FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2017

Commission File No. 000-25043

201-488-6400

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Shares of Beneficial Interest

(Title of class)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No o

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (240.12b-2 of this chapter).

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares of beneficial interest held by non-affiliates was approximately $98 million. Computation is based on the closing sales price of such shares as quoted on the over-the-counter-market on April 28, 2017, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.

As of January 12, 2018, the number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding was 6,740,069.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 5, 2018 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-K

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

PART I

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) is an equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) organized in New Jersey in 1961. FREIT acquires, develops, constructs and holds real estate properties for long-term investment and not for resale.

FREIT’s long-range investment policy is to review and evaluate potential real estate investment opportunities for acquisition that it believes will (i) complement its existing investment portfolio, (ii) generate increased income and distributions to its shareholders, and (iii) increase the overall value of FREIT’s portfolio. FREIT’s investments may take the form of wholly-owned fee interests, or if the circumstances warrant diversification of risk, ownership on a joint venture basis with other parties, including employees and affiliates of Hekemian & Co., Inc., FREIT’s managing agent (“Hekemian”) (See “Management Agreement”), provided FREIT is able to maintain management control over the property. While our general investment policy is to hold and maintain properties for the long-term, we may, from time-to-time, sell or trade certain properties in order to (i) obtain capital to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which we have determined or determine are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.

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

Fiscal Year 2017 Developments

2018. As of October 31, 2017, $115.3 million of this loan was drawn down (including approximately $1.3 million during Fiscal 2017), of which $19 million was used to pay off the loan from FREIT, and $96.3 million was used toward the construction at the Rotunda. The loan was fully drawn down as of October 31, 2017 with a remaining reserve of approximately $0.8 million used as a letter of credit for offsite improvements.

Grande Rotunda, LLC is in the process of negotiating new loan documents with Aareal Capital Corporation (“Aareal”) to refinance the existing Rotunda construction loan from Wells Fargo. Aareal has provided a term sheet to Grande Rotunda, LLC to provide $121.9 million in financing that would be used to repay the existing Wells Fargo construction loan, provide an additional $3.4 million for retail tenant improvements and leasing costs, and fund loan closing costs. The Aareal loan would have an initial term of two years and two one-year renewal options, would bear a floating interest rate at 285 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate, and would be secured by the Rotunda property. The loan is subject to Aareal’s satisfaction with its due diligence reviews and the ultimate amount of the loan will be dependent upon the value of the Rotunda property as determined by an independent appraiser. Although Grande Rotunda, LLC expects that the Aareal loan will close in January 2018, there can be no assurance this loan will close. In the event that the Aareal loan does not close and Wells Fargo does not grant an extension of the existing construction loan beyond the current maturity date of February 28, 2018, Grande Rotunda, LLC would be at risk of defaulting under the Wells Fargo loan, which could result in Wells Fargo exercising its remedies under the loan including foreclosure of the property. As a guarantor of the Wells Fargo loan, FREIT would be responsible for 25% of the loan balance (approximately $29 million), in the event that Grande Rotunda, LLC defaults under the loan. (See Notes 4 and 8 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.)

The Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland (owned by Grande Rotunda, LLC) is an 11.5 acre site containing a building with approximately 135,000 sq. ft. of office space and approximately 84,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the building. In September 2013, FREIT began construction to redevelop and expand this property and, with the exception of retail tenant improvements, the redevelopment was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. The redevelopment and expansion plans included a modernization of the office building and smaller adjacent buildings, construction of 379 residential apartment rental units (referred to as “Icon”), an additional 75,000 square feet of new retail space, and 864 above level parking spaces. As of October 31, 2017, the residential section is approximately 84.7% leased and the retail space is approximately 75.9% leased.  FREIT expects Rotunda’s operations to stabilize in late 2018 to early 2019.  See “Item 1a-(i) (a)” under the caption Fiscal Year 2017 Developments for details on the financing of this project.

On June 12, 2017, FREIT sold its Hammel Gardens property, a residential property located in Maywood, New Jersey, for a sales price of $17 million. The sale of this property, which had a carrying value of approximately $0.7 million, resulted in a capital gain of approximately $15.4 million net of sales fees and commissions.  As a result of this sale, FREIT incurred a loan prepayment cost of approximately $1.1 million and paid off the related mortgage on the Hammel Gardens property in the amount of approximately $8 million from the proceeds of the sale.  FREIT has structured this sale in a manner that qualifies it as a like-kind exchange of real estate pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The 1031 Exchange transaction resulted in a deferral for income tax purposes of the $15.4 million capital gain. The net proceeds from this sale, which were approximately $7 million, were held in escrow until a replacement property was

purchased. A replacement property related to this like-kind exchange was acquired on December 7, 2017, and the sale proceeds held in escrow were applied to the purchase price of such property (see Notes 2 and 17 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements for further details).

FREIT has two reportable segments: Commercial Properties and Residential Properties. These reportable segments have different types of tenants and are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies and management expertise. Segment information for the three years ended October 31, 2017 is included in Note 13 “Segment Information” to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

FREIT was founded and organized for the principal purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a portfolio of diverse income producing real estate properties. FREIT’s developed properties include residential apartment communities and commercial properties that consist of multi and single tenanted properties. Our properties are located in New Jersey, Maryland and New York. We also currently own approximately 7.37 acres of unimproved land in New Jersey. See Item 2, “Properties - Portfolio of Investments.” 

FREIT elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. FREIT operates in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT in order to take advantage of certain favorable tax aspects of the REIT structure. Generally, a REIT will not be subject to federal income taxes on that portion of its ordinary income or capital gain that is currently distributed to its equity holders.

As an equity REIT, we generally acquire interests in income producing properties to be held as long-term investments. FREIT’s return on such investments is based on the income generated by such properties mainly in the form of rents.

From time to time, FREIT has sold, and may sell again in the future, certain of its properties in order to (i) obtain capital used or to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which FREIT has determined or determines are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.

We do not hold any patents, registered trademarks, or licenses. 

Portfolio of Real Estate Investments

At October 31, 2017, FREIT’s real estate holdings included (i) seven (7) apartment buildings or complexes containing a total of 1,392 rentable units after giving effect to the sale of a property on June 12, 2017 (See Item 1- a(iii) – “Planned Dispositions and Acquisitions”), (ii) nine (9) commercial properties (retail and office) containing a total of approximately 1,343,000 square feet of leasable space, including one (1) single tenant store – (a building located in Patchogue, New York formerly occupied as a supermarket), one (1) one-acre parcel subject to a ground lease, and (iii) three (3) parcels of undeveloped land consisting of approximately 7.37 acres in total. FREIT and its subsidiaries own all such properties in fee simple. See Item 2, “Properties - Portfolio of Investments” of this Annual Report for a description of FREIT’s separate investment properties and certain other pertinent information with respect to such properties that is relevant to FREIT’s business.

Investment in Subsidiaries 

The consolidated financial statements (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K) include the accounts of the following subsidiaries of FREIT:

Westwood Hills, LLC (“Westwood Hills”): FREIT owns a 40% membership interest in Westwood Hills, which owns and operates a 210-unit residential apartment complex in Westwood, New Jersey.

Wayne PSC, LLC (“Wayne PSC”): FREIT owns a 40% membership interest in Wayne PSC, which owns a 322,000 square foot community shopping center in Wayne, New Jersey.

S And A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S And A”): S And A owns a 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC, which owns a 266-unit residential apartment complex in Hackensack, New Jersey. FREIT owns a 65% partnership interest in S And A.

Grande Rotunda, LLC: FREIT owns a 60% membership interest in Grande Rotunda, which owns a 294,000 square foot mixed use property (office and retail) and a 379-unit residential apartment complex in Baltimore, Maryland that has substantially completed a major redevelopment and expansion project at the property in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016.

Damascus Centre, LLC: FREIT owns a 70% membership interest in Damascus Centre, LLC which owns a 144,000 square foot shopping center in Damascus, Maryland.

WestFREIT, Corp: FREIT owns a 100% membership interest in WestFREIT, Corp., which owns Westridge Square, a 253,000 square foot shopping center in Frederick, Maryland.

FREIT Regency, LLC: FREIT owns a 100% membership interest in FREIT Regency, LLC, which owns a 132-unit residential apartment complex located in Middletown, New York.

Employees

On October 31, 2017, FREIT and its subsidiaries had twenty-eight (28) full-time employees and eleven (11) part-time employees who work solely at the properties owned by FREIT or its subsidiaries. The number of part-time employees varies seasonally.

Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Barney, President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and John A. Aiello, Esq., Secretary and Executive Secretary, are the executive officers of FREIT. Mr. Hekemian devotes approximately seventy percent (70%) of his business activities to FREIT, Mr. Barney devotes approximately fifteen percent (15%) of his business activities to FREIT, and Mr. Aiello devotes approximately ten percent (10%) of his business activities to FREIT. Refer to “Item 10 – Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.” Hekemian & Co., Inc. has been retained by FREIT to manage FREIT’s properties and is responsible for recruiting, on behalf of FREIT, the personnel required to perform all services related to the operation of FREIT’s properties. See “Management Agreement” below. 

Management Agreement

On April 10, 2002, FREIT and Hekemian & Co. Inc. (“Hekemian”) executed a Management Agreement whereby Hekemian would continue as Managing Agent for FREIT. The term of the Management Agreement was renewed on November 1, 2017 for a two-year term which will expire on October 31, 2019. The Management Agreement automatically renews for successive periods of two years unless either party gives not less than six (6) months prior notice to the other of non-renewal. 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. However, FREIT may retain other managing agents to manage properties acquired after April 10, 2002 and to perform various other duties such as sales, acquisitions, and development with respect to any or all properties. Hekemian does not serve as the exclusive property acquisition advisor to FREIT and is not required to offer potential acquisition properties exclusively to FREIT before acquiring those properties for its own account. The Management Agreement includes a detailed schedule of fees for those services, which Hekemian may be called upon to perform. The Management Agreement provides for a termination fee in the event of a termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement under certain circumstances.

Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, FREIT pays Hekemian certain fees and commissions as compensation for its services. From time to time, FREIT engages Hekemian to provide certain additional services, such as consulting services related to development, property sales and financing activities of FREIT. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between Hekemian and FREIT with respect to such additional services. In Fiscal 2007, FREIT’s Board of Trustees approved and FREIT executed a development fee agreement for the Rotunda redevelopment project for the development services to be provided by Hekemian Development Resources, LLC (“Resources”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hekemian. The development fee agreement, as amended, for the Rotunda provides for Resources to receive a fee equal to 6.375% of the development costs as defined in the development agreement, less the amount of $3 million previously paid to Hekemian for the Rotunda project. In addition, the Board approved the payment of a fee to Resources in the amount of $1.4 million in connection with the revision to the scope of the Rotunda development project. The fee will be paid to Resources upon the following terms: (i) $500,000 of the $1.4 million will be paid on a monthly basis during the design phase (the $500,000 was paid in Fiscal 2013); and (ii) $900,000 of the $1.4 million will be paid upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the multi-family portion of the project (the $900,000 portion that has not yet been paid is included in accounts payable on FREIT’s consolidated balance sheets at October 31, 2017 and 2016). The minority ownership interest of Grande Rotunda, LLC is owned by Rotunda 100, LLC, which is principally owned by employees of Hekemian, including certain members of the immediate family of Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., a Trustee of FREIT, and the members of the Hekemian family have majority management control of this entity. (See Note 8 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.)

Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a Trustee of FREIT, is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian. Mr. Hekemian owns approximately 0.2% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hekemian. Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., a Trustee of FREIT, is the President of Hekemian, and owns approximately 33.3% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hekemian.

Real Estate Financing

FREIT funds acquisition opportunities and the development of its real estate properties largely through debt financing, including mortgage loans against certain of its properties. At October 31, 2017, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $323.4 million, which bears a weighted average interest rate of 4.25% and an average life of 3.8 years. FREIT has mortgage loans against certain properties which serve as collateral for such loans. See the tables in Item 2, “Properties - Portfolio of Investments” for the outstanding mortgage balances at October 31, 2017 with respect to each of these properties.

FREIT is highly leveraged and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. This level of indebtedness results in increased debt service requirements that could adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of FREIT. A number of

FREIT’s mortgage loans are being amortized over a period that is longer than the terms of such loans; thereby requiring balloon payments at the expiration of the terms of such loans. FREIT has not established a cash reserve sinking fund with respect to such obligations and at this time does not expect to have sufficient funds from operations to make such balloon payments when due under the terms of such loans. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under Item 7.

FREIT is subject to the normal risks associated with debt financing, including the risk that FREIT’s cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; the risk that indebtedness on its properties will not be able to be renewed, repaid or refinanced when due; or that the terms of any renewal or refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the indebtedness being replaced. If FREIT were unable to refinance its indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, FREIT might be forced to dispose of one or more of its properties on disadvantageous terms which might result in losses to FREIT. These losses could have a material adverse effect on FREIT and its ability to make distributions to shareholders and to pay amounts due on its debt. If a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and FREIT is unable to meet mortgage payments, the mortgagee could foreclose upon the property, appoint a receiver and receive an assignment of rents and leases or pursue other remedies, all with a consequent loss of revenues and asset value to FREIT. Further, payment obligations on FREIT’s mortgage loans will not be reduced if there is a decline in the economic performance of any of FREIT’s properties. If any such decline in economic performance occurs, FREIT’s revenues, earnings, and funds available for distribution to shareholders would be adversely affected.

Neither FREIT’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended, nor any policy statement formally adopted by the Board limits either the total amount of indebtedness or the specified percentage of indebtedness (based on the total capitalization of FREIT), which may be incurred by FREIT. Accordingly, FREIT may incur additional secured or unsecured indebtedness in the future in furtherance of its business activities, including, if or when necessary, to refinance its existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT could bear interest at rates which are higher than the rates on FREIT’s existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT could also bear interest at a variable rate. Increases in interest rates would increase FREIT’s variable interest costs (to the extent that the related indebtedness was not protected by interest rate protection arrangements), which could have a material adverse effect on FREIT and its ability to make distributions to shareholders and to pay amounts due on its debt or cause FREIT to be in default under its debt. Further, in the future, FREIT may not be able to, or may determine that it is not able to, obtain financing for property acquisitions or for capital expenditures to develop or improve its properties on terms which are acceptable to FREIT. In such event, FREIT might elect to defer certain projects unless alternative sources of capital were available, such as through an equity or debt offering by FREIT.

Grande Rotunda, LLC is in the process of negotiating new loan documents with Aareal Capital Corporation (“Aareal”) to refinance the existing Rotunda construction loan from Wells Fargo. Aareal has provided a term sheet to Grande Rotunda, LLC to provide $121.9 million in financing that would be used to repay the existing Wells Fargo construction loan, provide an additional $3.4 million for retail tenant improvements and leasing costs, and fund loan closing costs. The Aareal loan would have an initial term of two years and two one-year renewal options, would bear a floating interest rate at 285 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate, and would be secured by the Rotunda property. The loan is subject to Aareal’s satisfaction with its due diligence reviews and the ultimate amount of the loan will be dependent upon the value of the Rotunda property as determined by an independent appraiser. Although Grande Rotunda, LLC expects that the Aareal loan will close in January 2018, there can be no assurance this loan will close. In the event that the Aareal loan does not close and Wells Fargo does not grant an extension of the existing construction loan beyond the current maturity date of February 28, 2018, Grande Rotunda, LLC would be at risk of defaulting under the Wells Fargo loan, which could result in Wells Fargo exercising its remedies under the loan including foreclosure of the property. As a guarantor of the Wells Fargo loan, FREIT would be responsible for 25% of the loan balance (approximately $29 million), in the event that Grande Rotunda, LLC defaults under the loan.

Competitive Conditions

FREIT is subject to normal competition with other investors to acquire real property and to profitably manage such property. Numerous other REITs, banks, insurance companies and pension funds, as well as corporate and individual developers and owners of real estate, compete with FREIT in seeking properties for acquisition and for tenants. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than FREIT.

In addition, retailers at FREIT's commercial properties face increasing competition from discount shopping centers, outlet malls, sales through catalogue offerings, discount shopping clubs, marketing and shopping through cable and computer sources, particularly over the internet, and telemarketing. In many markets, the trade areas of FREIT's commercial properties overlap with the trade areas of other shopping centers. Renovations and expansions at those competing shopping centers and malls could negatively affect FREIT's commercial properties by encouraging shoppers to make their purchases at such new, expanded or renovated shopping centers and malls. Increased competition through these various sources could adversely affect the viability of FREIT's tenants, and any new commercial real estate competition developed in the future could potentially have an adverse effect on the revenues of and earnings from FREIT's commercial properties.

The revenues and value of FREIT’s commercial and residential apartment properties may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including, without limitation, the national economic climate; the regional economic climate (which may be

adversely affected by plant closings, industry slow-downs and other local business factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail space or apartment units); perceptions by retailers or shoppers of the security, safety, convenience and attractiveness of a shopping center; perception by residential tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of an apartment building or complex; the proximity and the number of competing shopping centers and apartment complexes; the availability of recreational and other amenities and the willingness and ability of the owner to provide capable management and adequate maintenance. In addition, other factors may adversely affect the fair market value of a commercial property or apartment building or complex without necessarily affecting the revenues, including changes in government regulations (such as limitations on development or on hours of operation) changes in tax laws or rates, and potential environmental or other legal liabilities.

FREIT believes that its revenues and earnings, its ability to meet its debt obligations, and its funds available for distribution to shareholders would be adversely affected if space in FREIT's multi-store shopping center properties could not be leased or if anchor store tenants or satellite tenants failed to meet their lease obligations.

The success of FREIT's investment in its shopping center properties is largely dependent upon the success of its tenants. Unfavorable economic, demographic, or competitive conditions may adversely affect the financial condition of tenants and consequently the lease revenues from and the value of FREIT's investments in its shopping center properties. If the sales of stores operating in FREIT's shopping center properties were to decline due to deteriorating economic conditions, the tenants may be unable to pay their base rents or meet other lease charges and fees due to FREIT. In addition, any lease provisions providing for additional rent based on a percentage of sales would not be operative in this economic environment. In the event of default by a tenant, FREIT could suffer a loss of rent and experience extraordinary delays while incurring additional costs in enforcing its rights under the lease, which FREIT may not be able to recapture.

As at October 31, 2017, the following table lists the ten (10) largest commercial tenants, which account for approximately 50.3% of FREIT’s leased commercial rental space and 33.9% of fixed commercial rents.

There is no assurance that we will be able to retain tenants at our commercial properties upon expiration of their leases. Upon expiration or termination of leases for space located in FREIT's commercial properties, the premises may not be relet or the terms of reletting (including the cost of concessions to tenants) may not be as favorable as lease terms for the terminated lease. If FREIT were unable to promptly relet all or a substantial portion of this space or if the rental rates upon such reletting were significantly lower than current or expected rates, FREIT's revenues and earnings, FREIT’s ability to service its debt, and FREIT’s ability to make distributions to its shareholders, could be adversely affected.

FREIT owns and operates an 87,661 square foot shopping center located in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, the anchor tenant of which is The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, LLC (“Stop & Shop”). On July 26, 2017, Stop & Shop entered into a lease modification with FREIT whereby the tenant exercised its option to renew the lease for a ten year period with a right of the tenant to terminate the lease at any time during the fifth year if the store does not meet certain sales volume levels set forth in the modification. This lease modification, which provides for a $250,000 reduction in annual rent, has adversely affected and will adversely affect FREIT’s future operating results. (See Note 16 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.)

On January 4, 2017, Macy’s, Inc. announced its intention to close several of its department stores across the United States, including the approximately 81,160 square foot Macy’s anchor store located at the Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne, New Jersey. Wayne PSC, a 40% owned consolidated affiliate of FREIT, owns and operates this shopping center in which Macy’s operated its store under a long-term lease and was paying annual rent of approximately $234,000 ($2.88 per square foot) with no future rent escalations for the remaining term and option periods of the lease. On April 25, 2017, Wayne PSC announced it had agreed to a termination of Macy’s lease effective as of April 15, 2017. To terminate the lease and take possession of the space, Wayne PSC paid Macy’s a termination fee of $620,000, which has been fully expensed in the second quarter of Fiscal 2017. Wayne PSC expects to re-position this space and re-lease it to a new tenant (or multiple tenants) at market rents, which

are currently higher than the rent provided for under the terminated Macy’s lease. FREIT will lose total consolidated annual rental income, including reimbursements, of approximately $0.2 million until such time as the space is fully re-leased. FREIT anticipates increased revenue from the space when it is fully re-leased. (See Note 16 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.)

The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company and its affiliates, including Pathmark Stores, Inc. (“A&P”), filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code as disclosed in the bankruptcy filings and Pathmark’s lease at FREIT’s Patchogue, New York property was rejected as of December 31, 2015. FREIT recorded an expense in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2015 of $1,046,000 ($0.15 per share basic and diluted) for provision for loss related to the straight line rent receivable for Pathmark. The provision had no impact on cash flow but it did have an impact on funds from operations. As a result of the lease having been rejected, FREIT is losing annual rents of approximately $1.4 million until the store is re-leased. (See Note 15 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.)

On February 3, 2012, Grande Rotunda, LLC, entered into a lease termination agreement (“Agreement”) with Giant of Maryland, LLC (“Giant”), the tenant and operator of the 35,994 sq. ft. Giant supermarket at the Rotunda. Under the terms of the Agreement, Giant agreed to (i) waive its right to extend the term of the lease through March 31, 2035, (ii) terminate the lease and surrender the premises to Grande Rotunda, LLC no later than the earlier of commencement of the redevelopment of the property or March 31, 2015, and (iii) notwithstanding any earlier termination date, continue to pay monthly fixed rent payments plus its share of common area maintenance charges and taxes for the Rotunda property through March 31, 2015. Grande Rotunda, LLC has agreed (i) not to lease more than 20,000 sq. ft. of any space in the property for use as a food supermarket through March 31, 2035, and (ii) if Grande Rotunda, LLC decides to lease such space for use as a food supermarket, it must first offer Giant the space for the same use under terms acceptable to Grande Rotunda, LLC and Giant will have thirty days to accept the offer before the space may be leased to a third party. In November 2013, FREIT entered into a lease agreement with Mom’s Organic Market Inc., for approximately 14,300 square feet which was subsequently expanded in March 2014 by approximately 3,250 square feet. In accordance with the agreement Grande Rotunda, LLC has with Giant, Grande Rotunda, LLC first offered the lease of this space to Giant which declined the offer.

During Fiscal 2011, FREIT was notified by Giant, the former tenant and operator of the 55,330 sq. ft. supermarket at the Westridge Square shopping center, that it would not extend the term of its lease, which expired on October 31, 2011. On July 27, 2012, FREIT signed a lease agreement with G-Mart Frederick, Inc., the operator of an international grocery store chain (“G-Mart”), for a significant portion (40,000 square feet) of the space previously occupied by Giant. G-Mart opened for business at the center in September 2013. However, effective November 1, 2014, G-Mart notified FREIT that it had vacated its space at the Westridge Square shopping center and would be terminating its lease. A new lease for this 40,000 square foot space was signed by H-Mart, an international grocery store chain, in November 2014 and subsequently H-Mart expanded its space by an additional 15,300 square feet. H-Mart opened in May 2017 and has been paying rent since May 2015. All of the tenant improvements related to G-Mart were utilized for H-Mart.

There were no other material lease expirations during Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016. There are no additional material lease expirations expected during Fiscal 2018.

Equity real estate investments are relatively illiquid. Accordingly, the ability of FREIT to vary its portfolio in response to changing economic, market or other conditions is limited. Also, FREIT's interests in its partially owned subsidiaries are subject to transfer constraints imposed by the operating agreements which govern FREIT’s investment in these partially owned subsidiaries. Even without such restrictions on the transfer of its interests, FREIT believes that there would be a limited market for its interests in these partially owned subsidiaries.

If FREIT had to liquidate all or substantially all of its real estate holdings, the value of such assets would likely be diminished if a sale were required to be completed in a limited time frame. The proceeds to FREIT from any such sale of the assets in FREIT’s real estate portfolio might be less than the fair market value of those assets.

Impact of Governmental Laws and Regulations on Registrant's Business

FREIT’s properties are subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including those relating to the environment and local rent control and zoning ordinances.

Both federal and state governments are concerned with the impact of real estate construction and development programs upon the environment. Environmental legislation affects the cost of selling real estate, the cost to develop real estate, and the risks associated with purchasing real estate.

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under such property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property). Such laws often impose such liability without regard to

whether the owners knew of, or were responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances. Such liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of any operator of, or tenant at, the property. The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal injury or property damages and the property owner's liability for same could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. If FREIT incurred any such liability, it could reduce FREIT's revenues and ability to make distributions to its shareholders.

A property can also be negatively impacted by either physical contamination or by virtue of an adverse effect upon value attributable to the migration of hazardous or toxic substances, or other contaminants that have or may have emanated from other properties.

At this time, FREIT is aware of the following environmental matters affecting its properties:

This property is in a Flood Hazard Zone. FREIT maintains flood insurance in the amount of $500,000 for the subject property, which is the maximum available under the Flood Program for the property. Any reconstruction of that portion of the property situated in the flood hazard zone is subject to regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP"), which could require extraordinary construction methods.

The redeveloped Franklin Crossing shopping center was completed during the summer of 1997. Also in 1997, a historical discharge of hazardous materials was discovered at Franklin Crossing. The discharge was reported to the NJDEP in accordance with applicable regulations. FREIT completed the remediation required by the NJDEP.

In November 1999, FREIT received a No Further Action Letter from the NJDEP concerning the contaminated soil at Franklin Crossing. Monitoring of the groundwater will continue pursuant to a memorandum of agreement filed with the NJDEP.

Prior to its purchase, in November 2002 by Wayne PSC, a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessment of the Preakness shopping center revealed soil and ground water contamination with Percloroethylene (Dry Cleaning Fluid) caused by the mishandling of this chemical by a former dry cleaner tenant. The seller of the center to Wayne PSC has paid for and completed all required remediation work in accordance with the NJDEP standards, and this matter is now closed.

a) The State of New Jersey has adopted an underground fuel storage tank law and various regulations with respect to underground storage tanks.

FREIT no longer has underground storage tanks on any of its properties.

In prior years, FREIT conducted environmental audits for all of its properties except for its undeveloped land and retail properties in Franklin Lakes (Franklin Crossing) and Glen Rock, New Jersey. Except for the Preakness Shopping center in Wayne, New Jersey which has been remediated by the seller, the environmental reports secured by FREIT have not revealed any environmental conditions on its properties which require remediation pursuant to any applicable federal or state law or regulation.

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

FREIT does not believe that the environmental conditions described in subparagraphs (i) - (iv) above will have a material adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, revenues, earnings, financial condition or competitive position of FREIT.

Each of the apartment buildings or complexes owned by FREIT is subject to some form of rent control ordinance which limits the amount by which FREIT can increase the rent for renewed leases, and in some cases, limits the amount of rent which FREIT can charge for vacated units, except for Westwood Hills, The Boulders at Rockaway, Station Place and Icon which are not subject to any rent control law or regulation.

Local zoning ordinances may prevent FREIT from renovating, expanding or converting its existing properties for their highest and best use as determined by the Board.

FREIT does not engage in operations in foreign countries and it does not derive any portion of its revenues from customers in foreign countries.

Almost all of FREIT’s income and cash flow are derived from the net rental income (revenues after expenses) from our properties. FREIT’s business and financial results are affected by the following fundamental factors:

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

Adverse Changes in General Economic Climate: FREIT derives the majority of its revenues from renting apartments to individuals or families, and from retailers renting space at its shopping centers. The improvement in the U.S. economy has been uneven, but trending data seem to indicate the recovery has finally gained traction. The following U.S. developments and factors are positive: (a) the improvement in the housing market is expected to continue and drag along ancillary services; (b) falling energy prices helping keep inflation low; (c) increasing consumer confidence should continue to push spending modestly higher; (d) private sector employment is expected to continue to grow steadily; and (e) credit availability has improved. These factors should aid economic growth in the United States. However, there are factors that can be a drag on long-term economic growth, including, without limitation: (i) continued political gridlock in the federal government; (ii) regulatory uncertainties; (iii) continued infrastructure deterioration; (iv) a dramatic international crisis; (v) increasing concerns regarding terrorism; and (vi) rising healthcare costs.

FREIT receives a substantial portion of its operating income as rent under long-term leases with commercial tenants. At any time, any of our commercial tenants could experience a downturn in its business that might weaken its financial condition. These tenants might defer or fail to make rental payments when due, delay lease commencement, voluntarily vacate the premises or declare bankruptcy, which could result in the termination of the tenant’s lease, and could result in material losses to us and harm to our results of operations. Also, it might take time to terminate leases of underperforming or nonperforming tenants and FREIT might incur costs to remove such tenants. Also, if tenants are unable to comply with the terms of its leases, FREIT might modify lease terms in ways that are less favorable to FREIT.

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

Costs of re-renting space: If tenants fail to renew leases, fail to exercise renewal options, or terminate their leases early, the lost rents due to vacancy and the costs of re-renting the space could prove costly to FREIT. In addition to cleaning and renovating the vacated space, we may be required to grant concessions to a new tenant, and may incur leasing brokerage commissions. The lease terms to a new tenant may be less favorable than the prior tenant’s lease terms, and will negatively impact FREIT’s income and cash flow and adversely affect FREIT’s ability to pay mortgage debt and interest or make distributions to its shareholders. A&P filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code as disclosed in the bankruptcy filings and Pathmark’s lease at FREIT’s Patchogue, New York property was rejected as of December 31, 2015. FREIT recorded an expense in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2015 of $1,046,000 ($0.15 per share basic and diluted) for provision for loss related to the straight line rent receivable for Pathmark. The provision had no impact on cash flow but did have an impact on funds from operations. As a result of the lease having been rejected, FREIT is losing annual rents of approximately $1.4 million until the store is re-leased. See “Renewal of Leases and Reletting of Space” under Item 1 and “Results of Operations – Segment Information – Commercial Segment” under Item 7 for further information.

On April 25, 2017, Wayne PSC announced it had agreed to a termination of Macy’s lease effective as of April 15, 2017. To terminate the lease and take possession of the space, Wayne PSC paid Macy’s a termination fee of $620,000, which has been fully expensed in the second quarter of Fiscal 2017. Wayne PSC expects to re-position this space and re-lease it to a new tenant (or multiple tenants) at market rents, which are currently higher than the rent provided for under the terminated Macy’s lease. FREIT will lose total consolidated annual rental income, including reimbursements, of approximately $0.2 million until such time as the space is fully re-leased. FREIT anticipates increased revenue from the space when it is fully re-leased. See “Renewal of Leases and Reletting of Space” under Item 1 and “Results of Operations – Segment Information – Commercial Segment” under Item 7 for further information.

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

Development and construction risks: As part of its investment strategy, FREIT seeks to acquire property for development and construction, as well as to develop and build on land already in its portfolio. FREIT has recently substantially completed a major redevelopment and expansion project, with the exception of retail tenant improvements, at the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland. Development and construction activities are challenged with the following risks, which may adversely affect FREIT’s cash flow:

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

As of October 31, 2017, FREIT had approximately $181.8 million of non-recourse mortgage debt subject to fixed interest rates, and approximately $141.7 million of variable interest rate debt of which $115.3 million related to outstanding draws on the Grande Rotunda, LLC construction loan and $3.1 million related to outstanding draws on FREIT’s line of credit. These mortgages are being repaid over periods (amortization schedules) that are longer than the terms of the mortgages. Accordingly, when the mortgages become due (at various times), significant balloon payments (the unpaid principal amounts) will be required. FREIT expects to refinance the individual mortgages with new mortgages when their terms expire. To this extent FREIT has exposure to capital availability and interest rate risk. If interest rates, at the time any individual mortgage note is due, are higher than the current fixed interest rate, higher debt service may be required and/or refinancing proceeds may be less than the amount of the mortgage debt being retired. To the extent FREIT is unable to refinance its indebtedness on acceptable terms, FREIT may need to dispose of one or more of its properties upon disadvantageous terms.

FREIT’s revolving $13 million credit line (of which $9.9 million was available as of October 31, 2017), and the Grande Rotunda, LLC construction loan, which was entered into on December 9, 2013, contain financial covenants that could restrict FREIT’s acquisition activities and result in a default on these loans if FREIT fails to satisfy these covenants.

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

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

Real estate is a competitive business: FREIT is subject to normal competition with other investors to acquire real property and to profitably manage such property. Numerous other REITs, banks, insurance companies and pension funds, as well as corporate and individual developers and owners of real estate, compete with FREIT in seeking properties for acquisition and for tenants. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than FREIT. In addition, retailers at FREIT's commercial properties face increasing competition from discount shopping centers, outlet malls, sales through catalogue offerings, discount shopping clubs, marketing and shopping through cable and computer sources, particularly over

the internet, and telemarketing. In many markets, the trade areas of FREIT's commercial properties overlap with the trade areas of other shopping centers. Renovations and expansions at those competing shopping centers and malls could negatively affect FREIT's commercial properties by encouraging shoppers to make their purchases at such new, expanded or renovated shopping centers and malls. Increased competition through these various sources could adversely affect the viability of FREIT's tenants, and any new commercial real estate competition developed in the future could potentially have an adverse effect on the revenues of and earnings from FREIT's commercial properties.

FREIT also faces competition with respect to its residential properties based on a variety of factors, including perception by residential tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of an apartment building or complex; the proximity and the number of competing shopping centers and apartment complexes; the availability of recreational and other amenities and the willingness and ability of the owner to provide capable management and adequate maintenance. Certain of these factors, such as the availability of amenities in the area surrounding a residential property, are not within FREIT’s control.

Illiquidity of real estate investment: Real estate investments are relatively difficult to buy and sell quickly. Accordingly, the ability of FREIT to vary its portfolio in response to changing economic, market or other conditions is limited. Also, FREIT’s interests in its partially owned subsidiaries are subject to transfer constraints by the operating agreements that govern FREIT’s investment in these partially owned subsidiaries.

Environmental problems may be costly: Both federal and state governments are concerned with the impact of real estate construction and development programs upon the environment. Environmental legislation affects the cost of selling real estate, the cost to develop real estate, and the risks associated with purchasing real estate.

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under such property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property). Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owners knew of, or were responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances. Such liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of any operator of, or tenant at the property. The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal injury or property damages and the property owner's liability for same could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. If FREIT incurred any such liability, it could reduce FREIT's revenues and ability to make distributions to its shareholders. In prior years, FREIT conducted environmental audits for all of its properties except for its undeveloped land and retail properties in Franklin Lakes (Franklin Crossing) and Glen Rock, New Jersey. Except for the Preakness Shopping center in Wayne, New Jersey which has been remediated by the seller, the environmental reports secured by FREIT have not revealed any environmental conditions on its properties which require remediation pursuant to any applicable federal or state law or regulations.

A property can also be negatively impacted by either physical contamination or by virtue of an adverse effect upon value attributable to the migration of hazardous or toxic substances, or other contaminants that have or may have emanated from other properties.

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

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

None.

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

* Average annualized rent per sq. ft. includes the impact of straight-line rent escalations and the amortization of rent concessions and abatements.

Supplemental Segment Information:

Land Under Development and Vacant Land as of October 31, 2017:

FREIT believes that it has a diversified portfolio of residential and commercial properties. FREIT does not derive 10% or greater of its revenue from any single lease agreement.

In Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, none of FREIT’s properties accounted for over 15% of FREIT’s total consolidated revenue. In Fiscal 2015, FREIT had one (1) property that accounted for over 15% of FREIT’s total consolidated revenue: within FREIT’s residential segment, Pierre Towers in Hackensack, New Jersey accounted for 15.2% of total consolidated revenue in Fiscal 2015.

Although FREIT’s general investment policy is to hold properties as long-term investments, FREIT could selectively sell certain properties if it determines that any such sale is in FREIT’s and its shareholders’ best interests. See “Business-Planned Disposition” under Item 1 above. With respect to FREIT’s future acquisition and development activities, FREIT will evaluate various real estate opportunities, which FREIT believes would increase FREIT’s revenues and earnings, as well as complement and increase the overall value of FREIT’s existing investment portfolio.

Except for a building formerly occupied as a supermarket located in Patchogue, New York and the TD Bank branch located in Rockaway, New Jersey, all of FREIT’s and its subsidiaries’ commercial properties have multiple tenants.

FREIT and its subsidiaries’ commercial properties have sixteen (16) anchor/major tenants, which account for approximately 59.4% of the space leased. The balance of the space is leased to one hundred fifty-six (156) satellite and office tenants. The following table lists the anchor / major tenants at each center and the number of satellite tenants:

(1) On April 25, 2017, Wayne PSC announced it had agreed to a termination of Macy’s lease for the 81,160 square foot Macy’s store at the Preakness Shopping Center, effective as of April 15, 2017.  To terminate the lease and take possession of the space, Wayne PSC paid Macy’s a termination fee of $620,000.  Wayne PSC expects to re-position this space and re-lease to a new tenant (or multiple tenants) at market rents, which are currently higher than the rent provided for under the terminated Macy’s lease. See “Renewal of Leases and Reletting of Space” and “Results of Operations – Segment Information – Commercial Segment” under Item 7 for further information.  See also Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2) FREIT has a 40% interest in this property.

(3) FREIT has a 70% interest in this property.

(4) FREIT has a 60% interest in this property. A major redevelopment and expansion project was substantially completed in the third quarter of  Fiscal 2016, which included modernization of the office building containing 135,000 sq. ft. of office space and approximately 84,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the building and an additional 75,000 square feet of new retail space.

(5) A&P filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code as disclosed in the bankruptcy filings and Pathmark’s lease at FREIT’s Patchogue, New York property was rejected as of December 31, 2015.   See “Renewal of Leases and Reletting of Space” and “Results of Operations – Segment Information – Commercial Segment” under Item 7 for further information.  See also Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.    

With respect to most of FREIT’s commercial properties, lease terms range from five (5) years to twenty-five (25) years with options, which if exercised would extend the terms of such leases. The lease agreements generally provide for reimbursement of real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties. During the last three (3) completed fiscal years, occupancy at FREIT’s commercial properties averaged 75.6%, which represents the actual “physical” occupancy rate (based upon possession and use of leased space). The lower average occupancy level is attributed to the additional approximately 75,000 square feet of leasable space at the Rotunda as a result of the major redevelopment and expansion project at the Rotunda which was completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016 and Macy’s vacating its space at the Preakness Shopping Center located in Wayne, New Jersey in April 2017.

Leases for FREIT’s apartment buildings and complexes are usually one to two years in duration. Even though the residential units are leased on a short-term basis, FREIT has averaged, during the last three (3) completed fiscal years, a 74.7% occupancy rate with respect to FREIT’s available apartment units. The lower average occupancy level is attributed to the continued lease-up at the Icon as a result of the major redevelopment and expansion project at the Rotunda which was completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016.

FREIT does not believe that any seasonal factors materially affect FREIT’s business operations and the leasing of its commercial and apartment properties.

FREIT believes that its properties are covered by adequate fire and property insurance provided by reputable companies and with commercially reasonable deductibles and limits. 

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

Not applicable.

PART II

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Beneficial interests in FREIT are represented by shares without par value (the “Shares”). The Shares represent FREIT’s only authorized issued and outstanding class of equity. As of January 12, 2018, there were approximately 500 holders of record of the Shares.

The Shares are traded in the over-the-counter market through use of the OTC Bulletin Board Service (the “OTC Bulletin Board”) provided by FINRA, Inc. FREIT does not believe that an active United States public trading market exists for the Shares since historically only small volumes of the Shares are traded on a sporadic basis. The following table sets forth, at the end of the periods indicated, the Bid and Asked quotations for the Shares on the OTC Bulletin Board.

The bid quotations set forth above for the Shares reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The source of the bid and asked quotations is Bloomberg.

Dividends

The holders of Shares are entitled to receive distributions as may be declared by the Board. Dividends may be declared from time to time by the Board and may be paid in cash, property, or Shares. The Board’s present policy is to distribute annually at least ninety percent (90%) of FREIT’s REIT taxable income as dividends to the holders of Shares in order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Distributions are made on a quarterly basis. In Fiscal 2017, FREIT paid a dividend of $0.15 per share for the first quarter, and did not pay any dividends for the balance of the fiscal year. For Fiscal 2016 and the prior three (3) years, FREIT has paid an annual dividend of at least $1.20 per share.

See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Distributions to Shareholders.”

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

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

The selected consolidated financial data for FREIT for each of the five (5) fiscal years in the period ended October 31, 2017 are derived from financial statements herein or previously filed financial statements. This data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report and with FREIT’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. 

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. FREIT’s revenues consist primarily of rental income and other related revenues from its residential and commercial properties and additional rent in the form of expense reimbursements derived from operating commercial properties. FREIT’s properties are primarily located in northern New Jersey, Maryland and New York. FREIT acquires existing properties for investment and properties that FREIT believes have redevelopment potential through changes and capital improvements to these properties. FREIT develops and constructs properties on its vacant land. FREIT’s policy is to acquire and develop real property for long-term investment.

The economic and financial environment: The U.S. economy grew throughout the year reaching an average annualized rate of 3% in the third quarter of 2017. Employment remains healthy and real income grew at a solid pace further driving the Federal Reserve to increase lending rates. If the U.S. economy continues to improve, the Federal Reserve may continue to increase lending rates which may affect refinancing of mortgages coming due in the short-term.

Residential Properties: FREIT has aggressively increased rental rates on its stabilized properties. As a result, FREIT’s rental rates continue to show year-over-year increases. FREIT expects increases in rental rates to taper; however, the increased rental rates that are in place should positively impact future revenues.

Commercial Properties: There continues to be uncertainty in the retail environment that could have an adverse impact on FREIT’s retail tenants, which could have an adverse impact on FREIT.

Development Projects and Capital Expenditures: FREIT continues 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 retail tenant improvements, the redevelopment was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. As of October 31, 2017, the residential section is approximately 84.7% leased and the retail space is approximately 75.9% leased. FREIT expects Rotunda’s operations to stabilize in late 2018 to early 2019.

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 and expand the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland with a term of four (4) years, with one twelve-month extension, at a rate of 225 basis points over the monthly LIBOR. On November 23, 2016, the following terms and conditions of this loan were modified: (i) the total amount that may be drawn on this loan was decreased from $120 million to $116.1 million, allowing for an additional draw of $2.1 million over the then existing balance of approximately $114 million to be used for retail tenant improvements and leasing commissions; (ii) leasing benchmarks are no longer required to be met including the waiver of the leasing benchmarks FREIT was not in compliance with as of June 30, 2016; (iii) Grande Rotunda, LLC provided an interest reserve to Wells Fargo Bank in the amount of $2 million for the purpose of funding interest payments, and is obliged to replenish the account balance to $1 million if it should fall below $500,000; (iv) the maturity date of the loan was changed from December 31, 2017 to October 31, 2017 with no option to extend; (v) the interest rate on the amount outstanding on the loan was increased by 25 basis points to 250 basis points over the monthly LIBOR. The following terms and conditions of this loan were modified and effective as of October 31, 2017: (i) the maturity date of the loan was

extended 120 days from October 31, 2017 to February 28, 2018; (ii) the interest rate on the amount outstanding on the loan was increased by 35 basis points to 285 basis points over the monthly LIBOR through December 31, 2017; (iii) the interest rate on the amount outstanding on the loan was increased by 65 basis points to 315 basis points over the monthly LIBOR from January 1, 2018 through February 28, 2018. As of October 31, 2017, $115.3 million of this loan was drawn down (including approximately $1.3 million during Fiscal 2017), of which $19 million was used to pay off the loan from FREIT, and $96.3 million was used toward the construction at the Rotunda. The loan was fully drawn down as of October 31, 2017 with a remaining reserve of approximately $0.8 million used as a letter of credit for offsite improvements.

Grande Rotunda, LLC is in the process of negotiating new loan documents with Aareal Capital Corporation (“Aareal”) to refinance the existing Rotunda construction loan from Wells Fargo. Aareal has provided a term sheet to Grande Rotunda, LLC to provide $121.9 million in financing that would be used to repay the existing Wells Fargo construction loan, provide an additional $3.4 million for retail tenant improvements and leasing costs, and fund loan closing costs. The Aareal loan would have an initial term of two years and two one-year renewal options, would bear a floating interest rate at 285 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate, and would be secured by the Rotunda property. The loan is subject to Aareal’s satisfaction with its due diligence reviews and the ultimate amount of the loan will be dependent upon the value of the Rotunda property as determined by an independent appraiser. Although Grande Rotunda, LLC expects that the Aareal loan will close in January 2018, there can be no assurance this loan will close. In the event that the Aareal loan does not close and Wells Fargo does not grant an extension of the existing construction loan beyond the current maturity date of February 28, 2018, Grande Rotunda, LLC would be at risk of defaulting under the Wells Fargo loan, which could result in Wells Fargo exercising its remedies under the loan including foreclosure of the property. As a guarantor of the Wells Fargo loan, FREIT would be responsible for 25% of the loan balance (approximately $29 million), in the event that Grande Rotunda, LLC defaults under the loan.

On October 27, 2017, FREIT’s revolving line of credit provided by the Provident Bank was renewed for a three-year term ending on October 27, 2020 at which point no further advances shall be permitted and provided the line of credit is not renewed by the lender, the outstanding principal balance of the line of credit shall convert to a commercial term loan maturing on October 31, 2022. Draws against the credit line can be used for working capital needs and standby 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. The total line of credit was increased from $12.8 million to $13 million and the interest rate on the amount outstanding will be at a floating rate of 275 basis points over the 30-day LIBOR with a floor of 3.75%. During Fiscal 2017, FREIT utilized $3 million of its credit line to fund tenant improvements for new retail tenants at the Rotunda property. As of October 31, 2017, approximately $3.1 million was outstanding (including closing costs of approximately $0.1 million related to the renewal of the line) and $9.9 million was available under the line of credit.

On April 28, 2017, WestFREIT Corp., a consolidated subsidiary, refinanced its $22 million mortgage loan held by Wells Fargo Bank, with a new mortgage loan from Manufacturer’s and Traders Trust Company in the amount of $23.5 million. The new loan, secured by a shopping center in Frederick, Maryland, bears a floating interest rate equal to 275 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and a maturity date of April 28, 2019 with the option to extend for 12 months. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a reduction in the annual interest rate from a fixed rate of 5.55% to a variable rate (as of April 30, 2017 the rate was 3.74% based on the one-month LIBOR at April 30, 2017), and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately $1.1 million. The net refinancing proceeds have been used for general corporate purposes.

On September 29, 2016, Wayne PSC, LLC refinanced its $24.2 million mortgage loan held by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, with a new mortgage loan from People’s United Bank in the amount of $25.8 million. The new loan, secured by a shopping center in Wayne, New Jersey, bears a floating interest rate equal to 220 basis points over the one-month BBA LIBOR with a maturity date of October 1, 2026. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of the loan, Wayne PSC, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that, in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.625% over the term of the loan. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a reduction in interest rate from 6.04% to 3.625% and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately $1 million that were distributed to the partners in Wayne PSC, LLC with FREIT receiving $0.4 million based on it 40% membership interest in Wayne PSC, LLC.

On April 22, 2016, People’s United Bank agreed to a take-down of the second tranche of its loan to 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 consolidated balance sheets) 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: FREIT expects that cash provided by net operating income will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments (excluding balloon payments), necessary capital improvements at stabilized properties and other needs as may be required to maintain its status as a REIT.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Pursuant to the SEC disclosure guidance for "Critical Accounting Policies," the SEC defines Critical Accounting Policies as those that require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, the preparation of which takes into account estimates based on judgments and assumptions that affect certain amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. The accounting policies and estimates used, which are outlined in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements which is presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K, have been applied consistently as at October 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, and for the years ended October 31, 2017, 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. See “Results of Operations – Segment Information – Commercial Segment” under Item 7 regarding the expense in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2015 related to the Pathmark lease.

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. In the event of a postponement, capitalization of these costs will recommence once construction on the project resumes.

See Note 1 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements for recently issued accounting standards.

Results of Operations:

Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2017 and 2016

Summary revenues and net income for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2017 (“Fiscal 2017”) and October 31, 2016 (“Fiscal 2016”) are as follows:

Real estate revenue for Fiscal 2017 increased 11.6% to $51,634,000 compared to $46,254,000 for Fiscal 2016. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in the average occupancy rates at the Rotunda property resulting from the lease-up of the new residential units and retail space at the property. This increase was partially offset by the loss of revenue from a lease with Pathmark (a subsidiary of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (“A&P”)) as a result of A&P’s bankruptcy filing at the Patchogue, New York property, the loss of revenue resulting from the sale of the Rochelle Park property in June 2016, the sale of the Hammel Gardens property in June 2017, and Macy’s vacating the Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne, New Jersey in April 2017.

Net income attributable to common equity (“net income common-equity”) for Fiscal 2017 was $13,116,000 ($1.92 per share basic and diluted), compared to $3,005,000 ($0.44 per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2016. Excluding the impact of the sale of the Hammel Gardens property, net income common-equity was a loss of $1,140,000 or ($0.17) per share. Fiscal 2017 net income common-equity includes the following: a $15.4 million gain from the sale of FREIT’s Hammel Gardens property on June 12, 2017 offset by a $1.1 million loan prepayment cost related to this sale; a loss of $4.6 million at the Rotunda property driven by the substantial completion of the major redevelopment and expansion project at the property in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016, resulting in the cessation of capitalization of certain costs in the current year; and a $620,000 termination fee payment made by Wayne PSC, LLC (“Wayne PSC”) to terminate the lease and take possession of the Macy’s space at the Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne, New Jersey, which impacted net income-common equity by approximately $(250,000) based on FREIT’s 40% ownership in Wayne PSC. Fiscal 2016 net income common-equity includes the following: a loss of $1.4 million at the Rotunda property driven by the substantial completion of the major redevelopment and expansion project at the property in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016, resulting in the cessation of capitalization of certain costs in fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016; and a $314,000 gain relating to the sale of FREIT’s Rochelle Park, New Jersey property on June 17, 2016.

The schedule below provides a detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted revenue and net income-common equity for Fiscal 2017 and 2016:

Adjusted net income/(loss) for Fiscal 2017 was ($2,953,000) (($0.43) per share basic and diluted), compared to $2,785,000 ($0.41 per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2016. Adjusted income is a non-GAAP measure, which management believes is a useful and meaningful gauge to investors of our operating performance, since it excludes the impact of unusual and infrequent items specifically: a gain and loan prepayment costs related to the sale of Hammel Gardens in Maywood, New Jersey in Fiscal 2017; a lease termination fee paid in Fiscal 2017; and a gain related to the sale of Rochelle Park, New Jersey in Fiscal 2016. (Refer to the segment disclosure below for a more detailed discussion on the financial performance of FREIT’s commercial and residential segments.)

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 Fiscal 2017, as compared to Fiscal 2016 (See below for definition of NOI.):

* Average occupancy rate excludes the Maywood, New Jersey ("Hammel Gardens") property from all periods presented as the property was sold in June 2017.

NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation, financing costs and 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 its operating performance. FREIT defines same property within both the commercial and residential segments to be those properties that FREIT has owned and operated for both the current and prior periods presented, excluding those properties that FREIT acquired or redeveloped 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 has been sold is not considered same property.

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 nine (9) separate properties. Seven are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and two are single tenanted – a building formerly occupied as a supermarket and land located in Rockaway, New Jersey owned by FREIT from which it receives monthly rental income from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on the land. On June 17, 2016, FREIT sold its property at Rochelle Park, New Jersey having a carrying value of approximately $2.7 million (including a straight line rent receivable of approximately $0.5 million) to Lakeland Bank (as successor by merger to Pascack Community Bank) for a purchase price of $3.1 million resulting in a gain of approximately $0.3 million net of sales fees. This sale resulted in FREIT’s loss of future annual rents of approximately $241,000, which would have increased periodically through September 2023.

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2017 increased by 6.3% and 2.4%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2016. The increase in revenue and NOI was primarily attributable to an increase in occupancy at the Rotunda property resulting from the lease-up of the office and new retail space partially offset by the loss of revenue from a lease with Pathmark (a subsidiary of A&P) at the Patchogue, New York property, which was rejected as of December 31, 2015 as a result of A&P’s bankruptcy filing, and a loss of revenue resulting from the sale of the Rochelle Park property in June 2016 and Macy’s vacating its space at the Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne, New Jersey in April 2017.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT’s commercial segment contains eight (8) same properties. (See definition of same property under Segment Information above.) Since the Rotunda property was part of a major redevelopment and expansion

project that was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016 and was in operation for less than a full year in the prior year and the Rochelle Park property was sold in the prior year, both have been excluded from same property results for all periods presented. For Fiscal 2017, same property revenue and NOI for FREIT’s commercial segment decreased by 2.1% and 6%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2016 primarily driven by the rejection of the Pathmark lease at the Patchogue, New York property and the termination of the Macy’s lease at the Preakness Shopping Center.

Leasing: The following table reflects leasing activity at FREIT’s 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 Fiscal 2017. The 8.5% decline in the retail weighted average lease rate is primarily attributable to the Stop and Shop lease modification whereby annual rent was reduced by approximately $250,000 (see Note 16 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements for further details).

(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.

The US economic recovery continued to show signs of improvement while there continues to be some uncertainty in the retail environment. Average occupancy rates for Fiscal 2017, increased 0.7% from last year’s comparable period which was primarily attributed to an increase in occupancy at the Rotunda property due to continued lease up at the property offset by the decline in occupancy at Wayne PSC due to Macy’s vacating its space at the Preakness Shopping Center in April 2017 and the decline in occupancy at the Patchogue property due to the rejection of the Pathmark lease in December 2015. Excluding the impact of the Rotunda property, average occupancy for Fiscal 2017 decreased 5% from last year’s comparable period which was primarily driven by the rejection of the Pathmark lease at the Patchogue, New York property and the termination of the Macy’s lease at the Preakness Shopping Center.

FREIT is currently in the negotiation process with potential tenants for the new, currently available retail space constructed at the Rotunda property. As of October 31, 2017, approximately 75.9% of the retail space at the Rotunda property is leased and 63.5% is occupied.

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

The Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland (owned by FREIT’s 60% owned consolidated affiliate Grande Rotunda, LLC) is an 11.5 acre site containing a building with approximately 135,000 sq. ft. of office space and approximately 84,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the building. In September 2013, FREIT began construction to redevelop and expand this property and, with the exception of retail tenant improvements, the redevelopment was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. The redevelopment and expansion plans included 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. As of October 31, 2017, the residential section is approximately 84.7% leased and the retail space is approximately 75.9% leased. FREIT expects the Rotunda’s operations to stabilize in late 2018 to early 2019.

With regard to the Rotunda’s redevelopment project, approximately $132.9 million has been incurred through October 31, 2017, 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 all ongoing construction costs related to the project which were previously capitalized to Construction In Progress (“CIP”) are no longer being capitalized and have been placed into service in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016 as the project became 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 and expand the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland with a term of four (4) years, with one twelve-month extension, at a rate of 225 basis points over the monthly LIBOR. On November 23, 2016, the following terms and conditions of this loan were modified: (i) the total amount that may be drawn on this loan was decreased from $120 million to

$116.1 million, allowing for an additional draw of $2.1 million over the then existing balance of approximately $114 million to be used for retail tenant improvements and leasing commissions; (ii) leasing benchmarks are no longer required to be met including the waiver of the leasing benchmarks FREIT was not in compliance with as of June 30, 2016; (iii) Grande Rotunda, LLC provided an interest reserve to Wells Fargo Bank in the amount of $2 million for the purpose of funding interest payments, and is obliged to replenish the account balance to $1 million if it should fall below $500,000; (iv) the maturity date of the loan was changed from December 31, 2017 to October 31, 2017 with no option to extend; (v) the interest rate on the amount outstanding on the loan was increased by 25 basis points to 250 basis points over the monthly LIBOR. The following terms and conditions of this loan were modified and effective as of October 31, 2017: (i) the maturity date of the loan was extended 120 days from October 31, 2017 to February 28, 2018; (ii) the interest rate on the amount outstanding on the loan was increased by 35 basis points to 285 basis points over the monthly LIBOR through December 31, 2017; (iii) the interest rate on the amount outstanding on the loan was increased by 65 basis points to 315 basis points over the monthly LIBOR from January 1, 2018 through February 28, 2018.

Grande Rotunda, LLC is in the process of negotiating new loan documents with Aareal Capital Corporation (“Aareal”) to refinance the existing Rotunda construction loan from Wells Fargo. Aareal has provided a term sheet to Grande Rotunda, LLC to provide $121.9 million in financing that would be used to repay the existing Wells Fargo construction loan, provide an additional $3.4 million for retail tenant improvements and leasing costs, and fund loan closing costs. The Aareal loan would have an initial term of two years and two one-year renewal options, would bear a floating interest rate at 285 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate, and would be secured by the Rotunda property. The loan is subject to Aareal’s satisfaction with its due diligence reviews and the ultimate amount of the loan will be dependent upon the value of the Rotunda property as determined by an independent appraiser. Although Grande Rotunda, LLC expects that the Aareal loan will close in January 2018, there can be no assurance this loan will close. In the event that the Aareal loan does not close and Wells Fargo does not grant an extension of the existing construction loan beyond the current maturity date of February 28, 2018, Grande Rotunda, LLC would be at risk of defaulting under the Wells Fargo loan, which could result in Wells Fargo exercising its remedies under the loan including foreclosure of the property. As a guarantor of the Wells Fargo loan, FREIT would be responsible for 25% of the loan balance (approximately $29 million), in the event that Grande Rotunda, LLC defaults under the loan.Through October 31, 2017, funding for the construction at the Rotunda was provided by: (a) the Grande Rotunda, LLC members, who are FREIT and Rotunda 100, LLC, and who contributed approximately $14.5 million in accordance with the loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank; and (b) approximately $115.3 million in draws on the construction line with Wells Fargo Bank (including approximately $1.3 million during Fiscal 2017), of which $19 million was used to pay off the loan from FREIT, and $96.3 million was used toward the construction at the Rotunda. The loan was fully drawn down as of October 31, 2017 with a remaining reserve of approximately $0.8 million used as a letter of credit for offsite improvements.

Grande Rotunda, LLC continues to incur substantial expenditures at the Rotunda property. These expenditures include tenant improvements, leasing costs and operating expenditures which, in the aggregate, exceed revenues as the property is still in the rent up phase. The construction loan is at its maximum level resulting in no additional funding available to draw. Accordingly, the equity owners in Grande Rotunda, LLC (FREIT with a 60% ownership and Rotunda 100, LLC with a 40% ownership) are contributing their respective pro-rata share of any cash needs through loans to Grande Rotunda, LLC. As of October 31, 2017, Rotunda 100, LLC has funded Grande Rotunda, LLC with approximately $5.2 million which is included in “Due to affiliate” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT

FREIT currently operates seven (7) multi-family apartment buildings or complexes totaling 1,392 apartment units. On June 12, 2017, FREIT sold its Hammel Gardens property, a residential property located in Maywood, New Jersey, for a sales price of $17 million. The sale of this property, which had a carrying value of approximately $0.7 million, resulted in a capital gain of approximately $15.4 million net of sales fees and commissions. As a result of this sale, FREIT incurred a loan prepayment cost of approximately $1.1 million and paid off the related mortgage on the Hammel Gardens property in the amount of approximately $8 million from the proceeds of the sale. FREIT has structured this sale in a manner that qualifies it as a like-kind exchange of real estate pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The 1031 Exchange transaction resulted in a deferral for income tax purposes of the $15.4 million capital gain. The net proceeds from this sale, which were approximately $7 million, were held in escrow until a replacement property was purchased. A replacement property related to this like-kind exchange was acquired on December 7, 2017, and the sale proceeds held in escrow were applied to the purchase price of such property. (See Note 2 and Note 17 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.)

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT’s residential segment for Fiscal 2017 increased by 17.1% and 5.3%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2016. The increase in revenue and NOI for Fiscal 2017 was primarily attributable to: (a) the addition of the operating results of the Icon, which is the residential property located at the Rotunda in Baltimore, Maryland (See discussion below), (b) an increase in base rent, (c) an increase in the average occupancy level of 12.2% as compared to the prior year partially offset by (d) loss of income resulting from the sale of the Hammel Gardens property in June 2017.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT’s residential segment currently contains six (6) same properties. (See definition of same property under Segment Information above.) The Icon was excluded from same property results for all periods presented because this property was part of a major redevelopment and expansion project that was substantially completed in

the third quarter of Fiscal 2016 and was in operation for less than a full year in the prior year. The Hammel Gardens property was excluded from same property results for all periods presented because this property was sold in June 2017. Same property revenue and NOI increased by 4% and 2.1%, respectively, from Fiscal 2016. The changes resulted from the factors discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph. Exclusive of the Icon property, average occupancy for Fiscal 2017 increased 0.8% over the prior year’s comparable period.

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, excluding for both fiscal years presented the Hammel Gardens property which was sold in June 2017 and the Rotunda Icon property which is still in lease-up and not operating at full capacity, at the end of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 were $1,863 and $1,810, 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 $226,000 and $219,000, respectively.

Capital expenditures: Since all of FREIT’s apartment communities, with the exception of the Boulders, Regency, Icon and Station Place (acquired on December 7, 2017) were constructed more than 25 years ago, FREIT tends 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.

FINANCING COSTS

(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 net financing costs for Fiscal 2017 increased 8.4% as compared to Fiscal 2016 which was primarily attributable to the Rotunda construction loan of approximately $115.3 million. Interest costs with respect to the Rotunda project can no longer be capitalized because the Rotunda project was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. (See Note 4 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements for more details.)

INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income for Fiscal 2017 was $206,000 as compared to $150,000 for the prior year’s period. Investment income is principally derived from interest earned from cash on deposit in institutional money market funds and interest earned from secured loans receivable (loans made to Hekemian employees, including certain members of the immediate family of Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT CEO and Chairman of the Board, and Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., a Trustee of FREIT, for their equity investments (through Rotunda 100, LLC) in Grande Rotunda, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 60% equity interest, and for their equity investments (through Damascus 100, LLC) in Damascus Centre, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 70% equity interest).

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G & A”)

During Fiscal 2017, G & A was $2,129,000 as compared to $2,034,000 for the prior year’s period. The primary components of G&A are accounting fees, legal and professional fees and Trustees’ fees.

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense from operations for Fiscal 2017 was $10,669,000 as compared to $7,852,000 for the prior year’s period. The increase in depreciation was primarily attributable to the depreciation related to assets at the Rotunda property becoming operational as the major redevelopment and expansion project at this property was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016.

Results of Operations:

Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2016 and 2015

Summary revenues and net income for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 (“Fiscal 2016”) and October 31, 2015 (“Fiscal 2015”) are as follows:

Real estate revenue for Fiscal 2016 increased 3.3% to $46,254,000 compared to $44,783,000 for Fiscal 2015. Net income attributable to common equity (“net income common-equity”) for Fiscal 2016 was $3,005,000 ($0.44 per share basic and diluted), compared to $2,631,000 ($0.39 per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2015. Included in net income-common equity for Fiscal 2016 was a net loss of approximately $1.4 million primarily attributable to the substantial completion of the major redevelopment and expansion project at the Rotunda property in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016 resulting in the cessation of capitalization of certain costs and incurring higher operational costs as the property is in the early lease-up phase of the new retail space and residential units. Also included in net income-common equity for Fiscal 2016 was a gain of approximately $0.3 million net of sales fees related to the sale of Rochelle Park, New Jersey. Included in net income common equity for Fiscal 2015 was a $1,046,000 provision for loss related to straight line rent receivable for Pathmark at the Patchogue, New York store as a result of the bankruptcy filing by A&P, of which Pathmark is a subsidiary. (See “Results of Operations – Segment Information – Commercial Segment” for further details.)

The schedule below provides a detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted revenue and net income-common equity for Fiscal 2016 and 2015:

Adjusted income for Fiscal 2016 was $2,785,000 ($0.41 per share basic and diluted), compared to $3,958,000 ($0.58 per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2015. Adjusted income is a non-GAAP measure, which management believes is a useful and meaningful gauge to investors of our operating performance, since it excludes the impact of unusual and infrequent items specifically: a gain related to the sale of Rochelle Park, New Jersey in Fiscal 2016; and a provision for loss related to straight line rent receivable in connection with the rejection of the Pathmark lease at the Patchogue property in Fiscal 2015. (Refer to the segment disclosure below for a more detailed discussion on the financial performance of FREIT’s commercial and residential segments.)

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 Fiscal 2016, as compared to Fiscal 2015:

* Includes impact to both fiscal years of 75,000 additional square feet of Rotunda retail leasable space in the commercial segment and 379 leasable units at the Rotunda in the residential segment as the major redevelopment and expansion project at the Rotunda was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016.

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT

The commercial segment contains nine (9) separate properties. Seven are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and two are single tenanted – a building formerly occupied as a supermarket and land located in Rockaway, New Jersey owned by FREIT from which it receives monthly rental income from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on the land. On June 17, 2016, FREIT sold its property at Rochelle Park, New Jersey having a carrying value of approximately $2.7 million (including a straight line rent receivable of approximately $0.5 million) to Lakeland Bank (as successor by merger to Pascack Community Bank) for a purchase price of $3.1 million resulting in a gain of approximately $0.3 million net of sales fees.

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2016 decreased by 1.5% and 4.5%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2015. The decline in revenue and NOI was primarily attributable to the loss of revenue from Pathmark (a subsidiary of A&P) at the Patchogue, New York property due to the lease having been rejected as of December 31, 2015 as a result of A&P’s bankruptcy filing partially offset by an increase in revenue at the Rotunda property resulting from the lease-up of the new retail space.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT’s commercial segment contains eight (8) same properties. Since the Rotunda property was part of a major redevelopment and expansion project that was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016 and has been in operation for less than a full year, it has been excluded from same property results for all periods presented. For Fiscal 2016, same property revenue and NOI for FREIT’s commercial segment decreased by 6.2% and 6.5%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2015. These changes were attributable to the same factors discussed in the previous paragraph.

Leasing: The following table reflects leasing activity at FREIT’s 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 Fiscal 2016:

(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.

The US economic recovery continued to show signs of improvement, with retail sales also showing improvement. Average occupancy rates for Fiscal 2016, decreased 0.9% from last year’s comparable period which was primarily attributable to the rejection of the Pathmark lease at the Patchogue, New York property as of December 31, 2015 offset by the increase in occupancy at the Rotunda property due to the substantial completion of the major development and expansion project in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. Excluding the impact of the Rotunda property, average occupancy rates for Fiscal 2016 decreased 2.6% from Fiscal 2015.

As of October 31, 2016, approximately 71% of the retail space at the Rotunda property is leased and 24.8% is occupied.

On July 27, 2012, FREIT signed a lease agreement with G-Mart for a significant portion of the space (40,000 of 55,330 square feet of available space) that was vacated by Giant at its Westridge Square shopping center. G-Mart managed an international grocery store chain. FREIT incurred approximately $940,000 in tenant improvement costs associated with the lease to G-Mart, which began operations at the center in September 2013. However, effective November 1, 2014, G-Mart notified FREIT that it had vacated its space at the Westridge Square shopping center and would be terminating its lease. A new lease for this 40,000 sq. ft. space was signed by H-Mart, an international grocery store chain, in November 2014 and subsequently H-Mart expanded its space by an additional 15,300 square feet. H-Mart opened in May 2017 and has been paying rent since May 2015. All of the tenant improvements related to G-Mart were utilized for H-Mart.

On July 19, 2015, A&P filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code as disclosed in the bankruptcy filings. A&P announced its intention to sell its assets and wind up its affairs. FREIT owns a 63,932 square foot store in Patchogue, New York with a carrying value of approximately $6.7 million as at October 31, 2016 that was leased to Pathmark, a subsidiary of A&P, and operated as a Pathmark Super Store. This lease was rejected by A&P as of December 31, 2015.

In accordance with GAAP, FREIT accounted for rental income from the store using the straight line method and accrued rent evenly over the lease term after taking into account scheduled future rent increases, with excess rent accrued over amounts received accounted for as a receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. At October 31, 2015, approximately $1,046,000 remained as a straight line rent receivable. FREIT recorded an expense in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2015 of $1,046,000 ($0.15 per share basic and diluted) for provision for loss related to the straight line rent receivable for Pathmark. The provision had no impact on cash flow but did have an impact on funds from operations. As a result of the lease having been rejected, FREIT is losing annual rents of approximately $1.4 million until the store is re-leased. FREIT has assessed the real estate for impairment and determined that no impairment exists at October 31, 2016. FREIT is exploring various options for this property.

On January 11, 2016, FREIT was notified by Lakeland Bank (as successor by merger to Pascack Community Bank) of its election to exercise the option under its lease to purchase the property leased by FREIT to Lakeland Bank located in Rochelle Park, New Jersey. Pursuant to the Lease Agreement, Lakeland Bank had 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 agreed to a purchase price of $3.1 million. On June 17, 2016, FREIT sold this property, having a carrying amount of approximately $2.7 million (including a straight-line rent receivable in the amount of approximately $0.5 million), to Lakeland Bank for $3.1 million resulting in a gain of approximately $0.3 million net of sales fees. This sale resulted in FREIT’s loss of future annual rents of approximately $241,000, which would have increased periodically through September 2023.

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT

FREIT operates eight (8) multi-family apartment buildings or complexes totaling 1,472 apartment units. As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT’s residential segment for Fiscal 2016 increased by 4.5% and 4.2%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2015. The increase in total revenue and NOI for Fiscal 2016 was primarily attributable to: (a) the addition of the operating results of the Icon (See discussion below), and (b) increased base rent at our residential properties. Average occupancy levels for Fiscal 2016 increased 2.6%, over last year’s comparable period.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT’s residential segment contains seven (7) same properties. Since the Icon property was part of a major redevelopment and expansion project that was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016 and has been in operation for less than a full year, it has been excluded from same property results for all periods presented. Same property revenue and NOI increased by 2.2% and 5.5%, respectively, from Fiscal 2015 driven primarily by an increase in base rents and average occupancy rates at our residential properties. Exclusive of the Icon property, average occupancy rates for Fiscal 2016 increased 0.5% over last year’s comparable period.

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, excluding the Rotunda Icon property as it is still in the lease-up period and not operating at full capacity, at the end of Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 were $1,786 and $1,744, 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 $234,000 and $223,000, respectively.

FINANCING COSTS

(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 net financing costs for Fiscal 2016 increased 8.2% as compared to Fiscal 2015 which was primarily attributable to the Rotunda construction loan of approximately $114 million. (See Note 4 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements for more details.)

INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income for Fiscal 2016 was $150,000 with no change from the prior fiscal year. Investment income is principally derived from interest earned from cash on deposit in institutional money market funds and interest earned from secured loans receivable (loans made to Hekemian employees, including certain members of the immediate family of Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT CEO and Chairman of the Board, and Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., a Trustee of FREIT, for their equity investments (through Rotunda 100, LLC) in Grande Rotunda, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 60% equity interest, and for their equity investments (through Damascus 100, LLC) in Damascus Centre, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT owns a 70% equity interest).

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G & A”)

During Fiscal 2016, G & A was $2,034,000 as compared to $2,029,000 for the prior year’s period. The primary components of G&A are accounting fees, legal and professional fees and Trustees’ fees.

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense from operations for Fiscal 2016 was $7,852,000 as compared to $6,883,000 for the prior year’s period. The increase in depreciation was primarily attributable to the depreciation related to assets at the Rotunda property becoming operational as the major redevelopment and expansion project at this property was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016.