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PILLARSTONE CAPITAL REIT - Quarter Report: 2011 March (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
OR
     
o   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 001-15409
PARAGON REAL ESTATE EQUITY AND INVESTMENT TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Maryland
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  39-6594066
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
PO Box 631209
Houston, Texas 77263

(Address of principal executive offices)
(440) 283-6319
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
     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 þ No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every interactive data file required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o No o
     Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company þ
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
     Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes þ No o
     The number of the registrant’s Common Shares outstanding as of May 12, 2011, was 443,226, including 38,130 common shares held in treasury.
 
 

 


 

FORM 10-Q
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 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
EX — 31.1 Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
EX — 31.2 Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
EX — 32.1 CEO/CFO Certification Under 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
                 
    March 31,        
    2011     December 31,  
    (unaudited)     2010  
Assets
               
Investments in equipment:
               
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  $ 5,370     $ 5,370  
Accumulated depreciation
    (5,370 )     (5,370 )
 
Net investments in equipment
           
 
               
Cash
    22,725       31,717  
Marketable securities
    237,127       225,682  
Other assets
    6,777       8,644  
 
Total Assets
  $ 266,629     $ 266,043  
 
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 12,325     $ 500  
 
Total liabilities
    12,325       500  
 
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies
               
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred A Shares — $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 authorized: 258,236 Class A cumulative convertible shares issued and outstanding, $10.00 per share liquidation preference
    2,583       2,583  
Preferred C Shares — $0.01 par value, 300,000 authorized: 244,444 Class C cumulative convertible shares issued and outstanding, $10.00 per share liquidation preference
    2,444       2,444  
Common Shares — $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 authorized: 443,226 shares issued and outstanding.
    4,432       4,432  
Additional paid-in capital
    28,146,590       28,146,590  
Accumulated deficit
    (27,131,989 )     (27,114,887 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net unrealized gain on marketable securities
    30,979       25,116  
Treasury stock, at cost, 38,130 shares
    (800,735 )     (800,735 )
 
Total shareholders’ equity
    254,304       265,543  
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 266,629     $ 266,043  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
                 
    For the three months ended March 31,  
    2011     2010  
Revenues
               
Interest/dividend income
  $ 2,050     $ 1,466  
 
Total revenues
    2,050       1,466  
 
Expenses
               
Depreciation
          154  
General and administrative
    23,036       22,378  
 
Total expenses
    23,036       22,532  
 
Loss from operations
    (20,986 )     (21,066 )
Gain on sale of marketable securities
    3,884        
 
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
    (17,102 )     (21,066 )
 
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders per Common Share: Basic and Diluted
  $ (.04 )   $ (.05 )
 
Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding: Basic and Diluted
    443,226       443,226  
 
               
Comprehensive loss:
               
Net loss
  $ (17,102 )   $ (21,066 )
Other comprehensive income:
               
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net
    5,862       16,140  
 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (11,240 )   $ (4,926 )
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
                 
    For the three months ended March 31,  
    2011     2010  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
  $ (17,102 )   $ (21,066 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in continuing operations:
               
Depreciation
          154  
Gain on sale of marketable securities
    (3,884 )      
Net change in assets and liabilities:
               
Other assets
    1,868       2,823  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    11,825       (50 )
 
Net cash used in operations
    (7,293 )     (18,139 )
 
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Cash used for the purchase of marketable securities
    (94,364 )     (1,758 )
Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities
    92,665        
 
Net cash used for investing activities
    (1,699 )     (1,758 )
 
 
               
Net decrease in cash
    (8,992 )     (19,897 )
Cash
               
Beginning of period
    31,717       94,198  
 
End of period
  $ 22,725     $ 74,301  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
Note 1 — Organization
Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust (the “Company,” “Paragon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a real estate company with its primary focus on keeping its public entity available for value-added real estate opportunities, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. In addition, in early 2008, the Company began to invest a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of real estate companies. Presently, the Company is a corporate shell, current in its SEC filings, that may be used in the future for real estate opportunities or sold to another company.
Note 2 — Basis of Presentation
Consolidated Financial Statement Presentation
We have prepared the consolidated financial statements without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, we believe that the included disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of March 31, 2011, the results of our operations and our cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 have been included. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
We report our investments using the consolidated method of accounting as we own the majority of the outstanding voting interests and can control operations of a non-active subsidiary company. In the consolidation method, the accounts of this entity are combined with our accounts. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the continued operations as a public company and paying liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company is being maintained as a corporate shell current in its SEC filings. Operations consist only of investments on a temporary basis in publicly traded real estate companies while management and the board evaluate real estate opportunities to put into the Company or decide to sell the entity to a party that needs a public shell.
At March 31, 2011, our unrestricted cash was approximately $22,700 and our investments in publicly traded real estate companies, which can be liquidated into cash, was approximately $237,000. The decrease in cash during the first three months of 2011 was approximately $9,000. A net increase in investments in marketable securities used approximately $1,700 and the remainder of approximately $7,300 was expenses to keep the Company operating as a public company. Expenses, such as salaries and rent, have been eliminated so that the only expenses being incurred are to keep the Company current in its SEC filings, such as accounting, audit, and legal fees. Our ability to continue as a going concern will be dependent upon acquiring assets to generate cash flow because marketable securities are our only revenue generating assets and will not generate enough cash flow to allow us to continue as a going concern.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to close a transaction or keep the Company currently

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filed with the SEC. Even if our management is successful in closing a transaction, investors may not value the transaction in the same manner as we did, and investors may not value the transaction as they would value other transactions or alternatives. Failure to obtain external sources of capital and complete a transaction will materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to continue operations.
Note 3 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
In order to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, management, in preparation of our consolidated financial statements, is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2011, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the valuation of deferred taxes and a related allowance, and these significant estimates, as well as other estimates and assumptions, may change in the near term.
Investments in Equipment
Our investments in equipment assets are reported at cost.
Depreciation expense for furniture, fixtures and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on useful lives of 3 to 7 years. The equipment was fully depreciated in 2010.
Cash
We maintain our cash in bank accounts that are federally insured.
Marketable Securities
Our marketable securities consist of publicly traded shares of real estate companies that are valued at quoted prices in active markets as of the balance sheet date. We account for our investment in marketable securities as available-for-sale, which are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
Other Assets
As of March 31, 2011, other assets of $6,777 are $6,189 prepaid insurance and $588 dividends receivable from marketable securities.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues include interest and dividends earned on cash balances and marketable securities.
Stock Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock based compensation in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 718 (“ASC 718”), Compensation — Stock Compensation, which addresses the accounting for stock-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. ASC 718 generally requires that these transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair-value of stock-based awards.

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Income Taxes
Because we have not elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes, we account for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We intend to take advantage of our tax loss carryforwards before qualifying to be a REIT again.
At March 31, 2011, we have a net operating loss, and at December 31, 2010, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $2.3 million. While the loss created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against the asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2030.
We are also subject to certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The provision for state and local taxes has been reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.
Note 4 — Marketable Securities
Our investments in marketable securities are available-for-sale as of March 31, 2011, and represent publicly traded common shares of real estate companies.
As of March 31, 2011, our marketable securities had a fair market value of approximately $237,100, including marketable securities at market value of approximately $229,500 (based on market prices quoted from the stock exchanges on which the various companies are listed) and a money market account of approximately $7,600. We recorded an unrealized gain on marketable securities during the first three months of 2011 of approximately $5,900, which is shown in shareholders’ equity as unrealized gain on marketable securities.
We recognize gain or loss on the sale of marketable securities based upon the first-in-first-out method. During the three month period ended March 31, 2011, we sold marketable securities having a cost basis of $2,036 for $5,920 and recorded a gain of $3,884.
Note 5 — Equity
Effective September 29, 2006, three independent trustees of Paragon signed subscription agreements to purchase 125,000 Class C Convertible Preferred Shares for an aggregate contribution of $500,000 to sustain the operations and maintain Paragon as a corporate shell current in its SEC filings. The Company received the installment payments from the trustees totaling $500,000 during 2006 and 2007.
In addition, on September 29, 2006, James C. Mastandrea, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Paragon, signed a subscription agreement to purchase 44,444 restricted shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Shares. The consideration for the purchase was Mr. Mastandrea’s services as an officer of Paragon for the period beginning September 29, 2006 and ending September 29, 2008. The Class C Convertible Preferred Shares are subject to forfeiture and are restricted from being sold by Mr. Mastandrea. The restrictions on the Class C Convertible Preferred Shares were to be removed upon the latest to occur of a public offering by Paragon sufficient to liquidate the Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, an exchange of Paragon’s existing shares for new shares, or September 29, 2008. In September 2008, 2009 and 2010, this agreement was amended to extend the service period and vesting period restriction dates by an additional year; therefore, the service period ending date and the vesting period date are September 29, 2011.
Each of the trustees of Paragon, namely Daryl J. Carter, John J. Dee, Daniel G. DeVos, Paul T. Lambert, James C. Mastandrea and Michael T. Oliver, signed a restricted share agreement with

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Paragon, dated September 29, 2006, to receive a total of 12,500 restricted Class C Convertible Preferred Shares in lieu of receiving fees in cash for service as a trustee for the two years ending September 29, 2008. The restrictions on the Class C Convertible Preferred Shares were to be removed upon the latest to occur of a public offering by Paragon sufficient to liquidate the Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, an exchange of Paragon’s existing shares for new shares, or September 29, 2008. In September 2008, 2009 and 2010, these agreements were amended to extend the service period and vesting period restriction dates by an additional year; therefore, the service period ending date and the vesting period date are September 29, 2011.
No Class A Preferred Shares were converted into common shares during the three month period ended March 31, 2011.
No options were issued during the three month period ended March 31, 2011.
No options expired during the three month period ended March 31, 2011.
Note 6 — Loss Per Share
Net loss per weighted average common share outstanding—basic and diluted are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. As shown in the following table, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 were 443,226. Common share equivalents of 2,502,801 as of March 31, 2011 and 2,514,468 as of March 31, 2010 include outstanding Class A Convertible Preferred Shares, Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, warrants, and stock options, and are not included in net loss per weighted average Common Share outstanding—diluted as they would be anti-dilutive.
                 
    For the three months ended March 31,  
    2011     2010  
Numerator
               
 
               
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
  $ (17,102 )   $ (21,066 )
 
           
 
               
Denominator
               
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding at March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010:
               
Basic and Diluted
    443,226       443,226  
 
           
 
               
Basic and Diluted EPS
               
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.05 )
 
           
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders:
               
Basic and Diluted
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.05 )
 
           
Note 7 — Commitments and Contingencies
Liquidity
As of March 31, 2011, our unrestricted cash was approximately $22,700 and our investments in publicly traded real estate companies, which can be liquidated into cash, was approximately $237,100.
We are dependent on our existing cash resources to meet our liquidity needs and we have reduced our day-to-day overhead expenses and material future obligations. We have reduced overhead expenses by not replacing employees who have left, eliminating office space and rent, reducing use of outside consultants, negotiating discounts on prices wherever possible, and delaying or foregoing other expenses.

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Paragon has been searching for and reviewing other value-added real estate opportunities, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. Paragon has also been reviewing the sale of the corporate entity and seeking additional investors. In addition, in early 2008, the Company began to invest on a temporary basis a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of real estate companies. Presently, the Company is a corporate shell, current in its SEC filings, that may be used in the future for real estate opportunities or sold to another company. There can be no assurance that any of the alternatives will be adopted, or if adopted, will be successful.
Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, we may be involved in legal actions arising from the ownership and administration of our properties. In our opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, operations or liquidity. We are not currently involved in any legal actions.
Note 8 — Fair Value Measurements
We adopted Accounting Standards Codification 820 (“ASC 820”), Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, as it applies to our financial instruments and Accounting Standards Codification 825 (“ASC 825”), Financial Instruments. ASC 820 defines fair value, outlines a framework for measuring fair value, and details the required disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 825 permits companies to irrevocably choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. ASC 825 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparison between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
Under ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. ASC 820 establishes a hierarchy in determining the fair value of an asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable. ASC 820 requires the utilization of the lowest possible level of input to determine fair value. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are market data, other than Level 1, that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices in an inactive market, and other observable information that can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable and corroborated by little or no market data.
Except for those assets and liabilities which are required by authoritative accounting guidance to be recorded at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we have elected not to record any other assets or liabilities at fair value, as permitted by ASC 825. No events occurred during the first three months of 2011 which would require adjustment to the recognized balances of assets or liabilities which are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
                                         
    Carrying Amount              
    in Consolidated              
    Balance Sheet     Fair Value     Fair Value Measurement Using  
    March 31, 2011     March 31, 2011     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
 
Marketable Securities
  $ 237,127     $ 237,127     $ 237,127     $     $  
The fair value of the marketable securities is based on quoted market prices in an active market.

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ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust (the “Company,” “Paragon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a real estate company with its primary focus on keeping its public entity available for value-added real estate opportunities, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. In addition in early 2008, the Company began to invest on a temporary basis a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of other real estate companies. The investments are available to be liquidated into cash as needed
Presently, the Company is a corporate shell, current in its SEC filings, that may be used in the future for real estate opportunities or sold to another company. Because our unrestricted cash and our investments in publicly traded real estate companies, which can be liquidated into cash, are not sufficient to allow us to continue operations, we have been reviewing other alternatives, including seeking additional investors or selling the corporate entity. There can be no assurance that we will be able to close a transaction or keep the Company currently filed with the SEC. Even if our management is successful in closing a transaction, investors may not value the transaction or the current filing status with the SEC in the same manner as we did, and investors may not value the transaction as they would value other transactions or alternatives. Failure to obtain external sources of capital will materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to continue operations, as well as its liquidity and financial results.
Brief History
Paragon was formed on March 15, 1994 as a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”). We operated as a traditional REIT by buying, selling, owning and operating commercial and residential properties through December 31, 1999. In 2000, the Company purchased a software technology company, resulting in the Company not meeting the Internal Revenue Code qualifications to be a REIT for federal tax purposes. In 2002, the Company discontinued the operations of the technology segment. We intend to take advantage of our tax loss carryforwards before qualifying to be a REIT again.
Forward-Looking Information
This report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking” statements for the purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that these expectations will be realized. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations include, but are not limited to, our failure to obtain adequate financing to continue our operations, changes in general economic conditions, changes in real estate conditions, fluctuations in market prices of our investments in publicly traded companies, our inability to liquidate our investments for the value shown in our financial statements, changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in our current filing status with the SEC, the cost or general availability of equity and debt financing, failure to acquire properties in accordance with our value added strategy, unanticipated costs associated with the acquisition and integration of our acquisitions, our ability to obtain adequate insurance for terrorist acts, and potential liability under environmental or other laws. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

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The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and financial condition, including:
    Explanation of changes in the results of operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2010.
 
    Our critical accounting policies and estimates that require our subjective judgment and are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations.
 
    Our primary sources and uses of cash for the three month period ended March 31, 2011, and how we intend to generate cash for long-term capital needs.
 
    Our current income tax status.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Month Periods Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
Revenues from Operations
Interest and dividend income increased approximately $600 from approximately $1,500 for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 to approximately $2,100 for the three month period ended March 31, 2011. This was due to increased dividends received from investments of publicly traded real estate companies in 2011 offset by less interest earned because of less cash invested in interest bearing bank accounts and lower interest rates in 2011.
Expenses from Operations
Total expenses, comprised mostly of general and administrative expenses, increased approximately $500 from approximately $22,500 for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 to approximately $23,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2011. This net increase is the result of increases in general overhead and state registration fees of approximately $1,600 partially offset by decreases in legal, accounting, audit, D&O insurance and depreciation expense of approximately $1,100.
Loss from Operations
As a result of the above, the loss from operations remained unchanged at approximately $21,000 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011.
Gain/Loss on Sale of Marketable Securities
We sold 240 shares of a marketable security with a cost basis of $2,036 for $5,920 and recorded a gain on sale of marketable securities of $3,884 in the first quarter of 2011. No securities were sold in the three month period ended March 31, 2010.
Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders
As a result of the above, the net loss attributable to Common Shareholders decreased from approximately $21,100 for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 to approximately $17,100 for the three month period ended March 31, 2011.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require us to make certain estimates and assumptions. A summary of our significant accounting policies is provided in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following section is a summary of certain aspects of those accounting policies that both require our most subjective judgment and are most important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. It is possible that the use of different estimates or assumptions in making these judgments could result in materially different amounts being reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investments in Shares of Publicly Traded Companies
In early 2008, the Company began to invest on a temporary basis a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of real estate companies. As of March 31, 2011, we have investments with a historical cost of approximately $198,600 invested in shares of 26 real estate companies and had approximately $7,500 in a money market account with the brokerage firm. The Company records the changes in market value on a quarterly basis as part of shareholders’ equity until the shares are sold and a gain or loss is recognizable as part of operations. As of March 31, 2011, the market value of the investment in shares of real estate companies of approximately $229,600 exceeded the historical cost of approximately $198,600, resulting in an unrealized gain on marketable securities of approximately $31,000 reflected in shareholders’ equity. The investments are available to be liquidated into cash as needed.
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Asset
We account for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. At March 31, 2011, we have a net operating loss and at December 31, 2010, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $2.3 million. While the loss created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against this asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2030.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash provided by operations, equity transactions, and borrowings from affiliates and lending institutions have generally provided the primary sources of liquidity to the Company. Historically, the Company has used these sources to fund operating expenses, satisfy its debt service obligations and fund distributions to shareholders. Presently, we are dependent on our existing cash, which was provided by three independent trustees contributing $500,000 in exchange for Class C Convertible Preferred Shares to maintain the Company as a corporate shell current in its SEC filings so that it may be used in the future for real estate transactions or sold to another company. We have kept the public entity available for value-added real estate opportunities, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments, as well as reverse merging with another company, selling the corporate entity, and seeking additional investors. In early 2008, the Company began to invest on a temporary basis a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of other real estate companies. The investments are available to be liquidated into cash as needed.
Cash Flows
As of March 31, 2011, our unrestricted cash was approximately $22,700 and our investments, which can be liquidated into cash, was approximately $237,100. We are dependent on our existing cash resources to meet our liquidity needs because cash from operations is not sufficient to meet our operating requirements.

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The decrease in cash during the first three months of 2011 was approximately $9,000. Investments in marketable securities used approximately $1,700. The remainder of the decrease in cash of approximately $7,300 was used to sustain the operations and keep the Company currently filed as a public company. As a result, our cash balance decreased from approximately $31,700 at December 31, 2010 to approximately $22,700 at March 31, 2011.
Future Obligations
We are dependent on our existing cash and investments to meet our liquidity needs and have reduced our day-to-day overhead expenses and material future obligations. We have reduced overhead expenses by not replacing employees who have left, eliminating office space and rent, reducing use of outside consultants, negotiating discounts on prices wherever possible, and delaying or foregoing other expenses.
Long Term Liquidity and Operating Strategies
Our unrestricted cash of approximately $22,700 and our investments of approximately $237,100, which can be liquidated into cash, are sufficient to meet only the Company’s anticipated short-term obligations. Our ability to continue as a going concern will be dependent upon our acquiring assets to generate cash flow for the Company. Since 2006, Paragon has been reviewing value-added real estate opportunities, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. Paragon has also been reviewing other alternatives, including selling the corporate entity and seeking additional investors. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to maintain its current filing status or successfully close a future transaction.
Current Tax Status
At March 31, 2011, we have a net operating loss, and at December 31, 2010, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $2.3 million. While the loss created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against the asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2030.
We and our subsidiary are also subject to certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The provision for state and local taxes has been reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.
Interest Rates and Inflation
Because Paragon is a corporate shell without debt, we do not have expenses that are affected by interest rates. Interest rates do however affect the amount we can earn on our cash balances.
We were not significantly affected by inflation during the periods presented in this report due primarily to relatively low nationwide inflation rates.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of March 31, 2011, the date of this report, James C. Mastandrea, our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, and John J. Dee, our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a — 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as

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amended. Based on this evaluation, Mr. Mastandrea and Mr. Dee each concluded that, as of March 31, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Further, there was no change during the last quarter in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of business, we may be involved in legal actions arising from the ownership and administration of our properties. In our opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, operations or liquidity. We are not currently involved in any legal actions.
ITEM 2.   UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None
ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS
Exhibits
     
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit Description
31.1
  Section 302 Certification pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 — Chief Executive Officer
 
   
31.2
  Section 302 Certification pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 — Chief Financial Officer
 
   
32.1
  CEO/CFO Certification under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  Paragon real estate equity and investment trust
 
 
  By:   /s/ James C. Mastandrea    
Date: May 12, 2011    James C. Mastandrea   
    Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer) 
 
 
  Paragon real estate equity and investment trust
 
 
  By:   /s/ John J. Dee    
Date: May 12, 2011    John J. Dee   
    Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer) 
 

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