Gyrodyne, LLC - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR

[   ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ________________ to ___________________.

Commission file number: 333-191820

GYRODYNE, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (631) 584-5400

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all the reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 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☒ No☐

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” 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 Act). Yes ☐ No☒

The aggregate market value of common shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2016 was $15,609,374. The aggregate market value was computed by reference to the closing price on such date of the common shares as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market. Common shares held by each executive officer and director and by each person who to the registrant’s knowledge owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

On March 30, 2017, 1,482,680 common shares of the Registrant were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None

TABLE OF CONTENTS TO FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

PART I

Introduction:

When we use the terms “Gyrodyne,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” we mean Gyrodyne, LLC and all entities owned or controlled by us, including non-consolidated entities, except where it is clear that the term means only the parent company, and except where the reference relates to periods prior to September 1, 2015 (i.e., prior to the consummation of the merger of Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. and Gyrodyne Special Distribution, LLC with and into Gyrodyne, LLC) in which case the term relates to Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. and all entities owned or controlled by it. References herein to our Annual Report are to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. References to “common shares” in this report refer to Gyrodyne, LLC’s common shares representing limited liability company interests. References to the “Board” in this report refer to the Board of Directors of Gyrodyne, LLC except where the reference relates to periods prior to September 1, 2015 in which case it relates to the Board of Directors of Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc.

All references to 2016 and 2015 refer to our fiscal years ended or the dates, as the context requires, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Item 1. Business

Description of the Company's Business

Gyrodyne, LLC (“Gyrodyne”, the “Company” or the “Registrant”) is a limited liability company formed under the laws of the State of New York whose primary business has been the management of a geographically diverse portfolio of medical office and industrial properties and development of industrial and residential properties located in the Northeast region of the United States.

Substantially all of our developed properties are subject to leases in which the tenant reimburses the Company for a portion, all of or substantially all of the costs and/or cost increases for utilities, insurance, repairs, maintenance and real estate taxes. Certain leases provide that the Company is responsible for certain operating expenses.

The Company manages its business as one operating segment. The Company’s corporate strategy since September 2015 has been to pursue zoning and/or entitlement opportunities intended to increase the values of our two remaining major properties so that they can be sold to a developer at higher prices than otherwise possible, thereby maximizing distributions to our shareholders during the liquidation process within a reasonable period of time and then dissolving the Company. The value of the real estate reported in the Statement of Net Assets as of December 31, 2016, does not include the appreciation that may result, if any, from such future value enhancement efforts.

Gyrodyne is the surviving entity in the merger of Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. (the “Corporation”) and Gyrodyne Special Distribution, LLC (“GSD”) with and into Gyrodyne (the “Merger”), effective August 31, 2015. The Merger completed the Corporation’s plan of liquidation under the Internal Revenue Code.

Our efforts to generate the highest values for Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor may involve in limited circumstances the acquisition of certain adjacent properties, pursuit of joint venture relationships, entitlements and/or zoning changes, other investments and/or other strategies to enhance the net value of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor to maximize the returns for our shareholders. The Company does not expect the acquisition of properties or the pursuit of joint ventures, if any, to adversely affect the timing of distributions to our shareholders. Gyrodyne expects that it will dissolve after it has completed the disposition of all of its real property assets, has applied the proceeds of such dispositions first to settle any debts and claims, pending or otherwise, against Gyrodyne, and then has made liquidating distributions to holders of Gyrodyne common shares. The liquidation process and the amount and timing of distributions involve risks and uncertainties. As such, it is impossible at this time to determine the ultimate amount of proceeds that will actually be distributed to our shareholders or the timing of such payments. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the distributions will equal or exceed the estimate of net assets in liquidation presented in our Consolidated Statements of Net Assets. The actual nature, amount and timing of all distributions will be determined by Gyrodyne’s Board in its sole discretion, and will depend in part upon the ability to convert our remaining assets into cash in compliance with our obligations under the Stipulation entered into in connection with the class action lawsuit (See Item 3 – Legal Proceedings) and pay and settle our remaining liabilities and obligations. Under Gyrodyne’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, such dissolution may be effected upon the vote of holders of a majority of Gyrodyne common shares or, in the Board’s discretion and without any separate approval by the holders of the Gyrodyne common shares, at any time the value of Gyrodyne’s assets, as determined by the Board in good faith, is less than $1,000,000.

After giving effect to the Company’s dispositions of real property through December 31, 2016 (see Footnote 6), the Company owns one remaining medical office park and four of fourteen buildings in a second medical office park, together comprising approximately 48,000 rentable square feet and a multitenant industrial park comprising approximately 130,000 rentable square feet. The aforementioned industrial park is situated on ten acres of a 68-acre property in St. James, New York. Each of the medical office park in Cortlandt Manor, the group of four buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park and the Flowerfield Industrial Park (including its undeveloped portion) are individually owned in single asset LLCs wholly owned by the Company.

Properties Under Contract or Sold

Port Jefferson Professional Park. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company sold five buildings and one building, respectively, (approximately 4,000 square feet each) in the Port Jefferson Professional Park as follows:

The Company also entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated March 30^th, 2017, to sell the two buildings located at 9 Medical Drive and 5380 Nesconset Highway, respectively, in the Port Jefferson Professional Park for $2,000,000 to Teresa Rainone and Hesham Atwa, subject to an evaluation period that will expire thirty days from signing (with an optional extension period of ten days), during which time the purchaser shall have the right to terminate the agreement by written notice to GSD Port Jefferson, for any reason or no reason, in which case the purchaser will have the right to receive a refund of its $100,000 deposit. Unless so terminated, the agreement provides for a closing within five days of the expiration of the evaluation period.

Following the sale indicated above, the Company will have two remaining buildings (comprising approximately 7,700 square feet in total) within the same medical park which are being actively marketed for sale.

The Comparison of the Gross sales proceeds to the net realizable value reported prior to entering the Purchase and Sale Agreement:

Strategic Plan to Enhance Property Values, Liquidate and Dissolve

Our corporate strategy since September 2015 has been to pursue zoning and/or entitlement opportunities intended to increase the values of our two remaining major properties so that they can be sold to a developer at higher prices than otherwise possible, thereby maximizing distributions to our shareholders during the liquidation process within a reasonable period of time and then dissolving the Company. Gyrodyne expects that it will dissolve after it has completed the disposition of all of its real property assets, has applied the proceeds of such dispositions first to settle any claims, pending or otherwise, against Gyrodyne, and then has made liquidating distributions to holders of Gyrodyne common shares. To accomplish this, the Company’s plan will consist of:

Gyrodyne’s strategy is to enhance the value of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor by pursuing possible entitlement and/or zoning opportunities, which the Gyrodyne Board believes will improve the chances of obtaining better values for such properties. The value of the real estate reported in the Statement of Net Assets as of December 31, 2016, does not include the appreciation that may result, if any, from such value enhancement efforts. The pursuit of the highest and best use of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor may involve the acquisition of properties, pursuit of joint venture relationships and other investments and or other strategies to maximize the returns for our shareholders. The Company does not expect the acquisition of properties or the pursuit of joint ventures, if any, to adversely affect the timing of distributions to our shareholders. Gyrodyne expects that it will dissolve after it has completed the disposition of all of its real property assets, has applied the proceeds of such dispositions first to settle any claims, pending or otherwise, against Gyrodyne, and then has made liquidating distributions to holders of Gyrodyne common interests. We are unable to predict the precise nature, amount or timing of such distributions.

Sales of properties by Gyrodyne could take the form of individual sales of assets, as has been our recent experience in Port Jefferson, sales of groups of assets, a single sale of all or substantially all of the assets or some other form of sale. The assets may be sold to one or more purchasers in one or more transactions over a period of time.

A sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company would require shareholder approval under New York law. However, in the event of the sale of individual properties, it is not required or anticipated that any shareholder votes will be solicited. The prices at which the various assets may be sold depend largely on factors beyond our control, including, without limitation, the condition of financial markets, the availability of financing to prospective purchasers of the assets, regulatory approvals, public market perceptions, and limitations on transferability of certain assets.

Property Value Enhancement

The Company is focusing its resources on positioning the properties to be sold with all entitlements necessary to achieve maximum pre-construction values in the shortest period of time with the least amount of risk to the Company. During the process of pursuing such entitlements, the Company may entertain offers from potential buyers who may be willing to pay prices for the properties that the Company finds more attractive from a timing or value perspective than completing the entitlement processes. While the real estate market is dynamic and the economy is uncertain, we anticipate that these expenditures will serve to greatly increase the sale prices of the properties and the resulting liquidating distributions to our shareholders.

Cortlandt Manor. On March 15, 2016, the Town of Cortlandt Manor (the “Town”) adopted a 2016 Sustainable Comprehensive Plan (the “Plan”) of which one key strategy was the simultaneous creation of a Medical Oriented District (“MOD”). The purpose of the MOD is to expand the Town’s existing medical infrastructure and encourage economic development, including capital investment, job creation and housing options. The MOD allows for a continuum of care, i.e., independent living, assisted living and nursing/hospital care, within or in neighboring facilities by centralizing medical services and related activities. As a designated zoning district, the MOD could include hospital, ambulatory surgery, primary and urgent care, hospice, laboratories, social services, boutique hotels and a wide range of housing.

The Company’s existing 33,871 square foot Cortlandt Medical Center and its approximate twelve acres are located directly opposite New York Presbyterian’s Hudson Valley Hospital Center and within the boundaries of the MOD. The Company has committed resources toward both market research and feasibility studies in support of achieving entitlements to maximize the value of the property. For more than a year the Company along with its planner and engineers have been working closely with the Town to identify issues and solutions involved in creating the Plan and more specifically, the MOD.

On March 13, 2017, the Company entered a purchase and sale agreement to purchase a 1,950-square foot single-family residential dwelling located on approximately 0.3 acres in Cortlandt Manor, New York. The purchase price is $319,512. The Company was able to take advantage of a distressed sale following foreclosure action by the lender. The property which adjoins the Cortlandt Medical Center and is across the street from New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Center, is expected to become part of the Cortlandt Manor MOD. The property provides additional vehicular access to the site from Buttonwood Drive and State Route 202 and will provide for additional parking potential which the Company believes will further increase yield in a manner that is cost effective and should provide a significant return on investment to the shareholders.

The Company expects to file an application with the Town of Cortlandt Manor to develop the Cortlandt Manor property, on or about March 31, 2017, as follows:

The Company has been working closely with Town officials on entitlement complexity, environmental impact studies, traffic mitigation, effluent, financial impact and other variables to ensure the application synchronizes with the Town’s vision on the MOD.

The development costs from December 2013 through year end December 31, 2016 associated with the ownership and development of this property consisted of architectural and engineering costs, legal expenses, economic analysis, soil management, surveys and real estate taxes totaling $565,416.

Flowerfield. Following extensive market research and related feasibility studies, we identified the entitlements that we believe will maximize the value of Flowerfield in the shortest amount of time with the lowest amount of risk. The Company has been in discussions with the Town of Smithtown on the potential real estate development projects identified by the market research and feasibility studies, all of which currently fall within our “as of right to build” zoning. We are also exploring with the Town of Smithtown whether it would be amenable to certain entitlements, special permits, or other concessions that would allow for the identified development projects.

In March 2017, the Company filed a pre-application (the “Pre-application”) for the Flowerfield property along with the previously sold (2002) Catering hall facility for an eight-lot subdivision. With the Pre-application process now complete, the Company is proceeding with the comprehensive application based on feedback provided by the Town of Smithtown staff in the Pre-application process, as follows:

In addition to lot 8, the plan envisions an open space network of trails, benches and passive recreation that will serve as a recreational amenity to tie together the uses with in the overall Flowerfield campus landscape. The development costs from December 2013 through year end December 31, 2016 associated with the ownership and development of this property consisted of architectural and engineering costs, legal expenses, economic analysis, soil management, surveys and real estate taxes totaling $942,486. The Company has an additional 5.2 acres bordering the industrial park that are currently zoned residential and are not part of the Pre-application.

While we cannot predict the outcome of the Pre-application, we can state that we have undertaken to subdivide the Flowerfield property in an accretive manner that is economically advantageous to both the Company and the surrounding communities.

As envisioned in the chart above, the Pre-application seeks to subdivide the Flowerfield property using a low-impact development campus approach that provides a complementary mix of land uses with a green space network throughout the subdivision. Opportunities for shared green space, roads, utilities and parking are incorporated into the plan and preserves the historic 200-foot setback from Route 25A. The Flowerfield campus would be a beautiful, environmentally sound and amenity enriched community that wouldn’t overly burden existing infrastructure and the local community with the additional costs of the education of elementary and high school students. We believe the campus will generate a significant new real estate tax base for the Town of Smithtown and the Smithtown Central School District.

The Company’s Pre-application includes proposed uses for the subdivided lots, although the specific uses will be determined by the eventual purchasers. It is anticipated that the proposed uses described herein would be typical of those chosen by the future owners and as a result we requested that the subdivision be considered with those uses so that the purchasers of the lots would have an assigned density. The Company’s Pre-application includes perfecting the subdivision of the Catering facility (12 acres hereafter referred to as lot 2) which the Company sold in 2002.

In accordance with the draft Smithtown Comprehensive Plan Update, the new additions to the Flowerfield campus would be focused on uses supportive and beneficial to Stony Brook University (SBU), namely, the development of a first class 150 bed hotel with conference facilities, restaurant and health club; medical office facilities; and assisted living facilities. Furthermore, the connection with SBU via the existing LIRR crossing will help to foster synergy between Flowerfield and SBU.

Lot 1 encompasses the existing uses of the current light industrial park being retained thereby keeping in place jobs from the local business community, locations for back office operations of SBU, and studios for a vibrant arts community that yields cultural benefits to Smithtown and the surrounding communities.

Lot 2 owned by a third party. It is a catering facility that resides on a 12-acre lot that was sold in 2002. The subdivision was deferred by the town until the overall plan for Flowerfield is approved.

Lot 3 is planned as a 150-room hotel that would include a 150-seat restaurant. The hotel could also have a 500-seat conference space and a 10,000-square foot day spa/fitness center. It is envisioned that this hotel would serve the adjacent catering facility, as well as the office uses on-site and the nearby SBU.

Lots 4 and 5 are envisioned as medical office, general office, or tech space (R&D) in support of SBU, its Hospital and Children’s Hospital, and its Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT). The two lots could be developed separately or as one larger lot. Approximately 129,750 square feet of office space in two buildings (53,400 and 76,350 sf) would be provided.

Lots 6 and 7 are envisioned as assisted living communities, comprising a total of 220 units, again either as two separate lots or one combined lot. There would be a synergy with the SBU Hospital and with the medical office uses for medical care of the residents of the assisted living facilities.

The Company has begun the process of pursuing entitlements, density and/or rezoning, and our ability to obtain required permits and authorizations is subject to factors beyond our control, including environmental concerns of governmental entities and community groups. The process will involve extensive analysis internally at the government entity level, as well as between government entities such as town planning departments and Gyrodyne, and will continue up until such time as entitlement, rezoning and density decisions are made by the relevant government entities. We hope to secure favorable decisions on entitlements, rezoning and density so that we can then seek the sale of our remaining properties at higher prices and then proceed with the liquidation and dissolution of the Company. The Company expects the process of pursuing entitlements, rezoning and density could range between six months and two years with the ultimate timing to a certain extent managed by Gyrodyne but ultimately dependent and under the control of the applicable municipality’s planning board or other governmental authority.

Health Care Industry 

Real Estate

The Company owns properties in St. James, Port Jefferson Station and Cortlandt Manor, New York. From March 2009 until May 2016, the Company owned a medical office property in Fairfax, Virginia, and has a remaining lease obligation on that property.

St. James, New York. In St. James, New York, the Company owns a 68-acre site called Flowerfield, primarily zoned for light industry, which is located approximately 50 miles east of New York City on the North Shore of Long Island in the Town of Smithtown. Flowerfield's location places it in Hydrogeologic Zone VIII, one of the most liberal with respect to effluent discharge rates. Gyrodyne currently has 130,533 square feet of rentable space located on approximately 10 acres of developed property at Flowerfield. As of December 31, 2016, there were 34 tenants, comprising 41 leases and 6 long-term tenants under month-to-month commitments. The annual base rent at Flowerfield based on the rates in effect as of December 2016 is $1,502,000 which included month-to-month annualized base rent of $385,000 on 16,553 square feet. The occupancy rate was 72% as of December 31, 2016. Studies including environmental, archeological, ecological and traffic have been conducted in connection with previous development plans, none of which had any significant adverse findings. The Company believes that material costs will not be incurred in connection with compliance with environmental laws. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no material expenses related to environmental issues.

Port Jefferson Station, New York. On June 27, 2007, the Company acquired ten buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park in Port Jefferson Station, New York. The acquisition of this property qualified for deferral treatment under Section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code. The ten buildings were acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $8,850,000 or $225 per square foot. The Company funded $5,551,191 of the purchase price by the assumption of the existing mortgage debt on the property with the remainder in cash after adjustments. The balance of the mortgage was prepaid in full in January 2013 and assumed by a subsidiary of Gyrodyne which was later settled in full in connection with the Merger on August 31, 2015. The buildings were located at 1-6, 8, 9 and 11 Medical Drive and 5380 Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station, and situated on 5.16 acres with 39,329 square feet of rentable space. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold five buildings (comprising approximately 20,000 square feet) for $4,246,000 and one building in 2015 (4,000 square foot building) for $760,000. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement on two buildings for $2,000,000 (approximately 7,400 square feet) and continues to actively market the remaining 2 buildings. As of December 31, 2016, there were 3 tenants, comprising 3 leases. The annual base rent based on the rates in effect as of December 2016 is $221,000. The occupancy rate was 55% as of December 31, 2016.

Cortlandt Manor, New York. On June 2, 2008, the Company acquired the Cortlandt Medical Center in Cortlandt Manor, New York. The property consists of five office buildings which are situated on 5.01 acres with 31,198 square feet of rentable space on the date of acquisition. The purchase price was $7 million or $231 per square foot. As of December 31, 2016, there were 11 tenants, comprising 15 leases. The annual base rent based on the rates in effect as of December 2016, is approximately $851,000. The property was 100% occupied as of December 31, 2016. Of the $7 million purchase price for the property, the Company paid $1,750,000 in cash and received financing in the amount of $5,250,000. The balance of the mortgage was prepaid in full in November 2012 and assumed by a subsidiary of Gyrodyne which was settled in full in connection with the Merger on August 31, 2015. The acquisition of this property qualified for the deferral treatment under Section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code. Following certain capital improvements, the rentable square feet currently is 31,421 square feet.

On August 29, 2008, the Company acquired a 1,600-square foot single-family residential dwelling located on 1.43 acres at 1987 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, New York. The purchase price was $305,000. The Company was able to take advantage of a distressed sale by the seller. The property is located directly across the street from New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Center and adjoins the Cortlandt Medical Center. The property is zoned for medical office use by special permit and is potentially a future development site for expansion of the Cortlandt Medical Center. This property has not been mortgaged.

On May 20, 2010, the Company acquired the building located at 1989 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, New York. The property consists of 2,450 square feet of rentable space on 1.6 acres. The purchase price for the property was approximately $720,000. This property is adjacent to the 1.43-acre property acquired by the Company in August 2008, and these two properties combined result in the Company owning approximately three acres directly across Crompond Road from the Hudson Valley Hospital Center in addition to the 5.01 acre Cortlandt Medical Center site. The Company financed approximately 90% of the purchase price utilizing its then revolving credit facility, which was prepaid in full in December 2012. The property was 100% occupied as of December 31, 2016, by two tenants with a total annual base rent of $33,600. 

Fairfax, Virginia. On March 31, 2009, the Company acquired the Fairfax Medical Center in Fairfax City, Virginia. The property consisted of two office buildings which were situated on 3.5 acres with 57,621 square feet of rentable space at date of acquisition. The purchase price was $12,891,000 or $224 per square foot. Of the $12,891,000 purchase price, the Company paid $4,891,000 in cash and received financing in the amount of $8,000,000. The acquisition of this property qualified for the deferral treatment under Section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code and completed the tax-efficient reinvestment program of the $26.3 million advance payment received in connection with the condemnation of the 245 acres of the Flowerfield property. The balance of the mortgage was prepaid in full in December 2012 and assumed by a subsidiary of Gyrodyne, and was later settled in full in connection with the Merger on August 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there were 26 tenants, comprising 27 leases, renting space with an annual base rent of $1,425,000, based on the rates in effect as of December 2015. The occupancy rate as of December 31, 2015, was 88%.

On May 4th, 2016, the Company sold the Fairfax Medical Center for $14,015,000. Based on the terms of the sale, the Company has a master lease obligation to the purchaser on approximately 3,852 square feet for approximately $155,000 over the two years following the sale date with payments due quarterly less any new leases or expansions signed by the buyer, which obligations will terminate if the financial obligation is satisfied through leases to one or more third party tenants. Based on the leasing activity since the closing date, the Company estimates the maximum obligation on the master lease has been reduced to $50,593 (net of the August 2016 lease payment of $16,878).

Limited Partnership Investment in Callery-Judge Grove, L.P. The Company has a 10.12% limited partnership interest in Callery-Judge Grove, L.P. (the “Grove”). The Grove previously owned a 3,700+ acre citrus grove (the “Grove Property”) located in Palm Beach County, Florida as its only asset, which is the subject of a plan for mixed-use development. On September 19, 2013, the Grove Property was sold in a foreclosure proceeding to Minto Florida Developments, LLC (“Minto”) pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement which provided that the Grove had the right to receive certain payments on the sale of single family residential units constructed on the property or on the sale of the property itself. During 2016, Gyrodyne was informed by the Grove’s managing partner that Minto transferred the property to an affiliate which triggered an appraisal process that resulted in the payment by Minto to the Grove of $1,968,750. The Grove’s managing partner also informed Gyrodyne that the payment along with some of its existing cash would be utilized to repay certain debt obligations owed to certain limited partners in the amount of $2.7 million. In light of the foregoing, Gyrodyne believes that the Grove may not receive any additional payments from Minto beyond the aforementioned $1,968,750. In as much as the Grove’s obligations to certain limited partners exceed the payment it received from Minto, it is unclear what amount, if any, Gyrodyne could expect to receive in any final liquidating distribution from the Grove.

Tax Status

Prior to the Merger, Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. qualified as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal and state income tax purposes under section 856(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). As long as the Corporation qualified for taxation as a REIT, it generally was not subject to federal and state income tax. If the Corporation failed to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it would be subject to federal and state income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. Even if the Company qualified as a REIT, it may have been subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property and to federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed income. The Corporation received PLR-135927-10 (“PLR”), a Private Letter Ruling dated March 1, 2011 addressing the tax impact to REIT status from condemnation proceeds. The PLR ruling stated the condemnation award would not be considered in determining whether the Corporation satisfied the REIT asset test under (i) Internal Revenue Code Section 856(c)(4) and (ii) under Section 856(c)(5)(J) the interest on the award and the reimbursement of costs derived from the claim would not be considered in determining whether the Corporation satisfied the REIT gross income test under sections 856(c)(2) and 856(c)(3).

Following a change in tax law in January 2013, retroactive to January 2012, reducing the recognition period for REIT owned property applicable for the 2012 taxable year to five years, the Corporation applied for another private letter ruling from the IRS in March 2013 and ultimately received a favorable ruling on September 12, 2013. PLR-113874-13 concluded that the Corporation’s receipt of the additional damages in July 2012 in connection with the judgment in the Corporation’s favor in its condemnation litigation with the State of New York occurred outside of the applicable recognition period for 2012, and therefore permitted the Corporation to distribute, by means of a dividend such as the Special Dividend described below, the gains realized from its receipt of the 2012 Proceeds, subject to a 4% excise tax, in order to avoid incurring the corporate level tax.

On September 13, 2013, the Board declared the First Special Dividend, in the amount of $98,685,000, or $66.56 per share, of which approximately $68,000,000, or $45.86 per share, was paid in cash. The balance of the First Special Dividend was paid in the form of interests in GSD to which the Corporation transferred its real estate assets subject to mortgage obligations to a subsidiary of the Corporation of $13,840,889. GSD would generally be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes so long as 90 percent of its gross income is “qualifying income” under Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. “Qualifying income” includes real property rents and gain from the sale or other disposition of real property (including property held for sale to customers as described in section 1221 (a)(1)). If GSD failed to meet this requirement it would be taxable as a corporation.

In accordance with REIT distribution requirements, on December 20, 2013, the Corporation announced the Second Special Dividend of $10.89 per share which was paid on January 31, 2014 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2013. The dividend was paid in the form of interests in a subordinated global dividend note of $16,150,000 that was scheduled to mature on June 30, 2017. The annual interest rate was 5% payable semiannually in kind or cash on June 15^th and December 15^th.

In addition, on September 15, 2014, the Board declared a special supplemental dividend in the amount of $682,033 (approximately $0.46 per share),which represented the remaining undistributed balance of the 2013 taxable income, paid in the form of non-transferrable uncertificated interests in a subordinated global dividend note issued on December 31, 2014 to all shareholders of record as of September 26, 2014 (the “2014 Dividend Note”, and together with the Dividend Note, the “Dividend Notes”). With the exception of the face value of the note, all terms and conditions mirror the terms and conditions of the previous notes issued. Accordingly, the allocation of Gyrodyne, LLC Shares previously designated for holders of interests in the subordinated global Dividend Note will be adjusted to reflect the addition of the $682,033 principal amount of the 2014 Dividend Note.

The Company’s investment in the Grove is held in FPI (deemed a taxable REIT subsidiary when the Corporation was a REIT) which also is the subsidiary that recorded the taxable operating results under the Corporation’s management services agreement with GSD.

Following the completion of the Merger, effective September 1, 2015, Gyrodyne, LLC, the surviving company in the Merger, no longer qualifies as a REIT but is structured as a limited liability company which is treated as a partnership, a pass-through entity for Federal income tax purposes. Gyrodyne, LLC is generally treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes so long as 90 percent of its gross income is “qualifying income” under Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. “Qualifying income” includes real property rents and gain from the sale or other disposition of real property (including property held for sale to customers as described in section 1221 (a)(1)). If Gyrodyne, LLC fails to meet this requirement it may be taxable as a corporation.

Under current law, when the IRS audits a partnership tax return, the IRS generally determines tax adjustments at the partnership level, but is required to collect any additional taxes, interest and penalties from each of the partners.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the “2015 Act”) changed this procedure for partnership tax audits and audit adjustments for partnership returns of large partnerships for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017. Pursuant to the 2015 Act, if any audit by the IRS of our income tax returns for any fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2017 results in any adjustments, the IRS may collect any resulting taxes, including any applicable penalties and interest, directly from Gyrodyne. IRS tax audit assessments on tax years beginning January 1, 2018 will require Gyrodyne to bear any tax liability resulting from such audit, as opposed to passing it through to our shareholders, unless we elect to push out the tax audit adjustments to our shareholders once it has been calculated at the company level.

Competition

The rental properties are located in St. James, Port Jefferson Station, and Cortlandt Manor, New York. The Company competes in the leasing of medical, professional and general office space and engineering, manufacturing and warehouse space with a considerable number of other real estate companies, some of which may have greater marketing and financial resources than the Company and may generally be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risk with respect to creditworthiness of tenants. Principal factors of competition in the Company’s rental property business are: the quality of properties, leasing terms (including rent and other charges and allowances for tenant improvements), attractiveness and convenience of location, financial strength of its competitors, the quality and breadth of tenant services provided and reputation as an owner and operator of quality office properties in its relevant market. Additionally, the Company’s ability to compete depends upon, among other factors, trends in the national and local economies, investment alternatives, financial condition and operating results of current and prospective tenants, availability and cost of capital, construction and renovation costs, taxes, governmental regulations, legislation and population trends.

In pursuit of its business plan, and the sale of properties, the Company competes with other real estate investors, including pension funds, insurance companies, foreign investors, real estate partnerships, public and private real estate investment trusts, private individuals and other domestic real estate companies, many of which have greater financial and other resources than the Company. With respect to properties presently owned by the Company, it competes with other owners of like properties for tenants.                       

Internal Growth and Effective Asset Management

Tenant Relations and Lease Compliance. We strive to maintain strong contacts with our tenants in order to understand their current and future real estate rental and development needs. We directly monitor each of our rental properties to ensure they are properly maintained and meet the needs of our tenants.

Extending Lease Maturities. We seek to extend leases in advance of expirations to achieve high occupancy levels. Additionally, our renewal efforts focus on converting our leases to longer terms at each of our properties, to achieve a multitenant portfolio with a balanced rollover risk.

Financing Strategy

The Company believes it is currently well capitalized with adequate cash levels to operate our business and complete our strategic plan of positioning our remaining properties for sale at enhanced values and making liquidating distributions to our shareholders.

Special Dividends. On May 26, 2016, the Company declared a non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of limited liability company interests of $9.25 per share, payable June 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the sale of the Fairfax Medical Center and the sale of two buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park. NASDAQ set the ex-dividend date as June 16, 2016.

On August 29, 2016, the Company declared another non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of limited liability company interests of $1.50 per share, payable September 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 9, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the sale of three additional buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park.

Rights Offering. On March 6, 2015, the Corporation filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC for a rights offering to the Corporation’s existing shareholders. In the rights offering, the Corporation distributed, at no charge, to shareholders as of the record date non-transferable subscription rights to purchase, on a three-for-two basis, up to an aggregate of 2,224,020 shares of Gyrodyne common stock at a price of $2.75 per share.

The rights offering also included an over-subscription privilege, which entitled each rights holder that exercised its basic subscription privilege in full, the right to purchase additional shares of common stock that remained unsubscribed at the expiration of the rights offering, subject to the availability and pro rata allocation of shares among persons exercising this over-subscription right. The rights offering did not contain an overallotment option.

On June 17, 2015, the Corporation closed the rights offering and on June 22, 2015 the Corporation announced that it received subscriptions for approximately 7,044,894 shares, greatly exceeding the maximum shares offered of 2,224,020. Shareholders were allocated 100% of their basic subscriptions. Based on the maximum 2,224,020 shares that were issued in the rights offering, 1,214,644 shares were allocated to shareholders who properly exercised their oversubscription privilege, pro rata in proportion to the aggregate number of shares subscribed for under the over-subscription privilege, or 20.12499% of each over-subscriber’s requested shares. The rights offering resulted in 2,224,020 common shares issued on June 26, 2015 and net proceeds received (after expenses) of $5,606,190 (Gross proceeds of $6,116,055 less direct expenses of the rights offering of $509,865).

Merger Allocations. The Merger resulted in holders of common stock of the Corporation receiving approximately 22.6% (335,086 shares) of the common shares of Gyrodyne, LLC in the aggregate (.0904 common interest of Gyrodyne, LLC per share of the Corporation’s common stock), holders of non-transferable interests in notes issued by the Corporation receiving approximately 30.0% (444,804 shares) of the common shares of Gyrodyne, LLC in the aggregate (.024798 common interest of Gyrodyne, LLC per $1.00 principal amount of the notes issued), and holders of non-transferable interests in GSD receiving approximately 47.4% (702,790 shares) of the common shares of Gyrodyne, LLC in the aggregate (.473999 common interest of Gyrodyne, LLC per GSD interest).

Environmental Matters

In connection with the conduct of our business, we may order a Phase 1 environmental report and, when necessary, a Phase 2 environmental report. Based on a review of such reports, and our ongoing review of each of our properties, as of the date of this report, we are not aware of any environmental condition with respect to any of the properties which we believe would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or results of operations. There can be no assurance that (i) changes in law, (ii) the conduct of tenants, (iii) activities related to properties in the surrounding area, (iv) contamination through the water table due to the low elevation and immediate proximity of the industrial park to the Long Island Sound or (v) the discovery of environmental conditions the extent or severity of which were unknown, will not expose us to material liability in the future.

The Company believes that each of its properties is in compliance, in all material respects, with federal, state and local regulations regarding hazardous waste and other environmental matters and is not aware of any environmental contamination at any of its properties that would require any material capital expenditure for the remediation thereof. No assurance can be given, however, that environmental regulations will not in the future have a materially adverse effect on the properties.

Insurance

The Company carries comprehensive liability, property, terrorism and umbrella insurance coverage which includes fire, flood, earthquakes and business interruption insurance and covers all our properties. The Company annually reviews its policies with regard to both risk management and the underlying premiums and believes the policy specifications, insurance limits and deductibles are appropriate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice and, in the opinion of the Company’s management, all its properties are adequately insured.

Major Tenants

For the year ended December 31, 2016, pro forma rental income (excluding revenue related to assets sold on or prior to December 31, 2016) from the three largest tenants represented approximately 14%, 10% and 9% of total rental income.

The three largest tenants by revenue as of December 31, 2016, consist of a state agency located in the industrial park, another tenant in the industrial park and a medical tenant in the Cortlandt Manor Medical Center.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, pro forma rental income (excluding revenue related to assets sold on or prior to December 31, 2016) from the three largest tenants represented approximately 14%, 10% and 7% of total rental income.

The three largest tenants by revenue as of December 31, 2015, consisted of a state agency located in the industrial park, another tenant in the industrial park and a medical tenant in the Cortlandt Manor Medical Center.

The current economic challenges facing state and local budgets impacted 2 of the 3 largest tenants. One of these tenants has multiple leases, one of which was renewed with an expansion in late 2015. There can be no assurance that the remaining leases will renew for the same square footage, at favorable rates net of tenant improvements, if at all.

 Fiscal year 2016 Transaction Summary

The following summarizes our significant transactions and other activity during the year ended December 31, 2016.

Financing Activity. On May 26, 2016, the Company declared a non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of limited liability company interests of $9.25 per share, payable June 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the sale of the Fairfax Medical Center and the sale of two buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park. NASDAQ set the ex-dividend date as June 16, 2016.

On August 29, 2016, the Company declared another non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of limited liability company interests of $1.50 per share, payable September 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 9, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the recent sale of three buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park.

Acquisition Activity. In March 2016, the Company acquired a four-acre undeveloped lot in Cortlandt Manor for $210,000, inclusive of related costs which the company believes is synergistic to maximizing the value on the Cortlandt Manor land development plan.

In March 2017, the Company entered in to a purchase and sale agreement on a 1950-square foot house (0.3-acre lot), in Cortlandt Manor, for $319,512 The property provides additional vehicular access to the site from Buttonwood Drive and State Route 202 and will provide for additional parking potential which the Company believes will further increase yield in a manner that is cost effective and should provide a significant return on investment to the shareholders.

Disposition Activity

Port Jefferson Professional Park. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Company closed on the sale of five buildings (approximately 4,000 square feet each) in the Port Jefferson Professional Park as follows:

The Company has four remaining buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park, two of which are under a purchase and sale agreement entered after year end and two remaining buildings (comprising 7,700 rentable square feet) within the same medical park which are being actively marketed for sale.

Fairfax Medical Center. On May 4th, 2016, the Company sold the Fairfax Medical Center for $14,015,000. Based on the terms of the sale, the Company has a master lease obligation to the purchaser on approximately 3,852 square feet for approximately $155,000 over the two years from the date of sale with payments due quarterly less any new leases or expansions signed by the buyer, which obligations will terminate if the financial obligation is satisfied through leases to one or more third party tenants. Based on the leasing activity since the closing date, the Company estimates the maximum obligation on the master lease has been reduced to $50,593 (net of the August 2016 lease payment of $16,878).

The Comparison of the Gross sales proceeds to the net realizable value reported prior to entering the Purchase and Sale Agreement:

Leasing Activity

Lease Terminations/Defaults. There were four lease terminations in our medical parks comprising approximately 4,000 square feet and $146,000 in annual revenues. Additionally, our industrial park experienced six lease terminations comprising approximately 8,000 square feet and $95,000 of annual revenue. There were no defaults during 2016.

Incentive Compensation Plan

The Corporation had an Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ICP”), the remaining benefits of which were vested and not contingent on any future performance. Payment of the limited remaining benefit under the ICP was triggered upon the December 30, 2013 non-cash dividend distribution of $20.70 per share of interests in Gyrodyne Special Distribution LLC. At that time, the Corporation’s Board decided that the Corporation should defer the cash payment triggered under the ICP by such dividend until such time as the Company made cash distributions, so as to ensure plan participants were not paid ICP benefits prior to the time the shareholders received cash on the non-cash portion of the dividend (i.e. the GSD shares). Under such deferral and pursuant to the ICP limitation, the cumulative remaining amount payable was $233,200. As a result, based on 1,482,680 shares outstanding, for every penny per share dividend declared and paid, an ICP payment of $14,827 was to be paid until such future cumulative ICP payments reached $233,200. On June 15, 2016, the Company paid a dividend of $9.25 per share to shareholders of record on June 6, 2016. As a result, the Company made its final payment of $233,200 to the ICP participants.

Neither Frederick C. Braun III (the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who joined the Company in February 2013 and is expected to separate as of April 30, 2017, nor Gary Fitlin (the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and President and Chief Executive Officer as of May 1, 2017), who joined the Company in 2009, were participants in the ICP.

The final remaining ICP benefits were paid in June, 2016. The allocation to ICP participants are below:

¹ $17,490 of the $131,758 was paid to a former Director who resigned in September 2013.

²Approximately $25,652 of the $26,818 was paid to former employees.

Retention Bonus Plan

As a result of the determination by the Corporation’s Board of Directors in September 2013 that it was in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders to pursue the actual disposition of the its remaining assets, the Company’s properties have been and will continue to be managed and marketed in an orderly manner designed to obtain the best value reasonably available for such assets. Accordingly, in May 2014, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a Retention Bonus Plan designed to recognize the nature and scope of the responsibilities related to such business plan, to reward and incent performance in connection therewith, to align the interests of directors, executives and employees with our shareholders and to retain such persons during the term of such plan. The Retention Bonus Plan provides for bonuses to directors, officers and employees determined by the date of sale and a percentage of the excess of gross sales proceeds from the sale of each property over the designated appraised value as adjusted by land development costs.

The Retention Bonus Plan provides for a bonus pool that would be funded upon the sale of each of the Company’s properties with an initial amount equal to 5% of the specified appraised value of such properties (set forth in the Plan), so long as the gross selling price of the property is equal to or greater than 100% of its appraised value as designated in the bonus plan. The aggregate amount of the 2013 appraisals for the Company’s properties was utilized by the Company to help set the aggregate valuation of the real estate that was included in the non-cash dividend distributed on December 30, 2013. Additional funding of the bonus pool would occur on a property-by-property basis when the gross sales price of a property is in excess of its appraised value as follows: 10% on the first 10% of appreciation, 15% on the next 10% of appreciation and 20% on appreciation greater than 20%. Furthermore, if a specified property is sold on or before a designated date to be specified in the Retention Bonus Plan, an additional amount equal to 2% of the gross selling price of such property also would be funded into the bonus pool.

The bonus pool is distributable in the following proportions to the named participants in the bonus plan for so long as they are directors or employees of the Company: 15% for the Chairman, 50% in the aggregate for the directors other than the Chairman (10% for each of the other directors assuming five other directors on the Board) and 35% in the aggregate (the “Employee Pool”) for the Company’s executives and employees. Such share of the bonus pool is earned only upon the completion of the sale of a property at a gross selling price equal to or greater than its appraised value and is paid to the named beneficiaries of the Retention Bonus Plan or their designees within 60 days of the completion of such sale or, if later, within 60 days of receipt of any subsequent post-completion installment payment related to such sale. All allocations to individual beneficiaries of the Employee Pool shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in consultation with its President.

On May 24, 2016, the Company amended its Retention Bonus Plan to provide that land development costs incurred on a property since the date of the 2013 appraisal will be added to the appraised value of the property in calculating appreciation for the purpose of determining the bonus pool. The foregoing change was approved in order to better align the interests of the participants in the Retention Bonus Plan with those of the shareholders. The amendment also provides that each of the ten buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park will be treated as a “property”, so that a participant’s right to bonus payment on the sale of a Port Jefferson building will vest on, and payments to the bonus pool may be made shortly following, the closing of the sale of that building. As originally adopted, all ten buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park were treated as one property, so that a participant departing prior to the sale of all ten buildings would forfeit bonus on all ten buildings. The reason for this original designation was that, at the time of adoption, the Board of Directors believed that Gyrodyne’s entire Port Jefferson property would be sold as one block, not as individual buildings. Subsequent to adoption, the Gyrodyne Board came to believe that the sale of individual buildings would generate the greatest aggregate values and thus would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

The value of the real estate reported in the Statement of Net Assets as of December 31, 2016, does not include the appreciation that may result from the estimated land development costs. As a result, the value reported does not exceed the adjusted appraised value under the Retention Bonus Plan on certain properties and accordingly the Company has not included any estimated retention bonuses on the sales of such properties.

Payments made during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 under the Retention Bonus Plan relating to the sales of 6 buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park and the Virginia Healthcare Center were as follows:

Taxes attributable to the taxable REIT subsidiary

Taxes attributable to the limited partnership investment in The Grove. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has a current tax benefit of $19,749 reflecting income tax refunds due on the 2015 (year ended April 30, 2016) income tax returns of FPI. In addition, FPI recorded a deferred tax benefit of $84,908 reflecting taxes paid on income recognized for tax but not for book purposes. In the event, the Grove does not make any further distributions, the Company would expense the remaining tax basis and carryback the associated net operating loss in FPI and receive a tax refund in the amount of the deferred tax benefit.

Subsequent Business Events

Leasing Activity. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Company signed 5 new leases and lease extensions comprising approximately 7,000 square feet, $126,000 in annual revenue and $407,000 in total lease commitments.

Subsequent to December 31, 2016, the Company has experienced 2 lease terminations comprising approximately 5,384 square feet with approximately $78,000 in annual revenue.

Real Estate Sales. The Company also entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated March 30^th, 2017, to sell the two buildings located at 9 Medical Drive and 5380 Nesconset Highway, respectively, in the Port Jefferson Professional Park for $2,000,000 to Teresa Rainone and Hesham Atwa, subject to an evaluation period that will expire thirty days from signing (with an optional extension period of ten days), during which time the purchaser shall have the right to terminate the agreement by written notice to GSD Port Jefferson, for any reason or no reason, in which case the purchaser will have the right to receive a refund of its $100,000 deposit. Unless so terminated, the agreement provides for a closing within five days of the expiration of the evaluation period.

Real Estate Acquisition. On March 13, 2017, the Company entered a purchase and sale agreement to purchase a 1,950-square foot single-family residential dwelling located on approximately 0.3 acres in Cortlandt Manor, New York. The purchase price is $319,512. The Company was able to take advantage of a distressed sale following foreclosure action by the lender. The property which adjoins the Cortlandt Medical Center and is across the street from New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Center, is expected to become part of the Cortlandt Manor MOD (see, “--, “Property Value Enhancement – Cortlandt Manor”, above). The property provides additional vehicular access to the site from Buttonwood Drive and State Route 202 and will provide for additional parking potential which the Company believes will further increase yield in a manner that is cost effective and should provide a significant return on investment to the shareholders.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 we had 6 employees. The number of employees will be reduced to five following the separation of Frederick C. Braun III from the Company which was mutually agreed upon in principle and is expected to be effective April 30, 2017.

Industry Segments

We operate primarily in one segment the management of multi-tenanted industrial and medical office buildings.

Available Information

We electronically file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, and proxy statements, with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, or you may obtain information by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet address at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and information statements, and other information, which you may obtain free of charge. In addition, copies of our filings with the SEC may be obtained from our website located at www.gyrodyne.com. We make available, free of charge, on or through the Investor Relations section of our website, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as prospectuses and Proxy Statements, as soon as reasonably practicable following the electronic filing of such material with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Also available on our website is our Audit Committee Charter and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics governing our directors, officers and employees. In addition, our web site includes information with respect to purchases and sales of securities by our officers, directors as well as any non-GAAP financial disclosures (defined by SEC’s Regulation G) that we may make public orally, or in writing. We are not incorporating our website or any information from the website into this Form 10-K.

Our Investor Relations department can be contacted at One Flowerfield, Suite 24, St. James, New York 11780, ATTN: Investor Relations or by Telephone: 631-584-5400.

Principal Executive Offices – Our principal executive office is located at One Flowerfield, Suite 24, St James, New York 11780. Our telephone number is 631-584-5400.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Gyrodyne’s business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidating distribution potential are subject to risks customary for real property owners, as well as additional risks associated with Gyrodyne’s strategic plan of positioning our remaining properties for sale at enhanced values and making liquidating distributions to our shareholders. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Report, the following risks and uncertainties could materially harm the value of our properties and the magnitude of distributions to our shareholders, including causing Gyrodyne’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. The following summary of significant risk factors is not all-inclusive or necessarily in order of importance. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to Gyrodyne or that Gyrodyne currently deems immaterial also may materially adversely affect us in future periods. For more information about forward-looking statements, see the section of this report entitled “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information” below.

Stipulation of Settlement prohibits us from selling our remaining properties at prices below December 2014 appraised values

On July 3, 2014, a purported shareholder of the Corporation filed a putative class action lawsuit against the Company, the Corporation, GSD and members of our Board of Directors (the "Action"). The complaint alleged, among other things, that (i) our directors breached their fiduciary duties or aided and abetted the breach of those duties in connection with the Merger and (ii) the Corporation and the directors breached their fiduciary duties by failing to disclose material information in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Merger. On August 14, 2015, the parties to the Action entered a Stipulation of Settlement (the "Settlement") providing for the settlement of the Action, subject to the court's approval.  Under the Settlement, Gyrodyne amended its proxy statement relating to the Merger with certain supplemental disclosures, and agreed that any sales of its properties would be effected only in arm's-length transactions at prices at or above their appraised values as of 2014.

The 2014 aggregate appraised value for our properties was approximately $100,000 higher than the 2013 aggregate appraised value for such properties. As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate appraised value of our remaining unsold properties was $550,000 lower than the 2014 aggregate appraised value for such properties.

Furthermore, the Stipulation’s price floor provision does not factor in land development costs that may be incurred in enhancing the value of any particular property. Although the Company intends only to engage in value enhancement efforts and incur land development costs if it reasonably believes that property values will increase more than the amount of such costs, and the Retention Bonus Plan as amended properly incentivizes the Company to do so by calculating the bonus pool as a percentage of the excess of gross sales proceeds from the sale of each property over the designated appraised value as adjusted by land development costs, the price floor provision may nevertheless create a perverse incentive for the Company to incur certain land development costs to increase the value of a property beyond its stipulated price floor even if the land development costs incurred exceed the amount of the increase.

Risks incidental to real estate ownership and management

Because our business plan is to pursue the opportunistic disposition of our properties, we do not expect to make any further investments other than to enhance the values of the Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties which may include acquisitions of land and/or executing land swaps. Accordingly, an investment in Gyrodyne depends upon the financial performance and the value of our current portfolio of properties, which properties are subject to the risks normally associated with the ownership and management of rental properties and real estate in general. The risks associated with ownership and management of rental properties include the non-performance of lease obligations by tenants, leasehold improvements that will be costly or difficult to remove should it become necessary to re-rent the leased space for other uses, covenants in certain retail leases that limit the types of tenants to which available space can be rented (which may limit demand or reduce the rents realized on re-renting), rights of termination of leases due to events of casualty or condemnation affecting the leased space or the property or due to interruption of the tenant's quiet enjoyment of the leased premises, and obligations of a landlord to restore the leased premises or the property following events of casualty or condemnation. The risks associated with ownership and management of real estate in general include:

There are risks associated with seeking to enhance the value of certain properties

Gyrodyne is currently exploring enhancements of the value of our Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties by pursuing various entitlement and/or zoning opportunities. The Board believes that the cost of doing so will be exceeded by the resulting increase in value in such properties. Our efforts to seek enhancements of such properties are subject to various risks, including the following:

For these and other reasons, we cannot assure you that we will realize growth in the value of our Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties that exceeds our land development costs or any at all, and as a result our ability to make distributions to our shareholders could be adversely affected.

We cannot assure you of the exact timing and amount of any further distributions to our shareholders

Our estimate of net assets in liquidation at December 31, 2016 is $28.1 million or $18.96 per common share. These estimated amounts are based on a number of assumptions and factors outside of our control. The process of disposing of our real property assets in an orderly manner designed to obtain the best value reasonably available for such assets may fail to create value or may result in lower than expected value and may result in lower than expected proceeds, or in no proceeds, for distribution to our shareholders. The actual nature, amount and timing of all distributions will be determined by Gyrodyne in our sole discretion, and will depend on, and could be delayed by, among other things, sales of our real estate assets, claim settlements with creditors, resolution of outstanding litigation matters, payment of incentive bonuses to those employees and directors who are vested under the Retention Bonus Plan and unanticipated or greater-than-expected expenses. Examples of uncertainties that could reduce the value of or eliminate distributions to our shareholders include unanticipated costs relating to:

As a result, we cannot determine with certainty the amount or timing of distributions to our shareholders.

If we are unable to find buyers for our properties at our expected sales prices, distributions may be delayed or reduced.

In calculating our estimated net assets in liquidation, we assume that we will be able to find buyers for all our properties at our estimated amounts. However, we may have overestimated the sales prices that we will be able to obtain for these properties or underestimated the costs associated with such sales. If we are not able to find buyers for these properties in a reasonably timely manner or if we have overestimated the sales prices we will receive, distributions payable to holders of our common shares would be delayed or reduced. Furthermore, our estimated net assets in liquidation are based on current market conditions, but real estate market values are constantly changing and tend to fluctuate with changes in interest rates, supply and demand dynamics, occupancy percentages, lease rates, the availability of suitable buyers, the perceived quality and dependability of income flows from tenancies and a number of other factors, both local and national. In addition, transactional fees and expenses, environmental contamination at our properties or unknown liabilities, if any, may adversely impact the net liquidation proceeds from those properties.

Distributions to shareholders may be delayed or reduced as a result of sale agreement provisions that allow purchasers to terminate agreements and/or result in purchaser defaults.

The purchase and sale agreement that we executed with respect to the sale of two buildings in the Port Jefferson Medical Park, contain provisions that give the purchaser the right to terminate the agreement, for any reason or no reason, prior to the expiration of an evaluation period, and have the right to receive a refund of earnest money deposits. It is anticipated that future sales agreements will have similar provisions. The consummation of these sales and other potential sales for which we will enter into sale agreements in the future will also be subject to satisfaction of standard closing conditions. If any property sale contemplated by these or future sale agreements does not close because a purchaser exercises its termination right or defaults, or because of a failure of a closing condition or for any other reason, we will need to locate a new buyer for the property, which we may be unable to do promptly or at a price or on terms that are as favorable as contained in the original sale agreement. We will also incur additional costs involved in negotiating a new sale agreement for such property. These additional costs are not included in our projections. In the event that we incur these additional costs, distributions to our shareholders would be delayed or reduced.

Our shareholders may be liable to our creditors for an amount up to the amount distributed by us if our reserves for payments to creditors are inadequate.

In the event our shareholders receive distributions from Gyrodyne, LLC and there are insufficient funds to pay any creditors who seek payment of claims against Gyrodyne, shareholders could be held liable for payments made to them and could be required to return all or a part of distributions made to them.

Our properties may subject us to known and unknown liabilities.

Our existing properties may have known and unknown liabilities for which we would have no recourse, or only limited recourse, to the former owners of such properties. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of an acquired property, we might be required to pay significant sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our financial results, cash flow and proceeds available for distribution. Unknown liabilities relating to acquired properties could include:

If we are unable to maintain the occupancy rates of currently leased space and lease currently available space, if tenants default under their leases or other obligations to us or if our cash flow is otherwise less than we expect, distributions to our shareholders may be delayed or reduced.

The sales proceeds that could be generated from opportunistic dispositions of our real properties depend in large part on occupancy and rental rates, our success in renting currently available space and the existence of any significant tenant defaults that were not subsequently cured. Negative trends in one or more of these factors may adversely affect the resale value of the properties, which would reduce our distributions. Disposition proceeds and related distributions will be reduced to the extent that we receive less rental income than we expect. We may also decide in the event of a tenant default to restructure the lease, which could require us to substantially reduce the rent payable to us under the lease, or make other modifications that are unfavorable to us.

We are subject to risks associated with the financial condition of our tenants.

Our tenants may experience a downturn in their business resulting in their inability to make rental payments when due. In addition, a tenant may seek the protection of bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws, which could result in the rejection and termination of such tenant’s lease and cause a reduction in our cash flow.  We cannot evict a tenant solely because of its filing for bankruptcy. A bankruptcy court, however, may authorize a tenant to reject and terminate its lease. In such a case, our claim against the tenant for past due rent and unpaid future rent would be subject to a statutory cap that might be substantially less than the remaining rent owed under the lease. In any event, it is unlikely that a bankrupt tenant will pay the entire amount it owes us under a lease. The loss of rental payments from tenants would likely reduce proceeds from real property dispositions and distributions from such proceeds.

The loss of a major tenant could adversely affect our financial condition.

We are and expect that we will continue to be subject to a degree of tenant concentration at certain of our operating properties. As indicated above, we are subject to risks associated with the financial condition of our tenants. In the event that a tenant occupying a significant portion of one or more of our properties or whose rental income represents a significant portion of the rental revenue at such property or properties were to experience financial weakness, default on its lease, elect not to renew its lease or file bankruptcy it would negatively impact our financial condition and, as a result, our distributions. 

We may experience increased operating costs, which might reduce our estimated net assets in liquidation and the sales prices received for our properties.

Our properties are subject to increases in operating expenses such as for cleaning, electricity, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, administrative costs and other costs associated with security, landscaping and repairs and maintenance of our properties. In general, under our leases with tenants, we pass through all or a portion of these costs to them. There can be no assurance that tenants will actually bear the full burden of these higher costs, or that such increased costs will not lead them, or other prospective tenants, to seek space elsewhere. If operating expenses increase, the availability of other comparable space in the geographic markets of our properties might limit our ability to increase rents; if operating expenses increase without a corresponding increase in revenues, our profitability could diminish thereby reducing our estimated proceeds on disposition of real properties and limit the amount and likely delay the timing of our distributions.

Some of our potential losses may not be covered by insurance.

We use our discretion in determining amounts, coverage limits and deductibility provisions of insurance, with a view to maintaining appropriate insurance coverage on our properties at a reasonable cost and on suitable terms. This may result in insurance coverage that, in the event of a substantial loss, would not be sufficient to pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of the property and also may result in certain losses being totally uninsured. Inflation, changes in building codes, zoning or other land use ordinances, environmental considerations or other factors might not make it feasible to use insurance proceeds to replace a building after such building has been damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds, if any, received by us might not be adequate to restore our economic position with respect to such property. 

We may incur costs to comply with environmental laws.

The obligation to pay for the cost of complying with existing environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, as well as the cost of complying with future legislation, may increase our operating costs. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on or under the property. Environmental laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances and whether or not such substances originated from the property.  Insurance that we maintain related to potential environmental issues on our properties may not be adequate to cover all possible contingencies. 

Our common shares are thinly traded and there may not be an active, liquid trading market for our common shares.

Our common shares are thinly traded and have substantially less liquidity than the average trading market for many other publicly traded companies.  Thinly traded stocks can be more volatile than stock trading in an active public market.  Our stock price has been volatile in the past and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. These factors include but are not limited to our announcement of developments related to our plan to sell our properties opportunistically (some of which are or may be the subject of enhancement efforts), stock performance of other companies deemed to be peers, news reports of issues related to REITs or other real property owners and the real estate market and market forces generally.  Over the past several years, the stock market has experienced a high level of price and volume volatility, and market prices for the stock of many companies, including those in the real estate sector, have experienced wide price fluctuations that have not necessarily been related to operating performance.  Our stock price may fluctuate significantly in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to our performance.  General market declines or market volatility in the future, especially in the real estate sector of the economy, could adversely affect the price of our common shares, and the current market price may not be indicative of future market prices.  There is no guarantee that an active trading market for our common shares will be maintained on NASDAQ, or that the volume of trading will be sufficient to allow for timely trades.  Investors may not be able to sell their shares quickly or at the latest market price if trading in our stock is not active or if trading volume is limited.  In addition, if trading volume in our common shares is limited, trades of relatively small numbers of shares may have a disproportionate effect on the market price of our common shares.  Therefore, our shareholders may not be able to sell their shares at the volume, prices or times that they desire.

If our common shares are delisted from NASDAQ, shareholders may find it difficult to dispose of their shares.

We do not anticipate making distributions other than distributions from property dispositions or of liquidation proceeds.

We have not paid any dividends other than the following special dividends:

We have a history of losses and we anticipate losses in the future, excluding proceeds from the sale of assets. There can be no guarantee that we will have income to distribute other than proceeds from the sale of properties or of the Company, and we may not make any dividends or distributions in the future other than distributions of proceeds on the sale of the Company or any of our assets.

The value of our medical office parks may be affected by factors in the healthcare industry.

On a pro forma basis to exclude assets sold, approximately 48,000 square feet of our rentable space and approximately 39% of our gross revenues for 2016 was attributable to our medical office properties. The medical office properties are subject to various operating risks common to the healthcare industry, many of which are beyond our control, including the following: 

Investment in medical parks is capital intensive.

Our medical properties require periodic capital expenditures and renovation to remain competitive. Maintaining our occupancy upon renewals or locating new tenants may require rent concessions, tenant improvements or a combination of both. Additionally, the recent federal healthcare legislation has caused some medical professionals to increase their space requirements. Our ability to relocate our tenants into more suitable space within our medical parks may be limited due to the size of the suites currently vacant and the willingness of tenants to relocate within the building.  Our ability to fund capital expenditures may be limited.

Federal health care legislation has affected medical office real estate. 

Illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties and harm our financial condition.

Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, our ability to promptly sell one or more properties in the portfolio in response to changing economic, financial and investment conditions is limited.

The real estate market is affected by many factors that are beyond our control, including:

We are subject to risks stemming from the New York State budget crisis.

Our industrial park borders Stony Brook University and the University’s leases with us represent over 8% of our overall rentable space.  The New York State budget crisis put additional pressure on Stony Brook University, part of the State University of New York system, to cut costs and there is no guarantee that it will continue to renew leases for equivalent space in the future.  Furthermore, many of our tenants service the local area and may be adversely affected by a reduction in business from Stony Brook University. Stony Brook University currently has one remaining lease with Gyrodyne, and there is no guarantee it will renew its remaining lease when it expires in 2019.

Geographic concentration of our properties will make our business vulnerable to economic downturns in the New York metropolitan area.

All our remaining properties are located in the New York metropolitan area, specifically Northern Westchester and eastern Long Island. Economic conditions in these locations will significantly affect our revenues and the value of our properties. Business layoffs or downsizing, industry slowdowns, changing demographics and other similar factors may adversely affect the economic climate in these areas.  Any resulting oversupply or reduced demand for space in the New York metropolitan area would therefore have a disproportionate negative impact on our revenues.

We are subject to risks associated with renovations and capital improvements.

Our properties have an ongoing need for renovations and other capital improvements, including replacement of HVAC systems, parking lots, and other structural items.  Tenants often require us to make periodic capital improvements as a condition of renewing leases.  For the year ended December 31, 2016 we spent approximately $427,000 on capital improvements to our real estate portfolio. Capital improvements and renovation projects may give rise to the following risks:

The costs associated with capital improvements on our properties could adversely affect our financial condition.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None

Item 2. Properties.

The executive office of the Company is located at 1 Flowerfield, Suite 24, St. James, New York and consists of approximately 3,256 square feet.

Real Estate Investments

The Company owns a 68-acre property located in St. James, in the Town of Smithtown on the North Shore of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. The property currently has 129,737 square feet of rental space and is approximately 72% occupied by 34 tenants. The Company also owns four buildings in a medical office park located in Port Jefferson Station also on the North Shore of Suffolk County, two of which are under contract for sale. The property currently has approximately 15,000 square feet of rental space and is currently 55% occupied by 3 tenants. In addition, the Company owns a medical office park which consists of seven buildings located in Cortlandt Manor, New York, just outside the city of Peekskill, New York. The property has 33,871 square feet of rental space and 13 tenants.

During 2016 and 2015, land development costs incurred were approximately $897,000 (inclusive of a land purchase for approximately $210,000) and $464,000 respectively. Approximately $381,000, of the 2015 land development costs were incurred following the Merger, after which the Company turned its attention to continuing the research of the highest and best use of the Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties and the related pursuit of entitlements, all of which the Company believes will maximize their value.

Following the Merger, effective September 1, 2015, the Company adopted the liquidation basis of accounting and therefore reports the land and buildings on the Consolidated Statement of Net Assets at net realizable value. The net realizable value at December 31, 2016 is estimated to be $31,025,000. This value excludes any increase in value the Company believes is achievable from enhancement efforts in Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor.

The average age of the buildings on our properties is approximately 57 years at Flowerfield, 43 years at Port Jefferson, and 27 years at Cortlandt Manor. All facilities continually undergo maintenance repair cycles for roofs, paved areas, and building exteriors. The general condition of internal infrastructure, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and elevators is considered average for facilities of this age. The grounds feature landscaping, are neatly groomed and well maintained.

There are four main buildings in the Flowerfield Industrial Park with rental unit sizes ranging from 130 to 12,980 square feet. Given the location and size of rental units, the Flowerfield Industrial Park attracts tenants ranging in size from Stony Brook University and the Stony Brook University Hospital to many smaller companies that are not dependent on extensive material or product handling. In the four remaining buildings located in Port Jefferson Station, the rental unit sizes range from 500 to 4,000 square feet. The size, location and configuration of the units are conducive to professional offices consisting primarily of medical and dental professionals. In the five buildings located in the Cortlandt Medical Center, the rental size units range from 1,200 to 3,943 square feet and consist primarily of medical professionals.

The Company maintains a $100 million liability umbrella policy and has insured certain buildings and rent receipts predicated on an analysis of risk, exposure and loss history. It is management's opinion that the premises are adequately insured.

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2016 for each of the properties:

*Includes additional building purchased in 2010

The following table sets forth scheduled lease expirations on the properties as of December 31, 2016:

The properties are located in St. James, Port Jefferson Station and Cortlandt Manor, all of which are in New York State. The Company filed a pre-application for the Flowerfield property along with the previously sold catering facility totaling approximately 74 acres with the Town of Smithtown. The Company has an additional 5.2 acres bordering the industrial park that is currently zoned residential and is not part of the application. Additionally, the Company intends to file an application with the Town of Cortlandt Manor on the development of that property on or about March 31, 2017 (see, “—Property Value Enhancement”, above).

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Putative Class Action Lawsuit

On July 3, 2014, a purported stockholder of the Company filed a putative class action lawsuit against Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. (the “Corporation”) and members of its Board of Directors (the "Individual Defendants"), and against GSD and the Company (collectively, the "Defendants"), in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk (the "Court"), captioned Cashstream Fund v. Paul L. Lamb, et al., Index No. 065134/2014 (the "Action").  The complaint alleged, among other things, that (i) the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties or aided and abetted the breach of those duties in connection with the merger of the Corporation and GSD into the Company (the “Merger”) and (ii) the Corporation and the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to disclose material information in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Merger.

On August 14, 2015, the parties to the Action entered into a Stipulation of Settlement (the "Settlement") providing for the settlement of the Action, subject to the Court's approval.  Under the Settlement, Gyrodyne amended its Proxy Statement on August 17, 2015 with certain supplemental disclosures, and agreed that any sales of its properties would be effected only in arm's-length transactions at prices at or above their appraised values as of December 2014.  The plaintiff, on behalf of itself and the members of the putative class it represents, agreed to release and dismiss with prejudice all claims that had or could have been asserted in the Action or in any other forum against the Defendants and their affiliates and agents arising out of or relating to the Merger and the other transactions alleged by plaintiff in its complaint, as supplemented.  On April 8, 2016, the Court entered a Final Order and Judgment approving the Settlement. By order of the same date, the Court also granted plaintiff’s application for an award of attorney’s fees and reimbursement of expenses in the amount of $650,000 which was paid in full in April 2016.

The 2014 aggregate appraised value of Gyrodyne’s properties was approximately $100,000 higher than the 2013 aggregate appraised values for such properties. As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate value of the remaining unsold properties was $550,000 lower than the 2014 appraised values. See, “Risk Factors – Stipulation of Settlement prohibits us from selling our remaining properties at prices below the December 2014 appraised values”.

Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. v. The State of New York

In July 2012, the Corporation received $167,530,657 from the State of New York (the "State") in payment of the judgments in the Corporation’s favor in the Corporation's condemnation litigation with the State, which consisted of $98,685,000 in additional damages (the "2012 proceeds"), $1,474,941 for the Corporation’s costs, disbursements and expenses, and $67,370,716 in interest. Subsequent to receiving the payment the Corporation was notified by the State of a $29,000 overpayment, which the Corporation returned, due to an error in the interest calculation by the State of New York.

The $167,530,657 payment concluded the Corporation’s case commenced in 2006 for just compensation for the 245.5 acres of its Flowerfield property in St. James and Stony Brook, New York (the "Property") taken by the State. The State had paid the Corporation $26,315,000 for the Property in March 2006, which the Corporation elected, under New York’s eminent domain law, to treat as an advance payment while it pursued its claim for just compensation. The Court of Claims ruled in the Corporation’s favor in June 2010 when it awarded the Corporation $125,000,000, thereby requiring the State to pay an additional $98,685,000 plus statutory interest of nine percent from the date of taking on November 2, 2005 to the date of payment. That Judgment, as well as a related Judgment for costs, disbursements and expenses, was affirmed by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York for the Second Judicial Department and subsequently by the New York State Court of Appeals.

The Corporation recorded income of $167,425,729 including interest through June 30, 2012 in the quarter then ended and recorded the balance of the interest earned through July 3, 2012 of $104,928 in the financial statements for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012. Following notification from the State, the Corporation returned $29,000 due to an error in the original interest calculation and remittance which was prepared by New York State.

General

In addition to the foregoing, in the normal course of business, Gyrodyne is a party to various legal proceedings. After reviewing all actions and proceedings pending against or involving Gyrodyne, management considers that any loss resulting from such proceedings individually or in the aggregate will not be material to Gyrodyne’s financial condition or results of operations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market information 

The Company's common shares (symbol: "GYRO") are traded in the NASDAQ Capital Market. Since June 10, 1948, the NASDAQ Capital Market has been the principal market in which the Company’s stock (and prior to the Merger, the Corporation’s common stock) has been publicly traded. The Company believes it is currently in compliance with all of its Nasdaq listing requirements. See, “Risk Factors -- If our common shares are delisted from NASDAQ, shareholders may find it difficult to dispose of their shares”.

Set forth below are the high and low sales prices for the Company’s common shares (and prior to the Merger, the Corporation’s common stock) for each full quarter within the two most recent fiscal years:

The foregoing stock price information should be considered in the context of the Merger that was consummated on August 31, 2015. Prior to such date, the Corporation did not own the properties; on and following such date, the Company acquired ownership of the properties in the Merger as a matter of law. The Company believes the significant improvement in the quarterly high and low share price reflective in the September and December 2015 quarter end is a direct result of the Merger along with the note holders exchanging their interest for equity in Gyrodyne, LLC. NASDAQ admitted the Company’s common shares for listing in August 2015, and the common shares began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “GYRO” beginning September 1, 2015. Prior to the Merger, GYRO was also the trading symbol for shares of common stock of the Corporation.

Approximate number of equity security holders, including shares held in street name by brokers.

There were no dividends declared during 2015.

The Company declared and paid two dividends during 2016. On May 26, 2016, the Company declared a non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of $9.25 per share, payable June 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the sale of the Fairfax Medical Center and the sale of two buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park. NASDAQ set the ex-dividend date as June 16, 2016. On August 29, 2016, the Company declared another non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of $1.50 per share, payable September 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 9, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the sale of three buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park.

Future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board. The magnitude and timing of any dividends will depend on our actual cash flow, proceeds generated from opportunistic sales of properties, our financial condition, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board deems relevant. The actual cash flow available to pay dividends will depend on a number of factors including, among others, the factors discussed under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report.

The Company does not have an equity compensation plan for its employees, officers or directors.

However, the Corporation had an Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ICP”), the remaining benefits of which were vested and not contingent on any future performance. Payment of the limited remaining benefit under the ICP was triggered upon the December 30, 2013 non-cash dividend distribution of $20.70 per share which was comprised of the distribution of interests in Gyrodyne Special Distribution LLC. At that time, the Corporation’s Board decided that the Corporation should defer the cash payment triggered under the ICP by such dividend, until such time as the Company made cash distributions so as to ensure plan participants were not paid ICP benefits prior to the time the shareholders received cash on the non-cash portion of the dividend (i.e. the GSD shares). Under such deferral and pursuant to the ICP limitation, the cumulative total future payments that were to be made was $233,200. As a result, based on 1,482,680 shares outstanding, for every penny per share dividend declared and paid, an ICP payment of $14,827 was to be paid until such future cumulative ICP payments reached $233,200. On June 15, 2016, the Company paid a dividend of $9.25 per share to shareholders of record on June 6, 2016. As a result, the Company made its final payment of $233,200 to the ICP participants.

Neither Frederick C. Braun III (the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer), who joined the Company in February 2013, nor Gary Fitlin (the Company’s Chief Financial Officer), who joined the Company in 2009, was a participant in the ICP.

The final remaining ICP benefits were paid in June, 2016. The allocation to ICP participants are below:

¹ $17,490 of the $131,758 was paid to a former Director who resigned in September 2013.

²Approximately $25,652 of the $26,818 was paid to former employees.

Sale of Unregistered Securities.

None

Equity Compensation Plan Information.

As of December 31, 2016, there were no equity compensation plans under which securities of the Company were authorized for issuance.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        None.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statements Concerning Forward–Looking Statements

The statements made in this Form 10-K, other materials the Company has filed or may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in each case that are not historical facts, contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “projects,” “estimates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “could,” “should,” or “continue,” the negative thereof, and other variations or comparable terminology as well as statements regarding the evaluation of strategic alternatives and liquidation contingencies. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to our efforts to enhance the values of our remaining major properties and seek the orderly, opportunistic sale and liquidation of such properties as soon as reasonably practicable, the effect of economic and business conditions, risks inherent in the real estate markets of Suffolk and Westchester Counties in New York, the ability to obtain additional capital in order to enhance the value of the Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties, risks and uncertainties associated with any litigation that may develop in connection with our efforts to sell our properties opportunistically, including related enhancement efforts, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports. These and other matters the Company discusses in this Report, or in the documents it incorporates by reference into this Report, may cause actual results to differ from those the Company describes. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview 

As used herein, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” refer to Gyrodyne LLC, the succeeding company of the merger of Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc., and Gyrodyne Special Distribution, LLC with and into the Company. We operate as a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate company (prior to the Merger, a real estate investment trust (“REIT”)) focused on acquiring, developing, owning, leasing and managing medical, commercial and industrial real estate. Our tenants include unrelated diversified entities with a recent emphasis on medical office parks and properties. Our properties are located in Suffolk and Westchester counties in New York, which are characterized by strong real estate markets.

As of December 31, 2016, the consolidated portfolio consisted of three developed properties, consisting of 14 buildings with an aggregate of 178,330 rentable square feet. The Company also owns undeveloped land parcels adjacent to existing properties for which alternative entitlement and zoning plans are currently being considered in order to enhance the value of the relevant primary property.

Factors Which May Influence Future Operations 

Our operating focus is on maximizing cashflows and market value of our operating properties while we are securing entitlements and zoning modifications with the objective of enhancing the value of our remaining major properties and maximizing liquidating distributions to our shareholders as soon as reasonably practicable. As of December 31, 2016, our properties were 76% leased to 50 tenants. As of December 31, 2015, on a pro forma basis to exclude assets sold through December 31, 2016, our properties were 72% leased to 57 tenants. The year over year increase in the gross portfolio occupancy percentage was primarily the result of new tenants at the Cortlandt Medical Center and the Port Jefferson Professional Park.

During 2015, the Company shifted its focus on the Port Jefferson Professional Park from selling the 10 buildings as a group to selling individual buildings. The sales activity through March 31, 2017 confirm the Company’s belief that selling the buildings individually versus as a group will garner significantly higher proceeds for the property than would have been possible by selling it as one property. Furthermore, in many cases the buildings have a higher value with long term leases as opposed to vacant or with short-term leases. As a result, we are focusing our activity on long-term leases and sales in Port Jefferson.

Our leasing strategy for 2017 includes focusing on leasing vacant space, negotiating early renewals for leases scheduled to expire through 2017 and identifying new tenants or existing tenants seeking additional space.

Lease Expirations 

The following is a summary of lease expirations and related revenues of leases in place at December 31, 2016. This table assumes that none of the tenants exercise renewal options or early termination rights, if any, at or prior to the scheduled expirations:

The success of our leasing strategy will be dependent upon the general economic conditions and more specifically real estate market conditions and trends in the United States and in our target markets of Suffolk and Westchester Counties in New York. We cannot give any assurance that leases will be renewed or that available space will be re-leased at rental rates equal to or above the current contractual rental rates.

We actively manage the renewal process in conjunction with a third-party asset management firm. Historically, this has resulted in a very low turnover rate with our tenants. As a result, the Company continues to actively manage lease termination dates and often approaches tenants up to one year in advance to gauge renewal interest and negotiate related leases. Where a termination is likely, the Company begins marketing the property prior to termination to timely identify the market rent for the specific space, expected vacancy period and market demanded tenant concessions and incentives. During 2016, the Company provided approximately $498,000 in incentives in the form of tenant improvements and lease concessions in the form of rent abatement of approximately $19,000. The aforementioned incentives resulted in total lease commitments of approximately $1,540,000.

The Company may offer tenant concessions in the form of rent abatements rather than tenant improvements to maximize its working capital position. However, tenant improvement incentives may be offered in certain cases where concessions are not effective in meeting the demands of the existing or prospective tenant.

During 2016, the Company incurred approximately $45,000 in leasing fees and commissions in exchange for revenue commitments of approximately $958,000 with leases ranging from 1 year to 7 years. The leasing fees reflect a renewal cost rate of 4.7% of the related revenue commitments. The Company often renews leases without external brokers or other third party costs which during 2016 resulted in an additional $2.3 million in lease commitments. As a result, the total lease commitments signed during 2016 was $3.3 million. The Company has approximately 24% of its annual leasing revenue up for renewal in 2017, which compares favorably to 31% of leases up for renewal in 2015. General economic conditions, coupled with rental markets in which we operate, will dictate how rental rates on new leases and renewals will compare, favorably or unfavorably, to those leases that were signed in 2016.

Critical Accounting Policies 

Gyrodyne is pursuing the opportunistic disposition of certain properties and the enhancement of the value of the Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties, by pursuing various development or zoning/entitlement opportunities, which the Gyrodyne Board believes will improve the chances of obtaining better values for such properties. Gyrodyne expects that it will dissolve after it has completed the disposition of all its real property assets, has applied the proceeds of such dispositions first to settle any claims, pending or otherwise, against Gyrodyne, and then has made liquidating distributions to holders of Gyrodyne common shares. Therefore, effective September 1, 2015 Gyrodyne adopted the liquidation basis of accounting. This basis of accounting is considered appropriate when, among other things, liquidation of the entity is imminent, as defined in ASC 205-30, Presentation of Financial Statements Liquidation Basis of Accounting. Under Gyrodyne’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement the Board has the ability to sell all the Company’s assets without further approval. As a result, liquidation is “imminent” in accordance with the guidance provided in ASC 205-30.

Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gyrodyne, LLC and all subsidiaries. All consolidated subsidiaries are wholly-owned. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated.  

Basis of Presentation - Liquidation Basis of Accounting – Under the liquidation basis of accounting the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of operations, statement of equity, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the consolidated statement of cash flows are no longer presented. The consolidated statement of net assets in liquidation and the consolidated statement of changes in net assets in liquidation are the principal financial statements presented under the liquidation basis of accounting.  

Under the liquidation basis of accounting, all the Company’s assets have been stated at their estimated net realizable value, or liquidation value, (which represents the estimated amount of cash that Gyrodyne will collect on the disposal of assets as it carries out the plan of liquidation), which is based on current contracts, estimates and other indications of sales value.  All liabilities of the Company, including those estimated costs associated with implementing the Plan of Liquidation, have been stated at their estimated settlement amounts.  These amounts are presented in the accompanying statement of net assets in liquidation.  These estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as appropriate.  There can be no assurance that these estimated values will be realized.  Such amounts should not be taken as an indication of the timing or amount of future distributions or our actual dissolution.  The valuation of assets at their net realizable value and liabilities at their anticipated settlement amount represent estimates, based on present facts and circumstances, of the net realizable value of the assets and the costs associated with carrying out the Plan of Liquidation.  The actual values and costs associated with carrying out the Plan of Liquidation may differ from amounts reflected in the accompanying financial statements because of the Plan’s inherent uncertainty.  These differences may be material.  In particular, the estimates of our costs will vary with the length of time necessary to complete the Plan of Liquidation, which is currently anticipated to be completed by the end of 2018.  The Company has begun the process of pursuing entitlements, density and/or rezoning, and our ability to obtain required permits and authorizations is subject to factors beyond our control, including environmental concerns of governmental entities and community groups. The process will involve extensive analysis internally at the government entity level, as well as between government entities such as town planning departments and Gyrodyne, and will continue up until such time as entitlement, rezoning and density decisions are made by the relevant government entities. We hope to secure favorable decisions on entitlements, rezoning and density so that we can then seek the sale of our remaining properties at higher prices and then proceed with the liquidation and dissolution of the Company. The Company expects the process of pursuing entitlements, rezoning and density could range between six months and two years with the ultimate timing to a certain extent managed by Gyrodyne but ultimately dependent and under the control of the applicable municipality’s planning board or other governmental authority. Accordingly, it is not possible to predict with certainty the timing or aggregate amount which may ultimately be distributed to common interest holders and no assurance can be given that the distributions will equal or exceed the estimate presented in the accompanying statement of net assets in liquidation.

The Company is pursuing value associated with the highest and best use for the Flowerfield Property and the Cortlandt Medical Center. The actual costs of achieving such values may differ materially from the assumptions and estimates utilized and accordingly, could have a significant impact on the value of net assets in liquidation.

The Company’s assumptions and estimates (including the sales proceeds of all its real estate holdings, selling costs, retention bonus payments, rental revenues, rental expenses, land development costs, general and administrative fees, litigation settlement, director and officer liability and reimbursement, post liquidation insurance tail coverage policy and final liquidation costs) are based on completing the liquidation by the end of 2018. As previously stated, on an ongoing basis, Gyrodyne evaluates the estimates and assumptions that can have a significant impact on the reported net assets in liquidation and will update accordingly for any costs and value associated with a change in the duration of the liquidation, as we cannot give any assurance on the timing of the ultimate sale of all the Company’s properties.

Management Estimates – In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and the liquidation basis of accounting, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, including net assets in liquidation, and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of receipts and expenditures for the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The most significant estimates are the estimates on the net realizable value from the sale of our real estate, the estimated costs/time to pursue entitlements/change of zone and the related timeline to complete the liquidation.

Allowance for doubtful accounts – Rent receivable is carried at net realizable value. Management makes estimates of the collectability of rents receivable. Management specifically analyzes receivables and historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Cash equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Income taxes - The Company follows the guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. This guidance, among other things, creates a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that more-likely-than-not will be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. This interpretation specifically prohibits the use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions, and it has expanded disclosure requirements. The Company believes it is more likely than not that its tax positions will be sustained in any tax examinations. The Company has no income tax expense, deferred tax assets or liabilities, associated with any such uncertain tax positions for the operations of any entity included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company’s open tax years are 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Fair Value Measurements – The Company believes the concepts for determining net realizable value are consistent with the guidance for measuring fair value. As a result, the Company follows the guidance of FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to determine the fair value of financial and non-financial instruments. The guidance defines fair value, establishes a hierarchy framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures related to the fair value. The guidance establishes a hierarchy breaking down observable and unobservable inputs into three levels: Level 1 – observable inputs in an active market on or around the measurement date, Level 2 – observable inputs that are based on prices not quoted on active markets but corroborated by market data and Level 3 – unobservable inputs utilized when no other data is available.

New accounting pronouncements

Management has evaluated the impact of newly issued accounting pronouncements, whether effective or not as of December 31, 2016, and has concluded that they will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the Company reports on a liquidation basis.

Discussion of the Statement of Net Assets

Gyrodyne’s strategy is to enhance the value of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor, by pursuing various development, zoning or entitlement opportunities, which the Gyrodyne Board believes will improve the chances of obtaining better values for such properties. The pursuit of the highest and best use of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor may involve seeking entitlements and zoning modifications, the acquisition of adjacent properties, pursuit of joint venture relationships and other investments and or other strategies to maximize the returns for our shareholders. Gyrodyne expects that it will dissolve after it has completed the disposition of all of its real property assets, has applied the proceeds of such dispositions first to settle any claims, pending or otherwise, against Gyrodyne, and then has made liquidating distributions to holders of Gyrodyne common shares. Therefore, beginning September 1, 2015, the Company reports its financial results on the Statement of Net Assets and the Statement of Changes in Net Assets, both of which track the Company’s estimated remaining liquidating distributions. Assuming the forecasted liquidation of Gyrodyne is completed by December 31, 2018, and giving effect to the estimated cash flow from operations of its existing properties until their sale, the Company expects Gyrodyne would have a cash balance of approximately $28.1 million, prior to any future dividend distributions. 

The cash balance at the end of the liquidation period, before adjustments for any future dividend distributions, is based in part on the December 31, 2016 combined balance of cash and marketable securities of $7.9 million and then adjusted for estimated cash receipts for the operation of the properties net of all rental property related expenditures as well as costs expected to be incurred to maintain the fair value of the property at its estimated gross sales proceeds and the net cash used to settle the working capital accounts. In addition, operations and the liquidation of the Company have been included, including severance, directors and officer’s insurance policy inclusive of post liquidation tail policy coverage, and financial and legal fees to complete the liquidation. In addition, the Company is incurring land development costs to determine the highest and best use for the Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties. The following table summarizes the estimates to arrive at the Net Assets in Liquidation as of December 31, 2016 (dollars are in millions).

Discussion of Changes in Net Assets  

Gyrodyne’s strategy is to enhance the value of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor, by pursuing various development, zoning or entitlement opportunities, which the Gyrodyne Board believes will improve the chances of obtaining better values for such properties. The pursuit of the highest and best use of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor may involve the acquisition of properties, pursuit of joint venture relationships and other investments and or other strategies to maximize the returns for our shareholders. Gyrodyne expects that it will dissolve after it has completed the disposition of all of its real property assets, has applied the proceeds of such dispositions first to settle any claims, pending or otherwise, against Gyrodyne, and then has made liquidating distributions to holders of Gyrodyne common shares. Therefore, the Company includes in its financial statements the Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the year ended December 31, 2016 as well as for the period from September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, all of which is discussed below:

^(a) The re-measurement of the assets and liabilities in liquidation during 2015 of $4,986,279 were mainly driven by an increase in the estimated land development costs of $2.96 million to pursue the re-zoning/entitlement efforts which are further discussed in footnote (v) of the discussion of the Statement of Net Assets in the MD&A as well as under “land development”. Furthermore, the company changed the timeline necessary to complete the research and related rezoning/entitlement efforts from the end of the 2016 to 2018 while simultaneously selling some of its assets earlier than expected. As a result, while the Company has and expects to continue to substantially reduce the rental expenses as assets are sold, the loss in the free cash flow from these properties to fund its operations and land development efforts through 2018, the revised estimated date of dissolution has resulted in the majority of the remaining $2.0 million change in liabilities in excess of receipts. The change in 2016 of $1,707,731 is mainly driven by the increased land development and G&A expense required for the pursuit of the highest value in Cortlandt Manor and Flowerfield, offset by income from operations on the remaining properties and the change in retention bonus payments.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

Cash Flows: As we pursue our plan to sell our properties opportunistically, including certain enhancement efforts, we believe that a main focus of management is to effectively manage our statement of net assets in liquidation through cash flow management of our tenant leases, maintaining or improving occupancy, and enhance the value of the Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties via the pursuit of the associated Change in zone/entitlements.

As the Company executes on the sale of assets, it will no less than annually, review its capital needs and declare and distribute dividends of any excess cash, accordingly. Upon completion of these activities, if successful, Gyrodyne will distribute the remaining cash to its shareholders and then proceed to complete the dissolution of the Company, delist its shares from NASDAQ and terminate its registration and reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended (the “Exchange Act”). Gyrodyne is required to make adequate provisions to satisfy its known and unknown liabilities which could substantially delay or limit its ability to make future distributions to shareholders. The process of accounting for liabilities, including those that are currently unknown or whose amounts are uncertain may involve difficult valuation decisions which could adversely impact the amount or timing of any future distributions.

We generally finance our operations and acquisitions through cash on hand.

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $3.8 million and investments in U.S. guaranteed hybrid mortgage backed securities of approximately $4.1 million. The Company anticipates that its current cash and cash equivalent balance will be adequate to fund its liquidation process and dissolution over the next twelve months. The $7.9 million of cash and investments in mortgage backed securities will be partially used to fund the pursuit of the highest and best use of its Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor properties while simultaneously pursuing the opportunistic sale of our properties. The pursuit of the highest and best use of Flowerfield and Cortlandt Manor may involve the acquisition of properties, pursuit of joint venture relationships and other investments and or other strategies to maximize the returns for our shareholders. The Company estimated and reported in the Statement of Net Assets total gross cash proceeds from the sale of its assets of approximately $31.0 million. Based on the Company’s current cash balance and the above forecast, the Company estimates distributable cash stemming from the liquidation of the Company of approximately $28.1 million.    

The Company’s primary sources of funds which are limited and expected to narrow as we liquidate properties and make distributions are as follows:

Excluding gross proceeds from the sale of assets, the Company’s gross rents and tenant reimbursements net of rental expenses is less than the combined total annual general and administrative costs, capital expenditures and land development costs creating a net use of cash on an annual basis through the liquidation process. The Company believes the cash and cash equivalents plus the proceeds from the sale of assets will exceed the costs to complete the liquidation of the Company. In addition, the Company has and will continue to review operating activities for possible cost reductions throughout the liquidation process.

The Company’s primary non-operating cashflows for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the 4 months ended December 31, 2015 are as follows:

Our primary sources of non-operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2016 included the following:

$13,300,833 in net proceeds from the sale of the Fairfax Medical Center

$3,981,842 in net proceeds from the sale of 5 of our buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park

$881,066 in principal repayments on the investment in mortgage backed securities.

Our primary non-operating uses of cash for the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows:

$15,938,810 for payment of liquidating distributions to our common shareholders

$452,517 of costs incurred in the pursuit of entitlements for the Cortlandt Manor Land Development inclusive of the land purchase

$444,557 of costs incurred in the pursuit of entitlements for the Flowerfield Land Development

$426,658 of capital expenditures on the real estate portfolio excluding those costs incurred under the land development effort.

Our primary sources of non-operating cash flow for the period September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 include the following:

$696,761 in net proceeds from the sale of 5 Medical Drive in the Port Jefferson Professional Park

$281,607 in principal repayments on the investment in mortgage backed securities.

Our primary non-operating uses of cash for the period September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 were as follows:

$109,950 of costs incurred in the pursuit of entitlements for the Cortlandt Manor Land Development

$271,030 of costs incurred in the pursuit of entitlements for the Flowerfield Land Development

$274,194 of capital expenditures on the real estate portfolio excluding those costs incurred under the land development effort.

In addition to these ongoing requirements, the continued economic challenges for small businesses, including the lack of available credit to many of our tenant classes who are small businesses and the uncertainty facing medical tenants brought about by the 2010 Federal health care reform legislation and the potential changes to that legislation under the current legislative environment, could adversely affect our operating results and accordingly the estimated cash proceeds from the liquidation process.

Acquisitions:

In March 2016, the Company acquired a four-acre undeveloped lot, in Cortlandt Manor, for $210,000, including related costs which the company believes is synergistic to maximizing the value on its property.

In March 2017, the Company entered in to a purchase and sale agreement on a 1,950-square foot house (0.3-acre lot), in Cortlandt Manor, for $319,512. The property provides additional vehicular access to the site from Buttonwood Drive and State Route 202 and will provide for additional parking potential which the Company believes will further increase yield in a manner that is cost effective and should provide a significant return on investment to the shareholders.

Dispositions:

Real Estate Sales:

Port Jefferson Professional Park.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Company closed on the sale of five buildings (approximately 4,000 square feet each) in the Port Jefferson Professional Park as follows:

The Company also entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated March 30^th, 2017, to sell the two buildings located at 9 Medical Drive and 5380 Nesconset Highway, respectively, in the Port Jefferson Professional Park for $2,000,000 to Teresa Rainone and Hesham Atwa, subject to an evaluation period that will expire thirty days from signing (with an optional extension period of ten days), during which time the purchaser shall have the right to terminate the agreement by written notice to GSD Port Jefferson, for any reason or no reason, in which case the purchaser will have the right to receive a refund of its $100,000 deposit. Unless so terminated, the agreement provides for a closing within five days of the expiration of the evaluation period.

Following the sale indicated above, the Company will have two remaining buildings (comprising approximately 7,700 square feet in total) within the same medical park which are being actively marketed for sale.

Fairfax Medical Center.

On May 4th, 2016, the Company sold the Fairfax Medical Center for $14,015,000. Based on the terms of the sale, the Company has a master lease obligation to the purchaser on approximately 3,852 square feet for approximately $155,000 over the two years from the date of sale with payments due quarterly less any new leases or expansions signed by the buyer, which obligations will terminate if the financial obligation is satisfied through leases to one or more third party tenants. Based on the leasing activity since the closing date, the Company estimates the maximum obligation on the master lease has been reduced to $50,593 (net of the August 2016 lease payment of $16,878).

The Comparison of the Gross sales proceeds to the net realizable value reported prior to entering the Purchase and Sale Agreement:

Since the commencement of our liquidation process, the Company has completed the sale of properties for gross proceeds of over $18.2 million and is under contract for the sale of another two properties for an additional $2.0 million of gross proceeds. Although we have not released or disclosed the appraised values of our individual real estate holdings so as not to put the Company in a negotiating disadvantage, the gross proceeds achieved in each such sale and current contract have been in excess of the appraised values.

During the four months ended December 31, 2015, the Company closed on the sale of one building (approximately 4,000 square feet) in the Port Jefferson Professional Park for $760,000.

Dividends:

The Company declared and paid the following dividends during 2016:

On May 26, 2016, the Company declared a non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of $9.25 per share, payable June 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the sale of the Fairfax Medical Center and the sale of two buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park. NASDAQ set the ex-dividend date as June 16, 2016.

On August 29, 2016, the Company declared another non-recurring special cash dividend on the Company’s common shares of $1.50 per share, payable September 15, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 9, 2016. The special dividend consisted of proceeds from the sale of three buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park.

Future dividend declarations are at the discretion of the Board and will depend on our actual cash flow, proceeds generated from opportunistic sales of properties, our financial condition, capital requirements and such other factors as the Board deems relevant. The actual cash flow available to pay dividends will depend on a number of factors including, among others, the factors discussed under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report.

Under the terms of the Stipulation of Settlement (the "Settlement") relating to the class action litigation against the Company, Gyrodyne agreed that any sales of its properties would be effected only in arm's-length transactions at prices at or above their December 2014 appraised values. The 2014 appraised value for the properties in the aggregate was approximately $100,000 higher than the 2013 aggregate appraised value for such properties used to value the interests of GSD, then a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation into which all of the Corporation’s properties were transferred, and whose shares were distributed to the Corporation’s shareholders. As of December 31, 2016, the appraised value in the aggregate of the remaining unsold properties was $550,000 lower than the 2014 appraised values. See, “Risk Factors -- Stipulation of Settlement prohibits us from selling our remaining properties at prices below the December 2014 appraised values”.

Limited Partnership Investment

The Company has a 10.12% limited partnership interest in Callery-Judge Grove, L.P. (the “Grove”). The Grove previously owned a 3,700+ acre citrus grove (the “Grove Property”) located in Palm Beach County, Florida as its only asset, which is the subject of a plan for mixed-use development. On September 19, 2013, the Grove Property was sold in a foreclosure proceeding to Minto Florida Developments, LLC (“Minto”), pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement which provided that the Grove had the right to receive certain payments on the sale of single family residential units constructed on the property or on the sale of the property itself. During 2016, Gyrodyne was informed by the Grove’s managing partner that Minto transferred the property to an affiliate which triggered an appraisal process that resulted in the payment by Minto to the Grove of $1,968,750. The Grove’s managing partner also informed Gyrodyne that the payment along with some of its existing cash will be utilized to repay certain debt obligations owed to certain limited partners in the amount of $2.7 million. In light of the foregoing, Gyrodyne believes that the Grove may not receive any additional payments from Minto beyond the aforementioned $1,968,750. In as much as the Grove’s obligations to certain limited partners exceed the payment it received from Minto, it is unclear what amount, if any, Gyrodyne could expect to receive in any final liquidating distributions from the Grove.

Property Value Enhancement

The Company is focusing its resources on positioning the properties to be sold with all entitlements necessary to achieve maximum pre-construction values in the shortest period of time with the least amount of risk to the Company. During the process of pursuing such entitlements, the Company may entertain offers from potential buyers who may be willing to pay prices for the properties that the Company finds more attractive from a timing or value perspective than completing the entitlement processes. While the real estate market is dynamic and the economy is uncertain, we anticipate that these expenditures will serve to greatly increase the sale prices of the properties and the resulting liquidating distributions to our shareholders.

Cortlandt Manor. On March 15, 2016, the Town of Cortlandt Manor (the “Town”) adopted a 2016 Sustainable Comprehensive Plan (the “Plan”) of which one key strategy was the simultaneous creation of a Medical Oriented District (“MOD”). The purpose of the MOD is to expand the Town’s existing medical infrastructure and encourage economic development, including capital investment, job creation and housing options. The MOD allows for a continuum of care, i.e., independent living, assisted living and nursing/hospital care, within or in neighboring facilities by centralizing medical services and related activities. As a designated zoning district, the MOD could include hospital, ambulatory surgery, primary and urgent care, hospice, laboratories, social services, boutique hotels and a wide range of housing.

The Company’s existing 33,871 square foot Cortlandt Medical Center and its approximate twelve acres are located directly opposite New York Presbyterian’s Hudson Valley Hospital Center and within the boundaries of the MOD. The Company has committed resources toward both market research and feasibility studies in support of achieving entitlements to maximize the value of the property. For more than a year the Company along with its planner and engineers have been working closely with the Town to identify issues and solutions involved in creating the Plan and more specifically, the MOD.  

On March 13, 2017, the Company entered a purchase and sale agreement to purchase a 1,950-square foot single-family residential dwelling located on approximately 0.3 acres in Cortlandt Manor, New York. The purchase price is $319,512. The Company was able to take advantage of a distressed sale following foreclosure action by the lender. The property which adjoins the Cortlandt Medical Center and is across the street from New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Center, is expected to become part of the Cortlandt Manor MOD. The property provides additional vehicular access to the site from Buttonwood Drive and State Route 202 and will provide for additional parking potential which the Company believes will further increase yield in a manner that is cost effective and should provide a significant return on investment to the shareholders.

The Company expects to file an application with the Town of Cortlandt Manor to develop the Cortlandt Manor property, on or about March 31, 2017, as follows:

The Company has been working closely with Town officials on entitlement complexity, environmental impact studies, traffic mitigation, effluent, financial impact and other variables to ensure the application synchronizes with the Town’s vision on the MOD.

The development costs from December 2013 through year end December 31, 2016 associated with the ownership and development of this property consisted of architectural and engineering costs, legal expenses, economic analysis, soil management, surveys and real estate taxes totaling $565,416.

Flowerfield. Following extensive market research and related feasibility studies, we identified the entitlements that we believe will maximize the value of Flowerfield in the shortest amount of time with the lowest amount of risk. The Company has been in discussions with the Town of Smithtown on the potential real estate development projects identified by the market research and feasibility studies, all of which currently fall within our “as of right to build” zoning. We are also exploring with the Town of Smithtown whether it would be amenable to certain entitlements, special permits, or other concessions that would allow for the identified development projects.

In March 2017, the Company filed a pre-application (the “Pre-application”) for the Flowerfield property along with the previously sold (2002) Catering hall facility for an eight-lot subdivision. With the Pre-application process now complete, the Company is proceeding with the comprehensive application based on feedback provided by the Town of Smithtown staff in the Pre-application process, as follows: 

In addition to lot 8, the plan envisions an open space network of trails, benches and passive recreation that will serve as a recreational amenity to tie together the uses with in the overall Flowerfield campus landscape. The development costs from December 2013 through year end December 31, 2016 associated with the ownership and development of this property consisted of architectural and engineering costs, legal expenses, economic analysis, soil management, surveys and real estate taxes totaling $942,486. The Company has an additional 5.2 acres bordering the industrial park that are currently zoned residential and are not part of the Pre-application.

While we cannot predict the outcome of the Pre-application, we can state that we have undertaken to subdivide the Flowerfield property in an accretive manner that is economically advantageous to both the Company and the surrounding communities.

As envisioned in the chart above, the Pre-application seeks to subdivide the Flowerfield property using a low-impact development campus approach that provides a complementary mix of land uses with a green space network throughout the subdivision. Opportunities for shared green space, roads, utilities and parking are incorporated into the plan and preserves the historic 200-foot setback from Route 25A. The Flowerfield campus would be a beautiful, environmentally sound and amenity enriched community that wouldn’t overly burden existing infrastructure and the local community with the additional costs of the education of elementary and high school students. We also believe the campus will generate a significant new real estate tax base for the Town of Smithtown and the Smithtown Central School District.

The Company’s Pre-application includes proposed uses for the subdivided lots, although the specific uses will be determined by the eventual purchasers. It is anticipated that the proposed uses described herein would be typical of those chosen by the future owners and as a result we requested that the subdivision be considered with those uses so that the purchasers of the lots would have an assigned density. The Company’s Pre-application includes perfecting the subdivision of the Catering facility (12 acres hereafter referred to as lot 2) which the Company sold in 2002.

In accordance with the draft Smithtown Comprehensive Plan Update, the new additions to the Flowerfield campus would be focused on uses supportive and beneficial to Stony Brook University (SBU), namely, the development of a first class 150 bed hotel with conference facilities, restaurant and health club; medical office facilities; and assisted living facilities. Furthermore, the connection with SBU via the existing LIRR crossing will help to foster synergy between Flowerfield and SBU.

Lot 1 encompasses the existing uses of the current light industrial park being retained thereby keeping in place jobs from the local business community, locations for back office operations of SBU, and studios for a vibrant arts community that yields cultural benefits to Smithtown and the surrounding communities.

Lot 2 owned by a third party. It is a catering facility that resides on a 12-acre lot that was sold in 2002. The subdivision was deferred by the town until such time as the overall plan for Flowerfield is approved.

Lot 3 is planned as a 150-room hotel that would include a 150-seat restaurant. The hotel could also have a 500-seat conference space and a 10,000-square foot day spa/fitness center. It is envisioned that this hotel would serve the adjacent catering facility, as well as the office uses on-site and the nearby SBU.

Lots 4 and 5 are envisioned as medical office, general office, or tech space (R&D) in support of SBU, its Hospital and Children’s Hospital, and its Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT). The two lots could be developed separately or as one larger lot. Approximately 129,750 square feet of office space in two buildings (53,400 and 76,350 sf) would be provided.

Lots 6 and 7 are envisioned as assisted living communities, comprising a total of 220 units, again either as two separate lots or one combined lot. There would be a synergy with the SBU Hospital and with the medical office uses for medical care of the residents of the assisted living facilities.

The Company has begun the process of pursuing entitlements, density and/or rezoning, and our ability to obtain required permits and authorizations is subject to factors beyond our control, including environmental concerns of governmental entities and community groups. The process will involve extensive analysis internally at the government entity level, as well as between government entities such as town planning departments and Gyrodyne, and will continue up until such time as entitlement, rezoning and density decisions are made by the relevant government entities. We hope to secure favorable decisions on entitlements, rezoning and density so that we can then seek the sale of our remaining properties at higher prices and then proceed with the liquidation and dissolution of the Company. The Company expects the process of pursuing entitlements, rezoning and density could range between six months and two years with the ultimate timing to a certain extent managed by Gyrodyne but ultimately dependent and under the control of the applicable municipality’s planning board or other governmental authority.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

See Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements commencing on the Contents page followed by Page F-1.

Consolidated Financial Statements include:

(1) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

(2) Consolidated Statements of Net Assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (liquidation basis)

(3) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the period from September 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 (liquidation basis)

(4) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(5) Schedules

All other information required by the following schedules has been included in the consolidated financial statements, is not applicable, or not required:

Schedule I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII and XIII.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as defined in rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of its system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013. Based on the Company’s assessment and the criteria set forth by COSO, management believes that the Company did maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.

The COSO methodology used in determining effective control over Financial Reporting follows the concepts in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework. The guidance demonstrates the applicability of those concepts to help smaller public companies design and implement internal controls to support the achievement of financial reporting objectives. It highlights 5 integrated components (control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication and monitoring activities) and 17 key principles of the 2013 framework, providing a principles-based approach to internal control.

Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report. As such, this Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company enhanced its communications with the Audit Committee with respect to significant accounting issues prior to the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified with our evaluation that occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

Subsequent Events

The Company and our Chief Executive Officer, Frederick C. Braun III, have agreed in principle that Mr. Braun will be separating from the Company, expected to be effective April 30, 2017. The decision to separate was a mutual one between the Company and Mr. Braun and made following discussions between our Board of Directors and management regarding the need for cost reductions. The Company anticipates that it will file a Current Report on Form 8-K following the execution of a separation agreement with Mr. Braun. The Board of Directors appointed Gary Fitlin, currently our Chief Financial Officer, as President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 1, 2017.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Frederick C. Braun III, 75, joined Gyrodyne in February 2013 as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Braun was employed in the commercial banking industry from 1963 to 2009 and served as Executive Vice President of the State Bank of Long Island, a subsidiary of State Bancorp, Inc. from 2000 to 2009. State Bancorp was acquired by Valley National Bancorp effective January 1, 2012. Mr. Braun is currently the uncompensated Chairman of the Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency, a public benefit corporation of the State of New York that assists in the acquisition, construction, reconstruction and equipping of commercial and industrial facilities, and he has served in such capacity for approximately 35 years. Mr. Braun is also a Board member of the New York State Economic Development Council. Mr. Braun is a member of the Board of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center since 1980 and served as its Chairman from 1993 to 1996. Mr. Braun is also the past Chairman of the Long Island Health Network, an integrated joint venture of ten Long Island Hospitals. Mr. Braun earned a BS in Finance from Lehigh University.

Gary J. Fitlin, age 51, joined the Company in October 2009 as its Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. From August 2012 through February 24, 2013, Mr. Fitlin served as interim President and Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of Stephen V. Maroney in August, 2012, and while the Company conducted a formal search for a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining the Company, he was Director of Accounting Implementation for Lexington Realty Trust, a publicly traded real estate investment trust on the NYSE, from July 2006 to March 2008, where he was responsible for mergers and acquisitions. Prior to that, Mr. Fitlin served as Vice President and Corporate Controller for Source Media (f/k/a Thomson Media), a publisher and software solution provider, from June 2005 to July 2006, where he was responsible for global accounting, management reporting, tax compliance and planning, financial systems, risk management and contract administration. Prior to that, he served as a senior financial officer for various publicly traded companies where he was responsible for mergers and acquisitions, global accounting, management reporting, tax compliance and planning, financial systems, risk management and contract administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant, an alumnus of Arthur Andersen & Co., and holds a BS degree in Accounting and Economics from the State University of New York at Oswego.

Paul L. Lamb, age 71, has been a director since 1997 and became Chairman of the Board on March 14, 1999. He is a founding partner in the law firm of Lamb & Barnosky, LLP, where he has practiced law since 1984; a past President of the Suffolk County Bar Association; and a Dean of the Suffolk Academy of Law. He holds a B.A. from Tulane University, a J.D. from the University of Kentucky and an LL.M. from the University of London, England. The Board concluded that Mr. Lamb should serve as a director of the Company because he is an experienced attorney in all phases of finance and real estate development, which skill set brings extraordinary value in light of the Company’s business and structure.

Elliot H. Levine, age 63, was appointed to the Board in October 2004. Mr. Levine is a founding member of the accounting firm Levine & Seltzer, LLP Certified Public Accountants, and a graduate (1975) of Queens College, City University of New York. He became a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in February, 1978. Mr. Levine’s work experience includes five years at Arthur Young, eleven and a half years as partner and director of taxes of Leslie Sufrin & Co. P.C., one-year tenure as senior tax manager at Margolin, Winer & Evans CPAs and over 25 years as senior member of Levine & Seltzer. The Board concluded that Mr. Levine should serve as a director of the Company because of his 36 years of experience as a certified public accountant and in the real estate industry and field of taxation.

Ronald J. Macklin, age 54, was appointed to the Board in June 2003. Mr. Macklin currently serves as Senior Vice President and U.S. General Counsel for National Grid and formerly Key Span Corporate Services, where he has held various positions within the Office of General Counsel since 1991. Previously, he was associated with the law firms of Rosenman & Colin and Cullen & Dykman. He received a B.A. degree from Stony Brook University and his Juris Doctorate from Union University’s Albany Law School. The Board concluded that Mr. Macklin should serve as a director of the Company because of his legal expertise, which includes his legal experience in corporate transactions, real estate matters, litigation, compliance and business ethics.

Philip F. Palmedo, age 82, was appointed to the Board in July 1996.  Mr. Palmedo has been President of the management consulting firm Palmedo Associates since 1980 and from 1988 to 1991 was Managing Director and President of Kepler Financial Management.  From 1978 to 2000, he was Chairman of International Resources Group, an international professional services firm, and from 1992 to 1997 was President of the Long Island Research Institute.  He was a founder of all four companies. In addition, Mr. Palmedo has been a director of Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. since 2005. Mr. Palmedo has shepherded numerous fledgling businesses in financial and technological markets and completed several financing agreements.  He received his B.A degree from Williams College and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from M.I.T. The Board concluded that Mr. Palmedo should serve as a director of the Company because of his extensive background in successfully guiding a number of entities from initial formation to value recognition.

Peter Pitsiokos, age 57, joined the Company in July 1992 as its Assistant Secretary and served as its General Counsel from 1992-2004. He has been the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer since 2004. He has also been Secretary of the Company for over five years. Mr. Pitsiokos was formerly the Executive Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, New York. He also served as the Assistant Director of Economic Development and the Director of Water Resources in the Town of Brookhaven. He is a former trustee of the Three Village Central School District in Setauket, New York. Mr. Pitsiokos also maintained a private law practice in which he represented several national and local owners, managers and developers of real estate. He holds a law degree from Villanova University and a BA degree from Stony Brook University. Mr. Pitsiokos is also a Counselor of Real Estate.

Nader G.M. Salour, age 58, was appointed to the Board in October 2006 and then elected by the shareholders at the Company’s annual meeting in December 2006. Mr. Salour has been a Principal of Cypress Realty of Florida since 2000. He served as President of Abacoa Development Company from June 1996 to June 2006, and has served as a Director of Abacoa Partnership for Community since December 1997 and as a Director of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County since 2004. The Board concluded that Mr. Salour should serve as a director of the Company because of his extensive experience in the real estate industry, including development, construction, project analysis and financing.

Richard B. Smith, age 62, was appointed to the Board in November 2002. Mr. Smith has been a Vice President in the Commercial Banking Division of the First National Bank of Long Island since February 2006. He previously served as Senior Vice President for Private Banking at Suffolk County National Bank from May 2000 to February 2005. Previously, he worked for 10 years at Key Bank (Dime Savings Bank) and for three years at L.I. Trust/Apple Bank. He received an MBA in Finance from SUNY Albany in 1983. Mr. Smith serves as the Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Nissequogue. Mr. Smith served as a Trustee of the Smithtown Historical Society for 27 years prior to retiring last year. He is also a former Trustee for St. Catherine’s Medical Center in Smithtown, New York. The Board concluded that Mr. Smith should serve as a director of the Company because of his background in both the Long Island financial sector and his role in, and experience with, local government issues and zoning matters.

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that the Company’s directors, executive officers, and any person holding more than ten percent (“10% Holder”) of our common shares, file with the SEC reports of ownership changes, and that such individuals furnish the Company with copies of the reports.

Based solely on the Company’s review of copies of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto received by it during fiscal 2016 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto received by the Company with respect to fiscal 2016 and any written representations from certain reporting persons that no Form 5 is required, Gyrodyne believes that none of the Company’s executive officers, directors or 10% Holders failed to file on a timely basis reports required by section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during fiscal 2016.

(d)     Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board has an Audit Committee established in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, which currently consists of Messrs. Smith, Levine, and Macklin. All members are “financially literate” and have been determined to be “independent” within the meaning of SEC regulations and NASDAQ rules. The Board has determined that at least one member, Mr. Levine, a CPA, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as a result of relevant experience as a member in the accounting firm of Levine & Seltzer, LLP for over 24 years. In addition, Mr. Levine has 11.5 years of accounting experience as a partner and director of taxes at Leslie Sufrin & Co. P.C. as well as several other years of experience in the field of public accounting.

(e)     Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a written Code of Ethics that applies to all its directors, officers and employees, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. It is available on the Company’s website at www.gyrodyne.com and any person may obtain without charge a paper copy by writing to the Secretary at the address set forth on page 1. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, the provision of our Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates to any element of our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website within four business days of such amendment or waiver.   

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

(a)     Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth the total compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to each of the Company’s executive officers for services rendered during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The Registrant has concluded that aggregate amounts of perquisites and other personal benefits, securities or property to any of the current executives does not exceed $10,000 and that the information set forth in tabular form above is not rendered materially misleading by virtue of the omission of such personal benefits.

(a)     Employment Agreements

On May 17, 2013, the “Company entered into new employment agreements with Frederick C. Braun III and Gary J. Fitlin (the “Employment Agreements”) dated May 15, 2013 and effective April 1, 2013, respectively, pursuant to which Messrs. Braun and Fitlin continued to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer and as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. The Employment Agreements provide for substantially identical compensation and severance provisions. Pursuant to the Employment Agreements, each of Mr. Braun and Mr. Fitlin earn a base salary at the rate of $250,000 per year plus a discretionary bonus, as determined and approved by the Board based upon the profitability and/or performance of Gyrodyne. Additionally, Messrs. Braun and Fitlin are entitled to a bonus equal to $125,000 if he is employed by the Company as of the effective date of a change-in control (the “Change-in-Control Bonus”). The Employment Agreements define a change-in-control as the first to occur of a change in ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, as each such term is defined under Section 409A of the Code. Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreements, there is no required minimum period of employment, and either the Company or the executive may terminate at any time, with or without cause. If the executive is terminated without cause, the Company must provide him with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of termination, and must pay him (i) the pro rata share of his base salary through those 60 days, (ii) the Change-in-Control Bonus, and (iii) severance pay equal to six months’ base salary from the date of termination. If the executive is terminated for cause (as defined in the Employment Agreements), he will be paid the pro rata share of his base salary through the date of termination. Each of the executives may also terminate upon 60 days’ prior written notice. The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement is only a summary of its material terms, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to that agreement. A copy of the Employment Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. 

The Company and Mr. Braun have agreed in principle that Mr. Braun will separate from the Company, expected to be effective April 30, 2017. Mr. Braun served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2013. Effective May 1, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Gary Fitlin, its current Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, as President and Chief Executive Officer.

On May 8, 2014, Gyrodyne entered into a new employment agreement with Peter Pitsiokos effective May 15, 2014, pursuant to which Mr. Pitsiokos continues to serve as Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Pitsiokos earns a base salary at the rate of $200,000 per year plus a discretionary bonus, as determined and approved by the Board based upon the profitability and/or performance of Gyrodyne. There is no required minimum period of employment, and either Gyrodyne or Mr. Pitsiokos may terminate at any time, with or without cause. If Mr. Pitsiokos is terminated without cause, Gyrodyne must provide him with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of termination, and must pay him the pro rata share of his base salary through those 60 days and severance pay equal to six months’ base salary from the date of termination.

(b)     Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

As of the year ended December 31, 2016, there were no unexercised options, stock that has not vested or equity incentive plan awards held by any of the Company’s named executive officers.

(c)     Severance and Change-in-Control Benefits

Pursuant to the Employment Agreements, each of Mr. Braun and Mr. Fitlin earn a bonus equal to $125,000 if he is employed by the Company as of the effective date of a change-in-control (the “Change-in-Control Bonus”). The Employment Agreements define a change-in-control as the first to occur of a change in ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, as each such term is defined under Section 409A of the Code. Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreements, there is no required minimum period of employment, and either the Company or the executive may terminate at any time, with or without cause. If the executive is terminated without cause, the Company must provide him with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of termination, and must pay him (i) the pro rata share of his base salary through those 60 days, (ii) the Change-in-Control Bonus, and (iii) severance pay equal to six months’ base salary from the date of termination. If the executive is terminated for cause (as defined in the Employment Agreements), he will be paid the pro rata share of his base salary through the date of termination. Each of the executives may also terminate upon 60 days’ prior written notice.

Pursuant to the employment agreement with Mr. Pitsiokos, Mr. Pitsiokos may be terminated at any time, with or without cause. If Mr. Pitsiokos is terminated without cause, Gyrodyne must provide him with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of termination, and must pay him the pro rata share of his base salary through those 60 days and severance pay equal to six months’ base salary from the date of termination.

(d)     Incentive Compensation Plan

The Company does not have an equity compensation plan for its employees, officers or directors. However, the Corporation had adopted an Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ICP”) that mirrored in many respects an equity plan except that it did not issue shares of registered or unregistered stock or stock equivalents, and did not confer on its participants the rights that equity holders have. Benefits under the ICP were realized upon either a change-in-control (as defined in the ICP) of the corporation, or upon the issuance by Gyrodyne of an excess dividend (as defined in the ICP) following certain asset sales. Pursuant to the ICP, following the $98,685,000 special dividend on December 30, 2013, the Corporation recorded an expense for distributions payable to each member of the Corporation’s Board and a former director, the former CEO, and certain employees and former employees of $2,850,199, $933,251, and $1,261,150, respectively, all of which were paid.

The ICP provided that, in the case of an excess dividend, the ICP payments triggered by the excess dividend may not exceed the hypothetical ICP payments that would have been made had there instead been a change in control transaction consummated on the dividend payment date (the “ICP Limitation”). But for the ICP Limitation, the ICP payment resulting from the $98,685,000 special dividend would have been approximately $7,321,600. The ICP Limitation, however, necessitated a calculation of the ICP payment that would have been made had there been a change in control transaction consummated on the dividend payment date. ICP payments from a change in control transaction are calculated generally by multiplying (i) closing date fair market value minus base date fair market value (for most participants, $15.39) by (ii) the number of ICP units (110,000). The ICP does not state how closing date fair market value is to be calculated for purposes of the ICP Limitation. By resolution adopted on December 27, 2013, however, the Corporation’s Board made a good faith determination that closing date fair market value for purposes of calculating the ICP Limitation in connection with the special dividend should be the closing price of Gyrodyne stock on the dividend payment date of December 30, which turned out to be $63.37. Accordingly, the ICP payment that would have been made had there been a change in control transaction on the dividend payment date is equal to $5,277,800 (($63.37 - $15.39) x 110,000 = $5,277,800).

In another resolution adopted on December 27, 2013, the Corporation’s Board determined that ICP participants should only receive payments in cash as and when the shareholders receive cash. Since the shareholders received only $68,000,000 or $45.86 per share of the dividend in cash, the portion of the ICP payment paid to participants in cash following the special dividend was calculated only on the basis of such cash portion of the dividend ($45.86 x 110,000 = $5,044,600). The balance of the ICP payment associated with the special dividend is to be paid as cash is paid on the non-cash portion of the special dividend, i.e., as cash is paid on the GSD interests. But for the ICP Limitation, there would be an additional $2,277,000 payable under the ICP in connection with the special dividend ($7,321,600 - $5,044,600 = $2,277,000). Because of the ICP Limitation, however, the limit on further ICP payments that may be made is only $233,200 ($5,277,800 - $5,044,600).

Payment of the limited remaining benefit under the ICP was triggered upon the December 30, 2013 non-cash dividend distribution of $20.70 per share which was comprised of the distribution of interests in Gyrodyne Special Distribution LLC. At that time, the Corporation’s Board decided that the Corporation should defer the cash payment triggered under the ICP by such dividend, until such time as the Company made cash distributions so as to ensure plan participants were not paid ICP benefits prior to the time the shareholders received cash on the non-cash portion of the dividend (i.e. the GSD shares). Under such deferral and pursuant to the ICP limitation, the cumulative total future payments that were to be made was $233,200. As a result, based on 1,482,680 shares outstanding, for every penny per share dividend declared and paid, an ICP payment of $14,827 was to be paid until such future cumulative ICP payments reached $233,200. On June 15^th, the Company paid a dividend of $9.25 per share to shareholders of record on June 6, 2016. As a result, the Company made its final payment of $233,200 to the ICP participants.

Neither Frederick C. Braun III (the Company’s Chief Executive Officer), who joined the Company in February 2013, nor Gary Fitlin (the Company’s Chief Financial Officer), who joined the Company in 2009, was a participant in the ICP.

The final remaining ICP benefits were paid in June, 2016. The allocation to ICP participants are below:

¹ $17,490 of the $131,758 was paid to a former Director who resigned in September 2013.

²Approximately $25,652 of the $26,818 was paid to former employees.

Following the June 2016 payment in full of the $233,200 balance of the ICP payments described above, no further payments will be made to participants under the ICP.

(e)     Pension Plan

The Corporation maintained the Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. Pension Plan, which was a traditional defined benefit pension plan. The Pension Plan was believed to provide a reasonable benefit for two of the three executives and two of the three other employees who were participants prior to the Board’s decision to freeze and terminate the Plan in November 2013. The Company does not maintain any nonqualified deferred compensation programs (other than the Incentive Plan) or any qualified Profit Sharing or Section 401(k) Plans intended to qualify under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

On November 25, 2013, the directors determined that it was advisable and to the advantage, welfare and best interests of the Company to terminate the Gyrodyne Company of America Inc. Pension Plan. Pursuant to the Board decision, the Company froze benefits as of December 23, 2013 and was seeking the IRS Determination Letter to complete the termination of the Plan during 2015. The Company received the IRS determination letter during 2015. During 2015, the Company made approximately $1.5 million of additional contributions to meet the remaining funding obligations of the pension plan to cover employee elections and costs to complete the termination. In late December 2015, following the plans receipt of the funds from Gyrodyne, all former employees who elected lump sum payments or annuities were paid out in full. The Company filed the Post Distribution Certification for Standard Termination with the PBGC in February 2016 which formally completed the termination of the Company Pension Plan.

(f)      Retention Bonus Plan

As a result of the determination by the Corporation’s Board of Directors in September 2013 that it was in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders to pursue the actual disposition of the its remaining assets, the Company’s properties have been and will continue to be managed and marketed in an orderly manner designed to obtain the best value reasonably available for such assets. Accordingly, in May 2014, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a Retention Bonus Plan designed to recognize the nature and scope of the responsibilities related to such business plan, to reward and incent performance in connection therewith, to align the interests of directors, executives and employees with our shareholders and to retain such persons during the term of such plan. The Retention Bonus Plan provides for bonuses to directors, officers and employees determined by the gross sales proceeds from the sale of each property and the date of sale.

The Retention Bonus Plan provides for a bonus pool funded upon the sale of each of the Company’s properties with an initial amount equal to 5% of the specified appraised value of such properties (set forth in the Plan), so long as the gross selling price of the property is equal to or greater than 100% of its appraised value as designated in the bonus plan. The aggregate amount of the 2013 appraisals for the Company’s properties was utilized by the Company to help set the aggregate valuation of the real estate that was included in the non-cash dividend distributed on December 30, 2013. Additional funding of the bonus pool would occur on a property-by-property basis when the gross sales price of a property is in excess of its appraised value as follows: 10% on the first 10% of appreciation, 15% on the next 10% of appreciation and 20% on appreciation greater than 20%. Furthermore, if a specified property is sold on or before a designated date to be specified in the Retention Bonus Plan, an additional amount equal to 2% of the gross selling price of such property also would be funded into the bonus pool.

The bonus pool is distributable in the following proportions to the named participants in the bonus plan for so long as they are directors or employees of the Company: 15% for the Chairman, 50% for the directors other than the Chairman (10% for each of the other five directors) and 35% (the “Employee Pool”) for the Company’s executives and employees. Such share of the bonus pool is earned only upon the completion of the sale of a property at a gross selling price equal to or greater than its appraised value and is paid to the named beneficiaries of the Retention Bonus Plan or their designees within 60 days of the completion of such sale or, if later, within 60 days of receipt of any subsequent post-completion installment payment related to such sale. All allocations to individual beneficiaries of the Employee Pool shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in consultation with its President.

On May 24, 2016, the Company amended its Retention Bonus Plan to provide that land development costs incurred on a property since the date of the 2013 appraisal will be added to the appraised value of the property in calculating appreciation for the purpose of determining the bonus pool. The foregoing change was approved in order to better align the interests of the participants in the Retention Bonus Plan with those of the shareholders. The amendment also provides that each of the ten buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park will be treated as a “property”, so that a participant’s right to bonus payment on the sale of a Port Jefferson building will vest on, and payments to the bonus pool may be made shortly following, the closing of the sale of that building. As originally adopted, all ten buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park were treated as one property, so that a participant departing prior to the sale of all ten buildings would forfeit bonus on all ten buildings. The reason for this original designation was that, at the time of adoption, the Board of Directors believed that Gyrodyne’s entire Port Jefferson property would be sold as one block, not as individual buildings. Subsequent to adoption, the Gyrodyne Board came to believe that the sale of individual buildings would generate the greatest aggregate values and thus would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

The value of the real estate reported in the Statement of Net Assets as of December 31, 2016 does not include the appreciation that may result from the estimated land development costs. As a result, fair value as reported does not exceed the adjusted appraised value under the Retention Bonus Plan for certain properties and accordingly the Company has not included any retention bonuses on the sale of such properties.

Payments made during the twelve- months ended December 31, 2016 under the Retention Bonus Plan relating to the sales of 6 buildings in the Port Jefferson Professional Park and the Virginia Healthcare Center were as follows:

2016 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table shows the compensation earned by or paid in cash to each of the Company’s non-officer directors for the year ended December 31, 2016:

(e)Comprised of payments made pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan and payments made pursuant to the Retention Bonus Plan as follows:

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.