekemian 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. Hekemian does not serve as the exclusive advisor for FREIT to locate and recommend to FREIT investments, which Hekemian deems suitable for FREIT, and is not 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 Hekemian 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 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 or its affiliates, with respect to such additional services. During the 4th quarter of Fiscal 2007, FREIT’s Board of Trustees approved, in general, development fee arrangements for the development services to be performed at the Rotunda (owned by Grande Rotunda, LLC), the Damascus Center (owned by Damascus Centre, LLC), and the South Brunswick project. These fees will be payable to Hekemian Development Resources LLC (“Resources”), a wholly owned affiliate of Hekemian. Definitive agreements for the development services to be performed at the Rotunda and the Damascus Center have been executed. The development fee arrangement for the Rotunda provides for Resources to receive a fee equal to 6.375% of the total development costs of up to $136 million (as may be modified), and the fee for the redevelopment of the Damascus Center to be equal to 7% of the redevelopment costs of up to approximately $17.3 million (as may be modified). The minority ownership interests of Grande Rotunda, LLC and Damascus Centre, LLC are owned by Rotunda 100, LLC and Damascus 100, LLC, which are principally owned by employees of Hekemian, including certain members of the immediate family of Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT’s CEO and Chairman, and Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., a trustee of FREIT, and the members of the Hekemian family have majority management control of these entities. In connection with the development activities at South Brunswick, the fees with respect to this project are 7% of development costs of up to $21million (as may be modified). A definitive contract regarding the specific services to be provided at the South Brunswick project has not yet been finalized and approved. See Note 6 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements. 

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.

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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, 2011, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $203.3 million with an average interest cost on a weighted average basis of 4.29%. 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, 2011 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 longer 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 FREIT’s Declaration of Trust nor any policy statement formally adopted by FREIT’s 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 FREIT’s existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT could also bear interest at a variable rate. Increases in interest rates would increase FREIT’s 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.

 

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  (A) General Factors Affecting Investment in Commercial and Apartment Properties; Effect of 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 would not be operative in this economic environment. 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, 2011 the following table lists the ten (10) largest commercial tenants, which account for approximately 53.8% of FREIT’s leased commercial rental space and 36.5% 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.   Patchoque  63,932
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.   Preakness   61,020
Safeway Stores Inc.   Damascus Center  58,358
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.   Franklin Crossing  48,673
Giant Food of Maryland  The Rotunda  35,994
TJ MAXX  Westwood Plaza  28,480
T-Bowl Inc.  Preakness   27,195

Note: Giant Food of Maryland at Westridge is not included in the schedule of the 10 largest commercial tenants, since Giant vacated its space, amounting to 55,330 sq ft, in May 2011. However, Giant continued to pay its monthly rent through October 31, 2011, which was the expiration date of their lease. Giant elected not to extend its lease as of November 1, 2011. FREIT is actively pursuing the re-leasing of the space vacated by Giant.           

  (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 2011, FREIT was notified by the former tenant and operator of the 55,330 sq. ft. Giant Supermarket at Westridge that it would not extend the term of its lease, which expired on October 31, 2011. FREIT is actively pursuing the re-leasing of the space vacated by Giant. There were no other material lease expirations during Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010. Other than the Giant lease at Westridge, there are no other material lease expirations expected during Fiscal 2012.

 

 

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  (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 injury or property damages and the property 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 Flood Hazard Zone. FREIT maintains flood insurance in the amount of $500,000 for the subject property, which is the maximum available under the 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, in November 2002, 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.

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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.

In prior years, FREIT 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 believes that it 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 material 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

Almost all of FREIT’s income and cash flow are 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 turnover rates;

·         rental rates;

·         operating expenses;

·         tenant improvement and leasing costs;

·         cost of and availability of capital;

·         failure of banking institutions;

·         failure of insurance carriers;

·         new acquisitions and development projects; and

·         changes in governmental regulations, real estate tax rates and similar matters.

 

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A negative or adverse quality change in the above factors could potentially cause a detrimental effect on FREIT’s revenue, earnings and cash flow. If rental revenues decline, we would expect to have less cash available to pay our indebtedness and distribute to our shareholders.

Adverse Changes in General Economic Climate: FREIT derives the majority of its revenues from renting apartments to individuals or families, and from retailers renting space at its shopping centers. Although the U.S. economy has recovered from the recession, the rate of recovery has been much slower than anticipated. Forecasts for economic growth and job gains over the next year have been downsized, due in large part to the recent turbulence in the US and global markets. While bank earnings and liquidity are on the rebound, the potential of significant future credit losses clouds the lending outlook. Credit availability has improved, but still lags pre-recession levels, hampering business expansion and new development activities. The higher level of unemployment in our areas of operation, coupled with the sluggish rate of economic recovery, may continue to adversely impact the level of consumer spending at some of our retail tenants, resulting in their inability to pay rent and/or expense recovery, as well as adversely impact occupancy levels at our residential properties. Some retail tenants have vacated, and others may continue to vacate or fail to exercise renewal options for their space.

We receive a substantial portion of our operating income as rent under long-term leases with commercial tenants. At any time, any of our commercial tenants could experience a downturn in its business that might weaken its financial condition. These tenants might defer or fail to make rental payments when due, delay lease commencement, voluntarily vacate the premises or declare bankruptcy, which could result in the termination of the tenant’s lease, and could result in material losses to us and harm to our results of operations. Also, it might take time to terminate leases of underperforming or nonperforming tenants and we might incur costs to remove such tenants. Given current conditions in the capital markets, retailers that have sought protection from creditors under bankruptcy law have had difficulty in some instances in obtaining debtor-in-possession financing, which has decreased the likelihood that such retailers will emerge from bankruptcy protection and has limited their alternatives. Also, if tenants are unable to comply with the terms of our leases, we might modify lease terms in ways that are less favorable to us.

Tenants unable to pay rent: Financially distressed tenants may be unable to pay rents and expense recovery charges, where applicable, and may default on their leases. Enforcing our rights as landlord could result in substantial costs and may not result in a full recovery of unpaid rent. If a tenant files for bankruptcy, the tenant’s lease may be terminated. In each such instance FREIT’s income and cash flow would be negatively impacted.

Costs of re-renting space: If tenants fail to renew leases, fail to exercise renewal options, or terminate their leases early, the lost rents due to vacancy and the costs of re-renting the space could prove costly to FREIT. In addition to cleaning and renovating the vacated space, we may be required to grant concessions to a new tenant, and may incur leasing brokerage commissions. The lease terms to a new tenant may be less favorable than the prior tenant’s lease terms, and will negatively impact FREIT’s income and cash flow and adversely affect our ability to pay mortgage debt and interest or make distributions to our shareholders. FREIT is currently in the process of actively pursuing the re-leasing of the space at Westridge that was vacated by Giant as of November 1, 2011.

Inflation may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations: Increased inflation could have a pronounced negative impact on our operating and administrative expenses, as these costs may increase at a higher rate than our rents. While increases in most operating expenses at our commercial properties can be passed on to retail tenants, increases in expenses at our residential properties cannot be passed on to residential tenants. Unreimbursed increased operating expenses may reduce cash flow available for payment of mortgage debt and interest, and for distributions to shareholders.

Development and construction risks: As part of its investment strategy, FREIT seeks to acquire property for development and construction, as well as to develop and build on land already in its portfolio. FREIT has recently completed a major expansion project at the Damascus Center and is planning a major redevelopment at the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition it is contemplating the construction of an industrial building on its South Brunswick, New Jersey property. Development and construction activities are challenged with the following risks, which may adversely affect our cash flow:

·         financing may not be available in the amounts we seek, or may not be on favorable terms;

·         long-term financing may not be available upon completion of the construction;

·         failure to complete construction on schedule or within budget may increase debt service costs and construction costs; and

·         abandoned project costs could result in an impairment loss.

Debt financing could adversely affect income and cash flow: FREIT relies on debt financing to fund its growth through acquisitions and development activities. To the extent third party debt financing is not available, or not available on acceptable terms, acquisitions and development activities will be curtailed.

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FREIT currently has approximately $172.2 million of non-recourse mortgage debt subject to fixed interest rates, and $31.1 million of partial recourse mortgage debt subject to variable interest rates ($19.3 million relates to the acquisition of the Rotunda property, and $11.8 million relates to the Damascus Center redevelopment project). These mortgages are being repaid over periods (amortization schedules) that are longer than the terms of the mortgages. Accordingly, when the mortgages become due (at various times) significant balloon payments (the unpaid principal amounts) will be required. FREIT expects to refinance the individual mortgages with new mortgages when their terms expire. To this extent we have exposure to capital availability and interest rate risk. 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 refinancing proceeds may be less than the amount of the mortgage debt being retired. The $22.5 million mortgage loan entered into by Grande Rotunda, LLC for the acquisition of the Rotunda was scheduled to come due on July 19, 2009, and was extended by the bank until February 1, 2010. On February 1, 2010, a principal payment of $3 million was made reducing the original loan amount of $22.5 million to $19.5 million and the due date was extended until February 1, 2013. As part of the terms of the loan extension agreement, the loan is further collateralized by a first mortgage lien and the assignment of the ground lease on FREIT’s Rochelle Park, NJ land parcel. Under the restructured terms, the interest rate is now 350 basis points above the BBA LIBOR with a floor of 4%, and monthly principal payments of $10,000 are required. An additional principal payment may be required on February 1, 2012 in an amount necessary to reduce the loan to achieve a stipulated debt service coverage ratio. FREIT believes that its debt service coverage ratio will meet the stipulated requirements, and, therefore, anticipates no additional principal payments will be required. Under the agreement with the equity owners of Grande Rotunda, LLC, FREIT would be responsible for 60% of any cash required by Grande Rotunda, LLC, and 40% would be the responsibility of the minority interest. To the extent we are unable to refinance our indebtedness on acceptable terms, we may need to dispose of one or more of our properties upon disadvantageous terms.

Our revolving $18 million credit line (of which $18 million was available as of October 31, 2011), our Grande Rotunda acquisition mortgage loan, and our Damascus Center construction loan contain financial covenants that could restrict our acquisition activities and result in a default on these loans if we fail to satisfy these covenants.

Failure of banking and financing institutions: Banking and financing institutions such as insurance companies provide FREIT with credit lines and construction financing. The credit lines available to FREIT may be used for a variety of business purposes, including general corporate purposes, acquisitions, construction, letters of credit, etc. Construction financing enables FREIT to develop new properties, or renovate or expand existing properties. A failure of the banking institution making credit lines available may render the line unavailable and adversely affect FREIT’s liquidity, and negatively impact our operations in a number of ways. A failure of a financial institution unable to fund its construction financing obligations to FREIT may cause the construction to halt or be delayed. Substitute financing may be significantly more expensive, and construction delays may subject FREIT to delivery penalties.

Failure of insurance carriers: FREIT’s properties are insured against unforeseen liability claims, property damages, and other hazards. The insurance companies FREIT uses have good ratings at the time the policies are put into effect. Financial failure of our carriers may result in their inability to pay current and future claims. This inability to pay claims may have an adverse impact on FREIT’s financial condition. In addition, a failure of FREIT’s insurance carrier may cause FREIT’s insurance renewal or replacement policy costs to increase.

Real estate is a competitive business: 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.

Illiquidity of real estate investment: Real estate investments are relatively difficult to buy and sell quickly. 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 by the operating agreements that govern FREIT’s investment in these partially owned subsidiaries.

 

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Environmental problems may be costly: 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 injury or property damages and the property 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.

Qualification as a REIT: Since its inception in 1961, FREIT has elected to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and will continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Governmental legislation, new regulations, and administrative interpretations may significantly change the tax laws with respect to the requirements for qualification as a REIT, or the federal income tax consequences of qualifying as a REIT. Although FREIT intends to continue to operate in a manner to allow it to qualify as a REIT, future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause it to revoke the REIT election or fail to qualify as a REIT. Such a revocation would subject FREIT’s income to federal income tax at regular corporate rates, and failure to qualify as a REIT would also eliminate the requirement that we pay dividends to our shareholders.

Change of investment and operating policies: FREIT’s investment and operating policies, including indebtedness and dividends, are exclusively determined by FREIT’s Board of Trustees, and not subject to shareholder approval.

 

 

ITEM 1 B

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

 

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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, 2011:      
Property & Location Year
Acquired
No.
of
Units
Average Annual
Occupancy Rate for
the Year Ended
10/31/11
Average
Monthly Rent
per Unit @
10/31/11
Average
Monthly Rent
per Unit @
10/31/10
Mortgage
Balance ($000)
Depreciated Cost of
Land, Buildings &
Equipment ($000)
               
Palisades Manor 1962 12 97.4% $1,141 $1,080 None (1) $53
Palisades Park, NJ              
               
Grandview Apts 1964 20 97.7% $1,136 $1,135 None (1) $121
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ              
               
Berdan Court 1965 176 94.5% $1,412 $1,409 $19,501 (2) $1,345
Wayne, NJ              
               
Heights Manor 1971 79 94.7% $1,114 $1,086 $2,911 $424
Spring Lake Heights, NJ              
               
Hammel Gardens 1972 80 95.8% $1,234 $1,229 $4,220 $678
Maywood, NJ              
               
Steuben Arms 1975 100 98.6% $1,261 $1,262 $5,852 $1,092
River Edge, NJ              
               
Westwood Hills (3) 1994 210 96.8% $1,467 $1,440 $23,144 (6) $11,052
Westwood Hills, NJ              
               
Pierre Towers (4) 2004 269 93.3% $1,867 $1,818 $32,901 $41,914
Hackensack, NJ              
               
Boulders (5) 2006 129 94.5% $1,732 $1,679 $19,197 $18,455
Rockaway, NJ              

(1) Security for draws against FREIT's Credit Line  

(2) On August 6, 2009, FREIT refinanced the mortgage loans secured by its Berdan Court apartment property in Wayne, NJ, with a new mortgage for approximately $20 million, due in 2019. The refinanced mortgages had outstanding principal balances that aggregated approximately $12.3 million at a weighted average interest rate of 6.7%, and were due January 1, 2010. 

(3) FREIT owns a 40% equity interest in Westwood Hills. See "Investment in Subsidiaries"  

(4) Pierre Towers is 100% owned by S And A Commercial Associates LP, which is 65% owned by FREIT  

(5) Construction completed in August 2006 on land acquired in 1963 / 1964  

(6) On October 20, 2010, Westwood Hills, LLC refinanced the mortgage loans secured by its Westwood Hills apartment property in Westwood, NJ, with a new mortgage for $23.5 million. The refinanced mortgages had outstanding principal balances that aggregated approximately $15.4 million at a weighted average interest rate of 6.6%, and were due December 31, 2013. The new mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $120,752 including interest of 4.62%, and is due November 1, 2020. 

 

 

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Commercial Properties as of October 31, 2011:        
Property & Location Year
Acquired
Leasable
Space-
Approximate
Sq.Ft
Average Annual
Occupancy Rate for
the Year Ended
10/31/11 
Average
Annualized Rent
per Sq. Ft. @
10/31/11
Average
Annualized Rent
per Sq. Ft. @
10/31/10
Mortgage Balance
($000)
Depreciated Cost
of Land, Buildings
& Equipment
($000)
               
Glen Rock, NJ 1962 4,800 100.0% $23.20 $23.20 None (1) $89
               
               
Franklin Crossing 1966 (2) 87,041 96.4% $23.18 $23.86 None (1) $8,194
Franklin Lakes, NJ              
               
Westwood Plaza 1988 173,854 98.2% $13.15 $12.84 $8,307 $9,299
Westwood, NJ              
               
Westridge Square (3) 1992 256,620  (10) 94.2% $13.00 $12.78 $22,000 $18,190
Frederick, MD              
               
Pathmark Super Store 1997 63,962 100.0% $19.99 $19.99 $5,713 (7) $7,823
Patchogue, NY              
               
Preakness Center (4) 2002 322,136 95.1% $13.11 $13.09 $28,482 $28,893
Wayne, NJ              
               
Damascus Center (5) 2003 150,000 55.3% $19.25 $19.96 $11,757 (8) $29,222
Damascus, MD              
           
The Rotunda (6) 2005 216,645 86.8% $18.69 $17.64 $19,290 $39,605
Baltimore, MD              
               
Rockaway, NJ 1964/1963 1 Acre 100.0% N/A N/A None $165
    Landlease          
               
Rochelle Park, NJ 2007 1 Acre N/A N/A N/A None (9) $2,408
    Landlease          

(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 100% interest in WestFREIT Corp, that owns the center  

(4) FREIT owns a 40% equity interest in WaynePSC, that owns the center  

(5) FREIT owns a 70% equity interest in Damascus Centre, LLC, that owns the center. Undergoing a renovation and expansion project

(6) FREIT owns a 60% equity interest in Grande Rotunda, LLC, that owns the center  

(7) On February 29, 2008, unpaid principal amount of $5.9 million was refinanced with a $6 million mortgage loan bearing fixed interest rate of 6.125%, with a 10 year term

(8) On February 12, 2008, Damascus Centre, LLC closed on a $27.3 million construction loan, of which $11.8 million was drawn down at 10/31/11. As a result of a reevaluation of the future funding needs for this project, on May 6, 2010, Damascus Centre, LLC reduced the amount of the construction loan facility to $21.3 million

(9) Security for Rotunda $19.5 million acquisition loan  

(10) Giant supermarket, which leases 55,330 sq ft, elected not to extend their lease as of November 1, 2011    

Supplemental Segment Information:

Commercial lease expirations at October 31, 2011 assuming none of the tenants exercise renewal options:
            Annual Rent of Expiring Leases
Year Ending  Number of Expiring Leases Percent of      
October 31,  Expiring Leases Sq. Ft Commercial Sq. Ft  Total  Per Sq. Ft
                
Month to month   17    89,028    7.9%   $1,186,566   $13.33 
2012   24    158,322    14.1%   $1,777,025   $11.22 
2013   29    99,199    8.8%   $1,752,305   $17.66 
2014   25    56,136    5.0%   $1,213,263   $21.61 
2015   18    76,759    6.8%   $1,312,202   $17.10 
2016   20    117,464    10.4%   $2,190,949   $18.65 
2017   14    132,305    11.8%   $1,640,648   $12.40 
2018   14    38,875    3.5%   $977,435   $25.14 
2019   5    88,509    7.9%   $454,840   $5.14 
2020   3    8,996    0.8%   $245,289   $27.27 
2021   10    24,827    2.2%   $683,221   $27.52 

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Land Under Development and Vacant Land as of October 31, 2011:

         
Vacant Land     Permitted Use Per Acreage Per
Location (1) Acquired Current Use Local Zoning Laws Parcel
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 Industrial 33.0
    as farmland qualifying    
    for state farmland assessment    
    tax treatment    
         
(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.

FREIT has no properties that have contributed 15% or more of FREIT’s total revenue in one (1) or more of the last three (3) fiscal years.

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. See “Business-Planned Disposition” under Item 1 above. 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 complement and increase the overall value of FREIT’s existing investment portfolio.

Except for the Pathmark supermarket located in Patchogue, Long Island, the TD Bank branch located in Rockaway, NJ and the Pascack Community Bank branch located 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, which account for approximately 59% of the space leased. The balance of the space is leased to one hundred and sixty six (166) satellite and office tenants. The following table lists the anchor / major tenants at each center and the number of satellite tenants:  

Commercial Property       No. of
Shopping Center (SC)   Net Leaseable   Additional/Satellite
Office Building (O)   Space Anchor/Major Tenants Tenants
         
 Westridge Square   (SC)  256,620 Burlington Coat Factory  25
 Frederick, MD (4)         
 Franklin Crossing   (SC)  87,041 Stop & Shop  20
 Franklin, Lakes, NJ         
 Westwood Plaza   (SC)  173,854 Kmart Corp  19
 Westwood, NJ      TJMaxx   
 Preakness Center (1)   (SC)  322,136 Stop & Shop  36
 Wayne, NJ      Macy's   
      CVS   
      Annie Sez   
      Clearview Theaters   
 Damascus Center (2)   (SC)  150,000 Safeway Stores  11
 Damascus, MD         
 The Rotunda (3)   (O)  138,276 Clear Channel Broadcasting  46
 Baltimore, MD      US Social Security Office   
      Janus Associates   
         
   (SC)  78,369 Giant Food of Maryland  8
      Rite Aid Corporation   
 Patchogue, NY   (SC)  63,962 Pathmark  -
 Glen Rock, NJ   (SC)  4,800 Chase Bank  1
(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 (4) Giant Food of Maryland vacated in May 2011, 
            but continued to pay rent through 10/31/2011. 

 

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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 averaged an 89.6% “economic” occupancy rate (based upon the payment of rent for leased space) with respect to FREIT’s available leasable space. For Fiscal 2011, the economic occupancy rate was 89.6%, while the actual “physical” occupancy rate (based upon possession and use of leased space) was 87.9%. The difference between economic and physical occupancy for Fiscal 2011 was primarily attributable to the vacancy created at Westridge resulting from Giant vacating its premises in May 2011, while continuing to pay rent in accordance with its lease through the expiration of the lease on October 31, 2011.

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 94.1% 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

 

(REMOVED AND RESERVED)

 

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 13, 2012, 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 FINRA, 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, 2011          
First Quarter   $ 16.90   $ 20.50  
Second Quarter   $ 16.70   $ 16.70  
Third Quarter   $ 19.00   $ 23.50  
Fourth Quarter   $ 20.25   $ 20.25  

 

    Bid   Asked  
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2010          
First Quarter   $ 18.00   $ 20.25  
Second Quarter   $ 18.00   $ 19.00  
Third Quarter   $ 16.50   $ 18.00  
Fourth Quarter   $ 17.00   $ 17.00  

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.

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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 2011 and Fiscal 2010, FREIT paid or declared aggregate total dividends of $1.20 and $1.20 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

See Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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, 2011 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,  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  
   (In thousands of dollars)
Total Assets  $243,220   $245,128   $251,851   $241,756   $242,755 
Mortgage Loans  $203,275   $204,604   $202,260   $192,352   $189,389 
Common Equity  $13,850   $16,802   $20,722   $23,561   $25,130 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                         
Basic   6,942    6,942    6,944    6,835    6,753 
Diluted                       6,916 

             

 

INCOME STATEMENT DATA:               
Year Ended October 31,  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  
   (In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
Revenue:                         
Revenue from real estate operations  $44,057   $44,053   $42,422   $42,340   $40,738 
Expenses:                         
Real estate operations   18,138    18,607    17,600    16,996    16,673 
General and administrative expenses   1,543    1,567    1,652    1,542    1,543 
Depreciation   6,109    6,053    5,870    5,622    5,311 
Totals   25,790    26,227    25,122    24,160    23,527 
                          
Operating income   18,267    17,826    17,300    18,180    17,211 
                          
Investment income   101    122    221    554    634 
Interest expense including amortization of deferred financing costs *   (11,655)   (13,817)   (10,848)   (11,557)   (11,897)
Income from continuing operations   6,713    4,131    6,673    7,177    5,948 
Discontinued operations:                         
Income from discontinued operations, net of noncontrolling interests of subsidiaries **                   3,771 
                       Net income   6,713    4,131    6,673    7,177    9,719 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests of subsidiaries   (1,335)   280    (1,121)   (1,138)   (776)
                       Net income attributable to common equity  $5,378   $4,411   $5,552   $6,039   $8,943 

* In 2010, includes $2.1 million prepayment penalty on early debt extinguishment.

** Includes gain on disposal of $3,680 in fiscal year 2007.

Basic earnings per share:            
Continuing operations  $0.77   $0.64   $0.80   $0.88   $0.76
Discontinued operations                  0.56
Net income  $0.77   $0.64   $0.80   $0.88   $1.32
Diluted earnings per share:                    
Continuing operations                      $0.74
Discontinued operations                      0.55
Net income                      $1.29
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share  $1.20   $1.20   $1.20   $1.20   $1.30

 

 

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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, the financial condition of tenants and the default rate on leases, operating and administrative expenses and the availability of financing; adverse changes in FREIT’s real estate markets, including, among other things, competition with other real estate owners, competition confronted by tenants at FREIT’s commercial properties, 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, or unfavorable terms of financing that may be available, unforeseen construction delays and the failure to complete construction within budget.

 

OVERVIEW

FREIT is an equity real estate investment trust ("REIT") that is self-administered and externally managed. FREIT owns a portfolio of residential apartment and commercial properties. Our revenues consist primarily of fixed rental income from our residential and commercial properties and additional rent in the form of expense reimbursements derived from our income producing commercial properties. Our properties are primarily located in northern New Jersey and Maryland. We acquire existing properties for investment. We also acquire properties, which we feel have redevelopment potential, and make changes and capital improvements to these properties. We develop and construct properties on our vacant land. Our policy is to acquire and develop real property for long-term investment.

The economic and financial environment: Although the U.S. economy has recovered from the recession, the rate of recovery has been much slower than anticipated. Forecasts for economic growth and job gains over the next year have been downsized, due in large part to the recent turbulence in the US and global markets. While bank earnings and liquidity are on the rebound, the potential of significant future credit losses clouds the lending outlook. Credit availability has improved, but still lags pre-recession levels, hampering business expansion and new development activities.

Residential Properties: Occupancy and rental rates in our areas of operation are on the up swing, reversing a year-long downward movement, and reflecting the increasing preference towards rental housing. The speed of recovery at our residential properties will likely mirror job growth and reduced unemployment in our areas of operation.

Commercial Properties: The retail outlook, while still challenged, has shown improvement over the past year, although due to the lag in job growth, consumers are still nervous about their jobs and remain frugal with their discretionary spending. Tenant fall-out and rent reductions are expected to abate. However, re-leasing of vacated space will be challenging and at rates below pre-recession levels.

Development Projects and Capital Expenditures: We continue to make only those capital expenditures that are absolutely necessary. As of November 2011, the expansion and renovation of the Damascus Center was completed. No date has been determined for the commencement of construction at our Rotunda and South Brunswick projects.

Debt Financing Availability: The dislocations in the credit markets have caused significant price volatility and liquidity disruptions. High pricing spreads and very conservative debt service ratio requirements have made certain financing unattractive and, in certain instances, unavailable. Additionally, construction financing for large, mixed use projects is virtually unavailable, or too costly. As a result of this difficult financing environment and reduced end user demand (see above), FREIT placed the Rotunda redevelopment activity on hold during the fourth quarter of FREIT’s 2008 fiscal year. The delay notwithstanding, at this time, FREIT intends to resume the redevelopment of the Rotunda as planned, upon improvement in the economic and financing climate. To that end, FREIT has had, from time to time, ongoing discussions with potential sources of financing and potential major national and local tenants.

 

 

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Operating Cash Flow and Dividend Distributions: We expect that cash provided by net operating income will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments, necessary capital improvements and dividends necessary to retain qualification as a REIT (90% of taxable income). It is FREIT’s intention to maintain its quarterly dividend at $.30 per share until the economic climate indicates a change is appropriate, but not less than the level required to maintain its REIT status for Federal income tax purposes.

 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Pursuant to the 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, 2011 and October 31, 2010, and for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. 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.

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.

Real Estate Development Costs: It is FREIT’s policy to capitalize pre-development costs, which generally include legal and professional fees and other directly related third-party costs. Real estate taxes and interest costs incurred during the development and construction phases are also capitalized. FREIT ceases capitalization of these costs, when the project or portion thereof becomes operational, or when construction has been postponed. Capitalization of these costs will recommence once construction on the project resumes.

Adopted and recently issued accounting standards:

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-10, “Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Derecognition of in Substance Real Estate-a Scope Clarification”. The purpose of this update is to resolve the diversity in practice about whether the guidance under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 360-20, “Property, Plant, and Equipment-Real Estate Sales”, applies to a parent that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary, as specified under ASC Subtopic 810-10, “Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51”, that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt. The new guidance is intended to emphasize that accounting for such transactions “is based on their substance rather than their form”, specifically that the parent should only deconsolidate the real estate subsidiary when legal title to the real estate is transferred to the lender and the related nonrecourse debt has been extinguished. The standard takes effect for public companies during the annual and interim periods beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”, which supersedes the presentation options in ASC Topic 220, “Reporting of Comprehensive Income”. The new standard provides guidance for the presentation of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and its components in both the financial statements. The new guidance only affects the presentation of OCI, and not the components that must be reported in OCI. The standard takes effect for public companies during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

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FREIT adopted ASC 810-10 (“Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51”) effective November 1, 2009, and as required, has retrospectively applied the presentation and disclosure requirements to prior years presented in this Form 10-K.

·            The objective of ASC 810 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. 
(a) Prior to the adoption of ASC 810, FREIT could not record a negative minority interest in its consolidated financial statements if the minority members had no obligation to restore their negative capital accounts. As a result, FREIT was accounting for the minority members’ capital deficit of its Westwood Hills subsidiary as a charge to income and a reduction to undistributed earnings. As of November 1, 2009, the amount of the minority members’ capital deficit that was booked as a reduction to FREIT’s undistributed earnings was approximately $2.3 million.  
(b) In accordance with the provisions of ASC 810, FREIT is required to disclose the pro forma impact on its consolidated net income and earnings per share, had the requirements of ASC 810 not been applied for the current year. As such, FREIT’s pro forma consolidated net income attributable to common equity for the year-ended October 31, 2011 would have been $5,689,000 ($0.82 per share basic), due to the amendment of the Westwood Hills operating agreement, requiring the noncontrolling members to restore their negative capital accounts. 

 

 

 

 

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Results of Operations:

Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2011 and 2010

Summary revenues and net income for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 (“Fiscal 2011”) and October 31, 2010 (“Fiscal 2010”) are as follows:

   Years Ended October 31,  
   2011  2010  Change  
   (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Real estate revenues:               
 Commercial properties  $24,333   $24,923   $(590)
 Residential properties   19,724    19,130    594 
     Total real estate revenues   44,057    44,053    4 
                
Operating expenses:               
 Real estate operations   18,138    18,607    (469)
 General and administrative   1,543    1,567    (24)
 Depreciation   6,109    6,053    56 
     Total operating expenses   25,790    26,227    (437)
Operating income   18,267    17,826    441 
                
Investment income   101    122    (21)
                
 Financing costs   (11,655)   (13,817)   2,162 
Net income   6,713    4,131    2,582 
 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries   (1,335)   280    (1,615)
Net income attributable to common equity  $5,378   $4,411   $967 
                
Earnings per share:               
 Basic  $0.77   $0.64   $0.14 
                
Weighted average shares outstanding:               
 Basic   6,942    6,942      

Total real estate revenue for Fiscal 2011 increased slightly to $44,057,000 compared to $44,053,000 for Fiscal 2010. Net income attributable to common equity (“Net Income-Common Equity”) for Fiscal 2011 was $5,378,000 ($0.77 per share basic) compared to $4,411,000 ($0.64 per share basic) for Fiscal 2010. Included in interest expense for Fiscal 2010 was a $2.1 million prepayment penalty related to the early extinguishment of debt and the subsequent debt refinancing at FREIT’s Westwood Hills property. The impact of the prepayment penalty on Net Income-Common Equity for Fiscal 2010 was $840,000 ($0.12 per share basic). The refinancing increased FREIT’s cash reserves by $2.2 million, reduced interest expense on the new loan from 6.6% (weighted-average) to 4.62%, and extended the maturity of the loan 7 years. (Refer to the segment disclosure below for a more detailed discussion on the financial performance of FREIT’s commercial and residential segments.)

 

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The schedule below provides a detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted revenue and net income-common equity for Fiscal 2011 and 2010:

NET INCOME COMPONENTS         
   Years Ended
   October 31,
   2011  2010  Change
   (thousands of dollars)
Income from real estate operations:               
   Commercial properties  $14,772   $15,221   $(449)
                
   Residential properties   11,147    10,225    922 
     Total income from real estate operations   25,919    25,446    473 
                
Financing costs:               
Fixed rate mortgages   (10,256)   (12,473)   2,217 
Floating rate - Rotunda & Damascus   (938)   (961)   23 
Corporate interest-floating rate credit line   (461)   (383)   (78)
 Total financing costs   (11,655)   (13,817)   2,162 
                
Investment income   101    122    (21)
                
General & administrative expenses:               
   Accounting fees   (478)   (582)   104 
   Legal & professional fees   (87)   (95)   8 
   Trustee fees   (517)   (530)   13 
   Corporate expenses   (461)   (360)   (101)
 Total general & administrative expenses   (1,543)   (1,567)   24 
                
Depreciation   (6,109)   (6,053)   (56)
                
   Net income   6,713    4,131    2,582 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries   (1,335)   280    (1,615)
                
   Net Income attributable to common equity  $5,378   $4,411   $967 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following table sets forth comparative operating data for FREIT’s real estate segments:

   Commercial  Residential  Combined
   Years Ended        Years Ended        Years Ended
   October 31,  Increase (Decrease)  October 31,  Increase (Decrease)  October 31,
   2011  2010  $  %  2011  2010  $  %  2011  2010
   (in thousands)     (in thousands)     (in thousands)
Rental income  $18,560   $18,634   $(74)   -0.4%  $19,398   $18,872   $526    2.8%  $37,958   $37,506 
Reimbursements   5,374    5,923    (549)   -9.3%                    5,374    5,923 
Other   182    156    26    16.7%   326    258    68    26.4%   508    414 
Total revenue   24,116    24,713    (597)   -2.4%   19,724    19,130    594    3.1%   43,840    43,843 
                                                   
Operating expenses   9,561    9,702    (141)   -1.5%   8,577    8,905    (328)   -3.7%   18,138    18,607 
Net operating income  $14,555   $15,011   $(456)   -3.0%  $11,147   $10,225   $922    9.0%   25,702    25,236 
Average                                                  
Occupancy %   89.6%(1)  89.8%         -0.2%   95.2%   94.3%        0.9%          
                                                   

       Reconciliation to consolidated net income-common equity:
      Deferred rents - straight lining   242    240 
   Amortization of acquired leases   (25)   (30)
   Investment income   101    122 
   General and administrative expenses   (1,543)   (1,567)
   Depreciation   (6,109)   (6,053)
   Financing costs   (11,655)   (13,817)
   Net income   6,713    4,131 
   Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (1,335)   280 
  Net income attributable to common equity  $5,378   $4,411 

(1)Represents average “economic” occupancy (based upon the payment of rent for leased space), as opposed to “physical” occupancy (based upon possession and use of leased space). Actual physical occupancy would be 87.9% for Fiscal 2011. This decrease in physical occupancy as compared to economic occupancy is primarily attributable to a vacancy at Westridge. Giant elected not to renew its lease for 55,330 sq ft at Westridge and vacated the space during May, 2011, but continued paying rent through October 31, 2011. (See discussion under the caption “Commercial Segment” below.)

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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-Common Equity. 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, financing costs and other items. 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

FREIT’s commercial properties consist of ten (10) properties totaling approximately 1,139,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 138,000 sq. ft. of office space for Fiscal 2011. Seven (7) are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and one is a single tenanted store. In addition, FREIT has two parcels of leased land, from which it receives rental income. One is from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on land FREIT owns in Rockaway, NJ. The other is from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on land FREIT owns in Rochelle Park, NJ.

As indicated in the table above under the caption “Segment Information”, total rental revenue and NOI from FREIT’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2011 decreased by 2.4% and 3.0%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2010. The primary reason for the decrease in revenue for Fiscal 2011 was lower expense reimbursements stemming from prior year common area maintenance adjustments recorded in Fiscal 2011, which also affected the reduction in NOI.

Although the U.S. economy has recovered from the recession, the rate of recovery has been much slower than anticipated. Forecasts for economic growth and job gains over the next year have been downsized, due in large part to the recent turbulence in the US and global markets. Retail sales over the past year have posted slight gains, although among retailers, results have been mixed. The biggest problem in our areas of operations continues to be unemployment, renewing consumers’ concerns about their jobs, resulting in a reluctance to increase spending. Exclusive of the Giant space that was vacated during May 2011 (see discussion below), tenant fall-out at our other properties has been minor, as average occupancy rates for Fiscal 2011 (exclusive of the Damascus Center, which is undergoing a major redevelopment project) decreased 0.2% from last year’s comparable period.

At Westridge Square, a major tenant, Giant, has elected not to extend its lease beyond October 31, 2011, and has vacated its space at the center during May 2011. However, Giant continued to pay monthly rent in accordance with its lease terms through October 31, 2011. FREIT is actively pursuing the re-leasing of the space vacated by Giant. It is FREIT’s intention to re-lease the space to a new tenant or tenants that will enhance the shopping experience at Westridge Square. However, the space will be vacant and no rent will be received from the space beginning on November 1, 2011 unless or until FREIT is able to re-lease the space, and it is occupied by a new tenant(s). Additionally, FREIT expects to incur leasing costs and tenant improvement costs associated with re-leasing the space. The vacancy will adversely affect FREIT’s operating results in fiscal 2012 depending upon the outcome and timing of FREIT’s re-leasing efforts for this space. The potential impact on FREIT’s per share earnings for Fiscal 2012 is estimated at approximately $0.10 per share assuming the vacant space is not leased for the entire year. Construction related to the expansion and renovation of the Damascus Center was completed in November 2011. We are currently in the negotiation process with potential tenants for the new, currently available space constructed in the final phase (Phase III) of this project.

 

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

The modernization and expansion project at the Damascus Center was completed in November 2011. Total construction costs, inclusive of tenant improvement costs, approximates $22.7 million. The building plans incorporated an expansion of retail space from 140,000 sq. ft. to approximately 150,000 sq. ft., anchored by a modern 58,000 sq. ft. Safeway supermarket. Construction was completed in three phases. Phase I began in June 2007, and was completed in June 2008, at a cost of approximately $6.2 million, of which $1.1 million related to tenant improvements. Phase II, which comprised the new Safeway supermarket, began in December 2008, and was completed in September 2009, at a cost of approximately $9.8 million. Phase III construction which began in June 2011, was substantially complete as of October 31, 2011, and was completed in November 2011, at a cost of approximately $6.4 million. Additional tenant fit-up costs are expected, once the new space is leased and occupied. Total construction costs were funded from a $27.3 million construction loan entered into on February 12, 2008. As a result of a reevaluation of the future funding needs for this project, on May 6, 2010, Damascus Centre, LLC reduced the amount of the construction loan facility to $21.3 million. The construction loan is secured by the shopping center owned by Damascus Centre, LLC. This loan was drawn upon as needed to fund construction costs at the Damascus Center. Because of this expansion, leases for certain tenants were allowed to expire and were not renewed. This has caused occupancy to decline, on a temporary basis, during the construction phase. However, with the completion of each of the three phases, certain tenant leases have been renewed and occupancy is beginning to increase.

 

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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) were substantially completed during Fiscal 2008. 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. Development costs for this project are expected to approximate $200 million. City Planning Board approval has been received. As of October 31, 2011, we have incurred approximately $7.5 million for planning and feasibility studies, which have been capitalized in Construction in Progress (“CIP”). Due to the difficult economic environment, FREIT placed the Rotunda redevelopment activity on hold during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008. The delay notwithstanding, at this time, FREIT currently intends, upon improvement in the economic and financing climate, to resume the redevelopment of the Rotunda as planned. To that end, FREIT has had, from time to time, ongoing discussions with potential sources of financing and potential major national and local tenants.

 

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT

FREIT operates nine (9) multi-family apartment communities totaling 1,075 apartment units. As indicated in the table above, total rental revenue and NOI from FREIT’s residential segment for Fiscal 2011 reflected increases of 3.1% and 9.0%, respectively, over Fiscal 2010. The increase in total revenue and NOI for Fiscal 2011 is primarily attributable to higher base rental income at many of our residential properties, overall lower operating costs for the current year, and a $235,000 insurance recovery relating to storm damages incurred and expensed last year at FREIT’s Pierre Towers apartment complex. The insurance recovery has been recorded as an offset within operating expenses. The positive operating results for Fiscal 2011 reflect the upward movement of occupancy levels, as evidenced by average occupancy increasing 0.9% as compared to Fiscal 2010.

Our residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a function of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. Monthly average residential rents at the end of Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 period were $1,577 and $1,551, respectively. 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 $203,000 and $193,000, respectively.

FREIT continues to pursue the sale of the Palisades Manor Apartments, in Palisades Park, NJ, the Grandview Apartments in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, and the Heights Manor Apartments in Spring Lake Heights, NJ. The decision to pursue the sale of these properties was based on the Board’s desire to re-deploy the net proceeds arising from the sale to real estate assets in other areas of FREIT’s operations. It is not possible for management to estimate when a sale of any of these properties will occur, and therefore, the properties continue to be classified as held for use as of October 31, 2011.

Capital expenditures: Since all of our apartment communities, with the exception of The Boulders, 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. Major renovation programs (apartment renovations and parking structure restoration) are underway at The Pierre. We have substantially completed modernizing, where required, all apartments and some of the building’s mechanical services. Through October 31, 2011, approximately $4.6 million was expended at The Pierre for these capital improvements, of which approximately $385,000 related to Fiscal 2011. The remaining apartments will be renovated as they become temporarily vacant at an estimated cost of $1 - $1.5 million. We are also in the planning stages of a major parking structure restoration project at The Pierre, which is expected to be completed within the next 2 years, at an expected cost of approximately $1.5 - $2.5 million. These costs are being financed from operating cash flow and cash reserves.

 

 

 

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FINANCING COSTS

Financing costs are summarized as follows: 

 

   Years Ended  
   October 31,  
   2011  2010  
   ($ in thousands)
 Fixed rate mortgages:          
   1st Mortgages          
   Existing  $8,697   $11,399(2)
   New (1)   1,093    36 
   2nd Mortgages          
   Existing   156    709(2)
Variable rate mortgages:          
   Acquisition loan-Rotunda   775    798 
   Construction loan-Damascus   163    163 
 Other   461    383 
    11,345    13,488 
 Amortization of Mortgage Costs   310    329 
 Financing costs expensed  $11,655   $13,817 

           
(1) Mortgages not in place at beginning of Fiscal 2010. 
(2) Includes prepayment penalties of $1,727 and $378 incurred in connection with the refinancing of Westwood Hills' 1st and 2nd mortgages, respectively. 

 

Total financing costs for Fiscal 2011 decreased 15.6%, as compared to Fiscal 2010. The primary reason for the decrease was a $2.1 million prepayment penalty recorded in Fiscal 2010 (as discussed in footnote (2) above.).

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income for Fiscal 2011 decreased 17.2% to $101,000, as compared to the comparable prior year’s period. 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, and Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., a trustee of FREIT, for their equity investment in Grande Rotunda, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 60% equity interest, and Damascus Centre, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 70% equity interest). The decrease in investment income was primarily attributable to lower interest income on the Company’s investments in cash and cash equivalents, and lower interest income relative to secured loans made to Hekemian employees in connection with the sale of equity interests in the Rotunda and the Damascus Center, due to lower interest rates.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G & A”)

During Fiscal 2011, G & A was $1,543,000, as compared to $1,567,000 for the prior year’s period. The primary components of G&A are accounting fees, legal & professional fees and Trustees’ fees. The slight decrease for Fiscal 2011 was primarily attributable to decreased accounting fees, offset by an increase in office expense.

 

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense for Fiscal 2011 was $6,109,000, as compared to $6,053,000 for the prior year’s period. The increase was primarily attributable to current renovation and capitalized tenant improvements becoming operational in Fiscal 2011.

 

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Results of Operations:

Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2010 and 2009

Summary revenues and net income for Fiscal 2010 and the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 (“Fiscal 2009”) are as follows:

   Years Ended October 31,  
   2010  2009  Change  
   (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Real estate revenues:               
 Commercial properties  $24,923   $23,333   $1,590 
 Residential properties   19,130    19,089    41 
     Total real estate revenues   44,053    42,422    1,631 
                
Operating expenses:               
 Real estate operations   18,607    17,600    1,007 
 General and administrative   1,567    1,652    (85)
 Depreciation   6,053    5,870    183 
     Total operating expenses   26,227    25,122    1,105 
Operating income   17,826    17,300    526 
                
Investment income   122    221    (99)
                
 Financing costs   (13,817)   (10,848)   (2,969)
Net income   4,131    6,673    (2,542)
 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries   280    (1,121)   1,401 
Net income attributable to common equity  $4,411   $5,552   $(1,141)
                
Earnings per share:               
 Basic  $0.64   $0.80   $(0.16)
                
Weighted average shares outstanding:               
 Basic   6,942    6,944      

Total real estate revenue for Fiscal 2010 increased 3.8% to $44,053,000 compared to $42,422,000 for Fiscal 2009. Net Income-Common Equity for Fiscal 2010 was $4,411,000 ($0.64 per share basic) compared to $5,552,000 ($0.80 per share basic) for Fiscal 2009. Included in interest expense for Fiscal 2010 was a $2.1 million prepayment penalty related to the early extinguishment of debt and the subsequent debt refinancing at FREIT’s Westwood Hills property. The impact of the prepayment penalty on Net Income-Common Equity for Fiscal 2010 is $840,000 ($0.12 per share basic). The refinancing increased FREIT’s cash reserves by $2.2 million, reduces interest expense on the new loan from 6.6% (weighted-average) to 4.62%, and extends the maturity of the loan 7 years. (Refer to the segment disclosure below for a more detailed discussion on the financial performance of FREIT’s commercial and residential segments.)

 

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The schedule below provides a detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted revenue and net income-common equity for Fiscal 2010 and 2009:

NET INCOME COMPONENTS         
   Years Ended
   October 31,
   2010  2009  Change
   (thousands of dollars)
Income from real estate operations:               
   Commercial properties  $15,221   $14,114   $1,107 
                
   Residential properties   10,225    10,708    (483)
     Total income from real estate operations   25,446    24,822    624 
                
Financing costs:               
Fixed rate mortgages   (12,473)   (10,106)   (2,367)
Floating rate - Rotunda   (961)   (432)   (529)
Corporate interest-floating rate credit line   (383)   (310)   (73)
 Total financing costs   (13,817)   (10,848)   (2,969)
                
Investment income   122    221    (99)
                
General & administrative expenses:               
   Accounting fees   (582)   (573)   (9)
   Legal & professional fees   (95)   (114)   19 
   Trustee fees   (530)   (510)   (20)
   Corporate expenses   (360)   (455)   95 
 Total general & administrative expenses   (1,567)   (1,652)   85 
                
Depreciation:               
Same properties (1)   (5,468)   (5,454)   (14)
Damascus center - Phase I becoming operational in Sept 2009   (585)   (416)   (169)
 Total depreciation   (6,053)   (5,870)   (183)
                
   Net income   4,131    6,673    (2,542)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries   280    (1,121)   1,401 
                
   Net Income attributable to common equity  $4,411   $5,552   $(1,141)
                
(1) Properties operated since the beginning of Fiscal 2009

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following table sets forth comparative operating data for FREIT’s real estate segments:

   Commercial  Residential  Combined
   Years Ended        Years Ended        Years Ended
   October 31,  Increase (Decrease)  October 31,  Increase (Decrease)  October 31,
   2010  2009  $  %  2010  2009  $  %  2010  2009
   (in thousands)     (in thousands)     (in thousands)
Rental income  $18,634   $17,687   $947   5.4%  $18,872   $18,781   $91    0.5%  $37,506   $36,468 
Reimbursements   5,923    5,247    676   12.9%                    5,923    5,247 
Other   156    196    (40)   -20.4%   258    308    (50 )    -16.2%   414    504 
Total revenue   24,713    23,130    1,583   6.8%   19,130    19,089    41    0.2%   43,843    42,219 
                                                   
Operating expenses   9,702    9,219    483     5.2%   8,905    8,381    524    6.3%   18,607    17,600 
Net operating income  $15,011   $13,911   $1,100    7.9%  $10,225   $10,708   $(483)   -4.5%   25,236    24,619 
Average                                                  
Occupancy %   89.8%  89.3%        0.5%   94.3%   92.8%        1.5%          
                                                   

       Reconciliation to consolidated net income-common equity:
      Deferred rents - straight lining   240    238 
   Amortization of acquired leases   (30)   (35)
   Investment income   122    221 
   General and administrative expenses   (1,567)   (1,652)
   Depreciation   (6,053)   (5,870)
   Financing costs   (13,817)   (10,848)
   Net income   4,131    6,673 
   Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   280    (1,121)
  Net income attributable to common equity  $4,411   $5,552 
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The above table details the comparative NOI for FREIT’s Commercial and Residential Segments, and reconciles the combined NOI to consolidated Net Income-Common Equity. 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, financing costs and other items. 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

FREIT’s commercial properties consist of ten (10) properties totaling approximately 1,139,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 138,000 sq. ft. of office space for Fiscal 2010. Seven (7) are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and one is a single tenanted store. In addition, FREIT has two parcels of leased land, from which it receives rental income. One is from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on land FREIT owns in Rockaway, NJ. The other is from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on land FREIT owns in Rochelle Park, NJ.

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total rental revenue and NOI from FREIT’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2010 increased by 6.8% and 7.9%, respectively, over Fiscal 2009. The primary reasons for the increase in total revenue and NOI were higher base rental income, primarily at the Damascus Center, a $250,000 lease termination fee related to a tenant at the Rotunda shopping center, and a percentage rent payment of $123,000 relating to a tenant coming off of a percentage rent holiday.

The U.S. economy has recovered from the recession, but at a recovery rate much slower than anticipated. Retail sales over the past year have posted slight gains, although among retailers, results have been mixed. The biggest problem in our areas of operations continues to be unemployment, renewing consumers’ concerns about their jobs, resulting in reluctance to increase spending. To date, our tenant fall-out has been minor, as average occupancy rates (exclusive of the Damascus Center, which is undergoing a major redevelopment project) for Fiscal 2010 was at 94.4%, compared to 95.4% for the prior year’s period. As a result of the completion last year of Phases I and II of the renovation project at the Damascus Center, the average occupancy rate for the Damascus Center increased to 55.2% for Fiscal 2010, as compared to 44.2% for Fiscal 2009. However, we may experience additional fall-out if the pace of the economic recovery slows down any further, or stalls.

On July 7, 2010, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized management to pursue a sale of Westridge located in Frederick, Maryland. The decision to sell the property (acquired in 1992) was based on the Board’s desire to re-deploy the net proceeds or other consideration arising from the sale to real estate assets in other areas of FREIT’s operations. It is the intention of the Board to structure the sale as a like-kind exchange (Code Sec.1031), in order to defer the taxable income on the expected gain. The property is being actively marketed for sale. Due to current conditions in the commercial real estate market, it is not possible for management to estimate when a sale of the property will occur.

 

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT

FREIT operates nine (9) multi-family apartment communities totaling 1,075 apartment units. As indicated in the table above, total rental revenue from FREIT’s residential segment for Fiscal 2010 reported a slight increase of 0.2% over Fiscal 2009, whereas NOI for Fiscal 2010 decreased by 4.5% from last year’s comparable period. Despite the increase in total revenue, higher than normal unemployment in our areas of operation over the past year, compounded by losses approximating $260,000 resulting from storm damage costs at the Pierre Towers apartment complex, and overall higher operating costs, particularly utility costs caused by the colder winter this year were the primary reasons for the decrease in NOI. The increase in total rental revenue for Fiscal 2010 reflects the upward movement of occupancy and rents during the current fiscal year, as evidenced by average occupancy for Fiscal 2010 increasing by 1.5%, over last year’s comparable period.

Our residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a function of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. Monthly average residential rents at the end of Fiscal 2010 and Fiscal 2009 period were $1,551 and $1,526, respectively. 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 $200,000 and $187,000, respectively.

On October 20, 2010, Westwood Hills, LLC refinanced the mortgage loans secured by its Westwood Hills apartment property in Westwood, NJ, with a new mortgage for $23.5 million. The refinanced mortgages had outstanding principal balances that aggregated approximately $15.4 million at a weighted average interest rate of 6.6%, and were due December 31, 2013. The new mortgage bears interest at 4.62%, and is due November 1, 2020. Due to the early extinguishment of the original debt, prepayment penalties of $2.1 million were incurred, and reported as interest expense. After closing costs, FREIT netted approximately $5.6 million from this refinancing, of which $3.4 million was distributed to the noncontrolling interests of Westwood Hills, LLC. The refinancing increased FREIT’s cash reserves by $2.2 million, extends the maturity of the loan 7 years, and despite the increase in loan amount, the monthly debt service will decrease slightly as a result of the lower interest rate on the new loan.

 

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Capital expenditures: Since all of our apartment communities, with the exception of The Boulders, 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. A major renovation program is ongoing at The Pierre. We have substantially completed modernizing, where required, all apartments and some of the buildings’ mechanical services. This renovation is expected to cost approximately $4 - $6 million, and apartments were renovated as they became temporarily vacant. It is anticipated that this renovation will be completed within the next 12 months. These costs are being financed from operating cash flow and cash reserves. Through October 31, 2010, we expended approximately $4.2 million in capital improvements at The Pierre.

 

FINANCING COSTS

Financing costs are summarized as follows: 

   Years Ended  
   October 31,  
   2010  2009  
   ($ in thousands)
 Fixed rate mortgages:          
   1st Mortgages          
   Existing  $10,172(2)  $9,133 
   New (1)   1,263    291 
   2nd Mortgages          
   Existing   709(2)   465 
Variable rate mortgages:          
   Acquisition loan-Rotunda   798    531 
   Construction loan-Damascus   163    147 
 Other   383    310 
    13,488    10,877 
 Amortization of Mortgage Costs   329    239 
 Total Financing Costs   13,817    11,116 
     Less amount capitalized       (268)
 Financing costs expensed  $13,817   $10,848 
           
 (1) Mortgages not in place at beginning of Fiscal 2009
 (2) Includes prepayment penalties of $1,727 and $378 incurred in connection with the refinancing of Westwood Hills' 1st and 2nd mortgages, respectively

Total financing costs before capitalized amounts for Fiscal 2010 increased 24.3%, over the prior year’s comparable period. This increase was primarily attributable to a $2.1 million prepayment penalty related to the early extinguishment of debt and the subsequent debt refinancing at the Company’s Westwood Hills property.

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income for Fiscal 2010 decreased 44.8% to $122,000, as compared to the comparable prior year’s period. 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, and Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., a trustee of FREIT, for their equity investment in Grande Rotunda, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 60% equity interest, and Damascus Centre, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 70% equity interest). The decrease in investment income was primarily attributable to lower interest income on the Company’s investments in cash and cash equivalents, and lower interest income relative to secured loans made to Hekemian employees in connection with the sale of equity interests in the Rotunda and the Damascus Center, due to lower interest rates.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G & A”)

During Fiscal 2010, G & A was $1,567,000, as compared to $1,652,000 for the prior year’s period. The decrease for Fiscal 2010 was primarily attributable to decreased office expense, as well as decreased legal and professional fees and expenditures incurred in Fiscal 2010, as compared to Fiscal 2009. In Fiscal 2009, FREIT settled certain litigation amounting to approximately $42,000.

 

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense for Fiscal 2010 was $6,053,000, as compared to $5,870,000 for the prior year’s period. The increase was primarily attributable to current renovation and construction projects, specifically the Safeway portion of Phase II of construction at the Damascus Center, becoming operational in September 2009.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our financial condition remains strong. Net cash provided by operating activities was $14.8 million for Fiscal 2011 compared to $10.2 million for Fiscal 2010. We expect that cash provided by net operating income 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, 2011, we had cash and marketable securities totaling $6.3 million compared to $6.8 million at October 31, 2010.

On October 20, 2010, Westwood Hills, LLC refinanced the mortgage loans secured by its Westwood Hills apartment property in Westwood, NJ, with a new mortgage for $23.5 million. The refinanced mortgages had outstanding principal balances that aggregated approximately $15.4 million at a weighted average interest rate of 6.6%, and were due December 31, 2013. The new mortgage bears interest at 4.62%, and is due November 1, 2020. Due to the early extinguishment of the original debt, prepayment penalties of $2.1 million were incurred. After closing costs, FREIT netted approximately $5.6 million from this refinancing, of which $3.4 million was distributed to the noncontrolling interests of Westwood Hills, LLC. This refinancing added $2.2 million to FREIT’s cash reserves, extended the maturity of the loan 7 years, and despite the increase in loan amount, the monthly debt service will decrease slightly as a result of the lower interest rate on the new loan.

The modernization and expansion project at the Damascus Center was completed in November 2011. Total construction costs, inclusive of tenant improvement costs, approximate $22.7 million. On February 12, 2008, Damascus Centre, LLC closed on a $27.3 million construction loan that was used to fund construction costs. As a result of a reevaluation of the future funding needs for this project, on May 6, 2010, Damascus Centre, LLC reduced the amount of the construction loan facility to $21.3 million. This loan has a term of forty-eight (48) months, with one twelve (12) month extension option. It is FREIT’s intent to exercise the option to extend the loan until February 12, 2013. FREIT has guaranteed 30% of the loan, and the minority interests, who have a 30% investment in Damascus Centre, LLC, have agreed to indemnify FREIT for their share of the guarantee. Draws against this loan bear interest at the BBA LIBOR daily floating rate plus 135 basis points. As of October 31, 2011, Damascus Centre, LLC drew down $11.8 million of this loan to cover construction costs. We expect this development project to add to revenues, income, cash flow, and shareholder value. (See discussion under Development Activities on page 25 for more detail regarding this redevelopment project.)

We are planning a major expansion at The Rotunda in Baltimore, MD that will require capital estimated at $200 million. We expect financing for the Rotunda expansion will be, for the most part, from mortgage financing. During Fiscal 2008, we substantially completed the planning and feasibility studies and expended approximately $7.5 million during this phase, which has been capitalized in CIP. Due to the difficult economic environment, that redevelopment activity was placed on hold by FREIT during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008. The delay notwithstanding, at this time, FREIT currently intends, upon improvement in the economic and financing climate, to resume the redevelopment of the Rotunda as planned. To that end, FREIT has had, from time to time, ongoing discussions with potential sources of financing and potential major national and local tenants.

As at October 31, 2011, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $203.3 million. This debt bears a weighted average interest rate of 5.35%. The mortgages, which have an average life of approximately 4.3 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   $ in Millions  
2012   $ 11.8  
2013   $ 27.1  
2014   $ 12.1  
2016   $ 24.5  
2017   $ 22.0  
2018   $   5.0  
2019   $  45.2  
2021   $  19.1  
2022   $ 14.4  

The $22.5 million mortgage loan entered into by Grande Rotunda, LLC for the acquisition of the Rotunda was scheduled to come due on July 19, 2009, and was extended by the bank until February 1, 2010. On February 1, 2010, a principal payment of $3 million was made reducing the original loan amount of $22.5 million to $19.5 million and the due date was extended until February 1, 2013. As part of the terms of the loan extension agreement, the loan is further collateralized by a first mortgage lien and the assignment of the ground lease on FREIT’s Rochelle Park, NJ land parcel. Under the restructured terms, the interest rate is now 350 basis points above the BBA LIBOR with a floor of 4%, and monthly principal payments of $10,000 are required. An additional principal payment may be required on February 1, 2012 in an amount necessary to reduce the loan to achieve a stipulated debt service coverage ratio. FREIT believes that its debt service coverage ratio will meet the stipulated requirements, and, therefore, anticipates no additional principal payments will be required. Under the agreement with the equity owners of Grande Rotunda, LLC, FREIT would be responsible for 60% of any cash required by Grande Rotunda, LLC, and 40% would be the responsibility of the minority interest.

 

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The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of our long-term debt at October 31, 2011 and 2010: 

(In Millions)   October 31, 2011   October 31, 2010  
Fair Value   $ 213.9     $ 212.1  
Carrying Value   $ 203.3     $ 204.6  

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 $10.0 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 a two year term ending in January 2014, but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, within 60 days before or after each anniversary date. The credit line will automatically be extended at the termination date of the current term and each subsequent term for an additional period of 24 months, provided there is no default and the credit line has not been cancelled. 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. The interest rate on the line of credit has a floor of 4%. As of October 31, 2011, $18 million is available under the line of credit, and no amount is outstanding.

FREIT’s Board of Trustees has authorized management to pursue the sale of the Palisades Manor Apartments and the Grandview Apartments, which currently secure draws on FREIT’s credit line. When or if an agreement for the sale of either or both of these properties is entered into, these properties will have to be released as collateral for the credit line, and substitute collateral may be required.

FREIT’s total contractual obligations under its mortgage loan and construction contracts are as follows:  

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
(in thousands of dollars)
         Within    2 - 3    4 - 5    After 5 
    Total    One Year    Years    Years    Years 
Long-Term Debt                         
Annual Amortization  $22,053   $3,132   $5,818   $5,408   $7,695 
Balloon Payments   169,465        39,223    24,546    105,696 
Total Long-Term Debt   191,518    3,132    45,041    29,954    113,391 
                          
Construction Loan (a)   11,757    11,757             
Total Contractual Obligations  $203,275   $14,889   $45,041   $29,954   $113,391 
                          
(a) Represents draws on construction loan related to Damascus Center redevelopment project

 

 

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Funds From Operations (“FFO”)

Many consider FFO as the standard measurement of a REIT’s performance. We compute FFO as follows:

   For the Years Ended
   October 31,
   2011  2010  2009
   ($ in thousands, except per share amounts)
          
Net income  $6,713   $4,131   $6,673 
Depreciation   6,109    6,053    5,870 
Amortization of deferred leasing costs   282    284    265 
Deferred rents (Straight lining)   (242)   (240)   (238)
Amortization of acquired leases   25    30    35 
Capital Improvements - Apartments   (474)   (363)   (204)
Distributions from operations to noncontrolling interests   (1,267)   (1,022)*   (926)
                
FFO  $11,146   $8,873   $11,475 
                
 Per Share - Basic  $1.61   $1.28   $1.65 
                
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:               
 Basic   6,942    6,942    6,944 

* Excludes $3,360,000 of distributions to noncontrolling interests arising from proceeds related to a mortgage refinancing.

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 declared for the three most recent fiscal years and the dividends as a percentage of taxable income for those periods.

   Fiscal Year Ended October 31,
   2011  2010  2009
First Quarter  $0.30   $0.30   $0.30 
Second Quarter  $0.30   $0.30   $0.30 
Third Quarter  $0.30   $0.30   $0.30 
Fourth Quarter  $0.30   $0.30   $0.30 
Total For Year  $1.20   $1.20   $1.20 

 

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        (in thousands of dollars)   Dividends
Fiscal   Per    Total   Ordinary   Taxable    as a % of
Year   Share   Dividends   Income   Income   Taxable Income
2011    $    1.20    $     8,330    $  6,153    $   6,153   135.4%
2010    $    1.20    $     8,331    $  5,128    $   5,128   162.5%
2009    $    1.20    $     8,331    $  6,190    $   6,190   134.6%

 

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.

 

 

 

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ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Segment Information” in Item 7 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 39 of this Form 10-K.

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

None.

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 Annual 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, 2011. EisnerAmper LLP, FREIT’s independent registered public accounting firm for Fiscal 2011, audited FREIT’s financial statements contained in this Form 10-K, and has issued the attestation report on FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting provided on the following page.

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 2011. 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 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B  OTHER INFORMATION 

None.

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Trustees and Shareholders

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries’ (“FREIT”) internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered 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 generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) 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, FREIT maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

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, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2011 and the financial statement schedule listed in the index at item 15(c), and our report dated January 13, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule.

 

/s/ EisnerAmper LLP

New York, New York

 

January 13, 2012

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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 required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections titled "Election of Trustees" and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in FREIT's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2012. 

ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Executive Compensation" in FREIT's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2012.

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 2012. 

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; Director Independence" in FREIT's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2012.

ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by 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 2012.

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

 

(a) Financial Statements: Page
   
(i) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 41
   
(ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2011 and 2010 42
   

(iii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

 

(iv) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

 

43

 

 

44

(v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 45
   
(vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 46
   
(b) Exhibits:  
   
See Index to Exhibits. 59
   
(c) Financial Statement Schedule:  
   
(i) XI - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation. 57/58

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with 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 13, 2012    By:  /s/ Robert S. Hekemian               
    Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer  
       
     By:  /s/ Donald W. Barney                       
    Donald W. Barney, President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer  

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Robert S. Hekemian and Donald W. Barney his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent for him and in his name, place an stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 to all intents and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates stated.

Signatures Title Date

/s/ Robert S. Hekemian

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Trustee January 13, 2012
Robert S. Hekemian

/s/ Donald W. Barney

President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial / Accounting Officer) and Trustee January 13, 2012
Donald W. Barney  

/s/ Herbert C. Klein

Trustee January 13, 2012
Herbert C. Klein  

/s/ Ronald J. Artinian

Trustee January 13, 2012
Ronald J. Artinian    

/s/ Alan L. Aufzien

Trustee January 13, 2012
Alan L. Aufzien    

/s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.

Trustee January 13, 2012
Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.    

/s/ David F. McBride

Trustee January 13, 2012
David F. McBride    

 

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

 

 

To the Trustees and Shareholders

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries (“FREIT”) as of October 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the index at item 15(c). The consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of FREIT's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of FREIT as of October 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the referred financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information stated therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated January 13, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ EisnerAmper LLP

New York, New York

 

January 13, 2012

 

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                 

               

   October 31,  
   2011  2010  
   (In Thousands of Dollars)  
ASSETS          
           
Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation  $211,393   $210,745 
Construction in progress and pre-development costs   8,768    9,760 
Cash and cash equivalents   6,317    6,769 
Tenants' security accounts   1,860    2,005 
Receivables arising from straight-lining of rents   4,255    4,014 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts   1,029    1,858 
Secured loans receivable   3,323    3,326 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   3,501    3,264 
Acquired over market leases and in-place lease costs   388    523 
Deferred charges, net   2,386    2,864 
Total Assets  $243,220   $245,128 
           
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
           
Liabilities:          
Mortgages payable  $203,275   $204,604 
Deferred trustee compensation plan   5,667    4,733 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   4,000    2,187 
Dividends payable   2,083    2,083 
Tenants' security deposits   2,509    2,668 
Acquired below market value leases and deferred revenue   3,036    3,319 
Total Liabilities   220,570    219,594 
           
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)          
           
Equity:          
Common equity:          
   Shares of beneficial interest without par value:          
        8,000,000 shares authorized; 6,993,152 shares issued   24,969    24,969 
   Treasury stock, at cost: 51,009 shares   (1,135)   (1,135)
   Dividends in excess of net income   (9,984)   (7,032)
Total Common Equity   13,850    16,802 
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries   8,800    8,732 
Total Equity   22,650    25,534 
Total Liabilities and Equity  $243,220   $245,128 
           
           
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements          

 

 

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

               

 

   Years Ended October 31,  
   2011  2010  2009  
   (In Thousands of Dollars,  Except Per Share Amounts)  
Revenue:               
Rental income  $38,175   $37,716   $36,671 
Reimbursements   5,374    5,923    5,247 
Sundry income   508    414    504 
Totals   44,057    44,053    42,422 
                
Expenses:               
Operating expenses   10,818    11,613    10,984 
Management fees   1,950    1,941    1,870 
Real estate taxes   6,913    6,620    6,398 
Depreciation   6,109    6,053    5,870 
Totals   25,790    26,227    25,122 
                
Operating income   18,267    17,826    17,300 
                
Investment income   101    122    221 
Interest expense including amortization of                   
deferred financing costs, and in 2010, a prepayment penalty of $2.1 million   (11,655)   (13,817)   (10,848)
   Net income   6,713    4,131    6,673 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries   (1,335)   280    (1,121)
   Net income attributable to common equity  $5,378   $4,411   $5,552 
                
Earnings per share (attributable to common equity):               
   Basic  $0.77   $0.64   $0.80 
                
Weighted average shares outstanding   6,942    6,942    6,944 

     

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements        

 

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

                               

 

   Common Equity        
   Shares of
Beneficial
Interest
  Treasury
Shares at
Cost
  Dividends in
Excess of Net
Income
  Total
Common
Equity
  Noncontrolling
Interests
  Total Equity  
   (In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
                   
Balance at October 31, 2008  $24,969   $(1,075)  $(333)  $23,561   $13,199   $36,760 
                               
Treasury Shares        (60)        (60)        (60)
                               
Distributions to noncontrolling interests                      (926)   (926)
                               
Net income             5,552    5,552    1,121    6,673 
                               
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share)                (8,331)   (8,331)        (8,331)
                               
Balance at October 31, 2009   24,969    (1,135)   (3,112)   20,722    13,394    34,116 
                               
Distributions to noncontrolling interests                      (4,382)   (4,382)
                               
Net income (loss)             4,411    4,411    (280)   4,131 
                               
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share)                (8,331)   (8,331)        (8,331)
                               
Balance at October 31, 2010   24,969    (1,135)   (7,032)   16,802    8,732    25,534 
                               
Distributions to noncontrolling interests                      (1,267)   (1,267)
                               
Net income             5,378    5,378    1,335    6,713 
                               
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share)                (8,330)   (8,330)        (8,330)
                               
Balance at October 31, 2011  $24,969   $(1,135)  $(9,984)  $13,850   $8,800   $22,650 

      

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                  

 

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

         

   Years Ended October 31,  
   2011  2010  2009  
   (In Thousands of Dollars)  
Operating activities:               
Net income  $6,713   $4,131   $6,673 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by               
operating activities:               
 Depreciation   6,109    6,053    5,870 
 Amortization   592    613    504 
 Net amortization of acquired leases   25    30    35 
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:               
  Tenants' security accounts   145    142    230 
  Accounts and straight-line rents receivable, prepaid               
     expenses and other assets   296    (1,657)   (670)
  Accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred               
     trustee compensation plan   1,299    720    1,276 
  Tenants' security deposits   (159)   (179)   (214)
  Deferred revenue   (219)   338    (344)
Net cash provided by operating activities   14,801    10,191    13,360 
Investing activities:               
Capital improvements - existing properties   (1,343)   (1,855)   (2,411)
Construction and pre-development costs   (2,781)*   (1,828)   (7,914)
Redemption of (investment in) US Treasury Bills       4,549    (4,549)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (4,124)   866    (14,874)
Financing activities:               
Repayment of mortgages   (3,066)   (21,319)   (14,873)
Proceeds from mortgages and construction loans   1,574    23,500    24,522 
Deferred financing costs   (40)   (507)   (259)
Repurchase of Company stock-Treasury shares           (60)
Dividends paid   (8,330)   (8,331)   (8,331)
Distributions from operations to noncontrolling interests   (1,267)   (1,022)   (926)
Distributions from loan refinancing to noncontrolling interests       (3,360)    
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (11,129)   (11,039)   73 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (452)   18    (1,441)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   6,769    6,751    8,192 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year  $6,317   $6,769   $6,751 
                
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow data:               
Interest paid, including capitalized construction period interest of $268 in fiscal 2009. Included in interest for fiscal 2010 is $2,105 in prepayment penalties related to early extinguishment of debt  $10,721   $12,943   $10,421 
Income taxes paid  $2   $   $5 
Supplemental schedule of non cash activities:               
Investing activities:               
   Accrued capital expenditures, construction costs,               
       pre-development costs and interest  $2,651   $40   $2,465 
Financing activities:               
   Dividends declared but not paid  $2,083   $2,083   $2,083 
                
* Includes $1,000 that was incurred and accrued in fiscal 2009               
                
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements               

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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" or the “Company”) was organized on 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.

Adopted and recently issued accounting standards:

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-10, “Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Derecognition of in Substance Real Estate-a Scope Clarification”. The purpose of this update is to resolve the diversity in practice about whether the guidance under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 360-20, “Property, Plant, and Equipment-Real Estate Sales”, applies to a parent that ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary, as specified under ASC Subtopic 810-10, “Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51”, that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt. The new guidance is intended to emphasize that accounting for such transactions “is based on their substance rather than their form”, specifically that the parent should only deconsolidate the real estate subsidiary when legal title to the real estate is transferred to the lender and the related nonrecourse debt has been extinguished. The standard takes effect for public companies during the annual and interim periods beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”, which supersedes the presentation options in ASC Topic 220, “Reporting of Comprehensive Income”. The new standard provides guidance for the presentation of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and its components in the financial statements. The new guidance only affects the presentation of OCI, and not the components that must be reported in OCI. The standard takes effect for public companies during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

FREIT adopted ASC 810-10 Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51” effective November 1, 2009, and as required, has retrospectively applied the presentation and disclosure requirements to prior years presented in this Form 10-K.

  ·          The objective of ASC 810 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. 

(a)      Prior to the adoption of ASC 810, FREIT could not record a negative minority interest in its consolidated financial statements if the minority members had no obligation to restore their negative capital accounts. As a result, FREIT was accounting for the minority members’ capital deficit of its Westwood Hills subsidiary as a charge to income and a reduction to undistributed earnings. As of November 1, 2009, the amount of the minority members’ capital deficit that was booked as a reduction to FREIT’s undistributed earnings was approximately $2.3 million.

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(b)     In accordance with the provisions of ASC 810, FREIT is required to disclose the pro forma impact on its consolidated net income and earnings per share, had the requirements of ASC 810 not been applied for the current year. As such, FREIT’s pro forma consolidated net income attributable to common equity for the year-ended October 31, 2011 would have been $5,689,000 ($0.82 per share basic), due to the amendment of the Westwood Hills operating agreement, requiring the noncontrolling members to restore their negative capital accounts.

Principles of consolidation:

The Company is subject to ASC 810-10, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51”, issued in December 2003, as amended, which requires that a variable interest entity (“VIE”) be consolidated by the company that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

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      FREIT     70%     2003  
Damascus Second, LLC     FREIT     70%     2008  
Wayne PSC, 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 "noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries”. 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 an original 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 of $250,000.

Real estate development costs:

It is FREIT’s policy to capitalize pre-development costs, which generally include legal and professional fees and other directly related third-party costs. Real estate taxes and interest costs incurred during the development and construction phases are also capitalized. FREIT ceases capitalization of these costs, when the project or portion thereof becomes operational, or when construction has been postponed. Capitalization of these costs will recommence once construction on the project resumes.

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. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, there were no impairments of long-lived assets.

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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 $310,000, $329,000 and $239,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, 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 and reimbursements 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 earned, or ratably over the appropriate period.

Advertising:

FREIT expenses the cost of advertising and promotions as incurred. Advertising costs charged to operations amounted to approximately $123,000, $163,000 and $156,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Stock-based compensation:

At October 31, 2011, FREIT has a stock-based employee compensation plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees, and is accounted for based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, which is described more fully in Note 8.

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.

Acquired Over Market and Below Market Value Leases and In-Place Leases:

Capitalized above-market lease values 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 is being amortized over the weighted average remaining lease terms.

Comprehensive income:

Comprehensive income for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $5,378,000, $4,411,000 and $5,552,000, respectively.

Reclassifications:

Certain accounts in the 2010 and 2009 consolidated financial statements and schedules have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Note 2 – Planned dispositions:

On July 7, 2010, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized management to pursue a sale of the 256,620 sq. ft. Westridge Square Shopping Center (“Westridge”) located in Frederick, Maryland. The decision to sell the property (acquired in 1992) was based on the Board’s desire to re-deploy the net proceeds or other consideration arising from the sale to real estate assets in other areas of FREIT’s operations.

On April 15, 2011, FREIT was notified by Giant of Maryland LLC (“Giant”), the tenant and operator of the 55,330 sq. ft. Giant Supermarket at Westridge that it would not extend the term of its lease, which expired on October 31, 2011. FREIT will reevaluate its decision to market Westridge for sale in light of the Giant lease expiration.

On June 3, 2011, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized management to pursue the sale of the Palisades Manor Apartments, in Palisades Park, NJ, the Grandview Apartments in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, and the Heights Manor Apartments in Spring Lake Heights, NJ. The decision to pursue the sale of these properties was based on the Board’s desire to re-deploy the net proceeds arising from the sale to real estate assets in other areas of FREIT’s operations. It is not possible for management to estimate when a sale of any of these properties will occur, and therefore, the properties are classified as held for use as of October 31, 2011.

 

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Note 3 - Real estate and equipment:

Real estate and equipment consists of the following:

 

  Range of        
  Estimated  October 31,  
  Useful Lives  2011  2010  
   (In thousands of dollars)  
Land   $76,745   $76,684
Unimproved land    865    910
Apartment buildings  7-40 years   82,275    81,606
Commercial buildings/shopping centers 15-50 years   113,707    107,792
Equipment/Furniture  3-15 years   2,777    2,666
     276,369    269,658
Less accumulated depreciation    64,976    58,913
Totals   $211,393   $210,745


Note 4 – Mortgages, notes payable and credit line: 

   October 31,  
   2011  2010  
   (In Thousands of Dollars)
       
Frederick, MD (A)  $22,000   $22,000 
Rockaway, NJ (B)   19,197    19,546 
Westwood, NJ (C)   8,307    8,563 
Spring Lake Heights, NJ (D)   2,911    2,999 
Patchogue, NY (E)   5,713    5,798 
Wayne, NJ (F)   19,501    19,739 
River Edge, NJ (G):          
First mortgage   4,235    4,363 
Second mortgage   1,617    1,674 
Maywood, NJ (H):          
First mortgage   3,073    3,165 
Second mortgage   1,147    1,187 
Westwood, NJ (I)   23,144    23,500 
Wayne, NJ (J)   28,482    29,220 
Hackensack, NJ (K)   32,901    33,410 
Total fixed rate mortgage loans   172,228    175,164 
Baltimore, MD (L)   19,290    19,420 
Damascus, MD - Construction Loan (M)   11,757    10,020 
Total  mortgages and notes payable  $203,275   $204,604 

 

  (A) 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 $18,190,000 as of October 31, 2011.
  (B) 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 $18,444,000 as of October 31, 2011.
  (C) 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 $9,299,000 as of October 31, 2011.
 

 

(D)

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 Heights, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $424,000 as of October 31, 2011.
  (E) Payable in monthly installments of $36,457 including interest at 6.125%, through March 2018 at which time the outstanding balance is due. Under the terms of the mortgage loan agreement, FREIT can request, during the term of the loan, additional fundings that will bring the outstanding principal balance up to 75% of loan-to-value (percentage of mortgage loan to total appraised value of property securing the loan). The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Patchogue, New York having a net book value of approximately $7,823,000 as of October 31, 2011.
  (F) Payable in monthly installments of $121,100 including interest at 6.09%, through September 1, 2019 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Wayne, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $1,345,000 as of October 31, 2011.
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(G) 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 $1,092,000 as of October 31, 2011.
 

(H)

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 $678,000 as of October 31, 2011.

 

(I) 

On October 20, 2010, Westwood Hills, LLC refinanced the mortgage loans secured by its Westwood Hills apartment property in Westwood, NJ, with a new mortgage for $23.5 million. The refinanced mortgages had outstanding principal balances that aggregated approximately $15.4 million at a weighted average interest rate of 6.6%, and were due December 31, 2013. A $2.1 million prepayment penalty was incurred in connection with such refinancing. The new mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $120,752 including interest of 4.62%, through November 1, 2020, at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Westwood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $11,052,000 as of October 31, 2011.

  (J) 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 $28,893,000 as of October 31, 2011.
  (K) 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 $41,914,000 as of October 31, 2011.
  (L) On February 1, 2010, a principal payment of $3 million was made reducing the original loan amount of $22.5 million to $19.5 million and the due date was extended until February 1, 2013. Under the restructured terms, the interest rate is now 350 basis points above the BBA LIBOR with a floor of 4%, and monthly principal payments of $10,000 are required. An additional principal payment may be required on February 1, 2012 in an amount necessary to reduce the loan to achieve a stipulated debt service coverage ratio. FREIT believes that its debt service coverage ratio will meet the stipulated requirements, and, therefore, anticipates no additional principal payments will be required. The loan represents the acquisition loan to Grande Rotunda, LLC; which was payable in monthly installments of interest only prior to the loan’s restructuring on February 1, 2010. The interest rate on the original loan varied from time-to-time based on the borrower’s election of 150 basis points over the various LIBOR, or the Lender’s prime rate. FREIT guarantees payment of up to 35% of the outstanding principal amount of the loan plus accrued interest if borrower defaults, however, Rotunda 100, LLC (a 40% joint venture partner in Grande Rotunda, LLC) has indemnified FREIT for up to 40% of any losses under its guaranty. The loan is secured by a mixed-use property in Baltimore, MD (FREIT’s Rotunda property), which has a net book value of approximately $39,605,000 as of October 31, 2011. As part of the restructured terms of the loan extension agreement, the loan is further collateralized by a first mortgage lien and the assignment of the ground lease on FREIT’s Rochelle Park, NJ land parcel.
  (M) On February 12, 2008, Damascus Second, LLC closed on a $27.3 million construction loan, secured by the Damascus Center owned by Damascus Centre, LLC located in Damascus, MD. This loan has a term of forty-eight (48) months, with one twelve (12) month extension option. It is the Company’s intent to exercise the option to extend the loan until February 12, 2013. Draws against this loan bear interest at a floating rate equal to 135 basis points over the BBA LIBOR daily floating rate. As a result of a revaluation of future funding needs of the redevelopment project, on May 6, 2010, Damascus Centre, LLC entered into a modification of its construction loan agreement, which reduced the amount of the construction loan facility from $27.3 million to $21.3 million. In addition, the construction completion due date was extended until November 1, 2011. All other terms of the construction loan remain unchanged. As of October 31, 2011, $11.8 million of this loan, which includes accrued interest, was drawn down to cover construction costs, and all construction was substantially completed as of this date. FREIT guarantees 30% of the outstanding principal amount of the loan plus other costs, if borrower defaults, however, Damascus 100, LLC (a 30% joint venture partner in Damascus Centre, LLC) has indemnified FREIT for up to 30% of any losses under its guaranty. The shopping center securing the loan has a net book value of approximately $29,222,000 as of October 31, 2011.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt:

The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of FREIT’s long-term debt at October 31, 2011 and 2010:

    October 31,   October 31,
($ in Millions)   2011   2010
Fair Value   $213.9   $212.1
         
Carrying Value   $203.3   $204.6

 

 

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Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010 and on discounted cash flow analysis. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect these fair value estimates.

Principal amounts (in thousands of dollars) due under the above obligations (assuming no additional principal payment for the Rotunda) in each of the five years subsequent to October 31, 2011 are as follows: 

Year Ending October 31,   Amount  
2012   $ 14,889  
2013   $ 30,231  
2014   $ 14,810  
2015   $ 2,836  
2016   $ 27,118  

Credit Line:

FREIT has an $18 million line of credit provided by the Provident Bank. The line of credit is for a two year term ending in January 2014, but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, within 60 days before or after each anniversary date. The credit line will automatically be extended at the termination date of the current term and each subsequent term for an additional period of 24 months, provided there is no default and the credit line has not been cancelled. 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 at the time of the draws. The interest rate on the line of credit has a floor of 4%. As of October 31, 2011, $18 million is available under the line of credit, and no amount is outstanding.

FREIT’s Board of Trustees has authorized management to pursue the sale of the Palisades Manor Apartments and the Grandview Apartments, which currently secure draws on FREIT’s credit line. When or if an agreement for the sale of either or both of these properties is entered into, these properties will have to be released as collateral for the credit line, and substitute collateral may be required.

Certain of the Company’s mortgage loans and the Credit Line contain financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants as of October 31, 2011.

 

Note 5 - Commitments and contingencies:

Leases:

Commercial tenants:

FREIT leases commercial space having a net book value of approximately $144 million at October 31, 2011 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, 2011 is as follows:

Year Ending October 31,   Amount  
2012   $ 15,954  
2013     14,161  
2014     12,717  
2015     10,515  
2016     9,138  
Thereafter      43,222  
                 Total   $ 105,707  

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, 2011 were not material.

Residential tenants:

Lease terms for residential tenants are usually one year or less.

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Environmental concerns:

The Westwood Plaza Shopping Center property is in a Flood Hazard Zone. FREIT maintains flood insurance in the amount of $500,000 for the subject property, which is the maximum available under the 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.

In accordance with applicable regulations, FREIT reported to the 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.

Prior to its purchase by Wayne PSC, LLC, a 40% owned affiliate of FREIT (“Wayne PSC”), 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 Preakness shopping center to Wayne PSC 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.

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 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.

FREIT has determined that several of its properties contain lead based paint (“LBP”). FREIT believes that it complies with all federal, state and local requirements as they pertain to LBP.

FREIT does not believe that the environmental conditions described above will have a materially adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, revenues, earnings, financial condition or competitive position of FREIT.

Construction activities:

A modernization and expansion has been completed at the Damascus Center. Total construction costs, inclusive of tenant improvement costs, approximates $22.7 million. The building plans incorporated an expansion of retail space from 140,000 sq. ft. to approximately 150,000 sq. ft., anchored by a modern 58,000 sq. ft. Safeway supermarket. Construction was completed in three phases. Phase I began in June 2007, and was completed in June 2008, at a cost of approximately $6.2 million, of which $1.1 million related to tenant improvements. Phase II, which comprised a new Safeway supermarket, began in December 2008, and was completed in September 2009, at a cost of approximately $9.8 million. Phase III construction which began in June 2011, was substantially complete as of October 31, 2011, and was completed in November 2011, at a cost of approximately $6.4 million. Additional tenant fit-up costs are expected, once the new space is leased and occupied. Total construction costs were funded from a $27.3 million construction loan entered into on February 12, 2008. As a result of a reevaluation of the future funding needs for this project, on May 6, 2010, Damascus Centre, LLC reduced the amount of the construction loan facility to $21.3 million. The construction loan is secured by the Damascus Center owned by Damascus Centre, LLC. This loan was drawn upon as needed to fund already expended construction costs at the Damascus Center. Because of this expansion, leases for certain tenants were allowed to expire and were not renewed. This has caused occupancy to decline, on a temporary basis, during the construction phase. However, with the completion of each of the three phases, certain tenant leases have been renewed and occupancy is beginning to increase.

We also have plans to redevelop our property referred to as the Rotunda redevelopment project. Due to the difficult economic environment, that redevelopment activity was placed on hold by FREIT during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008. The delay notwithstanding, at this time, FREIT currently intends, upon improvement in the economic and financing climate, to resume the redevelopment of the Rotunda as planned. To that end, FREIT has had, from time to time, ongoing discussions with potential sources of financing and potential major national and local tenants.

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Note 6 - Management agreement, fees and transactions with related party:

On April 10, 2002, FREIT and Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”) executed a Management Agreement whereby Hekemian would continue as Managing Agent for FREIT. The term of the Management Agreement renewed on November 1, 2011 for a two-year term which will expire on October 31, 2013. The Management Agreement automatically renews for successive periods of two years unless either party gives not less than six (6) months prior notice to the other of non-renewal.

Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement: FREIT retains Hekemian 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 Wayne PSC. 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. Hekemian does not serve as the exclusive advisor for FREIT to locate and recommend to FREIT investments, which Hekemian deems suitable for FREIT, and is not 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 Hekemian 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.

Hekemian currently manages all the properties owned by FREIT, except for the Rotunda, a mixed-use office and retail facility located in Baltimore, Maryland, 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 $1,802,000, $1,791,000 and $1,723,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In addition, the management agreement provides for the payment to Hekemian of leasing commissions, as well as the reimbursement of operating expenses incurred on behalf of FREIT. Such fees amounted to approximately $326,000, $352,000 and $427,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Total Hekemian management fees that were unpaid at October 31, 2011 and 2010 were $145,000 and $146,000, respectively. FREIT also uses the resources of the Hekemian insurance department to secure various insurance coverages for its properties and subsidiaries. Hekemian is paid a commission for these services. Such commissions amounted to approximately $97,000, $102,000 and $110,000 in fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande Rotunda”) owns and operates the Rotunda. FREIT owns a 60% equity interest in Grande Rotunda, and Rotunda 100, LLC owns a 40% equity interest.

Damascus Centre, LLC owns and operates the Damascus Center. During fiscal 2005, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized an investor group, Damascus 100, LLC, to acquire a 30% equity interest in Damascus Centre, LLC. The sale price, based on the fair market value of the shopping center, reduced FREIT’s equity interest to 70%. 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.

The equity owners of Rotunda 100, LLC, and Damascus 100, LLC are principally employees of Hekemian. To incentivize the employees of Hekemian, FREIT has agreed to advance, only to employees of Hekemian, up to 50% of the amount of the equity contributions that the Hekemian employees were required to invest in Rotunda 100, LLC and Damascus 100, LLC. These advances are in the form of secured loans that bear interest that will float at 225 basis points over the ninety (90) day LIBOR, as adjusted each November 1, February 1, May 1 and August 1. These loans are secured by the Hekemian employees’ interests in Rotunda 100, LLC and Damascus 100, LLC, and are full recourse loans. Interest only payments are required to be made quarterly. No principal payments are required during the term of the notes, except that the borrowers are required to pay to FREIT all refinancing proceeds and other cash flow they receive from their interests in Damascus Centre, LLC and Grande Rotunda. These payments shall be applied first to accrued and unpaid interest and then any outstanding principal. The notes mature at the earlier of (a) ten (10) years after issue (Grande Rotunda – 6/19/2015, Damascus Centre, LLC – 9/30/2016), or, (b) at the election of FREIT, ninety (90) days after the borrower terminates employment with Hekemian, at which time all outstanding unpaid principal is due. The aggregate outstanding principal balance of the notes at October 31, 2011 and 2010 was $3,323,000. The accrued but unpaid interest related to these notes for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 amounted to approximately $310,000 and $221,000, respectively. On May 8, 2008, FREIT’s Board of Trustees approved amendments to the existing loan agreements with the Hekemian employees, relative to their interests in Rotunda 100, LLC, to increase the aggregate amount that FREIT may advance to such employees from $2 million to $4 million. No other terms of the loan agreements were amended.

 

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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 Trustees approved development fee arrangements for the Rotunda and Damascus Center redevelopment projects, as well as the South Brunswick development project. In connection with the development activities at the Rotunda and the redevelopment activities at the Damascus Center, definitive contract agreements for the development services to be provided by Hekemian Development Resources LLC (“Resources”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hekemian, have been approved and executed. The development fee arrangement for the Rotunda provides for Resources to receive a fee equal to 6.375% of the total development costs of up to $136 million (as may be modified), and the fee for the redevelopment of the Damascus Center will be an amount equal to 7% of the redevelopment costs of up to approximately $17.3 million (as may be modified). During Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010, FREIT paid $1,000,000 in each year to Resources, relating to fees incurred in Fiscal 2009 for development activities at the Rotunda. Also during Fiscal 2011, FREIT incurred fees payable to Resources of $236,190 for development activities at the Damascus Center. During Fiscal 2009, FREIT incurred fees payable to Resources of $2,000,000 for development activities at the Rotunda, and incurred and paid $226,769 for development activities at the Damascus Center. During Fiscal 2008, FREIT incurred and paid fees to Resources of $1,000,000 and $750,066 for development activities at the Rotunda and Damascus Center, respectively. These fees have been capitalized and accordingly are included in Construction in Progress or Real Estate on FREIT’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2011 and 2010. Resources, Rotunda 100, LLC, and Damascus 100, LLC are principally owned by employees of Hekemian, including certain members of the immediate family of Robert S. Hekemian and Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. 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. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr, a Trustee of FREIT, is the President of Hekemian. Trustee fee expense (including interest) incurred by FREIT for Fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $494,000, $455,000 and $414,000, respectively, for Robert S. Hekemian, and $36,000, $34,000 and $29,000, respectively, for Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. The members of the Hekemian family have majority management control of these entities. In connection with the development activities at South Brunswick, the fees with respect to this project are 7% of development costs of up to $21,000,000 (as may be modified). A definitive contract regarding the specific services to be provided at the South Brunswick project (a contemplated development site owned by FREIT) has not yet been finalized and approved. Development and acquisition fees and commissions charged to FREIT for various mortgage refinancings, amounted to approximately $0, $118,000 and $100,000 in Fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

Note 7- Dividends and earnings per share:

FREIT declared dividends of $8,330,000 ($1.20 per share), $8,331,000 ($1.20 per share) and $8,331,000 ($1.20 per share) to shareholders of record during Fiscal 2011, 2010 and 2009, 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 which would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive shares, such as those issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants had been issued during the period.

Since FREIT does not have any dilutive securities, only basic earnings per share is presented for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Note 8- 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.

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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. As of October 31, 2011, 466,000 shares are available for issuance under the Plan.

The following table summarizes stock option activities: 

   Years Ended October 31,
   2011    2010    2009  
   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   0   $    0   $    0   $ 
Options exercised                        
Options cancelled                           
Balance at end of period   0   $    0   $    0   $ 
                               

There were no options outstanding at October 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, since all previously granted options expired in September 2008 or were exercised prior to that date. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during Fiscal 2008 was $3,650,000.

Note 9- Deferred fee plan:

During fiscal 2001, the Board of Trustees adopted a deferred fee plan for its officers and trustees, which was amended and restated in fiscal 2009 to make the deferred fee plan compliant with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Deferred Fee Plan"). Pursuant to the Deferred Fee Plan, any officer or trustee may elect to defer receipt of any fees that would be due them. These fees include annual retainer and meeting attendance fees as determined by the full Board of Trustees. FREIT has agreed to pay any participant (the "Participant") in the Deferred Fee 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 Deferred Fee 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. Trustee fee expense (including interest) for each of the years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $978,000, $911,000, and $820,000, respectively. As of October 31, 2011 and 2010, approximately $3,749,000 and $3,333,000, respectively, of fees have been deferred together with accrued interest of approximately $1,918,000 and $1,457,000, respectively.

Note 10- Segment information:

ASC 280-10, "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 were comprised of ten and nine properties, respectively, during the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

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, amortization of acquired lease values and other items. 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.

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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 years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2011. Asset information is not reported since FREIT does not use this measure to assess performance.

   October 31,  
   2011  2010  2009  
   (In Thousands of Dollars)
Real estate rental revenue:               
Commercial  $24,116   $24,713   $23,130 
Residential   19,724    19,130    19,089 
Totals   43,840    43,843    42,219 
                
Real estate operating expenses:               
Commercial   9,561    9,702    9,219 
Residential   8,577    8,905    8,381 
Totals   18,138    18,607    17,600 
                
Net operating income:               
Commercial   14,555    15,011    13,911 
Residential   11,147    10,225    10,708 
Totals  $25,702   $25,236   $24,619 
                
Recurring capital improvements-               
    residential  $474   $363   $204 
                
Reconciliation to consolidated net               
    income-common equity:               
Segment NOI  $25,702   $25,236   $24,619 
Deferred rents - straight lining   242    240    238 
Amortization of acquired above and below               
    market value leases   (25)   (30)   (35)
Net investment income   101    122    221 
General and administrative expenses   (1,543)   (1,567)   (1,652)
Depreciation   (6,109)   (6,053)   (5,870)
Financing costs   (11,655)   (13,817)   (10,848)
Net income   6,713    4,131    6,673 
Net loss (income) attributable to
noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
   (1,335)   280    (1,121)
Net income attributable to common equity  $5,378   $4,411   $5,552 

Note 11- Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited):

The following summary represents the results of operations for each quarter for the years ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

    Quarter Ended  
2011:   Jan 31,   Apr 30,   Jul 31,   Oct 31,  
Revenue   $ 10,890     10,989     10,960     11,319  
Expenses     9,530     9,296     9,126     9,493  
Net income     1,360     1,693     1,834     1,826  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling

interests in subsidiaries

    (341)     (373)     (329)     (292)  
Net income attributable to common equity   $ 1,019   $ 1,320   $ 1,505   $ 1,534  
                           
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.15   $ 0.19   $ 0.22   $ 0.22  
Dividends declared per share   $ 0.30   $ 0.30   $ 0.30   $ 0.30  

 

     

 

 

Quarter Ended

2010:     Jan 31,     Apr 30,     Jul 31,     Oct 31,  
Revenue   $ 10,885     11,390     10,876     11,024  
Expenses     9,432     9,960     9,338     11,314  
Net income (loss)     1,453     1,430     1,538     (290)  

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling

interests in subsidiaries

    (281)     (300)     (162)     1,023 *
Net income attributable to common equity   $ 1,172   $ 1,130   $ 1,376   $ 733  
                           
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.17   $ 0.16   $ 0.20   $ 0.11  
Dividends declared per share   $ 0.30   $ 0.30   $ 0.30   $ 0.30  
 * Includes a prepayment penalty of $1.3 million allocated to the noncontrolling interest.

Note: Due to rounding, total of quarterly per share amounts may not agree to amounts reported for the full fiscal year.

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE XI – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

OCTOBER 31, 2011

(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   $   $346        $22   $526   $548   $427    1925    1964     7-40 years 
Hammel Gardens, Maywood, NJ  $4,220    312    728        1,063         312    1,791    2,103    1,425    1949    1972     7-40 years 
Palisades Manor, Palisades                                                                 
  Park, NJ       12    81        138         12    219    231    178    1935/70    1962     7-40 years 
Steuben Arms, River Edge, NJ   5,852    364    1,773        1,392         364    3,165    3,529    2,437    1966    1975     7-40 years 
Heights Manor, Spring Lake                                                                 
   Heights, NJ   2,911    109    974        872         109    1,846    1,955    1,531    1967    1971     7-40 years 
Berdan Court, Wayne, NJ   19,501    250    2,206        3,411         250    5,617    5,867    4,522    1964    1965     7-40 years 
Westwood Hills, Westwood, NJ   23,144    3,849    11,546        2,089         3,849    13,635    17,484    6,431    1965-70    1994     7-40 years 
Pierre Towers, Hackensack, NJ   32,901    8,390    37,486    19    4,613         8,409    42,099    50,508    8,594    1970    2004     7-40 years 
Boulders - Rockaway, NJ   19,197    1,683         3,335   16,189         5,018    16,189    21,207    2,764    2005-2006    1963/1964     7-40 years 
                                                                  
Retail Properties:                                                                 
Damascus Shopping Center,                                                                 
   Damascus, MD   11,757    2,950    6,987    6,296    14,633         9,246    21,620    30,866    1,644    1960's    2003     15-39 years 
Franklin Crossing, Franklin Lakes, NJ       29         3,382    7,799         3,411    7,799    11,210    3,016    1963/75/97    1966     10-50 years 
Glen Rock, NJ       12    36        213         12    249    261    172    1940    1962     10-31.5 years 
Pathmark Super Center,                                                                 
  Patchogue, NY   5,713    2,128    8,818        (21)        2,128    8,797    10,925    3,102    1997    1997     39 years 
Westridge Square S/C, Frederick, MD   22,000    9,135    19,159    (1)   2,719         9,134    21,878    31,012    12,822    1986    1992     15-31.5 years 
Westwood Plaza, Westwood, NJ   8,307    6,889    6,416        2,417         6,889    8,833    15,722    6,423    1981    1988     15-31.5 years 
Preakness S/C, Wayne, NJ   28,482    9,280    24,217        1,480         9,280    25,697    34,977    6,370    1955/89/00    2002     15-31.5 years 
The Rotunda, Baltimore, MD   19,290    16,263    14,634    232    11,457         16,495    26,091    42,586    2,981    1920    2005     40 years 
                                                                  
Land Leased:                                                                 
Rockaway, NJ        114         51             165         165             1963/1964      
Rochelle Park, NJ        1,640    905                 1,640    905    2,545    137         2007      
Vacant Land:                   `                                              
Franklin Lakes, NJ        224         (156)            68         68             1966/93      
Wayne, NJ        286                       286         286             2002      
South Brunswick, NJ        80         1,002             1,082*        1,082             1964      
                                                                  
   $203,275   $64,021   $136,146   $14,160   $70,810   $   $78,181   $206,956   $285,137   $64,976                
                                                                  

* 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 $38.0 million, $35.2 million and $33.1 million, respectively              

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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:        

                   

   2011  2010  2009  
                
Real estate:               
Balance, Beginning of year  $279,418   $276,869   $265,040 
                
Additions:               
Buildings and improvements   5,719    2,549    12,789 
                
Adjustments/Deletions - buildings & improvements           (960)
                
Balance, end of year  $285,137   $279,418   $276,869 
                
Accumulated depreciation:               
Balance, beginning of year  $58,913   $52,892   $48,027 
                
Additions - Charged to operating expenses   6,109    6,053    5,870 
                
Adjustments/Deletions   (46)   (32)   (1,005)
                
Balance, end of year  $64,976   $58,913   $52,892 

 

 

 

 

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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, May 15, 2007, and March 4, 2008. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to FREIT’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2008)
4   Form of Specimen Share Certificate, Beneficial Interest in FREIT. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to FREIT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998)
10.1   Management Agreement dated April 10, 2002, by and between FREIT and Hekemian & Co., Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2010)
10.2   Indemnification Agreements by Damascus 100, LLC and Rotunda 100, LLC to FREIT. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to FREIT’s 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 and filed with the SEC on June 9, 2008) 
10.3   Notes to Hekemian employees relative to their investments in each of Grande Rotunda, LLC and Damascus Centre, LLC and the related documents (pledge and security agreements and amendments).  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, to FREIT’s 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 and filed with the SEC on June 9, 2008)
10.4   Agency Agreement dated August 13, 2008 between Damascus Centre, LLC and Hekemian Development Resources, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to FREIT’s 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 and filed with the SEC on September 9, 2008)
10.5   Agency Agreement dated November 10, 2009 between Grande Rotunda, LLC and Hekemian Development Resources, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to FREIT’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2010 and filed with the SEC on June 9, 2010)
10.6   Line of Credit Note in the principal amount of $18 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. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2010)
21   Subsidiaries of FREIT
22   Consent of EisnerAmper LLP
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1   Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2   Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
101   The following materials from FREIT’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) consolidated balance sheets; (ii) consolidated statements of income; (iii) consolidated statements of equity; (iv) consolidated statements of cash flows; and (v) notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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