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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY - Quarter Report: 2016 April (Form 10-Q)

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 April 30, 2016

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 x 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 June 9, 2016, the number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding was 6,726,869.

 

 

 Page 2

 

 

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY

 

 

 

INDEX

 

 

Part I: Financial Information  
        Page
         
  Item 1: Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
         
    a.) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as at April 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015; 3
         
    b.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Six and Three Months Ended April 30, 2016 and 2015; 4
         
    c.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Six and Three Months Ended April 30, 2016 and 2015; 5
         
    d.) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the Six Months Ended April 30, 2016; 6
         
    e.) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended April 30, 2016 and 2015; 7
         
    f.) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 8
         
  Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 14
         
  Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 25
         
  Item 4: Controls and Procedures 25
         
         
Part II: Other Information  
         
  Item 1: Legal Proceedings 25
       
  Item 1A: Risk Factors 25
         
  Item 6: Exhibits 26
       
  Signatures 26

 

 

 

Index Page 3

 

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)

 

   April 30,   October 31, 
   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands of Dollars) 
ASSETS        
         
Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation  $217,332   $219,430 
Construction in progress   113,261    101,415 
Cash and cash equivalents   12,081    13,500 
Tenants' security accounts   1,744    1,728 
Receivables arising from straight-lining of rents, net of allowance for loss in 2015   2,579    2,604 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts   1,415    2,105 
Secured loans receivable   5,451    5,451 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   5,927    4,555 
Deferred charges, net   1,328    1,327 
Total Assets  $361,118   $352,115 
           
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
           
Liabilities:          
Mortgages and construction loan payable  $321,190   $307,899 
Less unamortized debt issuance costs   2,656    3,129 
Mortgages payable, net   318,534    304,770 
           
Deferred trustee compensation payable   9,078    9,078 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   7,746    10,305 
Dividends payable   2,018    2,018 
Tenants' security deposits   2,649    2,561 
Deferred revenue   788    1,080 
Interest rate swap contracts   1,907    1,066 
Total Liabilities   342,720    330,878 
           
Commitments and contingencies          
           
           
Equity:          
Common equity:          
    Shares of beneficial interest without par value:          
         8,000,000 shares authorized; 6,993,152 shares issued; 60,153 and   26,299    25,860 
         39,350 vested share units to trustees at April 30, 2016 and          
         October 31, 2015, respectively          
    Treasury stock, at cost: 266,283 shares at April 30, 2016          
        and at October 31, 2015   (5,517)   (5,517)
    Dividends in excess of net income   (14,027)   (11,769)
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,751)   (1,030)
Total Common Equity   5,004    7,544 
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries   13,394    13,693 
Total Equity   18,398    21,237 
Total Liabilities and Equity  $361,118   $352,115 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 

 

Index Page 4

 

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

SIX AND THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2016 AND 2015

(Unaudited)

 

   Six Months Ended April 30,   Three Months Ended April 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)   (In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts) 
Revenue:                    
Rental income  $19,681   $19,211   $9,851   $9,530 
Reimbursements   2,641    2,990    1,119    1,653 
Sundry income   166    331    94    69 
    22,488    22,532    11,064    11,252 
                     
Expenses:                    
Operating expenses   6,738    7,074    3,216    3,935 
Management fees   986    984    502    498 
Real estate taxes   3,961    3,928    1,996    1,975 
Depreciation   3,472    3,295    1,752    1,648 
    15,157    15,281    7,466    8,056 
                     
Operating income   7,331    7,251    3,598    3,196 
                     
Investment income   62    76    23    36 
                     
Interest expense including amortization                    
  of deferred financing costs   (5,416)   (5,553)   (2,687)   (2,771)
    Net income   1,977    1,774    934    461 
                     
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling                    
   interests in subsidiaries   (166)   (194)   (125)   71 
                     
    Net income attributable to common equity  $1,811   $1,580   $809   $532 
                     
Earnings per share - basic and diluted  $0.27   $0.23   $0.12   $0.08 
                     
Weighted average shares outstanding:                    
    Basic   6,772    6,807    6,778    6,793 
    Diluted   6,772    6,807    6,778    6,808 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 

 

Index Page 5

 

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

SIX AND THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2016 AND 2015

(Unaudited)

 

   Six Months Ended April 30,   Three Months Ended April 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands of Dollars)   (In Thousands of Dollars) 
                 
Net income  $1,977   $1,774   $934   $461 
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
   Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts                    
        before reclassifications   (1,146)   (1,617)   (287)   642 
   Amount reclassified from accumulated other                    
        comprehensive loss to interest expense   305    276    144    166 
   Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts   (841)   (1,341)   (143)   808 
Comprehensive income   1,136    433    791    1,269 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (166)   (194)   (125)   71 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
   Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swap contract                    
        attributable to noncontrolling interests   120    149    20    (107)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (46)   (45)   (105)   (36)
Comprehensive income attributable to common equity  $1,090   $388   $686   $1,233 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 

 

Index Page 6

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2016

(Unaudited)

 

   Common Equity         
   Shares of
Beneficial
Interest
   Treasury
Shares at
Cost
   Dividends in
Excess of Net
Income
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   Total
Common
Equity
   Noncontrolling
Interests
   Total Equity 
   (In Thousands of Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Amounts) 
                             
Balance at October 31, 2015  $25,860   $(5,517)  $(11,769)  $(1,030)  $7,544   $13,693   $21,237 
                                    
Stock based compensation expense   47                   47         47 
                                    
Vested share units granted to Trustees   392                   392         392 
                                    
Distributions to noncontrolling interests                           (345)   (345)
                                    
Net income             1,811         1,811    166    1,977 
                                    
Dividends declared, including $33 payable in share units ($0.60 per share)             (4,069)        (4,069)        (4,069)
                                    
Net unrealized loss on interest rate swaps                  (721)   (721)   (120)   (841)
                                    
Balance at April 30, 2016  $26,299   $(5,517)  $(14,027)  $(1,751)  $5,004   $13,394   $18,398 
                                    

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 

 

Index Page 7

 

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2016 AND 2015

(Unaudited)

 

   Six Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands of Dollars) 
Operating activities:          
Net income  $1,977   $1,774 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by          
    operating activities:          
Depreciation   3,472    3,295 
Amortization   363    324 
Stock based compensation expense   47    47 
Trustee fees and related interest paid in stock units   359    374 
Deferred rents - straight line rent   25    148 
Bad debt expense   140    259 
Net amortization of acquired leases       1 
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
   Tenants' security accounts   72    79 
   Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets   (995)   (644)
   Accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred          
        trustee compensation   (159)   (299)
   Deferred revenue   (292)   (277)
        Net cash provided by operating activities   5,009    5,081 
Investing activities:          
Capital improvements - existing properties   (1,318)   (1,714)
Construction and pre-development costs   (12,786)   (25,800)
        Net cash used in investing activities   (14,104)   (27,514)
Financing activities:          
Repayment of mortgages and construction loan   (2,087)   (2,047)
Repayment of credit line       (5,000)
Proceeds from mortgage loan refinancing       16,200 
Proceeds from additional tranche of loan   2,320     
Proceeds from construction loan   11,834    25,637 
Deferred financing costs   (10)   (318)
Dividends paid   (4,036)   (4,092)
Repurchase of Company stock - treasury shares       (2,169)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests   (345)   (396)
        Net cash provided by financing activities   7,676    27,815 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (1,419)   5,382 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   13,500    10,554 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $12,081   $15,936 
           
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow data:          
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized  $5,483   $5,136 
Supplemental schedule of non cash activities:          
Investing activities:          
   Accrued capital expenditures, construction costs,          
      pre-development costs and interest  $3,330   $6,551 
Financing activities:          
    Dividends declared but not paid  $2,018   $2,018 
    Dividends paid in share units  $33   $9 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.    

 

 

Index Page 8

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Note 1 - Basis of presentation:

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared 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 six and three-month periods ended April 30, 2016 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, 2015 of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”).

 

Note 2 –Recently issued accounting standards:

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB extended the effective date by one year to years beginning on and after December 15, 2017. The standard may be adopted as early as the original effective date but early adoption prior to that date is not permitted. ASU No. 2014-09 outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance. FREIT is currently assessing the impact this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis", which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. ASU No. 2015-02 amends the assessment of whether a limited partnership or an LLC is a variable interest entity; the effect that fees paid to a decision maker have on the consolidation analysis; how variable interests held by a reporting entity's related parties or de facto agents affect its consolidation conclusion; and for entities other than limited partnerships or LLCs, clarifies how to determine whether the equity holders as a group have power over an entity. The Company has early adopted this guidance effective with its first quarter ended January 31, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on FREIT’s financial statements or footnote disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, which supersedes the existing guidance for lease accounting, “Leases (Topic 840)”. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. FREIT is currently assessing the impact this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

 

Note 3 - Earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common equity (numerator) by the weighted average number of shares and vested share units (See Note 14) 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, were issued during the period using the Treasury Stock method. Under the Treasury Stock method, the assumption is that the proceeds received upon exercise of the options, including the unrecognized stock option compensation expense attributed to future services, are used to repurchase FREIT’s stock at the average market price during the period, thereby reducing the number of shares to be added in computing diluted earnings per share. For the six months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 and the three months ended April 30, 2016, the outstanding stock options were anti-dilutive with no impact on diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended April 30, 2015, the outstanding stock options increased the average dilutive shares outstanding by approximately 14,000 shares with no impact on earnings per share.

 

 

 

Index Page 9

Note 4 - Interest rate swap contracts: 

On December 26, 2012, Damascus Centre, LLC refinanced its construction loan with long-term financing provided by People’s United Bank and the first tranche of the new loan was taken-down in the amount of $20 million. Based on leasing and net operating income at the shopping center, People’s United Bank agreed to a take-down of the second tranche of this loan on April 22, 2016 in the amount of $2,320,000, of which approximately $470,000 was readily available and the remaining $1,850,000 (included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet) is held in escrow and available to Damascus Centre, LLC once certain tenants open and begin paying rent. The total amount outstanding for both tranches of this loan held with People’s United Bank as of April 30, 2016 was approximately $21.1 million. The loan has a maturity date of January 3, 2023 and bears a floating interest rate equal to 210 points over the BBA LIBOR. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of this loan, Damascus Centre, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate on each tranche of this loan, resulting in a fixed rate of 3.81% over the term of the first tranche of this loan and a fixed rate of 3.53% over the term of the second tranche of this loan.

On December 29, 2014, FREIT Regency, LLC closed on a $16.2 million mortgage loan with Provident Bank. The loan bears a floating interest rate equal to 125 basis points over the BBA LIBOR and the loan will mature on December 15, 2024. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of the loan, FREIT Regency, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.75% over the term of the loan. At April 30, 2016, the derivative financial instrument has a notional amount of approximately $16.2 million and a current maturity date of December 2024.

In accordance with ASC 815, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, FREIT is accounting for the Damascus Centre, LLC and the FREIT Regency, LLC interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and marks to market its fixed pay interest rate swaps, taking into account present interest rates compared to the contracted fixed rate over the life of the contract. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, FREIT recorded an unrealized loss of $841,000 in comprehensive income representing the change in the fair value of the swaps during such period and a corresponding liability of approximately $1,386,000 for the Regency swap and $521,000 for the Damascus Center swap as of April 30, 2016. For the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, FREIT recorded an unrealized loss of $143,000 and an unrealized gain of $808,000, respectively, in comprehensive income representing the change in the fair value of the swaps during such period. For the year ended October 31, 2015, FREIT recorded an unrealized loss of $1,581,000 in comprehensive income representing the change in the fair value of the swaps during such period and a corresponding liability of $945,000 for the Regency swap and $121,000 for the Damascus Center swap as of October 31, 2015. The fair values are based on observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance).

 

Note 5 – Property held for sale:

On January 11, 2016, FREIT was notified by Lakeland Bank (as successor by merger to Pascack Community Bank) of its election and exercise of the option to purchase the property leased by FREIT to Lakeland Bank located in Rochelle Park, New Jersey having a carrying amount of approximately $2.7 million (including a straight-line rent receivable in the amount of approximately $0.5 million) both at April 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015. Pursuant to the Lease Agreement, Lakeland Bank has the right to exercise this option at a price equal to the greater of $3 million or the fair market value of the property as determined by mutual agreement between tenant and landlord. FREIT and Lakeland Bank have agreed to set the purchase price at $3.1 million. FREIT’s gain from the sale of this property net of closing costs is expected to be approximately $260,000. FREIT anticipates closing on the sale of this property in the third quarter 2016. The sale will result in FREIT’s loss of annual rents of approximately $241,000, which increases periodically through September 2023. As the disposal of this property will not represent a strategic shift that will have a major impact on FREIT’s operations or financial results, the property’s operations are not reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements.

 

Note 6 – Capitalized interest

Interest costs associated with amounts expended at the Grande Rotunda development are capitalized and included in the cost of the project. Interest capitalized during the six months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 amounted to approximately $1,695,000 and $933,000, respectively, and $884,000 and $512,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Capitalization of interest will cease upon substantial completion of the project which is estimated to occur in third quarter 2016.

 

 

 

Index Page 10

Note 7 - Management agreement, fees and transactions with related party:

Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”) currently manages all the properties owned by FREIT and its affiliates, except for the office building at The Rotunda 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 4% to 5% of rents collected. Such fees were approximately $935,000 and $933,000, for the six-month periods ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $477,000 and $473,000 for the three-month periods ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, 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 commissions and reimbursements amounted to approximately $306,000 and $136,000, for the six months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $154,000 and $67,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The management agreement expires on October 31, 2017, and is automatically renewed for successive periods of two years unless either party gives not less than six (6) months prior notice of non-renewal.

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 $64,000 and $56,000 for the six months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $15,000 and $11,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

From time to time, FREIT engages Hekemian to provide certain additional services, such as consulting services related to development, property sales and financing activities of FREIT. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between Hekemian and FREIT with respect to such additional services. Grande Rotunda, LLC and Hekemian Development Resource, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hekemian (“Resources”), entered into an agency agreement pursuant to which Resources is to provide development services in connection with the development activities at the Rotunda, which is owned and operated by Grande Rotunda, LLC. Fees incurred to Hekemian and Resources during the six months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 pursuant to such agreement were approximately $359,000 and $793,000, respectively, and $88,000 and $312,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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. Trustee fee expense (including interest) incurred by FREIT for the six months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $270,000 and $266,000, respectively, for Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, and $34,000 and $31,000, respectively, for Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr and for the three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $142,000 and $134,000, respectively, for Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, and $17,000 and $15,000, respectively, for Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.

Rotunda 100, LLC and Damascus 100, LLC own the minority interests in Grande Rotunda, LLC and Damascus Centre, LLC, respectively. Rotunda 100, LLC owns a 40% equity interest in Grande Rotunda, LLC and Damascus 100, LLC owns a 30% equity interest in Damascus Centre, LLC, and FREIT owns a 60% equity interest in Grande Rotunda, LLC and a 70% equity interest in Damascus Centre, LLC. The equity owners of Rotunda 100, LLC and Damascus 100, LLC are principally employees of Hekemian. To incentivize the employees of Hekemian, FREIT advanced, 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, which amounted to $5,451,000 at both April 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015, were 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 and Damascus 100, and are full recourse loans. The notes had maturity dates at the earlier of (a) ten (10) years after issue (Grande Rotunda, LLC – 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. On June 4, 2015, the Board approved an extension of the maturity date of the secured loans to occur the earlier of (a) June 19, 2018 or (b) five days after the closing of a permanent mortgage loan secured by the Rotunda property.

 

Note 8 – Mortgage financings:

The original Rotunda acquisition loan for $22.5 million, which was subsequently reduced to $19.5 million on February 1, 2010, was acquired by FREIT on May 28, 2013. FREIT subsequently sold this loan to Wells Fargo Bank, the lender providing the construction financing for the expansion of the Rotunda project. On December 9, 2013, Grande Rotunda, LLC closed with Wells Fargo Bank on a construction loan of up to $120 million to be used to redevelop the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland. The construction loan is for a term of four (4) years, with one 12-month extension, at a rate of 225 basis points over the monthly LIBOR. As of April 30, 2016, $105 million of this loan was drawn down (including approximately $13 million during the first fiscal half of 2016), of which $19 million was used to pay off the loan from FREIT, and $86 million was used toward the construction at the Rotunda.

 

 

Index Page 11

On December 29, 2014, FREIT Regency, LLC closed on a $16.2 million mortgage loan with Provident Bank. The loan bears a floating interest rate equal to 125 basis points over the one-month BBA LIBOR and the loan will mature on December 15, 2024. Interest-only payments are required each month through December 15, 2017. Thereafter, principal payments of $27,807 (plus accrued interest) are required each month through maturity. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of the loan, FREIT Regency, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.75% over the term of the loan. Proceeds from the loan were used to pay off the $5 million outstanding balance on FREIT’s credit line, and the remainder of the proceeds will be available to fund future capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

On December 26, 2012, Damascus Centre, LLC refinanced its construction loan with long-term financing provided by People’s United Bank and the first tranche of the new loan was taken-down in the amount of $20 million. Based on leasing and net operating income at the shopping center, People’s United Bank agreed to a take-down of the second tranche of this loan on April 22, 2016 in the amount of $2,320,000, of which approximately $470,000 was readily available and the remaining $1,850,000 (included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet) is held in escrow and available to Damascus Centre, LLC once certain tenants open and begin paying rent. The total amount outstanding for both tranches of this loan held with People’s United Bank as of April 30, 2016 was approximately $21.1 million. The loan has a maturity date of January 3, 2023 and bears a floating interest rate equal to 210 points over the BBA LIBOR. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of this loan, Damascus Centre, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate on each tranche of this loan, resulting in a fixed rate of 3.81% over the term of the first tranche of this loan and a fixed rate of 3.53% over the term of the second tranche of this loan.

On May 2, 2016, Wayne PSC, LLC entered into an agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to extend the maturity date from June 1, 2016 to September 1, 2016 on its loan secured by a shopping center in Wayne, NJ. Under the terms of this agreement, Wayne PSC, LLC will continue to make the monthly principal and interest payment of $206,960 until the month immediately preceding the maturity date and on the maturity date a final payment in the amount of approximately $24.3 million shall become due and payable in full. FREIT intends to refinance this loan prior to the expiration date of this extension.

 

Note 9 – Fair value of long-term debt:

The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of FREIT’s long-term debt at April 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015:

 

($ in Millions)   April 30, 2016   October 31, 2015
         
Fair Value   $325.9   $313.5
         
Carrying Value   $318.5   $304.8

 

Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at April 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015 and on discounted cash flow analysis. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect these fair value estimates. The fair value is based on observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance).

 

Note 10 - 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 is comprised of ten (10) properties and the residential segment is comprised of seven (7) 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, 2015.

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 (“Board”).

 

 

Index Page 12

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), 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 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.

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 attributable to common equity for the six and three-month periods ended April 30, 2016 and 2015. Asset information is not reported since FREIT does not use this measure to assess performance.

 

   Six Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   April 30,   April 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands of Dollars)   (In Thousands of Dollars) 
Real estate rental revenue:                    
Commercial  $11,418   $11,688   $5,493   $5,944 
Residential   11,095    10,993    5,573    5,381 
Total real estate revenue   22,513    22,681    11,066    11,325 
                     
Real estate operating expenses:                    
Commercial   5,464    5,415    2,665    2,983 
Residential   5,326    5,427    2,625    2,773 
Total real estate operating expenses   10,790    10,842    5,290    5,756 
                     
Net operating income:                    
Commercial   5,954    6,273    2,828    2,961 
Residential   5,769    5,566    2,948    2,608 
Total net operating income  $11,723   $11,839   $5,776   $5,569 
                     
Recurring capital improvements-                    
     residential  $(489)  $(254)  $(175)  $(168)
                     
                     
Reconciliation to consolidated net income attributable to common equity:                    
Segment NOI  $11,723   $11,839   $5,776   $5,569 
Deferred rents - straight lining   (25)   (148)   (2)   (73)
Amortization of acquired leases       (1)        
Investment income   62    76    23    36 
General and administrative expenses   (895)   (1,144)   (424)   (652)
Depreciation   (3,472)   (3,295)   (1,752)   (1,648)
Financing costs   (5,416)   (5,553)   (2,687)   (2,771)
Net income   1,977    1,774    934    461 
    Net (income) loss attributable to  noncontrolling interests   (166)   (194)   (125)   71 
Net income attributable to common equity  $1,811   $1,580   $809   $532 

 

Note 11 – Income taxes:

FREIT distributed as dividends to its shareholders 100% of its ordinary taxable income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 and intends to distribute as dividends 100% of its ordinary taxable income for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2016. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state income taxes related to such ordinary taxable income was recorded in FREIT’s financial statements.

As of April 30, 2016, FREIT had no material uncertain income tax positions. The tax years subsequent to and including the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which FREIT is subject.

 

Note 12 – Share repurchases:

On February 17, 2015, FREIT announced a tender offer to purchase up to 100,000 shares of FREIT’s beneficial interest at a price of $23.00 per share. The tender offer expired on March 20, 2015, and in connection therewith FREIT repurchased 94,302 shares of beneficial interest at $23.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,168,946 which it funded principally from cash and cash equivalents. FREIT’s Trustees and executive officers did not tender their shares of beneficial interest in FREIT in the tender offer.

 

 

Index Page 13

Note 13 – Stock option plan:

On September 4, 2014, the Board approved the grant of a total of 246,000 non-qualified share options under FREIT’s Equity Incentive Plan to certain FREIT Executive Officers, the members of the Board and certain employees of Hekemian & Co., Inc., FREIT’s managing agent. The options have an exercise price of $18.45 per share, will vest in equal annual installments over a 5 year period and will expire 10 years from the date of grant, which will be September 3, 2024.

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the six-month period ended April 30, 2016:

 

   Six Months Ended April 30, 
   2016 
   No. of Options   Exercise 
   Outstanding   Price 
Options outstanding beginning of period   243,900   $18.45 
Options granted during period        
Options forfeited/cancelled during period   (820)  $18.45 
Options outstanding end of period   243,080   $18.45 
Options expected to vest over term of grant   238,620      
Options exercisable at end of period   48,680      

 

For the six-month periods ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, compensation expense related to stock options granted amounted to $47,000 and $47,000, respectively. For the three-month periods ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, compensation expense related to stock options granted amounted to $23,000 and $24,000, respectively. At April 30, 2016, there was approximately $314,000 of unrecognized compensation cost relating to outstanding non-vested stock options to be recognized over the remaining vesting period.

The aggregate intrinsic value of options expected to vest and options exercisable at April 30, 2016 was $608,481 and $124,134, respectively.

 

Note 14 – Deferred fee plan:

On September 4, 2014, the Board approved amendments, effective November 1, 2014, to the FREIT Deferred Fee Plan for its Executive Officers and Trustees, one of which provides for the issuance of share units payable in FREIT shares in respect of (i) deferred amounts of all Trustee fees on a prospective basis; (ii) interest on Trustee fees deferred prior to November 1, 2014 (payable at a floating rate, adjusted quarterly, based on the average 10-year Treasury Bond interest rate plus 150 basis points); and (iii) dividends payable in respect of share units allocated to participants in the Deferred Fee Plan as a result of deferrals described above. The number of share units credited to a participant’s account will be determined by the closing price of FREIT shares on the date as set forth in the Deferred Fee Plan. All fees payable to Trustees for the six-month period ended April 30, 2015 were deferred under the Deferred Fee Plan, and all fees payable to Trustees for the six-month period ended April 30, 2016 were deferred under the Deferred Fee Plan except for the fees payable to two Trustees, who elected to receive such fees in cash. As a result of the amendment to the Deferred Fee Plan described above, for the six month periods ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate amount of deferred Trustee fees together with related interest and dividends were approximately $392,500 and $383,000, respectively, which have been paid through the issuance of 20,803 and 19,371, vested FREIT share units, respectively, based on the closing price of FREIT shares on the dates as set forth in the Deferred Fee Plan.

For the six-month periods ended April 30, 2016 and 2015, FREIT has charged approximately $359,700 and $375,000 of this amount, respectively, representing Trustee fees and interest to expense and the balance of approximately $32,700 and $8,600, respectively, representing dividends payable in respect of share units allocated to Plan participants, has been charged to equity.

 

 

 

Index Page 14

 

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 rental income and other related revenues from our residential and commercial properties and additional rent in the form of expense reimbursements derived from our operating commercial properties. Our properties are primarily located in northern New Jersey, Maryland and New York. We acquire existing properties for investment. We also acquire properties that we feel have redevelopment potential, and we 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 grew 0.5% in the first quarter of calendar 2016. Employment remains healthy and real income grew at a solid pace. This positive trend should continue to impact favorably on the housing market and consumer spending over the balance of the year and raise the growth rate of the U.S. economy. This rising growth rate may trigger the Federal Reserve to raise lending rates that may affect refinancing of mortgages coming due in the short term.

Residential Properties: We have aggressively increased rental rates. As a result, our rental rates continue to show year-over-year increases. We expect increases in rental rates to taper; however, the increased rental rates that are in place should positively impact future revenues.

Commercial Properties: While retail sales were tepid during the first quarter of calendar 2016, they rebounded in April 2016. Real consumption growth is expected to rebound further over the balance of the year.

Development Projects and Capital Expenditures: We continue to make only those capital expenditures that are absolutely necessary. The construction at the Rotunda development project began in September 2013 and with the exception of tenant improvements should be completed in third quarter 2016 with costs to complete estimated at $8 million. The office building lobby renovation has been completed, leasing has begun in the residential section and the retail space is approximately 60% leased. We expect the Rotunda to generate cash flow in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017.

 

 

Index Page 15

Debt Financing Availability: Financing for development projects has been available to FREIT and its affiliates. On December 9, 2013, Grande Rotunda, LLC closed with Wells Fargo Bank on a construction loan of up to $120 million to be used to redevelop the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland. Through April 30, 2016, funding for the construction at the Rotunda was provided by: (a) the Grande Rotunda, LLC members, FREIT and Rotunda 100, LLC, who contributed approximately $14.5 million in accordance with the loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank; and (b) $105 million in draws on the construction line with Wells Fargo Bank, of which $19 million of the draw was used to pay off the loan from FREIT, and $86 million was used towards the construction at the Rotunda.

On December 29, 2014, FREIT Regency, LLC closed on a $16.2 million mortgage loan with Provident Bank. The loan bears a floating interest rate equal to 125 basis points over the one-month BBA LIBOR and the loan will mature on December 15, 2024. To minimize the floating rate volatility, FREIT Regency, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.75% over the term of the loan.

On April 22, 2016, People’s United Bank agreed to a take-down of the second tranche of its loan with Damascus, Centre, LLC in the amount of $2,320,000, of which approximately $470,000 was readily available and the remaining $1,850,000 (included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet) is held in escrow and available to Damascus Centre, LLC once certain tenants open and begin paying rent. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of this loan, Damascus Centre, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.53% over the term of the second tranche of this loan.

Operating Cash Flow and Dividend Distributions: We expect that cash provided by net operating income will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments (excluding balloon payments), necessary capital improvements and dividends necessary to retain qualification as a REIT (90% of taxable income). Until the economic climate indicates that a change is appropriate, it is FREIT’s intention to maintain its quarterly dividend at a level not less than that 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 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, have been applied consistently as at April 30, 2016, and for the six and three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015. 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 collectability.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets: We assess the carrying value of long-lived assets periodically, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of certain assets 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.

See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for recently issued accounting standards.

 

 

Index Page 16

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Real estate revenue for the six months ended April 30, 2016 (“Current Six Months”) decreased 0.2% to $22,488,000, compared to $22,532,000 for the six months ended April 30, 2015 (“Prior Year’s Six Months”). For the three months ended April 30, 2016 (“Current Quarter”), real estate revenue decreased 1.7% to $11,064,000, compared to $11,252,000 for the three months ended April 30, 2015 (“Prior Year’s Quarter”). Net income attributable to common equity (“net income-common equity”) for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter was $1,811,000 ($0.27 per share basic and diluted) and $809,000 ($0.12 per share basic and diluted), compared to $1,580,000 ($0.23 per share basic and diluted) and $532,000 ($0.08 per share basic and diluted) for the Prior Year’s comparable periods, respectively. The schedule below provides a detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted net income-common equity for the six and three months ended April 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

NET INCOME COMPONENTS                  
   Six Months Ended  Three Months Ended
   April 30,  April 30,
   2016  2015  Change  2016  2015  Change
   (In Thousands of Dollars)  (In Thousands of Dollars)
Income from real estate operations:                              
    Commercial properties  $5,929   $6,124   $(195)  $2,826   $2,888   $(62)
                               
    Residential properties   5,769    5,566    203    2,948    2,608    340 
      Total income from real estate operations   11,698    11,690    8    5,774    5,496    278 
                               
Financing costs:                              
Fixed rate mortgages   (5,452)   (5,439)   (13)   (2,707)   (2,739)   32 
Floating rate - Rotunda   (1,315)   (677)   (638)   (696)   (379)   (317)
Credit line       (35)   35             
Other - Corporate interest   (154)   (162)   8    (72)   (76)   4 
Mortgage cost amortization   (190)   (173)   (17)   (96)   (89)   (7)
Less amounts capitalized   1,695    933    762    884    512    372 
  Total financing costs   (5,416)   (5,553)   137    (2,687)   (2,771)   84 
                               
Investment income   62    76    (14)   23    36    (13)
                               
General & administrative expenses:                              
    Accounting fees   (249)   (289)   40    (118)   (149)   31 
    Legal & professional fees   (29)   (77)   48    (24)   (58)   34 
    Trustee fees   (447)   (432)   (15)   (244)   (224)   (20)
    Stock option expense   (47)   (47)       (23)   (24)   1 
    Corporate expenses   (123)   (299)   176    (15)   (197)   182 
  Total general & administrative expenses   (895)   (1,144)   249    (424)   (652)   228 
                               
Depreciation   (3,472)   (3,295)   (177)   (1,752)   (1,648)   (104)
                               
Net income   1,977    1,774    203    934    461    473 
                               
     Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling                              
     interest in subsidiaries   (166)   (194)   28    (125)   71    (196)
                               
Net income attributable to common equity  $1,811   $1,580   $231   $809   $532   $277 

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

 

 

 

Index Page 17

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following table sets forth comparative net operating income ("NOI") data for FREIT’s real estate segments and reconciles the NOI to consolidated net income-common equity for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter as compared to the Prior Year’s comparable periods (See below for definition of NOI):

 

   Commercial  Residential  Combined
   Six Months Ended        Six Months Ended        Six Months Ended
   April 30,  Increase (Decrease)  April 30,  Increase (Decrease)  April 30,
   2016  2015  $  %  2016  2015  $  %  2016  2015
   (In Thousands)     (In Thousands)     (In Thousands)
Rental income  $8,742   $8,677   $65    0.7%   $10,964   $10,683   $281    2.6%   $19,706   $19,360 
Reimbursements   2,640    2,990    (350)   -11.7%    1        1    100.0%    2,641    2,990 
Other   36    21    15    71.4%    130    310    (180)   -58.1%    166    331 
Total revenue   11,418    11,688    (270)   -2.3%    11,095    10,993    102    0.9%    22,513    22,681 
                                                   
Operating expenses   5,464    5,415    49    0.9%    5,326    5,427    (101)   -1.9%    10,790    10,842 
Net operating income  $5,954   $6,273   $(319)   -5.1%   $5,769   $5,566   $203    3.6%    11,723    11,839 
Average                                                  
Occupancy %   82.9%    82.8%         0.1%    94.4%    94.5%         -0.1%           
                                                   

 

  Reconciliation to consolidated net income-common equity:          
  Deferred rents - straight lining   (25)   (148)
  Amortization of acquired leases       (1)
  Investment income   62    76 
  General and administrative expenses   (895)   (1,144)
  Depreciation   (3,472)   (3,295)
  Financing costs   (5,416)   (5,553)
             Net income   1,977    1,774 
  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest   (166)   (194)
             Net income attributable to common equity  $1,811   $1,580 

 

 

   Commercial  Residential  Combined
   Three Months Ended        Three Months Ended        Three Months Ended
   April 30,  Increase (Decrease)  April 30,  Increase (Decrease)  April 30,
   2016  2015  $  %  2016  2015  $  %  2016  2015
   (In Thousands)     (In Thousands)     (In Thousands)
Rental income  $4,346   $4,285   $61    1.4%   $5,507   $5,318   $189    3.6%   $9,853   $9,603 
Reimbursements   1,118    1,653    (535)   -32.4%    1        1    100.0%    1,119    1,653 
Other   29    6    23    383.3%    65    63    2    3.2%    94    69 
Total revenue   5,493    5,944    (451)   -7.6%    5,573    5,381    192    3.6%    11,066    11,325 
                                                   
Operating expenses   2,665    2,983    (318)   -10.7%    2,625    2,773    (148)   -5.3%    5,290    5,756 
Net operating income  $2,828   $2,961   $(133)   -4.5%   $2,948   $2,608   $340    13.0%    5,776    5,569 
Average                                                  
Occupancy %   81.3%    82.5%         -1.2%    94.8%    93.7%         1.1%           
                                                   

 

  Reconciliation to consolidated net income-common equity:          
  Deferred rents - straight lining   (2)   (73)
  Investment income   23    36 
  General and administrative expenses   (424)   (652)
  Depreciation   (1,752)   (1,648)
  Financing costs   (2,687)   (2,771)
             Net income   934    461 
  Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest   (125)   71 
             Net income attributable to common equity  $809   $532 
             

 

NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes: deferred rents (straight lining), amortization of acquired lease values, depreciation, financing costs and other items. FREIT assesses and measures segment operating results based on NOI.

Same Property NOI: FREIT considers same property net operating income (“Same Property NOI”) to be a useful supplemental non-GAAP measure of our operating performance. We define same property within both our commercial and residential segments to be those properties that we have owned and operated for both the current and prior periods presented, excluding those properties that we acquired, redeveloped or classified as discontinued operations during those periods. Any newly acquired property that has been in operation for less than a year, any property that is undergoing a major redevelopment, but may still be in operation at less than full capacity, and/or any property that is under contract for sale are not considered same property.

 

 

Index Page 18
 

NOI and Same Property NOI are non-GAAP financial measures and are not measures of operating results or cash flow as measured by GAAP, and are 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. Seven are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and three are single tenanted – a building formerly occupied as a supermarket and two bank branches. FREIT owns land in Rockaway, New Jersey and Rochelle Park, New Jersey from which it receives monthly rental income from tenants who have built and operate bank branches on the land. As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue from FREIT’s commercial segment for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter decreased by 2.3% and 7.6%, respectively, and NOI decreased by 5.1% and 4.5%, respectively, from the prior year’s comparable periods. The decline in revenue and NOI was primarily attributable to the loss of revenue from Pathmark (a subsidiary of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company “A&P”) at the Patchogue, New York property due to the lease being rejected as of December 31, 2015 as a result of A&P’s bankruptcy filing. FREIT is currently exploring various options for this property.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT’s commercial segment currently contains nine (9) same properties. (See definition of same property under Segment Information above.) Since The Rotunda property is currently undergoing a major redevelopment and is operating at less than full capacity, it has been excluded from same property results for all periods presented. For the Current Six Months and Current Quarter, same property revenue for the commercial segment decreased by 4.8% and 10.6%, respectively, and same property NOI decreased by 2.4% and 3.4%, respectively, from the prior year’s comparable periods. The reasons for the changes mirror the discussion in the previous paragraph.

Leasing: The following tables reflect leasing activity at our commercial properties for comparable leases (leases executed for spaces in which there was a tenant at some point during the previous twelve-month period) and non-comparable leases for the Current Six Months:

 

OFFICE:  Number of
Leases
   Lease Area
(Sq. Ft.)
   Weighted
Average
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
   Weighted
Average Prior
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
   % Increase
(Decrease)
   Tenant
Improvement
Allowance
(per Sq. Ft.)  (a)
   Lease
Commissions
(per Sq. Ft.)  
(a)
 
Comparable leases (b)   9    117,154   $12.13   $12.10    0.2%   $   $0.16 
                                    
Non-comparable leases   7    29,613   $23.14     N/A      N/A    $1.31   $0.97 
                                    
Total leasing activity   16    146,767                          
                                    

 

OFFICE:  Number of
Leases
   Lease Area
(Sq. Ft.)
   Weighted
Average
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
   Weighted
Average Prior
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
   % Increase
(Decrease)
   Tenant
Improvement
Allowance
(per Sq. Ft.)  
(a)
   Lease
Commissions
(per Sq. Ft.)  
(a)
 
                             
Comparable leases (b)   2    1,239   $27.77   $19.40    43.1%   $   $0.74 
                                    
Non-comparable leases   6    14,643   $30.69     N/A      N/A    $4.33   $1.32 
                                    
Total leasing activity   8    15,882                          
                                    

 

(a) These leasing costs are presented as annualized costs per square foot and are allocated uniformly over the initial lease term.

(b) This includes new tenant leases and/or modifications/extensions of existing tenant leases.  

 

For the Current Six Months and Current Quarter, average occupancy showed an increase of 0.1% and a decline of 1.2%, respectively, as compared to the prior year’s comparable periods. Excluding the impact of the Rotunda property, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment project that began in September 2013, average occupancy rates for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter decreased 0.3% and 1.8%, respectively, over last year’s comparable period.

 

 

 

Index Page 19
 

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

The Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland (owned by FREIT’s 60% owned affiliate Grande Rotunda, LLC) is an 11.5 acre site containing a 138,000 sq. ft. office building and approximately 78,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the office building. This property is currently being redeveloped and expanded. The redevelopment and expansion plans include a modernization of the office building and smaller adjacent buildings, construction of 379 residential apartment rental units, an additional 75,000 square feet of new retail space, and 864 above level parking spaces. With regard to the Rotunda’s redevelopment project, approximately $118.5 million has been incurred through April 30, 2016, of which $3.7 million was written-off in Fiscal 2012 as a result of revisions to the scope of the redevelopment project. All planning and feasibility study costs, as well as ongoing construction costs related to the project are being capitalized to Construction In Progress (“CIP”) until the project is completed and becomes operational. On December 9, 2013, Grande Rotunda, LLC closed with Wells Fargo Bank on a construction loan of up to $120 million to be used to redevelop the Rotunda property. The construction loan is for a term of four (4) years, with one 12-month extension, at a rate of 225 basis points over the monthly LIBOR. The construction at the Rotunda development project began in September 2013 and with the exception of tenant improvements should be completed in third quarter 2016 with costs to complete estimated at $8 million. The office building lobby renovation has been completed, leasing has begun in the residential section and the retail space is approximately 60% leased. We expect the Rotunda to generate cash flow in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017.

Through April 30, 2016, funding for the construction at the Rotunda was provided by: (a) the Grande Rotunda, LLC members, FREIT and Rotunda 100, LLC, who contributed approximately $14.5 million in accordance with the loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank; and (b) $105 million in draws on the construction line with Wells Fargo Bank, of which $19 million of the draw was used to pay off the loan from FREIT, and $86 million was used towards the construction at the Rotunda. (See discussion under Liquidity and Capital Resources for further details regarding the Rotunda financing.)

 

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT

FREIT currently operates seven (7) multi-family apartment communities totaling 1,093 apartment units. As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue from FREIT’s residential segment for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter increased by 0.9% and 3.6%, respectively, as compared to the prior year’s comparable periods. The increase in revenue for the Current Six Months was primarily attributable to increased base rents at the residential properties as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. The increase in revenue for the Current Quarter was primarily attributable to increased base rents at the residential properties and a 1.1% increase in the average occupancy level as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. NOI for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter increased by 3.6% and 13%, respectively, as compared to the prior year’s comparable periods. The increase in NOI for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter was primarily attributable to lower operating expenses in the current year due to a less harsh winter than compared to the prior year.

FREIT’s 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 $1,755 and $1,732, 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 $230,000 and $217,000, respectively.

On June 18, 2014, FREIT completed the acquisition of the Regency, a residential apartment complex located in Middletown, New York. The Regency complex consists of 132 units in 11 buildings and a clubhouse. The acquisition cost was $20,625,000 (exclusive of $648,000 of transaction costs), which was funded in part with the $9.8 million in net proceeds from the sale of the South Brunswick land, and the remaining balance of $11.5 million was funded utilizing $10 million of FREIT’s credit line with Provident Bank, and FREIT’s available cash. On December 29, 2014, FREIT Regency, LLC secured long-term financing for the Regency property in the amount of $16.2 million from Provident Bank (see discussion under Liquidity and Capital Resources). A portion of the loan proceeds was used to replace the funds borrowed from FREIT’s credit line, and the remainder is available to fund FREIT’s future capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

Capital expenditures: Since all of FREIT’s apartment communities, with the exception of the Boulders and the Regency, 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. Funds for these capital projects will be available from cash flow from the property's operations and cash reserves.

 

 

 

Index Page 20
 

FINANCING COSTS

 

   Six Months Ended April 30,   Three Months Ended April 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands of Dollars)   (In Thousands of Dollars) 
Fixed rate mortgages (a):                    
    1st Mortgages                    
    Existing  $5,452   $5,232   $2,707   $2,588 
    New       207        151 
    2nd Mortgages                    
    Existing                
Variable rate mortgages:                    
    Construction loan-Rotunda   1,315    677    696    379 
Credit line       35         
Other   154    162    72    76 
    6,921    6,313    3,475    3,194 
     Amortization of mortgage costs   190    173    96    89 
Total financing costs   7,111    6,486    3,571    3,283 
     Less amounts capitalized   (1,695)   (933)   (884)   (512)
Total financing costs expensed  $5,416   $5,553   $2,687   $2,771 

 

  (a)   Includes the effect of interest rate swap contracts which effectively convert the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate over the term of the loan. 

 

Total financing costs for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter increased 9.6% and 8.8%, respectively, compared to the prior year’s comparable periods which was primarily attributable to the Rotunda construction loan of approximately $105 million. (See discussions under Liquidity and Capital Resources below.)

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G & A”)

G&A expense for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter was $895,000 and $424,000, respectively, compared to $1,144,000 and $652,000 for the prior year’s comparable periods. The primary components of G&A are accounting fees, legal & professional fees and Trustees’ fees.

 

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense from operations for the Current Six Months and Current Quarter was $3,472,000 and $1,752,000, respectively, as compared to $3,295,000 and $1,648,000, respectively, for the prior year’s comparable periods which was primarily attributable to depreciation related to certain assets becoming operational as of the end of Fiscal 2015.

 

 

 

Index Page 21
 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5 million for the Current Six Months compared to $5.1 million for the Prior Six Months. We expect that cash provided by operating activities and cash reserves will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments (including payments of interest, but excluding balloon payments), real estate taxes, recurring capital improvements and dividends necessary to retain qualification as a REIT (90% of taxable income).

As at April 30, 2016, FREIT had cash and cash equivalents totaling $12.1 million, compared to $13.5 million at October 31, 2015. The decrease in cash for the Current Six Months is primarily attributable to $14.1 million in net cash used in investing activities offset by $7.7 million provided by financing activities and $5 million provided by operating activities.

Credit Line: FREIT has a line of credit provided by the Provident Bank in the amount of approximately $12.8 million. The line of credit is for a two year term ending on November 1, 2016, 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 in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and retail space in Glen Rock, New Jersey. Interest rates on draws will be set at the time of each draw for 30, 60, or 90-day periods, based on FREIT’s 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 3.25%. As of April 30, 2016, approximately $12.8 million was available under the line of credit.

On December 26, 2012, Damascus Centre, LLC refinanced its construction loan with long-term financing provided by People’s United Bank and the first tranche of the new loan was taken-down in the amount of $20 million. Based on leasing and net operating income at the shopping center, People’s United Bank agreed to a take-down of the second tranche of this loan on April 22, 2016 in the amount of $2,320,000, of which approximately $470,000 was readily available and the remaining $1,850,000 (included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet) is held in escrow and available to Damascus Centre, LLC once certain tenants open and begin paying rent. The total amount outstanding for both tranches of this loan held with People’s United Bank as of April 30, 2016 was approximately $21.1 million. The loan has a maturity date of January 3, 2023 and bears a floating interest rate equal to 210 points over the BBA LIBOR. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of this loan, Damascus Centre, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate on each tranche of this loan, resulting in a fixed rate of 3.81% over the term of the first tranche of this loan and a fixed rate of 3.53% over the term of the second tranche of this loan. The interest rate swaps are considered a derivative financial instrument that will be used only to reduce interest rate risk, and not held or used for trading purposes. (See Note 4 for additional information relating to the interest rate swap agreements.)

As at April 30, 2016, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $321.2 million, which bears a weighted average interest rate of 4.26% and an average life of approximately 4.7 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 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022 2023 2024 2025
($ in millions)                   
Mortgage "Balloon" Payments    $24.3 $22.0 $5.2 $150.2 $19.1 $14.4 $34.5 $15.9 $13.9

 

The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of FREIT’s long-term debt at April 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015:

 

($ in Millions)  April 30, 2016   October 31, 2015 
         
Fair Value  $325.9   $313.5 
           
Carrying Value  $318.5   $304.8 

 

Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at April 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015 and on discounted cash flow analysis. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect these fair value estimates. The fair value is based on observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance).

 

 

Index Page 22
 

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 April 30, 2016, a 1% interest rate increase would reduce the fair value of FREIT’s debt by $6.7 million, and a 1% decrease would increase the fair value by $7 million.

On May 2, 2016, Wayne PSC, LLC entered into an agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to extend the maturity date from June 1, 2016 to September 1, 2016 on its loan secured by a shopping center in Wayne, NJ. Under the terms of this agreement, Wayne PSC, LLC will continue to make the monthly principal and interest payment of $206,960 until the month immediately preceding the maturity date and on the maturity date a final payment in the amount of approximately $24.3 million shall become due and payable in full. FREIT intends to refinance this loan prior to the expiration date of this extension.

On December 9, 2013, FREIT’s 60% owned affiliate, Grande Rotunda, LLC, closed with Wells Fargo Bank on a construction loan of up to $120 million to be used redevelop the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland. The construction loan is for a term of four (4) years, with one 12-month extension, at a rate of 225 basis points over the monthly LIBOR. As of April 30, 2016, $105 million of this loan was drawn down, of which $19 million was used to pay off the loan from FREIT, and $86 million was used towards the construction at the Rotunda.

On December 29, 2014, FREIT Regency, LLC closed on a $16.2 million mortgage loan with Provident Bank. The loan bears a floating interest rate equal to 125 basis points over the one-month BBA LIBOR and the loan will mature on December 15, 2024. Interest-only payments are required each month through December 15, 2017. Thereafter, principal payments of $27,807 (plus accrued interest) are required each month through maturity. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of the loan, FREIT Regency, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.75% over the term of the loan. Proceeds from the loan were used to pay off the $5 million outstanding balance on FREIT’s credit line, and the remainder of the proceeds will be available to fund future capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. The interest rate swap is considered a derivative financial instrument that will be used only to reduce interest rate risk, and not held or used for trading purposes. (See Note 4 for additional information relating to the interest rate swap.)

Interest rate swap contracts: To reduce interest rate volatility, FREIT uses a “pay fixed, receive floating” interest rate swap to convert floating interest rates to fixed interest rates over the term of a certain loan. FREIT enters into these swap contracts with a counterparty that is usually a high-quality commercial bank.

In essence, FREIT agrees to pay its counterparties a fixed rate of interest on a dollar amount of notional principal (which corresponds to FREIT’s mortgage debt) over a term equal to the term of the mortgage notes. FREIT’s counterparties, in return, agree to pay FREIT a short-term rate of interest - generally LIBOR - on that same notional amount over the same term as the mortgage notes.

Current GAAP requires FREIT to mark-to-market fixed pay interest rate swaps. As the floating interest rate varies from time-to-time over the term of the contract, the value of the contract will change upward or downward. If the floating rate is higher than the fixed rate, the value of the contract goes up and there is a gain and an asset. If the floating rate is less than the fixed rate, there is a loss and a liability. These gains or losses will not affect our income statement. Changes in the fair value of these swap contracts will be reported in other comprehensive income and appear in the equity section of the balance sheet. This gain or loss represents the economic consequence of liquidating fixed rate swap contracts and replacing them with like-duration funding at current market rates, something we would likely never do. Periodic cash settlements of the swap contracts will be accounted for as an adjustment to interest expense.

FREIT has variable interest rate mortgages securing its Damascus Center and Regency properties. To reduce interest rate fluctuations, FREIT entered into interest rate swap contracts for each of these loans. These interest rate swap contracts effectively converted variable interest rate payments to fixed interest rate payments. The contracts were based on a notional amount of approximately $22,320,000 ($21,090,000 at April 30, 2016) for the Damascus Center swaps, and a notional amount of approximately $16,200,000 at April 30, 2016 for the Regency swap. FREIT has the following derivative-related risks with its swap contracts: 1) early termination risk, and 2) counterparty credit risk.

Early Termination Risk: If FREIT wants to terminate its swap contract before maturity, it would be bought out or terminated at market value; i.e., the difference in the present value of the anticipated net cash flows from each of the swap’s parties. If current variable interest rates are significantly below FREIT’s fixed interest rate payments, this could be costly. Conversely, if interest rates rise above FREIT’s fixed interest payments and FREIT elected early termination, FREIT would realize a gain on termination. At April 30, 2016, the Damascus Center and Regency swap contracts were in the counterparties’ favor. If FREIT had terminated these contracts at that date it would have realized a loss of approximately $1,386,000 for the Regency swap and a loss of approximately $521,000 for the Damascus Center swaps which have been included as a liability in FREIT’s balance sheet as at April 30, 2016, and the change (gain or loss) during such period included in comprehensive income. For the six months ended April 30, 2016, FREIT recorded an unrealized loss of $721,000 in comprehensive income representing the change in fair value of the swaps during such period. For the year ended October 31, 2015, FREIT recorded an unrealized loss of $1,581,000 in comprehensive income representing the change in the fair value of the swaps during such period and a corresponding liability of $945,000 for the Regency swap and $121,000 for the Damascus Center swap as of October 31, 2015.

 

 

Index Page 23
 

Counterparty Credit Risk: Each party to a swap contract bears the risk that its counterparty will default on its obligation to make a periodic payment. FREIT reduces this risk by entering into swap contracts only with major financial institutions that are experienced market makers in the derivatives market.

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 acquisitions for our real estate portfolio that will increase income and cash flow to FREIT’s shareholders.

 

SHARE REPURCHASES

On February 17, 2015, FREIT announced a tender offer to purchase up to 100,000 shares of beneficial interest at a price of $23.00 per share, which it funded principally from cash and cash equivalents. The tender offer expired on March 20, 2015. The number of shares proposed to be purchased in the tender offer represented approximately 1.5% of FREIT’s then-outstanding shares. As a result of the tender offer, FREIT repurchased 94,302 shares of beneficial interest at $23.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,168,946. FREIT’s Trustees and executive officers did not tender any of their shares of beneficial interest in FREIT in the tender offer. (See Note 12 for further details.)

 

STOCK OPTION PLAN

On September 4, 2014, the Board approved the grant of a total of 246,000 non-qualified share options under FREIT’s Equity Incentive Plan to certain FREIT Executive Officers, the members of the Board and certain employees of Hekemian & Co., Inc. The options have an exercise price of $18.45 per share, will vest over a 5 year period at 20% per year, and will expire 10 years from the date of grant, which will be September 3, 2024. (See Note 13 for further details.)

 

DEFERRED FEE PLAN

On September 4, 2014, the Board approved amendments, effective November 1, 2014, to the FREIT Deferred Fee Plan for its Executive Officers and Trustees, one of which provides for the issuance of share units payable in FREIT shares in respect of (i) deferred amounts of all Trustee fees on a prospective basis; (ii) interest on Trustee fees deferred prior to November 1, 2014 (payable at a floating rate, adjusted quarterly, based on the average 10-year Treasury Bond interest rate plus 150 basis points); and (iii) dividends payable in respect of share units allocated to participants in the Deferred Fee Plan as a result of deferrals described above. The number of share units credited to a participant’s account will be determined by the closing price of FREIT shares on the date as set forth in the Deferred Fee Plan. (See Note 14 for further details.)

 

 

 

Index Page 24
 

 

ADJUSTED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

Funds From Operations (“FFO”) is a non-GAAP measure defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”). Although many consider FFO as the standard measurement of a REIT’s performance, FREIT modified the NAREIT computation of FFO to include other adjustments to GAAP net income that are not considered by management to be the primary drivers of their decision making process. These adjustments to GAAP net income are amortization of acquired leases, straight-line rents and recurring capital improvements on FREIT’s residential apartments. The modified FFO computation is referred to as Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”). FREIT believes that AFFO is a superior measure of our operating performance. We compute FFO and AFFO as follows:

 

   Six Months Ended April 30,   Three Months Ended April 30, 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands, Except Per Share)   (In Thousands, Except Per Share) 
Funds From Operations ("FFO") (a)                    
Net income  $1,977   $1,774   $934   $461 
Depreciation of consolidated properties   3,472    3,295    1,752    1,648 
Amortization of deferred leasing costs   173    151    96    76 
Distributions to minority interests   (345)   (396)   (195)   (96)
FFO  $5,277   $4,824   $2,587   $2,089 
                     
                Per Share - Basic and Diluted  $0.78   $0.71   $0.38   $0.31 
(a) As prescribed by NAREIT.                    
                     
Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO")                    
FFO  $5,277   $4,824   $2,587   $2,089 
Amortization of acquired leases       1         
Deferred rents (Straight lining)   25    148    2    73 
Capital Improvements - Apartments   (489)   (254)   (175)   (168)
AFFO  $4,813   $4,719   $2,414   $1,994 
                     
                Per Share - Basic and Diluted  $0.71   $0.69   $0.36   $0.29 
                     
                Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:                    
 Basic                                                            6,772    6,807    6,778    6,793 
 Diluted                                                         6,772    6,807    6,778    6,808 

 

FFO and AFFO do not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP, 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 and AFFO by certain other REITs may vary materially from that of FREIT’s, and therefore FREIT’s FFO and AFFO may not be directly comparable to those of other REITs.

 

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.

 

 

Index Page 25
 

 

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 as of April 30, 2016. There has been no change in FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report 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.

 

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, 2015, that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 14, 2016.

 

 

 

Index Page 26
 

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

 

Exhibit 101 - The following materials from FREIT’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2016, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) condensed consolidated balance sheets; (ii) condensed consolidated statements of income; (iii) condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income; (iv) condensed consolidated statement of equity; (v) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows; and (vi) notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

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: June 9, 2016  
  /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)