Lightstone Value Plus REIT I, Inc. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ý Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019

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 333-117367

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  732-367-0129

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange 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 x

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

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

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 x   No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth 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 x

There is no established market for the Registrant’s common shares. As of June 30, 2019, the last business day of the most recently completed second quarter, there were 23.1 million shares of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant. On December 10, 2019 the board of directors of the Registrant approved an estimated value per share of the Registrant’s common stock of $11.82 per share (after allocations to the holder of subordinated profits interests in our operating partnership) derived from the estimated value of the Registrant’s assets less the estimated value of the Registrant’s liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding, all as of September 30, 2019. For a full description of the methodologies used to value the Registrant's assets and liabilities in connection with the calculation of the estimated value per share, see Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - Market Information.” As of March 15, 2020, there were 22.3 million shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

Table of Contents

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  

This annual report on Form 10-K, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Lightstone REIT”) contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Lightstone REIT intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Lightstone REIT ’s future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond the Lightstone REIT’s control and which could materially affect actual results, performances or achievements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, (i) general economic and local real estate conditions, (ii) the inability of major tenants to continue paying their rent obligations due to bankruptcy, insolvency or general downturn in their business, (iii) financing risks, such as the inability to obtain equity, debt, or other sources of financing on favorable terms, (iv) changes in governmental laws and regulations, (v) the level and volatility of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (vi) the availability of suitable acquisition opportunities and (vii) increases in operating costs. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Lightstone REIT’s expectations will be realized.

PART I.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS:

General Description of Business

Structure

The Lightstone REIT is a Maryland corporation, formed on June 8, 2004, which has elected to be taxed, and qualify as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“REIT”). The Lightstone REIT was formed primarily for the purpose of engaging in the business of investing in and owning commercial and residential real estate properties and making other real estate-related investments located throughout the United States.

The Lightstone REIT is structured as an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust, (“UPREIT”), and substantially all of its current and future business is and will be conducted through Lightstone Value Plus REIT, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Delaware limited partnership formed on July 12, 2004. As of December 31, 2019, we held a 98% general partnership interest in our Operating Partnership’s common units.

The Lightstone REIT and the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company” and the use of “we,” “our,” “us” or similar pronouns in this annual report refers to the Lightstone REIT, its Operating Partnership or the Company as required by the context in which such pronoun is used. 

Through our Operating Partnership, we own, operate and develop commercial, residential, and hospitality properties and make real estate-related investments, principally in the United States. Our real estate investments are held by us alone or jointly with other parties. We also originate or acquire mortgage loans secured by real estate. Although most of our investments are of these types, we may invest in whatever types of real estate or real estate-related investments that we believe are in our best interests.

Since our inception, we have owned and managed various commercial and residential properties located throughout the United States. We historically operated within four business segments consisting of: (i) retail properties, (ii) multi-family residential properties, (iii) industrial properties and (iv) hospitality properties. Prior to 2018 we disposed of substantially all of the ownership interests in our hospitality properties. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2019, we disposed of all of our remaining industrial properties and during the third quarter of 2019 we disposed of DePaul Plaza, a retail property. Because of the changes in the composition of our real estate and real estate investments, we now evaluate all of our real estate investments as one operating segment.

As of December 31, 2019, we have ownership interests in (i) two consolidated operating properties, (ii) three consolidated development properties and (iii) seven unconsolidated operating properties. With respect to our consolidated operating properties, we wholly own the St. Augustine Outlet Center, a retail property containing approximately 0.3 million square feet of gross leasable area, and have a majority ownership interest of approximately 59.2% in Gantry Park Landing, a multi-family residential property containing 199 apartment units. With respect to our consolidated development properties, we wholly own three projects consisting of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel, the Exterior Street Project and the Santa Clara Data Center. We also hold a 2.5% ownership interest in seven hotel properties (our seven unconsolidated operating properties) through a joint venture (the “Joint Venture”) which we account for our under the cost method of accounting. The Joint Venture is between us and the operating partnership of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Lightstone II”), a real estate investment trust also sponsored by our Sponsor, which has a 97.5% ownership interest in the Joint Venture. Furthermore, we have other real estate-related investments, including preferred investments in related parties and nonrecourse loans made to unaffiliated third-party borrowers.

Our advisor is Lightstone Value Plus REIT, LLC (the “Advisor”), which is majority owned by David Lichtenstein. On July 6, 2004, the Advisor contributed $2,000 to the Operating Partnership in exchange for 200 limited partner common units (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership. Our Advisor also owns 20,000 shares of our common stock (“Common Shares”) which were issued on July 6, 2004 for $200,000, or $10.00 per share. Mr. Lichtenstein also is the majority owner of the equity interests of The Lightstone Group, LLC. The Lightstone Group, LLC served as the sponsor (the ‘‘Sponsor’’) during our initial public offering (the “Offering”), which terminated on October 10, 2008. Our Advisor, together with our board of directors (the “Board of Directors”), is primarily responsible for making investment decisions on our behalf and managing our day-to-day operations. Through his ownership and control of The Lightstone Group, LLC, Mr. Lichtenstein is the indirect owner and manager of Lightstone SLP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which owns an aggregate of $30.0 million of special general partner interests (“SLP Units”) in the Operating Partnership which were purchased, at a cost of $100,000 per unit, in connection with our Offering. Mr. Lichtenstein also acts as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. As a result, he exerts influence over but does not control the Lightstone REIT or the Operating Partnership.

We do not have any employees. The Advisor receives compensation and fees for services related to the investment and management of our assets.

Our Advisor has affiliates which may manage and develop certain of our properties. However, we also contract with other unaffiliated third-party property managers.

Our Common Shares are not currently listed on a national securities exchange. We may seek to list our stock for trading on a national securities exchange only if a majority of our independent directors believe listing would be in the best interest of our stockholders. We do not intend to list our shares at this time. We do not anticipate that there would be any market for our shares of common stock until they are listed for trading.

 Noncontrolling Interests

Partners of Operating Partnership

On July 6, 2004, the Advisor contributed $2,000 to the Operating Partnership in exchange for 200 Common Units. The Advisor has the right to convert the Common Units into cash or, at the option of the Company, an equal number of Common Shares.

In connection with the Offering, Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor, purchased an aggregate of $30.0 million of SLP Units in the Operating Partnership at a cost of $100,000 per unit. As the majority owner of the SLP Units, Mr. Lichtenstein is the beneficial owner of a 99% interest in such SLP Units and thus receives an indirect benefit from any distributions made in respect thereof. These SLP Units may be entitled to a portion of any regular and liquidation distributions that we make to our stockholders, but only after our stockholders have received a stated preferred return.

In addition, an aggregate of 497,209 Common Units were issued to other unrelated parties during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 and remain outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

Other Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries

As of December 31, 2019, the other noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries include ownership interests in (i) Pro-DFJV Holdings LLC (“PRO”) held by the Company’s Sponsor, (ii) 50-01 2nd St. Associates LLC (the “2nd Street Joint Venture”), held by the Company’s Sponsor and other affiliates and (iii) various joint ventures held by affiliates of our Sponsor that have originated promissory notes to unaffiliated third parties. PRO’s holdings principally consist of Marco OP Units and Marco II OP Units. The 2nd Street Joint Venture owns Gantry Park Landing, a multi-family apartment building located in Queens, New York.

 Related Party

Our Advisor and its affiliates, and Lightstone SLP, LLC are related parties of the Company. Certain of these entities are entitled to compensation for services related to the investment, management and disposition of our assets. The compensation levels are based on the cost of acquired properties/investments and the annual revenue earned from such properties/investments, and other such fees and expense reimbursements as outlined in each of the respective agreements.

Primary Investment Objectives  

Our primary objective is to achieve capital appreciation with a secondary objective of income without subjecting principal to undue risk.

Acquisition and Investment Policies 

We have, to date, acquired and/or developed residential, commercial and hospitality properties principally, all of which are located in the United States and also made other real estate-related investments. Our acquisitions have included both portfolios and individual properties. Our current operating properties consist of one retail property (the St. Augustine Outlet Center) and one multi-family residential property (Gantry Park Landing). We have also acquired various parcels of land and air rights related to the development and construction of real estate properties. Additionally, we have made preferred investments in related parties and originated nonrecourse loans to unaffiliated third-party borrowers.

We may acquire the following types of real estate interests:

All of the properties are owned by subsidiary limited partnerships or limited liability companies. These subsidiaries are single-purpose entities that we created to own a single property, and each have no assets other than the property it owns. These entities represent a useful means of shielding our Operating Partnership from liability under state laws and will make the underlying properties easier to transfer. However, tax law disregards single-member LLCs and so it will be as if the Operating Partnership owns the underlying properties for tax purposes. Use of single-purpose entities in this manner is customary for REITs. Our independent directors are not required to approve all transactions involving the creation of subsidiary limited liability companies and limited partnerships that we use for investment in properties on our behalf. These subsidiary arrangements are intended to ensure that no environmental or other liabilities associated with any particular property can be attributed against other properties that the Operating Partnership or we will own. The limited liability aspect of a subsidiary’s form will shield parent and affiliated (but not subsidiary) companies, including the Operating Partnership and us, from liability assessed against it. No additional fees are imposed upon the REIT by the subsidiary companies’ managers and these subsidiaries are not affected our stockholders’ voting rights.

We have not and do not intend to make significant investments in single family residential properties; leisure home sites; farms; ranches; timberlands; unimproved properties not intended to be developed; or mining properties.

Not more than 10% of our total assets may be invested in unimproved real property. For purposes of this paragraph, “unimproved real properties” does not include properties acquired for the purpose of producing rental or other operating income, properties under construction and properties for which development or construction is planned within one year. Additionally, we do not invest in contracts for the sale of real estate unless in recordable form and appropriately recorded.

Although we are not limited as to the geographic area where we may conduct our operations, we have invested and may continue to invest in properties located near the existing operations of our Sponsor, in order to achieve economies of scale where possible.

Financing Strategy and Policies

We utilize leverage when acquiring and developing our properties. The number of different properties we acquire are affected by numerous factors, including, the amount of funds available to us. When interest rates on loans are high or financing is otherwise unavailable on terms that are satisfactory to us, we may purchase certain properties for cash with the intention of obtaining a loan for a portion of the purchase price or development costs at a later time. However, we have and intend to continue to limit our aggregate long-term permanent borrowings to 75% of the aggregate fair market value of all properties unless any excess borrowing is approved by a majority of the independent directors and is disclosed to our stockholders.

Our charter provides that the aggregate amount of borrowing, both secured and unsecured, may not exceed 300% of net assets in the absence of a satisfactory showing that a higher level is appropriate, the approval of our Board of Directors and disclosure to stockholders. Net assets means our total assets, other than intangibles, at cost before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves less our total liabilities, calculated at least quarterly on a basis consistently applied. Any excess in borrowing over such 300% of net assets level must be approved by a majority of our independent directors and disclosed to our stockholders in our next quarterly report to stockholders, along with justification for such excess. As of December 31, 2019, our total borrowings represented 49% of net assets.

We have financed our property acquisitions and development activities through a variety of means, including but not limited to individual non-recourse mortgages and through the exchange of an interest in the property for limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership. Generally, though not exclusively, we intend to seek to finance our investments with debt which will be on a non-recourse basis. However, we may, secure recourse financing or provide a guarantee to lenders, if we believe this may result in more favorable terms.

Tax Status

We elected to be taxed as a a REIT, commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2005. If we remain qualified as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. To maintain our REIT qualification under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. If we fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT in any subsequent year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, our income for that year will be taxed at regular corporate rates, and we may be precluded from qualifying for treatment as a REIT for the four-year period following our failure to qualify as a REIT. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Additionally, even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may still be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and to U.S. federal income taxes and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we engage in certain activities such as providing real estate-related services through wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). As such, we are subject to U.S. federal and state income and franchise taxes from these activities.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had no material uncertain income tax positions. Additionally, even if we continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may still be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and to U.S. federal income taxes and excise taxes on our undistributed income, if any.

Competition  

The commercial, multifamily residential and hospitality real estate markets are highly competitive. We compete in markets with other owners and operators of such properties. The development of new properties intensifies the competition among owners and operators of these types of real estate in many market areas in which we either operate or intend to operate. We compete based on a number of factors that include location, rental rates, security, suitability of the property’s design to prospective tenants’ needs and the manner in which the property is operated and marketed. The number of competing properties in a particular market could have a material effect on our occupancy levels, rental rates and on the operating expenses of certain of our properties.

In addition, we compete with other entities engaged in real estate investment activities to locate suitable properties to acquire and/or develop and also to locate tenants and purchasers for our properties. These competitors include other REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, lenders, governmental bodies and other entities. There also may be other REITs with asset acquisition objectives similar to ours that may be organized in the future. Some of these competitors, including larger REITs, have substantially greater marketing and financial resources than we have and generally may be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the creditworthiness of tenants. In addition, these same entities seek financing through similar channels to those sought by us. Therefore, we compete for institutional investors in a market where funds for real estate investment may decrease.

Competition from these and other third party real estate investors may limit the number of suitable investment opportunities available to us. It may also result in higher prices, lower yields and a narrower spread of yields over our borrowing costs, making it more difficult for us to acquire new investments on attractive terms.

We believe that our Sponsor’s experience, coupled with our financing, professionalism, diversity of investments and reputation in the industry enable us to compete with the other real estate investment companies.

Because we are organized as an UPREIT, we believe we are well positioned within the industries in which we operate to offer existing property owners the potential opportunity to contribute their properties to us in tax-deferred transactions using our operating partnership units as transactional currency. As a result, we may have a competitive advantage over certain of our competitors that are structured as traditional REITs and non-REITs in pursuing acquisitions with tax-sensitive sellers.

Environmental  

As an owner of real estate, we are subject to various environmental laws of federal, state and local governments. Compliance with existing laws has not had a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, and management does not believe it will have such an impact in the future. However, we cannot predict the impact of unforeseen environmental contingencies or new or changed laws or regulations on properties in which we hold an interest, or on properties that may be acquired or developed in the future.

Employees  

We do not have employees. We entered into an advisory agreement with our Advisor on April 22, 2005, pursuant to which our Advisor supervises and manages our day-to-day operations and selects our real estate and real estate related investments, subject to oversight by our Board of Directors. We pay our Advisor fees for services related to the investment and management of our assets, and we reimburse our Advisor for certain expenses incurred on our behalf.

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 United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Stockholders may obtain copies of our filings with the SEC, free of charge, from the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our office is located at 1985 Cedar Bridge Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Our telephone number is (732) 367-0129. Our website is www.lightstonecapitalmarkets.com.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS:

None applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES:

Operating Properties

Annualized revenue is defined as the minimum monthly payments due as of December 31, 2019 annualized, excluding periodic contractual fixed increases and rents calculated based on a percentage of tenants' sales. The annualized base rent disclosed in the table above includes all concessions, abatements and reimbursements of rent to tenants.

Development Properties

Lower East Side Moxy Hotel

On December 3, 2018, we acquired three adjacent parcels of land located at 147-151 Bowery, New York, New York on which we intend to develop and construct a 296-room Marriott Moxy hotel (the “Lower East Side Moxy Hotel”).

As of December 31, 2019, we incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $73.8 million consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel.

Exterior Street Project

On February 27, 2019, we, acquired two adjacent parcels of land located at 355 and 399 Exterior Street, New York, New York, on which we intend to develop and construct a multi-family residential property (the “Exterior Street Project”).

As of December 31, 2019, we incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $66.1 million consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Exterior Street Project.

Santa Clara Data Center

On January 10, 2019, we acquired a parcel of land located at 2175 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, on which we intend to develop and construct a data center (the “Santa Clara Data Center”).

As of December 31, 2019, we have incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $13.0 million consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Santa Clara Data Center.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:  

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we may become subject to legal proceedings, claims or disputes.

As of the date hereof, we are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings of which the outcome is probable or reasonably possible to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition, which would require accrual or disclosure of the contingency and possible range of loss.

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:

Shareholder Information

As of March 15, 2020, we had approximately 22.3 million common shares outstanding, held by a total of 5,987 stockholders. The number of stockholders is based on the records of DST Systems Inc., which serves as our registrar and transfer agent.

Market Information 

The Company’s common stock is not currently listed on a national securities exchange. The Company may seek to list its common stock for trading on a national securities exchange only if a majority of its independent directors believe listing would be in the best interest of its stockholders. The Company does not intend to list its shares at this time. The Company does not anticipate that there would be any market for its shares of common stock until they are listed for trading.

Estimated Net Asset Value (“NAV”) and NAV per Share of Common Stock (“NAV per Share”)

On December 10, 2019, our board of directors determined and approved our estimated NAV of approximately $275.4 million and resulting estimated NAV per Share of $11.82, after allocations of value to special general partner interests, or SLP Units, in our Operating Partnership, held by Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of our Advisor, assuming a liquidation event, both as of September 30, 2019. From our inception through the termination of our initial public offering on October 10, 2008, Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of our Advisor, contributed cash of $30.0 million in exchange for 300 SLP Units, at a cost of $100,000 per unit.

The estimated value of our shares was calculated as of a particular point in time. The value of our shares will fluctuate over time in response to developments related to individual assets in the portfolio and the management of those assets and in response to the real estate and finance markets. There is no assurance of the extent to which the current estimated valuation should be relied upon for any purpose after its effective date regardless that it may be published on any statement issued by us or otherwise.

Process and Methodology

Our Advisor, along with any necessary material assistance or confirmation of a third-party valuation expert or service, is responsible for calculating our estimated NAV and resulting NAV per Share, which we currently expect will be done on an annual basis unless our Common Shares are approved for listing on a national securities exchange. Our board of directors will review and approve each estimate of NAV and resulting NAV per Share.

Our estimated NAV and resulting NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019 were calculated with the assistance of both our Advisor and Robert A. Stanger & Co, Inc. (“Stanger”), an independent third-party valuation firm engaged by us to assist with the valuation of our assets, liabilities and any allocations of value to SLP Units. Our Advisor recommended and our board of directors established the estimated NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019 based upon the analysis and reports provided by our Advisor and Stanger. The process for estimating the value of our assets, liabilities and allocations of value to SLP Units, is performed in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Program Association Practice Guideline 2013-01, “Valuations of Publicly Registered Non-Listed REITs.” We believe that our valuations were developed in a manner reasonably designed to ensure their reliability.

The engagement of Stanger with respect to our estimated NAV and resulting NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019 was approved by our board of directors, including all of our independent directors. Stanger has extensive experience in conducting asset valuations, including valuations of commercial real estate, debt, properties and real estate-related investments.

With respect to our estimated NAV and resulting NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019, Stanger prepared appraisal reports (the “Stanger Appraisal Reports”), summarizing key inputs and assumptions, on eight of the nine operating properties and all three of the development properties (collectively, the “Stanger Appraised Properties”) in which we held ownership interests as of September 30, 2019. The Stanger Appraised Properties consist of the St. Augustine Outlet Center, a wholly owned and consolidated operating retail property; (ii) three wholly owned and consolidated development properties (the “Lower East Side Moxy Hotel”, the “Exterior Street Project” and the “Santa Clara Data Center”); and (iii) seven hospitality properties in which we hold a 2.5% ownership interest through an unconsolidated joint venture (the “Joint Venture”) and account for under the cost method of accounting. The Joint Venture is between us and the operating partnership of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Lightstone II”), a real estate investment trust also sponsored by our Sponsor, which has a 97.5% ownership interest in the Joint Venture.

Stanger also prepared a NAV report (the “September 2019 NAV Report”) which estimates our NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019. The September 2019 NAV Report relied upon (i) the Stanger Appraisal Reports for the Stanger Appraised Properties, (ii) an appraisal report prepared by another independent third-party valuation firm for Gantry Park Landing, our majority-owned and consolidated operating multi-family residential property, (iii) Stanger’s estimated value of our outstanding indebtedness, (iv) Stanger’s value opinion with respect to our 2.5% ownership interest in the Joint Venture, assuming a liquidation pursuant to the terms of the Joint Venture’s operating agreement, and our other investments in related parties, (vi) Stanger’s estimate of the allocation of value to the SLP Units, and (vii) our Advisor’s estimate of the value of our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, restricted escrows, other assets, other liabilities and other non-controlling interests, to calculate estimated NAV per Share, all as of September 30, 2019.

The table below sets forth the calculation of our estimated NAV and resulting NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019, as well as the comparable calculations as of September 30, 2018. Certain amounts are reflected net of noncontrolling interests, as applicable. Dollar and share amounts are presented in thousands, except per share data.

Note:

Use of Independent Valuation Firm:

As discussed above, our Advisor is responsible for calculating our NAV. In connection with determining our NAV, our Advisor may rely on the material assistance or confirmation of a third-party valuation expert or service. In this regard, Stanger was selected by our board of directors to assist our Advisor in the calculation of our estimated NAV and resulting NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019. Stanger’s service included appraising the Stanger Appraised Properties and preparing the September 2019 NAV Report. Stanger is engaged in the business of appraising commercial real estate properties and is not affiliated with us or our Advisor. The compensation we paid to Stanger was based on the scope of work and not on the appraised values of our real estate properties. The appraisals were performed in accordance with the Code of Ethics and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, or USPAP, the real estate appraisal industry standards created by The Appraisal Foundation. The Stanger Appraisal Reports were reviewed, approved, and signed by an individual with the professional designation of MAI licensed in the state where each real property is located. The use of the reports is subject to the requirements of the Appraisal Institute relating to review by its duly authorized representatives. In preparing its reports, Stanger did not, and was not requested to; solicit third-party indications of interest for our common stock in connection with possible purchases thereof or the acquisition of all or any part of us.

Stanger collected reasonably available material information that it deemed relevant in appraising our real estate properties. Stanger relied in part on property-level information provided by our Advisor, including (i) property historical and projected operating revenues and expenses; (ii) property lease agreements and/or lease abstracts; and (iii) information regarding recent or planned capital expenditures.

In conducting their investigation and analyses, Stanger took into account customary and accepted financial and commercial procedures and considerations as they deemed relevant. Although Stanger reviewed information supplied or otherwise made available by us or the Advisor for reasonableness, they assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all such information and of all information supplied or otherwise made available to them by any other party and did not independently verify any such information. Stanger has assumed that any operating or financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with Stanger were reasonably prepared in good faith on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of our management, our board of directors, and/or our Advisor. Stanger relied on us to advise them promptly if any information previously provided became inaccurate or was required to be updated during the period of their review.

In performing its analyses, Stanger made numerous other assumptions as of various points in time with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, and regulatory conditions, and other matters, many of which are beyond their control and our control. Stanger also made assumptions with respect to certain factual matters. For example, unless specifically informed to the contrary, Stanger assumed that we have clear and marketable title to each real estate property appraised, that no title defects exist, that any improvements were made in accordance with law, that no hazardous materials are present or were present previously, that no significant deed restrictions exist, and that no changes to zoning ordinances or regulations governing use, density, or shape are pending or being considered. Furthermore, Stanger’s analyses, opinions, and conclusions were necessarily based upon market, economic, financial, and other circumstances and conditions existing as of or prior to the date of the Stanger Appraisal Reports, and any material change in such circumstances and conditions may affect Stanger’s analyses and conclusions. The Stanger Appraisal Reports contain other assumptions, qualifications, and limitations that qualify the analyses, opinions, and conclusions set forth therein. Furthermore, the prices at which our real estate properties may actually be sold could differ from Stanger’s analyses.

Stanger is actively engaged in the business of appraising commercial real estate properties similar to those owned by us in connection with public security offerings, private placements, business combinations, and similar transactions. We do not believe that there are any material conflicts of interest between Stanger, on the one hand, and us, our Sponsor, our Advisor, and our affiliates, on the other hand. Our Advisor engaged Stanger on behalf of our board of directors to deliver their reports to assist in the NAV calculation as of September 30, 2019 and Stanger received compensation for those efforts. In addition, we agreed to indemnify Stanger against certain liabilities arising out of this engagement. In the two years prior to the date of this filing, Stanger was previously engaged by us for appraisal and valuation services in connection with our financial reporting requirements. Stanger has received usual and customary fees in connection with those services. Stanger may from time to time in the future perform other services for us and our Sponsor or other affiliates of the Sponsor, so long as such other services do not adversely affect the independence of Stanger as certified in the applicable Appraisal Reports. During the past two years Stanger has also been engaged to provide appraisal services to another non-traded REIT sponsored by our Sponsor for which it was paid usual and customary fees.

Although Stanger considered any comments received from us and our Advisor relating to their reports, the final appraised values of the Stanger Appraised Properties were determined by Stanger. The reports are addressed to our board of directors to assist our board of directors in calculating our estimated NAV per Share as of September 30, 2019. The reports are not addressed to the public, may not be relied upon by any other person to establish our estimated NAV per Share, and do not constitute a recommendation to any person to purchase or sell any shares of our common stock.

Our goal in calculating our estimated NAV is to arrive at values that are reasonable and supportable using what we deem to be appropriate valuation methodologies and assumptions. The reports, including the analysis, opinions, and conclusions set forth in such reports, are qualified by the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth in the respective reports. The following is a summary of our valuation methodologies used to value our assets and liabilities by key component:

Real estate properties:

As of September 30, 2019, we have ownership interests in (i) two consolidated operating properties and three development properties (collectively, the “Real Estate Properties”) and (ii) seven unconsolidated operating properties. With respect to our consolidated operating properties, we wholly own the St. Augustine Outlet Center, a retail property containing approximately 0.3 million square feet of gross leasable area, and have a majority ownership interest of approximately 59.2% in Gantry Park Landing, a multi-family residential property containing 199 apartment units. With respect to our consolidated development properties, we wholly own three development projects consisting of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel, the Exterior Street Project and the Santa Clara Data Center.

Additionally, as of September 30, 2019, we have a 2.5% ownership interest in the Joint Venture, which owns seven hospitality properties. We do not consolidate our ownership interest in the Joint Venture but rather account for it under the cost method of accounting. The value of our ownership interest in the Joint Venture is not included in our Real Estate Properties, but rather it is included in our “Investments in Related Parties” below.

As described above, we engaged Stanger to provide an appraisal of the Stanger Appraised Properties consisting of 11 of the 12 properties in which we held ownership interests as of September 30, 2019. The Stanger Appraised Properties consist of (i) the St. Augustine Outlet Center; (ii) our three development properties; and (ii) the seven hospitality properties (all select services hotels) owned by the Joint Venture. We also engaged another independent third-party valuation firm to provide an appraisal report for Gantry Park Landing, a multi-family apartment building which we majority own and consolidate. In preparing their appraisal reports, Stanger and the other independent third-party valuation firm, among other things:

Stanger and the other independent third-party valuation firm employed the income approach and/or the sales comparison approach to estimate the value of the appraised properties. The income approach involves an economic analysis of the property based on its potential to provide future net annual income. As part of the valuation, a discounted cash flow analysis (“DCF Analysis”) and/or direct capitalization analysis was used in the income approach to determine the value of our interest in the portfolio. The indicated value by the income approach represents the amount an investor may pay for the expectation of receiving the net cash flow from the property.

The direct capitalization analysis is based upon the net operating income of the property capitalized at an appropriate capitalization rate for the property based upon property characteristics and competitive position and market conditions at the date of the appraisal.

In applying the DCF Analysis, pro forma statements of operations for the property including revenues and expenses are analyzed and projected over a multi-year period. The property is assumed to be sold at the end of the multi-year holding period. The reversion value of the property which can be realized upon sale at the end of the holding period is calculated based on the capitalization of the estimated net operating income of the property in the year of sale, utilizing a capitalization rate deemed appropriate in light of the age, anticipated functional and economic obsolescence and competitive position of the property at the time of sale. Net proceeds to owners are determined by deducting appropriate costs of sale. The discount rate selected for the DCF Analysis is based upon estimated target rates of return for buyers of similar properties.

The sales comparison approach utilizes indices of value derived from actual or proposed sales of comparable properties to estimate the value of the subject property. The appraiser analyzed such comparable sale data as was available to develop a market value conclusion for the subject property.

Stanger prepared the Stanger Appraisal Reports and the other independent third-party valuation firm prepared an appraisal report for Gantry Park Landing, summarizing key inputs and assumptions, for each of the appraised properties using financial information provided by us and our Advisor. From such review, Stanger and the other independent third-party valuation firm selected the appropriate cash flow discount rate, residual discount rate, and terminal capitalization rate in the DCF Analysis, if applicable, the appropriate capitalization rate in the direct capitalization analysis and the appropriate price per unit in the sales comparison analysis. As for those properties consolidated on our financials, and for which we do not own 100% of the ownership interest, the property value was adjusted to reflect our ownership interest in such property after consideration of the distribution priorities associated with such property.

The estimated values for our investments in real estate may or may not represent current market values and do not equal the book values of our real estate investments in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our consolidated investments in real estate are currently carried in our consolidated financial statements at their amortized cost basis, adjusted for any loss impairments and bargain purchase gains recognized to date. Our unconsolidated investments in real estate are currently accounted for under the cost method of accounting in our consolidated financial statements.

Operating Properties

As of September 30, 2019, our ownership interests in our two consolidated operating properties were valued at an aggregate of $100.4 million. The following summarizes the key assumptions that were used in the discounted cash flow models to estimate the value of (i) the St. Augustine Outlet Center, our operating retail property, and (ii) Gantry Park Landing, our operating multi-family residential property, which are included in our Real Estate Properties as of September 30, 2019:

While we believe that the assumptions made by Stanger and the other independent third party appraisal firm are reasonable, a change in these assumptions would impact the calculations of the estimated value of these two operating properties included in our Real Estate Properties. The table below represents the estimated increase or decrease to our estimated NAV per Share resulting from a 25 basis point increase and decrease in the capitalization rates and discount rates for the two consolidated operating properties we own. The table is presented to provide a hypothetical illustration of the possible results if only one change in assumptions was made, with all other factors remaining constant. Further, each of these assumptions could change by more or less than 25 basis points or not at all.

Development Properties

As of September 30, 2019, we wholly own and consolidate three development properties as follows:

Lower East Side Moxy Hotel

In December 2018, we acquired three adjacent parcels of land located at 147-151 Bowery, New York, New York (collectively, the “Bowery Land”) on which we intend to develop and construct the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel, a 296-room Marriott-branded hotel. Additionally, in December 2018, we acquired certain air rights located at 329 Broome Street, New York, New York (the “Air Rights”) that we intend to use in connection with the development and construction of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel. The Lower East Side Moxy Hotel was under development as of September 30, 2019. Accordingly, Stanger deemed it appropriate to determine its fair value of approximately $73.3 million as of September 30, 2019 based on the aggregate estimated fair value of the land parcels of $58.7 million (using a sales comparison approach) plus other development costs incurred of $14.6 million.

Exterior Street Project

In February 2019, we acquired two adjacent parcels of land located at 355 and 399 Exterior Street, New York, New York (collectively, the “Exterior Street Land”) on which we intend to develop and construct the Exterior Street Project, a multi-family residential property. The Exterior Street Project was under development as of September 30, 2019. Accordingly, Stanger deemed it appropriate to determine its fair value of approximately $69.5 million as of September 30, 2019 based on the aggregate estimated fair value of the land parcels of $64.2 million (using a sales comparison approach) plus other development costs incurred of $5.3 million.

Santa Clara Data Center

In January 2019, we acquired a parcel of land located at 2175 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara, CA (the “Martin Avenue Land”) on which we intend to develop and construct the Santa Clara Data Center. The Santa Clara Data Center was under development as of September 30, 2019. Accordingly, Stanger deemed it appropriate to determine its fair value of approximately $13.1 million as of September 30, 2019 based on the estimated fair value of the land parcel of $10.9 million (using a sales comparison approach) plus other development costs incurred of $2.2 million.

The aggregate fair value of our Real Estate Properties of $256.3 million compared to their aggregate cost of $254.1 million, both as of September 30, 2019, equates to an increase in value of 1.2%.

Cash and cash equivalents: The estimated values of our cash and cash equivalents approximate their carrying values due to their short maturities.

Investments in related parties: As of September 30, 2019, we had various investments in related parties, which were classified as investments in related parties in our consolidated balance sheets, as follows:

Marketable securities, available for sale: The estimated values of our marketable securities, available for sale, are based on Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. Level 1 inputs are inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. All of our marketable securities measured using Level 2 inputs were valued based on a market approach using readily available quoted market prices for similar assets.

Restricted escrows: The estimated values of our restricted escrows approximate their carrying values due to their short maturities.

Notes receivable, net: The estimated values of our notes receivable generally approximate their carrying values as of September 30, 2019 based on current market rates for similar instruments.

Other assets: Our other assets consist of tenant accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other assets. The estimated values of these items approximate their carrying values due to their short maturities. Certain other items, primarily straight-line rent receivable, intangibles and deferred costs, have been eliminated for the purpose of the valuation because those items are already considered in our valuation of the respective investments in real estate properties or financial instruments.

Mortgage notes payable: The values for our mortgage loans were estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which used inputs based on the remaining loan terms and estimated current market interest rates for mortgage loans with similar characteristics, including remaining loan term and loan-to-value ratios. The current market interest rate was generally determined based on market rates for available comparable debt. The estimated current market interest rates for mortgage loans ranged from 4.05% to 6.36%.

Other liabilities: Our other liabilities consist of our accounts payable and accrued expenses, amounts due to our Sponsor, tenant allowances and deposits payable, distributions payable and deferred rental income. The carrying values of these items were considered to equal their fair value due to their short maturities. Certain other items, primarily intangibles, have been eliminated for the purpose of the valuation because those items are already considered in our valuation of the respective Real Estate Properties or financial instruments.

Other noncontrolling interests: Our other noncontrolling interests consist of accrued distributions on common units and SLP Units.

Allocations of value to SLP units: The carrying value of the SLP Units held by Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of our Advisor, are classified in noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheet. The IPA’s Practice Guideline 2013—01 provides for adjustments to the NAV for preferred securities, special interests and incentive fees based on the aggregate NAV of the company and payable to the sponsor in a hypothetical liquidation of the company as of the valuation date in accordance with the provisions of the partnership or advisory agreements and the terms of the preferred securities. Because certain distributions related to our SLP Units are only payable to their holder in a liquidation event, we believe they should be valued for our NAV in accordance with these provisions.

Our operating agreement provides for distributions to be made during our liquidating stage to our stockholders and the holder of the SLP Units at certain prescribed thresholds. In connection with our initial public offering of common stock, Lightstone SLP, LLC purchased an aggregate of $30.0 million of SLP Units. In the calculation of our estimated NAV, an approximately $48.2 million allocation of value was made to the SLP Units representing the amount of estimated distributions which would have been payable to the holder of the SLP Units, assuming a liquidation event as of September 30, 2019.

Limitations and Risks

As with any valuation methodology, the methodology used to determine our estimated NAV and resulting estimated NAV per Share is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may prove later not to be accurate or complete. Further, different participants with different property-specific and general real estate and capital market assumptions, estimates, judgments and standards could derive a different estimated NAV per Share, which could be significantly different from the estimated NAV per Share approved by our board of directors. The estimated NAV per Share approved by our board of directors does not represent the fair value of our assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP, and such estimated NAV per Share is not a representation, warranty or guarantee that:

The Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor do not provide any guidance on the methodology an issuer must use to determine its estimated NAV per share. FINRA guidance provides that NAV valuations be derived from a methodology that conforms to standard industry practice.

As with any valuation methodology, our methodology is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may not be accurate or complete. Different parties with different assumptions and estimates could derive different estimated NAVs and resulting NAVs per share, and these differences could be significant. The estimated NAV per Share is not audited and does not represent the fair value of our assets less our liabilities in accordance GAAP, nor do they represent an actual liquidation value of our assets and liabilities or the amount shares of our common stock would trade at on a national securities exchange. As of the date of this filing, although we have not sought stockholder approval to adopt a plan of liquidation of the Company, certain distributions may be payable to Lightstone SLP, LLC for its SLP Units in connection with a liquidation event. Accordingly, our estimated NAV reflects any allocations of value to the SLP Units representing the amount that would be payable to Lightstone SLP, LLC in connection with a liquidation event pursuant to the guidelines for estimating NAV contained in IPA Practice Guideline 2013-01, ‘‘Valuation of Publicly Registered Non-Listed REITs.’’ Our estimated NAV per Share is based on the estimated value of our assets less the estimated value of our liabilities and other non-controlling interests less any allocations to the SLP Units divided by the number of our diluted shares of common stock outstanding, all as of the date indicated. Our estimated NAV per Share does not reflect a discount for the fact we are externally managed, nor does it reflect a real estate portfolio premium/discount versus the sum of the individual property values. Our estimated NAV per Share does not take into account estimated disposition costs or fees or penalties, if any, that may apply upon the prepayment of certain of our debt obligations or the impact of restrictions on the assumption of certain debt. Our estimated NAV per Share will fluctuate over time as a result of, among other things, future acquisitions or dispositions of assets, developments related to individual assets and the management of those assets and changes in the real estate and capital markets. Different parties using different assumptions and estimates could derive different NAVs and resulting estimated NAVs per share, and these differences could be significant. Markets for real estate and real estate-related investments can fluctuate and values are expected to change in the future. We currently expect that our Advisor will estimate our NAV on at least an annual basis. Our board of directors will review and approve each estimate of NAV and resulting estimated NAV per Share.

The following factors may cause a stockholder not to ultimately realize distributions per share of common stock equal to the estimated NAV per Share upon liquidation:

Dividend Reinvestment Program

Our distribution reinvestment program (“DRIP”) provides our shareholders with an opportunity to purchase additional shares of our common stock at a discount by reinvesting distributions. Under our distribution reinvestment program, a shareholder may acquire, from time to time, additional shares of our common stock by reinvesting cash distributions payable by us to such shareholder, without incurring any brokerage commission, fees or service charges.

The DRIP had been suspended since 2015 until our DRIP Registration Statement on Form S-3D was filed and became effective as amended and restated, under the Securities Act of 1933 on October 25, 2018.

Pursuant to the DRIP following its reactivation, our stockholders who elect to participate may invest all or a portion of the cash distributions that we pay them on shares of our common stock in additional shares of our common stock without paying any fees or commissions. The purchase price for shares under the DRIP will be equal to 95% of our current NAV per Share, as determined by the Company’s board of directors and reported by the Company from time to time. On December 10, 2019, our Board of Directors determined our NAV per Share of $11.82 as of September 30, 2019, which resulted in a purchase price for shares under the DRIP of $11.23 per share. As of December 31, 2019, we had 10.0 million shares available for issuance under our DRIP. 

However, our Board of Directors reserves the right to terminate the program for any reason without cause by providing written notice of termination of the distribution reinvestment program to all participants or written notice of termination of the share repurchase program to all shareholders.

Share Repurchase Program

Our share repurchase program may provide eligible stockholders with limited, interim liquidity by enabling them to sell shares back to us, subject to restrictions and applicable law. A selling stockholder must be unaffiliated with us, and must have beneficially held the shares for at least one year prior to offering the shares for sale to us through the share repurchase program. Subject to the limitations described in the Registration Statement, we will also redeem shares upon the request of the estate, heir or beneficiary of a deceased stockholder.

Originally, the prices at which stockholders who held shares for the required one-year period could sell shares back to us was the lesser of (i) the share price as determined by our Board of Directors or (ii) the purchase price per share if purchased at a reduced price.

On May 10, 2018, the Board of Directors amended the share repurchase program to (i) change to the price for all purchases under our share repurchase program from $10.00 per share to 92% of the NAV per Share (previously the purchase price was $10.00 per share) and (ii) increase the number of shares repurchased during any calendar year from two (2.0%) of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year to five (5.0%) of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the previous twelve months.

A stockholder must have beneficially held the shares for at least one year prior to offering them for sale to us through the share repurchase program, although if a stockholder redeems all of its shares our Board of Directors has the discretion to exempt shares purchased pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan from this one year requirement. Other affiliates will not be eligible to participate in share repurchase program.

Pursuant to the terms of the share repurchase program, we will make repurchases, if requested, at least once quarterly. Subject to funds being available, we will limit the number of shares repurchased during any calendar year to two (2.0%) of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year. Funding for the share repurchase program will come exclusively from proceeds we receive from the sale of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan and other operating funds, if any, as the Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, may reserve for this purpose.

We repurchased 1.1 million shares of common stock each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, at an average price per share of $10.65 and $9.98 per share, respectively.

Our Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, has the power to terminate the share repurchase program, change the price per share under the share repurchase program or reduce the number of shares purchased under the program, if it determines that the funds allocated to the share repurchase program are needed for other purposes, such as the acquisition, maintenance or repair of properties, or for use in making a declared distribution. A determination by our Board of Directors to eliminate or reduce the share repurchase program requires the unanimous affirmative vote of the independent directors.

On March 25, 2020, the Board of Directors amended the share repurchase program to remove stockholder notice requirements and also approved the suspension of all redemptions effective immediately. 

Distributions

Distribution Objectives

We made an election to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2005. U.S. federal income tax law requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP) determined without regard to the deduction for distributions paid and excluding any net capital gains. In order to continue to qualify for REIT status, we may be required to make distributions in excess of cash available.

Distributions are authorized at the discretion of our Board of Directors based on their analysis of our performance over the previous periods and expectations of performance for future periods. Such analyses may include actual and anticipated operating cash flow, capital expenditure needs, general financial and market conditions, proceeds from asset sales and other factors that our board of directors deem relevant. Our Board of Directors’ decisions will be substantially influenced by their obligation to ensure that we maintain our federal tax status as a REIT. We commenced quarterly distributions beginning February 1, 2006. We may fund future distributions from borrowings if we have not generated sufficient cash flow from our operations to fund such distributions. Our ability to continue to pay regular distributions and the size of these distributions will depend upon a variety of factors. For example, our borrowing policy permits us to incur short-term indebtedness, having a maturity of two years or less, and we may have to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the distribution requirements that are necessary to achieve the tax benefits associated with qualifying as a REIT. We cannot assure that regular distributions will continue to be made or that we will maintain any particular level of distribution that we have previously established or may establish.

We are an accrual basis taxpayer, and as such our REIT taxable income could be higher than the cash available to us. We may therefore borrow to make distributions, which could reduce the cash available to us, in order to distribute 90% of REIT taxable income as a condition to our election to be taxed as a REIT. These distributions made with borrowed funds may constitute a return of capital to stockholders. “Return of capital” refers to distributions to investors in excess of net income. To the extent that distributions to stockholders exceed earnings and profits, such amounts constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although such distributions might not reduce stockholders’ aggregate invested capital. Because our earnings and profits are reduced for deprecation and other non-cash items, it is likely that a portion of each distribution will constitute a tax deferred return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Distributions on Common Shares

Our Board of Directors commenced declaring and we began paying regular quarterly distributions on our Common Shares at the pro rata equivalent of an annual distribution of $0.70 per share, or an annualized rate of 7.0% assuming a purchase price of $10.00 per share, beginning February 1, 2006. Subsequently, our Board of Directors has declared regular quarterly distributions at the annualized rate of 7.0% assuming a purchase price of $10.00 per share, with the exception of the three-month period ended June 30, 2010. The distributions for the three-month period ended June 30, 2010 were at an aggregate annualized rate of 8% based on the share price of $10.00. Through December 31, 2019, we have paid aggregate distribution in the amount of $232.0 million, which includes cash distributions paid to stockholders and common stock issued under our DRIP.

Total distributions declared during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $16.1 million and $16.9 million, respectively.

On March 25, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized and declared a Common Share distribution of $0.175 per share for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2020. The quarterly distribution is the pro rata equivalent of an annual distribution of $0.70 per share, or an annualized rate of 7.0% assuming a purchase price of $10.00 per share. The distribution will be paid on or about the 15th day of the month following the quarter-end to stockholders of record at the close of business on the last day of the quarter-end. The stockholders have an option to elect the receipt of shares under the Company’s DRIP.

Distributions on SLP Units

From our inception through March 31, 2010, cumulative distributions declared to Lightstone SLP, LLC were $4.9 million, all of which had been paid as of April 2010. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Operating Partnership did not declare a distribution related to the SLP Units as the distribution to the stockholders was less than 7% for this period. On August 30, 2010, the Company declared additional distributions to the stockholders to bring the annualized distribution to at least 7%. As such, the Company as of August 30, 2010 recommenced declaring distributions to Lightstone SLP, LLC at the 7% annualized rate, except for the three months ended June 30, 2010 which was at an 8% annualized rate which represents the same rate paid to the stockholders.

During each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, distributions of $2.1 million were declared and distributions of $2.1 million were paid related to the SLP Units and are part of noncontrolling interests. Since inception through December 31, 2019, cumulative distributions declared were $25.5 million, of which $25.0 million have been paid. Such distributions, paid currently at a 7% annualized rate of return to Lightstone SLP, LLC through December 31, 2019, with the exception of the distribution related to the three months ended June 30, 2010, which was paid at an 8% annualized rate  will always be subordinated until stockholders receive a stated preferred return, as described below.

Additionally, on March 25, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2020 on the SLP Units at an annualized rate of 7.0%. Any future distributions on the SLP Units will always be subordinated until stockholders receive a stated preferred return.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities  

During the period covered by this Form 10-K, we did not sell any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

You should read the following discussion and analysis together with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following information contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above for a description of these risks and uncertainties.  Dollar amounts are presented in thousands, except per share data and where indicated in millions.

Overview

Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Lightstone REIT”), (together with the Operating Partnership (as defined below), the “Company”, also referred to as “we”, “our” or “us” herein) has and expects to continue to acquire and operate or develop in the future, commercial, residential and hospitality properties and/or make real estate-related investments, principally in the United States. Our acquisitions and investments are, principally conducted through the Operating Partnership, and may include both portfolios and individual properties.

As of December 31, 2019, we have ownership interests in (i) two consolidated operating properties, (ii) three consolidated development properties and (iii) seven unconsolidated operating properties. With respect to our consolidated operating properties, we wholly own the St. Augustine Outlet Center, a retail property containing approximately 0.3 million square feet of gross leasable area, and have a majority ownership interest of approximately 59.2% in Gantry Park Landing, a multi-family residential property containing 199 apartment units. With respect to our consolidated development properties, we wholly own three projects consisting of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel, the Exterior Street Project and the Santa Clara Data Center. We also hold a 2.5% ownership interest in seven hotel properties through a joint venture (the “Joint Venture”) which we account for our under the cost method of accounting. The Joint Venture is between us and the operating partnership of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Lightstone II”), a real estate investment trust also sponsored by our Sponsor, which has a 97.5% ownership interest in the Joint Venture. Furthermore, we have other real estate-related investments, including preferred investments in related parties and nonrecourse promissory notes made to unaffiliated third-parties. our real estate investments have been and are expected to continue to be held by the Company alone or jointly with other parties.

We do not have employees. We entered into an advisory agreement pursuant to which the Advisor supervises and manages our day-to-day operations and selects our real estate and real estate related investments, subject to oversight by our Board of Directors. We pay the Advisor fees for services related to the investment and management of our assets, and we will reimburse the Advisor for certain expenses incurred on our behalf.

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we engage in certain activities such as providing real estate-related services through taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). As such, we may still be subject to U.S. federal and state income and franchise taxes from these activities.

Acquisitions and Investment Strategy

We have, to date, acquired and/or developed residential, commercial and hospitality properties principally, all of which are located in the United States and also made other real estate-related investments. Our acquisitions have included both portfolios and individual properties. Our current operating properties consist of one retail property (the St. Augustine Outlet Center) and one multi-family residential property (Gantry Park Landing). We have also acquired various parcels of land and air rights related to the development and construction of real estate properties. Additionally, we have made preferred investments in related parties and originated nonrecourse loans to unaffiliated third-party borrowers.

Investments in real estate are generally made through the purchase of all or part of a fee simple ownership, or all or part of a leasehold interest. We may also purchase limited partnership interests, limited liability company interests and other equity securities. We may also enter into joint ventures with related parties for the acquisition, development or improvement of properties as well as general partnerships, co-tenancies and other participations with real estate developers, owners and others for the purpose of developing, owning and operating real properties. We will not enter into a joint venture to make an investment that we would not be permitted to make on our own. Not more than 10% of our total assets will be invested in unimproved real property. For purposes of this paragraph, “unimproved real properties” does not include properties acquired for the purpose of producing rental or other operating income, properties under construction and properties for which development or construction is planned within one year.

Current Environment

Our operating results are substantially impacted by the overall health of local, U.S. national and global economies and may be influenced by market and other challenges. Additionally, our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by current and future economic and other conditions; including, but not limited to, availability or terms of financings, financial markets volatility, political upheaval or uncertainty, natural and man-made disasters, terrorism and acts of war, unfavorable changes in laws and regulations, outbreaks of contagious diseases, cybercrime, loss of key relationships, and recession.

With respect to contagious diseases, the extent to which our business may be affected by the current outbreak of the Coronavirus will largely depend on both current and future developments, including its duration, spread and treatment, and related travel advisories and restrictions, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be reasonably predicted.

If our properties and real estate-related investments are negatively impacted for an extended period because (i) tenants are unable to pay their rent, (ii) borrowers are unable to pay scheduled debt service on our notes receivable and/or (iii) various related party entities are unable to pay monthly preferred distributions on our Preferred Investments, our business and financial results could be materially and adversely impacted. While we believe there are certain cost reduction strategies we can implement, there can be no assurance that they would fully mitigate the adverse impact of any lost revenue and income.

These and other market and economic challenges could materially affect (i) the value and performance of our investments, (ii) our ability to pay future distributions, if any, (iii) the availability or terms of financings, (iv) our ability to make scheduled principal and interest payments, and (v) our ability to refinance any outstanding debt when contractually due.

We are not currently aware of any other material trends or uncertainties, favorable or unfavorable, that may be reasonably anticipated to have a material impact on either capital resources or the revenues or income to be derived from our operations, other than those referred to above or throughout this Form 10-K. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during a reporting period.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

General

Our consolidated financial statements, included in this annual report, include our accounts, the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries (over which we exercise financial and operating control). All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments about the effects of matters or future events that are inherently uncertain. These estimates and judgments may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including contingencies and litigation. We base these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable in the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

To assist in understanding our results of operations and financial position, we have identified our critical accounting policies and discussed them below. These accounting policies are most important to the portrayal of our results and financial position, either because of the significance of the financial statement items to which they relate or because they require our management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.  

Revenue Recognition

Our revenue, which is comprised largely of rental income, includes rents that tenants pay in accordance with the terms of their respective leases reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. Since our leases may provide for rental increases at specified intervals, straight-line basis accounting requires us to record as an asset, and include in revenue, unbilled rent that we only receive if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease.

In addition, we will defer the recognition of contingent rental income, such as percentage rents, until the specific target which triggers the contingent rental income is achieved. Cost recoveries from tenants will be included in tenant recovery income in the period the related costs are incurred.

Investments in Real Estate    

We generally record investments in real estate at cost and capitalize improvements and replacements when they extend the useful life or improve the efficiency of the asset. We expense costs of ordinary repairs and maintenance as incurred. We compute depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the applicable real estate asset. We generally use estimated useful lives of up to thirty-nine years for buildings and improvements, five to ten years for furniture and fixtures and the shorter of the useful life or the remaining lease term for tenant improvements and leasehold interests.

We make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record on an annual basis with respect to our investments in real estate. These assessments have a direct impact on our net income because, if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our investments in real estate, we would depreciate these investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation expense and lower net income on an annual basis.

We record assets and groups of assets and liabilities which comprise disposal groups as “held for sale” when all of the following criteria are met: a decision has been made to sell, the assets are available for sale immediately, the assets are being actively marketed at a reasonable price in relation to the current fair value, a sale has been or is expected to be concluded within twelve months of the balance sheet date, and significant changes to the plan to sell are not expected. The assets and disposal groups held for sale are valued at the lower of book value or fair value less disposal costs. For sales of real estate or assets classified as held for sale, we evaluate whether a disposal transaction meets the criteria of a strategic shift and will have a major effect on our operations and financial results to determine if the results of operations and gains on sale of real estate will be presented as part of our continuing operations or as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. If the disposal represents a strategic shift, it will be classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented; if not, it will be presented in continuing operations.

When circumstances such as adverse market conditions indicate a possible impairment of the value of a property, we will review the recoverability of the property’s carrying value. The review of recoverability is based on our estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to result from the property’s use and eventual disposition. Our forecast of these cash flows considers factors such as expected future operating income, market and other applicable trends and residual value, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If impairment exists due to the inability to recover the carrying value of a property, we record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property.

We make subjective assessments as to whether there are impairments in the values of our investments in real estate. We evaluate our ability to collect both interest and principal related to any real estate related investments in which we may invest. If circumstances indicate that such investment is impaired, we reduce the carrying value of the investment to its net realizable value. Such reduction in value will be reflected as a charge to operations in the period in which the determination is made.

Accounting for Asset Acquisitions

The cost of the acquisition in an asset acquisition is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and tenant improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases for acquired in-place leases and the value of tenant relationships, and certain liabilities such as assumed debt and contingent liabilities on the basis of their relative fair values. Fees incurred related to asset acquisitions are capitalized as part of the cost of the investment.

Accounting for Business Combinations

Upon acquisition of real estate operating properties that meet the definition of a business, we estimate the fair value of acquired tangible assets and identified intangible assets and liabilities and assumed debt and contingent liabilities at the date of acquisition, based upon an evaluation of information and estimates available at that date. Based on these estimates, we evaluate the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase and allocate the initial purchase price to the applicable assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest, if any. As final information regarding fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest is received and estimates are refined, appropriate adjustments are made to the purchase price allocation. The allocations are finalized as soon as all the information necessary is available.

Real Estate-Related Debt Investments

We intend to hold our real estate-related debt investments until maturity and accordingly, they are carried at cost, net of any unamortized loan fees, origination fees, discounts, premiums and unfunded commitments. Real estate-related debt investments that are deemed impaired will be carried at amortized cost less a reserve, if deemed appropriate, which approximates fair value.

Investment income will be recognized on an accrual basis and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The amortization is reflected as an adjustment to investment income in the Company’s statements of operations. The amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount is discontinued if such debt investment is reclassified to held for sale.

Credit Losses and Impairment on Investments

Real Estate-Related Debt Investments

Real estate-related debt investments are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will not be able to collect principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms. We assess the credit quality of our real estate-related debt investments and adequacy of loan loss reserves on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment of management is required in this analysis. We consider the estimated net recoverable value of the debt investment as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the quality and financial condition of the borrower and the competitive situation of the area where the underlying collateral is located. Because this determination is based on projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amount ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the debt investment, a loan loss reserve is recorded with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The loan loss reserve for each debt investment is maintained at a level that is determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses.

Income recognition is suspended for a debt investment at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired debt investment is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired debt investment is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method, until an accrual is resumed when the debt investment becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A debt investment is written off when it is no longer realizable or is legally discharged.

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

We evaluate our investments in other entities for consolidation. We consider our percentage interest in the joint venture, evaluation of control and whether a variable interest entity exists when determining if the investment qualifies for consolidation or if it should be accounted for as an unconsolidated investment under the equity or cost method of accounting.

If an investment qualifies for the equity method of accounting, our investment is recorded initially at cost, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income (loss) and cash contributions and distributions. The net income or loss of an unconsolidated investment is allocated to its investors in accordance with the provisions of the operating agreement of the entity. The allocation provisions in these agreements may differ from the ownership interest held by each investor. Differences, if any, between the carrying amount of our investment in the respective joint venture and our share of the underlying equity of such unconsolidated entity are amortized over the respective lives of the underlying assets as applicable. These items are reported as a single line item in the consolidated statements of operations as income or loss from investments in unconsolidated affiliated entities. If an investment qualifies for the cost method of accounting, our investment is recorded initially at cost, and subsequently adjusted for cash contributions and distributions resulting from any capital events. Distributions received from the underlying entity are recorded as interest income.

We review investments for impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such investment may not be recoverable. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. The ultimate realization of our investment in partially owned entities is dependent on a number of factors including the performance of that entity and market conditions. If we determine that a decline in the value of a partially owned entity is other than temporary, we will record an impairment charge. 

Inflation

We will be exposed to inflation risk as income from long-term leases is expected to be the primary source of our cash flows from operations. Our long-term leases are expected to contain provisions to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation on our operating results. Such provisions will include clauses entitling us to receive scheduled base rent increases and base rent increases based upon the consumer price index.  In addition, our leases are expected to require tenants to pay a negotiated share of operating expenses, including maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and utilities, thereby reducing our exposure to increases in cost and operating expenses resulting from inflation.  

Treatment of Management Compensation, Expense Reimbursements and Operating Partnership Participation Interest

Management of our operations is outsourced to our Advisor and certain other affiliates of our Sponsor. Fees related to each of these services are accounted for based on the nature of such service and the relevant accounting literature. Such fees include acquisition fees associated with the purchase of interests in affiliated real estate entities; asset management fees paid to our Advisor and property management fees paid to our Property Manager, which manage certain of the properties we acquire, or to other unaffiliated third-party property managers, principally for the management of our hospitality properties. These fees are expensed or capitalized to the basis of acquired assets, as appropriate.

Our Property Manager may also perform fee-based construction management services for both our re-development activities and tenant construction projects. These fees are considered incremental to the construction effort and will be capitalized to the associated real estate project as incurred. Costs incurred for tenant construction will be depreciated over the shorter of their useful life or the term of the related lease. Costs related to redevelopment activities will be depreciated over the estimated useful life of the associated project.

Leasing activity at certain of our properties has also been outsourced to our Property Manager. Any corresponding leasing fees we pay are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related lease.

Expense reimbursements made to both our Advisor and Property Manager will be expensed or capitalized to the basis of acquired assets, as appropriate.

Through March 31, 2009, Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor, purchased an aggregate of $30.0 million of SLP Units in the Operating Partnership at a cost of $100,000 per unit and none thereafter.

Income Taxes  

We elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2005. If we remain qualified as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. To maintain our REIT qualification under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. If we fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT in any subsequent year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, our income for that year will be taxed at regular corporate rates, and we may be precluded from qualifying for treatment as a REIT for the four-year period following our failure to qualify as a REIT. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we engage in certain activities through taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). As such, we may still be subject to U.S. federal and state income and franchise taxes from these activities.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had no material uncertain income tax positions. Additionally, even if we continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may still be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and to U.S. federal income taxes and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

Results of Operations

The following summarizes our investment activities during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Development Projects

Lower East Side Moxy Hotel

On December 3, 2018, we, through a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, acquired three adjacent parcels of land located at 147-151 Bowery, New York, New York (collectively, the “Bowery Land”) from 151 Emmut Properties LLC and 145-149 Bowery LLC, both unaffiliated third parties, for aggregate consideration of approximately $56.5 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which we intend to develop and construct a 296-room Marriott Moxy hotel (the “Lower East Side Moxy Hotel”). Additionally, on December 6, 2018, we, though a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, acquired certain air rights located at 329 Broome Street, New York, New York (the “Air Rights”) from B.R.P. Realty Corp., an unaffiliated third party, for approximately $2.4 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs. We intend to use the Air Rights in connection with the development and construction of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel.

As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $73.8 million and $63.3 million, respectively, consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel.

Exterior Street Project

On February 27, 2019, we, through subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, acquired two adjacent parcels of land located at 355 and 399 Exterior Street, New York, New York (collectively, the “Exterior Street Land”), from Borden Realty Corp and 399 Exterior Street Associates LLC, unaffiliated third parties, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $59.0 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which it intends to develop and construct a multi-family residential property (the “Exterior Street Project”).

As of December 31, 2019, we incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $66.1 million consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Exterior Street Project.

Santa Clara Data Center

On January 10, 2019, we, through subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, acquired a parcel of land located at 2175 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara, CA (the “Martin Avenue Land”) from The Chioini Living Trust, an unaffiliated third party, for approximately $10.6 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which we intend to develop and construct a data center (the “Santa Clara Data Center”).

As of December 31, 2019, we have incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $13.0 million consisting of acquisition of the Martin Avenue Land and other development costs attributable to the Santa Clara Data Center.

Notes Receivable

Beginning in 2019, we formed certain joint ventures (collectively, the “NR Joint Ventures”) between wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership (collectively, the “NR Subsidiaries”) and affiliates of the Sponsor (the “NR Affiliates”), pursuant to which the NR Joint Ventures have originated nonrecourse loans (collectively, the “Joint Venture Promissory Notes”) to unaffiliated third-party borrowers (collectively, the “Joint Venture Borrowers”).

We determined that the NR Joint Ventures are VIEs and the NR Subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries.  Since the NR Subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries, beginning on the applicable date of formation, we consolidated the operating results of the NR Joint Ventures and accounted for the respective ownership interests of the NR Affiliates as noncontrolling interests.

The Joint Venture Promissory Notes generally have an initial term of one year and may provide for an additional one-year extension option subject to satisfaction of certain prescribed conditions, including the funding of an additional reserve for interest and payment of an extension fee. The Joint Venture Promissory Notes are collateralized by either the membership interests of the Joint Venture Borrowers in the borrowing entity or the underlying real property being developed by the Joint Venture Borrower.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the NR Subsidiaries and the NR Affiliates made aggregate contributions to the NR Joint Ventures of approximately $32.1 million and $33.1 million, respectively, principally to fund their respective shares of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes that were originated. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2019, the NR Joint Ventures made aggregate distributions of approximately $18.4 million to both the NR Subsidiaries and NR Affiliates, based on their respective membership interests. The NR Joint Ventures’ distributions were made from payments received from the NR Borrowers and proceeds from a financing transaction completed by LSC 1543 7th LLC and LSC 1650 Lincoln LLC.

The Joint Venture Promissory Notes are recorded in notes receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The origination fees received are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes and are amortized into interest income, using a straight-line method that approximates the effective interest method, over the initial term of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes. The Loan Reserves are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes and are applied against the monthly interest due over the initial term.

The Notes Receivable (dollar amounts in thousands) are summarized as follows:

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized interest income (included in interest and dividend income on the consolidated statements of operations) of $3.7 million for the Joint Venture Promissory Notes.

Preferred Investments

We have entered into several agreements with various related party entities that provide for us to make preferred contributions pursuant to certain instruments (the “Preferred Investments”) that entitle us to monthly preferred distributions. The Preferred Investments had an aggregate balance of $34.5 million and $100.7 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and are classified as held-to-maturity securities, recorded at cost and included in investments in related parties on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these investments approximated their carrying values based on market rates for similar instruments.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we (i) partially redeemed an aggregate of $13.0 million of the 40 East End Avenue Preferred Investment, redeemed the entire 30-02 39th Street Preferred Investment of $10.0 million, partially redeemed an aggregate of $34.5 million of the East 11th Street Preferred Investment and partially redeemed $11.0 million of the Miami Moxy Preferred Investment and (ii) made aggregate contributions of $2.3 million for the Miami Moxy Preferred Investment and as of December 31, 2019, there were no unfunded contributions. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized investment income of $9.4 million and $14.3 million, respectively, on the Preferred Investments which is included in interest and dividend income on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Preferred Investments (dollar amounts in thousands) are summarized as follows:

Dispositions

Dispositions - Continuing Operations

The following disposition did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on our operations and financial results and therefore did not qualify to be reported as discontinued operations and its operating results are reflected in tour results from continuing operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented through the date of disposition:

DePaul Plaza

On September 20, 2019, we disposed of a retail center located in Bridgeton, Missouri (“DePaul Plaza”), to an unrelated third party for aggregate consideration of approximately $19.8 million, excluding closing and other related costs. In connection with the disposition, we recorded a gain on the disposition of real estate of approximately $1.0 million during the third quarter of 2019.

Dispositions - Discontinued Operations

The following dispositions qualified to be reported as discontinued operations and their operating results are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented through their respective dates of disposition:

Disposition Transactions related to Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio

We had an outstanding non-recourse mortgage loan (the “Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio Mortgage Loan”) which was originated in February 2007 and subsequently transferred during the third quarter of 2012 to a special servicer that discontinued scheduled debt service payments and notified us that the loan was in default and due on demand. The Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio Mortgage Loan was initially cross-collateralized by a portfolio of 14 industrial properties (collectively, the “Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio”) including ten properties located in Louisiana (seven properties located in New Orleans and three properties located in Baton Rouge, and collectively, the “Louisiana Properties”) and four properties located in San Antonio, Texas (the “San Antonio Properties”).

Foreclosure of San Antonio Assets

On June 5, 2018, the special servicer completed a partial foreclosure of the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio pursuant to which it foreclosed on the San Antonio Assets. The San Antonio Assets were sold in a foreclosure sale by the special servicer for an aggregate amount of approximately $20.7 million.

Upon consummation of the foreclosure sale, the buyers assumed the significant risks and rewards of ownership and took legal title and physical possession of the San Antonio Assets for the agreed upon aggregate sales price of $20.7 million. We simultaneously received an aggregate credit of approximately $20.7 million which we applied against the total outstanding indebtedness (approximately $19.6 million and $1.1 million of principal and accrued interest payable, respectively) of the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio Mortgage.

The aggregate carrying value of the assets transferred and the liabilities extinguished in connection with the foreclosure of the San Antonio Assets were approximately $13.6 million and $20.7 million, respectively.

Since our performance obligations were met at the closing of the foreclosure sales and we had no continuing involvement with the San Antonio Assets an aggregate gain on disposition of real estate of approximately $7.1 million was recognized during the second quarter of 2018.

During 2018, the disposition of the San Antonio Assets did not initially qualify to be reported as discontinued operations since their disposition did not represent a strategic shift that had a major effect on our operations and financial results.

Assignment of Ownership in Louisiana Assets to Lender

On February 12, 2019, we and the lender of the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio Mortgage entered into an assignment agreement (the “Assignment Agreement”) pursuant to which we assigned our membership interests in the Louisiana Assets to the lender with an effective date of February 7, 2019. Under the terms of the Assignment Agreement, the lender assumed the significant risks and rewards of ownership and took legal title and physical possession of the Louisiana Assets and assumed all the other assets and related liabilities, including the Gulf Coast Industrial Mortgage and its accrued and unpaid interest, and released us of any claims against the liabilities assumed.

As a result of the Assignment Agreement, we have fully satisfied all of our obligations with respect to the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio Mortgage and all amounts accrued but not paid for interest (including default interest) and no amounts are due to the lender. Additionally, we have no continuing involvement with the Louisiana Assets.

The aggregate carrying value of the assets transferred and the liabilities extinguished in connection with our assignment of our ownership interests in the Louisiana Assets to the lender was approximately $37.0 million and $49.6 million, respectively.

Since our performance obligations were met upon the assignment of our ownership interests in the Louisiana Assets to the lender and we have no continuing involvement with the Louisiana Assets, an aggregate gain on debt extinguishment of approximately $13.6 million was recognized during the first quarter of 2019.

The disposition of the Louisiana Assets, which comprised all of our remaining industrial properties, represented a strategic shift that had a major effect on our operations and financial results.

As a result of the disposition transactions related to both the San Antonio Assets and the Louisiana Assets, we no longer have any industrial properties. Because the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio Mortgage was cross-collateralized by the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio, comprised of both the San Antonio Assets and Louisiana Assets, the operating results of the entire Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio have been classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 vs. December 31, 2018

Consolidated – Continuing Operations

Revenues

Our revenues are comprised of rental income and tenant recovery income. Total revenues decreased by approximately $1.1 million to $15.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $16.3 million for the same period in 2018. Excluding the effect of the disposition of DePaul Plaza, revenues were relatively flat.

Property operating expenses

Property operating expenses decreased by approximately $0.3 million to $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $5.0 million for the same period in 2018.

Real estate taxes

Real estate taxes decreased slightly by approximately $0.1 million to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2018.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1.7 million to $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $4.3 million for the same period in 2018 principally due to a decrease in professional fees and lower asset management fees as a result of the disposition transactions related to the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio and DePaul Plaza.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased by approximately $0.5 million to $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $5.3 million for the same period in 2018.

Gain on disposition of real estate

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a gain on disposition of real estate of approximately $1.0 million related to the disposition of DePaul Plaza.

Interest and dividend income

Interest and dividend income decreased by approximately $2.1 million to $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $18.9 million for the same period in 2018. The decrease primarily reflects lower investment income of $4.9 million from our Preferred Investments and a decrease in dividend income from our investments in marketable securities of $1.4 million partially offset by interest income on our notes receivable of $3.7 million and an increase in interest earned on available cash of $0.4 million. We did not have any notes receivable during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Interest expense

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, decreased by approximately $3.9 million to $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $5.6 million for the same period in 2018. This decrease primarily reflects lower interest expense resulting from the capitalization of interest in connection with our development activities and the repayment in full of a mortgage that was collateralized by the St. Augustine Outlet Center in May 2018.

Unrealized loss on marketable equity securities

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded an unrealized loss on marketable equity securities of $3.8 million and during the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded an unrealized gain on marketable equity securities of $0.8 million which represents the change in the fair value of our marketable equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Noncontrolling interests

The net earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests relates to (i) parties of the Company that hold units in the Operating Partnership, (ii) the interest in PRO-DFJV Holdings LLC (“PRO”) held by our Sponsor, (iii) the ownership interests in 50-01 2nd St. Associates LLC (the “2nd Street Joint Venture”) held by our Sponsor and other affiliates and (iv) the ownership interest in various joint ventures held by affiliates of our Sponsor that have originated nonrecourse loans to unaffiliated third-party borrowers.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources  

Overview:

Rental income, interest and dividend income and borrowings are our principal source of funds to pay operating expenses, scheduled debt service, capital expenditures and distributions, excluding non-recurring capital expenditures.

We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements, including the costs of our expected non-recurring capital expenditures, including development activities, generally through working capital, redemptions of our Preferred Investments, repayments of our outstanding notes receivable, the remaining availability on the Bowery Mortgage ($0.8 million as of December 31, 2019) and new borrowings. As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $77.6 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand and $54.7 million of marketable securities, available for sale. We believe that these cash resources will be sufficient to satisfy our cash requirements for the foreseeable future, and we do not anticipate a need to raise funds from other than these sources within the next twelve months.

Our borrowings consist of single-property mortgages as well as mortgages cross-collateralized by a pool of properties. We typically have obtained level payment financing, meaning that the amount of debt service payable would be substantially the same each year. As such, most of the mortgages on our properties provide for a so-called “balloon” payment and are at a fixed interest rate.

Additionally, in order to leverage our investments in marketable securities and seek a higher rate of return, we have access to borrowings under a margin loan and line of credit collateralized by the securities held with the financial institution that provided the margin loan and line of credit as well as a portion of our Marco OP Units. These loans are due on demand and any outstanding balance must be paid upon the liquidation of securities.

Our charter provides that the aggregate amount of borrowing, both secured and unsecured, may not exceed 300% of net assets in the absence of a satisfactory showing that a higher level is appropriate, the approval of our Board of Directors and disclosure to stockholders. Net assets means our total assets, other than intangibles, at cost before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves less our total liabilities, calculated at least quarterly on a basis consistently applied. Any excess in borrowing over such 300% of net assets level must be approved by a majority of our independent directors and disclosed to our stockholders in our next quarterly report to stockholders, along with justification for such excess. As of December 31, 2019, our total borrowings of $167.0 million represented 49% of net assets.

Any future properties that we may acquire or investments we may make may be funded through a combination of borrowings, proceeds generated from the sale and redemption of our marketable securities, available for sale, proceeds received from the selective disposition of our properties and proceeds received from the redemption of our preferred investments in related parties. These borrowings may consist of single-property mortgages as well as mortgages cross-collateralized by a pool of properties. Such mortgages may be put in place either at the time we acquire a property or subsequent to our purchasing a property for cash. In addition, we may acquire properties that are subject to existing indebtedness where we choose to assume the existing mortgages. Generally, though not exclusively, we intend to seek to encumber our properties with debt, which will be on a non-recourse basis. This means that a lender’s rights on default will generally be limited to foreclosing on the property. However, we may, at our discretion, secure recourse financing or provide a guarantee to lenders if we believe this may result in more favorable terms. When we give a guaranty for a property owning entity, we will be responsible to the lender for the satisfaction of the indebtedness if it is not paid by the property owning entity.

We may also obtain lines of credit to be used to acquire properties or real estate-related assets. These lines of credit will be at prevailing market terms and will be repaid from proceeds from the sale or refinancing of properties, working capital or permanent financing. Our Sponsor or its affiliates may guarantee the lines of credit although they will not be obligated to do so.

In addition to meeting working capital needs and distributions, if any, to our stockholders, our capital resources are used to make certain payments to our Advisor and our Property Manager, including payments related to asset acquisition fees, development fees and leasing commissions, asset management fees, the reimbursement of acquisition related expenses to our Advisor and property management fees. We also reimburse our Advisor and its affiliates for actual expenses it incurs for administrative and other services provided to us. Additionally, the Operating Partnership may be required to make distributions to Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor.

The following table represents the fees incurred associated with the payments to our Advisor and our Property Manager:

*  Generally, capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the associated asset.                

Our charter states that our operating expenses, excluding offering costs, property operating expenses and real estate taxes, as well as acquisition fees and non cash related items (“Qualified Operating Expenses”) are to be less than the greater of 2% of our average invested net assets or 25% of net income. For the year ended December 31, 2019, our Qualified Operating Expenses were less than the greater of 2% of our average invested net assets or 25% of net income.

In addition, our charter states that our acquisition fees and expenses shall not exceed 6% of the contractual purchase price or in the case of a mortgage, 6% of funds advanced unless approved by a majority of the independent directors. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the acquisition fees and acquisition expenses were less than 6% of each of the contract prices.

Summary of Cash Flows.

The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the consolidated statements of cash flows and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below:

Our principal sources of cash flow are derived from the operation of our rental properties, interest and dividend income on our marketable securities and real estate-related investments, as well as loan proceeds and proceeds from redemptions of preferred investments in related parties. We intend that our properties and real estate-related investments will provide a relatively consistent stream of cash flow that provides us with resources to fund operating expenses, debt service and quarterly distributions if authorized by our board of directors.

Our principal demands for liquidity are (i) our property operating expenses, (ii) real estate taxes, (iii) insurance costs, (iv) leasing costs and related tenant improvements, (v) capital expenditures, (vi) acquisition and development activities, including our investments in related parties (vii) scheduled debt service and (viii) distributions to our stockholders and noncontrolling interests. The principal sources of funding for our operations are operating cash flows and proceeds from (i) the sale and redemption of marketable securities, (ii) the selective disposition of properties or interests in properties, (iii) redemptions of our preferred investments in related parties, (iv) the issuance of equity and debt securities and (v) the placement of mortgage loans or other indebtedness.

Operating activities

Net cash flows provided by operating activities of $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 consists of the following:

Investing activities

The net cash used in investing activities of $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 consists primarily of the following:

Financing activities

The net cash provided by financing activities of approximately $27.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 is primarily related to the following:

Development Properties

Lower East Side Moxy Hotel

On December 3, 2018, we, through a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, acquired three adjacent parcels of land located at 147-151 Bowery, New York, New York (collectively, the “Bowery Land”) from 151 Emmut Properties LLC and 145-149 Bowery LLC, both unaffiliated third parties, for aggregate consideration of approximately $56.5 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which we intend to develop and construct a 296-room Marriott Moxy hotel (the “Lower East Side Moxy Hotel”). Additionally, on December 6, 2018, we, though a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, acquired certain air rights located at 329 Broome Street, New York, New York (the “Air Rights”) from B.R.P. Realty Corp., an unaffiliated third party, for approximately $2.4 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs. We intend to use the Air Rights in connection with the development and construction of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel.

On December 3, 2018, we entered into a mortgage loan collateralized by the Bowery Land and the Air Rights (the “Bowery Mortgage”) for approximately $35.6 million. The Bowery Mortgage has a term of two years, bears interest at LIBOR+4.25% and requires monthly interest-only payments through its stated maturity with the entire unpaid balance due upon maturity. Through December 31, 2019, we received aggregate proceeds of $34.8 million under the Bowery Mortgage. As a result, the Bowery Mortgage had an outstanding balance and remaining availability of $34.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $73.8 million and $63.3 million, respectively, consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel.

Exterior Street Project

On February 27, 2019, we, through subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, acquired two adjacent parcels of land located at 355 and 399 Exterior Street, New York, New York (collectively, the “Exterior Street Land”), from Borden Realty Corp and 399 Exterior Street Associates LLC, unaffiliated third parties, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $59.0 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which we intends\ to develop and construct a multi-family residential property (the “Exterior Street Project”).

On March 29, 2019, we entered into a $35.0 million loan (the “Exterior Street Loan”) which bears interest and 4.50% and is scheduled to initially mature on April 9, 2020, but may be further extended through the exercise of two, six-month extension options, which we can exercise by providing the lender with notice of our intent to extend. The Exterior Street Loan requires monthly interest payments through its maturity date and is collateralized by the Exterior Street Land.

As of December 31, 2019, we incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $66.1 million consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Exterior Street Project.

Santa Clara Data Center

On January 10, 2019, we, through subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, acquired a parcel of land located at 2175 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara, CA (the “Martin Avenue Land”) from The Chioini Living Trust, an unaffiliated third party, for approximately $10.6 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which we intend to develop and construct a data center (the “Santa Clara Data Center”).

As of December 31, 2019, we have incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $13.0 million consisting of acquisition of the Martin Avenue Land and other development costs attributable to the Santa Clara Data Center.

We believe our capital resources are sufficient to fund our expected development activities related to the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel, the Exterior Land and the Santa Clara Data Center for the next 12 months. However, we ultimately expect to finance a substantial portion of our development costs through construction loans. There can be no assurance we will be successful in obtaining construction financing at favorable terms, if at all.

Share Repurchase Program

Our share repurchase program may provide eligible stockholders with limited, interim liquidity by enabling them to sell shares back to us, subject to restrictions and applicable law. A selling stockholder must be unaffiliated with us, and must have beneficially held the shares for at least one year prior to offering the shares for sale to us through the share repurchase program. Subject to the limitations described in the Registration Statement, we will also redeem shares upon the request of the estate, heir or beneficiary of a deceased stockholder.

Originally, the prices at which stockholders who held shares for the required one-year period could sell shares back to us was the lesser of (i) the share price as determined by our Board of Directors or (ii) the purchase price per share if purchased at a reduced price.

On May 10, 2018, the Board of Directors amended the share repurchase program to (i) change to the price for all purchases under our share repurchase program from $10.00 per share to 92% of the NAV per Share (previously the purchase price was $10.00 per share) and (ii) increase the number of shares repurchased during any calendar year from two (2.0%) of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year to five (5.0%) of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the previous twelve months.

A stockholder must have beneficially held the shares for at least one year prior to offering them for sale to us through the share repurchase program, although if a stockholder redeems all of its shares our Board of Directors has the discretion to exempt shares purchased pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan from this one year requirement. Other affiliates will not be eligible to participate in share repurchase program.

Pursuant to the terms of the share repurchase program, we will make repurchases, if requested, at least once quarterly. Subject to funds being available, we will limit the number of shares repurchased during any calendar year to two (2.0%) of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year. Funding for the share repurchase program will come exclusively from proceeds we receive from the sale of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan and other operating funds, if any, as the Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, may reserve for this purpose.

We repurchased 1.1 million shares of common stock each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, at an average price per share of $10.65 and $9.98 per share, respectively.

Our Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, has the power to terminate the share repurchase program, change the price per share under the share repurchase program or reduce the number of shares purchased under the program, if it determines that the funds allocated to the share repurchase program are needed for other purposes, such as the acquisition, maintenance or repair of properties, or for use in making a declared distribution. A determination by our Board of Directors to eliminate or reduce the share repurchase program requires the unanimous affirmative vote of the independent directors.

On March 25, 2020, the Board of Directors amended the share repurchase program to remove stockholder notice requirements and also approved the suspension of all redemptions effective immediately.

Distributions Declared by our Board of Directors

Common Shares

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, distributions on our Common Shares were declared quarterly, for each calendar quarter end, at the pro rata equivalent of an annual distribution of $0.70 per share, or an annualized rate of 7.0% assuming a purchase price of $10.00 per share, to stockholders of record at the close of business on the last day of the quarter-end. All distributions were paid on or about the 15th day of the month following the quarter-end.

Total distributions declared during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $16.1 million and $16.9 million, respectively.

On March 25, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized and declared a Common Share distribution of $0.175 per share for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2020. The quarterly distribution is the pro rata equivalent of an annual distribution of $0.70 per share, or an annualized rate of 7.0% assuming a purchase price of $10.00 per share. The distribution will be paid on or about the 15th day of the month following the quarter-end to stockholders of record at the close of business on the last day of the quarter-end. The stockholders have an option to elect the receipt of shares under the Company’s DRIP.

SLP Units

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, total distributions declared and paid on the SLP Units were both $2.1 million. Additionally, on March 25, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly distribution for the quarterly period ending March 31, 2020 on the SLP Units at an annualized rate of 7.0%. Any future distributions on the SLP Units will always be subordinated until stockholders receive a stated preferred return.

Contractual Obligations  

The following is a summary of our contractual obligations outstanding over the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2019.

Notes Payable

Margin Loan

We have access to a margin loan (the “Margin Loan”) from a financial institution that holds custody of certain of our marketable securities. The Margin Loan, which is due on demand, bears interest at Libor plus 0.85% (2.61% as of December 31, 2019) and is collateralized by the marketable securities in our account. The amounts available to us under the Margin Loan are at the discretion of the financial institution and not limited to the amount of collateral in our account. There were no amounts outstanding under the Margin Loan as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Line of Credit

We have a non-revolving credit facility (the “Line of Credit”) with a financial institution which permits borrowings up to $20.0 million. The Line of Credit expires on June 19, 2021 and bears interest at Libor plus 1.35% (3.11% as of December 31, 2019). The Line of Credit is collateralized by approximately 209,000 Marco OP Units and PRO has guaranteed the Line of Credit. No amounts were outstanding under the Line of Credit as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Debt Maturities

The Exterior Street Loan (outstanding principal balance of $35.0 million as of December 31, 2019) initially matures on April 9, 2020 but has two, six-month extension options, which we can exercise by providing the lender with notice of our intent to extend. We currently intend to seek to exercise the extension options or refinance the Exterior Street Loan on or before the applicable stated maturity date.

The Santa Monica Loan (outstanding principal balance of $25.0 million as of December 31, 2019) initially matures on August 12, 2020 but has two, six-month extension options, which we can exercise by providing the lender with notice of our intent to extend. We currently intend to seek to exercise the extension options or refinance the Santa Monica Loan on or before its applicable stated maturity date.

The Bowery Mortgage (outstanding principal balance of $34.8 million as of December 31, 2019) matures on December 3, 2020. We currently intend to seek to refinance the Bowery Mortgage on or before its maturity date.

However, if we are unable to extend or refinance our maturing indebtedness at favorable terms, we will look to repay the then outstanding balance with available cash and/or proceeds from selective asset sales. We have no additional significant maturities of mortgage debt over the next 12 months.

Funds from Operations and Modified Funds from Operations

The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings, improvements, and straight-line amortization of intangibles, which implies that the value of a real estate asset diminishes predictably over time. We believe that, because real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, including, but not limited to, inflation, interest rates, the business cycle, unemployment and consumer spending, presentations of operating results for a REIT using the historical accounting convention for depreciation and certain other items may be less informative.

Because of these factors, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), an industry trade group, has published a standardized measure of performance known as funds from operations ("FFO"), which is used in the REIT industry as a supplemental performance measure. We believe FFO, which excludes certain items such as real estate-related depreciation and amortization, is an appropriate supplemental measure of a REIT's operating performance. FFO is not equivalent to our net income or loss as determined under GAAP.

We calculate FFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the standards established over time by the Board of Governors of NAREIT, as restated in a White Paper approved by the Board of Governors of NAREIT effective in December 2018 (the "White Paper"). The White Paper defines FFO as net income or loss computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate, gains and losses from the sale of certain real estate assets, gains and losses from change in control and impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity. Our FFO calculation complies with NAREIT's definition.

We believe that the use of FFO provides a more complete understanding of our performance to investors and to management, and reflects the impact on our operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and interest costs, which may not be immediately apparent from net income.

Changes in the accounting and reporting promulgations under GAAP that were put into effect in 2009 subsequent to the establishment of NAREIT's definition of FFO, such as the change to expense as incurred rather than capitalize and depreciate acquisition fees and expenses incurred for business combinations, have prompted an increase in cash-settled expenses, specifically acquisition fees and expenses, as items that are expensed under GAAP across all industries. These changes had a particularly significant impact on publicly registered, non-listed REITs, which typically have a significant amount of acquisition activity in the early part of their existence, particularly during the period when they are raising capital through ongoing initial public offerings.

Because of these factors, the Investment Program Association (the "IPA"), an industry trade group, published a standardized measure of performance known as modified funds from operations ("MFFO"), which the IPA has recommended as a supplemental measure for publicly registered, non-listed REITs. MFFO is designed to be reflective of the ongoing operating performance of publicly registered, non-listed REITs by adjusting for those costs that are more reflective of acquisitions and investment activity, along with other items the IPA believes are not indicative of the ongoing operating performance of a publicly registered, non-listed REIT, such as straight-lining of rents as required by GAAP. We believe it is appropriate to use MFFO as a supplemental measure of operating performance because we believe that both before and after we have deployed all of our offering proceeds and are no longer incurring a significant amount of acquisition fees or other related costs, it reflects the impact on our operations from trends in occupancy rates, rental rates, operating costs, general and administrative expenses, and interest costs, which may not be immediately apparent from net income. MFFO is not equivalent to our net income or loss as determined under GAAP.

We define MFFO, a non-GAAP measure, consistent with the IPA's Guideline 2010-01, Supplemental Performance Measure for Publicly Registered, Non-Listed REITs: Modified Funds from Operations (the "Practice Guideline") issued by the IPA in November 2010. The Practice Guideline defines MFFO as FFO further adjusted for acquisition and transaction-related fees and expenses and other items. In calculating MFFO, we follow the Practice Guideline and exclude acquisition and transaction-related fees and expenses (which includes costs incurred in connection with strategic alternatives), amounts relating to deferred rent receivables and amortization of market lease and other intangibles, net (which are adjusted in order to reflect such payments from a GAAP accrual basis to a cash basis of disclosing the rent and lease payments), accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums on debt investments and borrowings, mark-to-market adjustments included in net income (including gains or losses incurred on assets held for sale), gains or losses included in net income from the extinguishment or sale of debt, hedges, foreign exchange, derivatives or securities holdings where trading of such holdings is not a fundamental attribute of the business plan, unrealized gains or losses resulting from consolidation from, or deconsolidation to, equity accounting, and after adjustments for consolidated and unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures, with such adjustments calculated to reflect MFFO on the same basis. Certain of the above adjustments are also made to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, such as for the amortization of a premium and accretion of a discount on debt and securities investments, amortization of fees, any unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, securities or other investments, as well as other adjustments.

MFFO excludes non-recurring impairment of real estate-related investments. We assess the credit quality of our investments and adequacy of reserves on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment is required in this analysis. We consider the estimated net recoverable value of a loan as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the prospects for the borrower and the competitive situation of the region where the borrower does business.

We believe that, because MFFO excludes costs that we consider more reflective of acquisition activities and other non-operating items, MFFO can provide, on a going-forward basis, an indication of the sustainability (that is, the capacity to continue to be maintained) of our operating performance after the period in which we are acquiring properties and once our portfolio is stabilized. We also believe that MFFO is a recognized measure of sustainable operating performance by the non-listed REIT industry and allows for an evaluation of our performance against other publicly registered, non-listed REITs.

Not all REITs, including publicly registered, non-listed REITs, calculate FFO and MFFO the same way. Accordingly, comparisons with other REITs, including publicly registered, non-listed REITs, may not be meaningful. Furthermore, FFO and MFFO are not indicative of cash flow available to fund cash needs and should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) or income (loss) from continuing operations as determined under GAAP as an indication of our performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operations as an indication of our liquidity, or indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs including our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. FFO and MFFO should be reviewed in conjunction with other GAAP measurements as an indication of our performance. FFO and MFFO should not be construed to be more relevant or accurate than the current GAAP methodology in calculating net income or in its applicability in evaluating our operating performance. The methods utilized to evaluate the performance of a publicly registered, non-listed REIT under GAAP should be construed as more relevant measures of operational performance and considered more prominently than the non-GAAP measures, FFO and MFFO, and the adjustments to GAAP in calculating FFO and MFFO.

Neither the SEC, NAREIT, the IPA nor any other regulatory body or industry trade group has passed judgment on the acceptability of the adjustments that we use to calculate FFO or MFFO. In the future, NAREIT, the IPA or another industry trade group may publish updates to the White Paper or the Practice Guidelines or the SEC or another regulatory body could standardize the allowable adjustments across the publicly registered, non-listed REIT industry, and we would have to adjust our calculation and characterization of FFO or MFFO accordingly.

The below table illustrates the items deducted in the calculation of FFO and MFFO. Items are presented net of non-controlling interest portions where applicable.

Notes:

The table below presents our cumulative distributions paid and cumulative FFO:

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid cash distributions of $16.0 million. FFO attributable to Company's common shares for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $28.0 million and cash flow from operations was $19.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid cash distributions of $17.2 million. FFO attributable to Company's common shares for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $15.0 million and cash flow from operations was $20.6 million.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information of certain accounting standards that have been adopted during 2019 and certain accounting standards that we have not yet been required to adopt and may be applicable to our future operations.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company") as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s 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 United States 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 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.

/s/ EisnerAmper LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.

EISNERAMPER LLP

New York, New York

March 30, 2020

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

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

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

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

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands)

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

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands)

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

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statement

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

1. Structure

Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Lightstone REIT”), formed on June 8, 2004, which has elected to be taxed and qualify as a real estate investment trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“REIT”). The Lightstone REIT was formed primarily for the purpose of engaging in the business of investing in and owning commercial and residential real estate properties located throughout the United States.

The Lightstone REIT is structured as an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust, or UPREIT, and substantially all of the Company’s current and future business is and will be conducted through Lightstone Value Plus REIT, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Delaware limited partnership formed on July 12, 2004.  As of December 31, 2019, the Company held a 98% general partnership interest in the Company’s Operating Partnership’s common units (“Common Units”).

The Lightstone REIT and the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the ‘‘Company’’ and the use of ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘our,’’ ‘‘us’’ or similar pronouns refers to the Lightstone REIT, its Operating Partnership or the Company as required by the context in which such pronoun is used.

Through its Operating Partnership, the Company owns, operates and develops commercial, residential, and hospitality properties and make real estate-related investments, principally in the United States. The Company’s real estate investments are held alone or jointly with other parties. The Company also originates or acquires mortgage loans secured by real estate. Although most of its investments are of these types, the Company may invest in whatever types of real estate or real estate-related investments that it believes is in its best interests.

Since its inception, the Company has owned and managed various commercial and residential properties located throughout the United States. The Company historically operated within four business segments consisting of: (i) retail properties, (ii) multi-family residential properties, (iii) industrial properties and (iv) hospitality properties. Prior to 2018 the Company disposed of substantially all of the ownership interests in its hospitality properties. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2019, the Company disposed of all of its remaining industrial properties and during the third quarter of 2019 the Company disposed of DePaul Plaza, a retail property. Because of the changes in the composition of the Company’s real estate and real estate investments, the Company now evaluates all of its real estate investments as one operating segment.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has ownership interests in (i) two consolidated operating properties, (ii) three consolidated development properties and (iii) seven unconsolidated operating properties. With respect to its consolidated operating properties, the Company wholly owns the St. Augustine Outlet Center, a retail property containing approximately 0.3 million square feet of gross leasable area, and has a majority ownership interest of approximately 59.2% in Gantry Park Landing, a multi-family residential property containing 199 apartment units. With respect to its consolidated development properties, the Company wholly owns three projects consisting of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel, the Exterior Street Project and the Santa Clara Data Center. The Company also holds a 2.5% ownership interest in seven hotel properties through a joint venture (the “Joint Venture”) which it accounts for under the cost method of accounting. The Joint Venture is between the Company and the operating partnership of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Lightstone II”), a real estate investment trust also sponsored by the Company’s Sponsor, which has a 97.5% ownership interest in the Joint Venture. Furthermore, the Company has other real estate-related investments, including preferred investments in related parties and nonrecourse loans made to unaffiliated third-party borrowers.

The Company’s advisor is Lightstone Value Plus REIT, LLC (the “Advisor”), which is majority owned by David Lichtenstein. On July 6, 2004, the Advisor contributed $2 to the Operating Partnership in exchange for 200 Common Units. The Company’s Advisor also owns 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Shares”) which were issued on July 6, 2004 for $200, or $10.00 per share. Mr. Lichtenstein also is the majority owner of the equity interests of The Lightstone Group, LLC. The Lightstone Group, LLC served as the sponsor (the ‘‘Sponsor’’) during the Company’s initial public offering (the “Offering”), which terminated on October 10, 2008. The Company’s Advisor, together with its board of directors (the “Board of Directors”), is primarily responsible for making investment decisions on the Company’s behalf and managing its day-to-day operations. Through his ownership and control of The Lightstone Group, LLC, Mr. Lichtenstein is the indirect owner and manager of Lightstone SLP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which owns an aggregate of $30.0 million of special general partner interests (“SLP Units”) in the Operating Partnership which were purchased, at a cost of $100,000 per unit, in connection with the Company’s Offering. Mr. Lichtenstein also acts as the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. As a result, he exerts influence over but does not control the Lightstone REIT or the Operating Partnership.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

The Company does not have any employees. The Advisor receives compensation and fees for services related to the investment and management of the Company’s assets.

The Company’s Advisor has affiliates which may manage and develop certain of its properties. However, the Company also contracts with other unaffiliated third-party property managers.

The Company’s Common Shares are not currently listed on a national securities exchange. The Company may seek to list its stock for trading on a national securities exchange only if a majority of independent directors believe listing would be in the best interest of its stockholders. The Company does not intend to list its shares at this time. The Company does not anticipate that there would be any market for its shares of common stock until they are listed for trading.

Related Parties:

The Advisor and its affiliates, and Lightstone SLP, LLC are related parties of the Company. Certain of these entities are entitled to compensation for services related to the investment, management and disposition of the Company’s assets. The compensation is based on the cost of acquired properties/investments and the annual revenue earned from such properties/investments, and other such fees and expense reimbursements as outlined in each of the respective agreements. See Note 14 for additional information.

Discontinued Operations

During the first quarter of 2019, a portfolio comprised of the Company’s industrial properties (the “Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio”) met the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Additionally, the associated assets and liabilities of ten of the properties within the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio which are located in Louisiana (the “Louisiana Properties”) have been reclassified as held for disposition in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. The disposition of the Louisiana Properties, which represented all of the Company’s remaining industrial properties, represented a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results and therefore, upon their disposition, the operating results of the entire Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio were classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented (See Note 10).

Noncontrolling Interests

Partners of Operating Partnership

On July 6, 2004, the Advisor contributed $2 to the Operating Partnership in exchange for 200 Common Units in the Operating Partnership. The Advisor has the right to convert the Common Units into cash or, at the option of the Company, an equal number of shares of Common Shares.

In connection with the Offering, Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor, purchased an aggregate of $30.0 million of SLP Units. As the majority owner of the SLP Units, Mr. Lichtenstein is the beneficial owner of a 99% interest in such SLP Units and thus receives an indirect benefit from any distributions made in respect thereof. These SLP Units may be entitled to a portion of any regular and liquidation distributions that the Company makes to its stockholders, but only after the Company’s stockholders have received a stated preferred return.

In addition, an aggregate 497,209 Common Units were issued to other unrelated parties during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 and remain outstanding as of December 31, 2019.

Other Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries

Other noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries include ownership interests in (i) Pro-DFJV Holdings LLC (“PRO”) held by the Company’s Sponsor (see Note 13), (ii) 50-01 2nd St. Associates LLC (the “2nd Street Joint Venture”), held by the Company’s Sponsor and other affiliates (see Note 13) and (iii) various joint ventures held by affiliates of the Sponsor that have originated promissory notes to unaffiliated third parties (see Note 5). PRO’s holdings principally consist of Marco OP Units and Marco II OP Units (see Note 7). The 2nd Street Joint Venture owns Gantry Park Landing, a multi-family apartment building located in Queens, New York.

See Note 13 for further discussion of noncontrolling interests.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lightstone REIT and the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries (over which the Company exercises financial and operating control). As of December 31, 2019, Lightstone REIT had a 98% general partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during a reporting period. The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the valuation of real estate and real estate-related investments, depreciable lives, and revenue recognition. Application of these assumptions requires the exercise of judgment as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Investments in entities where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not exercise financial and operating control, and is not considered to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity will be accounted for using the equity method. Investments in entities where the Company has virtually no influence will be accounted for using the cost method.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when made to be cash equivalents.

As required by the Company’s lenders, restricted cash is held in escrow accounts for anticipated capital expenditures, real estate taxes, and other reserves for certain of its consolidated properties. Capital reserves are typically utilized for non-operating expenses such as tenant improvements, leasing commissions, and major capital expenditures. Alternatively, a lender may require its own formula for an escrow of capital reserves. Restricted cash may also include certain funds temporarily placed in escrow with qualified intermediaries to facilitate potential like-kind exchange transactions in accordance with Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The following is a summary of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash total as presented in the statements of cash flows for the periods presented:

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

Supplemental cash flow information for the periods indicated is as follows:

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of equity and debt securities that are designated as available-for-sale. Marketable debt securities are recorded at fair value and unrealized holding gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company’s marketable equity securities are recorded at fair value and unrealized holding gains and losses are recognized on the consolidated statements of operations.

Realized gains or losses resulting from the sale of these securities are determined based on the specific identification of the securities sold. An impairment charge is recognized when the decline in the fair value of a security below the amortized cost basis is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the duration and severity of any decline in fair value below our amortized cost basis, any adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The Board of Directors has authorized the Company from time to time to invest the Company’s available cash in marketable securities of real estate related companies. The Board of Directors has approved investments of marketable securities of real estate companies up to 30% of the Company’s total assets to be made at the Company’s discretion, subject to compliance with any REIT or other restrictions.

Revenue Recognition

Minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line accrual basis, over the terms of the related leases. The capitalized above-market lease values and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the initial lease term, including any below-market renewal periods taken into account. Percentage rents, which are based on commercial tenants’ sales, are recognized once the sales reported by such tenants exceed any applicable breakpoints as specified in the tenants’ leases. Recoveries from commercial tenants for real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses, and from residential tenants for utility costs, are recognized as revenues in the period that the applicable costs are incurred.

Consolidated VIEs

The Company consolidates certain joint ventures which have originated nonrecourse loans to unaffiliated third-party borrowers (see Note 5) which are variable interest entities, or VIEs, for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Generally, a VIE is a legal entity in which the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or the equity investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. A limited partnership, or legal entities such as an LLC, are considered a VIE when the majority of the limited partners unrelated to the general partner possess neither the right to remove the general partner without cause, nor certain rights to participate in the decisions that most significantly affect the financial results of the partnership. In determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company considers qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and which party controls such activities; the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; and the similarity with and significance to our business activities and the business activities of the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

Investments in Real Estate 

Accounting for Asset Acquisitions

The cost of the real estate assets acquired in an asset acquisition is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and tenant improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases for acquired in-place leases and the value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their relative fair values. Fees incurred related to asset acquisitions are capitalized as part of the cost of the investment.

Accounting for Business Combinations

Upon the acquisition of real estate operating properties that meet the definition of a business, the Company estimates the fair value of acquired tangible assets and identified intangible assets and liabilities and assumed debt at the date of acquisition, based on evaluation of information and estimates available at that date. Based on these estimates, the Company evaluates the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase and allocates the initial purchase price to the applicable assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests, if any. As final information regarding fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests is received and estimates are refined, appropriate adjustments are made to the purchase price allocation. The allocations are finalized as soon as all the information necessary is available.  

Impairment Evaluation   

Management evaluates the recoverability of its investments in real estate assets at the lowest identifiable level, the individual property level. Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value.

The Company evaluates the long-lived assets for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount for a particular property. The estimated cash flows used for the impairment analysis and the determination of estimated fair value are based on the Company’s plans for the respective assets and the Company’s views of market and economic conditions. The estimates consider matters such as current and historical rental rates, occupancies for the respective properties and comparable properties, and recent sales data for comparable properties. Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or views of market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses, which, under the applicable accounting guidance, could be substantial.

Real Estate-Related Debt Investments

The Company intends to hold its real estate-related debt investments until maturity and accordingly, they are carried at cost, net of any unamortized loan fees, origination fees, discounts, premiums and unfunded commitments. Real estate-related debt investments that are deemed impaired will be carried at amortized cost less a reserve, if deemed appropriate, which approximates fair value.

Investment income and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. The amortization is reflected as an adjustment to investment income in the Company’s statements of operations. The amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount is discontinued if such debt investment is reclassified to held for sale.

Impairment on Real Estate-Related Debt Investments

Real estate-related debt investments are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect principal and interest amounts due according to the contractual terms. The Company assesses the credit quality of its real estate-related debt investments and adequacy of loan loss reserves on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as necessary. Significant judgment of management is required in this analysis. The Company considers the estimated net recoverable value of the debt investment as well as other factors, including but not limited to the fair value of any collateral, the amount and the status of any senior debt, the quality and financial condition of the borrower and the competitive situation of the area where the underlying collateral is located. Because this determination is based on projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amount ultimately realized may differ materially from the carrying value as of the balance sheet date. If upon completion of the assessment, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral is less than the net carrying value of the debt investment, a loan loss reserve is recorded with a corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The loan loss reserve for each debt investment is maintained at a level that is determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

Income recognition is suspended for a debt investment at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired debt investment is in doubt, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the principal of an impaired debt investment is not in doubt, contractual interest is recorded as interest income when received, under the cash basis method, until an accrual is resumed when the debt investment becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. A debt investment is written off when it is no longer realizable or is legally discharged.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation expense is computed based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the applicable real estate asset. The Company generally uses estimated useful lives of up to thirty-nine years for buildings and improvements and five to ten years for furniture and fixtures. Expenditures for tenant improvements and construction allowances paid to commercial tenants are capitalized and amortized over the initial term of each lease or the useful life if shorter. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Deferred Costs

The Company capitalizes initial direct costs associated with financing activities. The costs are capitalized upon the execution of the loan, presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the corresponding loan and amortized over the initial term of the corresponding loan. Amortization of deferred loan costs begin in the period during which the loan is originated using the effective interest method over the term of the loan. The Company capitalizes initial direct costs associated with leasing activities. The costs are capitalized upon the execution of the lease and amortized over the initial term of the corresponding lease. 

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2005. If the Company qualifies as a REIT, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income or capital gain that it distributes to its stockholders. To maintain its REIT qualification, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it annually distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. If the Company fails to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT in any subsequent year and does not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, its income for that year will be taxed at the regular corporate rate, and it may be precluded from qualifying for treatment as a REIT for the four-year period following its failure to qualify as a REIT. Such an event could materially adversely affect the Company’s net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders.

To maintain its qualification as a REIT, the Company engages in certain activities such as providing real estate-related services through wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). As such, the Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income and franchise taxes from these activities.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no material uncertain income tax positions. Additionally, even if the Company continues to qualify as a REIT, it may still be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and to U.S. federal income taxes and excise taxes on its undistributed income.  

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, restricted escrows, tenants’ accounts receivable, notes receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of the note receivable approximates fair value because the interest rate is variable and reflective of the market rate.

The estimated fair value (in millions) of the Company’s mortgage debt is summarized as follows:

The fair value of the mortgages payable was determined by discounting the future contractual interest and principal payments by estimated current market interest rates.

Accounting for Derivative Financial Investments and Hedging Activities.

The Company may enter into derivative financial instrument transactions in order to mitigate interest rate risk on a related financial instrument. The Company may designate these derivative financial instruments as hedges and apply hedge accounting. The Company records all derivative instruments at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair value of the instruments are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company had a stock-based incentive award plan for the independent directors of its Board. This plan expired in April 2015. Awards were granted at fair market value on the date of the grant with fair value estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model, which incorporates assumptions surrounding the volatility, dividend yield, the risk-free interest rate, expected life, and the exercise price as compared to the underlying stock price on the grant date. The tax benefits, if any, associated with these share-based payments are classified as financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had no material compensation costs related to the incentive award plan.

Concentration of Risk

The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents.

Net Earnings per Share

Basic net earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Dilutive income per share includes the potentially dilutive effect, if any, which would occur if our outstanding options to purchase our common stock were exercised. For all periods presented dilutive net income per share is equivalent to basic net income per share.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update (“ASU”) that amends the existing lease accounting guidance and requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases on their balance sheets. Lessees of operating leases will continue to recognize lease expense in a manner similar to current accounting. For lessors, accounting for leases under the new guidance is substantially the same as in prior periods, but eliminates current real estate- specific provisions and changes the treatment of initial direct costs. The standard became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019.

The Company elected the following package of practical expedients provided by the standard: (i) an entity need not reassess whether any expired or existing contract is a lease or contains a lease, (ii) an entity need not reassess the lease classification of any expired or existing leases, and (iii) an entity need not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company also elected the short-term lease exception provided for in the standard and therefore will only recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term greater than one year.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

The Company did not recognize any right-of-use assets or lease liabilities upon adoption of the standard. The Company does not have any material leases such as ground leases or building leases or any material leases for leases with a term greater than one year. From time to time the Company will enter into immaterial leases for office equipment such as copiers.  The resulting right-of-use assets or lease liabilities would be immaterial in the aggregate and are recognized in the period they are incurred as lease expense.

The ASU provides a practical expedient which allows lessors to not separate lease and non-lease components in a contract and allocate the consideration in the contract to the separate components if both: (i) the timing and pattern of revenue recognition for the non-lease component and the related lease component are the same and (ii) the combined single lease component would be classified as an operating lease. The Company elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single component in lease contracts where it is the lessor. The ASU also provides a transition option that permits entities to not recast the comparative periods presented when transitioning to the standard, which the Company also elected.

The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or our results of operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology currently in use with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates.  The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company has reviewed and determined that other recently issued accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, or do not apply to its current operations.

 Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Lower East Side Moxy Hotel

On December 3, 2018, the Company, through a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, acquired adjacent three parcels of land located at 147-151 Bowery, New York, New York (collectively, the “Bowery Land”) from 151 Emmut Properties LLC and 145-149 Bowery LLC, both unaffiliated third parties, for aggregate consideration of approximately $56.5 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which it intends to develop and construct a 296-room Marriott Moxy hotel (the “Lower East Side Moxy Hotel”). Additionally, on December 6, 2018, the Company, though a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, acquired certain air rights located at 329 Broome Street, New York, New York (the “Air Rights”) from B.R.P. Realty Corp., an unaffiliated third party, for approximately $2.4 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs. The Company intends to use the Air Rights in connection with the development and construction of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel. In connection with the acquisition of the Bowery Land and the Air Rights, the Advisor earned an acquisition fee equal to 2.75% of the gross contractual purchase price, which was approximately $1.6 million.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $73.8 million (including the acquisition fee of $1.6 million and capitalized interest of $4.4 million) and $63.3 million (including the acquisition fee of $1.6 million and capitalized interest of $0.2 million), respectively, consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company capitalized interest of approximately $4.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively in connection with the development of the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

Exterior Street Project

On February 27, 2019, the Company, through subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, acquired two adjacent parcels of land located at 355 and 399 Exterior Street, New York, New York (collectively, the “Exterior Street Land”), from Borden Realty Corp and 399 Exterior Street Associates LLC, unaffiliated third parties, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $59.0 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which it intends to develop and construct a multi-family residential property (the “Exterior Street Project”).

On March 30, 2019, the Company entered into a $35.0 million loan (the “Exterior Street Loan”) which bears interest at 4.50% and is scheduled to initially mature on April 9, 2020, but may be further extended through the exercise of two, six-month extension options, which the Company can exercise by providing the lender with notice of its intent to extend. The Exterior Street Loan requires monthly interest payments through its maturity date and is collateralized by the Exterior Street Land. In connection with the acquisition of the Exterior Street Land, the Advisor earned an acquisition fee equal to 2.75% of the gross aggregate contractual purchase price, which was approximately $1.6 million.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $66.1 million (including the acquisition fee of $1.6 million and $2.2 million of capitalized interest) consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Exterior Street Project. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company capitalized interest of approximately $2.2 million in connection with the development of the Exterior Street Project.

Santa Clara Data Center

On January 10, 2019, the Company, through subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership, acquired a parcel of land located at 2175 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara, CA (the “Martin Avenue Land”) from The Chioini Living Trust, an unaffiliated third party, for approximately $10.6 million, excluding closing and other acquisition related costs, on which the Company intends to develop and construct a data center (the “Santa Clara Data Center”). In connection with the acquisition of the Martin Avenue Land, the Advisor earned an acquisition fee equal to 2.75% of the gross contractual purchase price, which was approximately $0.2 million.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has incurred and capitalized to construction in progress an aggregate of $13.0 million (including the acquisition fee of $0.2 million and $0.4 million of capitalized interest) consisting of acquisition and other development costs attributable to the Santa Clara Data Center. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company capitalized interest of approximately $0.4 million in connection with the development of the Santa Clara Data Center.

Preferred Investments

The Company has entered into agreements with various related party entities that provide for it to make preferred contributions pursuant to certain instruments (the “Preferred Investments”) that entitle it to certain prescribed monthly preferred distributions (see below for additional information). The Preferred Investments had an aggregate balance of $34.5 million and $100.7 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and are classified as held-to-maturity securities, recorded at cost and included in investments in related parties on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these investments approximated their carrying values based on market rates for similar instruments. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized investment income of $9.4 million and $14.3 million, respectively, which is included in interest and dividend income on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Preferred Investments (dollar amounts in thousands) are summarized as follows:

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

40 East End Avenue Preferred Investment

In May 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with various related party entities that provided for it to make contributions of up to $30.0 million in a related party entity, which is now a joint venture between an affiliate of our Sponsor and Lightstone Real Estate Income Trust Inc. (“Lightstone IV”), a related-party REIT also sponsored by the Company’s Sponsor, which owns a parcel of land located at the corner of 81^st Street and East End Avenue in the Upper East Side of New York City on which it is constructing a luxury residential project consisting of 29 condominiums.  Contributions were made pursuant to an instrument, the “40 East End Avenue Preferred Investment,” that is entitled to monthly preferred distributions initially at a rate of 8% per annum which increased to 12% per annum upon procurement of construction financing in March 2017, and is redeemable by us beginning on April 27, 2022 or upon the occurrence of certain capital transactions. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company redeemed $13.0 million of the 40 East End Avenue Preferred Investment. In February 2020, the Company redeemed an additional $11.0 million of the 40 East End Avenue Preferred Investment which reduced the remaining outstanding balance to $6.0 million.

30-02 39th Avenue Preferred Investment

In August 2015, the Company entered into certain agreements that provided for it to make aggregate contributions of up to $50.0 million in various affiliates of its Sponsor which own a parcel of land located at 30-02 39th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, New York on which they are constructing a residential apartment project. On March 31, 2017, the 30-02 39th Preferred Investment was amended so that our total aggregate required contributions would decrease by $40.0 million to $10.0 million. Contributions were made pursuant to instruments, the “30-02 39th Avenue Preferred Investment,” that were entitled to monthly preferred distributions between 9% and 12% per annum and is redeemable by the Company upon the occurrence of certain capital transactions. As of December 31, 2019, there were no remaining unfunded contributions. On February 11, 2019, the Company redeemed the entire 30-02 39th Street Preferred Investment of $ 10.0 million.

485 7th Avenue Preferred Investment 

In December 2015, the Company entered into an agreement with various related party entities that provided for it to make contributions of up to $60.0 million in an affiliate of its Sponsor which owns a parcel of land located at 485 7th Avenue, New York, New York on which they constructed a 612-room Marriott Moxy hotel, which opened during the third quarter of 2017. Contributions were made pursuant to an instrument, the “485 7th Avenue Preferred Investment,” that were entitled to monthly preferred distributions at a rate of 12% per annum and was redeemable by the Company upon the occurrence of certain capital transactions. In January 2018, the Company redeemed $37.5 million of the 485 7th Avenue Preferred Investment. In April 2018, the Company redeemed the remaining $22.5 million of the 485 7^th Avenue Preferred Investment.

East 11th Street Preferred Investment

On April 21, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement, as amended, with various related party entities that provided for it to make contributions of up to $57.5 million in an affiliate of its Sponsor (the “East 11^th Street Developer”) which owned two residential buildings located at 112-120 East 11th Street and 85 East 10th Street in New York, New York. The East 11th Street Developer is developing a hotel at 112-120 East 11th Street (the “East 11th Street Project”). Contributions were made pursuant to an instrument, the “East 11th Street Preferred Investment,” that entitled us to monthly preferred distributions at a rate of 12% per annum. Upon the consummation of certain capital transactions, the Company may redeem its investment in the East 11th Street Preferred Investment. Additionally, the East 11th Street Developer may redeem the Company’s investment at any time or upon the consummation of any capital transaction. Any redemption by the Company or the East 11th Street Developer under the East 11th Street Preferred Investment will be made at an amount equal to the amount invested by the Company plus a 12.0% annual cumulative, pre-tax, non-compounded return on the aggregate amount invested by the Company. During 2019 and 2018, the Company redeemed $34.5 million and $14.5 million, respectively of the East 11th Street Preferred Investment.

Miami Moxy Preferred Investment

On September 30, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with various related party entities that provides for it to make contributions of up to $20.0 million in an affiliate of its Sponsor (the “Miami Moxy Developer”) which owns parcels of land located at 915 through 955 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida, on which the Miami Moxy Developer is developing a 205-room Marriott Moxy hotel (the “Miami Moxy”). Contributions are made pursuant to an instrument, the “Miami Moxy Preferred Investment,” that entitles the Company to monthly preferred distributions at a rate of 12% per annum. Upon the consummation of certain capital transactions, the Company may redeem its investment in the Miami Moxy Preferred Investment. Additionally, the Miami Moxy Developer may redeem the Company’s investment at any time or upon the consummation of any capital transaction. Any redemption by the Company or the Miami Moxy Developer under the Miami Moxy Preferred Investment will be made at an amount equal to the amount invested by the Company plus a 12.0% annual cumulative, pre-tax, non-compounded return on the aggregate amount invested by the Company. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company made its final contributions of $2.3 million for the Miami Moxy Preferred Investment. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company redeemed $11.0 million of the Miami Moxy Preferred Investment.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

The Joint Venture

During 2015, the Company formed the Joint Venture with Lightstone II. The Company has a 2.5% membership interest in the Joint Venture and Lightstone II holds the remaining 97.5% membership interest. The Joint Venture previously acquired our membership interests in a portfolio of 11 hotels in a series of transactions completed during 2015. As of January 1, 2018 the Joint Venture held ownership interests in eight hotels. During the second quarter of 2019, the Joint Venture sold its ownership interests in one of the hotels to an unrelated third party. As a result, the Joint Venture now holds ownership interests in seven hotels as of December 31, 2019.

The Company accounts for its 2.5% membership interest in the Joint Venture under the cost method and as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the carrying value of our investment was $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which is included in investments in related parties on the consolidated balance sheets. 

Beginning in 2019, the Company has formed certain joint ventures (collectively, the “NR Joint Ventures”) between wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership (collectively, the “NR Subsidiaries”) and affiliates of the Sponsor (the “NR Affiliates”) which have originated nonrecourse loans (collectively, the “Joint Venture Promissory Notes”) to unaffiliated third-party borrowers (collectively, the “Joint Venture Borrowers”).

The NR Subsidiaries and NR Affiliates have varying ownership interests in the NR Joint Ventures and certain other wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership serve as the manager and are the sole decision-maker for each of the NR Joint Ventures.

The Company has determined that the NR Joint Ventures are VIEs and the NR Subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries.  Since the NR Subsidiaries are the primary beneficiaries, beginning on the applicable date of formation, the Company has consolidated the operating results and financial condition of the NR Joint Ventures and accounted for the respective ownership interests of the NR Affiliates as noncontrolling interests.

The Joint Venture Promissory Notes provide for monthly interest at a prescribed variable rate, subject to a floor. In connection with funding of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes, the NR Joint Ventures have received origination fees (1.00% -1.50%) based on the principal amount of the loan and retained a portion of the loan proceeds to establish a reserve for interest and other items (the “Loan Reserves”). The Joint Venture Promissory Notes are recorded in notes receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Joint Venture Promissory Notes generally have an initial term of one year and may provide for an additional one-year extension option subject to satisfaction of certain prescribed conditions, including the funding of an additional reserve for interest and payment of an extension fee. The Joint Venture Promissory Notes are collateralized by either the membership interests of the Joint Venture Borrowers in the borrowing entity or the underlying real property being developed by the Joint Venture Borrower.

The origination fees received are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes and are amortized into interest income, using a straight-line method that approximates the effective interest method, over the initial term of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes. The Loan Reserves are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes and are applied against the monthly interest due over the initial term.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the NR Subsidiaries and the NR Affiliates made aggregate contributions to the NR Joint Ventures of approximately $32.1 million and $33.1 million, respectively, principally to fund their respective shares of the Joint Venture Promissory Notes that were originated. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2019, the NR Joint Ventures made aggregate distributions of approximately $18.4 million to both the NR Subsidiaries and NR Affiliates, based on their respective membership interests. The NR Joint Ventures’ distributions were made from payments received from the NR Borrowers and proceeds from a financing transaction completed by LSC 1543 7th LLC and LSC 1650 Lincoln LLC (collectively, the “Santa Monica Joint Ventures”). See Note 8 for additional information.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share/unit data and where indicated in millions)

The Notes Receivable are summarized as follows: