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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Mark One)


ý

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

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 No. 1-15371


iSTAR FINANCIAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland   95-6881527
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

1114 Avenue of the Americas, 27th Floor
New York, NY

 

10036
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 930-9400


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

Title of each class: Name of Exchange on which registered:   Name of Exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, $0.001 par value   New York Stock Exchange
8.000% Series D Cumulative Redeemable   New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value    
7.875% Series E Cumulative Redeemable   New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value    
7.800% Series F Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value
  New York Stock Exchange
7.650% Series G Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value
  New York Stock Exchange
7.500% Series I Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value
  New York Stock Exchange

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

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (i) 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 (ii) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

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

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12-b-2). Yes ý No o

        As of June 30, 2004 the aggregate market value of the common stock, $0.001 par value per share of iStar Financial Inc. ("Common Stock"), held by non-affiliates(1) of the registrant was approximately $4.3 billion, based upon the closing price of $40.00 on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape on such date.

        As of March 1, 2005, there were 111,487,900 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

(1)
For purposes of this Annual Report only, includes all outstanding Common Stock other than Common Stock held directly by the registrant's directors and executive officers.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.
Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the registrant's 2005 Annual Meeting, to be filed within 120 days after the close of the registrant's fiscal year, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
PART I    
Item 1. Business   2
Item 2. Properties   19
Item 3. Legal Proceedings   19
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   19

PART II

 

 
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Equity and Related Share Matters   20
Item 6. Selected Financial Data   23
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
  26
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   48
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data   51
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
  113
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures   113

PART III

 

 
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant   114
Item 11. Executive Compensation   114
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   114
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   114
Item 14. Principal Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services   114

PART IV

 

 
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K   115

SIGNATURES

 

119


PART I

Item 1. Business

Explanatory Note for Purposes of the "Safe Harbor Provisions" of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which involve certain risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are included with respect to, among other things, iStar Financial Inc.'s (the "Company's") current business plan, business strategy and portfolio management. The Company's actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those anticipated. Important factors that the Company believes might cause such differences are discussed in the cautionary statements presented under the caption "Factors That May Affect the Company's Business Strategy" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K or otherwise accompany the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K. In assessing all forward-looking statements, readers are urged to read carefully all cautionary statements contained in this Form 10-K.

Overview

        The Company is the leading publicly-traded finance company focused on the commercial real estate industry. The Company provides custom-tailored financing to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate, including senior and junior mortgage debt, senior and mezzanine corporate capital, and corporate net lease financing. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), seeks to deliver strong dividends and superior risk-adjusted returns on equity to shareholders by providing innovative and value added financing solutions to its customers.

        The Company's primary product lines include:

2


        As more fully discussed in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company began its business in 1993 through private investment funds formed to capitalize on inefficiencies in the real estate finance market. In March 1998, these funds contributed their approximately $1.1 billion of assets to the Company's predecessor in exchange for a controlling interest in that company. Since that time, the Company has grown by originating new lending and leasing transactions, as well as through corporate acquisitions.

        Specifically, in September 1998, the Company acquired the loan origination and servicing business of a major insurance company, and in December 1998, the Company acquired the mortgage and mezzanine loan portfolio of its largest private competitor. Additionally, in November 1999, the Company acquired TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc., then the largest publicly-traded company specializing in corporate sale/leaseback transactions for office and industrial facilities. The acquisition of TriNet was structured as a stock-for-stock merger of TriNet with a subsidiary of the Company. Throughout this Report, the Company refers to TriNet as TriNet or the Leasing Subsidiary and refers to the acquisition of TriNet as the TriNet Acquisition.

        Concurrent with the TriNet Acquisition, the Company also acquired its former external advisor in exchange for shares of the Company's Common Stock and converted its organizational form to a Maryland corporation. As part of the conversion to a Maryland corporation, the Company replaced its former dual class common share structure with a single class of Common Stock. The Company's Common Stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on November 4, 1999. Prior to this date, the Company's common shares were traded on the American Stock Exchange.

Investment Strategy

        The Company's investment strategy targets specific sectors of the real estate and corporate credit markets in which it believes it can deliver innovative, custom-tailored and flexible financial solutions to its customers, thereby differentiating its financial products from those offered by other capital providers.

        The Company has implemented its investment strategy by:

3



        The Company seeks to invest in a mix of portfolio financing transactions to create asset diversification and single-asset financings for properties with strong, long-term competitive market positions. The Company's credit process focuses on:

        As of December 31, 2004, based on current gross carrying values, the Company's business consists of the following product lines:


Product Line

GRAPHIC

4


        The Company seeks to maintain an investment portfolio which is diversified by asset type, underlying property type and geography. As of December 31, 2004, based on current gross carrying values, the Company's total investment portfolio has the following characteristics:


Asset Type

         GRAPHIC


Property Type

         GRAPHIC


Geography

         GRAPHIC

5


The Company's Underwriting Process

        The Company discusses and analyzes investment opportunities during regular weekly meetings which are attended by all of its investment professionals, as well as representatives from its legal, risk management and capital markets areas. The Company has developed a process for screening potential investments called the Six Point Methodologysm. Through this process the Company evaluates an investment opportunity prior to beginning its formal commitment process by: (1) evaluating the source of the opportunity; (2) evaluating the quality of the collateral or corporate credit, as well as its market or industry dynamics; (3) evaluating the equity or corporate sponsor; (4) determining whether it can implement an appropriate legal and financial structure for the transaction given its risk profile; (5) performing an alternative investment test; and (6) evaluating the liquidity of the investment and its ability to match fund the asset.

        The Company has an intensive underwriting process in place for all potential investments. This process provides for comprehensive feedback and review by all disciplines within the Company, including investments, credit, risk management, legal/structuring and capital markets. Participation is encouraged from all professionals throughout the entire origination process, from the initial consideration of the opportunity, through the Six Point Methodologysm and into the preparation and distribution of a comprehensive memorandum for the Company's internal and Board of Directors investment committees.

        Effective January 20, 2005, commitments of less than $75.0 million require the unanimous consent of the Company's internal investment committee, consisting of senior management representatives from each of the Company's key disciplines. For commitments between $75.0 million and $150.0 million, the further approval of the investment committee of the Company's board of directors' (the "Board of Directors") is also required. All commitments of $150.0 million or more must be approved by the Company's full Board of Directors. In addition, strategic investments such as a corporate merger or acquisition of another business entity (other than a corporate net lease financing) or any other material transaction in an amount over $75.0 million involving the Company's entry into a new line of business, must be approved by the Company's full Board of Directors.

Financing Strategy

        The Company has access to a wide range of debt and equity capital resources to finance its investment and growth strategies. At December 31, 2004, the Company had over $2.4 billion of tangible book equity capital and a total market capitalization of approximately $10.1 billion. The Company believes that its size, diversification, investor sponsorship and track record are competitive advantages in obtaining attractive financing for its businesses.

        The Company seeks to maximize risk-adjusted returns on equity and financial flexibility by accessing a variety of public and private debt and equity capital sources. While the Company believes that it is important to maintain diverse sources of funding, it began to emphasize unsecured funding sources of debt, such as long-term unsecured corporate debt, approximately 18 months ago. The Company believes that unsecured debt is more cost-effective, flexible and efficient than secured debt. The Company's current sources of debt capital include:

6


        The Company's business model is premised on significantly lower leverage than many other commercial finance companies. In this regard, the Company seeks to:

        The Company has not historically utilized, and does not currently plan to utilize, "off-balance sheet" financing vehicles other than normal corporate tenant leasing joint ventures with unrelated third parties, which may be accounted for under the equity method due to the existence of provisions providing for a sharing of control with the venture partners. Detailed information on the Company's one remaining joint venture in which the Company currently has investments/operations, which totaled approximately $5.7 million at December 31, 2004, including information on the Company's share of the joint venture's non-recourse debt, is provided in Item 7—"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources," and in Note 6 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        A more detailed discussion of the Company's current capital resources is provided in Item 7—"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Hedging Strategy

        The Company has variable-rate lending assets and variable-rate debt obligations. These assets and liabilities create a natural hedge against changes in variable interest rates. This means that as interest rates increase, the Company earns more on its variable-rate lending assets and pays more on its variable-rate debt obligations and, conversely, as interest rates decrease, the Company earns less on its variable-rate lending assets and pays less on its variable-rate debt obligations. When the Company's variable-rate debt obligations exceed its variable-rate lending assets, the Company utilizes derivative instruments to limit the impact of changing interest rates on its net income. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge assets or for speculative purposes. The derivative instruments the Company uses are typically in the form of interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. Interest rate swaps effectively change variable-rate debt obligations to fixed-rate debt obligations. Interest rate caps effectively limit the maximum interest rate on variable-rate debt obligations.

        In addition, when appropriate the Company enters into interest rate swaps that convert fixed-rate debt to variable rate in order to mitigate the risk of changes in fair value of the fixed-rate debt obligations.

        The primary risks from the Company's use of derivative instruments is the risk that a counterparty to a hedging arrangement could default on its obligation and the risk that the Company may have to pay certain costs, such as transaction fees or breakage costs, if a hedging arrangement is terminated by it. As a matter of policy, the Company enters into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are large, creditworthy financial institutions typically rated at least "A/A2" by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service, respectively. The Company's hedging strategy is monitored by its Audit Committee on behalf of its Board of Directors and may be changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval.

        Developing an effective strategy for dealing with movements in interest rates is complex and no strategy can completely insulate the Company from risks associated with such fluctuations. There can be no assurance that the Company's hedging activities will have the desired beneficial impact on its results of operations or financial condition.

        A more detailed discussion of the Company's hedging policy is provided in Item 7—"Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources."

7



Business

Real Estate Lending

        The Company provides structured financing to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate, including senior and junior mortgage debt and senior and mezzanine corporate capital.

        Set forth below is information regarding the Company's primary real estate lending product lines as of December 31, 2004:

 
  Current
Carrying
Value

  %
of Total

 
 
  (In thousands)

   
 
Structured finance   $ 1,784,746   44.74 %
Portfolio finance     1,058,018   26.53 %
Corporate finance     691,731   17.34 %
Loan acquisition     454,130   11.39 %
   
 
 
  Gross carrying value   $ 3,988,625   100.00 %
         
 
  Provision for loan losses     (42,436 )    
   
     
  Total carrying value, net   $ 3,946,189      
   
     

        As more fully discussed in Note 3 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company continually monitors borrower performance and completes a detailed, loan-by-loan formal credit review on a quarterly basis. After having originated or acquired over $12.2 billion of investment transactions over its ten-year history, the Company and its private investment fund predecessors have experienced minimal actual losses on their lending investments.

        Despite the Company's historical track record of having minimal credit losses and loans on non-accrual status, the Company considers it prudent to reflect provisions for loan losses on a portfolio basis based upon the Company's assessment of general market conditions, the Company's internal risk management policies and credit risk rating system, industry loss experience, the Company's assessment of the likelihood of delinquencies or defaults, and the value of the collateral underlying its investments. Accordingly, since its first full quarter operating its current business as a public company (the quarter ended June 30, 1998), management has reflected quarterly provisions for loan losses in its operating results.

Summary of Interest Characteristics

        As more fully discussed in Item 7—"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" as well as in Item 7a—"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," the Company utilizes certain interest rate risk management techniques, including both asset/liability matching and certain other hedging techniques, in order to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risks.

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's Lending Business portfolio has the following interest rate characteristics:

 
  Current
Carrying
Value

  %
of Total

 
 
  (In thousands)

   
 
Fixed-rate loans   $ 1,246,560   31.25 %
Variable-rate loans     2,742,065   68.75 %
   
 
 
Gross carrying value   $ 3,988,625   100.00 %
   
 
 

Summary of Prepayment Terms

        The Company is exposed to risks of prepayment on its loan assets, and generally seeks to protect itself from such risks by structuring its loans with prepayment restrictions and/or penalties.

8


        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's Lending Business portfolio has the following call protection characteristics:

 
  Current
Carrying
Value

  %
of Total

 
 
  (In thousands)

   
 
Fixed prepayment penalties   $ 1,804,069   45.24 %
Currently open to prepayment with no penalty     986,407   24.73 %
Substantial lock-out for original term(1)     726,084   18.20 %
Yield maintenance     377,104   9.45 %
Other     94,961   2.38 %
   
 
 
Gross carrying value   $ 3,988,625   100.00 %
   
 
 

Explanatory Note:


(1)
For the purpose of this table, the Company has assumed a substantial lock-out to mean at least three years.

Summary of Lending Business Maturities

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's Lending Business portfolio has the following maturity characteristics:

Year of Maturity

  Number of
Transactions
Maturing

  Current
Carrying
Value

  %
of Total

 
 
   
  (In thousands)

   
 
2005   23   $ 813,660   20.40 %
2006   29     1,163,926   29.18 %
2007   21     657,997   16.50 %
2008   14     309,309   7.75 %
2009   18     601,982   15.09 %
2010   2     37,561   0.94 %
2011   6     89,687   2.25 %
2012   2     41,409   1.04 %
2013   6     83,358   2.09 %
2014   2     95,257   2.39 %
2015 and thereafter   4     94,479   2.37 %
   
 
 
 
Total   127   $ 3,988,625   100.00 %
   
 
 
 
Weighted average maturity         2.92 years      
       
     

Structured Finance

        The Company provides senior and subordinated loans that typically range in size from $20 million to $100 million. These loans may be either fixed or variable rate and are structured to meet the specific financing needs of the borrowers, including the acquisition or financing of large, quality real estate. The Company offers borrowers a wide range of structured finance options, including first mortgages, second mortgages, partnership loans, participating debt and interim facilities. The Company's structured finance transactions have maturities generally ranging from three to ten years.

9



        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's structured finance investments have the following characteristics:

Investment Class

  Collateral Types
  # of
Loans
In Class

  Current
Carrying
Value(1)

  Current
Principal
Balance
Outstanding

  Weighted
Average
Stated
Pay Rate(2)

  Weighted
Average First
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(3)

  Weighted
Average Last
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(4)

 
 
   
   
  (In thousands)

   
   
   
 
First Mortgages   Office/Residential/Retail/
Industrial, R&D/Conference
Center/Mixed Use/
Hotel/Entertainment,
Leisure
  36   $ 1,341,310   $ 1,352,089   6.92 % 0 % 67 %
Junior First Mortgages(5)   Office/Residential/Mixed
Use/Hotel
  10     268,517     271,223   9.74 % 50 % 74 %
Second Mortgages   Mixed Use   4     61,482     58,228   7.20 % 52 % 74 %
Corporate Loans/Other   Office/Industrial, R&D/Mixed Use/Hotel   11     113,437     112,609   11.35 % 57 % 72 %
       
 
 
             
Total       61   $ 1,784,746   $ 1,794,149              
       
 
 
             

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Where Current Carrying Value differs from Current Principal Balance Outstanding, the difference represents unamortized amount of acquired premiums, discounts or deferred loan fees.

(2)
All variable-rate loans assume a one-month LIBOR rate of 2.40% (the actual one-month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2004). As of December 31, 2004, three loans with a combined carrying value of $73.2 million have a stated accrual rate that exceeds the stated pay rate.

(3)
Weighted average ratio of first dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

(4)
Weighted average ratio of last dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

(5)
Junior first mortgages represent promissory notes secured by first mortgages which are junior to other promissory notes secured by the same first mortgage.

Portfolio Finance

        The Company provides funding to regional and national borrowers who own multiple facilities in geographically diverse portfolios. Loans are cross-collateralized to give the Company the benefit of all available collateral and underwritten to recognize inherent portfolio diversification. Property types include multifamily, suburban office, hotels and other property types where individual property values are less than $20 million on average. Loan terms are structured to meet the specific requirements of the borrower and typically range in size from $25 million to $150 million. The Company's portfolio finance transactions have maturities generally ranging from three to ten years.

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's portfolio finance investments have the following characteristics:

Investment Class

  Collateral Types
  # of
Loans
In Class

  Current
Carrying
Value(1)

  Current
Principal
Balance
Outstanding

  Weighted
Average
Stated
Pay Rate(2)

  Weighted
Average First
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(3)

  Weighted
Average Last
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(4)

 
 
   
   
  (In thousands)

   
   
   
 
First Mortgages   Office/Residential/Mixed
Use/Hotel/
Entertainment, Leisure
  6   $ 346,831   $ 349,774   6.30 % 0 % 65 %
Junior First Mortgages(5)   Office/Hotel/
Entertainment, Leisure
  5     194,285     194,400   7.49 % 52 % 61 %
Second Mortgages   Hotel   1     27,406     26,988   12.60 % 68 % 86 %
Corporate Loans/Other   Office/Residential/Mixed
Use/Hotel/
Entertainment, Leisure/Other
  14     489,496     494,750   9.51 % 49 % 70 %
       
 
 
             
Total       26   $ 1,058,018   $ 1,065,912              
       
 
 
             

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Where Current Carrying Value differs from Current Principal Balance Outstanding, the difference represents unamortized amount of acquired premiums, discounts or deferred loan fees.

10


(2)
All variable-rate loans assume a one-month LIBOR rate of 2.40% (the actual one-month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2004).

(3)
Weighted average ratio of first dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

(4)
Weighted average ratio of last dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

(5)
Junior first mortgages represent promissory notes secured by first mortgages which are junior to other promissory notes secured by the same first mortgage.

Corporate Finance

        The Company provides senior and subordinated capital to corporations engaged in real estate or real estate-related businesses. Financings may be either secured or unsecured and typically range in size from $20 million to $150 million. The Company's corporate finance transactions have maturities generally ranging from five to ten years.

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's corporate finance investments have the following characteristics:

Investment Class

  Collateral Types
  # of
Loans
In Class

  Current
Carrying
Value(1)

  Current
Principal
Balance
Outstanding

  Weighted
Average
Stated
Pay Rate(2)

  Weighted
Average First
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(3)

  Weighted
Average Last
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(4)

 
 
   
   
  (In thousands)

   
   
   
 
First Mortgages   Industrial, R&D/Hotel/
Entertainment, Leisure/ Retail/Other
  11   $ 411,245   $ 425,381   6.58 % 4 % 57 %
Junior First Mortgages(5)   Retail/Entertainment, Leisure/Other   4     51,805     52,391   6.55 % 52 % 60 %
Corporate Loans/Other   Office/Residential/Retail/ Industrial, R&D/Mixed Use/Other   13     228,681     235,053   7.41 % 51 % 63 %
       
 
 
             
Total       28   $ 691,731   $ 712,825              
       
 
 
             

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Where Current Carrying Value differs from Current Principal Balance Outstanding, the difference represents unamortized amount of acquired premiums, discounts or deferred loan fees.

(2)
All variable-rate loans assume a one-month LIBOR rate of 2.40% (the actual one-month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2004). As of December 31, 2004, one loan with a carrying value of ($154,000) has a stated accrual rate that exceeds the stated pay rate.

(3)
Weighted average ratio of first dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

(4)
Weighted average ratio of last dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

(5)
Junior first mortgages represent promissory notes secured by first mortgages which are junior to other promissory notes secured by the same first mortgage.

Loan Acquisition

        The Company acquires whole loans and loan participations which represent attractive risk-reward opportunities. Loans are generally acquired at a small discount to the principal balance outstanding. Loan acquisitions typically range in size from $5 million to $100 million and are collateralized by all major property types. The Company's loan acquisition transactions have maturities generally ranging from three to ten years.

        For accounting purposes, these loans are initially reflected at the Company's acquisition cost which represents the outstanding balance net of the acquisition discount or premium. The Company amortizes such discounts or premiums as an adjustment to increase or decrease the yield, respectively, realized on these loans using the effective interest method. As such, differences between carrying value and principal balances outstanding do not represent embedded losses or gains as the Company generally plans to hold such loans to maturity.

11



        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's loan acquisition investments have the following characteristics:

Investment Class

  Collateral Types
  # of
Loans
In Class

  Current
Carrying
Value(1)

  Current
Principal
Balance
Outstanding

  Weighted
Average
Stated
Pay Rate(2)

  Weighted
Average First
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(3)

  Weighted
Average Last
Dollar
Current
Loan-to-
Value(4)

 
 
   
   
  (In thousands)

   
   
   
 
First Mortgages   Office/Retail/Hotel/Other   6   $ 350,922   $ 362,232   7.99 % 6 % 78 %
Second Mortgages   Hotel   1     15,000     15,000   7.24 % 45 % 58 %
Corporate Loans/Other   Hotel   5     88,208     108,757   7.64 % 44 % 54 %
       
 
 
             
Total       12   $ 454,130   $ 485,989              
       
 
 
             

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Where Current Carrying Value differs from Current Principal Balance Outstanding, the difference represents unamortized amount of acquired premiums, discounts or deferred loan fees.

(2)
All variable-rate loans assume a one-month LIBOR rate of 2.40% (the actual one-month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2004).

(3)
Weighted average ratio of first dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

(4)
Weighted average ratio of last dollar current loan carrying value to underlying collateral value using third-party appraisal or the Company's internal valuation.

Corporate Tenant Leasing

        The Company, directly and through its Leasing Subsidiary, provides capital to corporations and borrowers who control facilities leased to single creditworthy customers. The Company's net leased assets are generally mission-critical headquarters or distribution facilities that are subject to long-term leases with rated public companies, many of which are corporate credits, and which provide for all expenses at the facility to be paid by the corporate customer on a triple net lease basis. CTL transactions have terms generally ranging from ten to 20 years and typically range in size from $20 million to $150 million.

        The Company pursues the origination of CTL transactions by structuring purchase/leasebacks and by acquiring facilities subject to existing long-term net leases. In a typical purchase/leaseback transaction, the Company purchases a corporation's facility and leases it back to that corporation subject to a long-term net lease. This structure allows the corporate customer to reinvest the proceeds from the sale of its facilities into its core business, while the Company capitalizes on its structured financing expertise.

        The Company generally intends to hold its CTL assets for long-term investment. However, subject to certain tax restrictions, the Company may dispose of an asset if it deems the disposition to be in the Company's best interests and may either reinvest the disposition proceeds, use the proceeds to reduce debt, or distribute the proceeds to shareholders.

        The Company's CTL investments primarily represent a diversified portfolio of mission-critical headquarters or distribution facilities subject to net lease agreements with creditworthy corporate customers. The Company generally seeks general-purpose real estate with residual values that represent a discount to current market values and replacement costs. Under a typical net lease agreement, the corporate customer agrees to pay a base monthly operating lease payment and all facility operating expenses (including taxes, maintenance and insurance).

        The Company generally seeks corporate customers with the following characteristics:

12


        As of December 31, 2004, the Company had 128 corporate customers operating in more than 21 major industry sectors, including automotive, energy, finance, healthcare, recreation, technology and telecommunications. The majority of these customers represent well-recognized national and international companies, such as Federal Express, IBM, Nike, Nokia, the U.S. Government and Verizon.

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company's CTL portfolio has the following tenant credit characteristics:

 
  Annualized In-Place
Operating
Lease Income(3)

  % of In-Place
Operating
Lease Income

 
  (In thousands)

   
Investment grade(1)   $ 103,949   35.01%
Implied investment grade(2)     43,920   14.79%
Non-investment grade     81,943   27.59%
Unrated     67,138   22.61%
   
 
    $ 296,950   100.00%
   
 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
A customer's credit rating is considered "Investment Grade" if the tenants' or its guarantor has a published senior unsecured credit rating of Baa3/BBB- or above by one or more of the three national rating agencies. Where a customer's credit is rated investment grade by one agency and non-investment grade by another, the Company only classifies the credit "Investment Grade" if the agency rating the credit investment grade is Standard & Poor's or Moody's Investors Service.

(2)
A customer's credit rating is considered "Implied Investment Grade" if it is 100.00% owned by an investment-grade parent or it has no published ratings, but has credit characteristics that the Company believes warrant an investment grade senior unsecured credit rating. Examples at December 31, 2004 include Hewlett-Packard Co., Northrop Grumman Information and Volkswagen of America, Inc.

(3)
Reflects annualized GAAP operating lease income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 for leases in place at December 31, 2004. The operating lease income includes the Company's pro rata share from facilities owned by the Company's joint ventures.

        Risk Management Strategies.    The Company believes that diligent risk management of its CTL assets is an essential component of its long-term strategy. There are several ways to optimize the performance and maximize the value of CTL assets. The Company monitors its portfolio for changes that could affect the performance of the markets, credits and industries in which it has invested. As part of this monitoring, the Company's risk management group reviews market, customer and industry data and frequently inspects its facilities. In addition, the Company attempts to develop strong relationships with its large corporate customers, which provide a source of information concerning the customers' facilities needs. These relationships allow the Company to be proactive in obtaining early lease renewals and in conducting early marketing of assets where the customer has decided not to renew.

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company owned 349 office and industrial, entertainment and retail facilities principally subject to net leases to 127 customers, comprising 32.8 million square feet in 38 states.

13



The Company also has a portfolio of 17 hotels under a long-term master lease with a single customer. Information regarding the Company's CTL assets as of December 31, 2004 is set forth below:

SIC Code

  # of
Leases

  % of In-Place
Operating
Lease Income(1)

  % of Total
Revenue(2)

73   Business Services   15   12.09 % 4.81%
79   Amusement and Recreation Services   4   11.27 % 4.49%
70   Hotels, Rooming, Housing & Lodging   3   8.64 % 3.44%
35   Industrial/Commercial Machinery, incl. Computers   16   8.33 % 3.32%
62   Security and Commodity Brokers   1   7.07 % 2.82%
37   Transportation Equipment   7   6.97 % 2.77%
36   Electronic & Other Elec. Equipment   13   6.39 % 2.55%
48   Communications   7   5.95 % 2.37%
30   Rubber and Misc. Plastics Products   2   5.77 % 2.30%
55   Automotive Dealers and Gasoline Service Stations   25   4.21 % 1.68%
50   Wholesale Trade—Durable Goods   8   2.75 % 1.10%
42   Motor Freight Transp. & Warehousing   3   2.36 % 0.94%
64   Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service   3   2.35 % 0.93%
58   Eating and Drinking Places   13   2.00 % 0.80%
91   Executive, Legislative and General Gov't.   3   1.83 % 0.73%
63   Insurance Carriers   3   1.78 % 0.71%
45   Airports, Flying Fields & Terminal Services   1   1.21 % 0.48%
87   Engineering, Accounting & Research Services   4   1.12 % 0.45%
54   Food Stores   2   1.08 % 0.43%
51   Wholesale Trade—Non-Durable Goods   3   1.02 % 0.41%
93   Public Finance, Taxation, and Monetary Policy   1   1.02 % 0.40%
    Various   14   4.79 % 1.91%
       
 
   
    Total   151   100.00 %  
       
 
   

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Reflects annualized GAAP operating lease income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 for leases in place at December 31, 2004. The operating lease income includes the Company's pro rata share from facilities owned by the Company's joint ventures.

(2)
Reflects annualized GAAP operating lease income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 for leases in place at December 31, 2004 as a percentage of annualized total revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

14


        As of December 31, 2004, lease expirations on the Company's CTL assets, including facilities owned by the Company's joint ventures, are as follows:

Year of Lease Expiration

  Number of Leases Expiring
  Annualized In-Place Operating Lease Income(1)
  % of In-Place Operating Lease
Income

  % of Total
Revenue(2)

 
   
  (In thousands)

   
   
2005   5   $ 2,843   0.96%   0.38%
2006   15     23,874   8.04%   3.20%
2007   14     13,637   4.59%   1.83%
2008   5     9,644   3.25%   1.29%
2009   6     8,096   2.73%   1.09%
2010   11     14,832   4.99%   1.99%
2011   4     2,747   0.93%   0.37%
2012   12     19,532   6.58%   2.62%
2013   5     5,391   1.82%   0.72%
2014   28     21,719   7.31%   2.91%
2015 and thereafter   46     174,635   58.80%   23.42%
   
 
 
   
Total   151   $ 296,950   100.00%    
   
 
 
   
Weighted average
remaining lease term
        11.20 years        
       
       

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Reflects annualized GAAP operating lease income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 for leases in place at December 31, 2004. The operating lease income includes the Company's pro rata share from facilities owned by the Company's joint ventures.

(2)
Reflects annualized GAAP operating lease income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 for leases in place at December 31, 2004 as a percentage of annualized total revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

Policies with Respect to Other Activities

        The Company's investment, financing and conflicts of interests policies are managed under the ultimate supervision of the Company's Board of Directors. The Board of Directors can amend, revise or eliminate these policies at any time without a vote of shareholders. At all times, the Company intends to make investments in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Code for the Company to qualify as a REIT.

Investment Restrictions or Limitations

        The Company does not have any prescribed allocation among investments or product lines. Instead, the Company focuses on corporate and real estate credit underwriting to develop an in-depth analysis of the risk/reward ratios in determining the pricing and advisability of each particular transaction.

        The Company believes that it is not, and intends to conduct its operations so as not to become, regulated as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. The Investment Company Act generally exempts entities that are "primarily engaged in purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and other liens on and interests in real estate" (collectively, "Qualifying Interests"). The Company intends to rely on current interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission in an effort to qualify for this exemption. Based on these interpretations, the Company, among other things, must maintain at least 55.00% of its assets in Qualifying Interests and at least 25.00% of its assets in real estate-related assets (subject to reduction to the extent the Company invests more than 55.00% of its assets in Qualifying Interests). Generally, the Company's senior mortgages, CTL assets and certain of its subordinated mortgages constitute Qualifying Interests.

15



        Subject to the limitations on ownership of certain types of assets and the gross income tests imposed by the Code, the Company also may invest in the securities of other REITs, other entities engaged in real estate activities or other issuers, including for the purpose of exercising control over such entities.

Competition

        The Company is engaged in a competitive business. In originating and acquiring assets, the Company competes with public and private companies, including finance companies, mortgage banks, pension funds, savings and loan associations, insurance companies, institutional investors, investment banking firms and other lenders and industry participants, as well as individual investors. Existing industry participants and potential new entrants compete with the Company for the available supply of investments suitable for origination or acquisition, as well as for debt and equity capital. Certain of the Company's competitors are larger than the Company, have longer operating histories, may have access to greater capital and other resources, may have management personnel with more experience than the officers of the Company, and may have other advantages over the Company in conducting certain businesses and providing certain services.

Regulation

        The operations of the Company are subject, in certain instances, to supervision and regulation by state and federal governmental authorities and may be subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various requirements and restrictions, which, among other things: (1) regulate credit granting activities; (2) establish maximum interest rates, finance charges and other charges; (3) require disclosures to customers; (4) govern secured transactions; and (5) set collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims-handling procedures and other trade practices. Although most states do not regulate commercial finance, certain states impose limitations on interest rates and other charges and on certain collection practices and creditor remedies and require licensing of lenders and financiers and adequate disclosure of certain contract terms. The Company is also required to comply with certain provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act that are applicable to commercial loans.

        In the judgment of management, existing statutes and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on the business conducted by the Company. However, it is not possible to forecast the nature of future legislation, regulations, judicial decisions, orders or interpretations, nor their impact upon the future business, financial condition or results of operations or prospects of the Company.

        The Company has elected and expects to continue to make an election to be taxed as a REIT under Section 856 through 860 of the Code. As a REIT, the Company must currently distribute, at a minimum, an amount equal to 90.00% of its taxable income and must distribute 100.00% of its taxable income to avoid paying corporate federal income taxes. REITs are also subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements in order to elect and maintain REIT status. These requirements include specific share ownership tests and assets and gross income composition tests. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the Company will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates. Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, the Company may be subject to state and local income taxes and to federal income tax and excise tax on its undistributed income.

The American Jobs Creation Act

        The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the "Act") was enacted on October 22, 2004. The Act modifies the manner in which the Company applys the gross income and asset test requirements under the Code. With respect to the asset tests, the Act expands the types of securities that qualify as "straight debt" for purposes of the 10.00% value limitation. The Act also clarifies that certain types of debt instruments, including loans to individuals or estates and securities of a REIT, are not "securities" for purposes of the

16



10.00% value limitation. With respect to the gross income tests, the Act provides that for the Company's taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005, except to the extent provided by Treasury regulations, its income from certain hedging transactions that are clearly identified as hedges under Section 1221 of the Code, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, will be excluded from gross income for purposes of the 95.00% gross income test, to the extent the transaction hedges any indebtedness incurred or to be incurred by the trust to acquire or carry real estate.

        The Act also sets forth rules that permit a REIT to avoid disqualification for de minimis failures (as defined in the Act) to satisfy the 5.00% and 10.00% value limitations under the asset tests if the REIT either disposes of the assets within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the REIT identifies the failure (or such other time period prescribed by the Treasury), or otherwise meets the requirements of such asset tests by the end of such time period. In addition, if a REIT fails to meet any of the asset test requirements for a particular quarter, and the de minimis exception described above does not apply, the REIT may cure such failure if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the REIT identifies such failure to the IRS and disposes of the assets that caused the failure within six months after the last day of the quarter in which the identification occurred, and the REIT pays a tax with respect to the failure equal to the greater of: (i) $50,000; or (ii) an amount determined (pursuant to Treasury regulations) by multiplying the highest rate of tax for corporations under Section 11 of the Code, by the net income generated by the assets for the period beginning on the first date of the failure and ending on the date the REIT has disposed of the assets (or otherwise satisfies the requirements). In addition to the foregoing, the Act also provides that if a REIT fails to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than by reason of a failure to comply with the provisions of the reasonable cause exception to the gross income tests and the provisions described above with respect to failure to comply with the asset tests, the REIT may retain its REIT qualification if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and if the REIT pays a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. The provisions described in this paragraph will only apply to the Company's taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005.

Factors That May Affect the Company's Business Strategy

        The implementation of the Company's business strategy and investment policies are subject to certain risks, including the effect of economic and other conditions in the United States generally and in markets where the Companys' customers, collateral and corporate facilities are located. In addition, the following factors may affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations:

17


Environmental Matters

        Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner of real estate (including, in certain circumstances, a secured lender that succeeds to ownership or control of a property) may become liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, under or in its property. Those laws typically impose cleanup responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or control party knew of or was responsible for the release or presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of those substances may be substantial. The owner or control party of a site may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from a site. Certain environmental laws also impose liability in connection with the handling of or exposure to asbestos-containing materials, pursuant to which third parties may seek recovery from owners of real properties for personal injuries associated with asbestos-containing materials. Absent succeeding to ownership or control of real property, a secured lender is not likely to be subject to any of these forms of environmental liability. The Company is not currently aware of any environmental issues which could materially affect the Company.

Code of Conduct

        The Company has adopted a code of business conduct for all of its employees and directors, including the Company's chief executive officer, chief financial officer, other executive officers and personnel. A copy of the Company's code of conduct is attached to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 14.0 and is also available on the Company's website at www.istarfinancial.com. The Company intends to post on its website material changes to, or waivers from, its code of conduct, if any, within two days of any such event. As of December 31, 2004, there were no such changes or waivers since its adoption in February 2000.

18



Employees

        As of March 1, 2005, the Company had 167 employees and believes its relationships with its employees to be good. The Company's employees are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

Other

        In addition to this Annual Report, the Company files quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. All documents are filed with the SEC and are available free of charge on the Company's corporate website, which is www.istarfinancial.com. Effective as of January 1, 2003, through the Company's website, the Company makes available free of charge its annual proxy statement, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those Reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. You may also read and copy any document filed at the public reference facilities at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 25049. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference facilities. These documents also may be accessed through the SEC's electronic data gathering, analysis and retrieval system ("EDGAR") via electronic means, including the SEC's homepage on the internet at www.sec.gov.


Item 2. Properties

        The Company's principal executive and administrative offices are located at 1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. Its telephone number, general facsimile number and web address are (212) 930-9400, (212) 930-9494 and www.istarfinancial.com, respectively. The lease for the Company's primary corporate office space expires in February 2010. The Company believes that this office space is suitable for its operations for the foreseeable future. The Company also maintains super-regional offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Hartford, Connecticut; and San Francisco, California, as well as regional offices in Boston, Massachusetts and Dallas, Texas.

        See Item 1—"Corporate Tenant Leasing" for a discussion of CTL facilities held by the Company and its Leasing Subsidiary for investment purposes and Item 8—"Schedule III—Corporate Tenant Lease Assets and Accumulated Depreciation" for a detailed listing of such facilities.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

        The Company is not a party to any material litigation or legal proceedings, or to the best of its knowledge, any threatened litigation or legal proceedings which, in the opinion of management, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition.


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004.

19



PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Equity and Related Share Matters

        The Company's Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "SFI."

        The high and low sales prices per share of Common Stock are set forth below for the periods indicated.

Quarter Ended

  High
  Low
2003            
March 31, 2003   $ 29.90   $ 27.05
June 30, 2003   $ 36.60   $ 29.68
September 30, 2003   $ 38.95   $ 35.00
December 31, 2003   $ 40.00   $ 37.25

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 
March 31, 2004   $ 42.95   $ 38.60
June 30, 2004   $ 42.75   $ 34.50
September 30, 2004   $ 41.23   $ 37.03
December 31, 2004   $ 45.57   $ 41.32

        On March 1, 2005, the closing sale price of the Common Stock as reported by the NYSE was $42.75. The Company had 3,236 holders of record of Common Stock as of March 1, 2005.

        At December 31, 2004, the Company had five series of preferred stock outstanding: 8.000% Series D Preferred Stock, 7.875% Series E Preferred Stock, 7.800% Series F Preferred Stock, 7.650% Series G Preferred Stock and 7.500% Series I Preferred Stock. Each of the Series D, E, F, G and I preferred stock is publicly traded.

Dividends

        The Company's management expects that any taxable income remaining after the distribution of preferred dividends and the regular quarterly or other dividends on its Common Stock will be distributed annually to the holders of the Common Stock on or prior to the date of the first regular quarterly dividend payment date of the following taxable year. The dividend policy with respect to the Common Stock is subject to revision by the Board of Directors. All distributions in excess of dividends on preferred stock or those required for the Company to maintain its REIT status will be made by the Company at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on the taxable earnings of the Company, the financial condition of the Company, and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. The Board of Directors has not established any minimum distribution level. In order to maintain its qualifications as a REIT, the Company intends to pay regular quarterly dividends to its shareholders that, on an annual basis, will represent at least 90.00% of its taxable income (which may not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains.

        Holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive distributions if, as and when the Board of Directors authorizes and declares distributions. However, rights to distributions may be subordinated to the rights of holders of preferred stock, when preferred stock is issued and outstanding. In addition, most of the Company's borrowings contain covenants that limit the Company's ability to pay distributions on its capital stock based upon the Company's adjusted earnings provided however, that these borrowings generally permit the Company to pay the minimum amount of distributions necessary to maintain the Company's REIT status. In any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, each outstanding share of Common Stock will entitle its holder to a proportionate share of the assets that remain after the Company pays its liabilities and any preferential distributions owed to preferred shareholders.

20


        The following table sets forth the dividends paid or declared by the Company on its Common Stock:

Quarter Ended

  Shareholder
Record Date

  Dividend/
Share

2003(1)          
March 31, 2003   April 15, 2003   $ 0.6625
June 30, 2003   July 15, 2003   $ 0.6625
September 30, 2003   October 15, 2003   $ 0.6625
December 31, 2003   December 15, 2003   $ 0.6625

2004(2)

 

 

 

 

 
March 31, 2004   April 15, 2004   $ 0.6975
June 30, 2004   July 15, 2004   $ 0.6975
September 30, 2004   October 15, 2004   $ 0.6975
December 31, 2004   December 15, 2004   $ 0.6975

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
For tax reporting purposes, the 2003 dividends were classified as 68.90% ($1.8258) ordinary income, 2.46% ($0.0651) 20.00% capital gain, 1.90% ($0.0503) 15.00% capital gain (post May 5, 2003), 2.67% ($0.0709) 25.00% Section 1250 capital gain and 24.08% ($0.6380) return of capital for those shareholders who held shares of the Company for the entire year.

(2)
For tax reporting purposes, the 2004 dividends were classified as 49.15% ($1.3713) ordinary income, 2.20% ($0.0613) 15.00% capital gain, 7.45% ($0.0278) 25.00% Section 1250 capital gain and 41.20% ($1.1496) return of capital for those shareholders who held shares of the Company for the entire year.

        The Company declared dividends aggregating $920,000, $585,000, $8.0 million, $11.0 million, $7.8 million, $6.1 million, $87,656 and $7.4 million, respectively, on its Series B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I preferred stock, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2004. There are no dividend arrearages on any of the preferred shares currently outstanding.

        Distributions to shareholders will generally be taxable as ordinary income, although a portion of such dividends may be designated by the Company as capital gain or may constitute a tax-free return of capital. The Company annually furnishes to each of its shareholders a statement setting forth the distributions paid during the preceding year and their characterization as ordinary income, capital gain or return of capital.

        The Company intends to continue to declare quarterly distributions on its Common Stock. No assurance, however, can be given as to the amounts or timing of future distributions, as such distributions are subject to the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, debt covenants and such other factors as the Company's Board of Directors deems relevant. On February 15, 2005, the Company announced that, effective April 1, 2005, its Board of Directors approved an increase in the regular quarterly dividend on its Common Stock for 2005 to $0.7325 per share, representing $2.93 per share on an annualized basis.

21



Disclosure of Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category

  (a)
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  (b)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  (c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders-stock options(1)   1,320,611   $ 17.99   913,675
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders-restricted stock awards(2)   411,061     N/A   N/A
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders-high performance units(3)       N/A   N/A
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders        
   
 
 
Total   1,731,672   $ 17.99   913,675
   
 
 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Stock Options—As more fully discussed in Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, there were approximately 1.3 million stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2004. These 1.3 million options, together with their weighted-average exercise price, have been included in columns (a) and (b), above. The 913,675 figure in column (c) represents the aggregate amount of stock options or restricted stock awards that could be granted under compensation plans approved by the Company's security holders after giving effect to previously issued awards of stock options, shares of restricted stock and other performance awards (see Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed description of the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan).

(2)
Restricted Stock—As of December 31, 2004, the Company has issued 1,206,397 shares of restricted stock. The restrictions on 411,061 of such shares primarily relate to the passage of time for vesting periods which have not lapsed, and are thus not included in the Company's outstanding share balance. These shares have been included in column (a), above.

(3)
High Performance Unit Program—In May 2002, the Company's shareholders approved the iStar Financial High Performance Unit Program. The Program is more fully described in the Company's proxy statement dated April 8, 2002 and in Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. The program entitles the employee participants to receive distributions in the nature of common stock dividends if the total rate of return on the Company's Common Stock exceeds certain performance levels. The first, second and third tranches of the program were completed on December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. As a result of the Company's superior performance during the valuation period for all three tranches, the program participants are entitled to share in distributions equivalent to dividends payable on 819,254 shares, 987,149 shares and 1,031,875 shares of the Company's Common Stock, in the aggregate, as and when such dividends are paid by the Company for the 2002, 2003 and 2004 plan, respectively. Such dividend payments for the first tranche began with the first quarter 2003 dividend, for the second tranche began with the first quarter dividend 2004 and those for the third tranche will begin with the first quarter 2005 dividend and will reduce net income allocable to common stockholders when paid. No shares of the Company's Common Stock will be issued in connection with this program and thus no effect has been reflected in the above table.

22



Item 6. Selected Financial Data

        The following table sets forth selected financial data on a consolidated historical basis for the Company. This information should be read in conjunction with the discussions set forth in Item 7—"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands, except per share data and ratios)

 
OPERATING DATA:                                
Interest income   $ 353,799   $ 304,391   $ 255,631   $ 254,119   $ 268,011  
Operating lease income     286,389     232,043     210,033     155,980     148,144  
Other income     54,236     36,677     27,993     30,921     17,902  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total revenue     694,424     573,111     493,657     441,020     434,057  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense     231,027     192,296     184,932     169,585     173,143  
Operating costs—corporate tenant lease assets     22,417     11,553     6,735     5,198     5,811  
Depreciation and amortization     64,541     50,626     42,579     30,645     29,913  
General and administrative     47,912     38,153     30,449     24,151     25,706  
General and administrative—stock-based compensation     109,676     3,633     17,998     3,574     2,864  
Provision for loan losses     9,000     7,500     8,250     7,000     6,500  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt     13,091         12,166     1,620     705  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total costs and expenses     497,664     303,761     303,109     241,773     244,642  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income before equity in earnings from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries, minority interest and other items     196,760     269,350     190,548     199,247     189,415  
Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries     2,909     (4,284 )   1,222     7,361     4,796  
Minority interest in consolidated entities     (716 )   (249 )   (162 )   (218 )   (195 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(1)                 (282 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations     198,953     264,817     191,608     206,108     194,016  
Income from discontinued operations     18,119     22,173     22,945     22,659     20,622  
Gain from discontinued operations     43,375     5,167     717     1,145     2,948  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income   $ 260,447   $ 292,157   $ 215,270   $ 229,912   $ 217,586  
Preferred dividend requirements     (51,340 )   (36,908 )   (36,908 )   (36,908 )   (36,908 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders(2)   $ 209,107   $ 255,249   $ 178,362   $ 193,004   $ 180,678  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Basic earnings per common share(3)

 

$

1.87

 

$

2.52

 

$

1.98

 

$

2.24

 

$

2.11

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Diluted earnings per common share(3)(4)

 

$

1.83

 

$

2.43

 

$

1.93

 

$

2.19

 

$

2.10

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Dividends declared per common share(5)

 

$

2.79

 

$

2.65

 

$

2.52

 

$

2.45

 

$

2.40

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                
Adjusted diluted earnings allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders(6)(8)   $ 270,946   $ 341,777   $ 262,786   $ 254,095   $ 230,371  
EBITDA(7)(8)   $ 561,849   $ 543,235   $ 448,673   $ 435,675   $ 425,991  
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense     2.41x     2.79x     2.42x     2.56x     2.45x  
Ratio of EBITDA to combined fixed charges(9)     1.98x     2.34x     2.02x     2.10x     2.02x  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(10)     1.84x     2.39x     2.05x     2.18x     2.11x  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends(10)     1.51x     2.01x     1.71x     1.80x     1.74x  
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic     110,205     100,314     89,886     86,349     85,441  
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted     112,464     104,101     92,649     88,234     86,151  
Cash flows from:                                
  Operating activities   $ 363,132   $ 338,262   $ 348,793   $ 293,260   $ 219,868  
  Investing activities     (532,395 )   (974,354 )   (1,149,070 )   (349,525 )   (193,805 )
  Financing activities     177,595     700,248     800,541     49,183     (37,719 )
                                 

23



BALANCE SHEET DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Loans and other lending investments, net   $ 3,946,189   $ 3,702,674   $ 3,050,342   $ 2,377,763   $ 2,227,083  
Corporate tenant lease assets, net     2,877,042     2,535,885     2,291,805     1,781,565     1,592,087  
Total assets     7,220,237     6,660,590     5,611,697     4,380,640     4,034,775  
Debt obligations     4,605,674     4,113,732     3,461,590     2,495,369     2,131,967  
Minority interest in consolidated entities     19,246     5,106     2,581     2,650     6,224  
Shareholders' equity     2,455,242     2,415,228     2,025,300     1,787,778     1,787,885  

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Total debt to shareholders' equity     1.9 x   1.7 x   1.7 x   1.4 x   1.2 x

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Represents one-time effect of adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" as of January 1, 2001.

(2)
HPU holders are Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program.

(3)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, net income used to calculate earnings per basic and diluted common share excludes $3,314 and $3,265 of net income allocable to HPU holders, respectively. For the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, net income used to calculate earnings per basic and diluted common share excludes $2,066 and $1,994 of net income allocable to HPU holders, respectively.

(4)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, net income used to calculate earnings per diluted common share includes joint venture income of $3 and $167, respectively.

(5)
The Company generally declares common and preferred dividends in the month subsequent to the end of the quarter.

(6)
Adjusted earnings represents net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders computed in accordance with GAAP, before depreciation, amortization, gain from discontinued operations, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. For the year ended December 31, 2004, adjusted earnings includes a $106.9 million charge related to performance-based vesting of 100,000 restricted shares granted under the Company's long-term incentive plan to the Chief Financial Officer, the vesting of 2.0 million phantom shares on March 30, 2004 to the Chief Executive Officer, the one-time award of Common Stock with a value of $10.0 million to the Chief Executive Officer, the vesting of 155,000 restricted shares granted to several employees and the Company's share of taxes associated with these transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2002, adjusted earnings includes the $15.0 million charge related to the performance based vesting of restricted shares granted under the Company's long-term incentive plan. For years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, adjusted diluted earnings includes approximately $9.6 million, $0, $4.0 million, $1.0 million and $317,000 of cash paid for prepayment penalties associated with early extinguishment of debt. (See reconciliation in Item 7—"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations").

(7)
EBITDA is calculated as net income plus the sum of interest expense and depreciation and amortization (which includes the interest expense and depreciation and amortization reclassed to income from discontinued operations).

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
  (In thousands)

Net income   $ 260,447   $ 292,157   $ 215,270   $ 229,912   $ 217,586
Add: Interest expense(1)     232,919     194,999     185,362     170,121     173,891
Add: Depreciation and amortization(2)     68,483     56,079     48,041     35,642     34,514
   
 
 
 
 
EBITDA   $ 561,849   $ 543,235   $ 448,673   $ 435,675   $ 425,991
   
 
 
 
 

        Explanatory Notes:


(8)
Each of adjusted earnings and EBITDA should be examined in conjunction with net income as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Neither adjusted earnings nor EBITDA should be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indicator of the Company's performance, or to cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of the Company's liquidity, nor is either measure indicative of funds available to fund the Company's cash needs or available for distribution to shareholders. Rather, adjusted earnings and EBITDA

24


(9)
Combined fixed charges are comprised of interest expense (including amortization of original issue discount) and preferred stock dividend requirements.

(10)
For the purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" consist of income from continuing operations before adjustment for minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries, or income or loss from equity investees, income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle plus "fixed charges" and certain other adjustments. "Fixed charges" consist of interest incurred on all indebtedness related to continuing and discontinued operations (including amortization of original issue discount) and the implied interest component of the Company's rent obligations in the years presented.

25



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

General

        The Company is in the business of providing custom-tailored financing solutions to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate. Depending upon market conditions and the Company's views about the economy generally and real estate markets specifically, the Company will adjust its investment focus from time to time and emphasize certain products, industries and geographic markets over others.

        The Company began its business in 1993 through private investment funds formed to take advantage of the underserved segments of the commercial real estate financing markets and what it felt were a lack of well-capitalized lenders capable of servicing the needs of customers in its markets. In March 1998, these private investment funds contributed their approximately $1.1 billion of assets to the Company's predecessor in exchange for a controlling interest in that public company. In November 1999, the Company acquired its leasing subsidiary, TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. ("TriNet" or the "Leasing Subsidiary"), which was then the largest publicly-traded company specializing in corporate sale/leaseback financing for office and industrial facilities (the "TriNet Acquisition"). Concurrent with the TriNet Acquisition, the Company also acquired its former external advisor in exchange for shares of its Common Stock and converted its organizational form to a Maryland corporation. The Company's Common Stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SFI" in November 1999.

        The Company has experienced significant growth since becoming a public company in 1998, having made a number of strategic acquisitions to complement its organic growth and extending its business franchise. Transaction volume for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 was $2.8 billion, compared to $2.2 billion in 2003 and $1.7 billion in 2002. The Company completed 53 financing commitments in 2004, compared to 60 in 2003 and 41 in 2002. Repeat customer business has become a key source of transaction volume for the Company, accounting for approximately 55% of the Company's cumulative volume through the end of 2004. Based upon feedback from its customers, the Company believes that greater recognition of the Company and its reputation for completing highly structured transactions in an efficient manner, have contributed to increases in its transaction volume. The benefits of higher investment volumes were mitigated to an extent by the extremely low interest rate environment in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Low interest rates benefit the Company in that its borrowing costs decrease, but similarly, earnings on its variable-rate lending investments also decrease.

        During the difficult economic and real estate market conditions of 2002 and 2003, the Company focused its investment activity on lower risk investments such as first mortgages and CTL transactions that met its risk adjusted return standards. The Company has experienced minimal losses on its lending investments. In 2003, the Company also focused on re-leasing space at its CTL facilities under longer-term leases in an effort to reduce the impact of lease expirations on the Company's earnings. As of December 31, 2004, the weighted average lease term on the Company's CTL portfolio was 11.2 years and the portfolio was 95% leased.

        The Company has continued to broaden its sources of capital and was particularly active in the capital markets over the past two years. The Company's strong performance and the low interest rate environment enabled the Company to issue preferred equity and debt securities on attractive pricing terms. The Company used the proceeds from the issuances to repay secured indebtedness, to refinance higher cost capital and to fund additional investments. In 2004, the Company continued to make progress on migrating its debt obligations from secured debt towards unsecured debt. While the Company considers it prudent to have a broad array of sources of capital, including secured financing arrangements, the Company will continue to seek to reduce its use of secured debt and increase its use of unsecured debt. As a result of its shift to unsecured debt and its strong credit and operating history, in October of 2004 the Company's senior unsecured debt rating was upgraded to investment grade by Standard & Poors ("S&P") and Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"). As an investment grade issuer, the Company believes that it will have greater access to the unsecured debt markets and a reduced cost of debt capital.

26



        Beginning in 2003, and throughout 2004, the commercial real estate industry attracted large amounts of investment capital. The Company intends to maintain its disciplined approach to underwriting its investments and will adjust its focus away from markets and products where the Company believes that the available pricing terms do not fairly reflect the risks of the investments. As a result of increased investment activity in both the public and private commercial real estate markets, many of the Company's borrowers were able to prepay loans with proceeds from initial public offerings, asset sales or refinancings. As a consequence, the Company experienced a higher level of prepayments in 2004 than in previous years. If interest rates remain low in 2005, the Company expects to see continued levels of high prepayments. The Company's loans generally have some form of call protection, so many of the prepayments generated significant prepayment penalties. Increased prepayment penalties will result in higher current "Other income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, which will be offset by reduced "Interest income" on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations. In 2004, the Company took advantage of the strong real estate sales market by selectively selling certain non-core CTL assets. Sales of assets will result in a reduction in "Operating lease income" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and will also result in "Gains from discontinued operations" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        The Company continues to see strong capital inflows into the real estate sector as interest rates remain at historical low levels and as most markets continue to show improved underlying fundamentals. This increased capital has resulted in a highly competitive real estate financing environment with reduced financing spreads. Despite this trend, the Company will continue to maintain its disciplined investment strategy and deploy its capital to those opportunities that demonstrate the most attractive returns. The Company's lower cost of funds, due to its senior unsecured debt rating upgrade to investment grade by S&P and Moody's in October 2004, should enable the Company to increase the velocity of its originations by making attractive investments that the Company was previously unable to compete effectively for due to its higher cost of capital. In response to these market trends and as part of the continued expansion of its existing real estate, corporate credit and capital markets capabilities, the Company is investing in several new acquisitions and strategic business relationships which should enable it to offer new financing products and to bring its custom-tailored financing approach to several new markets. (See Note 17—Subsequent Events to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Results of Operations

        The Company's earnings for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, reflect the following charges from the first quarter of 2004:

27


Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

        Interest income—Interest income increased by $49.4 million to $353.8 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 from $304.4 million for the same period in 2003. This increase was primarily due to $106.4 million of interest income on new originations or additional fundings, offset by a $56.1 million decrease from the repayment of loans and other lending investments. This increase was also due to an increase in interest income on the Company's variable-rate lending investments as a result of higher average one-month LIBOR rates of 1.50% in 2004, compared to 1.21% in 2003.

        Operating lease income—Operating lease income increased by $54.4 million to $286.4 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 from $232.0 million for the same period in 2003. Of this increase, $63.7 million was attributable to new CTL investments and the consolidation of Sunnyvale in March 2004 and ACRE Simon in November 2004. This increase was partially offset by $9.2 million of lower operating lease income due to vacancies and lower rental rates on certain CTL assets.

        Other income—Other income generally consists of prepayment penalties and realized gains from the early repayment of loans and other lending investments, financial advisory and asset management fees, lease termination fees, mortgage servicing fees, loan participation payments and dividends on certain investments. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, other income included realized gains on sale of lending investments of $8.3 million, income from loan repayments and prepayment penalties of $37.2 million, lease termination, asset management, mortgage servicing and other fees of approximately $6.3 million and other miscellaneous income such as dividend payments of $2.4 million.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, other income included realized gains on sale of lending investments of $16.3 million, income from loan repayments and prepayment penalties of $17.3 million, asset management, mortgage servicing and other fees of approximately $2.6 million and other miscellaneous income such as dividend payments of $489,000.

        Interest expense—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, interest expense increased by $38.7 million to $231.0 million from $192.3 million for the same period in 2003. This increase was primarily due to higher average borrowings on the Company's unsecured debt obligations. This increase was also due to higher average one-month LIBOR rates, which averaged 1.50% in 2004 compared to 1.21% in 2003, on the unhedged portion of the Company's variable-rate debt and by a $3.0 million increase in amortization of deferred financing costs on the Company's debt obligations in 2004 compared to the same period in 2003.

        Operating costs—corporate tenant lease assets—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, operating costs increased by approximately $10.8 million to $22.4 million from $11.6 million for the same period in 2003. This increase is primarily related to new CTL investments and higher unrecoverable operating costs due to vacancies on certain CTL assets.

        Depreciation and amortization—Depreciation and amortization increased by $13.9 million to $64.5 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 from $50.6 million for the same period in 2003. This increase is primarily due to depreciation on new CTL investments.

        General and administrative—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, general and administrative expenses increased by $9.7 million to $47.9 million, compared to $38.2 million for the same period in 2003. This increase is primarily due to an increase in payroll related and other costs resulting from employee growth and the consolidation of iStar Operating.

        General and administrative—stock-based compensation—General and administrative—stock-based compensation increased by $106.1 million to $109.7 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 2003. In the first quarter 2004, the Company recognized a charge of approximately $106.9 million composed of $4.1 million for the performance-based vesting of 100,000 restricted shares granted under the Company's long-term incentive plan to the Chief Financial

28



Officer, $86.0 million for the vesting of 2.0 million phantom shares on March 30, 2004 granted to the Chief Executive Officer, $10.1 million for the one-time award of Common Stock to the Chief Executive Officer and $6.7 million for the vesting of 155,000 restricted shares granted to several employees.

        Provision for loan losses—The Company's charge for provision for loan losses increased to $9.0 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 compared to $7.5 million in the same period in 2003. As more fully discussed in Note 4 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has experienced minimal actual losses on its loan investments to date. The Company considers it prudent to reflect provisions for loan losses on a portfolio basis based upon the Company's assessment of general market conditions, the Company's internal risk management policies and credit risk rating system, industry loss experience, the Company's assessment of the likelihood of delinquencies or defaults, and the value of the collateral underlying its investments. Accordingly, since its first full quarter operating its current business as a public company (the quarter ended June 30, 1998), management has reflected quarterly provisions for loan losses in its operating results.

        Loss on early extinguishment of debt—During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, the Company incurred $755,000 of losses on early extinguishment of debt associated with the amortization of deferred financing costs related to the early repayment of the Company's $48.0 million term loan which had an original maturity of July 2008. The Company also incurred a loss of $251,000 associated the amortization of deferred financing costs related to the early termination of the Company's $300.0 million unsecured credit facility maturing July 2004. In addition, the Company had $11.5 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt associated with the prepayment penalties and amortization of deferred financing costs related to the redemption of $110.0 million of the Company's 8.75% Senior Notes due 2008. In addition, the Company incurred $428,000 of losses associated with the amortization of deferred financing costs related to the early repayment of the Company's $60.0 million term loan which had an original maturity of June 2004. The Company also incurred a loss of $287,000 associated with amortization of deferred financing costs related to the early repayment of the Company's $193.0 million term loan which had an original maturity of July 2004. The Company also incurred a gain of $87,000 associated with the write off of the premium related to the early repayment of the Company's $9.8 million term loan which had an original maturity of June 2005. All of these activities related to the Company's strategies of migrating its borrowings toward more unsecured debt and taking advantage of lower cost refinancing opportunities.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company had no losses on early extinguishment of debt.

        Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries increased by $7.2 million to $2.9 million from $(4.3) million for the same period in 2003. This increase is primarily due to certain lease terminations in 2003 and the conveyance by one of the Company's CTL joint ventures of its interest in two buildings and the related property to the mortgage lender in exchange for satisfaction of its obligations of the related loan in the first quarter of 2004. In addition, the increase is due to the consolidation of iStar Operating and is partially offset by vacancies, the sale of one of the Company's CTL joint venture interests in five buildings in September 2004, the consolidation of Sunnyvale in March 2004 and the consolidation of ACRE Simon in November 2004 (see Note 6 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements).

        Income from discontinued operations—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, operating income earned by the Company on CTL assets sold (prior to their sale) and assets held for sale of approximately $18.1 million and $22.2 million, respectively, is classified as "discontinued operations," even though such income was recognized by the Company prior to the asset dispositions or classification as "Assets held for sale" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        Gain from discontinued operations—During 2004, the Company disposed of 22 CTL assets for net proceeds of $279.6 million, and recognized a gain of approximately $43.4 million.

29



        During 2003, the Company disposed of nine CTL assets for net proceeds of $47.6 million, and recognized a gain of approximately $5.2 million.

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

        Interest income—Interest income increased by $48.8 million to $304.4 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 from $255.6 million for the same period in 2002. This increase was primarily due to $102.3 million of interest income on new originations or additional fundings, offset by a $51.2 million decrease from the repayment of loans and other lending investments. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in interest income on the Company's variable-rate lending investments as the result of lower average one-month LIBOR rates of 1.21% in 2003, compared to 1.77% in 2002.

        Operating lease income—Operating lease income increased by $22.0 million to $232.0 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 from $210.0 million for the same period in 2002. Of this increase, $33.8 million was attributable to new CTL investments. This increase was partially offset by $7.0 million of lower operating lease income due to vacancies on certain CTL assets.

        Other income—Other income generally consists of prepayment penalties and realized gains from the early repayment of loans and other lending investments, financial advisory and asset management fees, lease termination fees, mortgage servicing fees, loan participation payments and dividends on certain investments. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, other income included realized gains on sale of lending investments of $16.3 million, income from loan repayments and prepayment penalties of $17.3 million, asset management, mortgage servicing and other fees of approximately $2.6 million and other miscellaneous income such as dividend payments of $489,000.

        During the 12 months ended December 30, 2002, other income included prepayment penalties and realized gains on sale of lending investments of $12.6 million, asset management, mortgage servicing fees and other fees of approximately $9.0 million, lease termination fees of $2.9 million, loan participation payments of $3.3 million and other miscellaneous income such as dividend payments and insurance claims of $994,000.

        Interest expense—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, interest expense increased by $7.4 million to $192.3 million from $184.9 million for the same period in 2002. This increase was primarily due to the higher average borrowings on the Company's debt obligations, term loans and secured notes. This increase was partially offset by lower average one-month LIBOR rates, which averaged 1.21% in 2003 compared to 1.77% in 2002 on the unhedged portion of the Company's variable-rate debt and by a $4.5 million decrease in amortization of deferred financing costs on the Company's debt obligations in 2003 compared to the same period in 2002.

        Operating costs—corporate tenant lease assets—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, operating costs increased by approximately $4.9 million to $11.6 million from $6.7 million for the same period in 2002. This increase is primarily related to new CTL investments and higher unrecoverable operating costs due to vacancies on certain CTL assets.

        Depreciation and amortization—Depreciation and amortization increased by $8.0 million to $50.6 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 from $42.6 million for the same period in 2002. This increase is primarily due to depreciation on new CTL investments.

        General and administrative—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, general and administrative expenses increased by $7.8 million to $38.2 million, compared to $30.4 million for the same period in 2002. This increase is primarily due to the consolidation of iStar Operating and the result of compensation expense recognized for dividends paid on the Chief Executive Officer's contingently vested phantom shares (See Note 10 to Company's Consolidated Financial Statements).

30



        General and administrative—stock-based compensation—General and administrative—stock-based compensation decreased by $14.4 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 compared to the same period in 2002. In 2002, the Company recognized a charge of approximately $15.0 million related to the performance-based vesting of 500,000 restricted shares granted under the Company's long-term incentive plan and tied to overall shareholder performance (see Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements).

        Provision for loan losses—The Company's charge for provision for loan losses decreased to $7.5 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 compared to $8.3 million for the same period in 2002. As more fully discussed in Note 4 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has experienced minimal actual losses on its loan investments to date. The Company considers it prudent to reflect provisions for loan losses on a portfolio basis based upon the Company's assessment of general market conditions, the Company's internal risk management policies and credit risk rating system, industry loss experience, the Company's assessment of the likelihood of delinquencies or defaults, and the value of the collateral underlying its investments. Accordingly, since its first full quarter operating its current business as a public company (the quarter ended June 30, 1998), management has reflected quarterly provisions for loan losses in its operating results.

        Loss on early extinguishment of debt—During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company had no losses on early extinguishment of debt.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2002, the Company had $12.2 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt associated with the prepayment penalties and amortization of deferred financing fees related to the repayment of the STARs, Series 2000-1 bonds. This loss of $12.2 million represented approximately $8.2 million in unamortized deferred financing costs and approximately $4.0 million in prepayment penalties. In accordance with SFAS No.145 these costs were reclassified from "Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt" into continuing operations for comparative purposes for financial statements for periods after January 1, 2003.

        Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries—During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries decreased by $5.5 million to $(4.3) million from $1.2 million for the same period in 2002. This decrease is primarily due to certain lease terminations in one of the Company's CTL joint venture investments (see Note 6 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements).

        Income from discontinued operations—For the 12 months ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, operating income earned by the Company on CTL assets sold (prior to their sale) and assets held for sale of approximately $22.2 million and $22.9 million, respectively, is classified as "discontinued operations," even though such income was recognized by the Company prior to the asset dispositions or classification as "Assets held for sale" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        Gain from discontinued operations—During 2003, the Company disposed of nine CTL assets for net proceeds of $47.6 million, and recognized a gain of approximately $5.2 million.

        During 2002, the Company disposed of one CTL asset for net proceeds of $3.7 million, and recognized a gain of approximately $595,000. In addition, one of the Company's customers exercised an option to terminate its lease on 50.00% of the land leased from the Company. In connection with this termination, the Company realized $17.5 million in cash lease termination payments, offset by a $17.4 million impairment charge in connection with the termination, resulting in a net gain of approximately $123,000.

Adjusted Earnings

        The Company measures its performance using adjusted earnings in addition to net income. Adjusted earnings represents net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders computed in

31



accordance with GAAP, before depreciation, amortization, gain (loss) from discontinued operations, extraordinary items and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures reflect the Company's share of adjusted earnings calculated on the same basis.

        The Company believes that adjusted earnings is a helpful measure to consider, in addition to net income, because this measure helps the Company to evaluate how its commercial real estate finance business is performing compared to other commercial finance companies, without the effects of certain GAAP adjustments that are not necessarily indicative of current operating performance. The most significant GAAP adjustments that the Company excludes in determining adjusted earnings are depreciation and amortization. As a commercial finance company that focuses on real estate lending and corporate tenant leasing, the Company records significant depreciation on its real estate assets and amortization of deferred financing costs associated with its borrowings. These items do not affect the Company's daily operations, but they do impact financial results under GAAP. By measuring its performance using adjusted earnings and net income, the Company is able to evaluate how its business is performing both before and after giving effect to recurring GAAP adjustments such as depreciation and amortization and, in the case of adjusted earnings, after including earnings from its joint venture interests on the same basis and excluding gains or losses from the sale of assets that will no longer be part of its continuing operations.

        Adjusted earnings is not an alternative or substitute for net income in accordance with GAAP as a measure of the Company's performance. Rather, the Company believes that adjusted earnings is an additional measure that helps analyze how its business is performing. This measure is also used to track compliance with covenants in the Company's borrowing arrangements because several of its material borrowing arrangements have covenants based upon this measure. Adjusted earnings should not be viewed as an alternative measure of either the Company's liquidity or funds available for its cash needs or for distribution to its shareholders. In addition, the Company may not calculate adjusted earnings in the same manner as other companies that use a similarly titled measure.

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Adjusted earnings:                                
  Net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders   $ 209,107   $ 255,249   $ 178,362   $ 193,004   $ 180,678  
  Add: Joint venture income     166     593     991     965     937  
  Add: Depreciation     67,853     55,905     48,041     35,642     34,514  
  Add: Joint venture depreciation and amortization     3,544     7,417     4,433     4,044     3,662  
  Add: Amortization of deferred financing costs     33,651     27,180     31,676     21,303     13,528  
  Less: Gains from discontinued operations     (43,375 )   (5,167 )   (717 )   (1,145 )   (2,948 )
  Add: Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(1)                 282      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted diluted earnings allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders(2)(3)(4)(5)   $ 270,946   $ 341,177   $ 262,786   $ 254,095   $ 230,371  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding(6)

 

 

112,537

 

 

104,248

 

 

93,020

 

 

88,606

 

 

86,523

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Represents one-time effect of adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" as of January 1, 2001.

(2)
For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, adjusted diluted earnings allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders includes $4,261 and $2,659 of adjusted earnings allocable to HPU holders, respectively.

32


(3)
For years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, adjusted diluted earnings allocable to common shareholders includes approximately $9.6 million, $0, $4.0 million, $1.0 million and $317,000 of cash paid for prepayment penalties associated with early extinguishment of debt.

(4)
For the year ended December 31, 2004, adjusted diluted earnings allocable to common shareholders includes a $106.9 million charge related to performance-based vesting of 100,000 restricted shares granted under the Company's long-term incentive plan to the Chief Financial Officer, the vesting of 2.0 million phantom shares on March 30, 2004 granted to the Chief Executive Officer, the one-time award of Common Stock with a value of $10.0 million to the Chief Executive Officer, the vesting of 155,000 restricted shares granted to several employees and the Company's share of taxes associated with all transactions.

(5)
For the year ended December 31, 2002, adjusted diluted earnings allocable to common shareholders includes a $15.0 million charge related to performance-based vesting of restricted shares granted under the Company's long-term incentive plan.

(6)
In addition to the GAAP defined weighted average diluted shares outstanding these balances include an additional 73,000 shares, 147,000 shares, 371,000 shares, 372,000 shares and 372,000 shares for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, relating to the additional dilution of joint venture shares.

Risk Management

        First Dollar and Last Dollar Exposure—One component of the Company's risk management assessment is an analysis of the Company's first and last dollar loan-to-value percentage with respect to the facilities or companies the Company finances. First dollar loan-to-value represents the weighted average beginning point for the Company's lending exposure in the aggregate capitalization of the underlying facilities or companies it finances. Last dollar loan-to-value represents the weighted average ending point for the Company's lending exposure in the aggregate capitalization of the underlying facilities or companies it finances.

        Loans and Other Lending Investments Credit Statistics—The table below summarizes the Company's loans and other lending investments that are more than 90-days past due in scheduled payments and details the provision for loan losses associated with the Company's lending investments for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

 
  As of December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  $
  %
  $
  %
 
Carrying value of loans past due 90 days or more/                      
  As a percentage of total assets   $ 27,526   0.38 % $ 27,480   0.41 %
  As a percentage of total loans         0.69 %       0.74 %

Provision for loan losses/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  As a percentage of total assets     42,436   0.59 %   33,436   0.50 %
  As a percentage of total loans         1.06 %       0.89 %

Net charge-offs/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  As a percentage of total assets       0.00 %   3,314   0.05 %
  As a percentagle of total loans         0.00 %       0.09 %

        Non-Performing Loans—Non-performing loans includes all loans on non-accrual status and repossessed real estate collateral. The Company transfers loans to non-accrual status at such time as: (1) the loan becomes 90 days delinquent; (2) the loan has a maturity default; or (3) the net realizable value of the loan's underlying collateral approximates the Company's carrying value of such loan. Interest income is recognized only upon actual cash receipt for loans on non-accrual status. As of December 31, 2004, the Company's non-performing loans included two non-accrual loans with an aggregate carrying value of $27.5 million, or 0.38% of total assets, compared to 0.41% at December 31, 2003, and no repossessed real estate collateral. Management believes there is adequate collateral to support the book values of the assets.

33



        Watch List Assets—The Company conducts a quarterly comprehensive credit review, resulting in an individual risk rating being assigned to each asset. This review is designed to enable management to evaluate and proactively manage asset-specific credit issues and identify credit trends on a portfolio-wide basis as an "early warning system." As of December 31, 2004, the Company had two assets on its credit watch list, excluding those assets included in non-performing loans above, with an aggregate carrying value of $64.1 million, or 0.89% of total assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The Company requires significant capital to fund its investment activities and operating expenses. The Company has sufficient access to capital resources to fund its existing business plan, which includes the expansion of its real estate lending and corporate tenant leasing businesses. The Company's capital sources include cash flow from operations, borrowings under lines of credit, additional term borrowings, unsecured corporate debt financing, financings secured by the Company's assets, and the issuance of common, convertible and/or preferred equity securities. Further, the Company may acquire other businesses or assets using its capital stock, cash or a combination thereof.

        The distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code limit the Company's ability to retain earnings and thereby replenish or increase capital committed to its operations. However, the Company believes that its access to significant capital resources and financing will enable the Company to meet current and anticipated capital requirements.

        The Company believes that its existing sources of funds will be adequate for purposes of meeting its short- and long-term liquidity needs. The Company's ability to meet its long-term (i.e., beyond one year) liquidity requirements is subject to obtaining additional debt and equity financing. Any decision by the Company's lenders and investors to provide the Company with financing will depend upon a number of factors, such as the Company's compliance with the terms of its existing credit arrangements, the Company's financial performance, industry or market trends, the general availability of and rates applicable to financing transactions, such lenders' and investors' resources and policies concerning the terms under which they make capital commitments and the relative attractiveness of alternative investment or lending opportunities.

        The following table outlines the contractual obligations related to the Company's long-term debt agreements and operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2004. There are no other long-term liabilities of the Company that would constitute a contractual obligation.

 
   
  Principal Payments Due By Period(1)
 
  Total
  Less Than
1 Year

  2–3
Years

  4–5
Years

  6–10
Years

  After 10
Years

 
  (In thousands)

Long-Term Debt Obligations:                                    
Unsecured notes   $ 2,125,000   $   $ 250,000   $ 775,000   $ 1,000,000   $ 100,000
iStar Asset Receivables secured notes(2)     932,914     113,309         202,052     617,553    
Unsecured revolving credit facilities     840,000             840,000        
Secured term loans(3)     686,408     76,670     132,164     289,199     98,306     90,069
Secured revolving credit facilities     78,586         78,586            
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total     4,662,908     189,979     460,750     2,106,251     1,715,859     190,069
Operating Lease Obligations:(4)     12,868     2,871     5,688     3,784     525    
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Total   $ 4,675,776   $ 192,850   $ 466,438   $ 2,110,035   $ 1,716,384   $ 190,069
   
 
 
 
 
 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Assumes exercise of extensions on the Company's long-term debt obligations to the extent such extensions are at the Company's option.

(2)
Based on expected proceeds from principal payments received on loan assets collateralizing such notes.

34


(3)
The Company also has a $6.6 million letter of credit outstanding as additional collateral for one of its secured term loans.

(4)
The Company also has a $1.0 million letter of credit outstanding as security for its primary corporate office lease.

        The Company's primary credit facility is an unsecured credit facility totaling $1,250.0 million which bears interest at LIBOR + 0.875% per annum and matures in April 2008. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $840.0 million drawn under this facility (see Note 7 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company also has four LIBOR-based secured revolving credit facilities with an aggregate maximum capacity of $1.8 billion, of which $78.6 million was drawn as of December 31, 2004. Availability under these facilities is based on collateral provided under a borrowing base calculation.

        The Company's debt obligations contain covenants that are both financial and non-financial in nature. Significant financial covenants include limitations on the Company's ability to incur indebtedness beyond specified levels and a requirement to maintain specified ratios of unsecured indebtedness compared to unencumbered assets.

        Significant non-financial covenants include a requirement in its publicly-held debt securities that the Company offer to repurchase those securities at a premium if the Company undergoes a change of control. As of December 31, 2004, the Company believes it is in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants on its debt obligations.

        Unencumbered Assets/Unsecured Debt—The Company has made and will continue to make progress in migrating its balance sheet towards more unsecured debt, which generally results in a corresponding reduction of secured debt and an increase in unencumbered assets. The exact timing in which the Company will issue or borrow unsecured debt will be subject to market conditions. The following table shows the ratio of unencumbered assets to unsecured debt at December 31, 2004 and 2003 (in thousands):

 
  As of December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
Total Unencumbered Assets   $ 4,687,044   $ 2,167,388
Total Unsecured Debt(1)   $ 2,965,000   $ 1,315,000
Unencumbered Assets/Unsecured Debt     158%     165%

Explanatory Note:


(1)
See Note 7 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed description of the Company's unsecured debt.

        Capital Markets Financings—The Company was an active issuer in the capital markets in the year ended December 31, 2004. The continued strength of the Company's operating performance and the low interest rate environment provided the Company with the opportunity to issue preferred equity and unsecured debt securities on attractive pricing terms. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued $850.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate Senior Notes bearing interest at annual rates ranging from 4.875% to 5.700% and maturing between 2009 and 2014, and $200.0 million of variable-rate Senior Notes bearing interest at an annual rate of three-month LIBOR + 1.25% and maturing in 2007. The Company issued 8.3 million shares of preferred stock in two series with cumulative annual dividend rates of 7.50%.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company issued $685.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate Senior Notes bearing interest at annual rates ranging from 6.00% to 7.00% and maturing between 2008 and 2013. The Company issued 12.8 million shares of preferred stock in three series with cumulative annual dividend rates ranging from 7.650% to 7.875%. All of the shares of preferred stock have a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The Company also issued 5.0 million shares of Common Stock in 2003 at a price to the public of $38.50 per share.

35



        The Company primarily used the proceeds from the issuances of securities described above to repay secured indebtedness as it migrates its balance sheet towards more unsecured debt and to refinance higher yielding obligations. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, the Company redeemed approximately $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.75% Senior Notes due 2008 at a price of 108.75% of par. In connection with this redemption, the Company recognized a charge to income of $11.5 million included in "Loss on early extinguishment of debt" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also retired its 3.3 million shares of Series H Variable Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. In addition, the Company redeemed all of its 2.0 million shares of 9.375% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and all of its 1.3 million shares of 9.200% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. In connection with this redemption, the Company recognized a charge to net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders of approximately $9.0 million included in "Preferred dividend requirements" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company retired all of its 4.0 million shares of 9.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and the 6.75% Dealer Remarketable Securities of its Leasing Subsidiary.

        On November 14, 2002, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 8.0 million primary shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Company received approximately $202.9 million from the offering and used these proceeds to repay a portion of its secured debt.

36


        Unsecured/Secured Credit Facilities Activity—On July 20, 2004, one of the Company's $500.0 million secured facilities was amended to reduce the maximum amount available to $350.0 million, to extend the final maturity to August 2005 and to reduce the stated interest rate on first mortgage collateral to LIBOR + 1.50%.

        On April 19, 2004, the Company completed a new $850.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with 19 banks and financial institutions. The new facility has a three-year initial term with a one-year extension at the Company's option. The facility bears interest, based upon the Company's current credit ratings, at a rate of LIBOR + 0.875% and a 17.5 basis point annual facility fee decreased from LIBOR + 1.00% and 25 basis points, respectively, due to an upgrade in the Company's senior unsecured debt rating to investment grade by S&P. On December 17, 2004, the commitment on this facility was increased to $1,250.0 million and the accordion feature was amended to increase the facility to $1.5 billion in the future if necessary. This new facility replaced a $300.0 million unsecured credit facility with a scheduled maturity of July 2004.

        On March 12, 2004, one of the Company's $700.0 million secured facilities was amended to reduce the maximum amount available to $250.0 million, to shorten the maturity to March 2005 and to reduce the stated interest rate on first mortgages and CTL assets to LIBOR + 1.50% and on subordinate and mezzanine lending investments to LIBOR + 2.05%

        On January 13, 2004, the Company closed $200.0 million of term financing that is secured by certain corporate bond investments and other lending securities. A number of these investments were previously financed under existing credit facilities. The new facility bears interest at LIBOR + 1.05% - 1.50% and has a final maturity date of January 2006.

        On January 27, 2003, the Company extended the maturity on one of its $700.0 million secured facilities to January 2007, which includes a one-year "term-out" at the Company's option.

        On September 30, 2002, the Company closed a $500.0 million secured revolving credit facility with a leading financial institution. The facility had a three-year term and bears interest at LIBOR + 1.50% to 2.25%, depending upon the collateral contributed to the borrowing base. The facility accepts a broad range of structured finance and CTL assets and has a final maturity of September 2005. On November 4, 2003, this facility was amended to include subordinate and mezzanine lending investments as collateral at stated interest rates of LIBOR + 2.15% - 2.25%

        Other Financing Activity—During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, the Company purchased the remaining interest in the ACRE Simon joint venture from the former ACRE Simon external member for $40.1 million. Upon purchase of the interest, the ACRE Simon joint venture became fully consolidated for accounting purposes and approximately $31.8 million of secured term debt is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The term loans bear interest at rates of 7.61% to 8.73% and mature between 2005 and 2011. In addition, the Company repaid a total of $314.6 million in term loan financing, $9.8 million of which was part of the ACRE Simon acquisition.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company closed an aggregate of $233.0 million in secured term debt bearing interest at rates ranging from LIBOR + 0.60% - 2.125% and maturing between 2003 to 2008. In addition, the Company repaid $125.0 million of term loan financing, $50.0 million of which had been closed during the same year.

        In addition, during the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company issued iStar Asset Receivables ("STARs"), Series 2003-1, the Company's proprietary match funding program, consisting of $645.8 million of investment-grade bonds secured by the subsidiary's structured finance and CTL assets, which had an aggregate outstanding carrying value of approximately

37



$738.1 million at inception. Principal payments received on the assets will be utilized to repay the most senior class of the bonds then outstanding. The maturity of the bonds match funds the maturity of the underlying assets financed under the program. The weighted average interest rate on the bonds, on an all-floating rate basis, was approximately LIBOR + 0.47% at inception. For accounting purposes, this transaction was treated as a secured financing: the underlying assets and STARs liabilities remained on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and no gain on sale was recognized.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2002, the Company purchased the remaining interest in the Milpitas joint venture from the Milpitas external member for $27.9 million. Upon purchase of the interest, the Milpitas joint venture became fully consolidated for accounting purposes and approximately $79.1 million of secured term debt is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. This term loan bears interest at 6.55% and matures in 2005. In addition, the Company closed a $61.5 million term loan financing with a leading institution to fund a portion of an $82.1 million CTL investment. The non-recourse loan is fixed rate and bears interest at 6.412%, matures in 2013 and amortizes over a 30-year schedule.

        In addition, during the 12 months ended December 31, 2002, the Company repaid the then remaining $446.2 million of bonds outstanding under its STARs, Series 2000-1 financing. Simultaneously, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company issued STARs, Series 2002-1, consisting of $885.1 million of investment-grade bonds secured by the subsidiary's structured finance and CTL assets, which had an aggregate outstanding carrying value of approximately $1.1 billion at inception. Principal payments received on the assets will be utilized to repay the most senior class of the bonds then outstanding. The maturity of the bonds match funds the maturity of the underlying assets financed under the program. The weighted average interest rate on the bonds, on an all-floating rate basis, was approximately LIBOR + 0.56% at inception. For accounting purposes, this transaction was treated as a secured financing: the underlying assets and STARs liabilities remained on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and no gain on sale was recognized.

        Hedging Activities—The Company has variable-rate lending assets and variable-rate debt obligations. These assets and liabilities create a natural hedge against changes in variable interest rates. This means that as interest rates increase, the Company earns more on its variable-rate lending assets and pays more on its variable-rate debt obligations and, conversely, as interest rates decrease, the Company earns less on its variable-rate lending assets and pays less on its variable-rate debt obligations. When the amount of the Company's variable-rate debt obligations exceeds the amount of its variable-rate lending assets, the Company utilizes derivative instruments to limit the impact of changing interest rates on its net income. The Company has a policy in place, that is administered by the Audit Committee, which requires the Company to enter into hedging transactions to mitigate the impact of rising interest rates on the Company's earnings. The policy states that a 100 basis point increase in short-term rates cannot have a greater than 2.50% impact on quarterly earnings. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge assets or for speculative purposes. The derivative instruments the Company uses are typically in the form of interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. Interest rate swaps effectively change variable-rate debt obligations to fixed-rate debt obligations. Interest rate caps effectively limit the maximum interest rate on variable-rate debt obligations.

        In addition, when appropriate the Company enters into interest rate swaps that convert fixed-rate debt to variable rate in order to mitigate the risk of changes in fair value of the fixed-rate debt obligations.

        The primary risks from the Company's use of derivative instruments are the risks that a counterparty to a hedging arrangement could default on its obligation and the risk that the Company may have to pay certain costs, such as transaction fees or breakage costs, if a hedging arrangement is terminated by the Company. As a matter of policy, the Company enters into hedging arrangements with counterparties that are large, creditworthy financial institutions typically rated at least "A" by S&P and "A2" by Moody's. The

38



Company's hedging strategy is approved and monitored by the Company's Audit Committee on behalf of its Board of Directors and may be changed by the Board of Directors without shareholder approval.

        The Company has entered into the following cash flow and fair value hedges that are outstanding as of December 31, 2004. All hedges are currently effective and no ineffectiveness exists. The net value (liability) associated with these hedges is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands).

Type of Hedge

  Notional
Amount

  Strike Price or
Swap Rate

  Trade
Date

  Maturity
Date

  Estimated
Value at
December 31, 2004

 
Pay-Fixed Swap   $ 125,000   2.885%   1/23/03   6/25/06   $ 544  
Pay-Fixed Swap     125,000   2.838%   2/11/03   6/25/06     632  
Pay-Fixed Swap     67,000   4.659%   12/09/04   3/31/15     217  
Pay-Fixed Swap     67,000   4.659%   12/09/04   3/31/15     217  
Pay-Fixed Swap     66,000   4.660%   12/09/04   3/31/15     208  
Pay-Floating Swap     200,000   4.381%   12/17/03   12/15/10     (55 )
Pay-Floating Swap     105,000   3.678%   1/15/04   1/15/09     (1,339 )
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   4.345%   12/17/03   12/15/10     (219 )
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   3.878%   11/27/02   8/15/08     1,030  
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   3.713%   1/15/04   1/15/09     (1,128 )
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   3.686%   1/15/04   1/15/09     (1,239 )
Pay-Floating Swap     50,000   3.810%   11/27/02   8/15/08     389  
Pay-Floating Swap     50,000   4.290%   12/17/03   12/15/10     (256 )
Pay-Floating Swap     45,000   3.684%   1/15/04   1/15/09     (562 )
LIBOR Cap     345,000   8.000%   5/22/02   5/28/14     4,465  
LIBOR Cap     135,000   6.000%   9/29/03   10/15/06     19  
                     
 
Total Estimated Value                     $ 2,923  
                     
 

        Between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2004, the Company also had outstanding the following cash flow hedges that have expired or been settled (in thousands):

Type of Hedge

  Notional
Amount

  Strike Price or
Swap Rate

  Trade
Date

  Maturity
Date

Pay-Fixed Swap   $ 235,000   1.135%   3/11/04   9/15/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     200,000   1.144%   3/11/04   9/15/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     200,000   1.144%   3/11/04   9/15/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     125,000   7.058%   6/15/00   6/25/03
Pay-Fixed Swap     125,000   7.055%   6/15/00   6/25/03
Pay-Fixed Swap     100,000   4.139%   9/29/03   1/2/11
Pay-Fixed Swap     100,000   4.643%   9/29/03   1/2/14
Pay-Fixed Swap     100,000   4.484%   1/16/04   5/1/14
Pay-Fixed Swap     75,000   5.580%   11/4/99(1 ) 12/1/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     50,000   4.502%   1/16/04   5/1/14
Pay-Fixed Swap     50,000   4.500%   1/16/04   5/1/14
LIBOR Cap     75,000   7.750%   11/4/99(1 ) 12/1/04
LIBOR Cap     35,000   7.750%   11/4/99(1 ) 12/1/04

Explanatory Note:


(1)
Acquired in connection with the TriNet Acquisition (see Note 1).

39


        On December 9, 2004, the Company entered into three forward starting swaps all with ten-year terms and rates of 4.659%, 4.659% and 4.660% and notional amounts of $67.0 million, $67.0 million and $66.0 million, respectively, and are being used to lock-in swap rates related to a portion of planned future corporate unsecured fixed-rate bond issuances. These three swaps were settled on March 1, 2005 in connection with the Company's issuance of $700.0 million of seven-year Senior Notes (see Note 17 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements).

        On March 11, 2004, the Company entered into three pay-fixed interest rate swaps all with six-month terms, rates of 1.135%, 1.144% and 1.144% and notional amounts of $235.0 million, $200.0 million and $200.0 million, respectively. These three swaps matured on September 15, 2004.

        On January 16, 2004, the Company entered into three forward starting swaps all with ten-year terms and rates of 4.484%, 4.502% and 4.500% and notional amounts of $100.0 million, $50.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and were used to lock-in swap rates related to a portion of planned future corporate unsecured fixed-rate bond issuances. These three swaps were settled in connection with the Company's issuance of $250.0 million of ten-year Senior Notes in March 2004.

        On January 15, 2004, in connection with the Company's fixed-rate corporate bonds, the Company entered into four pay-floating interest rate swaps struck at 3.678%, 3.713%, 3.686% and 3.684% with notional amounts of $105.0 million, $100.0 million, $100.0 million and $45.0 million, respectively, and maturing on January 15, 2009. The Company pays six-month LIBOR and receives the stated fixed rate in return. These swaps mitigate the risk of changes in the fair value of $350.0 million of five-year Senior Notes attributable to changes in LIBOR. For accounting purposes, the difference between the fixed rate received and the LIBOR rate paid on the notional amount of the swap is recorded as "Interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the Company adjusts the value of the swap to its fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged liability by an offsetting amount on a quarterly basis.

        During 2003, the Company entered into two 90-day forward starting swaps each having a $100.0 million notional amount. These pay-fixed swaps which were effective in September 2003, had rates of 4.139% and 4.643%, had seven-year and ten-year terms, respectively, and were used to lock-in swap rates related to a portion of planned future corporate unsecured fixed-rate bond issuances. These two swaps were settled in connection with the Company's issuance of $350.0 million of seven-year Senior Notes and $150.0 million of ten-year Senior Notes. In addition, effective in September 2003, the Company entered into a $135.0 million cap with a rate of 6.00% to hedge the Company's current outstanding floating-rate debt. This cap has a three-year term. Further, the Company entered into two $125.0 million forward starting swaps in the first quarter 2003 that became effective in June 2003. These forward starting swaps replaced the two $125.0 million pay-fixed swaps that expired in June 2003. The two new pay-fixed swaps have a three-year term and expire on June 25, 2006.

        In addition, in connection with a portion of the Company's fixed-rate corporate bonds, the Company entered into three pay-floating interest rate swaps in December 2003 struck at 4.381%, 4.345% and 4.29% with notional amounts of $200.0 million, $100.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and maturing on December 15, 2010 and also entered into two pay-floating interest rate swaps in November 2002 struck at 3.8775% and 3.81% with notional amounts of $100.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and maturing on August 15, 2008. The Company pays six-month LIBOR on the swaps entered into in December 2003 and one-month LIBOR on the swaps entered into in November 2002 and receives the stated fixed rate in return. These swaps mitigate the risk of changes in the fair value of $350.0 million of seven-year Senior Notes and $150.0 million of ten-year Senior Notes attributable to changes in LIBOR. For accounting purposes, the difference between the fixed rate received and the LIBOR rate paid on the notional amount of the swap is recorded as "Interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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In addition, the Company adjusts the value of the swap to its fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged liability by an offsetting amount on a quarterly basis.

        In connection with STARs, Series 2003-1 in May 2003, the Company entered into a LIBOR interest rate cap struck at 6.95% in the notional amount of $270.6 million, and simultaneously sold a LIBOR interest rate cap with the same terms. Since these instruments do not change the Company's net interest rate risk exposure, they do not qualify as hedges and changes in their respective values are charged to earnings. As the terms of these arrangements are substantially the same, the effects of a revaluation of these two instruments substantially offset one another.

        In connection with STARs, Series 2002-1 in May 2002, the Company entered into a LIBOR interest rate cap struck at 8.00% in the notional amount of $345.0 million. The Company utilizes the provisions of SFAS No. 133 with respect to such instruments. SFAS No. 133 provides that the up-front fees paid on option-based products such as caps should be expensed into earnings based on the allocation of the premium to the affected periods as if the agreement were a series of "caplets." These allocated premiums are then reflected as a charge to income (as part of interest expense) in the affected period. On May 28, 2002, in connection with the STARs, Series 2002-1 transaction, the Company paid a premium of $13.7 million for this interest rate cap. Using the "caplet" methodology discussed above, amortization of the cap premium is dependent upon the actual value of the caplets at inception.

        During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company refinanced its $125.0 million term loan maturing March 15, 1999 with a $155.4 million term loan maturing March 5, 2009. The term loan bears interest at 7.44% per annum, payable monthly, and amortizes over an approximately 22-year schedule. The term loan represented forecasted transactions for which the Company had previously entered into U.S. Treasury-based hedging transactions. The net $3.4 million cost of the settlement of such hedges has been deferred and is being amortized as an increase to the effective financing cost of the term loan over its effective ten-year term.

        Off-Balance Sheet Transactions—The Company is not dependent on the use of any off-balance sheet financing arrangements for liquidity. As of December 31, 2004, the Company did not have any CTL joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, which had third-party debt.

        The Company's STARs securitizations are all on-balance sheet financings.

        The Company has certain discretionary and non-discretionary unfunded commitments related to its loans and other lending investments that it may need to, or choose to, fund in the future. Discretionary commitments are those under which the Company has sole discretion with respect to future funding. Non-discretionary commitments are those that the Company is generally obligated to fund at the request of the borrower or upon the occurrence of events outside of the Company's direct control. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had 25 loans with unfunded commitments totaling $678.9 million, of which $202.5 million was discretionary and $476.4 million was non-discretionary. In addition, the Company has $32.8 million of non-discretionary unfunded commitments related to two existing customers. These commitments generally fall into two categories: (1) pre-approved capital improvement projects; and (2) new or additional construction costs. Currently, the Company has committed $18.1 million in pre-approved capital improvement projects and $14.7 million in new construction costs. Further, the Company had one equity investment with unfunded non-discretionary commitments of $5.0 million.

        Ratings Triggers—The $1,250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility that the Company has in place at December 31, 2004, bears interest at LIBOR + 0.875% per annum based on the Company's senior unsecured credit ratings of BBB- from S&P, Baa3 from Moody's and BBB- from Fitch Ratings. This rate was reduced from LIBOR + 1.00% due to the Company achieving an investment grade senior unsecured

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debt rating from S&P in October 2004. There are no other ratings triggers in any of the Company's debt instruments or other operating or financial agreements at December 31, 2004.

        On October 6, 2004, Moody's upgraded the Company's senior unsecured debt ratings to Baa3, with a stable outlook, up from Ba1. The upgraded rating reflects the shift towards unsecured debt and the resulting increase in unencumbered assets, the continued profitable growth in iStar's business franchise, the strong quality of both the structured finance and CTL business and the active management of those businesses.

        On October 5, 2004, the Company's senior unsecured credit rating was upgraded to an investment grade rating of BBB- from BB+ by S&P as a result of the Company's positive track record of improving performance through a slightly difficult real estate cycle, its strong underwriting and servicing capabilities, the increase in capital base, the shift towards unsecured debt to free up assets and the staggering of maturities on secured debt.

        On July 30, 2002, the Company's senior unsecured credit rating was upgraded to an investment grade rating of BBB- from BB+ by Fitch Ratings.

        Transactions with Related Parties—The Company has an investment in iStar Operating Inc. ("iStar Operating"), a taxable subsidiary that, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, services the Company's loans and certain loan portfolios owned by third parties. The Company owns all of the non-voting preferred stock and a 95.00% economic interest in iStar Operating. The common shareholder, an entity controlled by a former director of the Company, is the owner of all the voting common stock and a 5.00% economic interest in iStar Operating. As of December 31, 2004, there have never been any distributions to the common shareholder, nor does the Company expect to make any in the future. At any time, the Company has the right to acquire all of the common stock of iStar Operating at fair market value, which the Company believes to be nominal.

        iStar Operating has elected to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary for purposes of maintaining compliance with the REIT provisions of the Code. Prior to July 1, 2003 it was accounted for under the equity method for financial statement reporting purposes and was presented in "Investments in and advances to joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of July 1, 2003, the Company consolidates this entity as a VIE (see Note 3 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements) with no material impact. Prior to its consolidation, the Company charged an allocated portion of its general overhead expenses to iStar Operating based on the number of employees at iStar Operating as a percentage of the Company's total employees. These general overhead expenses were in addition to the direct general and administrative costs of iStar Operating. As of December 31, 2004, iStar Operating had no debt obligations.

        In addition, the Company had an investment in TriNet Management Operating Company, Inc. ("TMOC"), an entity originally formed to make a $2.0 million investment in the convertible debt securities of a real estate company which trades on the Mexican Stock Exchange. This investment was made by TriNet prior to its acquisition by the Company in 1999. On June 30, 2003, the $2.0 million investment was fully repaid and during the third quarter 2003, the entity was liquidated.

        As more fully described in Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements certain affiliates of Starwood Opportunity Fund IV, L.P. and the Company's Executive Officer have reimbursed the Company for the value of restricted shares awarded to the Company's former President in excess of 350,000 shares.

        DRIP/Stock Purchase Plan—The Company maintains a dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan. Under the dividend reinvestment component of the plan, the Company's shareholders may

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purchase additional shares of Common Stock without payment of brokerage commissions or service charges by automatically reinvesting all or a portion of their Common Stock cash dividends. Under the direct stock purchase component of the plan, the Company's shareholders and new investors may purchase shares of Common Stock directly from the Company without payment of brokerage commissions or service charges. All purchases of shares in excess of $10,000 per month pursuant to the direct purchase component are at the Company's sole discretion. Shares issued under the plan may reflect a discount of up to 3.00% from the prevailing market price of the Company's Common Stock. The Company is authorized to issue up to 8.0 million shares of Common Stock pursuant to the dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company issued a total of approximately 427,000 and 2.6 million shares of its Common Stock, respectively, through the direct stock purchase component of the plan. Net proceeds during the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 were approximately $17.6 million and $89.1 million, respectively. There are approximately 3.1 million shares available for issuance under the plan as of December 31, 2004.

        Stock Repurchase Program—The Board of Directors approved, and the Company has implemented, a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 5.0 million shares of its Common Stock from time to time, primarily using proceeds from the disposition of assets or loan repayments and excess cash flow from operations, but also using borrowings under its credit facilities if the Company determines that it is advantageous to do so. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 2.3 million shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $40.7 million. The Company has not repurchased any shares under the stock repurchase program since November 2000.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. The Company does not believe that there is a great likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported related to the accounting policies described below. However, application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.

        Management has the obligation to ensure that its policies and methodologies are in accordance with GAAP. During 2004, management reviewed and evaluated its critical accounting policies and believes them to be appropriate. The Company's accounting policies are described in Note 3 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Management believes the more significant of these to be as follows:

        Revenue Recognition—The most significant sources of the Company's revenue come from its lending operations and its CTL operations. For its lending operations, the Company reflects income using the effective yield method, which recognizes periodic income over the expected term of the investment on a constant yield basis. For CTL assets, the Company recognizes income on the straight-line method, which effectively recognizes contractual lease payments to be received by the Company evenly over the term of the lease. Management believes the Company's revenue recognition policies are appropriate to reflect the substance of the underlying transactions.

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        Provision for Loan Losses—The Company's accounting policies require that an allowance for estimated credit losses be reflected in the financial statements based upon an evaluation of known and inherent risks in its private lending assets. While the Company and its private predecessors have experienced minimal actual losses on their lending investments, management considers it prudent to reflect provisions for loan losses on a portfolio basis based upon the Company's assessment of general market conditions, the Company's internal risk management policies and credit risk rating system, industry loss experience, the Company's assessment of the likelihood of delinquencies or defaults, and the value of the collateral underlying its investments. Actual losses, if any, could ultimately differ from these estimates.

        Allowance for doubtful accounts—The Company's accounting policy requires a reserve on the Company's accrued operating lease income receivable balances and on the deferred operating lease income receivable balances. The reserve covers asset specific problems (e.g., bankruptcy) as they arise, as well as, a portfolio reserve based on management's evaluation of the credit risks associated with these receivables.

        Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—CTL assets represent "long-lived" assets for accounting purposes. The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets to be held and used in its leasing operations for impairment in value whenever any events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. In management's opinion, based on this analysis, CTL assets to be held and used are not carried at amounts in excess of their estimated recoverable amounts.

        Risk Management and Financial Instrument—The Company has historically utilized derivative financial instruments only as a means to help to manage its interest rate risk exposure on a portion of its variable-rate debt obligations (i.e., as cash flow hedges). Some of the instruments utilized are pay-fixed swaps or LIBOR-based interest rate caps which are widely used in the industry and typically with major financial institutions. The Company's accounting policies generally reflect these instruments at their fair value with unrealized changes in fair value reflected in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized effects on the Company's cash flows are generally recognized currently in income.

        However, when appropriate the Company enters into interest rate swaps that convert fixed-rate debt to variable rate in order to mitigate the risk of changes in fair value of its fixed-rate debt obligations. The Company reflects these instruments at their fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged liability by an offsetting amount.

        Income Taxes—The Company's financial results generally do not reflect provisions for current or deferred income taxes. Management believes that the Company has and intends to continue to operate in a manner that will continue to allow it to be taxed as a REIT and, as a result, does not expect to pay substantial corporate-level taxes. Many of these requirements, however, are highly technical and complex. If the Company were to fail to meet these requirements, the Company would be subject to Federal income tax.

        Executive Compensation—The Company's accounting policies generally provide cash compensation to be estimated and recognized over the period of service. With respect to stock-based compensation arrangements, as of July 1, 2002 (with retroactive application to the beginning of the calendar year), the Company has adopted the fair value method allowed under SFAS No. 123 on a prospective basis, which values options on the date of grant and recognizes an expense equal to the fair value of the option multiplied by the number of options granted over the related service period. Prior to the third quarter 2002, the Company elected to use APB 25 accounting, which measured the compensation charges based on the intrinsic value of such securities when they become fixed and determinable, and recognized such expense over the related service period. These arrangements are often complex and generally structured to align the interests of management with those of the Company's shareholders. See Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of such arrangements and the related accounting effects.

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        During 2002 the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with its Chief Financial Officer. In addition, during 2004 the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with its President. See Note 10 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed description of these employment agreements.

        On April 29, 2002, the 500,000 unvested restricted shares awarded to the former President became contingently vested as the total shareholder return exceeded 60.00% and became fully vested on September 30, 2002 as all employment contingencies were met. The Company incurred a charge of approximately $15.0 million related to these vested shares, recognized ratably over the service period from the date of contingent vesting through September 30, 2002.

        On February 11, 2004, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer which took effect upon the expiration of the old agreement. The new agreement has an initial term of three years and provides for the following compensation:

        In addition, the Chief Executive Officer purchased an 80.00% interest in the Company's 2006 High Performance Unit Program for directors and executive officers. This performance program was approved by the Company's shareholders in 2003 and is described in detail in the Company's 2003 annual proxy statement. The purchase price to be paid by the Chief Executive Officer will be based upon a valuation prepared by an independent investment-banking firm. The interests purchased by the Chief Executive Officer will only have nominal value to him unless the Company achieves total shareholder returns in excess of those achieved by peer group indices, all as more fully described in the Company's 2003 annual proxy statement.

New Accounting Standards

        In December 2004, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R ("SFAS No. 123R"), "Share-Based Payment." This standard requires issuers to measure the cost of equity-based service awards based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award or the requisite service period (typically the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. The Company will initially measure the cost of liability based service awards based on their current fair value. The fair value of that award will be remeasured subsequently at each reporting date through the settlement date. Changes in fair value during the requisite service period will be recognized as compensation cost over that period. The grant-date fair value of employee share options and similar instruments will be estimated using option-pricing models adjusted for the unique characteristics of those instruments. If an equity award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation cost will be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification.

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Companies can comply with FASB No. 123R using one of three transition methods: (1) the modified prospective method; (2) a variation of the modified prospective method; or (3) the modified retrospective method. The provisions of this statement are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005, however, in the third quarter 2002, in anticipation of this new literature, the Company adopted the second transition method (with retroactive application of fair-value accounting to the beginning of the calendar year), which did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In December 2003, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 ("SAB 104"), "Revenue Recognition" which supercedes SAB 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements." SAB 104's primary purpose is to rescind the accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superceded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement immediately, as required, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        EITF 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables," issued during the third quarter of 2003, provides guidance on revenue recognition for revenues derived from a single contract that contain multiple products or services. EITF 00-21 also provides additional requirements to determine when these revenues may be recorded separately for accounting purposes. The Company adopted EITF 00-21 on July 1, 2003, as required, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 ("SFAS No. 150"), "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments With Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This standard requires issuers to classify as liabilities the following three types of freestanding financial instruments: (1) mandatorily redeemable financial instruments; (2) obligations to repurchase the issuer's equity shares by transferring assets; and (3) certain obligations to issue a variable number of shares. The FASB recently issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 150-3, which defers the provisions of paragraphs 9 and 10 of SFAS No. 150 indefinitely as they apply to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests associated with finite-lived entities. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement, as required, on July 1, 2003, and it did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46"), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," an interpretation of ARB 51. FIN 46 provides guidance on identifying entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights (a "variable interest entity" or "VIE"), and how to determine when and which business enterprise should consolidate a VIE. In addition, FIN 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. The transitional disclosure requirements took effect immediately and were required for all financial statements initially issued or modified after January 31, 2003. Immediate consolidation is required for VIEs entered into or modified after February 1, 2003 in which the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary. For VIEs in which the Company entered into prior to February 1, 2003 FIN 46 was deferred to the quarter ended March 31, 2004. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised FIN 46 that modifies and clarifies various aspects of the original Interpretation. FIN 46 applies when either: (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more of the essential characteristics of controlling financial interest; (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interest. The adoption of the additional consolidation provisions of FIN 46 did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 ("SFAS No. 148"), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure," an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"). This statement provides alternative transition methods for a voluntary change to the fair value basis of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. However,

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this Statement does not permit the use of the original SFAS No. 123 prospective method of transition for changes to the fair value based method made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2003. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation, description of transition method utilized and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company adopted SFAS No. 148 with retroactive application to grants made subsequent to January 1, 2002 with no material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others," an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 ("SFAS No. 5"), "Accounting for Contingencies," Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 57, "Related Party Disclosures," Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments" and rescinds FASB Interpretation No. 34, "Disclosure of Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of SFAS No. 5." It requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that guarantee regardless if the Company receives separately identifiable consideration (e.g., a premium). The disclosure requirements are effective December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, nor is it expected to have a material impact in the future.

        In September 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 147 ("SFAS No. 147"), "Acquisitions of Certain Financial Institutions," an amendment of FASB Statements No. 72 and 144 and FASB Interpretation No. 9. SFAS No. 147 provides guidance on the accounting for the acquisitions of financial institutions, except those acquisitions between two or more mutual enterprises. SFAS No. 147 removes acquisitions of financial institutions from the scope of both FASB No. 72, "Accounting for Certain Acquisitions of Banking or Thrift Institutions," and FASB Interpretation No. 9, Applying APB Opinions No. 16 and 17, "When a Savings and Loan Association or a Similar Institution is Acquired in a Business Combination Accounted for by the Purchase Method," and requires that those transactions be accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 147 also amends SFAS No. 144 to include in its scope long-term, customer-relationship intangible assets of financial institutions such as depositor-relationship and borrower-relationship intangible assets and credit cardholder intangible assets. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement, as required, on October 1, 2002, and it did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 ("SFAS No. 146"), "Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities," to address significant issues regarding the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal activities, including restructuring activities that are currently accounted for pursuant to the guidance that the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") has set forth in EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." The scope of SFAS No. 146 also includes: (1) costs related to terminating a contract that is not a capital lease; and (2) termination benefits received by employees involuntarily terminated under the terms of a one-time benefit arrangement that is not an on-going benefit arrangement or an individual deferred-compensation contract. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 146 on December 31, 2002, as required, and it did not have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market Risks

        Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. In pursuing its business plan, the primary market risk to which the Company is exposed is interest rate risk. Consistent with its liability management objectives, the Company has implemented an interest rate risk management policy based on match funding, with the objective that variable-rate assets be primarily financed by variable-rate liabilities and fixed-rate assets be primarily financed by fixed-rate liabilities.

        The Company's operating results will depend in part on the difference between the interest and related income earned on its assets and the interest expense incurred in connection with its interest-bearing liabilities. Competition from other providers of real estate financing may lead to a decrease in the interest rate earned on the Company's interest-bearing assets, which the Company may not be able to offset by obtaining lower interest costs on its borrowings. Changes in the general level of interest rates prevailing in the financial markets may affect the spread (the difference in the principal amount outstanding) between the Company's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Any significant compression of the spreads between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, an increase in interest rates could, among other things, reduce the value of the Company's interest-bearing assets and its ability to realize gains from the sale of such assets, and a decrease in interest rates could reduce the average life of the Company's interest-earning assets.

        A substantial portion of the Company's loan investments are subject to significant prepayment protection in the form of lock-outs, yield maintenance provisions or other prepayment premiums which provide substantial yield protection to the Company. Those assets generally not subject to prepayment penalties include: (1) variable-rate loans based on LIBOR, originated or acquired at par, which would not result in any gain or loss upon repayment; and (2) discount loans and loan participations acquired at discounts to face values, which would result in gains upon repayment. Further, while the Company generally seeks to enter into loan investments which provide for substantial prepayment protection, in the event of declining interest rates, the Company could receive such prepayments and may not be able to reinvest such proceeds at favorable returns. Such prepayments could have an adverse effect on the spreads between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Interest Rate Risks

        While the Company has not experienced any significant credit losses, in the event of a significant rising interest rate environment and/or economic downturn, defaults could increase and result in credit losses to the Company which adversely affect its liquidity and operating results. Further, such delinquencies or defaults could have an adverse effect on the spreads between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

        Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond the control of the Company. As more fully discussed in Note 9 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company employs match funding-based hedging strategies to limit the effects of changes in interest rates on its operations, including engaging in interest rate caps, floors, swaps, futures and other interest rate-related derivative contracts. These strategies are specifically designed to reduce the Company's exposure, on specific transactions or on a portfolio basis, to changes in cash flows as a result of interest rate movements in the market. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes nor as a hedge against changes in credit risk of its borrowers or of the Company itself.

        Each interest rate cap or floor agreement is a legal contract between the Company and a third party (the "counterparty"). When the Company purchases a cap or floor contract, the Company makes an up-front payment to the counterparty and the counterparty agrees to make payments to the Company in

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the future should the reference rate (typically one- or three-month LIBOR) rise above (cap agreements) or fall below (floor agreements) the "strike" rate specified in the contract. Each contract has a notional face amount. Should the reference rate rise above the contractual strike rate in a cap, the Company will earn cap income. Should the reference rate fall below the contractual strike rate in a floor, the Company will earn floor income. Payments on an annualized basis will equal the contractual notional face amount multiplied by the difference between the actual reference rate and the contracted strike rate. The Company utilizes the provisions of SFAS No. 133 with respect to such instruments. SFAS No. 133 provides that the up-front fees paid on option-based products such as caps be expensed into earnings based on the allocation of the premium to the affected periods as if the agreement were a series of "caplets." These allocated premiums are then reflected as a charge to income and are included in "Interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations in the affected period.

        Interest rate swaps are agreements in which a series of interest rate flows are exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amount on which swaps are based is not exchanged. The Company's swaps are either "pay fixed" swaps involving the exchange of variable-rate interest payments from the counterparty for fixed interest payments from the Company or "pay floating" swaps involving the exchange of fixed-rate interest payments from the counterparty for variable-rate interest payments from the Company, which mitigates the risk of changes in fair value of the Company's fixed-rate debt obligations.

        Interest rate futures are contracts, generally settled in cash, in which the seller agrees to deliver on a specified future date the cash equivalent of the difference between the specified price or yield indicated in the contract and the value of the specified instrument (i.e., U.S. Treasury securities) upon settlement. Under these agreements, the Company would generally receive additional cash flow at settlement if interest rates rise and pay cash if interest rates fall. The effects of such receipts or payments would be deferred and amortized over the term of the specific related fixed-rate borrowings. In the event that, in the opinion of management, it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur under terms substantially equivalent to those projected, the Company would cease recognizing such transactions as hedges and immediately recognize related gains or losses based on actual settlement or estimated settlement value.

        While a REIT may freely utilize derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risk on its liabilities, the use of derivatives for other purposes, including hedging asset-related risks such as credit, prepayment or interest rate exposure on the Company's loan assets, could generate income which is not qualified income for purposes of maintaining REIT status. As a consequence, the Company may only engage in such instruments to hedge such risks on a limited basis.

        There can be no assurance that the Company's profitability will not be adversely affected during any period as a result of changing interest rates. In addition, hedging transactions using derivative instruments involve certain additional risks such as counterparty credit risk, legal enforceability of hedging contracts and the risk that unanticipated and significant changes in interest rates will cause a significant loss of basis in the contract. With regard to loss of basis in a hedging contract, indices upon which contracts are based may be more or less variable than the indices upon which the hedged assets or liabilities are based, thereby making the hedge less effective. The counterparties to these contractual arrangements are major financial institutions with which the Company and its affiliates may also have other financial relationships. The Company is potentially exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties. However, because of their high credit ratings, the Company does not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to adequately protect against the foregoing risks and that the Company will ultimately realize an economic benefit from any hedging contract it enters into which exceeds the related costs incurred in connection with engaging in such hedges.

        The following table quantifies the potential changes in net investment income and net fair value of financial instruments should interest rates increase or decrease 50, 100 or 200 basis points, assuming no change in the shape of the yield curve (i.e., relative interest rates). Net investment income is calculated as

49



revenue from loans and other lending investments and operating leases (as of December 31, 2004), less related interest expense and operating costs on CTL assets, for the year ended December 31, 2004. Net fair value of financial instruments is calculated as the sum of the value of derivative instruments and the present value of cash in-flows generated from interest-earning assets, less cash out-flows in respect to interest-bearing liabilities as of December 31, 2004. The cash flows associated with the Company's assets are calculated based on management's best estimate of expected payments for each loan based on loan characteristics such as loan-to-value ratio, interest rate, credit history, prepayment penalty, term and collateral type. Most of the Company's loans are protected from prepayment as a result of prepayment penalties, yield maintenance fees or contractual terms which prohibit prepayments during specified periods. However, for those loans where prepayments are not currently precluded by contract, declines in interest rates may increase prepayment speeds. The base interest rate scenario assumes the one-month LIBOR rate of 2.40% as of December 31, 2004. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated in the table.

        Net fair value of financial instruments in the table below does not include CTL assets (approximately 40% of the Company's total assets) and certain forms of corporate finance investments but includes debt associated with the financing of these CTL assets. Therefore, the table below is not a meaningful representation of the estimated percentage change in net fair value of financial instruments with change in interest rates.

        The estimated percentage change in net investment income does include operating lease income from CTL assets and therefore is a more accurate representation of the impact of changes in interest rates on net investment income.


Estimated Percentage Change In

Change in Interest Rates

  Net Investment Income
  Net Fair Value of
Financial Instruments

 
-100 Basis Points   2.30 % 24.65 %
-50 Basis Points   0.68 % 12.68 %
Base Interest Rate   0.00 % 0.00 %
+100 Basis Points   (0.23 )% (5.63 )%
+200 Basis Points   (0.43 )% (10.02 )%

50



Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data

Index to Financial Statements

 
  Page
Financial Statements:    
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

52
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003   54
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004   55
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004   56
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004   58
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   59

Financial Statement Schedules:

 

 
 
For the period ended December 31, 2004:

 

 
    Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves   103
    Schedule III—Corporate Tenant Lease Assets and Accumulated Depreciation   104
    Schedule IV—Loans and Other Lending Investments   112

        All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

        Financial statements of one joint venture accounted for under the equity method has been omitted because the Company's proportionate share of the income from continuing operations before income taxes is less than 20.00% of the respective consolidated amount and the investments in and advances to each company are less than 20.00% of consolidated total assets.

51



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of iStar Financial Inc.

We have completed an integrated audit of iStar Financial Inc.'s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements and financial statements schedules

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of iStar Financial Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management's assessment, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management's assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

52


A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
March 14, 2005

53



iStar Financial Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
  As of December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
                            ASSETS              
Loans and other lending investments, net   $ 3,946,189   $ 3,702,674  
Corporate tenant lease assets, net     2,877,042     2,535,885  
Investments in and advances to joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries     5,663     25,019  
Assets held for sale         24,800  
Cash and cash equivalents     88,422     80,090  
Restricted cash     39,568     57,665  
Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable     25,633     26,076  
Deferred operating lease income receivable     62,092     51,447  
Deferred expenses and other assets     175,628     156,934  
   
 
 
  Total assets   $ 7,220,237   $ 6,660,590  
   
 
 

                            
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Liabilities:              
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities   $ 140,075   $ 126,524  
Debt obligations     4,605,674     4,113,732  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities     4,745,749     4,240,256  
   
 
 
Commitments and contingencies          

Minority interest in consolidated entities

 

 

19,246

 

 

5,106

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Series B Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, liquidation preference $25.00 per share, 0 and 2,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively         2  
Series C Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, liquidation preference $25.00 per share, 0 and 1,300 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively         1  
Series D Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, liquidation preference $25.00 per share, 4,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively     4     4  
Series E Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, liquidation preference $25.00 per share, 5,600 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively     6     6  
Series F Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, liquidation preference $25.00 per share, 4,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively     4     4  
Series G Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, liquidation preference $25.00 per share, 3,200 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively     3     3  
Series I Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, liquidation preference $25.00 per share, 5,000 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively     5      
High Performance Units     7,828     5,131  
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 111,432 and 107,215 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively     111     107  
Warrants and options     6,458     20,695  
Additional paid-in capital     2,840,062     2,678,772  
Retained earnings (deficit)     (349,097 )   (242,449 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) (See Note 12)     (2,086 )   1,008  
Treasury stock (at cost)     (48,056 )   (48,056 )
   
 
 
  Total shareholders' equity     2,455,242     2,415,228  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 7,220,237   $ 6,660,590  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

54



iStar Financial Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Revenue:                    
  Interest income   $ 353,799   $ 304,391   $ 255,631  
  Operating lease income     286,389     232,043     210,033  
  Other income     54,236     36,677     27,993  
   
 
 
 
    Total revenue     694,424     573,111     493,657  
   
 
 
 
Costs and expenses:                    
  Interest expense     231,027     192,296     184,932  
  Operating costs—corporate tenant lease assets     22,417     11,553     6,735  
  Depreciation and amortization     64,541     50,626     42,579  
  General and administrative     47,912     38,153     30,449  
  General and administrative—stock-based compensation expense     109,676     3,633     17,998  
  Provision for loan losses     9,000     7,500     8,250  
  Loss on early extinguishment of debt     13,091         12,166  
   
 
 
 
    Total costs and expenses     497,664     303,761     303,109  
   
 
 
 
Income before equity in earnings from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries, minority interest and other items     196,760     269,350     190,548  
Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries     2,909     (4,284 )   1,222  
Minority interest in consolidated entities     (716 )   (249 )   (162 )
   
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations     198,953     264,817     191,608  
Income from discontinued operations     18,119     22,173     22,945  
Gain from discontinued operations     43,375     5,167     717  
   
 
 
 
Net income     260,447     292,157     215,270  
Preferred dividend requirements     (51,340 )   (36,908 )   (36,908 )
   
 
 
 
Net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders(1)   $ 209,107   $ 255,249   $ 178,362  
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share(2)   $ 1.87   $ 2.52   $ 1.98  
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share(3)(4)   $ 1.83   $ 2.43   $ 1.93  
   
 
 
 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
HPU holders are Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program.

(2)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, excludes $3,314, $2,066 and $0 of net income allocable to HPU holders, respectively.

(3)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, excludes $3,265, $1,994 and $0 of net income allocable to HPU holders, respectively.

(4)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, includes $3, $167 and $0 of joint venture income, respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

55


iStar Financial Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
(In thousands)

 
  Series A Preferred Stock
  Series B Preferred Stock
  Series C Preferred Stock
  Series D Preferred Stock
  Series E Preferred Stock
  Series F Preferred Stock
  Series G Preferred Stock
  Series H Preferred Stock
  Series I Preferred Stock
  HPU's
  Common Stock at Par
  Warrants & Options
  Additional Paid-In Capital
  Retained Earnings (Deficit)
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Losses)
  Treasury Stock
  Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2001   $ 4   $ 2   $ 1   $ 4   $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 87   $ 20,456   $ 1,997,931   $ (174,874 ) $ (15,092 ) $ (40,741 ) $ 1,787,778  
Exercise of options                                             2     (443 )   16,170                 15,729  
Proceeds from equity offering                                             8         202,891                 202,899  
Dividends declared-preferred                                                     330     (36,908 )           (36,578 )
Dividends declared-common                                                         (231,257 )           (231,257 )
Restricted stock units granted to employees                                                     19,048                 19,048  
Options granted to employees                                                 309                     309  
High performance units sold to employees                                         1,359                             1,359  
Contributions from significant shareholder                                                     506                 506  
Issuance of stock-DRIP plan                                             1         44,426                 44,427  
Purchase of treasury shares                                                     334             (7,315 )   (6,981 )
Net income for the period                                                         215,270             215,270  
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)                                                             12,791         12,791  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2002   $ 4   $ 2   $ 1   $ 4   $   $   $   $   $   $ 1,359   $ 98   $ 20,322   $ 2,281,636   $ (227,769 ) $ (2,301 ) $ (48,056 ) $ 2,025,300  
Exercise of options                                             1     373     27,754                 28,128  
Net proceeds from preferred offering/exchange     (4 )               6     4     3                         87,900                 87,909  
Proceeds from equity offering                                             5         190,931                 190,936  
Dividends declared-preferred                                                     195     (36,908 )           (36,713 )
Dividends declared-common                                                         (267,785 )           (267,785 )
Dividends declared- HPU's                                                         (2,144 )           (2,144 )
Restricted stock units granted to employees                                                     1,339                 1,339  
Options granted to employees                                                     82                 82  
High performance units sold to employees                                         3,772                             3,772  
Issuance of stock-DRIP/Stock purchase plan                                             3         88,935                 88,938  
Net income for the period                                                         292,157             292,157  
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)                                                             3,309         3,309  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2003   $   $ 2   $ 1   $ 4   $ 6   $ 4   $ 3   $   $   $ 5,131   $ 107   $ 20,695   $ 2,678,772   $ (242,449 ) $ 1,008   $ (48,056 ) $ 2,415,228  

56


iStar Financial Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity—(Continued)
(In thousands)

 
  Series A Preferred Stock
  Series B Preferred Stock
  Series C Preferred Stock
  Series D Preferred Stock
  Series E Preferred Stock
  Series F Preferred Stock
  Series G Preferred Stock
  Series H Preferred Stock
  Series I Preferred Stock
  HPU's
  Common Stock at Par
  Warrants & Options
  Additional Paid-In Capital
  Retained Earnings (Deficit)
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Losses)
  Treasury Stock
  Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2003   $   $ 2   $ 1   $ 4   $ 6   $ 4   $ 3   $   $   $ 5,131   $ 107   $ 20,695   $ 2,678,772   $ (242,449 ) $ 1,008   $ (48,056 ) $ 2,415,228  
Exercise of options and warrants                                             4     (14,237 )   41,501                 27,268  
Net proceeds from preferred offering/exchange                                 3     5                 202,743                 202,751  
Proceeds from equity offering         (2 )   (1 )                   (3 )                   (155,959 )               (155,965 )
Dividends declared-preferred                                                         (51,340 )           (51,340 )
Dividends declared-common                                                         (310,744 )           (310,744 )
Dividends declared-HPU's                                                         (5,011 )           (5,011 )
Restricted stock units granted to employees                                                     53,351                 53,351  
High performance units sold to employees                                         2,697                             2,697  
Issuance of stock-DRIP/Stock purchase plan                                                     17,719                 17,719  
Contribution from significant shareholder                                                     1,935                 1,935  
Net income for the period                                                         260,447             260,447  
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)                                                             (3,094 )       (3,094 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2004   $   $   $   $ 4   $ 6   $ 4   $ 3   $   $ 5   $ 7,828   $ 111   $ 6,458   $ 2,840,062   $ (349,097 ) $ (2,086 ) $ (48,056 ) $ 2,455,242  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

57



iStar Financial Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
Net income   $ 260,447   $ 292,157   $ 215,270  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:                    
  Minority interest in consolidated entities     716     249     162  
  Non-cash expense for stock-based compensation     54,403     3,781     18,059  
  Depreciation and amortization     64,541     50,626     42,579  
  Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations     3,942     5,453     5,462  
  Amortization of deferred financing costs     30,189     27,180     23,460  
  Amortization of discounts/premiums, deferred interest and costs on lending investments     (59,466 )   (54,799 )   (33,086 )
  Discounts, loan fees and deferred interest received     40,373     36,063     36,714  
  Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries     (2,909 )   4,284     (1,222 )
  Distributions from operations of joint ventures     5,840     2,839     5,802  
  Loss on early extinguishment of debt     13,144         12,166  
  Deferred operating lease income receivable     (18,075 )   (15,366 )   (15,265 )
  Gain from discontinued operations     (43,375 )   (5,167 )   (717 )
  Provision for loan losses     9,000     7,500     8,250  
  Change in investments in and advances to joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries         (2,877 )   (6,598 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:                    
    Changes in accrued interest and operating lease income receivable     (1,018 )   (647 )   3,809  
    Changes in deferred expenses and other assets     21,599     (20,690 )   1,763  
    Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities     (16,219 )   7,676     32,185  
   
 
 
 
    Cash flows from operating activities     363,132     338,262     348,793  
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
  New investment originations     (2,058,732 )   (2,086,890 )   (1,812,993 )
  Add-on fundings under existing loan commitments     (255,321 )   (46,164 )   (21,619 )
  Net proceeds from sale of corporate tenant lease assets     279,575     47,569     3,702  
  Net proceeds from lease termination payments             17,500  
  Repayments of and principal collections on loans and other lending investments     1,591,015     1,119,743     671,965  
  Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures             (127 )
  Capital improvements for build-to-suit projects             (1,064 )
  Capital improvement projects on corporate tenant lease assets     (7,124 )   (3,487 )   (2,277 )
  Other capital expenditures on corporate tenant lease assets     (14,846 )   (5,125 )   (4,157 )
   
 
 
 
    Cash flows from investing activities     (465,433 )   (974,354 )   (1,149,070 )
   
 
 
 
  Cash flows from financing activities:                    
  Borrowings under secured revolving credit facilities     2,680,416     1,643,552     2,496,200  
  Repayments under secured revolving credit facilities     (3,298,421 )   (2,220,715 )   (2,122,994 )
  Borrowings under unsecured revolving credit facilities     3,945,500     130,000      
  Repayments under unsecured revolving credit facilities     (3,235,500 )        
  Borrowings under term loans     160,181     233,000     115,099  
  Repayments under term loans     (403,231 )   (107,723 )   (18,279 )
  Borrowings under unsecured bond offerings     1,032,442     526,966      
  Repayments under unsecured notes     (110,000 )        
  Borrowings under secured bond offerings         645,822     885,079  
  Repayments under secured bond offerings     (378,400 )   (210,876 )   (475,679 )
  Borrowings under other debt obligations         25,251     1,094  
  Repayments under other debt obligations     (10,148 )   (7,064 )   (1,668 )
  Contribution from minority interest partner     3,340     2,522      
  Changes in restricted cash held in connection with debt obligations     18,757     (17,454 )   (22,359 )
  Prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt     (9,769 )       (3,950 )
  Payments for deferred financing costs     (13,131 )   (35,609 )   (45,702 )
  Distributions to minority interest in consolidated entities     (1,054 )   (159 )   (231 )
  Net proceeds from preferred offering/exchange     203,048     87,909      
  Redemption of preferred stock     (165,000 )        
  Common dividends paid     (310,744 )   (267,785 )   (231,257 )
  Preferred dividends paid     (41,908 )   (36,713 )   (36,578 )
  Dividends on HPUs     (5,011 )   (2,144 )    
  HPUs issued     2,697     3,772     1,359  
  Purchase of treasury stock             (6,981 )
  Proceeds from equity offering         190,936     202,899  
  Contribution from significant shareholder     1,935         506  
  Proceeds from exercise of options and issuance of DRIP/Stock purchase shares     44,634     116,760     63,983  
   
 
 
 
    Cash flows from financing activities     110,633     700,248     800,541  
   
 
 
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents     8,332     64,156     264  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     80,090     15,934     15,670  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 88,422   $ 80,090   $ 15,934  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                    
  Cash paid during the period for interest, net of amount capitalized   $ 191,205   $ 165,757   $ 157,618  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

58



iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—Business and Organization

        Business—iStar Financial Inc. (the "Company") is the leading publicly-traded finance company focused on the commercial real estate industry. The Company provides custom-tailored financing to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate, including senior and junior mortgage debt, senior and mezzanine corporate capital, and corporate net lease financing. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), seeks to deliver strong dividends and superior risk-adjusted returns on equity to shareholders by providing the highest quality financing to its customers.

        The Company's primary product lines include:

59


        The Company's investment strategy targets specific sectors of the real estate credit markets in which it believes it can deliver the highest quality, flexible financial solutions to its customers, thereby differentiating its financial products from those offered by other capital providers.

        The Company has implemented its investment strategy by:

        Organization—The Company began its business in 1993 through private investment funds formed to capitalize on inefficiencies in the real estate finance market. In March 1998, these funds contributed their approximately $1.1 billion of assets to the Company's predecessor in exchange for a controlling interest in that company. Since that time, the Company has grown by originating new lending and leasing transactions, as well as through corporate acquisitions.

        Specifically, in September 1998, the Company acquired the loan origination and servicing business of a major insurance company, and in December 1998, the Company acquired the mortgage and mezzanine loan portfolio of its largest private competitor. Additionally, in November 1999, the Company acquired TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. ("TriNet" or the "Leasing Subsidiary"), then the largest publicly-traded company specializing in corporate sale/leaseback transactions for office and industrial facilities (the "TriNet Acquisition"). The TriNet Acquisition was structured as a stock-for-stock merger of TriNet with a subsidiary of the Company.

        Concurrent with the TriNet Acquisition, the Company also acquired its former external advisor in exchange for shares of the Company's common stock ("Common Stock") and converted its organizational form to a Maryland corporation. As part of the conversion to a Maryland corporation, the Company replaced its former dual class common share structure with a single class of Common Stock. The Company's Common Stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on November 4, 1999. Prior to this date, the Company's common shares were traded on the American Stock Exchange.

60



Note 2—Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying audited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its qualified REIT subsidiaries, its majority-owned and controlled partnerships and other entities that are consolidated under the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46")(see Note 6).

        Certain other investments in partnerships or joint ventures which the Company does not control are accounted for under the equity method (see Note 6). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Note 3—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        Loans and other lending investments, net—As described in Note 4, "Loans and Other Lending Investments" includes the following investments: senior mortgages, subordinate mortgages, corporate/partnership loans, other lending investments-loans and other lending investments-securities. Management considers nearly all of its loans and other lending investments to be held-to-maturity, although a small number of investments may be classified as available-for-sale. Items classified as held-to-maturity are reflected at amortized historical cost. Items classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair values with unrealized gains and losses included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not included in the Company's net income.

        Corporate tenant lease assets and depreciation—CTL assets are generally recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Certain improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity or improve the efficiency of the asset. Repairs and maintenance items are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method of cost recovery over the shorter of estimated useful lives or 40.0 years for facilities, five years for furniture and equipment, the shorter of the remaining lease term or expected life for tenant improvements and the remaining life of the facility for facility improvements.

        CTL assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are included in "Assets held for sale" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company also periodically reviews long-lived assets to be held and used for an impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. In management's opinion, CTL assets to be held and used are not carried at amounts in excess of their estimated recoverable amounts.

        Regarding the Company's acquisition of facilities, purchase costs are allocated to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. The value of the tangible assets, consisting of land, buildings, building improvements and tenant improvements, are determined as if vacant, that is, at replacement cost. Intangible assets including the above-market or below-market value of leases, the value of in-place leases and the value of customer relationships are recorded at their relative fair values.

        Above-market and below-market in-place lease values for owned CTL assets are recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between: (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the leases negotiated and in-place at the time of acquisition of the facilities; and (2) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for the facility or equivalent facility, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the

61



lease. The capitalized above-market (or below-market) lease value is amortized as a reduction of (or, increase to) operating lease income over the remaining non-cancelable term of each lease plus any renewal periods with fixed rental terms that are considered to be below-market. The Company generally engages in sale/leaseback transactions and typically executes leases simultaneously with the purchase of the CTL asset at market-rate rents. Because of this, no above-market or below-market lease value is ascribed to these transactions.

        The total amount of other intangible assets are allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship intangible values based on management's evaluation of the specific characteristics of each customer's lease and the Company's overall relationship with each customer. Characteristics to be considered in allocating these values include the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the customer, prospects for developing new business with the customer, the customer's credit quality and the expectation of lease renewals among other factors. Factors considered by management's analysis include the estimated carrying costs of the facility during a hypothetical expected lease-up period, current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. Management also considers information obtained about a property in connection with its pre-acquisition due diligence. Estimated carrying costs include real estate taxes, insurance, other property operating costs and estimates of lost operating lease income at market rates during the hypothetical expected lease-up periods, based on management's assessment of specific market conditions. Management estimates costs to execute leases including commissions and legal costs to the extent that such costs are not already incurred with a new lease that has been negotiated in connection with the purchase of the facility. Management's estimates are used to determine these values. These intangible assets are included in "Deferred expenses and other assets" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The value of above-market or below-market in-place leases are amortized to expense over the remaining initial term of each lease. The value of customer relationship intangibles are amortized to expense over the initial and renewal terms of the leases, but no amortization period for intangible assets will exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building. In the event that a customer terminates its lease, the unamortized portion of each intangible, including market rate adjustments, lease origination costs, in-place lease values and customer relationship values, would be charged to expense.

        Capitalized interest—The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred during the construction period on qualified build-to-suit projects for corporate tenants, including investments in joint ventures accounted for under the equity method. No interest was capitalized during the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

        Cash and cash equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in banks or invested in money market funds with original maturity terms of less than 90 days.

        Restricted cash—Restricted cash represents amounts required to be maintained in escrow under certain of the Company's debt obligations, leasing and derivative transactions.

        Revenue recognition—The Company's revenue recognition policies are as follows:

        Loans and other lending investments:    Management considers nearly all of its loans and other lending investments to be held-to-maturity, although a small number of investments may be classified as available-for-sale. The Company reflects held-to-maturity investments at historical cost adjusted for allowance for loan losses, unamortized acquisition premiums or discounts and unamortized deferred loan

62



fees. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not included in the Company's net income. On occasion, the Company may acquire loans at generally small premiums or discounts based on the credit characteristics of such loans. These premiums or discounts are recognized as yield adjustments over the lives of the related loans. Loan origination or exit fees, as well as direct loan origination costs, are also deferred and recognized over the lives of the related loans as a yield adjustment. If loans with premiums, discounts, loan origination or exit fees are prepaid, the Company immediately recognizes the unamortized portion as a decrease or increase in the prepayment gain or loss which is included in "Other income" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method applied on a loan-by-loan basis.

        A small number of the Company's loans provide for accrual of interest at specified rates that differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management's determination that accrued interest and outstanding principal are ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the borrower.

        Prepayment penalties or yield maintenance payments from borrowers are recognized as additional income when received. Certain of the Company's loan investments provide for additional interest based on the borrower's operating cash flow or appreciation of the underlying collateral. Such amounts are considered contingent interest and are reflected as income only upon certainty of collection.

        Leasing investments:    Operating lease revenue is recognized on the straight-line method of accounting from the later of the date of the origination of the lease or the date of acquisition of the facility subject to existing leases. Accordingly, contractual lease payment increases are recognized evenly over the term of the lease. The cumulative difference between lease revenue recognized under this method and contractual lease payment terms is recorded as "Deferred operating lease income receivable" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        Provision for loan losses—The Company's accounting policies require that an allowance for estimated loan losses be maintained at a level that management, based upon an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio, considers adequate to provide for loan losses. In establishing loan loss provisions, management periodically evaluates and analyzes the Company's assets, historical and industry loss experience, economic conditions and trends, collateral values and quality, and other relevant factors. Specific valuation allowances are established for impaired loans in the amount by which the carrying value, before allowance for estimated losses, exceeds the fair value of collateral less disposition costs on an individual loan basis. Management considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes that it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement on a timely basis. Management carries these impaired loans at the fair value of the loans' underlying collateral less estimated disposition costs. Impaired loans may be left on accrual status during the period the Company is pursuing repayment of the loan; however, these loans are placed on non-accrual status at such time as: (1) management determines the borrower is incapable of, or has ceased efforts toward, curing the cause of the impairment; (2) the loans become 90 days delinquent; (3) the loan has a maturity default; or (4) the net realizable value of the loan's underlying collateral approximates the Company's carrying value of such loan. While on non-accrual status, interest income is recognized only upon actual receipt. Impairment losses are recognized as direct write-downs of the related loan with a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. Charge-offs occur when loans, or a portion thereof, are considered uncollectible and of such little value that further

63



pursuit of collection is not warranted. Management also provides a loan portfolio reserve based upon its periodic evaluation and analysis of the portfolio, historical and industry loss experience, economic conditions and trends, collateral values and quality, and other relevant factors.

        The Company's loans are generally secured by real estate assets or are corporate lending arrangements to entities with significant rental real estate operations (e.g., an unsecured loan to a company which operates residential apartments or retail, industrial or office facilities as rental real estate). While the underlying real estate assets for the corporate lending instruments may not serve as collateral for the Company's investments in all cases, the Company evaluates the underlying real estate assets when estimating loan loss exposure because the Company's loans generally have preclusions as to how much senior and/or secured debt the customer may borrow ahead of the Company's position.

        Allowance for doubtful accounts—The Company's accounting policies require a reserve on the Company's accrued operating lease income receivable balances and on the deferred operating lease income receivable balances. The reserve covers asset specific problems (e.g., bankruptcy) as they arise, as well as a portfolio reserve based on management's evaluation of the credit risks associated with these receivables.

        Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activity—In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 ("SFAS No. 133"), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 137 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity—Deferral of the Effective date of FASB 133," Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138 "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities—an Amendment of FASB Statement 133" and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activities," the Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measures those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated as: (1) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment; (2) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction; or (3) in certain circumstances, a hedge of a foreign currency exposure.

        Accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets—In accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 ("SFAS No. 144"), "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" the Company presents current operations prior to the disposition of CTL assets and prior period results of such operations in discontinued operations in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        Reclassification of extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt—In accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145 ("SFAS No. 145"), "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections," the Company can no longer aggregate the gains and losses from the early extinguishment of debt and, if material, classify them as an extraordinary item. The Company is not prohibited from classifying such gains and losses as extraordinary items, so long as they meet the criteria in paragraph 20 of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 ("APB 30"), "Reporting the Results of Operations—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions"; however, due to the nature of the Company's operations, such treatment may not be available to the Company. Any gains or losses on early extinguishments of debt that were previously classified as

64



extraordinary items in prior periods presented that do not meet the criteria in APB 30 for classification as an extraordinary item are reclassified to income from continuing operations.

        Income taxes—The Company is subject to federal income taxation at corporate rates on its "REIT taxable income;" however, the Company is allowed a deduction for the amount of dividends paid to its shareholders, thereby subjecting the distributed net income of the Company to taxation at the shareholder level only. In addition, the Company is allowed several other deductions in computing its "REIT taxable income," including non-cash items such as depreciation expense. These deductions allow the Company to shelter a portion of its operating cash flow from its dividend payout requirement under federal tax laws. The Company intends to operate in a manner consistent with and to elect to be treated as a REIT for tax purposes. iStar Operating Inc. ("iStar Operating") and TriNet Management Operating Company, Inc. ("TMOC"), the Company's taxable REIT subsidiaries, are not consolidated for federal income tax purposes and are taxed as corporations. For financial reporting purposes, current and deferred taxes are provided for in the portion of earnings recognized by the Company with respect to its interest in iStar Operating and TMOC. Accordingly, except for the Company's taxable REIT subsidiaries, no current or deferred taxes are provided for in the Consolidated Financial Statements. During the third quarter 2003, TMOC was liquidated. See Note 6 for a detailed discussion on the ownership structure and operations of iStar Operating and TMOC.

        Earnings per common share—In accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS No. 128"), "Earning per Share," the Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"). Basic earnings per share ("Basic EPS") is computed by dividing net income allocable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share ("Diluted EPS") reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower earnings per share amount.

        Use of estimates—The preparation of 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 dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        New accounting standards—In December 2004, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R ("SFAS No. 123R"), "Share-Based Payment." This standard requires issuers to measure the cost of equity-based service awards based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award or the requisite service period (typically the vesting period). No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. The Company will initially measure the cost of liability based service awards based on their current fair value. The fair value of that award will be remeasured subsequently at each reporting date through the settlement date. Changes in fair value during the requisite service period will be recognized as compensation cost over that period. The grant-date fair value of employee share options and similar instruments will be estimated using option-pricing models adjusted for the unique characteristics of those instruments. If an equity award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation cost will be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. Companies can comply with FASB No. 123R using one of three transition methods: (1) the

65



modified prospective method; (2) a variation of the modified prospective method; or (3) the modified retrospective method. The provisions of this statement are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005, however, in the third quarter 2002, in anticipation of this new literature, the Company adopted the second transition method (with retroactive application of fair-value accounting to the beginning of the calendar year), which did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In December 2003, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 ("SAB 104"), "Revenue Recognition" which supercedes SAB 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements." SAB 104's primary purpose is to rescind the accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superceded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement immediately, as required, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        EITF 00-21, "Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables," issued during the third quarter of 2003, provides guidance on revenue recognition for revenues derived from a single contract that contain multiple products or services. EITF 00-21 also provides additional requirements to determine when these revenues may be recorded separately for accounting purposes. The Company adopted EITF 00-21 on July 1, 2003, as required, and it did not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 ("SFAS No. 150"), "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments With Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This standard requires issuers to classify as liabilities the following three types of freestanding financial instruments: (1) mandatorily redeemable financial instruments; (2) obligations to repurchase the issuer's equity shares by transferring assets; and (3) certain obligations to issue a variable number of shares. The FASB recently issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 150-3, which defers the provisions of paragraphs 9 and 10 of SFAS No. 150 indefinitely as they apply to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests associated with finite-lived entities. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement, as required, on July 1, 2003, and it did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," an interpretation of ARB 51. FIN 46 provides guidance on identifying entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights (a "variable interest entity" or "VIE"), and how to determine when and which business enterprise should consolidate a VIE. In addition, FIN 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. The transitional disclosure requirements took effect immediately and were required for all financial statements initially issued or modified after January 31, 2003. Immediate consolidation is required for VIEs entered into or modified after February 1, 2003 in which the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary. For VIEs in which the Company entered into prior to February 1, 2003, FIN 46 was deferred to the quarter ended March 31, 2004. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised FIN 46 that modifies and clarifies various aspects of the original Interpretation. FIN 46 applies when either: (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more of the essential characteristics of controlling financial interest; (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not

66



proportionate to their economic interest. The adoption of the additional consolidation provisions of FIN 46 did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements (see Note 6).

        In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 ("SFAS No. 148"), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure," an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"). This statement provides alternative transition methods for a voluntary change to the fair value basis of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. However, this Statement does not permit the use of the original SFAS No. 123 prospective method of transition for changes to the fair value based method made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2003. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation, description of transition method utilized and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Company adopted SFAS No. 148 with retroactive application to grants made subsequent to January 1, 2002 with no material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        SFAS No. 148 disclosure requirements, including the effect on net income and earnings per share if the fair value-based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested stock awards in each period, are presented below (in thousands except per share amounts):

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
Basic EPS

  2003
Basic EPS

  2002
Basic EPS

 
Net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders, as reported (1)   $ 209,107   $ 255,249   $ 178,362  
Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects         (96 )   (188 )
   
 
 
 
Pro forma net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders   $ 209,107   $ 255,153   $ 178,174  
   
 
 
 
Earnings per share:                    
Basic—as reported (2)   $ 1.87   $ 2.52   $ 1.98  
Basic—pro forma (2)     1.87     2.52     1.98  

Diluted—as reported (3)(4)

 

$

1.83

 

$

2.43

 

$

1.93

 
Diluted—pro forma (3)(4)     1.83     2.43     1.92  

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
HPU holders are Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program.

(2)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, excludes $3,314, $2,066 and $0 of net income allocable to HPU holders, respectively.

(3)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, excludes $3,265, $1,994 and $0 of net income allocable to HPU holders, respectively.

(4)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, includes $3, $167 and $0 of joint venture income, respectively.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 ("FIN 45"), "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness

67


of Others," an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 ("SFAS No. 5"), "Accounting for Contingencies," Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 57, "Related Party Disclosures," Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments" and rescinds FASB Interpretation No. 34, "Disclosure of Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, an Interpretation of SFAS No. 5." It requires that, upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that guarantee regardless if the Company receives separately identifiable consideration (e.g., a premium). The disclosure requirements became effective December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In September 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 147 ("SFAS No. 147"), "Acquisitions of Certain Financial Institutions," an amendment of FASB Statements No. 72 and 144 and FASB Interpretation No. 9. SFAS No. 147 provides guidance on the accounting for the acquisitions of financial institutions, except those acquisitions between two or more mutual enterprises. SFAS No. 147 removes acquisitions of financial institutions from the scope of both FASB No. 72, "Accounting for Certain Acquisitions of Banking or Thrift Institutions," and FASB Interpretation No. 9, Applying APB Opinions No. 16 and 17, "When a Savings and Loan Association or a Similar Institution is Acquired in a Business Combination Accounted for by the Purchase Method," and requires that those transactions be accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 147 also amends SFAS No. 144 to include in its scope long-term, customer-relationship intangible assets of financial institutions such as depositor-relationship and borrower-relationship intangible assets and credit cardholder intangible assets. The Company adopted the provisions of this statement, as required, on October 1, 2002, and it did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 ("SFAS No. 146"), "Accounting for Exit or Disposal Activities," to address significant issues regarding the recognition, measurement, and reporting of costs that are associated with exit and disposal activities, including restructuring activities that are currently accounted for pursuant to the guidance that the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") has set forth in EITF Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." The scope of SFAS No. 146 also includes: (1) costs related to terminating a contract that is not a capital lease; and (2) termination benefits received by employees involuntarily terminated under the terms of a one-time benefit arrangement that is not an on-going benefit arrangement or an individual deferred-compensation contract. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 146 on December 31, 2002, as required, and it did not have a material effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

68


iStar Financial Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4—Loans and Other Lending Investments

        The following is a summary description of the Company's loans and other lending investments (in thousands)(1):

 
   
   
   
  Carrying Value as of
   
   
   
   
   
Type of Investment

  Underlying Property Type
  # of
Borrowers
In Class

  Principal Balances
Outstanding

  December 31,
2004

  December 31,
2003

  Effective Maturity
Dates

  Contractual Interest Payment
Rates(2)(3)

  Contractual Interest
Accrual Rates(2)(3)

  Principal
Amortization

  Participation
Features

Senior Mortgages(4)   Office/Residential/ Retail/Industrial, R&D/ Conference Center/ Mixed Use/Hotel/ Entertainment, Leisure/Other   48   $ 2,373,178   $ 2,334,662   $ 2,106,791   2005 to 2022   Fixed: 7.03% to 18.20% Variable: LIBOR + 2.90% to LIBOR + 7.50%   Fixed: 7.03% to 18.20% Variable: LIBOR + 2.90% to LIBOR + 7.50%   Yes(5)   Yes(6)

Subordinate Mortgages

 

Office/Residential/ Retail/Mixed Use/ Hotel

 

20

 

 

578,525

 

 

579,322

 

 

550,572

 

2005 to 2013

 

Fixed: 7.00% to 18.00% Variable: LIBOR + 4.00% to LIBOR + 7.02%

 

Fixed: 7.32% to 18.00% Variable: LIBOR + 4.00% to LIBOR + 7.02%

 

Yes(5)

 

No

Corporate/Partnership Loans(7)

 

Office/Residential/Retail/Industrial, R&D/ Mixed Use/Hotel/Entertainment, Leisure/Other

 

28

 

 

944,530

 

 

912,756

 

 

710,469

 

2005 to 2013

 

Fixed: 6.00% to 15.00% Variable: LIBOR + 2.50% to LIBOR + 9.25%

 

Fixed: 7.33% to 17.50% Variable: LIBOR + 2.50% to LIBOR + 9.25%

 

Yes(5)

 

Yes(6)

Other Lending Investments—Loans

 

Office/Mixed Use/Other

 

3

 

 

4,261

 

 

4,036

 

 

23,767

 

2005 to 2008

 

Fixed: 9.00%

 

Fixed: 9.00%

 

No

 

Yes(6)

Other Lending Investments—Securities(8)

 

Industrial, R&D/Entertainment, Leisure/Other

 

7

 

 

158,383

 

 

157,849

 

 

344,511

 

2005 to 2013

 

Fixed: 8.27% to 10.00% Variable: LIBOR + 2.82% to LIBOR + 5.00%

 

Fixed: 8.27% to 10.00% Variable: LIBOR + 2.82% to LIBOR + 5.00%

 

Yes(5)

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Carrying Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,988,625

 

$

3,736,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(42,436

)

 

(33,436

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total, Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,946,189

 

$

3,702,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Details (other than carrying values) are for loans outstanding as of December 31, 2004.

(2)
Substantially all variable-rate loans are based on 30-day LIBOR and reprice monthly. The 30-day LIBOR on December 31, 2004 was 2.40%. As of December 31, 2004, four loans with a combined carrying value of $73.0 million have a stated accrual rate that exceeds the stated pay rate; one of these loans, with a carrying value of $27.1 million, has been placed on non-accrual status and therefore is considered a non-performing loan (see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Management) and the Company is only recognizing income based on cash received for interest.

(3)
As of December 31, 2004, the Company has 47 loans and other lending investments with LIBOR floors ranging from 1.00% to 3.00%.

(4)
Includes a participation interest in a first mortgage.

(5)
The loans require fixed payments of principal and interest resulting in partial principal amortization over the term of the loan with the remaining principal due at maturity.

(6)
Under some of the loans, the Company may receive additional payments representing additional interest from participation in available cash flow from operations of the underlying real estate collateral.

(7)
Includes one unsecured loan with a carrying value of $7.5 million as of December 31, 2004.

(8)
Generally consists of term preferred stock or debt interests that are specifically originated or structured to meet customer financing requirements and the Company's investment criteria. These investments do not typically consist of securities purchased in the open market or as part of broadly-distributed offerings.

69


        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, the Company and its affiliated ventures originated or acquired an aggregate of approximately $1,596.4 million and $1,735.4 million in loans and other lending investments, funded $255.3 million and $46.1 million under existing loan commitments, and received principal repayments of $1,591.0 million and $1,120.0 million.

        As of December 31, 2004, the Company had 25 loans with unfunded commitments. The total unfunded commitment amount was approximately $678.9 million, of which $202.5 million was discretionary and $476.4 million was non-discretionary.

        A portion of the Company's loans and other lending investments are pledged as collateral under either the iStar Asset Receivables secured notes, the secured revolving credit facilities or secured term loans (see Note 7 for a description of the Company's secured and unsecured debt).

        The Company has reflected provisions for loan losses of approximately $9.0 million, $7.5 million and $8.3 million in its results of operations during the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These provisions represent loan portfolio reserves based on management's evaluation of general market conditions, the Company's internal risk management policies and credit risk ratings system, industry loss experience, the likelihood of delinquencies or defaults and the credit quality of the underlying collateral. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company took a $3.3 million direct impairment on a $30.4 million partnership loan lowering the book value of the asset to $27.1 million. In August 2003, the borrower stopped making its debt service payments due to insufficient cash flow caused by vacancies at the property. After taking the impairment charge management believes there is adequate collateral to support the book value of the asset as of December 31, 2004.

        Changes in the Company's provision for loan losses were as follows:

Provision for loan losses, December 31, 2001   $ 21,000  
Additional provision for loan losses     8,250  
   
 
Provision for loan losses, December 31, 2002     29,250  
Additional provision for loan losses     7,500  
Impairment on loans     (3,314 )
   
 
Provision for loan losses, December 31, 2003   $ 33,436  
Additional provision for loan losses     9,000  
   
 
Provision for loan losses, December 31, 2004   $ 42,436  
   
 

Note 5—Corporate Tenant Lease Assets

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, the Company acquired an aggregate of approximately $513.0 million (which includes the Company's acquisition of the remaining interest in its ACRE Simon, LLC joint venture—See Note 6) and $351.4 million in CTL assets and disposed of CTL assets for net proceeds of approximately $279.6 million and $47.6 million. In relation to the CTL assets acquired during the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, the Company allocated approximately $18.4 million of purchase costs to intangible assets based on their estimated fair values (see Note 3). As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had unamortized purchase related intangible assets of approximately $41.2 million and $24.9 million, respectively, and included these in "Deferred expenses and other assets" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

70



        The Company's investments in CTL assets, at cost, were as follows (in thousands):

 
  December 31,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 
Facilities and improvements   $ 2,431,649   $ 2,210,592  
Land and land improvements     672,238     468,708  
Direct financing lease         35,472  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (226,845 )   (178,887 )
   
 
 
  Corporate tenant lease assets, net   $ 2,877,042   $ 2,535,885  
   
 
 

        The Company's CTL assets are leased to customers with initial term expiration dates from 2005 to 2026. Future operating lease payments under non-cancelable leases, excluding customer reimbursements of expenses, in effect at December 31, 2004, are approximately as follows (in thousands):

Year

  Amount
2005   $ 281,266
2006     271,697
2007     248,539
2008     238,848
2009     234,397
Thereafter     2,079,328

        Under certain leases, the Company is entitled to receive additional participating lease payments to the extent gross revenues of the corporate customer exceed a base amount. The Company did not earn any such additional participating lease payments on these leases in the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. In addition, the Company also receives reimbursements from customers for certain facility operating expenses including common area costs, insurance and real estate taxes. Customer expense reimbursements for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were approximately $31.1 million, $27.1 million and $25.5 million, respectively, and are included as a reduction of "Operating costs—corporate tenant lease assets" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        The Company is subject to expansion option agreements with two existing customers which could require the Company to fund and to construct up to 161,000 square feet of additional adjacent space on which the Company would receive additional operating lease income under the terms of the option agreements. In addition, upon exercise of such expansion option agreements, the corporate customers would be required to simultaneously extend their existing lease terms for additional periods ranging from six to ten years.

        In addition, the Company has $32.8 million of non-discretionary unfunded commitments related to two existing customers. These commitments generally fall into two categories: (1) pre-approved capital improvement projects; and (2) new or additional construction costs. Currently, the Company has committed $18.1 million in pre-approved capital improvement projects and $14.7 million in new construction costs. Upon funding the Company would receive additional operating lease income from the customer.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company sold 22 CTL assets (to six different buyers), nine CTL assets and one CTL asset for net proceeds of approximately $279.6 million,

71



$47.6 million and $3.7 million, and net realized gains of approximately $43.4 million, $5.2 million and $595,000, respectively.

        As of December 31, 2003, there was one CTL asset with a book value of $24.8 million classified as "Asset held for sale" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the first quarter 2004, this CTL asset was reclassified as held for use.

        On September 30, 2002, one of the Company's customers exercised an option to terminate its lease on 50.00% of the land leased from the Company. In connection with this termination, the Company realized $17.5 million in cash lease termination payments, offset by a $17.4 million impairment charge in connection with the termination, resulting in a net gain of approximately $123,000. In the fourth quarter of 2002, the customer completed a recapitalization transaction that significantly enhanced its credit. In connection with this recapitalization, the Company agreed to amend the customer's lease, effective October 1, 2002. In the lease amendment, the Company received $12.5 million in cash as prepaid lease payments and the customer agreed to fixed minimum increases on future lease payments. In exchange, the Company agreed to reduce the customer's lease obligations for a period not to exceed nine quarters. Following the reduction period, the customer was required to make additional lease payments over a ten-year period sufficient to reimburse the Company for a portion of the temporary reduction in lease payments. However, due to increased liquidity, the customer has prepaid all additional lease payments related to the reduction period as of December 31, 2004. These lease payments total approximately $1.8 million and are included in "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The results of operations from CTL assets sold or held for sale in the current and prior periods are classified as "Income from discontinued operations," on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations even though such income was actually recognized by the Company prior to the asset sale. Gains from the sale of CTL assets are classified as "Gain from discontinued operations" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Note 6—Joint Ventures, Unconsolidated Subsidiaries and Minority Interest

        Income or loss generated from the Company's joint venture investments and unconsolidated subsidiaries is included in "Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        The Company's ownership percentages, its investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures and subsidiaries, the Company's pro rata share of its ventures' third-party, non-recourse debt as of December 31, 2004 and its respective income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2004 are presented below (in thousands):

 
   
   
  JV Income (Loss) for the Year Ended December 31, 2004
   
  Third-Party Debt
 
  Ownership %
  Equity Investment
  Pro Rata Share of Third-Party Non-Recourse Debt
  Interest Rate
  Scheduled Maturity Date
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:                              
  ACRE Simon   20.00 % $   $ (190 ) $   N/A   N/A
  CTC   50.00 %   5,663     3,025       N/A   N/A
  Sunnyvale   44.70 %       74       N/A   N/A
       
 
 
       
    Total       $ 5,663   $ 2,909   $        
       
 
 
       

72


        Investments in and advances to unconsolidated joint ventures:    At December 31, 2004, the Company had an investment in Corporate Technology Centre Associates, LLC ("CTC"), whose external member is Corporate Technology Centre Partners, LLC. This venture was formed for the purpose of operating, acquiring and, in certain cases, developing CTL facilities.

        At December 31, 2004, the venture held one facility. The Company's investment in this joint venture at December 31, 2004 was $5.7 million. The joint venture's carrying value for the one facility owned at December 31, 2004 was $17.9 million. The joint venture had total assets of $19.7 million and total liabilities of $66,000 as of December 31, 2004 and net income of $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company accounts for this investment under the equity method because the Company's joint venture partner has certain participating rights giving them shared control over the venture.

        On November 23, 2004, the Company acquired the remaining 80.00% share of its joint venture partner's interest in the ACRE Simon, LLC joint venture. The total net purchase price was $40.1 million of which $14.6 million was paid in cash and $25.5 million reflected the assumption of the joint venture partner's share of the debt of the partnership. The Company now owns 100.00% of this joint venture and therefore, as of November 23, 2004, consolidates it for financial statement purposes.

        On September 27, 2004, CTC Associates I L.P., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company's CTC joint venture, sold its interest in five buildings to a third party investor and the mortgage lender accepted the proceeds in full satisfaction of the obligation. This transaction resulted in a net loss of approximately $950,000 allocable to the Company.

        On March 30, 2004, CTC Associates II L.P., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company's CTC joint venture, conveyed its interest in two buildings and the related property to the mortgage lender in exchange for satisfaction of the entity's obligations of the related loan. Prior to the conveyance of the buildings, early lease terminations resulted in one-time income allocable to the Company of approximately $3.5 million during the first quarter of 2004.

        On March 31, 2004, the Company began accounting for its 44.70% interest in TriNet Sunnyvale Partners, L.P. ("Sunnyvale") as a VIE (see Note 3) because the limited partners of Sunnyvale have the option to put their interest to the Company for cash; however, the Company may elect to deliver 297,728 shares of Common Stock in lieu of cash. Therefore, the Company consolidates this partnership for financial statement reporting purposes. Prior to its consolidation, the Company accounted for this joint venture under the equity method for financial statement reporting purposes and it was presented in "Investments in and advances to joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries," on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and earnings from the joint venture were included in "Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        On July 2, 2002, the Company paid approximately $27.9 million in cash to the former member of TriNet Milpitas Associates ("Milpitas") joint venture in exchange for its 50.00% ownership interest. Pursuant to the terms of the joint venture agreement, the former external member had the right to convert its interest into 984,476 shares of Common Stock of the Company at any time during the period February 1, 2002 through January 31, 2003. On May 2, 2002, the former Milpitas external member exercised this right. Upon the external member's exercise of its conversion right, the Company had the option to acquire the partner's interest for cash, instead of shares, for a payment equal to the value of 984,476 shares of Common Stock multiplied by the ten-day average closing stock price as of the transaction

73



date. The Company made such election and, as of July 2, 2002, owns 100.00% of Milpitas, and therefore consolidates these assets for accounting purposes. The Company accounted for the acquisition of the external interest using the purchase method.

        On April 1, 2002, the former Sierra Land Ventures ("Sierra") joint venture partner assigned its 50.00% ownership interest in Sierra to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. There was no cash or shares exchanged in this transaction. As of April 1, 2002, the Company owns 100.00% of the CTL asset previously held by Sierra and therefore consolidates this asset for accounting purposes.

        Investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries:    The Company has an investment in iStar Operating, a taxable REIT subsidiary that, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, services the Company's loans and certain loan portfolios owned by third parties. The Company owns all of the non-voting preferred stock and a 95.00% economic interest in iStar Operating. The common shareholder, an entity controlled by a former director of the Company, is the owner of all the voting common stock and a 5.00% economic interest in iStar Operating. As of December 31, 2004, there have never been any distributions to the common shareholder, nor does the Company expect to make any in the future. At any time, the Company has the right to acquire all of the common stock of iStar Operating at fair market value, which the Company believes to be nominal.

        iStar Operating has elected to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary for purposes of maintaining compliance with the REIT provisions of the Code and prior to July 1, 2003 was accounted for under the equity method for financial statement reporting purposes and was presented in "Investments in and advances to joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of July 1, 2003, the Company consolidates this entity as a VIE (see Note 3) with no material impact. Prior to its consolidation, the Company charged an allocated portion of its general overhead expenses to iStar Operating based on the number of employees at iStar Operating as a percentage of the Company's total employees. These general overhead expenses were in addition to the direct general and administrative costs of iStar Operating. As of December 31, 2004, iStar Operating had no debt obligations.

        In addition, the Company had an investment in TMOC, an entity originally formed to make a $2.0 million investment in the convertible debt securities of a real estate company which trades on the Mexican Stock Exchange. This investment was made by TriNet prior to its acquisition by the Company in 1999. On June 30, 2003, the $2.0 million investment was fully repaid and during the third quarter 2003, the entity was liquidated.

        Minority Interest:    Income or loss allocable to external partners in consolidated entities is included in "Minority interest in consolidated entities" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        On June 8, 2004, AutoStar Realty Operating Partnership, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership") was created to provide real estate financing solutions to automotive dealerships and related automotive businesses. The Operating Partnership was capitalized with initial contributions of $9,500 (0.50%) from AutoStar Realty GP LLC (the "GP") and $1.9 million (99.50%) from AutoStar Investors Partnership LLP (the "LP"). The GP is funded and owned 93.33% by iStar Automotive Investments, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and 6.67% by CP AutoStar, LP, an entity owned and controlled by two entities unrelated to the Company. The LP is funded and owned 93.33% by iStar Automotive Investments, LLC and 6.67% by CP AutoStar Co-Investors, LP, an entity controlled by two entities unrelated to the Company. This joint venture qualifies as a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the Company consolidates this partnership for financial statement purposes and records the minority interest

74



of the external partner in "Minority interest in consolidated entities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2004, the venture held 25 net leased facilities. The venture's carrying value for the 25 facilities owned at December 31, 2004 was $170.4 million. The venture had total assets of $173.5 million and total liabilities of $121.7 million as of December 31, 2004 and net income of $1.9 million for the period ended December 31, 2004.

        As discussed above, on March 31, 2004, the Company began accounting for its 44.70% interest in the Sunnyvale joint venture as a VIE and therefore consolidates this partnership for financial statement purposes and records the minority interest of the external partner in "Minority interest in consolidated entities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        On September 29, 2003 the Company acquired a 96.00% interest in iStar Harborside LLC, an infinite life partnership, with the external partner holding the remaining 4.00% interest. The Company consolidates this partnership for financial statement purposes and records the minority interest of the external partner in "Minority interest in consolidated entities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The Company also holds a 98.00% interest in TriNet Property Partners, L.P with the external partners holding the remaining 2.00% interest. As of August 1999, the external partners have the option to convert their partnership interest into cash; however, the Company may elect to deliver 72,819 shares of Common Stock in lieu of cash. The Company consolidates this partnership for financial statement purposes and records the minority interest of the external partner in "Minority interest in consolidated entities" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

75


iStar Financial Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7—Debt Obligations

        As of December 31, 2004 and 2003 the Company has debt obligations under various arrangements with financial institutions as follows (in thousands):

 
   
  Carrying Value as of
   
   
 
  Maximum
Amount
Available

  December 31,
2004

  December 31,
2003

  Stated
Interest
Rates(1)

  Scheduled
Maturity
Date

Secured revolving credit facilities:                          
    Line of credit   $ 250,000   $   $ 88,640   LIBOR + 1.50% — 2.05%   March 2005
    Line of credit     700,000     67,775     310,364   LIBOR + 1.40% — 2.15%   January 2007 (2)
    Line of credit     350,000     10,811     117,211   LIBOR + 1.50% — 2.25%   August 2006 (2)
    Line of credit     500,000         180,376   LIBOR + 1.50% — 2.25%   September 2005

Unsecured revolving credit facilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Line of credit(3)     1,250,000     840,000       LIBOR + 0.875%   April 2008
    Line of credit             130,000   LIBOR + 2.125%   July 2004
   
 
 
       
    Total revolving credit facilities   $ 3,050,000   $ 918,586   $ 826,591        
   
                   
Secured term loans:                    
    Secured by CTL asset     76,670     77,938   6.55%   December 2005
    Secured by CTL asset     136,512     140,440   7.44%   April 2009
    Secured by CTL asset     135,000     135,000   LIBOR + 1.75%   October 2008
    Secured by CTL assets         193,000   LIBOR + 1.85%   July 2006
    Secured by CTL assets     148,600     92,876   6.80% — 8.80%   Various through 2026 (4)
    Secured by corporate bond investments     129,446       LIBOR + 1.05%-1.50%   January 2006
    Secured by corporate lending investment     60,180     60,874   6.41%   January 2013
    Secured by corporate lending investment         60,000   LIBOR + 2.50%   June 2004
    Secured by corporate lending investment         48,000   LIBOR + 2.125%   July 2008
         
 
       
    Total term loans     686,408     808,128        
    Less: debt (discount)/premium     7,065     (128 )      
         
 
       
    Total secured term loans     693,473     808,000        

iStar Asset Receivables secured notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  STARs Series 2002-1:                    
    Class A1         40,011   LIBOR + 0.26%   June 2004 (5)
    Class A2     202,052     381,296   LIBOR + 0.38%   December 2009 (5)
    Class B     39,955     39,955   LIBOR + 0.65%   April 2011 (5)
    Class C     26,637     26,637   LIBOR + 0.75%   May 2011(5)
    Class D     21,310     21,310   LIBOR + 0.85%   January 2012(5)
    Class E     42,619     42,619   LIBOR + 1.235%   January 2012(5)
    Class F     26,637     26,637   LIBOR + 1.335%   January 2012(5)
    Class G     21,309     21,309   LIBOR + 1.435%   January 2012(5)
    Class H     26,637     26,637   6.35%   January 2012(5)
    Class J     26,637     26,637   6.35%   May 2012(5)
    Class K     26,637     26,637   6.35%   May 2012(5)
         
 
       
    Total STARs Series 2002-1     460,430     679,685        
    Less: debt discount     (3,734 )   (4,090 )      
         
 
       
  STARs Series 2003-1:                    
    Class A1     113,309     235,808   LIBOR + 0.25%   October 2005(6)
    Class A2     225,227     248,206   LIBOR +0.35%   August 2010(6)
    Class B     16,744     18,452   LIBOR + 0.55%   July 2011(6)
    Class C     18,418     20,297   LIBOR + 0.65%   April 2012(6)
    Class D     11,720     12,916   LIBOR + 0.75%   October 2012(6)
    Class E     13,395     14,762   LIBOR + 1.05%   May 2013(6)
    Class F     13,395     14,762   LIBOR + 1.10%   June 2013(6)
    Class G     11,720     12,916   LIBOR + 1.25%   June 2013(6)
    Class H     11,721     12,916   4.97%   June 2013(6)
    Class J     13,394     14,761   5.07%   June 2013(6)
    Class K     23,441     25,833   5.56%   June 2013(6)
         
 
       
    Total STARS Series 2003-1     472,484     631,629        
         
 
       
    Total iStar Asset Receivables secured notes     929,180     1,307,224        

76


iStar Financial Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7—Debt Obligations (Continued)

 
   
  Carrying Value as of
   
   
 
   
  December 31,
2004

  December 31,
2003

  Stated
Interest
Rates(1)

  Scheduled
Maturity
Date

Unsecured notes:                    
  LIBOR + 1.25% Senior Notes   $ 200,000   $   LIBOR + 1.25%   March 2007
  4.875% Senior Notes     350,000       4.875%   January 2009
  5.125% Senior Notes     250,000       5.125%   April 2011
  5.70% Senior Notes     250,000       5.70%   March 2014
  6.00% Senior Notes     350,000     350,000   6.00%   December 2010
  6.50% Senior Notes     150,000     150,000   6.50%   December 2013
  7.00% Senior Notes     185,000     185,000   7.00%   March 2008
  7.70% Notes (7)(8)     100,000     100,000   7.70%   July 2017
  7.95% Notes (7)(8)     50,000     50,000   7.95%   May 2006
  8.75% Notes     240,000     350,000   8.75%   August 2008
       
 
       
  Total unsecured notes     2,125,000     1,185,000        
  Less: debt discount     (56,913 )   (47,921 )      
  Plus: impact of pay-floating swap agreements (9)     (3,652 )   690        
       
 
       
  Total unsecured notes     2,064,435     1,137,769        
Other debt obligations         34,148   Various   Various
       
 
       
Total debt obligations   $ 4,605,674   $ 4,113,732        
       
 
       

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Substantially all variable-rate debt obligations are based on 30-day LIBOR and reprice monthly. The 30-day LIBOR rate on December 31, 2004 was 2.40%.

(2)
Maturity date reflects a one-year "term-out" extension at the Company's option.

(3)
On October 5, 2004 the interest rate and facility fees were reduced to LIBOR + 0.875% (from LIBOR + 1.00%) and 17.5 basis points, (from 25 basis points), due to an upgrade in the Company's senior unsecured debt rating to investment grade by S&P. On December 17, 2004 the commitment on this facility was increased to $1,250.0 million and the accordion feature was amended to increase the facility to $1.5 billion in the future if necessary. As of December 31, 2004, $7.6 million of the maximum amount available under this facility is utilized for two letters of credit. Maturity date reflects a one-year extension at the Company's option.

(4)
On November 23, 2004, the Company purchased the remaining interest in the ACRE Simon joint venture from the former ACRE Simon external member for $40.1 million. Upon purchase of the interest, the ACRE Simon joint venture became fully consolidated for accounting purposes and approximately $31.8 million of secured term debt was reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. On December 9, 2004, the Company repaid one of the term loans with a balance of $9.8 million and an original maturity date of June 2005.

(5)
Principal payments on these bonds are a function of the principal repayments on loan or CTL assets which collateralize these obligations. The dates indicated above represent the expected date on which the final payment would occur for such class based on the assumptions that the loans which collateralize the obligations are not voluntarily prepaid, the loans are paid on their effective maturity dates and no extensions of the effective maturity dates of any of the loans are granted. The final maturity date for the underlying indenture on class A1 is May 28, 2017 and the final maturity date for classes A2, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J and K is May 28, 2020.

(6)
Principal payments on these bonds are a function of the principal repayments on loan or CTL assets which collateralize these obligations. The dates indicated above represent the expected date on which the final payment would occur for such class based on the assumptions that the loans which collateralize the obligations are not voluntarily prepaid, the loans are paid on their effective maturity dates and no extensions of the effective maturity dates of any of the loans are granted. The final maturity date for the underlying indenture is August 28, 2022.

(7)
The Notes are callable by the Company at any time for an amount equal to the total of principal outstanding, accrued interest and the applicable make-whole prepayment premium. On March 1, 2005, the 7.70% Notes were exchanged for 5.70% Series B Senior Notes due 2014 (see Note 17 for further discussion).

(8)
These obligations were assumed as part of the acquisition of TriNet. As part of the accounting for the purchase, these fixed-rate obligations were considered to have stated interest rates which were below the then-prevailing market rates at which the Leasing Subsidiary could issue new debt obligations and, accordingly, the Company ascribed a market discount to each obligation. Such discounts are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method over the related term of the obligations. As adjusted, the effective annual interest rates on these obligations were 9.51% and 9.04% for the 7.70% Notes and 7.95% Notes, respectively.

(9)
On January 15, 2004, the Company entered into four pay-floating interest rate swaps struck at 3.678%, 3.713%, 3.686% and 3.684% with notional amounts of $105.0 million, $100.0 million, $100.0 million and $45.0 million, respectively, and maturing on January 15, 2009. On December 17, 2003, the Company entered into three pay-floating interest rate swaps struck at 4.381%, 4.345% and 4.29% in the notional amounts of $200.0 million, $100.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively. On November 27, 2002, the Company entered into two pay-floating interest rate swaps struck at 3.8775% and 3.81% in the notional amounts of $100.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively. These swaps are intended to mitigate the risk of changes in the fair value of $350.0 million of five-year Senior Notes, $350.0 million of seven-year Senior Notes and $150.0 million of ten-year Senior Notes, respectively, attributable to changes in LIBOR. For accounting purposes, quarterly the Company adjusts the value of the swap to its fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged liability by an offsetting amount.

77


        The Company's primary source of short-term funds is a $1,250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. Under the facility the Company is required to meet certain financial covenants. As of December 31, 2004, there is approximately $402.4 million available to draw under the facility. In addition, the Company has four secured revolving credit facilities of which availability is based on percentage borrowing base calculations. Certain debt obligations, including the unsecured and secured lines of credit, contain covenants. These covenants are both financial and non-financial in nature. Significant financial covenants include limitations on the Company's ability to incur indebtedness beyond specified levels, and a requirement to maintain specified ratios of unsecured indebtedness compared to unencumbered assets. Significant non-financial covenants include a requirement in its publicly-held debt securities that the Company offer to repurchase those securities at a premium if the Company undergoes a change of control. As of December 31, 2004, the Company believes it is in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants on its debt obligations.

        Capital Markets Activity—During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued $850.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate Senior Notes bearing interest at annual rates ranging from 4.875% to 5.70% and maturing between 2009 and 2014 and $200.0 million of variable-rate Senior Notes bearing interest at an annual rate of three-month LIBOR + 1.25% and maturing 2007. The proceeds from these transactions were used to repay secured indebtedness and to fund new investment activity. In addition, the Company redeemed $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.75% Senior Notes due 2008 at a price of 108.75% of par. In connection with this redemption, the Company recognized a charge to income of $11.5 million included in "Loss on early extinguishment of debt" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company issued $535.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate Senior Notes bearing interest at annual rates ranging from 6.00% to 7.00% and maturing between 2008 and 2013. In addition, the Company retired the 6.75% Dealer Remarketable Securities of its Leasing Subsidiary by exchanging those securities for newly issued $150.0 million 7.00% Senior Notes due March 2008.

        Unsecured/Secured Credit Facilities Activity—On July 20, 2004, one of the Company's $500.0 million secured facilities was amended to reduce the maximum amount available to $350.0 million, to extend the final maturity to August 2005 and to reduce the stated interest rate on first mortgage collateral to LIBOR + 1.50%.

        On April 19, 2004, the Company completed a new $850.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with 19 banks and financial institutions. The new facility has a three-year initial term with a one-year extension at the Company's option. The facility bears interest, based upon the Company's current credit ratings, at a rate of LIBOR + 0.875% and a 17.5 basis point annual facility fee decreased from LIBOR + 1.00% and 25 basis points, respectively, due to an upgrade in the Company's senior unsecured debt rating to investment grade by S&P. On December 17, 2004, the commitment on this facility was increased to $1,250.0 million and the accordion feature was amended to increase the facility to $1.5 billion in the future if necessary. This new facility replaced a $300.0 million unsecured credit facility with a scheduled maturity of July 2004.

        On March 12, 2004, one of the Company's $700.0 million secured facilities was amended to reduce the maximum amount available to $250.0 million, to shorten the maturity to March 2005 and to reduce the stated interest rate on first mortgages and CTL assets to LIBOR + 1.50% and on subordinate and mezzanine lending investments to LIBOR + 2.05%

78



        On January 13, 2004, the Company closed $200.0 million of term financing that is secured by certain corporate bond investments and other lending securities. A number of these investments were previously financed under existing credit facilities. The new facility bears interest at LIBOR + 1.05% - 1.50% and has a final maturity date of January 2006.

        On January 27, 2003, the Company extended the maturity on one of its $700.0 million secured facilities to January 2007, which includes a one-year "term-out" at the Company's option.

        On September 30, 2002, the Company closed a $500.0 million secured revolving credit facility with a leading financial institution. The facility had a three-year term and bears interest at LIBOR + 1.50% to 2.25%, depending upon the collateral contributed to the borrowing base. The facility accepts a broad range of structured finance and CTL assets and has a final maturity of September 2005. On November 4, 2003, this facility was amended to include subordinate and mezzanine lending investments as collateral at stated interest rates of LIBOR + 2.15% - 2.25%

        Other Financing Activity—During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, the Company purchased the remaining interest in the ACRE Simon joint venture from the former ACRE Simon external member for $40.1 million. Upon purchase of the interest, the ACRE Simon joint venture became fully consolidated for accounting purposes and approximately $31.8 million of secured term debt is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The term loans bear interest at rates of 7.61% to 8.43% and mature between 2005 and 2011. In addition, the Company repaid a total of $314.6 million in term loan financing, $9.8 million of which was part of the ACRE Simon acquisition.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, the Company closed an aggregate of $233.0 million in secured term debt bearing interest at rates ranging from LIBOR + 0.60% - 2.125% and maturing between 2003 to 2008. In addition, the Company repaid $125.0 million of term loan financing, $50.0 million of which had been closed during the same year.

        In addition, during the 12 months ended December 31, 2003, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company issued iStar Asset Receivables ("STARs"), Series 2003-1, the Company's proprietary match funding program, consisting of $645.8 million of investment-grade bonds secured by the subsidiary's structured finance and CTL assets, which had an aggregate outstanding carrying value of approximately $738.1 million at inception. Principal payments received on the assets will be utilized to repay the most senior class of the bonds then outstanding. The maturity of the bonds match funds the maturity of the underlying assets financed under the program. The weighted average interest rate on the bonds, on an all-floating rate basis, was approximately LIBOR + 0.47% at inception. For accounting purposes, this transaction was treated as a secured financing: the underlying assets and STARs liabilities remained on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and no gain on sale was recognized.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2002, the Company purchased the remaining interest in the Milpitas joint venture from the Milpitas external member for $27.9 million. Upon purchase of the interest, the Milpitas joint venture became fully consolidated for accounting purposes and approximately $79.1 million of secured term debt is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. This term loan bears interest at 6.55% and matures in 2005. In addition, the Company closed a $61.5 million term loan financing with a leading institution to fund a portion of an $82.1 million CTL investment. The none-recourse loan is fixed rate and bears interest at 6.412%, matures in 2012 and amortizes over a 30-year schedule.

79



        In addition, during the 12 months ended December 31, 2002, the Company repaid the then remaining $446.2 million of bonds outstanding under its STARs, Series 2000-1 financing. Simultaneously, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company issued STARs, Series 2002-1, consisting of $885.1 million of investment-grade bonds secured by the subsidiary's structured finance and CTL assets, which had an aggregate outstanding carrying value of approximately $1.1 billion at inception. Principal payments received on the assets will be utilized to repay the most senior class of the bonds then outstanding. The maturity of the bonds match funds the maturity of the underlying assets financed under the program. The weighted average interest rate on the bonds, on an all-floating rate basis, was approximately LIBOR + 0.56% at inception. For accounting purposes, this transaction was treated as a secured financing: the underlying assets and STARs liabilities remained on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and no gain on sale was recognized.

        During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 the Company incurred an aggregate net loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $13.1 million, $0 and $12.2 million, respectively, as a result of the early retirement of certain debt obligations.

        As of December 31, 2004, future expected/scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt obligations are as follows (in thousands)(1):

2005   $ 189,979  
2006     190,257  
2007     270,493  
2008     1,400,000  
2009     706,251  
Thereafter     1,905,928  
   
 
Total principal maturities     4,662,908  
Net unamortized debt discounts     (53,582 )
Impact of pay-floating swap agreement     (3,652 )
   
 
Total debt obligations   $ 4,605,674  
   
 

Explanatory Note:


(1)
Assumes exercise of extensions to the extent such extensions are at the Company's option.

Note 8—Shareholders' Equity

      The Company's charter provides for the issuance of up to 200.0 million shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 30.0 million shares of preferred stock. The Company has 4.0 million shares of 8.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 5.6 million shares of 7.875% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 4.0 million shares of 7.80% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 3.2 million shares of 7.65% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and 5.0 million shares of 7.50% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The Series D, E, F, G, and I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock are redeemable without premium at the option of the Company at their respective liquidation preferences beginning on October 8, 2002, July 18, 2008, September 29, 2008, December 19, 2008 and March 1, 2009, respectively.

80



        In February 2004, the Company redeemed 2.0 million outstanding shares of its 9.375% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock and 1.3 million outstanding shares of its 9.20% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. The redemption price was $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date of $0.46 and $0.45 for the Series B and C Preferred Stock, respectively. In connection with this redemption, the Company recognized a charge to net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders of approximately $9.0 million included in "Preferred dividend requirements" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        In February 2004, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 5.0 million shares of its 7.50% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share and a redemption date beginning March 1, 2009. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering of $121.0 million to redeem approximately $110.0 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 8.75% Senior Notes due 2008 at a price of 108.75% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the redemption date.

        In January 2004, the Company completed a private placement of 3.3 million shares of its Series H Variable Rate Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share and redeemable at par at any time from the purchase date through the first four months. The Company specifically used the proceeds from this offering to redeem the Series B and C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock on February 23, 2004. On January 27, 2004, the Company redeemed all Series H Preferred Stock using excess liquidity from its secured credit facilities.

        In December 2003, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 5.0 million primary shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Company received approximately $191.1 million from the offering and used these proceeds to repay a portion of secured indebtedness.

        In December 2003, the Company redeemed 1.6 million shares of the Company's 9.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $50.00 per share by exchanging those securities for newly issued 3.2 million shares of 7.65% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share and a redemption date beginning on December 19, 2008. Immediately following this transaction the Company no longer had any Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. The Company did not receive any cash proceeds from the offering.

        In September 2003, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 4.0 million shares of its 7.80% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share and a redemption date beginning on September 29, 2008. The Company used the proceeds from the offering to repay a portion of secured indebtedness.

        In July 2003, the Company redeemed 2.8 million shares of the Company's 9.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $50.00 per share by exchanging those securities for newly issued 5.6 million shares of 7.875% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, having a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share and a redemption date beginning on July 18, 2008. The Company did not receive any cash proceeds from the offering.

        On November 14, 2002, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 8.0 million primary shares of the Company's Common Stock. The Company received approximately $202.9 million from the offering and used these proceeds to repay a portion of secured indebtedness.

81



        On December 15, 1998, the Company issued warrants to acquire 6.1 million shares of Common Stock, as adjusted for dilution, at $34.35 per share. The warrants were exercisable on or after December 15, 1999 at a price of $34.35 per share and expired on December 15, 2005. On April 8, 2004, all 6.1 million warrants were exercised on a net basis and the Company subsequently issued approximately 1.1 million shares.

        DRIP/Stock Purchase Plan—The Company maintains a dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan. Under the dividend reinvestment component of the plan, the Company's shareholders may purchase additional shares of Common Stock without payment of brokerage commissions or service charges by automatically reinvesting all or a portion of their Common Stock cash dividends. Under the direct stock purchase component of the plan, the Company's shareholders and new investors may purchase shares of Common Stock directly from the Company without payment of brokerage commissions or service charges. All purchases of shares in excess of $10,000 per month pursuant to the direct purchase component are at the Company's sole discretion. Shares issued under the plan may reflect a discount of up to 3.00% from the prevailing market price of the Company's Common Stock. The Company is authorized to issue up to 8.0 million shares of Common Stock pursuant to the dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company issued a total of approximately 427,000 and 2.6 million shares of its Common Stock, respectively, through the direct stock purchase component of the plan. Net proceeds during the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, were approximately $17.6 million and $89.1 million, respectively. There are approximately 3.1 million shares available for issuance under the plan as of December 31, 2004.

        Stock Repurchase Program—The Board of Directors approved, and the Company has implemented, a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 5.0 million shares of its Common Stock from time to time, primarily using proceeds from the disposition of assets or loan repayments and excess cash flow from operations, but also using borrowings under its credit facilities if the Company determines that it is advantageous to do so. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had repurchased a total of approximately 2.3 million shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $40.7 million. The Company has not repurchased any shares under the stock repurchase program since November 2000.

Note 9—Risk Management and Use of Financial Instruments

        Risk management—In the normal course of its on-going business operations, the Company encounters economic risk. There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different speeds, or different bases, than its interest-earning assets. Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company's lending investments that results from a property's, borrower's or corporate tenant's inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of loans due to changes in interest rates or other market factors, including the rate of prepayments of principal and the value of the collateral underlying loans and the valuation of CTL facilities held by the Company.

        Use of derivative financial instruments—The Company's use of derivative financial instruments is primarily limited to the utilization of interest rate agreements or other instruments to manage interest rate risk exposure. The principal objective of such arrangements is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with the Company's operating and financial structure as well as to hedge specific anticipated transactions. The counterparties to these contractual arrangements are major financial institutions with which the Company and its affiliates may also have other financial relationships. The Company is potentially exposed

82



to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties. However, because of their high credit ratings, the Company does not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations. The Company does not use derivative instruments to hedge credit/market risk or for speculative purposes.

        The Company has entered into the following cash flow and fair value hedges that are outstanding as of December 31, 2004. All hedges are currently effective and no ineffectiveness exists. The net value (liability) associated with these hedges is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands).

Type of Hedge

  Notional
Amount

  Strike Price or
Swap Rate

  Trade
Date

  Maturity
Date

  Estimated
Value at
December 31, 2004

 
Pay-Fixed Swap   $ 125,000   2.885 % 1/23/03   6/25/06   $ 544  
Pay-Fixed Swap     125,000   2.838 % 2/11/03   6/25/06     632  
Pay-Fixed Swap     67,000   4.659 % 12/09/04   3/31/15     217  
Pay-Fixed Swap     67,000   4.659 % 12/09/04   3/31/15     217  
Pay-Fixed Swap     66,000   4.660 % 12/09/04   3/31/15     208  
Pay-Floating Swap     200,000   4.381 % 12/17/03   12/15/10     (55 )
Pay-Floating Swap     105,000   3.678 % 1/15/04   1/15/09     (1,339 )
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   4.345 % 12/17/03   12/15/10     (219 )
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   3.878 % 11/27/02   8/15/08     1,030  
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   3.713 % 1/15/04   1/15/09     (1,128 )
Pay-Floating Swap     100,000   3.686 % 1/15/04   1/15/09     (1,239 )
Pay-Floating Swap     50,000   3.810 % 11/27/02   8/15/08     389  
Pay-Floating Swap     50,000   4.290 % 12/17/03   12/15/10     (256 )
Pay-Floating Swap     45,000   3.684 % 1/15/04   1/15/09     (562 )
LIBOR Cap     345,000   8.000 % 5/22/02   5/28/14     4,465  
LIBOR Cap     135,000   6.000 % 9/29/03   10/15/06     19  
                     
 
Total Estimated Value   $ 2,923  
                     
 

83


        Between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2004, the Company also had outstanding the following cash flow hedges that have expired or been settled (in thousands):

Type of Hedge

  Notional
Amount

  Strike Price or
Swap Rate

  Trade
Date

  Maturity
Date

Pay-Fixed Swap   $ 235,000   1.135 % 3/11/04   9/15/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     200,000   1.144 % 3/11/04   9/15/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     200,000   1.144 % 3/11/04   9/15/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     125,000   7.058 % 6/15/00   6/25/03
Pay-Fixed Swap     125,000   7.055 % 6/15/00   6/25/03
Pay-Fixed Swap     100,000   4.139 % 9/29/03   1/2/11
Pay-Fixed Swap     100,000   4.643 % 9/29/03   1/2/14
Pay-Fixed Swap     100,000   4.484 % 1/16/04   5/1/14
Pay-Fixed Swap     75,000   5.580 % 11/4/99 (1) 12/1/04
Pay-Fixed Swap     50,000   4.502 % 1/16/04   5/1/14
Pay-Fixed Swap     50,000   4.500 % 1/16/04   5/1/14
LIBOR Cap     75,000   7.750 % 11/4/99 (1) 12/1/04
LIBOR Cap     35,000   7.750 % 11/4/99 (1) 12/1/04

Explanatory Note:


(1)
Acquired in connection with the TriNet Acquisition (see Note 1).

        On December 9, 2004, the Company entered into three forward starting swaps all with ten-year terms and rates of 4.659%, 4.659% and 4.660% and notional amounts of $67.0 million, $67.0 million and $66.0 million, respectively, and are being used to lock-in swap rates related to a portion of planned future corporate unsecured fixed-rate bond issuances. These three swaps were settled on March 1, 2005 in connection with the Company's issuance of $700.0 million of seven-year Senior Notes (see Note 17).

        On March 11, 2004, the Company entered into three pay-fixed interest rate swaps all with six-month terms, rates of 1.135%, 1.144% and 1.144% and notional amounts of $235.0 million, $200.0 million and $200.0 million, respectively. These three swaps matured on September 15, 2004.

        On January 16, 2004, the Company entered into three forward starting swaps all with ten-year terms and rates of 4.484%, 4.502% and 4.500% and notional amounts of $100.0 million, $50.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and were used to lock-in swap rates related to a portion of planned future corporate unsecured fixed-rate bond issuances. These three swaps were settled in connection with the Company's issuance of $250.0 million of ten-year Senior Notes in March 2004.

        On January 15, 2004, in connection with the Company's fixed-rate corporate bonds, the Company entered into four pay-floating interest rate swaps struck at 3.678%, 3.713%, 3.686% and 3.684% with notional amounts of $105.0 million, $100.0 million, $100.0 million and $45.0 million, respectively, and maturing on January 15, 2009. The Company pays six-month LIBOR and receives the stated fixed rate in return. These swaps mitigate the risk of changes in the fair value of $350.0 million of five-year Senior Notes attributable to changes in LIBOR. For accounting purposes, the difference between the fixed rate received and the LIBOR rate paid on the notional amount of the swap is recorded as "Interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the Company adjusts the value of the swap to its fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged liability by an offsetting amount on a quarterly basis.

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        During 2003, the Company entered into two 90-day forward starting swaps each having a $100.0 million notional amount. These pay-fixed swaps which were effective in September 2003, had rates of 4.139% and 4.643%, had seven-year and ten-year terms, respectively, and were used to lock-in swap rates related to a portion of planned future corporate unsecured fixed-rate bond issuances. These two swaps were settled in connection with the Company's issuance of $350.0 million of seven-year Senior Notes and $150.0 million of ten-year Senior Notes. In addition, effective in September 2003, the Company entered into a $135.0 million cap with a rate of 6.00% to hedge the Company's current outstanding floating-rate debt. This cap has a three-year term. Further, the Company entered into two $125.0 million forward starting swaps in the first quarter 2003 that became effective in June 2003. These forward starting swaps replaced the two $125.0 million pay-fixed swaps that expired in June 2003. The two new pay-fixed swaps have a three-year term and expire on June 25, 2006.

        In addition, in connection with a portion of the Company's fixed-rate corporate bonds, the Company entered into three pay-floating interest rate swaps in December 2003 struck at 4.381%, 4.345% and 4.290% with notional amounts of $200.0 million, $100.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and maturing on December 15, 2010 and also entered into two pay-floating interest rate swaps in November 2002 struck at 3.8775% and 3.810% with notional amounts of $100.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and maturing on August 15, 2008. The Company pays six-month LIBOR on the swaps entered into in December 2003 and one-month LIBOR on the swaps entered into in November 2002 and receives the stated fixed rate in return. These swaps mitigate the risk of changes in the fair value of $350.0 million of seven-year Senior Notes and $150.0 million of ten-year Senior Notes attributable to changes in LIBOR. For accounting purposes, the difference between the fixed rate received and the LIBOR rate paid on the notional amount of the swap is recorded as "Interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the Company adjusts the value of the swap to its fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged liability by an offsetting amount on a quarterly basis.

        In connection with STARs, Series 2003-1 in May 2003, the Company entered into a LIBOR interest rate cap struck at 6.95% in the notional amount of $270.6 million, and simultaneously sold a LIBOR interest rate cap with the same terms. Since these instruments do not change the Company's net interest rate risk exposure, they do not qualify as hedges and changes in their respective values are charged to earnings. As the terms of these arrangements are substantially the same, the effects of a revaluation of these two instruments substantially offset one another.

        In connection with STARs, Series 2002-1 in May 2002, the Company entered into a LIBOR interest rate cap struck at 8.00% in the notional amount of $345.0 million. The Company utilizes the provisions of SFAS No. 133 with respect to such instruments. SFAS No. 133 provides that the up-front fees paid on option-based products such as caps should be expensed into earnings based on the allocation of the premium to the affected periods as if the agreement were a series of "caplets." These allocated premiums are then reflected as a charge to income (as part of interest expense) in the affected period. On May 28, 2002, in connection with the STARs, Series 2002-1 transaction, the Company paid a premium of $13.7 million for this interest rate cap. Using the "caplet" methodology discussed above, amortization of the cap premium is dependent upon the actual value of the caplets at inception.

        During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company refinanced its $125.0 million term loan maturing March 15, 1999 with a $155.4 million term loan maturing March 5, 2009. The term loan bears interest at 7.44% per annum, payable monthly, and amortizes over an approximately 22-year schedule. The term loan represented forecasted transactions for which the Company had previously entered into U.S.

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Treasury-based hedging transactions. The net $3.4 million cost of the settlement of such hedges has been deferred and is being amortized as an increase to the effective financing cost of the term loan over its effective ten-year term.

        Credit risk concentrations—Concentrations of credit risks arise when a number of borrowers or customers related to the Company's investments are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geographic region, or have similar economic features that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations, including those to the Company, to be similarly affected by changes in economic conditions. The Company regularly monitors various segments of its portfolio to assess potential concentrations of credit risks. Management believes the current portfolio is reasonably well diversified and does not contain any unusual concentration of credit risks.

        Substantially all of the Company's CTL assets (including those held by joint ventures) and loans and other lending investments are collateralized by facilities located in the United States, with significant concentrations (i.e., greater than 10.00%) as of December 31, 2004 in California (19.49%). As of December 31, 2004, the Company's investments also contain greater than 10.00% concentrations in the following asset types: office-CTL (23.13%), industrial (16.17%), office-lending (12.43%) and entertainment/leisure (10.71%).

        The Company underwrites the credit of prospective borrowers and customers and often requires them to provide some form of credit support such as corporate guarantees, letters of credit and/or cash security deposits. Although the Company's loans and other lending investments and corporate customer lease assets are geographically diverse and the borrowers and customers operate in a variety of industries, to the extent the Company has a significant concentration of interest or operating lease revenues from any single borrower or customer, the inability of that borrower or customer to make its payment could have an adverse effect on the Company. As of December 31, 2004, the Company's five largest borrowers or corporate customers collectively accounted for approximately 15.08% of the Company's aggregate annualized interest and operating lease revenue of which no single customer accounts for more than 4.45%.

Note 10—Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits

        The Company's 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is designed to provide incentive compensation for officers, other key employees and directors of the Company. The Plan provides for awards of stock options and shares of restricted stock and other performance awards. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for awards under the Plan is 9.00% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, calculated on a fully diluted basis, from time to time, provided that the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for grants of options designated as incentive stock options is 5.0 million, subject to certain antidilution provisions in the Plan. All awards under the Plan, other than automatic awards to non-employee directors, are at the discretion of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2004, a total of approximately 10.1 million shares of Common Stock were available for awards under the Plan, of which options to purchase approximately 1.3 million shares of Common Stock were outstanding and approximately 411,000 shares of restricted stock were outstanding. A total of approximately 914,000 shares remain available for awards under the Plan as of December 31, 2004.

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        Changes in options outstanding during each of the fiscal 2002, 2003 and 2004 are as follows:

 
  Number of Shares
   
 
  Employees
  Non-Employee
Directors

  Other
  Weighted
Average
Strike Price

Options outstanding, December 31, 2001   3,645,058   583,532   896,676   $ 18.98
  Granted in 2002     80,000     $ 27.83
  Exercised in 2002   (488,674 ) (190,650 ) (164,683 ) $ 18.63
  Forfeited in 2002   (16,907 ) (4,600 )   $ 24.87
   
 
 
     
Options outstanding, December 31, 2002   3,139,477   468,282   731,993   $ 18.77
  Granted in 2003   15,500       $ 14.72
  Exercised in 2003   (843,624 ) (235,746 ) (389,594 ) $ 18.99
  Forfeited in 2003   (2,300 ) (13,850 )   $ 26.14
  Transferred in 2003(1)     (63,692 ) 63,692   $ 27.15
   
 
 
     
Options outstanding, December 31, 2003   2,309,053   154,994   406,091   $ 18.59
  Granted in 2004          
  Exercised in 2004   (1,316,070 ) (36,600 ) (98,527 ) $ 19.23
  Forfeited in 2004   (83,730 ) (14,600 )   $ 17.14
   
 
 
     
Options outstanding, December 31, 2004   909,253   103,794   307,564   $ 17.99
   
 
 
     

Explanatory Note:


(1)
Transfer of shares due to the down-size of Board of Directors on June 2, 2003.

        The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, 2004:

 
  OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
  OPTIONS
EXERCISABLE

Exercise
Price

  Options
Outstanding

  Remaining
Contractual
Life

  Currently
Exercisable

$14.72   486,214   4.12   475,881
$16.88   406,461   5.01   406,461
$17.38   16,667   5.21   16,667
$19.69   231,783   6.00   231,783
$20.94   25,000   5.68   25,000
$24.13   6,900   0.42   6,900
$24.94   40,000   6.38   40,000
$26.09   13,800   1.41   13,800
$26.97   2,000   6.45   2,000
$27.00   25,000   6.48   25,000
$28.54   3,396   3.34   3,396
$29.82   58,296   7.41   58,296
$55.39   5,094   4.42   5,094
   
 
 
    1,320,611   4.98   1,310,278
   
 
 

        In the third quarter 2002 (with retroactive application to the beginning of the calendar year), the Company adopted the fair value method for accounting for options issued to employees or directors, as

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allowed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, the Company recognizes a charge equal to the fair value of these options at the date of grant multiplied by the number of options issued. This charge will be amortized over the related remaining vesting terms to individual employees as additional compensation. There were 15,500 options issued during the year ended December 31, 2003 with a strike price of $14.72.

        If the Company's compensation costs had been determined using the fair value method of accounting for stock options issued under the Plan to employees and directors prescribed by SFAS No. 123 prior to 2002, the Company's net income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, would have been reduced on a pro forma basis by approximately $0, $96,000 and $188,000 respectively. This would not have significantly impacted the Company's earnings per share

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Expected life (in years)   N/A     5         5    
Risk-free interest rate   N/A     3.13%     4.38%
Volatility   N/A     17.64%     16.23%
Dividend yield   N/A     9.57%     8.45%
Weighted average grant date fair value   N/A   $ 5.26   $ 1.38

        Future charges may be taken to the extent of additional option grants, which are at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company granted 36,205 restricted shares to employees that vest proportionately over three years on the anniversary date of the initial grant of which 34,280 remain outstanding. In addition, in connection with the Chief Executive Officer's employment agreement 236,167 restricted shares were issued on March 31, 2004 (see detailed information below).

        During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company granted 40,600 restricted shares to employees that vest proportionately over three years on the anniversary date of the initial grant of which 21,604 remain outstanding as of December 31, 2004.

        During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company granted 199,350 restricted shares to employees. Of these shares, 44,350 will vest proportionately over three years on the anniversary date of the initial grant. Of the 44,350 shares granted, 10,030 remain outstanding as of December 31, 2004. The balance of 155,000 restricted shares granted to several employees vested on March 31, 2004 due to the satisfaction of the following circumstances: (1) the employee remained employed until that date; and (2) the 60-day average closing price of the Company's Common Stock equaled or exceeded a set floor price as of such date. The market price of the stock was $42.30 on March 31, 2004; therefore, the Company incurred a one-time charge to earnings of approximately $6.7 million (the fair market value of the 155,000 shares at $42.30 per share plus the Company's share of taxes). During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company also granted 208,980 restricted shares to its Chief Financial Officer (see detailed information below).

        For accounting purposes, the Company measures compensation costs for these shares, not including the contingently issuable shares, as of the date of the grant and expenses such amounts against earnings, either at the grant date (if no vesting period exists) or ratably over the respective vesting/service period. Such amounts appear on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations in "General and administrative—stock-based compensation expense."

        During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with its new President. This initial three-year term, and any subsequent one-year renewal term, will automatically be extended for an additional year, unless earlier terminated by prior notice from the Company or the President. Under the agreement, the President receives an annual base salary of $350,000, subject to an

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annual review for upward (but not downward) adjustment. Beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005, he will receive a target bonus of $650,000, subject to annual review for upward adjustment. For the year ended 2004, the President received a target bonus of $650,000, but prorated to reflect the portion of the year during which he was employed. In addition, the President purchased a 20.00% interest in both the Company's 2005 and 2006 high performance unit program for directors and executive officers. The President will also have the option to buy 25.00%, 30.00% and 35.00% in the Company's 2007, 2008, and 2009 high performance unit program for directors and executive officers. The President shall also receive an allocation of 25.00% of the interests in the Company's proposed New Business Crossed Incentive Compensation Program, which is a program that is intended to provide incentive compensation based upon the performance of new business lines to be identified by the Company.

        During the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with its new Chief Financial Officer. Under the agreement, the Chief Financial Officer receives an annual base salary of $225,000. She may also receive a bonus, which is targeted to be $325,000, subject to an annual review for upward or downward adjustment. In addition, the Company granted the Chief Financial Officer 108,980 contingently vested restricted stock awards. These awards become vested on December 31, 2005 if the executive's employment with the Company has not terminated before such date. Dividends will be paid on the restricted shares as dividends are paid on shares of the Company's Common Stock. These dividends are accounted for in a manner consistent with the Company's Common Stock dividends, as a reduction to retained earnings. For accounting purposes, the Company is currently taking a total charge of approximately $3.0 million related to the restricted stock awards, which is being amortized over the period from November 6, 2002 through December 31, 2005. This charge is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations in "General and administrative—stock-based compensation."

        Further, the Company granted the Chief Financial Officer 100,000 restricted shares which became fully-vested on January 31, 2004 as a result of the Company achieving a 53.28% total shareholder rate of return (dividends since November 6, 2002 plus share price appreciation from January 2, 2003). The Company incurred a one-time charge to earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2004 of approximately $4.1 million (the fair market value of the 100,000 shares at $40.02 per share plus the Company's share of taxes). For accounting purposes, the employment arrangement described above was treated as a contingent, variable plan until January 31, 2004.

        On February 11, 2004, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer which took effect upon the expiration of the old agreement. The new agreement has an initial term of three years and provides for the following compensation:

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        In addition, the Chief Executive Officer purchased an 80.00% interest in the Company's 2006 high performance unit program for directors and executive officers. This performance program was approved by the Company's shareholders in 2003 and is described in detail in the Company's 2003 annual proxy statement. The purchase price paid by the Chief Executive Officer was based upon a valuation prepared by an independent investment-banking firm. The interests purchased by the Chief Executive Officer will have no value to him unless the Company achieves total shareholder returns in excess of those achieved by peer group indices, all as more fully described in the Company's 2003 annual proxy statement.

        The February 2004 employment agreement with the Company's Chief Executive Officer replaced a prior employment agreement dated March 30, 2001 that expired at the end of its term. The compensation awarded to the Company's Chief Executive Officer under this prior agreement included a grant of 2.0 million unvested phantom shares. The phantom shares vested on a contingent basis in installments of 350,000 shares, 650,000 shares, 600,000 shares and 400,000 shares when the average closing price of the Company's Common Stock achieved performance targets of $25.00, $30.00, $34.00 and $37.00, respectively, which were set a the commencement of the agreement in March 2001. The phantom shares became fully vested at the expiration of the term of the agreement on March 30, 2004. The market price of the Common Stock on March 30, 2004 was $42.40 and the Company incurred a one-time charge to earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2004 of approximately $86.0 million (the fair market value of the 2.0 million shares at $42.40 per share plus the Company's share of taxes).

        Upon the phantom share units becoming fully vested, the Company delivered to the executive 728,552 shares of Common Stock and $53.9 million of cash, the total of which is equal to the fair market value of the 2.0 million shares of Common Stock multiplied by the closing stock price of $42.40 on March 30, 2004. Prior to March 30, 2004, the executive received dividends on shares that were contingently vested and were not forfeited under the terms of the agreement, when the Company declared and paid dividends on its Common Stock. Because no shares had been issued prior to March 30, 2004, dividends received on these phantom shares were reflected as compensation expense by the Company. For accounting purposes, this arrangement was treated as a contingent, variable plan and no additional compensation expense was recognized until the shares became irrevocably vested on March 30, 2004, at which time the Company reflected a charge equal to the fair value of the shares irrevocably vested.

        In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement with its former President. Under the agreement, in lieu of salary and bonus, the Company granted the executive 500,000 restricted shares. These shares became fully-vested on September 30, 2002 as a result of the Company achieving a 60.00% total shareholder rate of return (dividends plus share price appreciation) since January 1, 2001. Upon the restricted shares becoming fully vested, the Company withheld 250,000 of such shares from the executive to cover the tax obligations associated with the vesting of such shares. These shares are reflected as "Treasury stock", at a cost of approximately $7.4 million, on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity. For accounting purposes, the employment arrangement described above was treated as a contingent, variable plan until the April 29, 2002 contingent vesting date. The Company incurred a total charge of approximately $15.0 million related to the vesting of the shares, recognized ratably over the period from April 29, 2002 through September 30, 2002. The executive received dividends on the share grant from the date of the agreement as and when the Company declared and paid dividends on its Common Stock. For financial statement purposes, such dividends were accounted for in a manner consistent with the Company's normal Common Stock dividends, as a reduction to retained earnings.

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        Certain affiliates of Starwood Opportunity Fund IV, LP ("SOFI IV") and the Company's Chief Executive Officer previously agreed to reimburse the Company for the value of restricted shares awarded to the former President in excess of 350,000 shares, net of tax benefits realized by the Company or its shareholders on account of compensation expense deductions. The reimbursement obligation arose once the restricted share award became fully vested on September 30, 2002. The Company's Chief Executive Officer fulfilled his reimbursement obligation through the delivery of shares of the Company's Common Stock owned by him. As of March 31, 2004, the SOFI IV affiliates fulfilled their obligation through the payment of approximately $2.4 million in cash. These reimbursement payments are reflected as "Additional paid-in capital" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and not as an offset to the charge referenced above.

High Performance Unit Program

        In May 2002, the Company's shareholders approved the iStar Financial High Performance Unit ("HPU") Program. The program, as more fully described in the Company's annual proxy statement dated April 8, 2002, is a performance-based employee compensation plan that only has material value to the participants if the Company provides superior returns to its shareholders. The program entitles the employee participants ("HPU holders") to receive distributions in the nature of Common Stock dividends if the total rate of return on the Company's Common Stock (share price appreciation plus dividends) exceeds certain performance levels.

        Initially, there were three plans within the program: the 2002 plan, the 2003 plan, and the 2004 plan. Each plan has 5,000 shares of High Performance Common Stock associated with it. Each share of High Performance Common Stock carries 0.25 votes per share.

        For these three plans, the Company's performance is measured over a one-, two-, or three-year valuation period, beginning on January 1, 2002 and ending on December 31, 2002, December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The end of the valuation period (i.e., the "valuation date") will be accelerated if there is a change in control of the Company. The High Performance Common Stock has a nominal value unless the total rate of shareholder return for the relevant valuation period exceeds the greater of: (1) 10.00%, 20.00%, or 30.00% for the 2002 plan, the 2003 plan and the 2004 plan, respectively; and (2) a weighted industry index total rate of return consisting of equal weightings of the Russell 1000 Financial Index and the Morgan Stanley REIT Index for the relevant period.

        If the total rate of return on the Company's Common Stock exceeds the threshold performance levels for a particular plan, then distributions will be paid on the shares of High Performance Common Stock related to that plan in the same amounts and at the same times as distributions are paid on a number of shares of the Company's Common Stock equal to the following: 7.50% of the Company's excess total rate of return (over the higher of the two threshold performance levels) multiplied by the weighted average market value of the Company's common equity capitalization during the measurement period, all as divided by the average closing price of a share of the Company's Common Stock for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the applicable valuation date.

        If the total rate of return on the Company's Common Stock does not exceed the threshold performance levels for a particular plan, then the shares of High Performance Common Stock related to that plan will have only nominal value. In this event, each of the 5,000 shares will be entitled to dividends equal to 0.01 times the dividend paid on a share of Common Stock, if and when dividends are declared on the Common Stock.

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        Regardless of how much the Company's total rate of return exceeds the threshold performance levels, the dilutive impact to the Company's shareholders resulting from distributions on High Performance Common Stock in each plan is limited to the equivalent of 1.00% of the average monthly number of fully diluted shares of the Company's Common Stock outstanding during the valuation period.

        The employee participants have purchased their interests in High Performance Common Stock through a limited liability company at purchase prices approved by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company's Board of Directors has established the prices of the High Performance Common Stock based upon, among other things, an independent valuation from a major securities firm. The aggregate initial purchase prices were set on June 25, 2002 and were approximately $2.8 million, $1.8 million and $1.4 million for the 2002, 2003 and 2004 plans, respectively. No employee is permitted to exchange his or her interest in the LLC for shares of High Performance Common Stock prior to the applicable valuation date.

        The total shareholder return for the valuation period under the 2002 plan was 21.94%, which exceeded both the fixed performance threshold of 10.00% and the industry index return of (5.83%). As a result of this superior performance, the participants in the 2002 plan are entitled to receive distributions equivalent to the amount of dividends payable on 819,254 shares of the Company's Common Stock, as and when such dividends are paid. Such dividend payments began with the first quarter 2003 dividend. The Company will pay dividends on the 2002 plan shares in the same amount per equivalent share and on the same distribution dates that shares of the Company's Common Stock are paid. The Company has the right, but not the obligation, to repurchase at cost 50.00% of the interests earned by an employee in the 2002 plan if the employee breaches certain non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants through January 1, 2005.

        The total shareholder return for the valuation period under the 2003 plan was 78.29%, which exceeded the fixed performance threshold of 20.00% and the industry index return of 24.66%. The plan was fully funded and was limited to 1.00% of the average monthly number of fully diluted shares of the Company's Common Stock during the valuation period. As a result of the Company's superior performance, the participants in the 2003 plan are entitled to receive distributions equivalent to the amount of dividends payable on 987,149 shares of the Company's Common Stock, as and when such dividends are paid. Such dividend payments began with the first quarter 2004 dividend. The Company will pay dividends on the 2003 plan shares in the same amount per equivalent share and on the same distribution dates that shares of the Company's Common Stock are paid.

        The total shareholder return for the valuation period under the 2004 plan was 115.47%, which exceeded the fixed performance threshold of 30.00% and the industry index return of 55.05%. The plan was fully funded and was limited to 1.00% of the average monthly number of fully diluted shares of the Company's Common Stock during the valuation period. As a result of the Company's superior performance, the participants in the 2004 plan are entitled to receive distributions equivalent to the amount of dividends payable on 1,031,875 shares of the Company's Common Stock, as and when such dividends are paid. Such dividend payments will begin with the first quarter 2005 dividend. The Company will pay dividends on the 2004 plan shares in the same amount per equivalent share and on the same distribution dates that shares of the Company's Common Stock are paid.

        A new 2005 plan has been established with a three-year valuation period ending December 31, 2005. Awards under the 2005 plan were approved on January 14, 2003. The 2005 plan has 5,000 shares of High Performance Common Stock with an aggregate initial purchase price of $617,000. As of December 31,

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2004 the Company has received a net contribution of $586,000 under this plan. The purchase price of the High Performance Common Stock was established by the Company's Board of Directors based upon, among other things, an independent valuation from a major securities firm. The provisions of the 2005 plan are substantially the same as the prior plans.

        A new 2006 plan has been established with a three-year valuation period ending December 31, 2006. Awards under the 2006 plan were approved on January 23, 2004. The 2006 plan had 5,000 shares of High Performance Common Stock with an aggregate initial purchase price of $715,000. As of December 31, 2004 the Company has received a net contribution of $687,000 under this plan. The purchase price of the High Performance Common Stock was established by the Company's Board of Directors based upon, among other things, an independent valuation from a major securities firm. The provisions of the 2006 plan are substantially the same as the prior plans.

        A new 2007 plan has been established with a three-year valuation period ending December 31, 2007. Awards under the 2007 plan were approved in January 2005. The 2007 plan had 5,000 shares of High Performance Common Stock with an aggregate initial purchase price of $643,000. The purchase price of the High Performance Common Stock was established by the Company's Board of Directors based upon, among other things, an independent valuation from a major securities firm. The provisions of the 2007 plan are substantially the same as the prior plans.

        The additional equity from the issuance of the High Performance Common Stock is recorded as a separate class of stock and included within shareholders' equity on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net income allocable to common shareholders will be reduced by the HPU holders' share of dividends paid and undistributed earnings, if any.

401(k) Plan

        Effective November 4, 1999, the Company implemented a savings and retirement plan (the "401(k) Plan"), which is a voluntary, defined contribution plan. All employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan following completion of three months of continuous service with the Company. Each participant may contribute on a pretax basis up to the maximum percentage of compensation and dollar amount permissible under Section 402(g) of the Internal Revenue Code not to exceed the limits of Code Sections 401(k), 404 and 415. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may make matching contributions on the participant's behalf of up to 50.00% of the first 10.00% of the participant's annual compensation. The Company made gross contributions of approximately $523,000, $424,000 and $356,000 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

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Note 11—Earnings Per Share

        The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS calculations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively (in thousands, except per share data):

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Numerator:                    
  Income from continuing operations   $ 198,953   $ 264,817   $ 191,608  
  Preferred dividend requirements     (51,340 )   (36,908 )   (36,908 )
   
 
 
 
  Income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders before income from discontinued operations and gain from discontinued operations(1)     147,613     227,909     154,700  
  Income from discontinued operations     18,119     22,173     22,945  
  Gain from discontinued operations     43,375     5,167     717  
   
 
 
 
  Net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders(1)   $ 209,107   $ 255,249   $ 178,362  
   
 
 
 
Denominator:                    
  Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share     110,205     100,314     89,886  
  Add: effect of assumed shares issued under treasury stock method for stock options, restricted shares and warrants     1,322     1,897     1,645  
  Add: effect of contingent shares     639     1,667     1,118  
  Add: effect of joint venture shares     298     223      
   
 
 
 
  Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share     112,464     104,101     92,649  
   
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share:                    
  Income allocable to common shareholders before income from discontinued operations and gain from discontinued operations(2)   $ 1.31   $ 2.25   $ 1.72  
  Income from discontinued operations     0.17     0.22     0.25  
  Gain from discontinued operations     0.39     0.05     0.01  
   
 
 
 
  Net income allocable to common shareholders(2)   $ 1.87   $ 2.52   $ 1.98  
   
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share:                    
  Income allocable to common shareholders before income from discontinued operations and gain from discontinued operations(3)(4)   $ 1.28   $ 2.17   $ 1.67  
  Income from discontinued operations     0.16     0.21     0.25  
  Gain from discontinued operations     0.39     0.05     0.01  
   
 
 
 
  Net income allocable to common shareholders(3)(4)   $ 1.83   $ 2.43   $ 1.93  
   
 
 
 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
HPU holders are Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program.

94


(2)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, excludes $3,314, $2,066 and $0 of net income allocable to HPU holders, respectively.

(3)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, excludes $3,265, $1,994 and $0 of net income allocable to HPU holders diluted, respectively.
(4)
For the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, includes $3, $167 and $0 of joint venture income, respectively.

        For the years ended December 31 2004, 2003, and 2002 the following shares were antidilutive:

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
Stock options   5,000   5,000   167,000
Joint venture shares   73,000     371,000
Warrants       6,100,000

Note 12—Comprehensive Income

        Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("SFAS No. 130"), "Reporting Comprehensive Income" requires that all components of comprehensive income shall be reported in the financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Furthermore, a total amount for comprehensive income shall be displayed in the financial statements. Total comprehensive income was $257.4 million, $295.5 million and $228.1 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The primary components of comprehensive income, other than net income, consist of amounts attributable to the adoption and continued application of SFAS No. 133 to the Company's cash flow hedges and changes in the fair value of the Company's available-for-sale investments.

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
 
  (In thousands)

 
Net income   $ 260,447   $ 292,157   $ 215,270  
Other comprehensive income:                    
Reclassification of gains on securities into earnings upon realization     (6,743 )   (12,031 )    
Reclassification of gains/losses on qualifying cash flow hedges into earnings     6,212     12,601     16,299  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments     2,075     8,103     7,601  
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges     (4,638 )   (5,364 )   (11,109 )
   
 
 
 
Comprehensive income   $ 257,353   $ 295,466   $ 228,061  
   
 
 
 

        Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments and cash flow hedges are recorded as adjustments to shareholders' equity through "Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not included in net income unless realized.

95



        As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) reflected in the Company's shareholders' equity is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 
  As of December 31,
 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments   $ 4,694   $ 9,362  
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges     (6,780 )   (8,354 )
   
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (losses)   $ (2,086 ) $ 1,008  
   
 
 

        Over time, the unrealized gains and losses held in other comprehensive income will be reclassified to earnings in the same period(s) in which the hedged items are recognized in earnings. The current balance held in other comprehensive income is expected to be reclassified to earnings over the lives of the current hedging instruments, or for the realized losses on forecasted debt transactions, over the related term of the debt obligation, as applicable. The Company expects that $3.0 million will be reclassified into earnings as an increase in interest expense over the next 12 months.

Note 13—Dividends

        In order to maintain its election to qualify as a REIT, the Company must currently distribute, at a minimum, an amount equal to 90.00% of its taxable income and must distribute 100.00% of its taxable income to avoid paying corporate federal income taxes. The Company anticipates it will distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Because taxable income differs from cash flow from operations due to non-cash revenues and expenses (such as depreciation), in certain circumstances, the Company may generate operating cash flow in excess of its dividends or, alternatively, may be required to borrow to make sufficient dividend payments.

        For the year ended December 31, 2004, total dividends declared by the Company aggregated $310.7 million, or $2.79 per share on Common Stock consisting of quarterly dividends of $0.6975 which were declared on April 1, 2004, July 1, 2004, October 1, 2004 and December 1, 2004. For tax reporting purposes, the 2004 dividends were classified as 49.15% ($1.3713) ordinary income, 2.20% ($0.0613) 15.00% capital gain, 7.45% ($0.0278) 25.00% Section 1250 capital gain and 41.20% ($1.1496) return of capital for those shareholders who held shares of the Company for the entire year. The Company also declared and paid dividends aggregating $8.0 million, $11.0 million, $7.8 million, $6.1 million and $7.4 million, respectively, on its Series D, E, F, G and I preferred stock, respectively, during the 12 months ended December 31, 2004.

        In connection with the redemption of the Series H preferred stock on January 27, 2004 the Company paid a dividend of $87,656 representing unpaid dividends of $0.49 per share for the 5 days the preferred stock was outstanding.

        In connection with the redemption of the Series B preferred stock on February 23, 2004 the Company paid a final dividend of $920,000 representing unpaid dividends of $0.46 per share for the 70 days from the prior dividend payment on December 15, 2003. Upon redemption, the Company recognized a charge to net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders of $5.5 million included in "Preferred dividend requirements" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

96



        In connection with the redemption of the Series C preferred stock on February 23, 2004 the Company paid a final dividend of $585,000 representing unpaid dividends of $0.45 per share for the 70 days from the prior dividend payment on December 15, 2003. Upon redemption, the Company recognized a charge to net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU holders of $3.5 million included in "Preferred dividend requirements" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        Holders of shares of the Series D preferred stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 8.00% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference, equivalent to a fixed annual rate of $2.00 per share. Dividends are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or before the 15th day of each March, June, September and December or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Any dividend payable on the Series D preferred stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as of the close of business on the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on another date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than ten days prior to the dividend payment date.

        Holders of shares of the Series E preferred stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.875% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference, equivalent to a fixed annual rate of $1.97 per share. The remaining terms relating to dividends of the Series E preferred stock are substantially identical to the terms of the Series D preferred stock described above.

        Holders of shares of the Series F preferred stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.80% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference, equivalent to a fixed annual rate of $1.95 per share. The remaining terms relating to dividends of the Series F preferred stock are substantially identical to the terms of the Series D preferred stock described above.

        Holders of shares of the Series G preferred stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.65% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference, equivalent to a fixed annual rate of $1.91 per share. The remaining terms relating to dividends of the Series G preferred stock are substantially identical to the terms of the Series D preferred stock described above.

        Holders of the Series I preferred stock are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends at the rate of 7.50% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference, equivalent to a fixed annual rate of $1.88 per share. The remaining terms relating to dividends of the Series I preferred stock are substantially identical to the terms of the Series D preferred stock described above.

        The 2002, 2003 and 2004 High Performance Unit Program reached their valuation dates on December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Based on the Company's 2002, 2003 and 2004 total rate of return, the participants are entitled to receive dividends on 819,254 shares, 987,149 shares and 1,031,875 shares, respectively, of the Company's Common Stock. The Company will pay dividends on these units in the same amount per equivalent share and on the same distribution dates as shares of the Company's Common Stock. Such dividend payments for the 2002 plan began with the first quarter 2003 dividend, such

97



dividends for the 2003 plan began with the first quarter 2004 dividend and such dividends for the 2004 plan will begin with the first quarter 2005 dividend. All dividends to HPU holders will reduce net income allocable to common shareholders when paid. Additionally, net income allocable to common shareholders will be reduced by the HPU holders' share of undistributed earnings, if any.

        The exact amount of future quarterly dividends to common shareholders will be determined by the Board of Directors based on the Company's actual and expected operations for the fiscal year and the Company's overall liquidity position.

Note 14—Fair Values of Financial Instruments

        SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments" ("SFAS No. 107"), requires the disclosure of the estimated fair values of financial instruments. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Quoted market prices, if available, are utilized as estimates of the fair values of financial instruments. Because no quoted market prices exist for a significant part of the Company's financial instruments, the fair values of such instruments have been derived based on management's assumptions, the amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates. The estimation methods for individual classifications of financial instruments are described more fully below. Different assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Accordingly, the net realizable values could be materially different from the estimates presented below. The provisions of SFAS No. 107 do not require the disclosure of the fair value of non-financial instruments, including intangible assets or the Company's CTL assets.

        In addition, the estimates are only indicative of the value of individual financial instruments and should not be considered an indication of the fair value of the Company as an operating business.

        Short-term financial instruments—The carrying values of short-term financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments approximate the fair values of these instruments. These financial instruments generally expose the Company to limited credit risk and have no stated maturities, or have an average maturity of less than 90 days and carry interest rates which approximate market.

        Loans and other lending investments—For the Company's interests in loans and other lending investments, the fair values were estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows (excluding participation interests in the sale or refinancing proceeds of the underlying collateral) using estimated current market rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings for the same remaining maturities.

        Marketable securities—Securities held for investment, securities available for sale, loans held for sale, trading account instruments, long-term debt and trust preferred securities traded actively in the secondary market have been valued using quoted market prices.

        Other financial instruments—The carrying value of other financial instruments including, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximate the fair values of the instruments.

        Debt obligations—A portion of the Company's existing debt obligations bear interest at fixed margins over LIBOR. Such margins may be higher or lower than those at which the Company could currently

98



replace the related financing arrangements. Other obligations of the Company bear interest at fixed rates, which may differ from prevailing market interest rates. As a result, the fair values of the Company's debt obligations were estimated by discounting current debt balances from December 31, 2004 and 2003 to maturity using estimated current market rates at which the Company could enter into similar financing arrangements.

        Interest rate protection agreements—The fair value of interest rate protection agreements such as interest rate caps, floors, collars and swaps used for hedging purposes (see Note 9) is the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate these agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates and current creditworthiness of the respective counterparties.

        The book and fair values of financial instruments as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were (in thousands):

 
  2004
  2003
 
 
  Book
Value

  Fair
Value

  Book
Value

  Fair
Value

 
Financial assets:                          
  Loans and other lending investments   $ 3,988,625   $ 4,272,749   $ 3,736,110   $ 3,978,715  
  Marketable securities     9,494     9,494     20,265     20,265  
  Provision for loan losses     (42,436 )   (42,436 )   (33,436 )   (33,436 )
Financial liabilities:                          
  Debt obligations     4,605,674     4,805,055     4,113,732     4,253,279  
  Interest rate protection agreements     2,923     2,923     6,506     6,506  

Note 15—Segment Reporting

        Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 131 ("SFAS No. 131") establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected financial information about operating segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders.

        The Company has two reportable segments: Real Estate Lending and Corporate Tenant Leasing. The Company does not have any foreign operations. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 3. The Company has no single customer that accounts for more than 3.85% of annualized total revenues (see Note 9 for other information regarding concentrations of credit risk).

99



        The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment:

 
  Real Estate
Lending

  Corporate
Tenant
Leasing

  Corporate/
Other(1)

  Company
Total

 
 
  (In thousands)

 
2004:                          
Total revenues(2):   $ 399,669   $ 291,942   $ 2,813   $ 694,424  
Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconcolidated subsidiaries:         2,909         2,909  
Total operating and interest expense(3):     57,673     140,933     299,058     497,664  
Net operating income(4):     341,996     153,918     (296,245 )   199,669  
Total long-lived assets(5):     3,946,189     2,877,042     N/A     6,823,231  
Total assets:     4,022,729     3,068,242     129,266     7,220,237  
2003:                          
Total revenues(2):   $ 338,566   $ 234,303   $ 242   $ 573,111  
Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconcolidated subsidiaries:         (2,019 )   (2,265 )   (4,284 )
Total operating and interest expense(3):     90,648     114,387     98,726     303,761  
Net operating income(4):     247,918     117,897     (100,749 )   265,066  
Total long-lived assets(5):     3,702,674     2,535,885     N/A     6,238,559  
Total assets:     3,810,679     2,729,716     120,195     6,660,590  
2002:                          
Total revenues(2):   $ 279,157   $ 214,824   $ (324 ) $ 493,657  
Equity in earnings (loss) from joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries:         5,081     (3,859 )   1,222  
Total operating and interest expense(3):     94,273     92,903     115,933     303,109  
Net operating income(4):     184,884     127,002     (120,116 )   191,770  
Total long-lived assets(5):     3,050,342     2,291,805     N/A     5,342,147  
Total assets:     3,126,219     2,442,087     43,391     5,611,697  

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Corporate and Other represents all corporate level items, including general and administrative expenses and any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to the consolidated Company totals. This caption also includes the Company's servicing business, which is not considered a material separate segment.

(2)
Total revenues represents all revenues earned during the period from the assets in each segment. Revenue from the Real Estate Lending business primarily represents interest income and revenue from the Corporate Tenant Leasing business primarily represents operating lease income.

(3)
Total operating and interest expense represents provision for loan losses and loss on early extinguishment of debt for the Real Estate Lending business and operating costs on CTL assets for the Corporate Tenant Leasing business, as well as interest expense specifically related to each segment. Interest expense on unsecured notes, general and administrative expense and general and administrative-stock-based compensation is included in Corporate and Other for all periods. Depreciation and amortization of $64.5 million, $50.6 million and $42.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are included in the amounts presented above.

(4)
Net operating income represents income before minority interest, income (loss) from discontinued operations and gain from discontinued operations.

(5)
Total long-lived assets is comprised of Loans and other lending investments, net and Corporate tenant lease assets, net, for each respective segment.

100


Note 16—Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

      The following table sets forth the selected quarterly financial data for the Company (in thousands, except per share amounts).

 
  Quarter Ended
 
 
  December 31,
  September 30,
  June 30,
  March 31,
 
2004:                          
Revenue   $ 186,387   $ 173,262   $ 173,751   $ 161,024  
Net income (loss)     127,442     85,102     83,019     (35,116 )
Net income (loss) allocable to common shares     114,997     73,331     71,276     (53,811 )
Net income (loss) per common share-basic   $ 1.03   $ 0.66   $ 0.64   $ (0.50 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic     111,402     111,230     110,695     107,468  

2003:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Revenue   $ 155,806   $ 143,582   $ 139,858   $ 133,865  
Net income     79,580     74,878     69,746     67,953  
Net income allocable to common shares     68,835     66,082     60,025     58,241  
Net income per common share-basic   $ 0.67   $ 0.66   $ 0.60   $ 0.59  
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic     102,603     100,687     99,445     98,472  

Note 17—Subsequent Events

        Acquisition of Falcon Financial—On January 20, 2005, the Company signed a definitive agreement to acquire Falcon Financial Investment Trust, an independent finance company dedicated to providing long-term capital to automotive dealers throughout the United States. Falcon Financial was a borrower of the Company at the time of signing the definitive agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company commenced a cash tender offer to acquire all of Falcon Financial's outstanding shares at a price of $7.50 per share for an aggregate equity purchase of approximately $120.0 million. The offer expired on February 28, 2005 and as of the expiration approximately 15.6 million common shares of beneficial interest, representing approximately 97.7% of Falcon Financial's issued and outstanding shares, had been tendered and not withdrawn. On March 3, 2005, the Company completed a merger of Falcon Financial with an acquisition subsidiary of the Company. As a result of the merger, all outstanding shares of Falcon Financial not purchased by the Company in the tender were converted into the right to receive $7.50 per share, without interest and the Company acquired 100% ownership of Falcon Financial.

        Acquisition of Substantial Minority Interest in Oak Hill Advisors—On February 15, 2005, the Company signed a definitive agreement to make a substantial minority investment in Oak Hill Advisors, a premier asset management firm that focuses on corporate credit-oriented investment strategies for institutional investors. The Company agreed to issue approximately $49 million of its shares of Common Stock to the selling partners as part of the consideration for this investment. In addition, the Company agreed to appoint one of the selling partners to its Board of Directors. The Company expects to account for this transaction under the equity method. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2005.

        Investment in Acquisition of LNR Property Corporation—The Company provided debt and equity to Blackacre/Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. and senior executives of LNR Property Corporation in connection with their acquisition and subsequent privatization of LNR Property Corporation. LNR is a diversified company that owns a portfolio of operating real estate assets, development properties and real estate securities, and is the largest special servicer in the CMBS market.

101



        TriNet Bond Exchange—On March 1, 2005, the Company exchanged its TriNet 7.70% Senior Notes due 2017 for iStar Financial 5.70% Series B Senior Notes due 2014 in accordance with the exchange offer and consent solicitation issued on January 25, 2005. For each $1,000 principal amount of TriNet Notes tendered, holders received approximately $1,171 principal amount of iStar Notes. A total of $117.0 million aggregate principal amount of iStar Notes were issued. The iStar Notes issued in the exchange offer form part of the series of iStar Financial 5.70% Series B Notes due 2014 issued on March 9, 2004.

        Capital Market and Hedging Transactions—On March 1, 2005, the Company issued $700.0 million of fixed rate 5.15% Senior Notes due 2012 and $400.0 million of Senior Floating Rate Notes due 2008 which will bear interest equal to three-month LIBOR + 0.39%. The Company used the proceeds to repay outstanding balances on its revolving credit facilities. In connection with the $700.0 million seven-year bond issuance the Company settled three forward-starting swaps that were entered into in December 2004.

102


Description

  Balance at
Beginning
of Period

  Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

  Additions
Charges to
Other
Accounts

  Deductions
  Balance at
End
of Period

For the Year Ended December 31, 2002                              
  Provision for loan losses(1)(2)   $ 21,000   $ 8,250   $   $   $ 29,250
  Allowance for doubtful accounts(2)     323     284             607
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 21,323   $ 8,534   $   $   $ 29,857
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003                              
  Provision for loan losses(1)(2)   $ 29,250   $ 7,500   $   $ (3,314 ) $ 33,436
  Allowance for doubtful accounts(2)     607     193             800
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 29,857   $ 7,693   $   $ (3,314 ) $ 34,236
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004                              
  Provision for loan losses(1)(2)   $ 33,436   $ 9,000   $   $   $ 42,436
  Allowance for doubtful accounts(2)     800     70             870
   
 
 
 
 
    $ 34,236   $ 9,070   $   $   $ 43,306

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
See Note 4 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)
See Note 3 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

103



iStar Financial Inc.

Schedule III—Corporate Tenant Lease Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

As of December 31, 2004

(Dollars in thousands)

 
   
   
   
   
   
  Gross Amount Carried
at Close of Period

   
   
   
 
   
   
  Initial Cost to Company
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
  Cost
Capitalized
Subsequent to
Acquisition

   
   
   
Location

  State
  Encumbrances
  Land
  Building and
Improvements

  Land
  Building and
Improvements

  Total
  Accumulated
Depreciation

  Date
Acquired

  Depreciable
Life
(Years)

OFFICE FACILITIES:                                                            
Tempe   AZ   $   $ 1,512   $ 9,732   $   $ 1,512   $ 9,732   $ 11,244   $ 1,257   1999   40.0
Tempe   AZ         1,033     6,652         1,033     6,652     7,685     859   1999   40.0
Tempe   AZ         1,033     6,652     205     1,033     6,857     7,890     870   1999   40.0
Tempe   AZ         1,033     6,652     8     1,033     6,660     7,693     859   1999   40.0
Tempe   AZ         701     4,339     50     701     4,389     5,090     561   1999   40.0
Anaheim   CA         3,512     13,379     45     3,512     13,424     16,936     1,734   1999   40.0
Commerce   CA     9,140     3,454     12,915         3,454     12,915     16,369     1,668   1999   40.0
Cupertino   CA         7,994     19,037     2     7,994     19,039     27,033     2,459   1999   40.0
Dublin   CA     67,113     17,040     84,549         17,040     84,549     101,589     6,096   2002   40.0
Fremont   CA         880     4,846         880     4,846     5,726     626   1999   40.0
Mountain View   CA         12,834     28,158         12,834     28,158     40,992     3,637   1999   40.0
Mountain View   CA         5,798     12,720         5,798     12,720     18,518     1,643   1999   40.0
Palo Alto   CA     8,756         19,168     37         19,205     19,205     2,479   1999   40.0
Redondo Beach   CA         2,598     9,212         2,598     9,212     11,810     1,190   1999   40.0
San Diego   CA     3,368     1,530     3,060         1,530     3,060     4,590     395   1999   40.0
Sunnyvale   CA         15,708     27,987     2,970     15,708     30,957     46,665     4,935   2004   40.0
Thousand Oaks   CA     16,021     4,563     24,911         4,563     24,911     29,474     3,218   1999   40.0
Aurora   CO     2,761     580     3,677     (32 )   580     3,645     4,225     287   2001   40.0
Englewood   CO         1,757     16,930     614     1,757     17,544     19,301     2,380   1999   40.0
Englewood   CO         2,967     15,008     152     2,967     15,160     18,127     1,943   1999   40.0
Englewood   CO         8,536     27,428     7,596     8,536     35,024     43,560     4,098   1999   40.0
Ft. Collins   CO     11,850         16,752             16,752     16,752     1,156   2002   40.0
Westminster   CO         307     3,524         307     3,524     3,831     455   1999   40.0
Westminster   CO         616     7,290         616     7,290     7,906     942   1999   40.0
Jacksonville   FL         1,384     3,911         1,384     3,911     5,295     505   1999   40.0
Jacksonville   FL     2,257     877     2,237     477     877     2,714     3,591     360   1999   40.0
Jacksonville   FL     6,101     2,366     6,072     1,142     2,366     7,214     9,580     962   1999   40.0
Plantation   FL         7,125     23,648     255     7,125     23,903     31,028     602   2003   40.0
Tampa   FL     10,718     1,920     18,435         1,920     18,435     20,355     1,370   2002   40.0
Alpharetta   GA         905     6,744     136     905     6,880     7,785     885   1999   40.0
Atlanta   GA     34,174     5,709     49,091     6,990     5,709     56,081     61,790     7,728   1999   40.0
Duluth   GA     7,178     1,655     14,484     48     1,655     14,532     16,187     1,877   1999   40.0
Lisle   IL         6,153     14,993         6,153     14,993     21,146     1,937   1999   40.0
Vernon Hills   IL         1,400     12,597         1,400     12,597     13,997     1,627   1999   40.0
Andover   MA         639     7,176     9     639     7,185     7,824     928   1999   40.0
Andover   MA         1,787     8,486         1,787     8,486     10,273     1,096   1999   40.0
Braintree   MA         2,225     7,403     195     2,225     7,598     9,823     966   1999   40.0
Canton   MA         742     3,155     111     742     3,266     4,008     418   1999   40.0
Canton   MA         1,409     3,890     41     1,409     3,931     5,340     507   1999   40.0
Canton   MA         1,077     2,746     80     1,077     2,826     3,903     370   1999   40.0
Chelmsford   MA     18,781     1,600     21,947     24     1,600     21,971     23,571     1,516   2002   40.0
Foxborough   MA     2,718     1,218     3,756     1     1,218     3,757     4,975     485   1999   40.0
Mansfield   MA     606     584     1,443     42     584     1,485     2,069     190   1999   40.0
Quincy   MA     12,369     3,562     23,420     290     3,562     23,710     27,272     3,053   1999   40.0
Lanham   MD         2,486     12,047     164     2,486     12,211     14,697     1,576   1999   40.0
Largo   MD     18,452     1,800     18,706     21     1,800     18,727     20,527     1,210   2002   40.0
Arden Hills   MN         719     6,541     1,031     719     7,572     8,291     960   1999   40.0
Jersey City   NJ     135,000     15,672     162,578     337     15,672     162,915     178,587     5,110   2003   40.0
Mt. Laurel   NJ     60,179     7,726     74,429     10     7,726     74,439     82,165     3,837   2002   40.0
Parsippany   NJ     25,886     8,242     31,758         8,242     31,758     40,000     1,404   2003   40.0
Riverview   NJ     14,007     1,008     13,763         1,008     13,763     14,771     304   2004   40.0
Riverview   NJ     26,979     2,456     28,955     42     2,456     28,997     31,453     639   2004   40.0
Columbus   OH     7,951     1,275     10,326     13     1,275     10,339     11,614     842   2001   40.0
Harrisburg   PA     17,082     690     26,098         690     26,098     26,788     2,142   2001   40.0
Spartanburg   SC     6,664     800     11,192     5     800     11,197     11,997     853   2001   40.0
Memphis   TN         2,702     25,129         2,702     25,129     27,831     3,246   1999   40.0
                                                             

104


Dallas   TX     4,212     1,918     4,632         1,918     4,632     6,550     598   1999   40.0
Houston   TX     18,477     2,500     25,743     32     2,500     25,775     28,275     1,920   2001   40.0
Irving   TX     36,000     6,083     42,016         6,083     42,016     48,099     5,427   1999   40.0
Irving   TX         1,364     10,628     5,103     2,371     14,724     17,095     1,570   1999   40.0
Irving   TX         1,804     5,815     547     1,804     6,362     8,166     792   1999   40.0
Irving   TX         3,363     21,376         3,363     21,376     24,739     2,761   1999   40.0
Richardson   TX         1,233     15,160     36     1,233     15,196     16,429     1,676   1999   40.0
Richardson   TX         2,932     31,235         2,932     31,235     34,167     4,035   1999   40.0
Richardson   TX         1,230     5,660     965     1,230     6,625     7,855     762   1999   40.0
Dulles   VA     9,587     2,647     14,817         2,647     14,817     17,464     652   2003   40.0
McLean   VA     103,545     20,110     125,516     95     20,110     125,611     145,721     8,263   2002   40.0
Reston   VA         4,436     22,362     9,996     4,436     32,358     36,794     2,991   1999   40.0
Milwaukee   WI         1,875     13,914         1,875     13,914     15,789     1,797   1999   40.0
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Subtotal         697,932     237,394     1,380,608     39,885     238,401     1,419,486     1,657,887     128,496        
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES:                                                            
Burlingame   CA         1,219     3,470         1,219     3,470     4,689     448   1999   40.0
City of Industry   CA         5,002     11,766         5,002     11,766     16,768     1,520   1999   40.0
East Los Angeles   CA         9,334     12,501         9,334     12,501     21,835     1,615   1999   40.0
Fremont   CA         1,086     7,964         1,086     7,964     9,050     1,029   1999   40.0
Fremont   CA         654     4,591     156     654     4,747     5,401     595   1999   40.0
Millbrae   CA         741     2,107         741     2,107     2,848     272   1999   40.0
Milpitas   CA     8,377     9,526     11,655     1,199     9,526     12,854     22,380     1,118   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     5,329     4,139     5,064     529     4,139     5,593     9,732     711   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     19,615     9,802     12,116     115     9,802     12,231     22,033     1,170   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA         4,880     12,367     1,498     4,880     13,865     18,745     2,373   1999   40.0
Milpitas   CA         4,095     8,323     567     4,095     8,890     12,985     1,112   1999   40.0
Milpitas   CA     6,431     5,051     6,170     329     5,051     6,499     11,550     623   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     2,177     2,633     3,219     279     2,633     3,498     6,131     335   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     3,617     4,119     5,034         4,119     5,034     9,153     480   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     2,620     3,044     3,716     590     3,044     4,306     7,350     644   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     8,433     6,856     8,378     309     6,856     8,687     15,543     809   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     9,655     5,617     6,877     1,189     5,617     8,066     13,683     769   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     7,408     4,600     5,627     201     4,600     5,828     10,428     592   2002   40.0
Milpitas   CA     3,008     3,000     3,669         3,000     3,669     6,669     354   2002   40.0
San Jose   CA         9,677     23,288     1,115     9,677     24,403     34,080     3,042   1999   40.0
Walnut Creek   CA     7,708     808     8,306     552     808     8,858     9,666     1,225   1999   40.0
Walnut Creek   CA         571     5,874     4     571     5,878     6,449     759   1999   40.0
Jacksonville   FL         2,310     5,435         2,310     5,435     7,745     702   1999   40.0
Miami   FL         3,048     8,676         3,048     8,676     11,724     1,121   1999   40.0
Miami   FL         1,393     3,967         1,393     3,967     5,360     512   1999   40.0
Miami   FL         1,612     4,586         1,612     4,586     6,198     592   1999   40.0
Orlando   FL         1,476     4,198         1,476     4,198     5,674     542   1999   40.0
McDonough   GA     11,371     1,900     14,318         1,900     14,318     16,218     1,082   2001   40.0
Stockbridge   GA     13,843     1,350     18,393         1,350     18,393     19,743     1,390   2001   40.0
DeKalb   IL     20,764     1,600     28,015         1,600     28,015     29,615     2,116   2001   40.0
Dixon   IL     13,620     519     15,363         519     15,363     15,882     481   2003   40.0
Lincolnshire   IL         3,192     7,507         3,192     7,507     10,699     970   1999   40.0
Marion   IN     2,508     131     4,254         131     4,254     4,385     549   1999   40.0
Seymour   IN     16,111     550     22,240     121     550     22,361     22,911     2,239   2000   40.0
South Bend   IN         140     4,640     450     140     5,090     5,230     610   1999   40.0
Wichita   KS         213     3,189         213     3,189     3,402     412   1999   40.0
Campbellsville   KY     14,602     400     17,219     45     400     17,264     17,664     909   2002   40.0
Lakeville   MA     4,206     1,012     4,048     539     1,012     4,587     5,599     542   1999   40.0
Milford   MA     16,260     834     20,991         834     20,991     21,825     57   2004   40.0
Baltimore   MD     5,413     1,535     9,324     124     1,535     9,448     10,983     1,215   1999   40.0
Bloomington   MN         403     1,147         403     1,147     1,550     148   1999   40.0
O'Fallon   MO         1,388     12,700     100     1,388     12,800     14,188     1,645   1999   40.0
                                                             

105


Belmont   NC     5,756     680     5,947         680     5,947     6,627     16   2004   40.0
Newington   NH             13,546             13,546     13,546     37   2004   40.0
Reno   NV         248     707         248     707     955     91   1999   40.0
Astoria   NY         897     2,555         897     2,555     3,452     330   1999   40.0
Astoria   NY         1,796     5,109         1,796     5,109     6,905     660   1999   40.0
Garden City   NY         8,400     6,430         8,400     6,430     14,830     201   2003   40.0
Lockbourne   OH     13,546     2,000     17,320         2,000     17,320     19,320     1,308   2001   40.0
Richfield   OH     11,103     2,327         12,210     2,327     12,210     14,537     983   2000   40.0
York   PA     23,533     2,850     30,713         2,850     30,713     33,563     2,320   2001   40.0
Philadelphia   PA         619     1,765         619     1,765     2,384     228   1999   40.0
Spartanburg   SC         943     16,836         943     16,836     17,779     2,175   1999   40.0
Memphis   TN     14,610     1,486     23,279     483     1,486     23,762     25,248     3,011   1999   40.0
Allen   TX         1,238     9,224         1,238     9,224     10,462     1,191   1999   40.0
Farmers Branch   TX         1,314     8,903     46     1,314     8,949     10,263     1,151   1999   40.0
Richardson   TX         858     8,556         858     8,556     9,414     1,105   1999   40.0
Terrel   TX     15,821     400     22,163         400     22,163     22,563     1,674   2001   40.0
Seattle   WA         828     2,355         828     2,355     3,183     304   1999   40.0
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Subtotal         287,445     148,344     557,700     22,750     148,344     580,450     728,794     56,214        
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
GROUND LEASE:                                                            
San Jose   CA         41,106             41,106         41,106       2000    
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Subtotal             41,106             41,106         41,106            
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
LAND:                                                            
San Jose   CA         41,106         (16,306 )   24,800         24,800       2002    
Irving   TX         5,243             5,243         5,243       2002    
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Subtotal             46,349         (16,306 )   30,043         30,043            
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
ENTERTAINMENT:                                                            
Decatur   AL         277     357         277     357     634     7   2004   40.0
Huntsville   AL         319     414         319     414     733     9   2004   40.0
Chandler   AZ         793     1,025         793     1,025     1,818     22   2004   40.0
Chandler   AZ         521     673         521     673     1,194     14   2004   40.0
Glendale   AZ         305     393         305     393     698     8   2004   40.0
Mesa   AZ         630     813         630     813     1,443     17   2004   40.0
Peoria   AZ         590     762         590     762     1,352     16   2004   40.0
Phoenix   AZ         476     615         476     615     1,091     13   2004   40.0
Phoenix   AZ         654     844         654     844     1,498     18   2004   40.0
Phoenix   AZ         666     861         666     861     1,527     18   2004   40.0
Tempe   AZ         460     595         460     595     1,055     13   2004   40.0
Alameda   CA         1,097     1,417         1,097     1,417     2,514     30   2004   40.0
Bakersfield   CA         434     560         434     560     994     12   2004   40.0
Bakersfield   CA         332     428         332     428     760     9   2004   40.0
Mar Vista   CA         1,642     2,120         1,642     2,120     3,762     45   2004   40.0
Milpitas   CA         676     874         676     874     1,550     18   2004   40.0
Riverside   CA         720     930         720     930     1,650     20   2004   40.0
Rocklin   CA         574     742         574     742     1,316     16   2004   40.0
Sacramento   CA         392     507         392     507     899     11   2004   40.0
San Bernardino   CA         358     463         358     463     821     10   2004   40.0
San Diego   CA             18,000             18,000     18,000     552   2003   40.0
San Marcos   CA         852     1,100         852     1,100     1,952     23   2004   40.0
Santa Clara   CA         1,572     2,030         1,572     2,030     3,602     43   2004   40.0
Torrance   CA         659     851         659     851     1,510     18   2004   40.0
Visalia   CA         562     727         562     727     1,289     15   2004   40.0
Whittier   CA         896     1,157         896     1,157     2,053     24   2004   40.0
Arvada   CO         466     601         466     601     1,067     13   2004   40.0
Aurora   CO         640     826         640     826     1,466     17   2004   40.0
Denver   CO         729     941         729     941     1,670     20   2004   40.0
Englewood   CO         536     693         536     693     1,229     15   2004   40.0
                                                             

106


Littleton   CO         412     532         412     532     944     11   2004   40.0
Littleton   CO         901     1,163         901     1,163     2,064     25   2004   40.0
Milford   CT         1,097     1,418         1,097     1,418     2,515     30   2004   40.0
Old Saybrook   CT         330     425         330     425     755     9   2004   40.0
Wilmington   DE         1,076     1,390         1,076     1,390     2,466     29   2004   40.0
Boynton Beach   FL         412     531         412     531     943     11   2004   40.0
Bradenton   FL         1,067     1,379         1,067     1,379     2,446     29   2004   40.0
Clearwater   FL         340     439         340     439     779     9   2004   40.0
Davie   FL         401     519         401     519     920     11   2004   40.0
Gainesville   FL         507     654         507     654     1,161     14   2004   40.0
Lakeland   FL         282     364         282     364     646     8   2004   40.0
Leesburg   FL         352     454         352     454     806     10   2004   40.0
Longwood   FL         404     523         404     523     927     11   2004   40.0
Ocala   FL         437     565         437     565     1,002     12   2004   40.0
Ocala   FL         532     687         532     687     1,219     15   2004   40.0
Ocala   FL         379     489         379     489     868     10   2004   40.0
Orange City   FL         486     627         486     627     1,113     13   2004   40.0
Orlando   FL         433     560         433     560     993     12   2004   40.0
Pembroke Pines   FL         497     642         497     642     1,139     14   2004   40.0
Sarasota   FL         643     831         643     831     1,474     17   2004   40.0
Tampa   FL         551     712         551     712     1,263     15   2004   40.0
Tampa   FL         364     470         364     470     834     10   2004   40.0
Venice   FL         507     654         507     654     1,161     14   2004   40.0
Atlanta   GA         510     659         510     659     1,169     14   2004   40.0
Augusta   GA         286     370         286     370     656     8   2004   40.0
Conyers   GA         474     611         474     611     1,085     13   2004   40.0
Marietta   GA         581     750         581     750     1,331     16   2004   40.0
Savannah   GA         718     929         718     929     1,647     20   2004   40.0
Snellville   GA         546     704         546     704     1,250     15   2004   40.0
Woodstock   GA         502     650         502     650     1,152     14   2004   40.0
Des Moines   IA         425     550         425     550     975     12   2004   40.0
Bloomington   IL         335     433         335     433     768     9   2004   40.0
Bolingbrook   IL         481     620         481     620     1,101     13   2004   40.0
Lyons   IL         433     559         433     559     992     12   2004   40.0
Springfield   IL         431     556         431     556     987     12   2004   40.0
Evansville   IN         542     700         542     700     1,242     15   2004   40.0
Louisville   KY         417     538         417     538     955     11   2004   40.0
Louisville   KY         365     472         365     472     837     10   2004   40.0
Auburn   MA         523     676         523     676     1,199     14   2004   40.0
Chicopee   MA         548     709         548     709     1,257     15   2004   40.0
Somerset   MA         519     671         519     671     1,190     14   2004   40.0
Taunton   MA         344     444         344     444     788     9   2004   40.0
Baltimore   MD         428     552         428     552     980     12   2004   40.0
Baltimore   MD         575     743         575     743     1,318     16   2004   40.0
Baltimore   MD         362     467         362     467     829     10   2004   40.0
Gaithersburg   MD         884     1,143         884     1,143     2,027     24   2004   40.0
Glen Burnie   MD         371     480         371     480     851     10   2004   40.0
Hyattsville   MD         399     517         399     517     916     11   2004   40.0
Laurel   MD         649     837         649     837     1,486     18   2004   40.0
Linthicum   MD         366     473         366     473     839     10   2004   40.0
Pikesville   MD         398     515         398     515     913     11   2004   40.0
Randallstown   MD         388     504         388     504     892     11   2004   40.0
Timonium   MD         1,126     1,454         1,126     1,454     2,580     31   2004   40.0
Benton Harbor   MI         309     399         309     399     708     8   2004   40.0
Flint   MI         516     666         516     666     1,182     14   2004   40.0
Grand Rapids   MI         554     716         554     716     1,270     15   2004   40.0
Jackson   MI         387     499         387     499     886     10   2004   40.0
Roseville   MI         533     689         533     689     1,222     15   2004   40.0
                                                             

107


Sturgis   MI         356     459         356     459     815     10   2004   40.0
Brooklyn Center   MN         666     859         666     859     1,525     18   2004   40.0
Fridley   MN         359     463         359     463     822     10   2004   40.0
Columbia   MO         334     431         334     431     765     9   2004   40.0
Florissant   MO         404     522         404     522     926     11   2004   40.0
Kansas City   MO         462     596         462     596     1,058     13   2004   40.0
North Kansas City   MO         878     1,137         878     1,137     2,015     24   2004   40.0
Asheville   NC         397     512         397     512     909     11   2004   40.0
Cary   NC         476     614         476     614     1,090     13   2004   40.0
Charlotte   NC         410     529         410     529     939     11   2004   40.0
Charlotte   NC         402     519         402     519     921     11   2004   40.0
Durham   NC         948     1,224         948     1,224     2,172     26   2004   40.0
Goldsboro   NC         259     335         259     335     594     7   2004   40.0
Greensboro   NC         349     451         349     451     800     10   2004   40.0
Greenville   NC         640     826         640     826     1,466     17   2004   40.0
Hickory   NC         409     529         409     529     938     11   2004   40.0
Matthews   NC         965     1,247         965     1,247     2,212     26   2004   40.0
Raleigh   NC         475     613         475     613     1,088     13   2004   40.0
Winston-Salem   NC         494     637         494     637     1,131     13   2004   40.0
Aberdeen   NJ         1,560     2,016         1,560     2,016     3,576     43   2004   40.0
Wallington   NJ         830     1,072         830     1,072     1,902     23   2004   40.0
Reno   NV         440     568         440     568     1,008     12   2004   40.0
Bay Shore   NY         603     778         603     778     1,381     16   2004   40.0
Centereach   NY         442     570         442     570     1,012     12   2004   40.0
Cheektowaga   NY         562     726         562     726     1,288     15   2004   40.0
Cheektowaga   NY         385     498         385     498     883     11   2004   40.0
Depew   NY         350     452         350     452     802     10   2004   40.0
Fairport   NY         326     420         326     420     746     9   2004   40.0
Melville   NY         494     639         494     639     1,133     13   2004   40.0
Rochester   NY         320     413         320     413     733     9   2004   40.0
Rochester   NY         399     515         399     515     914     11   2004   40.0
Sayville   NY         959     1,238         959     1,238     2,197     26   2004   40.0
Shirley   NY         587     759         587     759     1,346     16   2004   40.0
Smithtown   NY         521     674         521     674     1,195     14   2004   40.0
Syosset   NY         711     917         711     917     1,628     19   2004   40.0
Syracuse   NY         558     722         558     722     1,280     15   2004   40.0
Wantagh   NY         747     965         747     965     1,712     20   2004   40.0
Webster   NY         683     883         683     883     1,566     19   2004   40.0
West Babylon   NY         1,492     1,928         1,492     1,928     3,420     41   2004   40.0
White Plains   NY         1,471     1,901         1,471     1,901     3,372     40   2004   40.0
Canton   OH         434     560         434     560     994     12   2004   40.0
Columbus   OH         967     1,250         967     1,250     2,217     26   2004   40.0
Grove City   OH         281     364         281     364     645     8   2004   40.0
Medina   OH         393     507         393     507     900     11   2004   40.0
Edmond   OK         431     556         431     556     987     12   2004   40.0
Tulsa   OK         954     1,232         954     1,232     2,186     26   2004   40.0
Albany   OR         373     483         373     483     856     10   2004   40.0
Salem   OR         393     507         393     507     900     11   2004   40.0
Boothwyn   PA         407     526         407     526     933     11   2004   40.0
Croydon   PA         421     543         421     543     964     11   2004   40.0
Pittsburgh   PA         409     528         409     528     937     11   2004   40.0
Pittsburgh   PA         407     527         407     527     934     11   2004   40.0
San Juan   PR         950     1,227         950     1,227     2,177     26   2004   40.0
Cranston   RI         850     1,098         850     1,098     1,948     23   2004   40.0
Charleston   SC         943     1,218         943     1,218     2,161     26   2004   40.0
Greenville   SC         332     428         332     428     760     9   2004   40.0
Hilton Head   SC         924     1,193         924     1,193     2,117     25   2004   40.0
Nashville   TN         260     337         260     337     597     7   2004   40.0
                                                             

108


Addison   TX         1,045     1,350         1,045     1,350     2,395     29   2004   40.0
Arlington   TX         593     765         593     765     1,358     16   2004   40.0
Austin   TX         985     1,273         985     1,273     2,258     27   2004   40.0
Conroe   TX         838     1,082         838     1,082     1,920     23   2004   40.0
Corpus Christi   TX         528     681         528     681     1,209     14   2004   40.0
DeSoto   TX         480     621         480     621     1,101     13   2004   40.0
Euless   TX         975     1,258         975     1,258     2,233     27   2004   40.0
Garland   TX         1,108     1,431         1,108     1,431     2,539     30   2004   40.0
Houston   TX         425     548         425     548     973     12   2004   40.0
Houston   TX         518     670         518     670     1,188     14   2004   40.0
Houston   TX         758     979         758     979     1,737     21   2004   40.0
Houston   TX         399     516         399     516     915     11   2004   40.0
Houston   TX         375     484         375     484     859     10   2004   40.0
Humble   TX         438     566         438     566     1,004     12   2004   40.0
Hurst   TX         285     369         285     369     654     8   2004   40.0
Irving   TX         554     717         554     717     1,271     15   2004   40.0
Lewisville   TX         561     724         561     724     1,285     15   2004   40.0
Richardson   TX         753     974         753     974     1,727     20   2004   40.0
San Antonio   TX         521     674         521     674     1,195     14   2004   40.0
Stafford   TX         634     820         634     820     1,454     17   2004   40.0
Waco   TX         379     490         379     490     869     10   2004   40.0
Webster   TX         592     764         592     764     1,356     16   2004   40.0
Salt Lake City   UT         624     806         624     806     1,430     17   2004   40.0
Centreville   VA         1,134     1,464         1,134     1,464     2,598     31   2004   40.0
Chesapeake   VA         845     1,091         845     1,091     1,936     23   2004   40.0
Chesapeake   VA         884     1,143         884     1,143     2,027     24   2004   40.0
Fredericksburg   VA         953     1,230         953     1,230     2,183     26   2004   40.0
Grafton   VA         487     630         487     630     1,117     13   2004   40.0
Lynchburg   VA         425     549         425     549     974     12   2004   40.0
Mechanicsville   VA         1,151     1,488         1,151     1,488     2,639     31   2004   40.0
Norfolk   VA         546     706         546     706     1,252     15   2004   40.0
Petersburg   VA         851     1,100         851     1,100     1,951     23   2004   40.0
Richmond   VA         819     1,058         819     1,058     1,877     22   2004   40.0
Richmond   VA         958     1,237         958     1,237     2,195     26   2004   40.0
Virginia Beach   VA         788     1,018         788     1,018     1,806     21   2004   40.0
Williamsburg   VA         554     715         554     715     1,269     15   2004   40.0
Quincy   WA         1,500     6,500         1,500     6,500     8,000     199   2003   40.0
Milwaukee   WI         521     673         521     673     1,194     14   2004   40.0
S. Milwaukee   WI         413     534         413     534     947     11   2004   40.0
Waukesha   WI         542     700         542     700     1,242     15   2004   40.0
Wauwatosa   WI         793     1,023         793     1,023     1,816     22   2004   40.0
West Allis   WI         1,124     1,452         1,124     1,452     2,576     31   2004   40.0
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Subtotal             112,371     167,716         112,371     167,716     280,087     3,776        
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
RETAIL:                                                            
Mobile   AL         2,377     3,978         2,377     3,978     6,355     41   2004   39.00
Little Rock   AR         2,638     2,198         2,638     2,198     4,836     33   2004   33.00
Sherwood   AR         538     1,872         538     1,872     2,410     28   2004   34.00
Chandler   AZ         8,374     5,394         8,374     5,394     13,768     74   2004   36.50
Scottsdale   AZ         3,284     8,258         3,284     8,258     11,542     85   2004   40.00
Tempe   AZ         6,232     9,271         6,232     9,271     15,503     63   2004   40.00
Deland   FL         1,305     1,264         1,305     1,264     2,569     21   2004   30.00
Fort Pierce   FL         1,705     3,379         1,705     3,379     5,084     70   2004   24.00
Fort Pierce   FL         2,101     3,791         2,101     3,791     5,892     49   2004   39.00
Jacksonville   FL         1,380     2,462         1,380     2,462     3,842     36   2004   34.00
Jacksonville   FL         2,372     2,372         2,372     2,372     4,744     52   2004   23.00
Jacksonville   FL         4,102     2,974         4,102     2,974     7,076     42   2004   35.00
Jacksonville   FL         3,042     5,924         3,042     5,924     8,966     80   2004   37.00
                                                             

109


Jacksonville   FL         2,638     4,431         2,638     4,431     7,069     65   2004   34.00
Jacksonville   FL         2,774     4,057         2,774     4,057     6,831     58   2004   35.00
Orange City   FL         2,132     4,136         2,132     4,136     6,268     74   2004   28.00
Roswell   GA         3,653     4,190         3,653     4,190     7,843     57   2004   37.00
Roswell   GA         5,520     4,671         5,520     4,671     10,191     58   2004   40.00
Lake Charles   LA         2,193     3,654         2,193     3,654     5,847     39   2004   38.00
Chapel Hill   NC         4,181     1,636         4,181     1,636     5,817     33   2004   25.00
Greensboro   NC         679     2,545         679     2,545     3,224     42   2004   30.00
Greensboro   NC         2,450     1,123         2,450     1,123     3,573     22   2004   25.50
Greensboro   NC         4,956     5,664         4,956     5,664     10,620     85   2004   33.50
Charlottesville   VA         1,182     2,106         1,182     2,106     3,288     28   2004   38.00
Richmond   VA         4,087     4,496         4,087     4,496     8,583     66   2004   34.00
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Subtotal             75,895     95,846         75,895     95,846     171,741     1,301        
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
HOTEL:                                                            
Sacramento   CA     136,512     1,281     9,809         1,281     9,809     11,090     2,116   1998   40.0
San Diego   CA         4,394     27,030         4,394     27,030     31,424     5,995   1998   40.0
Sonoma   CA         3,308     20,623         3,308     20,623     23,931     4,566   1998   40.0
Durango   CO         1,242     7,865         1,242     7,865     9,107     1,737   1998   40.0
Boise   ID         968     6,405         968     6,405     7,373     1,407   1998   40.0
Missoula   MT         210     1,607         210     1,607     1,817     347   1998   40.0
Astoria   OR         269     2,043         269     2,043     2,312     441   1998   40.0
Bend   OR         233     1,726         233     1,726     1,959     374   1998   40.0
Coos Bay   OR         404     3,049         404     3,049     3,453     659   1998   40.0
Eugene   OR         361     2,721         361     2,721     3,082     588   1998   40.0
Medford   OR         609     4,668         609     4,668     5,277     1,007   1998   40.0
Pendleton   OR         556     4,245         556     4,245     4,801     916   1998   40.0
Salt Lake City   UT         5,620     32,695         5,620     32,695     38,315     7,310   1998   40.0
Kelso   WA         502     3,779         502     3,779     4,281     817   1998   40.0
Vancouver   WA         507     3,981         507     3,981     4,488     856   1998   40.0
Wenatchee   WA         513     3,825         513     3,825     4,338     828   1998   40.0
Seattle   WA         5,101     32,080         5,101     32,080     37,181     7,094   1998   40.0
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Subtotal         136,512     26,078     168,151         26,078     168,151     194,229     37,058        
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Total corporate tenant lease assets   $ 1,121,889   $ 687,537   $ 2,370,021   $ 46,329   $ 672,238   $ 2,431,649   $ 3,103,887   $ 226,845        
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       

110


iStar Financial Inc.
Notes to Schedule III
December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)

1. Reconciliation of Corporate Tenant Lease Assets:

        The following table reconciles CTL assets from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2004:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Balance at January 1   $ 2,714,772   $ 2,420,314   $ 1,861,786  
Additions     580,971     335,776     606,653  
Dispositions     (216,656 )   (41,318 )   (3,106 )
Assets classified as held for sale     24,800         (45,019 )
   
 
 
 
Balance at December 31   $ 3,103,887   $ 2,714,772   $ 2,420,314  
   
 
 
 

2. Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation:

        The following table reconciles Accumulated Depreciation from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2004:

 
  2004
  2003
  2002
 
Balance at January 1   $ (178,887 ) $ (128,509 ) $ (80,221 )
Additions     (67,933 )   (53,777 )   (48,615 )
Dispositions     19,975     3,399     131  
Assets classified as held for sale             196  
   
 
 
 
Balance at December 31   $ (226,845 ) $ (178,887 ) $ (128,509 )
   
 
 
 

111


iStar Financial Inc.
Schedule IV—Loans and Other Lending Investments
As of December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)

Type of Loan/Borrower

  Description/Location
  Interest
Accrual
Rates

  Interest
Payment
Rates

  Final
Maturity
Date

  Periodic
Payment
Terms(1)

  Prior
Liens(2)

  Face
Amount
of Loans

  Carrying
Amount of
Loans

 
Senior Mortgages:                                        
Borrower A(3)   Office, Detroit, MI   7.03 % 7.03 % 9/11/09   P&I (4) $   $ 170,651   $ 158,397  
Borrower B   Retail, Various   LIBOR + 2.90 % LIBOR + 2.90 % 4/10/05   P&I (5)       148,987     148,476  
Borrower C   Mixed Use, Hollywood, CA   LIBOR + 3.50 % LIBOR + 3.50 % 2/27/07   IO (6)       147,000     146,118  
Borrower D   Office, Various   LIBOR + 3.50 % LIBOR + 3.50 % 11/12/06   IO (7)       130,000     128,874  
All other senior mortgages individually < 3%                         1,849,670     1,776,540     1,752,797  
                       
 
 
 
                          1,849,670     2,373,178     2,334,662  
                       
 
 
 
Subordinate Mortgages:                                        
Subordinate mortgages individually < 3%                         2,216,508     578,525     579,322  
                       
 
 
 
                          2,216,508     578,525     579,322  

Corporate/Partnership Loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Borrower A(3)   Office, Detroit, MI   12.67 % 12.67 % 9/11/09   IO (8)       5,957     5,870  
All other corporate/partnership loans individually < 3%                         6,408,752     938,573     906,886  
                       
 
 
 
                          6,408,752     944,530     912,756  
                       
 
 
 
Other Lending Investments-Loans:                                        
Other lending investments-loans individually < 3%                             4,261     4,036  
                       
 
 
 
                              4,261     4,036  
                       
 
 
 
Other Lending Investments-Securities:                                        
Other lending investments-securities individually < 3%                         900,282     158,383     157,849  
                       
 
 
 
                          900,282     158,383     157,849  
                       
 
 
 
Subtotal                         11,375,212     4,058,877     3,988,625  
                       
 
 
 
Provision for Loan Losses                                 (42,436 )
                       
 
 
 
Total:                       $ 11,375,212   $ 4,058,877   $ 3,946,189  
                       
 
 
 

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
P&I = principal and interest, IO = interest only.
(2)
Represents only third-party liens and excludes senior loans held by the Company from the same borrower on the same collateral.
(3)
Loan is a part of a common borrowing provided by the Company (see corresponding letter reference).
(4)
Principal and interest payments are paid at level amounts over the life of the loan with a $149.8 million balloon payment due at maturity.
(5)
Principal and interest payments are paid at varying amounts over the life of the loan with a $148.9 million balloon payment due at maturity.
(6)
Interest payments are paid at level amounts over the life of the loan and a $147.0 million balloon payment is due at maturity. As of December 31, 2004, the borrower would owe a yield maintenance fee if the loan was repaid prior to maturity.
(7)
Principal and interest payments are paid at varying amounts over the life of the loan with a $125.2 million balloon payment due at maturity. As of December 31, 2004, the borrower would owe a 1% prepayment penalty if the loan was repaid prior to maturity.
(8)
Interest payments are paid at level amounts over the life of the loan and a $5.9 million balloon payment is due at maturity.

112


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Registered Public Accounting Firm on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

        Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures—The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company has formed a disclosure committee that is responsible for considering the materiality of information and determining the disclosure obligations of the Company on a timely basis. The disclosure committee reports directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer is currently a member of the disclosure committee.

        Based upon their evaluation as of December 31, 2004, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's Exchange Act filings.

        Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting—Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the disclosure committee and other members of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management carried out its evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the Company's evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, management has concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

        Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting—There have been no significant changes during the last fiscal quarter in the Company's internal controls identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

113



PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

        Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

        Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services

        Portions of the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed within 120 days after the close of the Company's fiscal year are incorporated herein by reference.

114



PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

115



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

  Document Description
2.1   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15, 1999, by and among Starwood Financial Trust, ST Merger Sub, Inc. and TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. (3)
2.2   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15, 1999, by and among Starwood Financial Trust, Starwood Financial, Inc. and to the extent described therein, TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. (3)
2.3   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 15, 1999, by and among Starwood Financial Trust, SA Merger Sub, Inc., STW Holdings I, Inc., the Stockholders named therein, Starwood Capital Group,  L.L.C. and, to the extent described therein, TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. (3)
3.1   Amended and Restated Charter of the Company (including the Articles Supplementary for the Series A, B, C and D Preferred Stock). (5)
3.2   Bylaws of the Company. (6)
3.3   Articles Supplementary for the High Performance Common Stock—Series 1. (10)
3.4   Articles Supplementary for the High Performance Common Stock—Series 2. (10)
3.5   Articles Supplementary for the High Performance Common Stock—Series 3. (10)
3.6   Articles Supplementary for the High Performance Common Stock—Series 4. (15)
3.7   Articles Supplementary for the High Performance Common Stock—Series 5.
3.8   Articles Supplementary relating to the Series E Preferred Stock. (12)
3.9   Articles Supplementary relating to the Series F Preferred Stock. (13)
3.10   Articles Supplementary relating to the Series G Preferred Stock. (14)
3.11   Articles Supplementary relating to the Series I Preferred Stock. (16)
4.1   Form of warrant certificates. (2)
4.2   Form of stock certificate for the Company's Common Stock. (4)
4.3   Form of certificate for Series A Preferred Shares of beneficial interest. (2)
4.4   Form of Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2001. (8)
4.5   Form of Global Note evidencing 83/4% Senior Notes 2008. (8)
4.6   Form of Global Note evidencing 5.125% Series B Senior Notes.
4.7   Form of Global Note evidencing 4.875% Series B Senior Notes due 2009.
4.8   Form of Global Note evidencing 5.70% Series B Senior Notes due 2014.
4.9   Form of Global Note evidencing Series B Floating Rate Notes due 2007.
4.10   Form of 77/8% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Certificate. (12)
4.11   Form of 7.8% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Certificate. (13)
4.12   Form of 7.65% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Certificate. (14)
4.13   Form of Variable Rate Series H Preferred Stock Certificate. (15)
4.14   Form of 7.50% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Certificate. (16)
10.1   Starwood Financial Trust 1996 Share Incentive Plan. (1)
     

116


10.2   Indenture, dated May 17, 2000, among iStar Asset Receivables Trust, La Salle Bank National Association and ABN AMRO BANK N.V. (7)
10.3   Master Agreement between iStar DB Seller, LLC, Seller and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, Buyer dated January 11, 2001. (9)
10.4   Employment Agreement, dated November 1, 2002, by and between iStar Financial Inc. and Catherine D. Rice. (11)
10.5   Employment Agreement dated February 11, 2004, by and between iStar Financial Inc. and Jay Sugarman. (15)
10.6   Performance Retention Grant Agreement dated February 11, 2004. (15)
10.7   Employment Agreement dated November 12, 2004, by and between iStar Financial Inc. and Jay Nydick. (17)
12.1   Computation of Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense.
12.2   Computation of Ratio of EBITDA to combined fixed charges.
12.3   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to fixed charges and Earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends.
14.0   iStar Financial Inc. Code of Conduct
21.1   Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
31.0   Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.0   Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Explanatory Notes:


(1)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10- K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed on April 2, 1998.

(2)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 1998.

(3)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 22, 1999.

(4)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed on March 30, 2000.

(5)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000 filed on May 15, 2000.

(6)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 filed on August 14, 2000.

(7)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed on March 30, 2001.

(8)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001 filed on November 14, 2001.

(9)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 filed on May 15, 2001.

(10)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

(11)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 30, 2003.

(12)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-A filed on July 8, 2003.

(13)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-A filed on September 25, 2003.

117


(14)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-A filed on December 10, 2003.

(15)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed on March 15, 2004.

(16)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-A filed on February 27, 2004.

(17)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2004.

118



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  iSTAR FINANCIAL INC.
Registrant

Date: March 16, 2005

/s/  
JAY SUGARMAN      
Jay Sugarman
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer (Principal executive officer)

Date: March 16, 2005

/s/  
CATHERINE D. RICE      
Catherine D. Rice
Chief Financial Officer (Principal financial and accounting officer)

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


 

 

 
Date: March 16, 2005   /s/  JAY SUGARMAN      
Jay Sugarman
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 16, 2005

 

/s/  
WILLIS ANDERSEN JR.      
Willis Andersen Jr.
Director

Date: March 16, 2005

 

/s/  
ROBERT W. HOLMAN, JR.      
Robert W. Holman, Jr.
Director

Date: March 16, 2005

 

/s/  
ROBIN JOSEPHS      
Robin Josephs
Director

Date: March 16, 2005

 

/s/  
JOHN G. MCDONALD      
John G. McDonald
Director

Date: March 16, 2005

 

/s/  
GEORGE R. PUSKAR      
George R. Puskar
Director

Date: March 16, 2005

 

/s/  
JEFFREY WEBER      
Jeffrey Weber
Director

119




QuickLinks

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Product Line
Asset Type
Property Type
Geography
Business
PART II
Estimated Percentage Change In
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
iStar Financial Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except per share data)
iStar Financial Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share data)
iStar Financial Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands)
iStar Financial Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
iStar Financial Inc. Schedule III—Corporate Tenant Lease Assets and Accumulated Depreciation As of December 31, 2004 (Dollars in thousands)
PART III
PART IV
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
SIGNATURES