MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 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: 000-25991

MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

60 Cutter Mill Road, Great Neck, New York 11021

(Address of principal executive offices)

(516) 444-3400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

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. [X] Yes [  ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). [X] Yes [  ] 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 the definitions 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 [X] No

As of October 21, 2019, the registrant had a total of 9,658,844 shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, outstanding.

MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate” and similar expressions. Those statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations or those of our directors or officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting our financial condition and results of operations and our business and growth strategies. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected, expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors (such factors are referred to herein as “Cautionary Statements”), including but not limited to the following: (i) our loan origination activities, revenues and profits are limited by available funds; (ii) we operate in a highly competitive market and competition may limit our ability to originate loans with favorable interest rates; (iii) our Chief Executive Officer is critical to our business and our future success may depend on our ability to retain him and to periodically obtain bridge loans from him; (iv) if we overestimate the yields on our loans or incorrectly value the collateral securing the loan, we may experience losses; (v) we may be subject to “lender liability” claims; (vi) our due diligence may not uncover all of a borrower’s liabilities or other risks to its business; (vii) borrower concentration could lead to significant losses; and (viii) we may choose to make distributions in our own stock, in which case you may be required to pay income taxes in excess of the cash dividends you receive. The accompanying information contained in this report, including the information set forth under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, identifies important factors that could cause such differences. Further information on potential factors that could affect our business is described under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and we caution potential investors not to place undue reliance on such statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements.

All references in this Form 10-Q to “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MBC Funding II Corp., unless the context otherwise indicates.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

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

MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(unaudited)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

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

MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

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

MANHATTAN BRIDGE CAPITAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2019

1. THE COMPANY

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. (“MBC”), a New York corporation founded in 1989, and its consolidated subsidiary, MBC Funding II Corp. (“MBC Funding II”), a New York corporation formed in December 2015 (collectively referred to herein as the “Company”), have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results of consolidated operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be attained in the entire fiscal year.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MBC and MBC Funding II. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company offers short-term, secured, non–banking loans to real estate investors (also known as hard money) to fund their acquisition, renovation, rehabilitation or development of residential or commercial properties located in the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Connecticut, and in Florida.

Interest income from commercial loans is recognized, as earned, over the loan period.

Origination fee revenue on commercial loans is amortized over the term of the respective note.

The Company presents deferred financing costs, excluding those incurred in connection with its line of credit, in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the related debt liability rather than an asset, in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-03, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. These costs, incurred in connection with the issuance of the Company’s senior secured notes, are being amortized over ten years, using the straight-line method, as the difference between use of the effective interest method is not material.

The Company initially established a credit line pursuant to the Credit and Security Agreement with Webster Business Credit Corporation (“Webster”) dated February 27, 2015 (the “Webster Credit Line”), which was subsequently amended and restated on August 8, 2017 (“Amended Credit Agreement”) with Webster and Flushing Bank (“Flushing”). Deferred financing costs in connection with the Webster Credit Line and the Amended Credit Agreement, as discussed in Note 5, are presented as an asset in the balance sheet, in accordance with ASU 2015-15, “Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated With Line of Credit Arrangements”. These costs are being amortized over the term of the respective agreement, using the straight-line method.

2. RECENT TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance. Several ASUs expanding and clarifying the initial guidance issued in ASU 2014-09 have been released since May 2014. Exclusions from the scope of this guidance include revenue resulting from loans, investment securities (available-for-sale and trading), investments in unconsolidated entities and leases. The Company adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2018. The Company evaluated the applicability of this guidance and concluded that the adoption did not have an effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which amends the existing accounting standards for leases. This ASU requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for the obligation to make payments for all leases, with the exception of those leases with a term of 12 months or less. This ASU also requires expanded disclosures regarding leasing arrangements. The Company adopted the ASU effective January 1, 2019, and concluded that the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements as part of its disclosure framework project. The standard is effective for all entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief.” This ASU allows entities to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The Company plans to adopt both ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2019-05 effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. COMMERCIAL LOANS

Loans Receivable

The Company offers short-term secured non–banking loans to real estate investors (also known as hard money) to fund their acquisition and construction of properties located in the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Connecticut, and in Florida. The loans are principally secured by collateral consisting of first mortgage positions on real estate and, generally, accompanied by personal guarantees from the principals of the borrowers. The loans are generally for a term of one year. The loans are initially recorded, and carried thereafter, in the financial statements at cost. Most of the loans provide for receipt of interest only during the term of the loan and a balloon payment at the end of the term.

At September 30, 2019, the Company was committed to $7,188,035 in construction loans that can be drawn by the borrowers when certain conditions are met.

At September 30, 2019, no one entity has loans outstanding representing more than 10% of the total balance of the loans outstanding.

The Company generally grants loans for a term of one year. When a performing loan reaches its maturity and the borrower requests an extension, the Company may extend the term of the loan beyond one year. Prior to granting an extension of any loan, the Company reevaluates the underlying collateral.

Credit Risk

Credit risk profile based on loan activity as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

At September 30, 2019, the Company’s loans receivable includes loans in the amount of $360,000, $3,960,000 and $4,362,000 originally due in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. In all instances the borrowers are currently paying their interest and, generally, the Company receives a fee in connection with the extension of the loans. Accordingly, at September 30, 2019, no loan impairments exist and there are no provisions for impairments of loans or recoveries thereof.

Subsequent to the balance sheet date, $1,960,000 of the loans receivable at September 30, 2019 were paid off.

4. CASH - RESTRICTED

Restricted cash mainly represents collections received, pending check clearance, from the Company’s commercial loans and is primarily dedicated to the reduction of the Company’s credit line established pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement (see Note 5).

5. LINE OF CREDIT

The Company maintains the Webster Credit Line which currently provides it with a credit line of $25 million in the aggregate secured by assignments of mortgages and other collateral. The Webster Credit Line contains various covenants and restrictions including, among other covenants and restrictions, limiting the amount that the Company can borrow relative to the value of the underlying collateral, maintaining various financial ratios and limitations on the terms of loans the Company makes to its customers, limiting the Company’s ability to pay dividends under certain circumstances, and limiting the Company’s ability to repurchase its common shares, sell assets, engage in mergers or consolidations, grant liens, and enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Webster Credit Line contains a cross default provision which will deem any default under any indebtedness owed by us or our subsidiary, MBC Funding, as a default under the credit line.

Effective July 11, 2018, the Company entered into a Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to the Amended Credit Agreement (“Amendment II”) with Webster, Flushing and Mr. Ran, as guarantor. In conjunction with the execution of Amendment II, the Company also entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note in the principal aggregate amount of $10,000,000 with Flushing (the “Amended Flushing Note”) and a Second Amended and Restated Fee Letter with Webster and Flushing, each dated July 11, 2018. Pursuant to the terms of Amendment II, the Company’s existing Webster Credit Line was increased by $5 million to $25 million in the aggregate. In addition, the interest rates relating to Webster Credit Line were amended such that the interest rates now equal (i) LIBOR plus a premium, which rate aggregated approximately 6.02% as of September 30, 2019, or (ii) a Base Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 2.25% plus a 0.5% agency fee, as chosen by the Company for each drawdown. Amendment II also permits the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire its equity securities in an amount not to exceed ten percent of our annual net income from the prior fiscal year. In addition, Mr. Ran has provided a personal guaranty to the Webster Credit Line, which shall not exceed the sum of $500,000 plus any costs relating to the enforcement of the personal guaranty.

The costs to establish and to amend the Webster Credit Line are being amortized over the term of the respective agreement, using the straight-line method. The amortization costs for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $14,552 and $18,759, respectively. The Webster Credit Line expires February 28, 2021, unless sooner terminated, and contains a provision that permits a Company option for a further extension until February 28, 2022, subject to Webster’s consent.

The Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Webster Credit Line, as amended, as of September 30, 2019. The Company received a one-time waiver by Webster for the need by the Company to comply with the Fixed Charge Ratio (as defined in the Webster Credit Line) provision as of September 30, 2019. At September 30, 2019, the outstanding amount under the Amended Credit Agreement was $21,864,042. The interest rate on the amount outstanding fluctuates daily. The rate, including a 0.5% Agency Fee, at September 30, 2019, was approximately 6.02%.

6. SENIOR SECURED NOTES

On April 25, 2016, in an initial public offering, MBC Funding issued 6% senior secured notes, due April 22, 2026 (the “Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $6,000,000 under the Indenture, dated April 25, 2016, among MBC Funding, as Issuer, the Company, as Guarantor, and Worldwide Stock Transfer LLC, as Indenture Trustee (the “Indenture”). The Notes, having a principal amount of $1,000 each, are listed on the NYSE American and trade under the symbol “LOAN/26”. Interest accrues on the Notes commencing on May 16, 2016. The accrued interest is payable monthly in cash, in arrears, on the 15th day of each calendar month commencing June 2016.

Under the terms of the Indenture, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the mortgage loans held by MBC Funding, together with MBC Funding’s cash on hand, must always equal at least 120% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes at all times. To the extent the aggregate principal amount of the mortgage loans owned by MBC Funding plus MBC Funding’s cash on hand is less than 120% of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Notes, MBC Funding is required to repay, on a monthly basis, the principal amount of the Notes equal to the amount necessary such that, after giving effect to such repayment, the aggregate principal amount of all mortgage loans owned by MBC Funding plus, MBC Funding’s cash on hand at such time is equal to or greater than 120% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes. For this purpose, each mortgage loan is deemed to have a value equal to its outstanding principal balance, unless the borrower is in default of its obligations.

MBC Funding may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time after April 22, 2019 upon at least 30 days prior written notice to the Noteholders. The redemption price will be equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the accrued but unpaid interest thereon up to, but not including, the date of redemption, without penalty or premium; provided that (i) if the Notes are redeemed on or after April 22, 2019 but prior to April 22, 2020, the redemption price will be 103% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed and (ii) if the Notes are redeemed on or after April 22, 2020 but prior to April 22, 2021, the redemption price will be 101.5% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus, in either case, the accrued but unpaid interest on the Notes redeemed up to, but not including, the date of redemption.

Each Noteholder has the right to cause MBC Funding to redeem his, her or its Notes on April 22, 2021. The redemption price will be equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the accrued but unpaid interest up to, but not including, the date of redemption, without penalty or premium. In order to exercise this right, the Noteholder must notify MBC Funding, in writing, no earlier than November 22, 2020 and no later than January 22, 2021. All Notes that are subject to a properly and timely notice will be redeemed on April 22, 2021. Any Noteholder who fails to make a proper and timely election will be deemed to have waived his, her or its right to have his, her or its Notes redeemed prior to the maturity date.

MBC Funding is obligated to offer to redeem the Notes if there occurs a “change of control” with respect to MBC Funding or the Company or if MBC Funding or the Company sell any assets unless, in the case of an asset sale, the proceeds are reinvested in the business of the seller. The redemption price in connection with a “change of control” will be 101% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon up to, but not including, the date of redemption. The redemption price in connection with an asset sale will be the outstanding principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon up to, but not including, the date of redemption.

7. EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 260, “Earnings Per Share” (“ASC 260”). Under ASC 260, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the potential dilution from the exercise of stock options and warrants for common shares using the treasury stock method. The numerator in calculating both basic and diluted earnings per common share for each period is the reported net income.

The denominator is based on the following weighted average number of common shares:

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, 42,106 and 42,161, exercisable warrants were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, 46,902 and 47,005, exercisable stock options and warrants were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

8. STOCK–BASED COMPENSATION

The Company measures and recognizes compensation awards for all stock option grants made to employees and directors, based on their fair value in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), which establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. A key provision of ASC 718 is to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments (including stock options) based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost will be recognized over the service period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (i.e., the requisite service period or vesting period). The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 and ASC 505-50. All transactions with non-employees, in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more appropriately measurable.

Stock based compensation expense recognized under ASC 718 for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 of $9,798 represents the amortization of the fair value of 1,000,000 restricted shares granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer on September 9, 2011 of $195,968, after adjusting for the effect on the fair value of the stock options related to this transaction. The fair value will be amortized over 15 years.

On July 31, 2014, in connection with the Company’s public offering in July 2014, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 87,719 common shares, with an exercise price of $3.5625 per common share, to the representative of the underwriters of the offering (the “July 2014 Representative Warrants”). These warrants are exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing on July 28, 2015 and expire on July 28, 2019. The fair value of these warrants, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, on the date of issuance was $42,224. At September 30, 2019, all of the July 2014 Representative Warrants were exercised or expired.

On May 29, 2015, in connection with the Company’s public offering in May 2015, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 50,750 common shares, with an exercise price of $5.4875 per common share, to the representative of the underwriters of the offering (the “May 2015 Representative Warrants”). These warrants are exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing on May 22, 2016 and expire on May 22, 2020. The fair value of these warrants, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, on the date of issuance was $54,928. At September 30, 2019, May 2015 Representative Warrants to purchase up to 9,650 common shares were outstanding.

On August 15, 2016, in connection with a public offering of the Company’s common shares, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 33,612 common shares, with an exercise price of $7.4375 per common share, to the representative of the underwriters of the offering (the “August 2016 Representative Warrants”). The warrants are exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing on August 9, 2017 and expire on August 9, 2021. The fair value of these warrants, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, on the date of issuance was $47,020. At September 30, 2019, all of the August 2016 Representative Warrants were outstanding.

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from those projected in such forward-looking statements.

We are a New York-based real estate finance company that specializes in originating, servicing and managing a portfolio of first mortgage loans. We offer short-term, secured, non-banking loans (sometimes referred to as “hard money” loans), which we may renew or extend on, before or after their initial term expires, to real estate investors to fund their acquisition, renovation, rehabilitation or development of residential or commercial properties located in the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Connecticut, and in Florida.

The properties securing the loans are generally classified as residential or commercial real estate and, typically, are not income producing. Each loan is secured by a first mortgage lien on real estate. In addition, each loan is personally guaranteed by the principal(s) of the borrower, which guarantee may be collaterally secured by a pledge of the guarantor’s interest in the borrower. The face amount of the loans we originated in the past seven years ranged from $30,000 to a maximum of $2.5 million. Our lending policy limits the maximum amount of any loan to the lower of (i) 9.9% of the aggregate amount of our loan portfolio (not including the loan under consideration) and (ii) $2.5 million. Our loans typically have a maximum initial term of 12 months and bear interest at a fixed rate of 10% to 14% per year. In addition, we usually receive origination fees or “points” ranging from 0% to 2% of the original principal amount of the loan as well as other fees relating to underwriting and funding the loan. Interest is always payable monthly, in arrears. In the case of acquisition financing, the principal amount of the loan usually does not exceed 75% of the value of the property (as determined by an independent appraiser) and in the case of construction financing, it is typically up to 80% of construction costs.

Since commencing this business in 2007, we have made over 810 loans and never foreclosed on a property. We currently manage approximately 140 loans. In addition, none of our loans have ever gone into default, although sometimes we have renewed or extended our loans to enable the borrower to avoid premature sale or refinancing of the property. When we renew or extend a loan we receive additional “points” and other fees.

Our primary business objective is to grow our loan portfolio while protecting and preserving capital in a manner that provides for attractive risk-adjusted returns to our shareholders over the long term through dividends. We intend to achieve this objective by continuing to selectively originate and fund loans secured by first mortgages on residential real estate held for investment located in the New York metropolitan area, including New Jersey and Connecticut, and in Florida, and to carefully manage and service our portfolio in a manner designed to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns across a variety of market conditions and economic cycles. We believe that current market dynamics, specifically the demand/supply imbalance for relatively small real estate loans, presents significant opportunities for us to selectively originate high-quality first mortgage loans on attractive terms and we believe that these market conditions should persist for a number of years. We have built our business on a foundation of intimate real estate knowledge of the New York metropolitan area the Company operates in, combined with a disciplined credit and due diligence culture that is designed to protect and preserve capital. We believe that our flexibility and ability to structure loans that address the needs of our borrowers without compromising our standards on credit risk, our expertise, our intimate real estate knowledge of the New York metropolitan area the Company operates in, and our focus on newly originated first mortgage loans, has defined our success until now and should enable us to continue to achieve our objectives.

A principal source of new transactions has been repeat business from prior customers and their referral of new business. We also receive leads for new business from banks, brokers and a limited amount of advertising. Finally, our Chief Executive Officer also spends a significant portion of his time on new business development. We rely on our own employees, independent legal counsel, and other independent professionals to verify titles and ownership, to file liens and to consummate the transactions. Outside appraisers are used to assist us in evaluating the worth of collateral, when deemed necessary by management. We also use construction inspectors.

For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the total amounts of $38,246,965 and $42,417,500, respectively, have been lent, offset by collections received from borrowers, under our commercial loans in the amount of $33,375,420 and $29,030,264, respectively.

At September 30, 2019, we were committed to $7,188,035 in construction loans that can be drawn by the borrowers when certain conditions are met.

To date, we have not experienced any defaults and none of the loans previously made have been non-collectable, although no assurances can be given that existing or future loans may not go into default or prove to be non-collectible in the future.

We satisfied all of the requirements to be taxed as a REIT and elected to be taxed as a REIT commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2014. In order to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT and avoid any excise tax on our net taxable income, we are required to distribute each year at least 90% of our REIT taxable income. If we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income (but more than 90%), the undistributed portion will be taxed at the regular corporate income tax rates. As a REIT, we may also be subject to federal excise taxes and minimum state taxes.

Results of Operations

Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Three Month Period Ended September 30, 2018

Revenue

Total revenues for the three month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $1,917,000 compared to approximately $1,891,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $26,000, or 1.4%. The increase in revenue represents an increase in lending operations. For the three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, approximately $1,619,000 and $1,617,000, respectively, of our revenues were attributable to interest income on the secured commercial loans that we offer to small businesses, and approximately $298,000 and $275,000, respectively, of our revenues were attributable to origination fees on such loans. The loans are principally secured by collateral consisting of real estate and, generally, accompanied by personal guarantees from the principals of the borrowers.

Interest and amortization of debt service costs

Interest and amortization of debt service costs for the three month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $454,000 compared to approximately $429,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $25,000, or 5.8%. The increase is primarily attributable to the use of the Webster Credit Line (See Note 5 to the financial statements included elsewhere in this report) in order to support our ability to increase loan originations.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses for the three month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $315,000 compared to approximately $272,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $43,000 or 15.8%. The increase is primarily attributable to increases in payroll, travel, advertising and Board compensation expenses, as well as in bank and legal fees.

Net income

Net income for the three month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $1,150,000 compared to approximately $1,189,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $39,000, or 3.3%. The decrease is primarily attributable to the increase in general and administrative expenses.

Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2018

Revenue

Total revenues for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $5,484,000 compared to approximately $5,224,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $260,000, or 5.0%. The increase in revenue represents an increase in lending operations. For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, revenues of approximately $4,609,000 and $4,469,000, respectively, were attributable to interest income on the secured commercial loans that we offer to small businesses, and approximately $875,000 and $755,000, respectively, of our revenues were attributable to origination fees on such loans. The loans are principally secured by collateral consisting of real estate and, generally, accompanied by personal guarantees from the principals of the borrowers.

Interest and amortization of debt service costs

Interest and amortization of debt service costs for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $1,221,000 compared to approximately $1,240,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $19,000, or 1.5%. The decrease is primarily attributable to the lower interest expense on the Webster Credit Line (See Note 5 to the financial statements included elsewhere in this report) resulting from lower LIBOR rates.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 were approximately $913,000 compared to approximately $863,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $50,000, or 5.8%. The increase is primarily attributable to increases in payroll, insurance, advertising and Board compensation expenses, offset by decreases in travel and meals expenses.

Net Income

Net income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 was approximately $3,355,000 compared to approximately $3,119,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $236,000, or 7.6%. The increase is primarily attributable to the increase in revenue, offset by the increase in general and administrative expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2019, we had cash of approximately $126,000 compared to cash of approximately $204,000 at December 31, 2018 (not including restricted cash, which mainly represents collections received, pending check clearance, from the Company’s commercial loans and is primarily dedicated to the reduction of the Webster Credit Line).

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $3,224,000, compared to approximately $3,236,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities primarily resulted from an increase in interest receivable on loans and a decrease in deferred origination fees, offset by an increase in net income.

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, net cash used in investing activities was approximately $4,872,000, compared to approximately $13,387,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 consisted of the issuance of commercial loans of approximately $38,247,000, offset by collection of our commercial loans of approximately $33,375,000. In the period ended September 30, 2018, net cash used in investing activities consisted of the issuance of commercial loans of approximately $42,418,000, offset by collection of our commercial loans of approximately $29,030,000.

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $1,756,000, compared to approximately $11,875,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 reflects the net proceeds from the Webster Credit Line of approximately $5,242,000 and proceeds from the exercise of options of approximately $20,000, offset by the dividend payments of approximately $3,477,000 and the purchase of treasury shares of approximately $29,000. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 reflects the net proceeds from the Webster Credit Line of approximately $4,803,000, the net proceeds from the public offering, as described below, of approximately $9,883,000 and proceeds from the exercise of warrants of approximately $49,000, offset by the dividend payments of approximately $2,839,000 and deferred financing costs of approximately $20,000.

We maintain the Webster Credit Line which currently provides us with a credit line of $25 million in the aggregate secured by assignments of mortgages and other collateral. On August 8, 2017, we entered into the Amended Credit Agreement.

Effective July 11, 2018, we entered into a Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to the Amended Credit Agreement (“Amendment II”) with Webster, Flushing and Mr. Ran, as guarantor. In conjunction with the execution of Amendment II, we also entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Note in the principal aggregate amount of $10,000,000 with Flushing (the “Amended Flushing Note”) and a Second Amended and Restated Fee Letter with Webster and Flushing, each dated July 11, 2018. Pursuant to the terms of Amendment II, the Company’s existing Webster Credit Line was increased by $5 million to $25 million in the aggregate. In addition, the interest rates relating to Webster Credit Line were amended such that the interest rates now equal (i) LIBOR plus a premium, which rate aggregated approximately 6.02% as of September 30, 2019, or (ii) a Base Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus 2.25% plus a 0.5% agency fee, as chosen by the Company for each drawdown. Amendment II also permits the Company to repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire its equity securities in an amount not to exceed ten percent of our annual net income from the prior fiscal year. In addition, Mr. Ran has provided a personal guaranty to the Webster Credit Line, which shall not exceed the sum of $500,000 plus any costs relating to the enforcement of the personal guaranty.

We were in compliance with all covenants of the Webster Credit Line, as amended, as of September 30, 2019. The Company received a one-time waiver by Webster for the need by the Company to comply with the Fixed Charge Ratio (as defined in the Webster Credit Line) provision as of September 30, 2019. At September 30, 2019, the outstanding amount under the Webster Credit Line was $21,864,042. The interest rate on the amount outstanding fluctuates daily. The rate, including a 0.5% Agency Fee, at September 30, 2019, was approximately 6.02%.

On July 24, 2018, we completed a public offering of 1,428,572 common shares. In addition, the underwriter partially exercised its over-allotment option for an additional 117,214 common shares. The gross proceeds from the offering, including the partial exercise of the over-allotment option, were approximately $10.8 million and the net proceeds were approximately $9.9 million, after deducting our underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

On November 1, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a share buy back program, pursuant to which we may, from time to time, purchase up to 100,000 shares of our common shares (the “Share Buy Back Program”). The Share Buy Back Program does not obligate the Company to purchase any shares and expires on October 31, 2019. The authorization for the Share Buy Back Program is able to be terminated, increased or decreased by the Company’s Board of Directors in its discretion at any time. As of September 30, 2019, we have purchased 13,112 shares of the Company’s common shares for an aggregate of $78,197 pursuant to the Share Buy Back Program.

We anticipate that our current cash balances (which include the proceeds of our 2018 public offering) and the Amended Credit Agreement, as described above, together with our cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for the next 12 months. In addition, from time to time, we receive short term unsecured loans from our executive officers and others in order to provide us with the flexibility necessary to maintain a steady deployment of capital. However, we expect our working capital requirements to increase over the next 12 months as we continue to strive for growth.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not entered into any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are likely to affect liquidity or the availability of our requirements for capital resources.

Changes to Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies and estimates are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation and Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2019 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) are accumulated and communicated to our management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. EXHIBITS

* Furnished, not filed, in accordance with item 601(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.