INCOME OPPORTUNITY REALTY INVESTORS INC /TX/ - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES  

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 

OR

For the transition period from          to  

Commission File Number 001-14784

Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.

(469) 522-4200 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code  

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

The aggregate market value of the shares of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE American”) as of December 31, 2017 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $5,546,832 based upon a total of 781,244 shares held as of December 31, 2017 by persons believed to be non-affiliates of the Registrant. The basis of the calculation does not constitute a determination by the Registrant as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such calculation, if made as of a date within sixty days of this filing, would yield a different value.

As of March 28, 2018, there were 4,168,214 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: 

None.

INDEX TO  

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain Statements in this Form 10-K are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “estimate”, “plan”, “intend”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Report and in the documents incorporated herein by reference. The Company disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that our expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from estimates or projections contained in any forward-looking statements are described under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

PART I

As used herein, the terms “IOR”, “the Company”, “we”, “our”, “us” refer to Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation, individually or together with its subsidiaries. Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. is the successor to a California business trust organized on December 14, 1984, which commenced operations on April 10, 1985. The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and its common stock trades on the NYSE American. In June 2017, the Company changed its trading symbol from “IOT” to “IOR”.

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), owns approximately 81.25% of IOR’s outstanding shares of Common Stock. Accordingly, IOR’s financial results are consolidated with those of TCI. IOR is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is included in the annual consolidated income tax return with TCI’s parent, American Realty Investors, Inc. (“ARL”), and its ultimate parent, May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”), a Nevada Corporation. The Company has no employees.

IOR’s Board of Directors are responsible for directing the overall affairs of IOR and for setting the strategic policies that guide the Company. As of April 30, 2011, the Board of Directors delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Pillar”), under an Advisory Agreement that is reviewed annually by IOR’s Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of IOR also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARL and TCI. The Directors of IOR are also directors of ARL and TCI.

Since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as The May Trust, became the Company’s external contractual Advisor and Cash Manager. Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for IOR’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by IOR under an Advisory Agreement. IOR has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to IOR in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement. This Advisory Agreement is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to ARL and TCI.

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), a Nevada limited liability company, provides brokerage services. Regis is entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement. (See Part III, Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage, below.)

Business Plan

Our business is investing in real estate and financing real estate and real estate-related activities through investments in mortgage loans. At December 31, 2017, our real estate land holdings consisted of 131.1 acres of developable land located in Farmers Branch, Texas held subject to a sales contract. The principal source of revenue for the Company is interest income on approximately $14.0 million of notes receivable due from related parties.

Our business is not seasonal. Management has determined to pursue a balanced investment strategy, seeking both current income and capital appreciation. With respect to new investments, management’s plan of operation is to acquire above average apartment and commercial properties, in keeping with the current class of properties in our real estate portfolio. Management intends to focus on income-producing property acquisitions to maintain a balance between income-producing and non-income-producing properties. Management does not expect that we will seek to fund or acquire additional mortgage loans. We may, however, originate mortgage loans in conjunction with providing purchase money financing of a property acquisition.

Competition

The real estate business is highly competitive and IOR competes with numerous entities engaged in real estate activities (including certain entities described in Part III, Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence), some of which have greater financial resources than IOR. We believe that success against such competition is dependent upon the geographic location, the allowable use of the property and the amount of new construction in the area and the maintenance and appearance of the property. Additional competitive factors include ease of access to the property, the adequacy of related facilities such as parking and other amenities, and sensitivity to market conditions in determining value. We believe that beyond general economic circumstances and trends, the degree to which properties are renovated or new properties are developed in the competing submarket are also competitive factors. (See also Part I, Item1A. Risk Factors, above).

To the extent that the Company seeks to sell any properties, the sales prices for such properties may be affected by competition from other real estate owners and financial institutions also attempting to sell properties in areas where IOR’s properties are located, as well as aggressive buyers attempting to penetrate or dominate a particular market.

As described above and in Part III, Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence, the officers and directors of IOR also serve as officers and directors of ARL and TCI. Both ARL and TCI have business objectives similar to those of IOR. IOR’s officers and directors owe fiduciary duties to both ARL and TCI, as well as to IOR, under applicable law. In determining whether a particular investment opportunity will be allocated to IOR, ARL or TCI, management considers the respective investment objectives of each entity and the appropriateness of a particular investment in light of each entity’s existing real estate and mortgage notes receivable portfolio. To the extent that any particular investment opportunity is appropriate to more than one of the entities, the investment opportunity may be allocated to the entity which has had funds available for investment for the longest period of time, or, if appropriate, the investment may be shared among all three or two of the entities.

In addition, as described in Part III, Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence, IOR competes with related parties of Pillar having similar investment objectives relative to the acquisition, development, disposition, leasing and financing of real estate and real estate related investments. In resolving any potential conflicts of interest which may arise, Pillar has informed IOR that it intends to exercise its best judgment as to what is fair and reasonable under the circumstances in accordance with applicable law.

We have historically engaged in and will continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisitions and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in the best interests of our company.

Available Information

IOR maintains an internet website at http://www.incomeopp-realty.com. We make available through our website, free of charge, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16 and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In addition, we have posted the Charters of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and our Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines on Director Independence and other information on our website. These charters and principles are not incorporated in this Report by reference. We will also provide a copy of these documents free of charge to stockholders upon written request. The Company issues Annual Reports containing audited financial statements to its common shareholders.

Risk Factors Related to Our Business

An investment in our securities involves various risks. All investors should carefully consider the following risk factors in conjunction with the other information in this report before trading our securities.

We may not be able to compete successfully with other entities that operate in our industry.

We experience a great deal of competition in locating land to develop and properties to acquire.

In our effort to sell or acquire land or other properties, we compete with a broad spectrum of other entities in each of our markets. These competitors include, among others, publicly held REITs, privately held entities and individual property owners. Some of these competitors may be able to offer more attractive financial terms than we are able to offer.

If the availability of land or high quality properties in our markets diminishes, our operating results could be adversely affected.

We may experience increased operating costs, which could adversely affect our financial results and the value of our properties.

Real estate properties are subject to increases in operating expenses such as insurance, administrative costs, real estate taxes and other costs associated with the ownership and maintenance of our properties. Our ability to make distributions to shareholders or to service indebtedness could be adversely affected by increased costs.

We face risks associated with property ownership and acquisitions.

We have acquired individual properties and portfolios of properties and intend to continue to do so. Our acquisition activities and their successes are subject to the following risks:

We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of those properties, we may be required to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our cash flow.

Our land holdings are concentrated in our primary markets, and we therefore may suffer economic harm as a result of adverse conditions in those markets.

Our land holdings are located principally in a specific geographic area in Farmers Branch, Texas. Due to the concentration of our properties in this area, performance is dependent on economic conditions. This area has experienced periods of economic decline in the past, and may do so in the future.

We may not be able to access financial markets to obtain capital on a timely basis, or on acceptable terms.

We rely on proceeds from property dispositions and third party capital sources for a portion of our capital needs, including capital for acquisitions and development. The public debt and equity markets are among the sources on which we rely. There is no guarantee that we will be able to access these markets, or any other source of capital. The ability to access the public debt and equity markets depends on a variety of factors, including:

Our degree of reliance on the operations of certain real estate assets to collect the notes receivable can affect our cash flow.

The collection of our notes receivable are dependent upon the ability of the real estate assets that secure the notes to produce sufficient cash flow to service these notes. Changes in general or local economic conditions in the Dallas, Texas area can have an adverse effect on the payment of these notes.

Our degree of leverage could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or affect the market price of our common stock.

The degree of leverage available to the Company could affect our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes. The degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the economy.

An increase in interest rates would increase our interest costs on variable rate debt and could adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt.

We may incur indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, if interest rates increase, so will our interest costs, which would adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Further, rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance any existing debt when it matures.

We may need to sell assets from time to time for cash flow purposes.

Because of the lack of liquidity of real estate investments generally, our ability to respond to changing circumstances may be impaired. Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly. In the event that we must sell assets to generate cash flow, we cannot predict whether there will be a market for those assets in the time period we desire or need to sell them, or whether we will be able to sell them at a price that will allow us to fully recoup our investment. We may not be able to realize the full potential value of our assets and we may incur costs related to the early pay-off of the debt secured by such assets. In addition, to the extent that the Company provides financing to the buyer, our ability to collect the amounts owed when due may adversely affect our cash flow.

The overall business is subject to all of the risks associated with the real estate industry.

We are subject to all risks incident to investment in real estate, many of which relate to the general lack of liquidity of real estate investments, including, but not limited to:

Adverse economic conditions and dislocations in the credit markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, and financial condition.

Our business may be affected by market and economic challenges experienced by the U.S. economy or real estate industry as a whole or by the local economic conditions in the markets in which our properties are located, including the current dislocations in the credit markets and general global economic recession. These current conditions, or similar conditions existing in the future, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition as a result of the following, among other, potential consequences:

Real estate investments are illiquid, and we may not be able to sell properties if and when it is appropriate to do so.

Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to dispose of properties promptly in response to economic or other conditions. In addition, provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to sell properties (without incurring significant tax costs) in some situations when it may be otherwise economically advantageous to do so, thereby adversely affecting returns to stockholders and adversely impacting our ability to meet our obligations.

None.

On December 31, 2017, our portfolio consisted of 131.1 developable acres of land subject to sales contract located in Farmers Branch, Texas.

The Company and its subsidiaries, from time to time, have been involved in various items of litigation incidental to, and in the ordinary course of, its business and, in the opinion of management; the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Not Applicable.

PART II

The Company’s Common Stock is listed and traded on the NYSE American under the symbol “IOR”. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices for the Company’s Common Stock for each full, quarterly period within the two most recent fiscal years and any subsequent interim period as reported by published financial sources.

On March 20, 2018, the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on the NYSE American was $11.86 per share. The approximate number of record holders of our common stock at March 20, 2018 was 792.

IOR’s Board of Directors established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, no dividends on IOR’s common stock were declared for 2017, 2016, or 2015. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

On December 5, 1989, the governing body of the predecessor of the Company approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to a total of 200,000 shares of the predecessor. In June 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company increased the authorization to 500,000 shares. With the 3-for-1 forward split of the Company’s Common Stock in June 2005, such authorization would be appropriately increased to 1,500,000 shares and the number of shares previously purchased would be appropriately increased by the same ratio. On August 10, 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the share repurchase program for up to an additional 150,000 shares of common stock which results in a total authorization under the repurchase program for up to 1,650,000 shares of our common stock. This repurchase program has no termination date. There were no shares purchased under this program during 2017. As of December 31, 2017, 1,034,761 shares have been purchased and 615,239 shares may be purchased under the program.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

This Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, principally, but not only, under the captions “Business”, “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. We caution investors that any forward-looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “result” and similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. We caution you that, while forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs when we make them, they are not guarantees of future performance and are impacted by actual events when they occur after we make such statements. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

The risks included herein are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report, including Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Investors should also refer to our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for future periods and current reports on Form 8-K as we file them with the SEC, and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time to time through Forms 8-K or otherwise.

Overview

Our primary business is in real estate holdings and investment in mortgage receivables. Land held for development or sale is our sole operating segment. At December 31, 2017, our land consisted of 131.1 acres of land held subject to sales contract. All of our land holdings are located in Farmers Branch, Texas. The principal source of revenue for the Company is interest income on over $14.0 million of note receivables due from related parties.

Since April 30, 2011, Pillar is the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager under a contractual arrangement that is reviewed annually by our Board of Directors. Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for IOR’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. As the contractual Advisor, Pillar is compensated by IOR under an Advisory Agreement. The Company has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to IOR in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement. This Advisory Agreement is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to ARL and TCI.

We have historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition, dispositions and financings. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in our best interest.

Critical Accounting Policies

We present our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. As of December 31, 2017, IOR is not the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

The Company does not have any entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

Real Estate

Upon acquisitions of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets, including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-market” and “below-market” leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”, and allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings at replacement cost.

We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on our acquisitions to date, our allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.

We record acquired “above-market” and “below-market” leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.

Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

Transfers to or from TCI or other related parties reflect a sales price equal to the cost basis in the asset at the time of the sale.

Depreciation and Impairment

Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized. Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other project costs incurred during the period of development.

Management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. If we determine that impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their face value.

ASC 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as “held for sale,” be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and the Company will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale. The components of the property’s net income that is reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property held for sale, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan). We generally consider assets to be “held for sale” when the transaction has been approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, or its Executive Committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that the property sale within one year is considered probable. Following the classification of a property as “held for sale,” no further depreciation is recorded on the assets.

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC 835-20 “Interest - Capitalization of Interest” and ASC 970 “Real Estate—General”. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

Recognition of Revenue

Our revenues are composed largely of interest income on notes receivable.

Revenue Recognition on the Sale of Real Estate

Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, we defer some or all of the revenue or gain recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the full revenue recognition sales criteria are met.

Non-performing Notes Receivable

The Company considers a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Interest recognition on Notes Receivable

We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.

Allowance for Estimated Losses

We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment. (See Note 3, below, Notes and Interest Receivable from Related Parties, for details on our notes receivable.)

Fair Value Measurement

The Company applies the guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Management reviews the carrying values of our properties and mortgage notes receivable at least annually and whenever events or a change in circumstances indicates that impairment may exist. Impairment is considered to exist if the future cash flow from a property (undiscounted and without interest) is less than the carrying amount of the property. The property review generally includes: (1) selective property inspections; (2) a review of the property’s current rents compared to market rents; (3) a review of the property’s expenses; (4) a review of maintenance requirements; (5) a review of the property’s cash flow; (6) discussions with the manager of the property; and (7) a review of properties in the surrounding area. For notes receivable, impairment is considered to exist if it is probable that all amounts due under the terms of the note will not be collected. The note receivable review includes an evaluation of the collateral property securing such note. If impairment is found to exist, a provision for loss is recorded by a charge against earnings.

Related parties

We apply ASC 805, Business Combinations, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

Contractual Obligations

At December 31, 2017, the Company had no outstanding debt, lease or purchase obligations.

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”), Financial Instruments-Overall, was issued. This new guidance improves certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in the update require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. The update also reduces diversity in current practice by clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a tax deferred asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on its financial position and results of operations, if any.

In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued. This new guidance established a new single comprehensive revenue recognition model and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under the new guidance, the nature, timing and amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from those recognized under existing accounting guidance. This new guidance does not affect revenue recognized under lease contracts. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its financial position and results of operations, if any.

Results of Operations

The following discussion is based on our Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated Statement of Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 from Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our net income applicable to common shares. Instead, we have focused on significant fluctuations within our operations that we feel are relevant to obtain an overall understanding of the change in income applicable to common shareholders.

Our current operations consist of land held subject to a sales contract. Our operating expenses consist primarily of general and administrative costs such as audit and legal fees and administrative fees paid to a related party.

We also have other income and expense items. We receive interest income from the funds deposited with our Advisor at a rate of prime plus 1.0%. We have receivables from related parties which also provide interest income.

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2017 to the year ended December 31, 2016

We had a net income applicable to common shares of $1.5 million or $0.36 per diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to a net income applicable to common shares of $2.1 million or $0.50 per diluted earnings per share for the same period ended 2016.

Revenue

Land held subject to a sales contract is our sole operating segment. There was no income generated from this segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $437,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. This represents an increase of $41,000 compared to general and administrative expenses of $396,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in legal expenses, audit fees, stock transfer agent fees and reimbursements to Advisor.

Net income fee to related party was $250,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. This represents a decrease of $7,000, compared to the net income fee of $257,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The net income fee paid is calculated at the rate of 7.5% of net income.

Advisory fees were $660,000 for the year ended December 31, 2017. This represents an increase of $21,000 compared to advisory fees of $639,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

Other income (expense)

Interest income was $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This represents a decrease of $0.3 million, compared to interest income of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to the payoff of notes receivable related to three income producing properties sold in a prior year.

The Company incurred no mortgage and loan interest for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. We have no outstanding debt as of December 31, 2017.

Income tax expense was $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to income tax expense of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Net income before taxes was $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This represents a decrease of $0.1 million compared to net income before taxes of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2015

We had net income applicable to common shares of $2.1 million or $0.50 per diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to net income applicable to common shares of $1.5 million or $0.36 per diluted earnings per share for the same period ended 2015.

Revenue

Land held subject to sales contract is our sole operating segment. There was no income generated from this segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Expenses

The Company incurred no property operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to property operating expenses of $61,000 for the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in real estate taxes and professional services.

General and administrative expenses were $396,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents a decrease of $70,000, as compared to the prior period general and administrative expenses of $466,000. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in legal fees.

Net income fee was $257,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $70,000, compared to the prior period net income fee of $187,000. The net income fee paid to Pillar was calculated at the rate of 7.5% of net income.

Advisory fees were $639,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents a decrease of $65,000 compared to the prior period advisory fees of $704,000. Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

Other income (expense)

Interest income was $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to interest income of $4.4 million in the prior period. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the receivable amount owed from our Advisor.

The Company incurred no mortgage and loan interest for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior period expense of $652,000. This decrease was due to the payoff of the mortgages for Mercer Crossing and Propel during 2015. There was no outstanding debt for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Income tax expense was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $0.3 million compared to the prior period income tax expense of $0.8 million. The increase was due to an increase of $0.9 million in net income before taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our principal liquidity needs are:

Our principal sources of cash have been and will continue to be:

It is important to realize that the current status of the banking industry has had a significant effect on our industry. The banks’ willingness and/or ability to originate loans affects our ability to buy and sell property, and refinance existing debt. We are unable to foresee the extent and length of this down-turn. A continued and extended decline could materially impact our cash flows. We draw on multiple financing sources to fund our long-term capital needs.

We may also issue additional equity securities, including common stock. Management anticipates that our cash as of December 31, 2017, along with cash that will be generated in 2018 from notes and interest receivables, will be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements. Management intends to selectively sell land and income-producing assets, refinance or extend real estate debt and seek additional borrowings secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements. Although history cannot predict the future, historically, we have been successful at refinancing and extending a portion of the Company’s current maturity obligations.

Cash Flow Summary

The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as presented in Part I, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented.

Our cash and cash equivalents were $2,000 and $1,000 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The increase was a result of the following increases and decreases in cash flows:

The primary source of cash provided by operating activities is from interest income on notes receivable. Cash for operations from related parties is primarily used for daily operating costs, general and administrative expenses, advisory fees, and land holding costs. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was due to more proceeds received on notes receivable in the current period.

The investing activity in the current period was primarily due to proceeds received on notes receivable.

We paid no dividends in 2017, 2016, or 2015. It is unlikely that we will pay any quarterly dividends in 2018.

Environmental Matters

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, IOR may be potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other potential costs, relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property) where property-level managers have arranged for the removal, disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, certain environmental laws impose liability for release of asbestos-containing materials into the air and third parties may seek recovery for personal injury associated with such materials.

Management is not aware of any environmental liability relating to the above matters that would have a material adverse effect on IOR’s business, assets or results of operations.

Inflation

The effects of inflation on our operations are not quantifiable. Fluctuations in the rate of inflation affect the sales value of properties and the ultimate gain to be realized from property sales. To the extent that inflation affects interest rates, earnings from short-term investments and the cost of new financings, as well as the cost of variable interest rate debt, will be affected.

None.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the board of directors of
Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.
Dallas, Texas

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and schedules collectively referred to as the “financial statements.” In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis of Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Company’s. management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)(“PCAOB”)  and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Emphasis of Related Party Transactions

As described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. and Subsidiaries has significant transactions with and balances due from related parties.

Supplemental Information

The supplemental information contained in Schedules III and IV has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Company’s financial statements. The supplemental information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental information. In forming our opinion on the supplemental information, we evaluated whether the supplemental information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with the Security and Exchange Commission’s rules. In our opinion, the supplemental information is fairly stated, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the financial statements as a whole.

/s/ Swalm & Associates, P.C.

Swalm& Associates, P.C.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2004.

Richardson, Texas
March 28, 2018

INCOME OPPORTUNITY REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Audited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY REALTY INVESTORS, INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017 

(dollars in thousands) 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY REALTY INVESTORS, INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. “IOR” and consolidated entities were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the most significant of which are described in Note 1. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”. The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. The data presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are as of December 31 of each year and for the year then ended, unless otherwise indicated. Dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share amounts.

Certain balances in the 2016 and 2015 presentation have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.

NOTE 1.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of presentation.

Organization and business. As used herein, the terms “IOR”, “the Company”, “we”, “our”, “us” refer to Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation, individually or together with its subsidiaries. Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. is the successor to a California business trust organized on December 14, 1984, which commenced operations on April 10, 1985. The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and its common stock trades on the NYSE American. In June 2017, the Company changed its trading symbol from “IOT” to “IOR”.

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. “TCI” owns approximately 81.25% of the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, IOR’s financial results are consolidated with those of TCI and its subsidiaries. IOR is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is included in the annual consolidated income tax return with TCI’s parent American Realty Investors, Inc. “ARL” and its ultimate parent, May Realty Holdings, Inc. TCI has no employees.

IOR invests in real estate through direct ownership, leases and partnerships and also invests in mortgage loans on real estate. Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc. (“Pillar”) is the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager. Although the Board of Directors is directly responsible for managing the affairs of IOR, and for setting the policies which guide it, the day-to-day operations of IOR are performed by Pillar, as the contractual Advisor, under the supervision of the Board. Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities and arranging debt and equity financing for the Company with third party lenders and investors. Additionally, Pillar serves as a consultant to the Board with regard to their decisions in connection with IOR’s business plan and investment policy. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and ARL.

Our primary business is investing in real estate and mortgage receivables. Land held for development or sale is our sole operating segment. At December 31, 2017, our land consisted of 131.1 acres of developable land held subject to a sales contract. All of our land holdings are located in Farmers Branch, Texas. The principal source of revenue for the Company is interest income on approximately $14.0 million of notes receivable due from related parties.

Basis of presentation.The Company presents it financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. As of December 31, 2017, IOR was not the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income.

Real estate, depreciation and impairment. Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and improvements—10-40 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment—5-10 years). We continually evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value.

Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in each sale transaction under Item 1 Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing. Any sale transaction where the guidance reflects that a sale had not occurred, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt and property operations, remained on the books of the Company. We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period cost for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

Transfers to or from TCI or other related parties reflect a sales price equal to the cost basis in the asset at the time of the sale.

Real estate held for sale. We periodically classify real estate assets as held for sale. An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of our board of directors and after an active program to sell the asset has commenced. Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset. Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded. Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon a decision to no longer market as an asset for sale, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated.

Cost Capitalization. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of the property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to planning, developing, initial leasing and constructing a property are capitalized and classified as Real Estate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct project costs incurred during the period of development.

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC 835-20 Interest – Capitalization of Interest and ASC 970 Real Estate - General. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

Fair value measurement. We apply the guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Management reviews the carrying values of our properties and mortgage notes receivable at least annually and whenever events or a change in circumstances indicates that impairment may exist. Impairment is considered to exist if the future cash flow from a property (undiscounted and without interest) is less than the carrying amount of the property. For notes receivable, impairment is considered to exist if it is probable that all amounts due under the terms of the note will not be collected. The note receivable review includes an evaluation of the collateral property securing such note. If impairment is found to exist, a provision for loss is recorded by a charge against earnings. The property review generally includes: (1) selective property inspections; (2) a review of the property’s current rents compared to market rents; (3) a review of the property’s expenses; (4) a review of maintenance requirements; (5) a review of the property’s cash flow; (6) discussions with the manager of the property; and (7) a review of properties in the surrounding area.

Related parties. We apply ASC 805, Business Combinations, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

Recognition of revenue. Our revenues are composed largely of interest income on notes receivable.

Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-20, Property, Plant and Equipment—Real Estate Sale. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, the Company defers some or all of the gain recognition and accounts for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.

Non-performing notes receivable.We consider a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Interest recognition on notes receivable. We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.

Allowance for estimated losses. We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment. (See Note 3, below, Notes and Interest Receivable from Related Parties for details on our notes receivable.) 

Cash equivalents.For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.

Earnings per share.Earnings per share (“EPS”) have been computed pursuant to the provisions of ASC 620 Earnings per Share. The computation of basic EPS is calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Shares issued during the period shall be weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.

Use of estimates. In the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP, it is necessary for management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expense for the year ended. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Income Taxes. The Company is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company and the rest of the ARL group are included in the MRHI consolidated group for tax purposes. IOR is a member of a tax sharing agreement that specifies the manner in which the group will share the consolidated tax liability and also how certain tax attributes are to be treated among members of the group.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued. This new guidance established a new single comprehensive revenue recognition model and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under the new guidance, the nature, timing and amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from those recognized under existing accounting guidance. This new guidance does not affect revenue recognized under lease contracts. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its financial position and results of operations, if any.

NOTE 2.

REAL ESTATE

At December 31, 2017, our real estate land holdings consisted of 131.1 acres of developable land, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, held subject to a sales contract. In November 2015, the Company entered into a sales contract with an unrelated party. The contract was for all of the developable land owned by the Company. In addition, TCI, ARL and Realty Advisors, Inc. “RAI” also sold land in this transaction. Total consideration for the sale was $75 million. The ultimate allocation of the proceeds to the parties involved is yet to be determined and will be completed when the final use of the land, certain development commitments are completed and the noted is collected. The agreement among the parties to this transaction provides for TCI to hold the subordinated note from the buyer in the amount of $50 million.

At the closing, the note payable to related parties for $9.6 million was paid off. Due to the inadequate down payment from the buyer and the level of seller financing involved, the transaction is being accounted for under the deposit method. Under the deposit method, no revenue is recognized and the asset sold remains on the books until the criteria for full revenue recognition are met.

Concentration of investment risk. IOR has a high concentration of investment risk on properties located in Farmers Branch, Texas. This risk includes, but is not limited to, changes in local economic conditions, changes in real estate and zoning laws, increases in real estate taxes, floods, tornados and other acts of God and other factors beyond the control of management. In the opinion of management, this investment risk is partially mitigated by the diversification of property types in other geographical regions of the United States, management’s review of additional investments, acquisitions in other areas and by insurance.

NOTE 3.

NOTES AND INTEREST RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTIES

Notes and interest receivable from related parties is comprised of junior mortgage loans, which are loans secured by mortgages that are subordinate to one or more prior liens on the underlying real estate. Recourse on the loans ordinarily includes the real estate which secures the loan, other collateral and personal guarantees of the borrower.

The Company has various notes receivable from Unified Housing foundation, Inc. “UHF”. UHF is determined to be a related party due to our significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable. Payments are due from surplus cash flow from operations, sale or refinancing of the underlying properties. These notes are cross collateralized to the extent that any surplus cash available from any of the properties underlying these notes will be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for the remaining notes. Furthermore, any surplus cash available from any of the properties UHF owns, besides the properties underlying these notes, can be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for these notes. The allowance on the notes was a purchase allowance that was netted against the notes when acquired.

All of the Company’s notes receivable are with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. “UHF”. UHF is considered a related party to the Company due to our significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable. As of January 1, 2013, the Company agreed to extend the maturity on the notes receivable from UHF for an additional term of five years for the early termination of the preferred interest rate period. The original notes gave a five-year period of preferred interest rate at 5.25%, before returning to the original note rate of 12.0%. The notes mature in December 2032 and have interest rates of 12.0%.

Payments are due from surplus cash flow from operations, sale or refinancing of the underlying properties. These notes are cross collateralized to the extent that any surplus cash available from any of the properties underlying these notes will be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for the remaining notes. Furthermore, any surplus cash available from any of the properties UHF owns, besides the properties underlying these notes, can be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for these notes. The allowance on the notes was a purchase allowance that was netted against the notes when acquired.

At December 2017 and 2016, notes and interest receivable from related parties, net of allowances, totaled $14.0 million and $23.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recognized interest income of $2.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively, related to these notes. Below is a summary of notes and interest receivable from related parties (dollars in thousands): 

All are related party notes. 

NOTE 4.

MERCER CROSSING NOTE

In November 2015, the Company entered into a sales contract with an unrelated party. The contract was for all of the developable land owned by the Company. In addition, TCI, ARL and RAI also sold land in this transaction. Total consideration for the sale was $75 million. The agreement between the parties and TCI related to this transaction provides for TCI to hold the subordinated note from the buyer in the amount of $50 million. At the closing, the Note Payable to related parties of $9.6 million was paid off. Due to an inadequate down payment from the buyer and the level of seller financing involved, the transaction is being accounted for under the deposit method. Under the deposit method, no revenue is recognized and the asset sold remains on the books until the criteria for full revenue recognition are met.

The Advisory agreement provides for Pillar or a related party of Pillar to receive fees and cost reimbursements as defined in Part III, Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor. Cost reimbursements are allocated based on the relative market values of the Company’s assets. The Company and Pillar entered into an Advisory Agreement and Cash Management Agreement to further define the administration of the Company’s day-to-day investment operations, relationship contacts, flow of funds and deposit and borrowing of funds. The advisory fees and cost reimbursements paid to Pillar, TCI and related parties are detailed below (dollars in thousands):  

As of December 31, 2017, IOR has notes and interest receivable of $14.0 million due from Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. and recognized interest income of $2.3 million related to these notes receivable. (See details in Part 2, Item 8, above, Note 3. Notes and Interest Receivable from Related Parties.)

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of amounts receivable from related parties as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

IOR has a tax sharing and compensating agreement with respect to federal income taxes between ARL, TCI and IOR and their subsidiaries. The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory tax rate of 21%. There were no payments under this agreement in 2017.

IOR’s Board of Directors established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, no dividends on IOR’s common stock were declared for 2017, 2016, or 2015. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

For financial reporting purposes, income before income taxes were (dollars in thousands):

The expense (benefit) for income taxes consists of (dollars in thousands):

The reconciliation between the Company’s effective tax rate on income from continuing operations and the statutory rate is as follows (dollars in thousands):

The company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s tax years for 2016, 2015, and 2014 are subject to examination by the tax authorities. With few exceptions, as of December 31, 2017, the Company is no longer subject to U.S federal, state, or local examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2014.

The 2017 effective tax rate is a one-time artifact of the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by congress. This act has reduced the statutory tax rate for corporations from 35% to 21% starting in 2018. As a result, the tax assets of IOT had to be re-priced to reflect the new rate for future years with the resulting impact on the 2017 provision for income taxes.

Components of the Net Deferred Tax Asset or Liability  

The change in the value of the net tax asset is entirely due to change of statutory rate from 35% to 21% for future years as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Our segments are based on management’s method of internal reporting which classifies its operations by property type. The Company’s reportable segments are land held subject to a sales contract and other. Significant differences among the accounting policies of the operating segments as compared to the Consolidated Financial Statements principally involve the calculation and allocation of administrative and other expenses. Management evaluates the performance of each of the operating segments and allocates resources to them based on their net operating income and cash flow.

Items of income that are not reflected in the segments are interest, other income, gain on debt extinguishment and equity in partnerships. Expenses that are not reflected in the segments are provision for losses, advisory, net income and incentive fees, general and administrative and non-controlling interests. The segment labeled as “Other” consists of revenue and operating expenses related to the notes receivable and corporate debt.

The Company’s segments are based on our method of internal reporting which classifies operations by the type of property in the portfolio. The Company’s segments by use of property are land and other (dollars in thousands): 

The table below reflects the reconciliation of the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands):

The table below reflects the reconciliation of the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands):

The following is a table of quarterly results of operations for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015: