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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY - Quarter Report: 2011 January (Form 10-Q)

form10q-113079_freit.htm
 
 

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


FORM 10-Q
 
 x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended January 31, 2011
or
 
 o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________________ to ____________________
 
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)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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 o  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
  Large Accelerated Filer o
   Accelerated Filer x
   Non-Accelerated Filer o                                         Smaller Reporting Company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 
Yes o  No x
 
As of March 14, 2011, the number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding was 6,942,143



 
 

 


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY
 
 


INDEX
 
 

 
       
Page
         
   
         
   
3
         
   
4
         
   
5
         
   
6
         
   
7
         
 
10
         
 
18
         
 
18
         
         
 
         
 
18
         
 
18
         
 
18
         
   
19
         
 
 




 
Page 2




Part I:  Financial Information

Item 1:  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
                 
 
     
(Unaudited)
       
     
January 31,
   
October 31,
 
     
2011
   
2010
 
     
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
ASSETS
             
               
Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation
  $ 209,685     $ 210,745  
Construction in progress
      9,801       9,760  
Cash and cash equivalents
      6,565       6,769  
Tenants' security accounts
      1,936       2,005  
Sundry receivables
      5,307       5,872  
Secured loans receivable
      3,326       3,326  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
      2,910       3,264  
Acquired over market leases and in-place lease costs
    489       523  
Deferred charges, net
      2,726       2,864  
  Total Assets   $ 242,745     $ 245,128  
                   
                   
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
                 
                   
Liabilities:
                 
Mortgages payable
    $ 203,898     $ 204,604  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    6,293       6,920  
Dividends payable
      2,083       2,083  
Tenants' security deposits
      2,578       2,668  
Acquired below market value leases and deferred revenue
    3,364       3,319  
  Total liabilities     218,216       219,594  
                   
Commitments and contingencies
                 
                   
                   
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
    (8,096 )     (7,032 )
  Total common equity     15,738       16,802  
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    8,791       8,732  
  Total equity     24,529       25,534  
  Total Liabilities & Equity   $ 242,745     $ 245,128  
                   
                   
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
               




 



 
Page 3



FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2011 AND 2010
(Unaudited)
             
             
             
             
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share
Amounts)
 
Revenue:
           
Rental income
  $ 9,517     $ 9,334  
Reimbursements
    1,222       1,434  
Sundry income
    122       81  
Totals
    10,861       10,849  
                 
Expenses:
               
Operating expenses
    2,917       2,924  
Management fees
    490       469  
Real estate taxes
    1,686       1,656  
Depreciation
    1,511       1,521  
Totals
    6,604       6,570  
                 
Operating income
    4,257       4,279  
                 
Investment income
    29       36  
Interest expense including amortization
               
  of deferred financing costs
    (2,926 )     (2,862 )
    Net income
    1,360       1,453  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    (341 )     (281 )
    Net income attributable to common equity
  $ 1,019     $ 1,172  
                 
Earnings per share (attributable to common equity):
               
    Basic
  $ 0.15     $ 0.17  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    6,942       6,942  
                 
                 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
         




 
Page 4


 
FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
 
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
   
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)
 
                                     
Balance at October 31, 2010
  $ 24,969     $ (1,135 )   $ (7,032 )   $ 16,802     $ 8,732     $ 25,534  
                                                 
  Distributions to noncontrolling interests
                            -       (282 )     (282 )
                                                 
Net income
                    1,019       1,019       341       1,360  
                                                 
Dividends declared
                    (2,083 )     (2,083 )             (2,083 )
                                                 
Balance at January 31, 2011
  $ 24,969     $ (1,135 )   $ (8,096 )   $ 15,738     $ 8,791     $ 24,529  
                                                 
                                                 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
                                 


 
Page 5

 
 
FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2011 AND 2010
(Unaudited)
               
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
Operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 1,360     $ 1,453  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
               
operating activities:
               
  Depreciation
    1,511       1,521  
  Amortization
    144       121  
  Net amortization of acquired leases
    6       8  
  Deferred revenue
    61       47  
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
   Tenants' security accounts
    69       26  
         Sundry receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets
    918       381  
         Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    398       109  
   Tenants' security deposits
    (90 )     (85 )
            Net cash provided by operating activities
    4,377       3,581  
Investing activities:
               
Capital improvements - existing properties
    (469 )     (341 )
Construction and pre-development costs
    (1,000 )  *     (615 )
                 
            Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,469 )     (956 )
Financing activities:
               
Repayment of mortgages
    (747 )     (704 )
Deferred financing costs
    -       11  
Dividends paid
    (2,083 )     (2,083 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (282 )     (348 )
            Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,112 )     (3,124 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (204 )     (499 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    6,769       6,751  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 6,565     $ 6,252  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow data:
               
Interest paid
  $ 2,702     $ 2,720  
Supplemental schedule of non cash activities:
               
Investing activities:
               
    Accrued capital expenditures, construction costs, pre-development costs and interest
  $ 54     $ 59  
Financing activities:
               
    Dividends declared but not paid
  $ 2,083     $ 2,083  
                 
* Incurred and accrued in fiscal 2009.
               
                 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
               


 
Page 6


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Note 1 - Basis of presentation:
 
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements have been omitted. It is the opinion of management that all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included, and that all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
 
The consolidated results of operations for the three-month period ended January 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other period. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010 of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”).

Note 2 - Significant accounting policies:
 
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.

Note 3 - Earnings per share:
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (numerator) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period (denominator). The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive shares, such as those issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants, were issued during the period. Since FREIT does not have any dilutive securities, only basic earnings per share is presented.

Note 4 - Segment information:
 
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 segment contains ten (10) separate properties and the residential segment contains nine (9) properties. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 in FREIT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.
 
The chief operating and 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, a standard used by real estate professionals, 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. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flows from operating activities as measured by GAAP, 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.
 

 


 
Page 7

 
 
Real estate rental revenue, operating expenses, NOI and recurring capital improvements for the reportable segments are summarized below and reconciled to condensed consolidated net income-common equity for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010. Asset information is not reported since FREIT does not use this measure to assess performance.
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in thousands)
 
Real estate rental revenue:
           
Commercial
  $ 5,936     $ 6,096  
Residential
    4,877       4,708  
Totals
    10,813       10,804  
Real estate operating expenses:
               
Commercial
    2,546       2,375  
Residential
    2,154       2,246  
Totals
    4,700       4,621  
Net operating income:
               
Commercial
    3,390       3,721  
Residential
    2,723       2,462  
Totals
  $ 6,113     $ 6,183  
                 
Recurring capital improvements-residential
  $ 84     $ 85  
                 
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
               
Segment NOI
  $ 6,113     $ 6,183  
Deferred rents - straight lining
    54       53  
Amortization of acquired leases
    (6 )     (8 )
Investment income
    29       36  
General and administrative expenses
    (393 )     (428 )
Depreciation
    (1,511 )     (1,521 )
Financing costs
    (2,926 )     (2,862 )
    Net income
    1,360       1,453  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (341 )     (281 )
Net income attributable to common equity
  $ 1,019     $ 1,172  

 
Note 5 – Planned disposition:
 
On July 7, 2010, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized management to pursue a sale of the Westridge Square Shopping Center 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 income taxes 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.

Note 6 - Management agreement, fees and transactions with related party:
 
Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“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 $456,000 and $434,000 for the three-months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, 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 $68,000 and $85,000 for the three-months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The management agreement expires on October 31, 2011, and is automatically renewed for periods of two years unless either party gives notice of non-renewal.

 
Page 8


 
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 $28,000 and $30,000 for the three-months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
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. No such fees were incurred to Hekemian for the three-months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
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. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr, a Trustee of FREIT, is the President of Hekemian.

Note 7 – Fair value of long-term debt:
 
The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of FREIT’s long-term debt at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:
 
   
January 31,
   
October 31,
 
($ in Millions)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Fair Value
  $ 203.6     $ 212.1  
                 
Carrying Value
  $ 203.9     $ 204.6  
 
Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at January 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.























 

 
Page 9



Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Cautionary Statement Identifying Important Factors That Could Cause First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey’s (“FREIT”)
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 unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of FREIT (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, and the consolidated financial statements included in FREIT’s most recently filed 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: The U.S. economy has recovered from the recession, but at a recovery rate much slower than anticipated. However, job growth remains sluggish, and sustained high unemployment can hinder economic growth.  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. We expect the recovery of rental rates to lag occupancy rates. 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 space vacated during the recession will be challenging and at rates below pre-recession levels.
 

 


 
Page 10


 

 
Development Projects and Capital Expenditures:  We continue to make only those capital expenditures that are absolutely necessary. We continue to pursue the completion of the development and construction activities started at the Damascus Center. 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 2008. 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.
 
Operating Cash Flow and Dividend Distributions: We expect that cash provided by operating activities 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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") disclosure guidance for "Critical Accounting Policies," the SEC defines Critical Accounting Policies as those that require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.
 
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, the preparation of which takes into account estimates based on judgments and assumptions that affect certain amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. The accounting policies and estimates used, which are outlined in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010, have been applied consistently as at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010, and for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010. 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.




 
Page 11




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Total Real Estate revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2011 (“Current Quarter”) increased 0.1% to $10,861,000 compared to $10,849,000 for the three months ended January 31, 2010 (“Prior Year’s Quarter”). Net income attributable to common equity (“Net income-common equity”) for the Current Quarter was $1,019,000 ($0.15 per share basic) compared to $1,172,000 ($0.17 per share basic) for the Prior Year’s Quarter. The positive increase in total revenue for the Current Quarter was primarily attributable to FREIT’s residential operations, specifically higher occupancy levels and higher base rental income.
 
The schedule below provides a detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted net income–common equity for the three months ended January 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
NET INCOME COMPONENTS
                 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Income from real estate operations:
                 
    Commercial properties
  $ 3,438     $ 3,766     $ (328 )
                         
    Residential properties
    2,723       2,462       261  
          Total income from real estate operations
    6,161       6,228       (67 )
                         
Financing costs:
                       
Fixed rate mortgages
    (2,687 )     (2,665 )     (22 )
Floating rate - Rotunda & Damascus
    (239 )     (197 )     (42 )
  Total financing costs
    (2,926 )     (2,862 )     (64 )
                         
Investment income
    29       36       (7 )
                         
General & administrative expenses:
                       
    Accounting fees
    (137 )     (166 )     29  
    Legal & professional fees
    (17 )     (17 )     -  
    Trustee fees
    (127 )     (130 )     3  
    Corporate expenses
    (112 )     (115 )     3  
  Total general & administrative expenses
    (393 )     (428 )     35  
                         
Depreciation
    (1,511 )     (1,521 )     10  
                         
    Net income
    1,360       1,453       (93 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    (341 )     (281 )     (60 )
                         
    Net Income attributable to common equity
  $ 1,019     $ 1,172     $ (153 )

 
The consolidated results of operations for the Current Quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other period.





 




 
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SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The following table sets forth comparative net operating income ("NOI") data, which is a Non-GAAP financial measure, for FREIT’s real estate segments and reconciles the NOI to consolidated net income-common equity for the Current Quarter, as compared to the prior year’s comparable period:
 
   
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Combined
   
Three Months Ended
               
Three Months Ended
               
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
   
Increase (Decrease)
   
January 31,
   
Increase (Decrease)
   
January 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
   
2011
   
2010
   
$
   
%
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
         
(in thousands)
       
(in thousands)
 
Rental income
  $ 4,660     $ 4,638     $ 22       0.5 %   $ 4,809     $ 4,651     $ 158       3.4 %   $ 9,469     $ 9,289  
Reimbursements
    1,222       1,434       (212 )     -14.8 %     -       -       -               1,222       1,434  
Other
    54       24       30       125.0 %     68       57       11       19.3 %     122       81  
Total revenue
    5,936       6,096       (160 )     -2.6 %     4,877       4,708       169       3.6 %     10,813       10,804  
                                                                                 
Operating expenses
    2,546       2,375       171       7.2 %     2,154       2,246       (92 )     -4.1 %     4,700       4,621  
Net operating income
  $ 3,390     $ 3,721     $ (331 )     -8.9 %   $ 2,723     $ 2,462     $ 261       10.6 %     6,113       6,183  
Average
                                                                               
Occupancy %
    89.7 %     90.5 %             -0.8 %     94.5 %     93.2 %             1.3 %                
                                                                                 
                           
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
                     
                           
Deferred rents - straight lining
          54       53  
                           
Amortization of acquired leases
          (6 )     (8 )
                           
Investment income
          29       36  
                           
General and administrative expenses
          (393 )     (428 )
                           
Depreciation
          (1,511 )     (1,521 )
                           
Financing costs
          (2,926 )     (2,862 )
                           
Net income
          1,360       1,453  
                           
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
      (341 )     (281 )
                           
Net income attributable to common equity
        $ 1,019     $ 1,172  
 
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
 
The commercial segment contains ten (10) separate properties during the 2010 and 2009 fiscal years. Seven are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and one is a single tenanted store. In addition, FREIT owns land in Rockaway, NJ and Rochelle Park, NJ from which it receives monthly rental income, from tenants who have built and operate bank branches on the land. Total revenue and NOI from FREIT’s commercial segment for the Current Quarter decreased by 2.6% and 8.9%, respectively, over the Prior Year’s Quarter. The primary reasons for the decrease in total revenue and NOI for the Current Quarter were lower occupancy levels, and higher operating expenses.
 
The U.S. economy has recovered from the recession and continues to improve, albeit at a rate much slower than anticipated. To date, our tenant fall-out has been minor, as average occupancy (exclusive of the Damascus Center, which is undergoing a major redevelopment project) for the Current Quarter was 94.4%, a decrease of 0.6% from last year’s comparable period. However, we may experience additional fall-out if the pace of the economic recovery slows down any further, or stalls.
 
The Westridge Square Shopping Center located in Frederick, Maryland is being actively marketed for sale. The decision to sell the property (acquired in 1992) was based on the desire to re-deploy the net proceeds of the sale to real estate assets in other areas of FREIT’s operations. Due to current conditions in the commercial real estate market, it is not possible for management to estimate when the sale of the property will occur.




 
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DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
 
A modernization and expansion is underway at the Damascus Center. Total construction costs, inclusive of tenant improvement costs, are expected to approximate $22.7 million. The building plans incorporate an expansion of retail space from its current configuration of approximately 140,000 sq. ft. to approximately 150,000 sq. ft., anchored by a modern 58,000 sq. ft. Safeway supermarket. Construction on Phase I began in June 2007, and was completed in June 2008. Phase I construction costs were approximately $6.2 million, of which $1.1 million related to tenant improvements. Phase II, which comprises a new 58,000 sq. ft. Safeway supermarket, was started in December 2008. The new Safeway supermarket was completed and the tenant opened for business in September 2009. Construction and other costs for Phase II approximated $9.8 million. The Phase III construction is expected to begin on or about April 1, 2011, and should be completed prior to November 1, 2011. Total construction costs for Phase III are projected to approximate $6.7 million. Such costs are expected to be funded through availability under our $21.3 million construction facility. Through January 31, 2011, $10.1 million of this loan was drawn down. Because of this expansion, leases for certain tenants have been allowed to expire and have not been renewed. This has caused occupancy to decline, on a temporary basis, during the construction phase. However, with the completion of the Phase I and Phase II (Safeway) construction, certain tenant leases have been renewed and occupancy is beginning to increase.
 
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 January 31, 2011, approximately $7.5 million has been incurred for planning and feasibility studies. 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 under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT’s residential segment for the Current Quarter reported an increase of 3.6% and 10.6%, respectively, over the Prior Year’s Quarter. The increase in total revenue and NOI are primarily attributable to higher occupancy levels and higher base rental income at many of our residential properties, in addition to a $207,000 insurance recovery relating to storm damages incurred last year at the Pierre Towers apartment complex, which has been recorded as an offset within operating expenses. The positive increases in revenue were slightly offset by higher operating expenses due to the harsh winter this year. The positive operating results for the Current Quarter reflect the upward movement of occupancy levels, as evidenced by average occupancy for the Current Quarter increasing 1.3% over last year’s comparable period.
 
Our residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a factor of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. Monthly average residential rents at the end of the Current Quarter and the Prior Year’s Quarter were $1,560 and $1,544, respectively. A 1% decline in average occupancy, or a 1% decline in average rents from current levels, results in an annual revenue decline of approximately $201,000 and $190,000, respectively.
 
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 January 31, 2011, approximately $4.4 million in capital improvements was expended at The Pierre.



 
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FINANCING COSTS
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
January 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
($ in thousands)
 
 Fixed rate mortgages:
           
    1st Mortgages
           
    Existing
  $ 2,194     $ 2,438  
    New (1)
    271       -  
    2nd Mortgages
               
    Existing
    40       85  
Variable rate mortgages:
               
    Acquisition loan-Rotunda
    198       197  
    Construction loan-Damascus
    41       40  
 Other
    109       89  
      2,853       2,849  
 Amortization of Mortgage Costs
    73       53  
 Total Financing Costs
    2,926       2,902  
      Less amount capitalized
    -       (40 )
 Financing costs expensed
  $ 2,926     $ 2,862  
                 
(1) Mortgages not in place at beginning of Fiscal 2010.
 
 
Total financing costs, before capitalized amounts, for the Current Quarter increased 0.8%, compared to the prior year’s comparable period.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G & A”)
 
G&A expense for the Current Quarter was $393,000, as compared to $428,000 for the Prior Year’s Quarter. The primary components of G&A are accounting fees, legal & professional fees and Trustees’ fees amounting in the aggregate to $281,000 for the Current Quarter, as compared to $313,000 for the prior year’s comparable period.

DEPRECIATION
 
Depreciation expense from operations for the Current Quarter was $1,511,000, as compared to $1,521,000 for the Prior Year’s Quarter.  The slight decrease was primarily attributable to a reduction in tenant improvement depreciation at Damascus.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.4 million for the Current Quarter compared to $3.6 million for the Prior Year’s Quarter. We expect that cash provided by operating activities will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments, recurring capital improvements and dividends necessary to retain qualification as a REIT (90% of taxable income).
 
As at January 31, 2011, FREIT had cash and cash equivalents totaling $6.6 million, compared to $6.8 million at October 31, 2010.
 
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 2012, 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 January 31, 2011, $18 million is available under the line of credit, and no amount is outstanding.

 
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We are in the process of rebuilding the Damascus Center. The total capital required for this project is estimated at $22.7 million. On February 12, 2008, Damascus Centre, LLC closed on a $27.3 million construction loan that is available to fund already expended and future 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. 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 January 31, 2011, the outstanding balance on the construction loan is $10.1 million. We expect this development project to add to revenues, income, cash flow, and shareholder value.
 
At January 31, 2011, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $203.9 million and bears a weighted average interest rate of 5.35%, and an average life of approximately 5.03 years. FREIT’s fixed rate mortgages are subject to amortization schedules that are longer than the term of the mortgages. As such, balloon payments (unpaid principal amounts at mortgage due date) for all mortgage debt will be required as follows:

Fiscal Year
2012
2013
2014
2016
2017
2018
2019
2022
($ in millions)
               
Mortgage "Balloon" Payments
$10.1
$27.1
$12.1
$24.5
$22.0
$5.0
$45.2
$14.4
 
The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of our long-term debt at January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010:
 
   
January 31,
   
October 31,
 
($ in Millions)
 
2011
   
2010
 
Fair Value
  $ 203.6     $ 212.1  
                 
Carrying Value
  $ 203.9     $ 204.6  
 
Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at January 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.
 
FREIT expects to refinance the individual mortgages with new mortgages when their terms expire. To this extent we have exposure to 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 mortgage debt being retired. For example, at January 31, 2011, a 1% interest rate increase would reduce the fair value of our debt by $9.5 million, and a 1% decrease would increase the fair value by $10.2 million.
 
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 rate 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. 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.
 
FREIT also has interest rate exposure on its floating rate loans. Currently, FREIT has $29.5 million in floating rate loans outstanding, of which $19.4 million relates to the acquisition loan for The Rotunda and $10.1 million relates to the construction loan for the Damascus Center redevelopment project. A 1% rate fluctuation would impact FREIT’s annual interest cost by approximately $294,500.
 
We believe that the values of our properties will be adequate to command refinancing proceeds equal to or higher than the mortgage debt to be refinanced. 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 our shareholders.


 
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FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (“FFO”):
 
Many consider FFO, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as the standard measurement of a REIT’s performance. We compute FFO as follows:
 
     
Three Months Ended
 
     
January 31,
 
     
2011
   
2010
 
     
($ in thousands)
 
               
Net income
    $ 1,360     $ 1,453  
Depreciation
      1,511       1,521  
Amortization of deferred mortgage costs
    73       53  
Deferred rents (Straight lining)
    (54 )     (53 )
Amortization of acquired leases
    6       8  
Capital Improvements - Apartments
    (84 )     (85 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (282 )     (348 )
  FFO   $ 2,530     $ 2,549  
                   
   Per Share - Basic   $ 0.36     $ 0.37  
                   
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
    6,942       6,942  

 
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.

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, subject to prevailing market conditions.







 
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Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
See “Commercial Segment”, “Residential Segment” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under Item 2 above for a detailed discussion of FREIT’s quantitative and qualitative market risk disclosures.

Item 4: 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 has been no change in FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended January 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
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.

Part II:  Other Information

Item 1:  Legal Proceedings
 
None, other than that reported in FREIT’s most recently filed Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010.

Item 1A:  Risk Factors
 
There were no material changes in any risk factors previously disclosed in FREIT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2010, that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 14, 2011.

Item 6: Exhibits
Exhibit Index
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1 - Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
Exhibit 31.2 - Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
Exhibit 32.1 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
Exhibit 32.2 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 
 











 
Page 18






SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
 
 
FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
 
TRUST OF NEW JERSEY
 
(Registrant)
   
Date: March 14, 2011
 
 
/s/ Robert S. Hekemian
 
(Signature)
 
Robert S. Hekemian
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
   
 
/s/ Donald W. Barney
 
(Signature)
 
Donald W. Barney
 
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial/Accounting Officer)
   






Page 19