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

FORM 10-K
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number 001-15663

 American Realty Investors, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
   
Nevada
75-2847135
(State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
   
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas
75234
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(469) 522-4200
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
   
Title of Each Class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes  ¨    No   x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes  ¨    No   x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No   ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
   
Large accelerated filer  ¨
Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨ (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company   x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Yes  ¨    No   x
The aggregate market value of the shares of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing price at which the common equity was last sold which was the sales price of the Common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2014 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $13,650,042 based upon a total of 2,019,237 shares held as of June 30, 2014 by persons believed to be non-affiliates of the Registrant. The basis of the calculation does not constitute a determination by the Registrant as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such calculation, if made as of a date within sixty days of this filing, would yield a different value.
As of March 15, 2015, there were 14,027,619 shares of common stock outstanding.
 
 
 

 
 
 
Documents Incorporated By Reference:
 
Consolidated Financial Statements of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.; Commission File No. 001-14784
 
Consolidated Financial Statements of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.; Commission File No. 001-09240

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
INDEX TO
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
     
   
Page
 
PART I
     
Item 1.
Business.
        3
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
        10
     
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
        14
     
Item 2.
Properties.
        15
     
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
        18
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
        20
 
PART II
     
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
        21
     
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
        22
     
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
        23
     
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
        35
     
Item 8.
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
        37
     
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
        78
     
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures.
        78
     
Item 9B.
Other Information.
        78
 
PART III
     
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
        79
     
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
        85
     
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
        86
     
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
        87
     
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
        90
 
PART IV
     
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
        92
   
Signature Page
        94
 
 
 
2

 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain Statements in this Form 10-K are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Report and in the documents incorporated herein by reference. The Company disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that our expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from estimates or projections contained in any forward-looking statements are described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.
 
PART I
 
ITEM  1.     BUSINESS
 
General
 
As used herein, the terms “ARL,” “the Company,” “We,” “Our,” or “Us” refer to American Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation, individually or together with its subsidiaries.  The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”).  ARL is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. ARL was organized in 1999. In August 2000, the Company acquired American Realty Trust, Inc., a Georgia corporation (“ART”) and National Realty L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“NRLP”). ART was the successor to a District of Columbia business trust organized in 1961. The business trust was merged into ART in 1988. NRLP was organized in 1987 and subsequently acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of several public and private limited partnerships. NRLP also owned a portfolio of real estate and mortgage loan investments.
 
Approximately 86.7% of ARL’s stock is owned by related entities. ARL subsidiaries own approximately 80.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“TCI”) whose common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol (“TCI”). ARL has consolidated TCI’s accounts and operations since March 2003.  TCI, a subsidiary of ARL, owns approximately 81.1% of the common stock of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (“IOT”).  Effective July 17, 2009, IOT’s financial results were consolidated with those of ARL and TCI and their subsidiaries.  IOT’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange Euronext (“NYSE MKT”) under the symbol (“IOT”).

ARL’s Board of Directors is responsible for directing the overall affairs of ARL and for setting the strategic policies that guide the Company. As of April 30, 2011, the Board of Directors delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc. (“Pillar”), a Nevada corporation, under a written Advisory Agreement that is reviewed annually by ARL’s Board of Directors. The directors of ARL are also directors of TCI and IOT.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARL also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCI and IOT.  The officers of ARL also serve as officers of TCI, IOT and Pillar.
 
Effective since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”, formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc. “RAMI”, effective August 7, 2014), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust, became the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for the Company’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.
 
Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services.  Regis receives property management fees, construction management fees and leasing commissions in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.  Regis is also entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement.   See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”.   ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties. 
 
On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future.   This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013.  The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years.  Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.
 
 
 
3

 
 
Our primary business is the acquisition, development and ownership of income-producing residential, hotel and commercial real estate properties. In addition, we opportunistically acquire land for future development in in-fill or high-growth suburban markets. From time to time and when we believe it appropriate to do so, we will also sell land and income-producing properties. We generate revenues by leasing apartment units to residents; leasing office, industrial and retail space to various for-profit businesses as well as certain local, state and federal agencies; and renting hotel rooms to guests. We also generate revenues from gains on sales of income-producing properties and land.
 
At December 31, 2014, our income-producing properties consisted of:
 
  
9 commercial properties consisting of four office buildings, one industrial warehouse, three retail properties, and a golf course comprising in aggregate approximately 2.1 million square feet, excluding the golf course;
 
38 residential apartment communities comprising 6,344 units, excluding apartments being developed.
 
The following table sets forth the location of our real estate held for investment (income-producing properties only) by asset type as of December 31, 2014:
 
   
Apartments
   
Commercial
 
Location
 
No.
   
Units
   
No.
   
SF
 
Arkansas
    4       678       -       -  
Colorado
    2       260       -       -  
Florida
    -       -       1       6,722  
Illinois
    -       -       1       306,609  
Kansas
    1       320       -       -  
Louisiana-Other
    2       384       -       -  
Mississippi
    7       568       -       -  
Ohio
    1       200       -       -  
Tennessee
    2       312       -       -  
Texas-Greater Dallas-Ft Worth
    12       2,122       5       1,652,098  
Texas-Greater Houston
    2       416       -       -  
Texas-San Antonio
    2       468       -       -  
Texas-Other
    3       616       -       -  
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
    -       -       1       5,929,304  
Wisconsin
    -       -       1       122,205  
Total
    38       6,344       9       8,016,938  
 
We finance our acquisitions primarily through operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of land and income-producing properties and debt financing primarily in the form of property-specific, first-lien mortgage loans from commercial banks and institutional lenders. We finance our development projects principally with short-term, variable-rate construction loans that are refinanced with the proceeds of long-term, fixed-rate amortizing mortgages when the development has been completed and occupancy has been stabilized. When we sell properties, we may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable, secured by the property being sold. We may also from time to time enter into partnerships or joint ventures with various investors to acquire land or income-producing properties or to sell interests in certain of our properties.
 
We join with various third-party development companies to construct residential apartment communities. We are in the predevelopment process on several residential apartment communities but have not yet begun construction.  At December 31, 2014, we had one apartment projects in development.  The third-party developer typically holds a general partner as well as a limited partner interest in a limited partnership formed for the purpose of building a single property while we generally take a limited partner interest in the limited partnership. We may contribute land to the partnership as part of our equity contribution or we may contribute the necessary funds to the partnership to acquire the land. We are required to fund all required equity contributions while the third-party developer is responsible for obtaining construction financing, hiring a general contractor and for the overall management, successful completion and delivery of the project. We generally bear all the economic risks and rewards of ownership in these partnerships and therefore include these partnerships in our consolidated financial statements. The third-party developer is paid a developer fee typically equal to a percentage of the construction costs. When the project reaches stabilized occupancy, we acquire the third-party developer’s partnership interests in exchange for any remaining unpaid developer fees.
 
 
 
4

 
 
At December 31, 2014, our apartment projects in development included (dollars in thousands):
 
                 
Total
 
                 
Projected
 
Property
Location
 
No. of Units
   
Costs to Date (1)
 
Costs (1)
 
Parc at Mansfield
Mansfield, TX
    99     $ 1,512     $ 11,797  
Total
      99     $ 1,512     $ 11,797  
                           
(1) Costs include construction hard costs, construction soft costs and loan borrowing costs.
 
 
We have made investments in a number of large tracts of undeveloped and partially developed land and intend to a) continue to improve these tracts of land for our own development purposes or b) make the improvements necessary to ready the land for sale to other developers.
 
At December 31, 2014, our investments in undeveloped and partially developed land consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
     
Date(s)
             
Primary
Property
Location
 
Acquired
   
Acres
   
Cost
 
Intended Use
                       
Meloy Portage
Kent, OH
 
2004
      53     $ 4,050  
Single-family residential
McKinney Multi-Tracts
McKinney, TX
    1997-2008       105       13,605  
Mixed use
Mercer Crossing
Dallas, TX
    1996-2013       450       63,265  
Mixed use
Travis Ranch
Kaufman County, TX
    2008       25       2,547  
Multi-family residential
US Virgin Islands Multi-Tracts
St. Thomas, USVI
    2005-2014       184       16,788  
Mixed use
Waco Multi-Tracts
Waco, TX
    2005-2006       173       1,072  
Single-family residential
Windmill Farms (1)
Kaufman County, TX
    2006       2,932       44,159  
Single-family residential
Other Land Holdings
Various
    1990-2008       312       21,792  
Various
Total Land Holdings
              4,234     $ 167,278    
                             
(1) Windmill Farms Land was acquired by a subsidiary of ARL in 2006 and 2,900 acres were subsequently sold to TCI in 2011.
 
Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financings
 
A summary of some of the significant transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 are discussed below:

On February 6, 2014, TCI sold a 232-unit apartment complex known as Pecan Pointe, located in Temple, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $23.1 million.  The buyer assumed the existing debt of $16.5 million secured by the property.  A gain of $6.1 million was recorded on the sale.

On February 10, 2014, a subsidiary of the Company paid off an existing margin loan and entered into a $4 million promissory note with a third party, secured by TCI stock.  The note matures on February 10, 2016 and has an interest rate of 6%.

On February 12, 2014, TCI exercised the first prepayment option on the settlement relating to the Amoco Building and paid $1.2 million to settle all obligations.  The remaining balance of the note in the amount of $3.5 million, along with accrued interest, was forgiven.  The 135,000 shares of Series K Convertible Preferred Stock of ARL that was pledged to the lender has been released to TCI.  The Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.

On February 14, 2014, the Company entered into a settlement and loan modification agreement with the lender regarding EQK Portage land.  The new loan is for $1.6 million, matures on February 6, 2017, and has an interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 5%.  The Company paid $200,000 at close which was used to adjust the current outstanding loan balance to the newly stated loan balance and the remainder was used to pay down interest that had been accruing under the prior agreement.  The rest of the unpaid interest that accrued under the prior agreement was waived.  Per the agreement, the Company was also required to pay off the property tax note of $257,000.
 
 
 
5

 

On February 28, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Parc at Denham Springs apartments, a 224-unit complex located in Denham Springs, Louisiana, for a new mortgage of $19.2 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $19.2 million and $1.6 million in closing costs.  The note accrues interest at 3.75% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing April 1, 2051

On March 13, 2014, 6.6 acres of land known as Three Hickory located in Farmers Branch, Texas was transferred back to TCI as a result of the settlement agreement with the lender.  On the same day TCI sold the land to IOT for $1.2 million which resulted in a gain of $1.2 million.

On March 25, 2014, TCI exercised its lender granted option under the settlement agreement relating to the Galleria East Center Retail / Showcase Chevrolet land which was transferred to the existing lender on February 4, 2011.  TCI paid the balance of the notes along with all accrued and unpaid interest and received a reduction in price of $0.4 million

On March 26, 2014, TCI sold 6.314 acres of land known as McKinney Ranch land, located in McKinney, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $1.7 million.  TCI paid $1.5 million on the existing mortgage to satisfy a portion of the multi-tract collateral debt of $6.6 million, secured by various land parcels located in McKinney, Texas.  A gain of $0.8 million was recorded on the sale.

On March 28, 2014, TCI secured financing of $40.0 million from an independent third party.  The note has a term of five years at an interest rate of 12.0%.  The note is interest only for the first year with quarterly principal payments due of $500,000 starting April 1, 2015.  The loan is secured by various equity interests in residential apartments and can be prepaid at a penalty rate of 4% for year 1 with the penalty declining by 1% each year thereafter.

On March 31, 2014, the Company purchased 16.87 acres of land known as Valwood Acres, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, from an independent third party, for a purchase price of $3.2 million.

On March 31, 2014, TCI entered into a settlement agreement relating to the Fenton Centre building which was transferred to the existing lender on June 7, 2011.  The total amount of the settlement was $7.0 million, $5.0 million was paid at the time of the settlement and the remaining $2.0 million will be paid out in equal monthly installments through November 5, 2015.

On April 3, 2014, TCI sold a 512,593 square foot commercial building known as 1010 Common, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $16.6 million.  A gain of $7.0 million was recorded on the sale.
 
On May 28, 2014, a $1.5 million principal payment was made to the existing Realty Advisors, Inc. mortgage and two additional land parcels, including 8.0 acres of Ladue land owned by TCI and 16.87 acres of Valwood land owned by ARL, were substituted as collateral under the note in exchange for a release of a $4 million deposit account.  The principal balance is allocated based on the land valuation.
 
On July 25, 2014, TCI sold 24.498 acres of land known as Stanley Tools and Kelly Lots, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $4.3 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $1.7 million in addition to making a $0.2 million payment on an existing mortgage related to another parcel of land located in Gulfport, Mississippi.  A nominal gain was recorded on the sale.
 
On July 31, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Desoto Ranch apartments, a 248-unit complex located in Desoto, Texas, for a new mortgage of $15.7 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $15.7 million and $0.5 million in closing costs.   The note accrues interest at 3.50% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing June 1, 2050.
 
On August 12, 2014, TCI sold a 20,715 square foot commercial building known as Sesame Square, located in Anchorage, Alaska, to an independent party, for a sales price of $2.6 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $0.8 million.  A gain of $1.8 million was recorded on the sale.
 
On August 28, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Treehouse apartments, a 160-unit complex located in Irving, Texas, for a new mortgage of $5.8 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.7 million and $1.1 million in closing costs and escrows.   The note accrues interest at 3.55% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing September 1, 2044.
 
 
 
6

 
 
On September 19, 2014, TCI acquired 100% ownership of Summer Breeze I-V, LLC, from an independent third party, which resulted in the acquisition of Sunset Lodge, a 216-unit complex located in Odessa, Texas.  We exchanged the existing note receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $3.5 million for the ownership interest.

On September 23, 2014, TCI sold a 106-unit complex known as Bridgewood Ranch, located in Kaufman, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $8.0 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.5 million and the buyer obtained a new mortgage of $6.6 million.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement as a result of having the option to repurchase the sold property at a later date.   The exercise of the option is subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  TCI determined a sale had not occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remains on their books.

On October 17, 2014, the construction loan in the amount of $19.7 million that was taken out by TCI on July 1, 2012, to fund the development of Sunset Lodge apartments, a 216-unit complex located in Odessa, Texas, closed into permanent financing.  The note accrues interest at 3.00% and payments of interest only are payable commencing August 1, 2012, through February 1, 2014, at which time principal and interest payments are due through the maturity date of February 1, 2054.

On November 3, 2014, TCI sold a 290-unit apartment complex known as Blue Ridge, located in Midland, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $52.8 million.   We paid off the existing mortgage of $23.7 million.  A gain of $26.7 million was recorded on the sale.

On November 6, 2014, TCI acquired 100% ownership of Dun-Run Golf, Dun-Run Development, and Dun-Run Restaurants, all limited liability companies, which resulted in the acquisition of Mahogany Run Golf Course for a purchase price of $13.3 million.  TCI took out a note as seller financing to aid in the purchase in the amount of $6.6 million.  The note accrues at 8% with interest only payments due through the maturity date of November 6, 2015.  An option to renew for one more year can be exercised if a $1.0 million principal payment is made before maturity.

On November 13, 2014, TCI sold a 216-unit complex known as Sunset Lodge, as well as 5.98 acres of land, both located in Odessa, Texas, to an independent third party, for a combined sales price of $40.6 million.  The buyer assumed the existing debt of $19.0 million secured by the property.  A gain of $18.9 million was recorded on the sale.

On December 1, 2014, TCI acquired a 208-unit complex known as Legacy at Pleasant Grove, located in Texarkana, Texas, from a third party.  We exchanged the existing note receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $5.0 million for the complex.

On December 1, 2014, TCI acquired a 148-unit complex known as Villas at Park West I, located in Pueblo, Colorado, from a third party.  We exchanged the existing note receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $1.3 million for the complex.

On December 1, 2014, TCI acquired a 112-unit complex known as Villas at Park West II, located in Pueblo, Colorado, from a third party.  We exchanged the existing note receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $5.1 million for the complex.

On December 12, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Stanford Center, a 333,381 square foot commercial building located in Dallas, Texas, for a new mortgage of $28.0 million.  We paid off the existing mortgage of $21.3 million and $7.8 million in closing costs and escrows.  The note accrues interest at a floating rate of 5.50% above the 30-day LIBOR index, with a floor of 5.75% and payments of interest only, maturing on January 5, 2017.

On December 30, 2014, TCI acquired 8.387 acres of land known as Bonneau Land, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, from a third party, for a purchase price of $1.2 million.

On December 30, 2014, TCI sold 2.606 acres of land known as Carr (Luna) Land, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, to a third party, for a sales price of $0.3 million.  A loss of $0.4 million was recorded on the sale.

In December 2010, various commercial and land holdings were sold to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party. During the first three months of 2011, many of these transactions were rescinded as of the original transaction date and were subsequently sold to related parties under the same ownership as FRE Real Estate, Inc. As of December 31, 2014, one commercial building, Thermalloy, remains in FRE Real Estate, Inc.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to TCI’s continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and TCI’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  TCI determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20. 
 
 
 
7

 
 
As of December 31, 2014, there remain one apartment complex, one commercial building and 110 acres of land that TCI has sold to a related party and have deferred the recognition of the sale.  These are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These properties were sold to a related party in order to help facilitate an appropriate debt or organizational restructure and may or may not be transferred back to the seller upon resolution. These properties have mortgages that are secured by the property and many have corporate guarantees. According to the loan documents, the maker is currently in default on these mortgages primarily due to lack of payment and is actively involved in discussions with every lender in order to settle or cure the default situation. TCI has reviewed each asset and taken impairment to the extent TCI feels the value of the property was less than its current basis.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to its continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and TCI’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  TCI determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20.  The buyers received no compensation for the facilitation of the bankruptcy or debt restructuring process. 
 
We continue to invest in the development of apartment projects. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, we have expended $3.0 million related to the development or predevelopment of various apartment projects.
 
Business Plan and Investment Policy
 
Our business objective is to maximize long-term value for our stockholders by investing in residential and commercial real estate through the acquisition, development and ownership of apartments, commercial properties, hotels, and land. We intend to achieve this objective through acquiring and developing properties in multiple markets and operating as an industry-leading landlord. We believe this objective will provide the benefits of enhanced investment opportunities, economies of scale and risk diversification, both in terms of geographic market and real estate product type. We believe our objective will also result in continuing access to favorably priced debt and equity capital. In pursuing our business objective, we seek to achieve a combination of internal and external growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet and employing a strategy of financial flexibility. We maximize the value of our apartments and commercial properties by maintaining high occupancy levels while charging competitive rental rates, controlling costs and focusing on tenant retention. We also pursue attractive development opportunities either directly or in partnership with other investors.
 
For our portfolio of commercial properties, we generate increased operating cash flow through annual contractual increases in rental rates under existing leases. We also seek to identify best practices within our industry and across our business units in order to enhance cost savings and gain operating efficiencies. We employ capital improvement and preventive maintenance programs specifically designed to reduce operating costs and increase the long-term value of our real estate investments.
 
We seek to acquire properties consistent with our business objectives and strategies. We execute our acquisition strategy by purchasing properties which management believes will create stockholder value over the long-term. We will also sell properties when management believes value has been maximized or when a property is no longer considered an investment to be held long-term.
 
We are continuously in various stages of discussions and negotiations with respect to development, acquisition, and disposition projects. The consummation of any current or future development, acquisition, or disposition, if any, and the pace at which any may be completed cannot be assured or predicted.
 
Substantially all of our properties are owned by subsidiary companies, many of which are single-asset entities. This ownership structure permits greater access to financing for individual properties and permits flexibility in negotiating a sale of either the asset or the equity interests in the entity owning the asset. From time-to-time, our subsidiaries have invested in joint ventures with other investors, creating the possibility of risks that do not exist with properties solely owned by an ARL subsidiary. In those instances where other investors are involved, those other investors may have business, economic, or other objectives that are inconsistent with our objectives, which may in turn require us to make investment decisions different from those if we were the sole owner.
 
Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to promptly dispose of properties in response to economic or other conditions. To offset this challenge, selective dispositions have been a part of our strategy to maintain an efficient investment portfolio and to provide additional sources of capital. We finance acquisitions through mortgages, internally generated funds, and, to a lesser extent, property sales. Those sources provide the bulk of funds for future acquisitions. We may purchase properties by assuming existing loans secured by the acquired property. When properties are acquired in such a manner, we customarily seek to refinance the asset in order to properly leverage the asset in a manner consistent with our investment objectives.
 
Our businesses are not generally seasonal with regard to real estate investments. Our investment strategy seeks both current income and capital appreciation. Our plan of operation is to continue, to the extent our liquidity permits, to make equity investments in income-producing real estate such as hotels, apartments, and commercial properties. We may also invest in the debt or equity securities of real estate-related entities. We intend to pursue higher risk, higher reward investments, such as improved and unimproved land where we can obtain reasonably-priced financing for substantially all of a property’s purchase price. We intend to continue the development of apartment properties in selected markets in Texas and in other locations where we believe adequate levels of demand exist. We intend to pursue sales opportunities for properties in stabilized real estate markets where we believe our properties’ value has been maximized. We also intend to be an opportunistic seller of properties in markets where demand exceeds current supply. Although we no longer actively seek to fund or purchase mortgage loans, we may, in selected instances, originate mortgage loans or we may provide purchase money financing in conjunction with a property sale.
 
 
 
8

 
 
Our Board of Directors has broad authority under our governing documents to make all types of investments, and we may devote available resources to particular investments or types of investments without restriction on the amount or percentage of assets that may be allocated to a single investment or to any particular type of investment, and without limit on the percentage of securities of any one issuer that may be acquired. Investment objectives and policies may be changed at any time by the Board without stockholder approval.
 
The specific composition from time-to-time of our real estate portfolio owned by ARL directly and through our subsidiaries depends largely on the judgment of management to changing investment opportunities and the level of risk associated with specific investments or types of investments. We intend to maintain a real estate portfolio that is diversified by both location and type of property.
 
Competition
 
The real estate business is highly competitive and we compete with numerous companies engaged in real estate activities (including certain entities described in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”), some of which have greater financial resources than ARL. We believe that success against such competition is dependent upon the geographic location of a property, the performance of property-level managers in areas such as leasing and marketing, collection of rents and control of operating expenses, the amount of new construction in the area and the maintenance and appearance of the property. Additional competitive factors include ease of access to a property, the adequacy of related facilities such as parking and other amenities, and sensitivity to market conditions in determining rent levels. With respect to apartments, competition is also based upon the design and mix of the units and the ability to provide a community atmosphere for the residents. With respect to hotels, competition is also based upon the market served, i.e., transient, commercial, or group users. We believe that beyond general economic circumstances and trends, the degree to which properties are renovated or new properties are developed in the competing submarket are also competitive factors. See also Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.
 
To the extent that ARL seeks to sell any of its properties, the sales prices for the properties may be affected by competition from other real estate owners and financial institutions also attempting to sell properties in areas where ARL’s properties are located, as well as aggressive buyers attempting to dominate or penetrate a particular market.
 
As described above and in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, the officers and directors of ARL serve as officers and directors of TCI and IOT.  TCI and IOT have business objectives similar to those of ARL. ARL’s officers and directors owe fiduciary duties to both IOT and TCI as well as to ARL under applicable law. In determining whether a particular investment opportunity will be allocated to ARL, IOT, or TCI, management considers the respective investment objectives of each Company and the appropriateness of a particular investment in light of each Company’s existing real estate and mortgage notes receivable portfolio. To the extent that any particular investment opportunity is appropriate to more than one of the entities, the investment opportunity may be allocated to the entity which has had funds available for investment for the longest period of time, or, if appropriate, the investment may be shared among all three or two of the entities.
 
In addition, as described in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”, ARL competes with related parties of Pillar having similar investment objectives related to the acquisition, development, disposition, leasing and financing of real estate and real estate-related investments. In resolving any potential conflicts of interest which may arise, Pillar has informed ARL that it intends to exercise its best judgment as to what is fair and reasonable under the circumstances in accordance with applicable law.
 
We have historically engaged in and will continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisitions and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in the best interests of the Company.
 
Available Information
 
ARL maintains an Internet site at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. Available through the website, free of charge, are Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, we have posted the charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines on Director Independence, and other information on the website. These charters and principles are not incorporated in this report by reference. We will also provide a copy of these documents free of charge to stockholders upon written request. The Company issues Annual Reports containing audited financial statements to its common shareholders.
 
 
 
9

 
 
ITEM 1A.     RISK FACTORS
 
An investment in our securities involves various risks. All investors should carefully consider the following risk factors in conjunction with the other information in this report before trading our securities.
 
Risk Factors Related to our Business
 
Adverse events concerning our existing tenants or negative market conditions affecting our existing tenants could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract new tenants, release space, collect rent or renew leases, and thus could adversely affect cash flow from operations and inhibit growth.
 
Cash flow from operations depends in part on the ability to lease space to tenants on economically favorable terms. We could be adversely affected by various facts and events over which the Company has limited or no control, such as:
 
 
lack of demand for space in areas where the properties are located;
 
 
inability to retain existing tenants and attract new tenants;
 
 
oversupply of or reduced demand for space and changes in market rental rates;
 
 
defaults by tenants or failure to pay rent on a timely basis;
 
 
the need to periodically renovate and repair marketable space;
 
 
physical damage to properties;
 
 
economic or physical decline of the areas where properties are located; and
 
 
potential risk of functional obsolescence of properties over time.
 
At any time, any tenant may experience a downturn in its business that may weaken its financial condition. As a result, a tenant may delay lease commencement, fail to make rental payments when due, decline to extend a lease upon its expiration, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. Any tenant bankruptcy or insolvency, leasing delay or failure to make rental payments when due could result in the termination of the tenant’s lease and material losses to the Company.
 
If tenants do not renew their leases as they expire, we may not be able to rent the space. Furthermore, leases that are renewed, and some new leases for space that is re-let, may have terms that are less economically favorable than expiring lease terms, or may require us to incur significant costs, such as renovations, tenant improvements or lease transaction costs. Any of these events could adversely affect cash flow from operations and our ability to make distributions to shareholders and service indebtedness. A significant portion of the costs of owning property, such as real estate taxes, insurance, and debt service payments, are not necessarily reduced when circumstances cause a decrease in rental income from the properties.
 
We may not be able to compete successfully with other entities that operate in our industry.
 
We experience a great deal of competition in attracting tenants for the properties and in locating land to develop and properties to acquire.
 
In our effort to lease properties, we compete for tenants with a broad spectrum of other landlords in each of the markets. These competitors include, among others, publicly-held REITs, privately-held entities, individual property owners and tenants who wish to sublease their space. Some of these competitors may be able to offer prospective tenants more attractive financial terms than we are able to offer.
 
If the availability of land or high quality properties in our markets diminishes, operating results could be adversely affected.
 
We may experience increased operating costs which could adversely affect our financial results and the value of our properties.
 
Our properties are subject to increases in operating expenses such as insurance, cleaning, electricity, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, administrative costs and other costs associated with security, landscaping, repairs, and maintenance of the properties. While some current tenants are obligated by their leases to reimburse us for a portion of these costs, there is no assurance that these tenants will make such payments or agree to pay these costs upon renewal or new tenants will agree to pay these costs. If operating expenses increase in our markets, we may not be able to increase rents or reimbursements in all of these markets to offset the increased expenses, without at the same time decreasing occupancy rates. If this occurs, our ability to make distributions to shareholders and service indebtedness could be adversely affected.
 
 
 
10

 
 
Our ability to achieve growth in operating income depends in part on its ability to develop additional properties.
 
We intend to continue to develop properties where warranted by market conditions. We have a number of ongoing development and land projects being readied for commencement.
 
Additionally, general construction and development activities include the following risks:
 
 
construction and leasing of a property may not be completed on schedule, which could result in increased expenses and construction costs, and would result in reduced profitability for that property;
 
 
construction costs may exceed original estimates due to increases in interest rates and increased cost of materials, labor or other costs, possibly making the property less profitable because of inability to increase rents to compensate for the increase in construction costs;
 
 
some developments may fail to achieve expectations, possibly making them less profitable;
 
 
we may be unable to obtain, or face delays in obtaining, required zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other governmental permits and authorizations, which could result in increased costs and could require us to abandon our activities entirely with respect to a project;
 
 
we may abandon development opportunities after the initial exploration, which may result in failure to recover costs already incurred. If we determine to alter or discontinue its development efforts, future costs of the investment may be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized and we may determine the investment is impaired resulting in a loss;
 
 
we may expend funds on and devote management’s time to projects which will not be completed; and
 
 
occupancy rates and rents at newly-completed properties may fluctuate depending on various factors including market and economic conditions, and may result in lower than projected rental rates and reduced income from operations.
 
We face risks associated with property acquisitions.
 
We acquire individual properties and various portfolios of properties and intend to continue to do so. Acquisition activities are subject to the following risks:
 
 
when we are able to locate a desired property, competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase the seller’s offering price;
 
 
acquired properties may fail to perform as expected;
 
 
the actual costs of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be higher than original estimates;
 
 
acquired properties may be located in new markets where we face risks associated with an incomplete knowledge or understanding of the local market, a limited number of established business relationships in the area and a relative unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures; and
 
 
we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into existing operations, and results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
 
We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. However, if an unknown liability was later asserted against the acquired properties, we might be required to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect cash flow.
 
Many of our properties are concentrated in our primary markets and the Company may suffer economic harm as a result of adverse conditions in those markets.
 
Our properties are located principally in specific geographic areas in the southwestern, southeastern, and mid-western United States. The Company’s overall performance is largely dependent on economic conditions in those regions.
 
We are leveraged and may not be able to meet our debt service obligations.
 
We had total indebtedness at December 31, 2014 of approximately $655.5 million. Substantially all assets have been pledged to secure debt. These borrowings increase the risk of loss because they represent a prior claim on assets and most require fixed payments regardless of profitability. Our leveraged position makes us vulnerable to declines in the general economy and may limit the Company’s ability to pursue other business opportunities in the future.
 
 
 
11

 
 
We may not be able to access financial markets to obtain capital on a timely basis, or on acceptable terms.
 
We rely on proceeds from property dispositions and third party capital sources for a portion of our capital needs, including capital for acquisitions and development. The public debt and equity markets are among the sources upon which the Company relies. There is no guarantee that we will be able to access these markets or any other source of capital. The ability to access the public debt and equity markets depends on a variety of factors, including:
 
 
general economic conditions affecting these markets;
 
 
our own financial structure and performance;
 
 
the market’s opinion of real estate companies in general; and
 
 
the market’s opinion of real estate companies that own similar properties.
 
We may suffer adverse effects as a result of terms and covenants relating to the Company’s indebtedness.
 
Required payments on our indebtedness generally are not reduced if the economic performance of the portfolio declines. If the economic performance declines, net income, cash flow from operations and cash available for distribution to stockholders may be reduced. If payments on debt cannot be made, we could sustain a loss or suffer judgments, or in the case of mortgages, suffer foreclosures by mortgagees. Further, some obligations contain cross-default and/or cross-acceleration provisions, which means that a default on one obligation may constitute a default on other obligations.
 
We anticipate only a small portion of the principal of our debt will be repaid prior to maturity. Therefore, we are likely to refinance a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt or the terms of any refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the maturing debt. If principal balances due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended, or repaid with proceeds from other sources, such as the proceeds of sales of assets or new equity capital, cash flow may not be sufficient to repay all maturing debt in years when significant “balloon” payments come due.
 
Our credit facilities and unsecured debt contain customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations on the ability to incur indebtedness, including total debt to asset ratios, secured debt to total asset ratios, debt service coverage ratios, and minimum ratios of unencumbered assets to unsecured debt. Our continued ability to borrow is subject to compliance with financial and other covenants. In addition, failure to comply with such covenants could cause a default under credit facilities, and we may then be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources. Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available, or be available only on unattractive terms.
 
Our degree of leverage could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or affect the market price of our common stock.
 
The degree of leverage could affect our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes. The degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the general economy.
 
An increase in interest rates would increase interest costs on variable rate debt and could adversely impact the ability to refinance existing debt.
 
We currently have, and may incur more, indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, if interest rates increase, so will the interest costs, which could adversely affect cash flow and the ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and the ability to make distributions to shareholders. Further, rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance existing debt when it matures.
 
Unbudgeted capital expenditures or cost overruns could adversely affect business operations and cash flow.
 
If capital expenditures for ongoing or planned development projects or renovations exceed expectations, the additional cost of these expenditures could have an adverse effect on business operations and cash flow. In addition, we might not have access to funds on a timely basis to pay the unexpected expenditures.
 
Construction costs are funded in large part through construction financing, which the Company may guarantee. The Company’s obligation to pay interest on this financing continues until the rental project is completed, leased-up and permanent financing is obtained, or the for sale project is sold, or the construction loan is otherwise paid. Unexpected delays in completion of one or more ongoing projects could also have a significant adverse impact on business operations and cash flow.
 
We may need to sell properties from time to time for cash flow purposes.
 
Because of the lack of liquidity of real estate investments generally, our ability to respond to changing circumstances may be limited. Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly. In the event that we must sell assets to generate cash flow, we cannot predict whether there will be a market for those assets in the time period desired, or whether we will be able to sell the assets at a price that will allow the Company to fully recoup its investment. We may not be able to realize the full potential value of the assets and may incur costs related to the early pay-off of the debt secured by such assets.
 
 
 
12

 
 
We intend to devote resources to the development of new projects.
 
We plan to continue developing new projects as opportunities arise in the future. Development and construction activities entail a number of risks, including but not limited to the following:
 
 
we may abandon a project after spending time and money determining its feasibility;
 
 
construction costs may materially exceed original estimates;
 
 
the revenue from a new project may not be enough to make it profitable or generate a positive cash flow;
 
 
we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms for development of a property, if at all;
 
 
we may not complete construction and lease-ups on schedule, resulting in increased development or carrying costs; and
 
 
we may not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, necessary governmental permits.
 
The overall business is subject to all of the risks associated with the real estate industry.
 
We are subject to all risks incident to investment in real estate, many of which relate to the general lack of liquidity of real estate investments, including, but not limited to:
 
 
our real estate assets are concentrated primarily in the southwest and any deterioration in the general economic conditions of this region could have an adverse effect;
 
 
changes in interest rates may make the ability to satisfy debt service requirements more burdensome;
 
 
lack of availability of financing may render the purchase, sale or refinancing of a property more difficult or unattractive;
 
 
changes in real estate and zoning laws;
 
 
increases in real estate taxes and insurance costs;
 
 
federal or local economic or rent control;
 
 
acts of terrorism, and
 
 
hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and other similar natural disasters.
 
Our performance and value are subject to risks associated with our real estate assets and with the real estate industry.
 
Our economic performance and the value of our real estate assets, and consequently the value of our securities, are subject to the risk that if our properties do not generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash flow will be adversely affected. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the income generated by our properties:
 
 
downturns in the national, regional and local economic conditions (particularly increases in unemployment);
 
 
competition from other office, hotel and commercial buildings;
 
 
local real estate market conditions, such as oversupply or reduction in demand for office, hotel or other commercial space;
 
 
changes in interest rates and availability of financing;
 
 
vacancies, changes in market rental rates and the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-let space;
 
 
increased operating costs, including insurance expense, utilities, real estate taxes, state and local taxes and heightened security costs;
 
 
civil disturbances, earthquakes and other natural disasters, or terrorist acts or acts of war which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses;
 
 
significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property;
 
 
declines in the financial condition of our tenants and our ability to collect rents from our tenants; and
 
 
decreases in the underlying value of our real estate.
 
 
 
13

 
 
Adverse economic and geopolitical conditions and dislocations in the credit markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, and financial condition.
 
Our business may be affected by market and economic challenges experienced by the U.S. economy or real estate industry as a whole or by the local economic conditions in the markets in which our properties are located, including the current dislocations in the credit markets and general global economic recession. These current conditions, or similar conditions existing in the future, may adversely affect our results of operations, and financial condition as a result of the following, among other potential consequences:
 
 
the financial condition of our tenants may be adversely affected which may result in tenant defaults under leases due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failures or for other reasons;
 
 
significant job losses within our tenants may occur, which may decrease demand for our office space, causing market rental rates and property values to be negatively impacted;
 
 
our ability to borrow on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, or at all, may be limited, which could reduce our ability to pursue acquisition and development opportunities and refinance existing debt, reduce our returns from our acquisition and development activities and increase our future interest expense;
 
 
reduced values of our properties may limit our ability to dispose of assets at attractive prices or to obtain debt financing secured by our properties and may reduce the availability of unsecured loans; and
 
 
one or more lenders could refuse to fund their financing commitment to us or could fail and we may not be able to replace the financing commitment of any such lenders on favorable terms, or at all.
 
Real estate investments are illiquid, and the Company may not be able to sell properties if and when it is appropriate to do so.
 
Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to dispose of properties promptly in response to economic or other conditions. In addition, provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to sell properties (without incurring significant tax costs) in some situations when it may be otherwise economically advantageous to do so, thereby adversely affecting returns to stockholders and adversely impacting our ability to meet our obligations.
 
ITEM 1B.     UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.



 
14

 
 
ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

On December 31, 2014, our portfolio consisted of 47 income producing properties consisting of 38 apartments totaling 6,344 units, nine commercial properties consisting of four office buildings, one industrial warehouse, three retail centers, and a golf course.  In addition, we own or control 4,234 acres of improved and unimproved land held for future development or sale. The average annual rental and other property revenue dollar per square foot is $10.19 for the Company’s residential apartment portfolio and $9.55 for the commercial portfolio.  The table below shows information relating to those properties in which we own or have an ownership interest:
 
Residential Apartments
Location
Units
Occupancy
Anderson Estates
Oxford, MS
                     48
100.00%
Blue Lake Villas I
Waxahachie, TX
                   186
95.70%
Blue Lake Villas II
Waxahachie, TX
                     70
95.70%
Breakwater Bay
Beaumont, TX
                   176
93.80%
Bridgewood Ranch
Kaufman, TX
                   106
99.10%
Capitol Hill
Little Rock, AR
                   156
91.70%
Curtis Moore Estates
Greenwood, MS
                   104
85.60%
Dakota Arms
Lubbock, TX
                   208
89.90%
David Jordan Phase II
Greenwood, MS
                     32
87.50%
David Jordan Phase III
Greenwood, MS
                     40
87.50%
Desoto Ranch
DeSoto, TX
                   248
96.00%
Falcon Lakes
Arlington, TX
                   248
97.20%
Heather Creek
Mesquite, TX
                   200
95.00%
Lake Forest
Houston, TX
                   240
100.00%
Legacy at Pleasant Grove
Texarkana, TX
                   208
93.80%
Lodge at Pecan Creek
Denton, TX
                   192
94.30%
Mansions of Mansfield
Mansfield, TX
                   208
95.20%
Mission Oaks
San Antonio, TX
                   228
93.00%
Monticello Estate
Monticello, AR
                     32
90.60%
Northside on Travis
Sherman, TX
                   200
96.00%
Parc at Clarksville
Clarksville, TN
                   168
94.60%
Parc at Denham Springs
Denham Springs, LA
                   224
92.40%
Parc at Maumelle
Little Rock, AR
                   240
90.00%
Parc at Metro Center
Nashville, TN
                   144
100.00%
Parc at Rogers
Rogers, AR
                   250
98.00%
Preserve at Pecan Creek
Denton, TX
                   192
96.40%
Riverwalk Phase I
Greenville, MS
                     32
93.80%
Riverwalk Phase II
Greenville, MS
                     72
91.70%
Sonoma Court
Rockwall, TX
                   124
96.80%
Sugar Mill
Baton Rouge, LA
                   160
100.00%
Toulon
Gautier, MS
                   240
93.80%
Treehouse
Irving, TX
                   160
98.10%
Villas at Park West I
Pueblo, CO
                   148
90.50%
Villas at Park West II
Pueblo, CO
                   112
97.30%
Vistas of Vance Jackson
San Antonio, TX
                   240
89.60%
Whispering Pines
Topeka, KS
                   320
94.10%
Windsong
Fort Worth, TX
                   188
95.20%
 
Total Apartment Units
                6,144
 
       
Apartments Subject to Sales Contract
Location
Units
Occupancy
Quail Hollow
Holland, OH
                   200
95.50%
 
Total Apartments Subject to Sale
                   200
 
       
 
Total Apartments /Average Occupancy rate
6,344
94.35%

 

 
 
15

 
 
Office Buildings
Location
SqFt
Occupancy
600 Las Colinas
Las Colinas, TX
            512,836
78.26%
Browning Place (Park West I)
Farmers Branch, TX
            625,264
60.50%
Senlac (VHP)
Farmers Branch, TX
                2,812
100.00%
Stanford Center
Dallas, TX
            333,381
48.57%
 
Total Office Buildings
         1,474,293
 
       
       
Retail Centers
Location
SqFt
Occupancy
Bridgeview Plaza
LaCrosse, WI
            122,205
94.37%
Cross County Mall
Matoon, IL
            306,609
59.57%
Fruitland Plaza
Fruitland Park, FL
                6,722
0.00%
 
Total Retail Centers
            435,536
 
       
       
Industrial Warehouses Subject to Sales Contract
Location
SqFt
Occupancy
Thermalloy
Farmers Branch, TX
            177,805
100.00%
 
Total Industrial Warehouses Subject to Sales Contract
            177,805
 
       
 
Total Commercial
         2,087,634
 
       
Golf Course
Location
SqFt
 
Mahogany Run Golf Course
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
         5,929,304
 
 
Total Golf Course
         5,929,304
 
       
 
Total Commercial and Golf Course
         8,016,938
 
 
Lease Expirations
 
The table below shows the lease expirations of the commercial properties over a nine-year period and thereafter:
 
 
 
 
 
Year of Lease
Expiration
 
 
Rentable Square
Feet
Subject to
Expiring Leases
 
Current
Annualized (1)
Contractual
 Rent Under
Expiring Leases
Current
Annualized(1)
Contractual
Rent Under
Expiring
Leases (P.S.F.)
 
 
 
Percentage of
Total
Square Feet
 
 
 
Percentage
of Gross
Rentals
                     
2015
 
                10,352
 
 $                      115,323
 
 $                11.14
 
0.6%
 
0.6%
2016
 
              410,987
 
                      4,339,774
 
 $                10.56
 
23.1%
 
23.9%
2017
 
                75,903
 
                      1,090,460
 
 $                14.37
 
4.3%
 
6.0%
2018
 
              231,791
 
                      2,658,846
 
 $                11.47
 
13.0%
 
14.6%
2019
 
              237,834
 
                      3,828,433
 
 $                16.10
 
13.4%
 
21.1%
2020
 
                72,580
 
                      1,489,083
 
 $                20.52
 
4.1%
 
8.2%
2021
 
                30,394
 
                         672,754
 
 $                22.13
 
1.7%
 
3.7%
2022
 
                50,271
 
                      1,051,173
 
 $                20.91
 
2.8%
 
5.8%
2023
 
              158,856
 
                      1,981,877
 
 $                12.48
 
8.9%
 
10.9%
Thereafter
 
                77,378
 
                         956,840
 
 $                12.37
 
4.3%
 
5.2%
Total
 
           1,356,346
 
 $                 18,184,563
     
76.2%
 
100%
 
(1)  
Represents the monthly contractual base rent and recoveries from tenants under existing leases as of December 31, 2014, multiplied by twelve. This amount reflects total rent before any rent abatements and includes expense reimbursements which may be estimates as of such date.
 
 
 
16

 
 
Land
Location
Acres
2427 Valley View Ln
Farmers Branch, TX
                  0.31
Audubon
Adams County, MS
                48.20
Bonneau Land
Farmers Branch, TX
                  8.39
Cooks Lane
Forth Worth, TX
                23.24
Dedeaux
Gulfport, MS
                10.00
Denham Springs
Denham Springs, LA
                  4.38
Gautier
Gautier, MS
                  3.46
GNB
Farmers Branch, TX
                45.00
Hollywood Casino Tract II
Farmers Branch, TX
                13.85
Lacy Longhorn
Farmers Branch, TX
                  5.08
LaDue
Farmers Branch, TX
                  8.01
Lake Shore Villas
Humble, TX
                19.51
Lubbock
Lubbock, TX
                  2.86
Luna Ventures
Farmers Branch, TX
                26.71
Mahogany Run Golf Course
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
                87.09
Manhanttan
Farmers Branch, TX
                32.02
McKinney 36
Collin County, TX
                34.05
McKinney Ranch
McKinney,TX
                71.39
Meloy/Portage
Kent, OH
                52.95
Minivest
Dallas, TX
                  0.23
Nashville
Nashville, TN
                11.87
Nicholson Croslin
Dallas, TX
                  0.80
Nicholson Mendoza
Dallas, TX
                  0.35
Ocean Estates
Gulfport, MS
                12.00
Seminary West
Fort Worth, TX
                  3.02
Senlac
Farmers Branch, TX
                11.94
Sugar Mill Land
Baton Rouge, LA
                  2.90
Texas Plaza
Irving, TX
                10.33
Three Hickory
Farmers Branch, TX
                  6.60
Travelers
Farmers Branch, TX
              193.17
Travis Ranch
Kaufman County, TX
                16.80
Travis Ranch Retail
Kaufman County, TX
                  8.13
Union Pacific Railroad
Dallas, TX
                  0.04
US Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
                96.60
Valley View 34 (Mercer Crossing)
Farmers Branch, TX
                  2.19
Valley View/Senlac
Farmers Branch, TX
                  3.45
Valwood Land
Dallas, TX
                16.87
Waco 151
Waco,TX
              151.40
Waco Swanson
Waco, TX
                21.58
Walker
Dallas County, TX
                82.59
Willowick
Pensacola, FL
                39.78
Windmills Farm
Kaufman County, TX
           2,932.00
 
Total Land/Development
           4,121.14
     
Land Subject to Sales Contract
Location
Acres
Dominion Tract
Dallas, TX
                10.59
Hollywood Casino Tract I
Farmers Branch, TX
                19.71
Hunter Equities
Dallas, TX
                  2.56
Whorton
Bentonville, AR
                79.70
 
Total Land Subject to Sales Contract
              112.56
     
 
Total Land
           4,233.70
 

 
17

 

 ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Disposed of Entities:
 
 
ART and ART Midwest, Inc.
 
While the Company and all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest are not parties to or obligated in any way for the outcome, a formerly owned entity (American Realty Trust, Inc.) and its former subsidiary (ART Midwest, Inc.) have been engaged since 1999 in litigation with Mr. David Clapper and entities related to Mr. Clapper (collectively, the “Clapper Parties”).  The matter originally involved a transaction in 1998 in which ART and the Clapper Parties were to form a partnership to own eight residential apartment complexes.  Through the years, a number of rulings, both for and against American Realty Trust, Inc. (“ART”) and ART Midwest, Inc., were issued.  In October 2011, a ruling was issued under which the Clapper Parties received a judgment for approximately $74 million, including $26 million in actual damages and $48 million interest.  The ruling was against ART and ART Midwest, Inc., but no other entity.  During February 2014, the court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the judgment in favor of the Clapper Parties, but also ruled that a double counting of a significant portion of the damages had occurred and remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the damage award, as well as pre and post-judgment interest thereon.  ART was also a significant owner of a partnership interest in the partnership that was awarded the initial damages in this matter.

In 2005, ART filed suit against a major national law firm over the initial transaction.  That action was abated while the principal case with the Clapper Parties was pending, but the matter was recently unabated and is now moving forward.  The only defendants in the litigation involving the Clapper Parties are ART and ART Midwest, Inc., which, together, had total assets and net worth, as of December 31, 2012, of approximately $10 million.  In January 2012, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of ART to an unrelated party for a promissory note in the amount of $10 million.  At December 31, 2012, the Company fully reserved and valued such note at zero.

Subsequent to the sale of the ART stock in January 2012, ART instituted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.  In March 2014, the bankruptcy court dismissed the proceeding.

          In August 2014, David M. Clapper and two entities related to Mr. Clapper (all, collectively, the “Clapper Parties”) filed a complaint in the U. S. District Court against the Company, its directors and certain of its officers alleging purported transactions to the detriment of the Clapper Parties and others by transferring assets, cash and diverting property.  Management of the Company believes that there is no basis for this action against the Company and its officers and directors and intends to vigorously defend itself. The August 2014 complaint does not allege any facts relating to the Company, except that the named directors and officers are directors and officers of the Company and that the Company is a Nevada corporation, with its headquarters/principal place of business in Dallas, Texas.

Management of the Company believes that the Company has no liability for any ultimate judgment in the proceeding involving the Clapper Parties; however, Management of the Company has serious reservations about the current collectability of the $10 million note and, accordingly, continues to maintain a full reservation of the value of such note at zero.

Port Olpenitz

ARL, through a foreign subsidiary, was involved in developing a maritime harbor town on the 420 acre site of the former naval base of Olpenitz in Kappeln, Germany.  Disputes with the local partner related to his mismanagement of the project resulted in his being replaced as the managing partner which was followed by a filing for bankruptcy protection in Germany to completely remove him from the project.   An insolvency manager was placed in control of the project in order to protect the creditors and as of December 31, 2013, had sold the vast majority of assets (almost all land) of the project.   The Company no longer has any financial responsibility for the obligations of the creditors related to the project and has claims filed for loans relating to our investment in the project.  Due to the questionable collectability of these loans from the proceeds of the project, the Company has written off the unreserved balance of $5.3 million in the project.  As of December 13, 2013, ARL had filed two lawsuits in Germany to recover funds invested in the project. The lawsuits are against: 1) the former German partner and his company, and 2) against the law firm in Hamburg originally hired to protect ARL’s investment in the project. At this time it is unknown how much can be recovered or how successful the litigation will be.
 
 
 
18

 

Dynex Capital, Inc.

   On February 13, 2013, the Court of Appeals, Fifth District of Texas at Dallas (the “Fifth Court of Appeals”) rendered an opinion involving TCI in Case No. 05-04-01358-CV styled Basic Capital Management, Inc., American Realty Trust, Inc., Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. v. Dynex Commercial, Inc. and Dynex Capital, Inc.  The case was on appeal from the 68th Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, had previously been appealed to the Fifth Court of Appeals and further appealed to the Supreme Court of the State of Texas which had remanded the instant case back to the Fifth Court of Appeals to address certain issues.  The case had its origin with Dynex Commercial making loans to Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. (subsidiaries of Continental Mortgage & Equity Trust (“CMET”), an entity which merged into TCI in 1999 after the original suit was filed).  Under the original loan commitment, $160,000,000 in loans were to be made to the entities.  The loans were conditioned on the execution of a commitment between Dynex Commercial and Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“Basic”).

            An original trial to a jury resulted in the jury awarding significant damages to Basic for “lost opportunity,” awarding damages in “increased costs” and “lost opportunity” damages to ART and damages of $960,646 in “increased costs” and $11,161,520 for “lost opportunity’ damages in favor of TCI and its subsidiaries (a total of $12,122,166).  The original Trial Court ignored the jury’s findings and entered a “Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict” (“JNOV”) in Dynex’s favor; the Fifth Court of Appeals has now ruled that the JNOV was improper because there was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s findings.  As a result, the Fifth Court of Appeals ordered the Trial Court to enter a new judgment consistent with the jury’s original findings.

          The Fifth Court of Appeals also determined that TCI was entitled to damages for “lost opportunities” relating to tenant improvements and awarded TCI an additional $252,577.  Issues relating to attorneys fees were also addressed with the Fifth Court of Appeals ordering the Trial Court to “re-try” the issue of attorney’s fees to determine the amount of fees to which TCI would be entitled on a “breach of commitment” claim.  In addition, as a result of the changes in amounts awarded and passage of time, the Fifth Court of Appeals also ordered the Trial Court to recalculate the correct amounts of pre and post-judgment interest owed to Appellants.

            While the fifteen year old controversy is not yet fully resolved, the Fifth Court of Appeals opinion is favorable to TCI, but TCI expects continued challenges by Dynex to the Fifth Court of Appeals opinion and any ultimate award of damages by the Trial Court.

 
 The ownership of property and provision of services to the public as tenants entails an inherent risk of liability. Although the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various items of litigation incidental to and in the ordinary course of its business, in the opinion of Management, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operation or liquidity, unless noted otherwise above.
 
 The Company is involved in and vigorously defending against other deficiency claims with respect to assets that have been foreclosed by various lenders. Such claims are generally against a consolidated subsidiary as the borrower or the Company as a guarantor of indebtedness or performance. Some of these proceedings may ultimately result in an unfavorable determination for the Company and/or one of its consolidated subsidiaries. While we cannot predict the final result of such proceedings, Management believes that the maximum exposure to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, if any, will not exceed approximately $20.0 million in the aggregate and will occur, if at all, in future years.
 
During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report, no proceeding previously reported was terminated.
 
 
ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 
 
 
19

 
 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.     MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
ARL’s common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “ARL”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported in the consolidated reporting system of the NYSE for the quarters ended:
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
High
   
Low
   
High
   
Low
 
First Quarter
  $ 10.99     $ 4.33     $ 4.18     $ 2.71  
Second Quarter
  $ 9.99     $ 5.61     $ 6.69     $ 3.52  
Third Quarter
  $ 7.07     $ 5.09     $ 6.49     $ 3.40  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 6.40     $ 4.85     $ 6.60     $ 4.50  
 
On March 12, 2015, the closing market price of ARL’s common stock on the NYSE $5.05 per share, and was held by approximately 2,253 stockholders of record.

 ARL’s Board of Directors has established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, the Board determined not to pay any dividends on common stock in 2014, 2013 or 2012. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
 
Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 15,000,000 shares of Series A 10.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value of $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.00 per share, or $.25 per share quarterly, to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September, and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into common stock at 90.0% of the average daily closing price of ARL’s common stock for the prior 20 trading days. At December 31, 2014, 2,461,252 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding.  Of the outstanding shares, there were 300,000 shares owned by ART Edina, Inc., and 600,000 shares owned by ART Hotel Equities, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARL. As of May 30, 2014, these 900,000 shares were transferred to ARL.  Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.
 
Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 91,000 shares of Series D 9.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $20.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.90 per year or $0.475 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series D Preferred Stock is reserved for the conversion of the Class A limited partner units of Ocean Beach Partners, L.P. The Class A units may be exchanged for Series D Preferred Stock at the rate of 20 Class A units for each share of Series D Preferred Stock. At March 15, 2015, no shares of Series D Preferred Stock were outstanding.
 
Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 500,000 shares of Series E 6.0% Cumulative Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $.60 per share or $.15 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. At March 15, 2014, no Series E Preferred Stock was outstanding.   As an instrument amendatory to ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 100,000 shares of Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock have been designated pursuant to a Certificate of Designation filed March 16, 2006, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $80 per share, or $20 per quarter, to stockholders of record on the last day of each of March, June, September and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. Although the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock has been designated, no shares have been issued as of March 15, 2015.
 
The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.
 
On September 1, 2000, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of ARL common stock. This repurchase program has no termination date.  In August 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the share repurchase program for up to an additional 250,000 shares of common stock which results in a total authorization under the repurchase program for up to 1,250,000 shares.
 
 
 
20

 
 
The following table sets forth information regarding purchases made by ARL of shares of ARL common stock on a monthly basis during the fourth quarter of 2014:
 
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid per share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Program
   
Maximum Number of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Program
 
Balance at September 30, 2014
            986,750       263,250  
     October 31, 2014
    $ -       986,750       263,250  
     November 30, 2014
    $ -       986,750       263,250  
     December 31, 2014
    $ -       986,750       263,250  
Total
                              -
                       
 
 
 
21

 
 
 
ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA   
 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
EARNINGS DATA
                             
Rental and other property revenues
  $ 79,412     $ 80,750     $ 81,849     $ 73,029     $ 71,550  
Total operating expenses
    82,611       96,426       73,602       120,471       132,627  
Operating income (loss)
    (3,199 )     (15,676 )     8,247       (47,442 )     (61,077 )
Other expenses
    (15,511 )     (35,264 )     (20,021 )     (18,580 )     (31,513 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-controlling interest, and taxes
    (18,710 )     (50,940 )     (11,774 )     (66,022 )     (92,590 )
Gain (loss) on land sales
    561       (455 )     5,475       34,206       (10,103 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    20,413       40,513       (144 )     8,781       (814 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    2,264       (10,882 )     (6,443 )     (23,035 )     (103,507 )
Net income (loss) from discontinuing operations
    37,909       62,606       (268 )     16,308       (2,688 )
Net income (loss)
    40,173       51,724       (6,711 )     (6,727 )     (106,195 )
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
    (9,288 )     (10,448 )     1,126       7,017       11,448  
Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
    30,885       41,276       (5,585 )     290       (94,747 )
Preferred dividend requirement
    (2,043 )     (2,452 )     (2,452 )     (2,456 )     (2,488 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 28,842     $ 38,824     $ (8,037 )   $ (2,166 )   $ (97,235 )
                                         
PER SHARE DATA
                                       
Earnings per share - basic
                                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )   $ (1.60 )   $ (8.25 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    2.99       5.43       (0.02 )     1.42       (0.23 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (8.48 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share
    12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,517,431       11,463,084  
                                         
Earnings per share - diluted
                                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )   $ (1.60 )   $ (8.25 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    2.99       5.43       (0.02 )     1.42       (0.23 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (8.48 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
    12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,517,431       11,463,084  
                                         
                                         
BALANCE SHEET DATA
                                       
Real estate, net
  $ 699,763     $ 700,294     $ 930,433     $ 1,026,630     $ 1,332,585  
Notes and interest receivable, net
    134,366       136,815       103,469       101,540       88,614  
Total assets
    965,498       943,322       1,135,345       1,235,471       1,557,275  
Notes and interest payables
    659,059       659,042       869,857       940,863       1,251,781  
Shareholders' equity
    179,588       134,861       85,104       95,257       106,265  
Book value per share
    14.16       11.70       7.38       8.27       9.27  
 

 
22

 
 
ITEM 7.     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, principally, but not only, under the captions “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We caution investors that any forward-looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “estimate”, “project”, “should”, “will”, “result” and similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties, and factors, that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. We caution you that, while forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs when we make them, they are not guarantees of future performance and are impacted by actual events when they occur after we make such statements. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.
 
Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
 
 
general risks affecting the real estate industry (including, without limitation, the inability to enter into or renew leases, dependence on tenants’ financial condition, and competition from other developers, owners and operators of real estate);
 
 
risks associated with the availability and terms of financing and the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments;
 
 
failure to manage effectively our growth and expansion into new markets or to integrate acquisitions successfully;
 
 
risks and uncertainties affecting property development and construction (including, without limitation, construction delays, cost overruns, inability to obtain necessary permits and public opposition to such activities);
 
 
risks associated with downturns in the national and local economies, increases in interest rates, and volatility in the securities markets;
 
 
costs of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar laws and regulations;
 
 
potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental contamination;
 
 
risks associated with our dependence on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed; and
 
 
the other risk factors identified in this Form 10-K, including those described under the caption “Risk Factors.”
 
The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report, including Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Investors should also refer to our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for future periods and current reports on Form 8-K as we file them with the SEC, and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time to time through Forms 8-K or otherwise.
 
Overview
 
We are an externally advised and managed real estate investment company that owns a diverse portfolio of income-producing properties and land held for development. Our portfolio of income-producing properties includes residential apartment communities, office buildings, hotels and other commercial properties. Our investment strategy includes acquiring existing income-producing properties as well as developing new properties on land already owned or acquired for a specific development project. We acquire land primarily in urban in-fill locations or high-growth suburban markets. We are an active buyer and seller of real estate and during 2014 we acquired $48.6 million and sold $142.5 million of land and income producing properties.  As of December 31, 2014, we owned 6,344 units in 38 residential apartment communities, nine commercial properties comprising approximately 2.1 million rentable square feet.  In addition, we own 4,234 acres of land held for development.  The Company currently owns income-producing properties and land in eleven states as well as in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
 
 
 
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We finance our acquisitions primarily through operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of land and income-producing properties and debt financing primarily in the form of property-specific first-lien mortgage loans from commercial banks and institutional lenders. We finance our development projects principally with short-term, variable interest rate construction loans that are converted to long-term, fixed rate amortizing mortgages when the development project is completed and occupancy has been stabilized. We will, from time to time, also enter into partnerships with various investors to acquire income-producing properties or land and to sell interests in certain of our wholly owned properties. When we sell assets, we may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable. We generate operating revenues primarily by leasing apartment units to residents; leasing office, retail and industrial space to commercial tenants; and renting hotel rooms to guests.
 
 
We have historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in our best interest.
 
 
Effective since April 30, 2011, Pillar is the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager under a contractual arrangement that is reviewed annually by our Board of Directors.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for ARL’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual Advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.
 
Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services.  Regis is entitled to receive a fee for its property management and brokerage services.  See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”.   The Company contracts with third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment communities. 
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
We present our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) completed its accounting guidance codification project. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became effective for our financial statements issued subsequent to September 30, 2009 and is the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. As of the effective date, we no longer refer to the authoritative guidance dictating our accounting methodologies under the previous accounting standards hierarchy. Instead, we refer to the ASC guidance as the sole source of authoritative literature.
 
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE), in accordance with the provisions and guidance of ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, whereby we have determined that we are a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meet certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member as identified in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders as a group lack adequate decision making ability, the obligation to absorb expected losses or residual returns of the entity, or have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests. The primary beneficiary generally is the entity that provides financial support and bears a majority of the financial risks, authorizes certain capital transactions, or makes operating decisions that materially affect the entity’s financial results. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; our and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE; and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of us and the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions.
 
For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities are included in consolidated net income. Our investment in Gruppa Florentina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method.  Our investment in LK-Four Hickory, LLC was accounted for under the equity method until January 17, 2012, when the investment was sold.
 
 
 
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The Company in accordance with the VIE guidance in ASC 810 “Consolidations” consolidates 36 and 34 multifamily residential properties located throughout the United States at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, ranging from 32 units to 332 units.  Assets totaling $363.5 million  and $345.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively,  are consolidated and included in “Real estate, at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company.  Assets totaling $0.0 and $16.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are consolidated and included in “Real estate held for sale at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company.
 
Real Estate
 
Upon acquisitions of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets, including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-market” and “below-market” leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, and allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings at replacement cost.
 
We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on our acquisitions to date, our allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.
 
We record acquired “above-market” and “below-market” leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.
 
Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.
 
Sales to our subsidiary, TCI, have previously been reflected at the fair value sale price.   Upon discussion with the SEC and in review of the guidance pursuant to ASC 250-10-45-22 to 24, we have adjusted those assets, in the prior year, to reflect a basis equal to ARL’s cost basis in the asset at the time of the sale.  The related party payables to ARL were reduced for the lower asset price.  The Company reflected the original cost basis in consolidation, therefore no change in the financial statements were necessary to reflect this change.
 
Depreciation and Impairment
 
Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized.  Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct project costs incurred during the period of development.
 
A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited.  Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC Topic 835-20 “Interest – Capitalization of Interest” and ASC Topic 970 “Real Estate - General”. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.
 
 
 
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Management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value.  Fair value is determined by a recent appraisal, comparables based upon prices for similar assets, executed sales contract, a present value and/or a valuation technique based upon a multiple of earnings or revenue.  If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods.  If we determine that impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their face value.
 
ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as “held for sale”, be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and we will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale. The components of the property’s net income that is reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property “held for sale”, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan). We generally consider assets to be “held for sale” when the transaction has been approved by our Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that the property sale within one year is considered probable. Following the classification of a property as “held for sale”, no further depreciation is recorded on the assets.
 
Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in each sale transaction under Item 1 Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing.  Any sale transaction that did not meet the requirements according to ASC 360-20 to record the sale, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt and property operations, remained on the books of the Company.  We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period costs for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.
 
Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures
 
Except for ownership interests in variable interest entities, we account for our investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures under the equity method of accounting because we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate ventures over the life of the related asset. Under the equity method of accounting, our net equity is reflected within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our share of net income or loss from the joint ventures is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The joint venture agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, our recognition of joint venture income or loss generally follows the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. For ownership interests in variable interest entities, we consolidate those in which we are the primary beneficiary.
 
Recognition of Rental Income
 
Rental income for commercial property leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms. In accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-market” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases. On our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we include as a receivable the excess of rental income recognized over rental payments actually received pursuant to the terms of the individual commercial lease agreements.
 
Reimbursements of operating costs, as allowed under most of our commercial tenant leases, consist of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, and are recognized as revenue in the period in which the recoverable expenses are incurred. We record these reimbursements on a “gross” basis, since we generally are the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have the credit risk with respect to paying the supplier.
 
 
 
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Rental income for residential property leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis as lease terms are generally for periods of one year or less. For hotel properties, revenues for room sales and guest services are recognized as rooms are occupied and services are rendered. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.
 
Revenue Recognition on the Sale of Real Estate
 
Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, we defer some or all of the gain recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.
 
Non-performing Notes Receivable
 
We consider a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
 
Interest Recognition on Notes Receivable
 
          We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.
 
Allowance for Estimated Losses
 
We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment. See Note 3 “Notes and Interest Receivable” for details on our notes receivable.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
We apply the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.
 
The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:
 
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.
   
Level 2
Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
   
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
 
A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Related parties

We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may  deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making  of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.
 
 
 
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Results of Operations
 
The discussion of our results of operations is based on management’s review of operations, which is based on our segments. Our segments consist of apartments, commercial buildings, hotels, land and other. For discussion purposes, we break these segments down into the following sub-categories; same property portfolio, acquired properties, and developed properties in the lease-up phase. The same property portfolio consists of properties that were held by us for the entire period for both years being compared. The acquired property portfolio consists of properties that we acquired but have not held for the entire period for both periods being compared. Developed properties in the lease-up phase consist of completed projects that are being leased-up. As we complete each phase of the project, we lease-up that phase and include those revenues in our continued operations. Once a developed property becomes leased-up (80% or more) and is held the entire period for both years under comparison, it is considered to be included in the same property portfolio. Income producing properties that we have sold during the year are reclassified to discontinuing operations for all periods presented.  The other segment consists of revenue and operating expenses related to the notes receivable and corporate entities.
 
The following discussion is based on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 as included in Part II, Item 8. “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. The prior year’s property portfolios have been adjusted for subsequent sales. Continued operations relates to income producing properties that were held during those years as adjusted for sales in the subsequent years.
 
At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we owned or had interests in a portfolio of 47, 47, and 62 income producing properties, respectively. The total property portfolio represents all income-producing properties held as of December 31 for the year presented. Sales subsequent to year end represent properties that were held as of year end for the years presented, but sold in subsequent years. Continued operations represents all properties that have not been reclassed to discontinued operations as of December 31, 2014 for the year presented. The table below shows the number of income producing properties held by year.
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
                   
Continued operations
    47       43       43  
Sales subsequent to year end
    -       4       19  
Total property portfolio
    47       47       62  

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2014 to the same year ended 2013:

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, we reported net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million or $2.50 per diluted earnings per share, as compared to a net income applicable to common shares of $38.8 million or $3.36 per diluted earnings per share for the same year ended 2013. The current year net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million includes gain on land sales of $0.6 million and net income from discontinued operations of $37.9 million, as compared to the prior year net income applicable to common shares of $38.8 million, which includes a loss on land sales of $0.5 million, provisions on the impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets of $19.0 million, and net income from discontinued operations of $62.6 million.

Revenues

Rental and other property revenues were $79.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $1.4 million, as compared to the prior year revenues of $80.8 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $2.5 million, offset by a decrease in the commercial portfolio of $3.8 million and a decrease in the other portfolio of $0.1 million. Our apartment portfolio continues to excel in the current economic conditions with occupancies averaging over 94% and increasing rental rates. We have been able to surpass expectations due to the high-quality product offered, strength of our management team and our commitment to our tenants. The decrease in the commercial segment is due to a lease termination fee received in the prior year.  Our commercial portfolio expects to improve as the Company has been diligent in our actions to re-lease vacant space and has been successful in attracting high-quality tenants and expects to see the benefits of those new leases over the next twelve months. We continue to work aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.



 
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Expense

Property operating expenses were $42.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $2.8 million, as compared to the prior year operating expenses of $39.3 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $1.3 million, and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $1.5 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the majority of the increase was due to tax refunds received for several properties in the prior year, an increase in the current year real estate taxes, as well as some non-recurring repair projects completed in the current year. In the commercial segment, the increase is due to an increase in occupancy as well as tax refunds received in the prior year.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $17.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $1.6 million as compared to prior year depreciation of $16.0 million. The majority of this change is in the commercial portfolio related to an increase in tenant improvements.

General and administrative expenses were $10.3 million dollars for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $2.4 million, as compared to the prior year general and administrative expenses of $7.9 million. The majority of this change is in the other portfolio due to professional fees and franchise taxes.

There was no provision for impairment of notes receivable, investment in real estate partnerships, and real estate assets for the year ended December 31, 2014.  This was a decrease of $19.0 million as compared to the prior year expense of $19.0 million.  In the prior year impairment was recorded as an additional loss in the commercial and land portfolios.  In our commercial portfolio, an impairment reserve of $9.6 million was taken to adjust for the appraised value of the building. In our land portfolio, an impairment reserve of $7.5 million was taken due to a potential sale of land at a value lower than book basis as well as disposal of another property due to bankruptcy.  The remaining $1.9 million was related to provisions for losses taken on our notes receivable.

Net income fee was $3.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.  This represents a decrease of $0.4 million, as compared to the prior year net income fee of $4.1 million.  The net income fee paid to Pillar is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

Advisory fees were $8.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.  This represents a decrease of $1.3 million, as compared to the prior year advisory fees of $10.2 million.  Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

Other income (expense)

Interest income was $20.1 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2014. This represents an increase of $0.7 million, as compared to the prior year interest income of $19.4 million dollars. The majority of this increase is due to the purchase of new notes from UHF.

Other income was $1.4 million for the twelve months ending December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $8.8 million as compared to the prior year other income of $10.2 million. The decrease is primarily due to the December 30, 2013 Mercer/Travelers land mortgage note buyout, which was paid off at a discounted rate, as well as income recognized in the prior year relating to a released contingency on a sold commercial property.

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $35.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $0.8 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $36.2 million. This change by segment, is a decrease in the apartment portfolio of $1.0 million and a decrease in the land portfolio of $1.8 million, offset by an increase in the other portfolio of $1.9 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.1 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the majority of the decrease is due to the refinances closed with long-term, low interest rates. The decrease in the land portfolio relates to principal payments made during the prior years, thereby requiring less future interest to be paid on debt obligations. Within the other portfolio, the majority of the increase is due to the securing of a new loan in the current year, offset by a decrease in the interest owed to our Advisor.

Loan charges and prepayment penalties were $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $2.7 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $5.6 million. There were fewer refinances completed in the current year than in the prior year.

Litigation settlement expenses were a credit of $3.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. This represents a decrease of $23.9 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $20.3 million. The majority of the credit to the current year litigation expense is due to the settlement with the lender relating to the Amoco Building in which the balance in the amount of $3.5 million was forgiven. Matters were settled in the prior year in order to avoid future litigation and legal expenses.
 
 
 
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Gain on land sales was $0.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014. In the current year we sold 76.3 acres of land in six transactions for a sales price of $8.1 million and recorded a gain of $0.6 million.  .
 
Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or held for sale as of the respective year end.  Included in discontinued operations are a total of 5 and 19 income-producing properties as of 2014 and 2013, respectively.  In 2014, we sold three apartment complexes (Blue Ridge, Pecan Pointe and Sunset Lodge) and two commercial properties (1010 Common and Sesame Square).  In 2013 we sold 11 apartment complexes (Dorado Ranch, Huntington Ridge, Laguna Vista, Legends of El Paso, Mariposa Villas, Paramount Terrace, River Oaks, Savoy of Garland, Stonebridge at City Park, Verandas at City View and Vistas of Pinnacle Park), four commercial properties (225 Baronne, Amoco, Ergon and Eton Square).  The operations related to these properties sold are reclassed to prior years discontinued operations.  The gains on sale of the properties sold were also included in discontinued operations for those years as shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenues:
           
     Rental and other property revenues
  $ 5,612     $ 34,922  
      5,612       34,922  
Expenses:
               
     Property operating expenses
    2,350       16,479  
     Depreciation
    751       5,563  
     General and administrative
    451       966  
        Total operating expenses
  $ 3,552     $ 23,008  
                 
Other income (expense):
               
    Other income (expense)
    (507 )     45  
    Mortgage and loan interest
    (1,743 )     (8,082 )
    Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (1,461 )     (3,015 )
    Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    (1,656 )     (3,246 )
    Litigation settlement
    (250 )     (250 )
        Total other expenses
  $ (5,617 )   $ (14,548 )
                 
Loss from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes
    (3,557 )     (2,634 )
     Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    61,879       98,951  
     Income tax benefit
    (20,413 )     (33,711 )
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 37,909     $ 62,606  

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2013 to the same year ended 2012:

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, we reported net income applicable to common shares of $38.8 million or $3.36 per diluted earnings per share, as compared to a net loss applicable to common shares of $8.0 million or $0.69 per diluted earnings per share for the same year ended 2012. The 2013 net income applicable to common shares of $38.8 million includes loss on land sales of $0.5 million, $19.0 million of provisions on the impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets, and net income from discontinued operations of $62.6 million, as compared to the prior year net loss applicable to common shares of $8.0 million, which includes gain on land sales of $5.5 million, provisions on the impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets of $2.3 million, and net loss from discontinued operations of $0.3 million.

Revenues

Rental and other property revenues were $80.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents a decrease of $1.0 million, as compared to the prior year revenues of $81.8 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $2.9 million, offset by a decrease in the commercial portfolio of $3.9 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the increase is due primarily to increased rental rates and occupancy. Our apartment portfolio continues to thrive in the current economic conditions. Within the commercial portfolio, the same properties decreased by $3.9 million related to some larger square-foot tenants down-sizing or moving out. We continue to market our properties aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.
 
 

 
 
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Expenses

Property operating expenses were $39.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents a decrease of $0.7 million, as compared to the prior year operating expenses of $40.0 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $1.6 million, an increase in the land portfolio of $0.7 million, offset by a decrease in the commercial portfolio of $2.6 million, and a decrease in the other portfolio of $0.4 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the increase is due to an increase in real estate taxes for several properties in 2013. Within the land portfolio, the increase was mainly due to an increase in real estate taxes and professional services.  Within the commercial portfolio, the decrease was due to real estate tax refunds from protests and litigations for several properties and lease commissions that were expensed in the prior year and adjusted to capitalize according to the lease terms in the current year. Within the other portfolio, the decrease was mainly due to a decrease in professional services.

Depreciation expense was $16.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $1.1 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $14.9 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.9 million, an increase in the apartment portfolio of $0.1 million, and an increase in the other portfolio of $0.1 million. Within the commercial portfolio the increase is related to an increase in tenant improvements and lease commission amortization.

General and administrative expenses were $7.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $1.9 million, as compared to the prior year expenses of $6.0 million. This increase, within the other portfolio is related to professional services and an increase in costs reimbursements to our Advisor.

The provision on impairment of notes receivable, investment in real estate partnerships, and real estate assets was $19.0 million for the period ended December 31, 2013. This was an increase of $16.7 million as compared to the prior year expense of $2.3 million. In 2013, impairment was recorded as an additional loss in the commercial and land portfolios.  In our commercial portfolio, an impairment reserve of $9.6 million was taken to adjust for the appraised value of the building. In our land portfolio, an impairment reserve of $7.5 million was taken due to a potential sale of land at a value lower than book basis as well as disposal of another property due to bankruptcy.  The remaining $1.9 million was related to provisions for losses taken on our notes receivable.  In the prior period, the $2.3 million in impairment reserves was related to our land holdings. A prior year sale of adjacent land determined the fair value on a Waco, Texas land holding that resulted in an impairment reserve of $1.2 million, a comparable sale determined the fair value of a Florida land holding that resulted in an impairment reserve of $0.5 million and an appraisal determined the fair value of an Arkansas land holding that resulted in an impairment reserve of $0.6 million.

Net income fee was $4.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $3.9 million, as compared to the prior year net income fee of $0.2 million. The net income fee paid to Pillar is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

Advisory fees were $10.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, the same as the prior year advisory fees.  Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.
 
Other income (expense)

Interest income was $19.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $4.8 million, as compared to the prior year income of $14.6 million. This increase was due to an agreement made on January 1, 2013, whereby the Company extended the maturity on the surplus cash flow notes receivable from UHF for an additional term of five years in exchange for an early termination of the preferred interest rate. The original notes gave a five-year period of preferred interest rate at 5.25%, before returning to the original note rate of 12%.

Other income was $10.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $2.4 million as compared to the prior year income of $7.8 million. The increase primarily relates to the Mercer/Travelers Land note payoff. Per the terms of the agreement, the note was paid off at a discounted rate and $7.5 million was recognized as a gain. There was also $2.5 million recognized from the reduction of the Piccadilly obligation with the lender. In the prior year, the Company recorded the fee per the development agreement between UHF and TCI for consulting services related to the development of apartment projects.

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $36.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents a decrease of $2.0 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $38.2 million. This change, by segment, is a decrease in the apartment portfolio of $2.7 million, a decrease in the land portfolio of $0.5 million, offset by an increase in the other portfolio of $0.6 million, and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.6 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the majority of the decrease relates to the refinances closed with long-term, low interest rates. The majority of the increase in the other portfolio is due to an increase in the interest paid to our Advisor. The decrease in the land portfolio was due to land sales.
 
 
 
31

 

Deferred borrowing costs amortization was $3.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $2.3 million as compared to the prior year expense of $0.7 million. This increase is mainly due to the higher loan deferred borrowing costs in the same store properties of the apartment portfolio that were written off in 2013 upon the refinance into a new mortgage note.

Loan charges and prepayment penalties were $5.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $2.0 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $3.6 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.2 million, an increase in the apartment portfolio of $0.4 million, an increase in the land portfolio of $1.0 million, and an increase in the other portfolio of $0.4 million. The majority of the land increase is due to the extension fees paid relating to the Mercer/Travelers Land note payoff. The apartment portfolio increased as well due to the prepayment penalties from the refinancing of several existing mortgage notes. There were more refinances completed in 2013 than in the prior year. Within the other portfolio the majority of the increase is due to an increase in loan extension fees.

Litigation settlement expense was $20.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This represents an increase of $20.1 million as compared to the prior year expense of $0.2 million. The majority of this increase relates to guarantor settlements on various real estate assets that were foreclosed upon in prior years. In order to avoid future litigation and legal expenses, we settled and are making payment plans on the agreed upon deficiencies.

Gain on land sales decreased in the current year. In the current year, we sold 45.2 acres of land in four separate transactions for an aggregate sales price of $14.0 million and recorded a loss of $0.5 million.
 
Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or held for sale as of the respective year end.  Included in discontinued operations are a total of 19 and 25 income-producing properties as of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The prior periods’ discontinued operations have been adjusted to reflect properties held during those years that were subsequently sold or held for sale as of December 31, 2014.  In 2013 we sold 11 apartment complexes (Dorado Ranch, Huntington Ridge, Laguna Vista, Legends of El Paso, Mariposa Villas, Paramount Terrace, River Oaks, Savoy of Garland, Stonebridge at City Park, Verandas at City View and Vistas of Pinnacle Park) and four commercial properties (225 Baronne, Amoco, Ergon and Eton Square).  In 2012, we sold two apartment complexes (Portofino and Wildflower Villas), three commercial properties (305 Baronne, Clarke Garage and Dunes Plaza), and one hotel (Comfort Inn.  The operations related to these properties sold are reclassed to prior years discontinued operations.  The gains on sale of the properties sold were also included in discontinued operations for those years as shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenues:
           
     Rental and other property revenues
  $ 34,922     $ 43,589  
      34,922       43,589  
Expenses:
               
     Property operating expenses
    16,479       23,326  
     Depreciation
    5,563       7,691  
     General and administrative
    966       1,224  
     Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       2,400  
        Total operating expenses
  $ 23,008     $ 34,641  
                 
Other income (expense):
               
    Other income
    45       7  
    Mortgage and loan interest
    (8,082 )     (12,737 )
    Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (3,015 )     (1,793 )
    Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    (3,246 )     (3,472 )
    Litigation settlement
    (250 )     (250 )
        Total other expenses
  $ (14,548 )   $ (18,245 )
                 
Loss from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes
    (2,634 )     (9,297 )
     Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    98,951       8,885  
     Income tax benefit (expense)
    (33,711 )     144  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ 62,606     $ (268 )
                 
 
 
 
32

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
General
 
Our principal liquidity needs are:
 
 
fund normal recurring expenses;
 
 
meet debt service and principal repayment obligations including balloon payments on maturing debt;
 
 
fund capital expenditures, including tenant improvements and leasing costs;
 
 
fund development costs not covered under construction loans; and
 
 
fund possible property acquisitions.
 
Our principal sources of cash have been and will continue to be:
 
 
property operations;
 
 
proceeds from land and income-producing property sales;
 
 
collection of mortgage notes receivable;
 
 
collections of receivables from related companies;
 
 
refinancing of existing debt; and
 
 
additional borrowings, including mortgage notes payable, and lines of credit.
 
It is important to realize that the current status of the banking industry has had a significant effect on our industry. The banks’ willingness and/or ability to originate loans affects our ability to buy and sell property, and refinance existing debt. We are unable to foresee the extent and length of this down-turn. A continued and extended decline could materially impact our cash flows. We draw on multiple financing sources to fund our long-term capital needs. We generally fund our development projects with construction loans, which are converted to traditional mortgages upon completion of the project.
 
We may also issue additional equity securities, including common stock and preferred stock. Management anticipates that our cash at December 31, 2014, along with cash that will be generated in 2015 from property operations, may not be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements. Management intends to selectively sell land and income producing assets, refinance or extend real estate debt and seek additional borrowings secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements. Although the past cannot predict the future, historically, management has been successful at refinancing and extending a portion of the Company’s current maturity obligations and selling assets as necessary to meet current obligations.
 
 
 
33

 
 
Management reviews the carrying values of ARL’s properties and mortgage notes receivable at least annually and whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. Impairment is considered to exist if, in the case of a property, the future cash flow from the property (undiscounted and without interest) is less than the carrying amount of the property. The property review generally includes: (1) selective property inspections, (2) a review of the property’s current rents compared to market rents, (3) a review of the property’s expenses, (4) a review of maintenance requirements, (5) a review of the property’s cash flow, (6) discussions with the manager of the property, and (7) a review of properties in the surrounding area.  For notes receivable, impairment is considered to exist if it is probable that all amounts due under the terms of the note will not be collected. If impairment is found to exist, a provision for loss is recorded by a charge against earnings to the extent that the investment in the note exceeds management’s estimate of the fair value of the collateral securing such note. The mortgage note receivable review includes an evaluation of the collateral property securing each note.
 
 Cash Flow Summary
 
The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Part II, Item 8. “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
Variance
 
                   
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (37,968 )   $ (42,162 )   $ 4,194  
Net cash provided by investing activities
  $ 38,485     $ 251,777     $ (213,292 )
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (4,655 )   $ (206,577 )   $ 201,922  
 
The primary use of cash for operations is daily operating costs, general and administrative expenses, advisory fees and land holding costs.  Our primary source of cash from operating activities is from rental income on properties.  We used more cash to pay down related party payables in the prior period than in the current period.
 
Our primary cash outlays for investing activities are for construction and development, acquisition of land and income producing properties, and capital improvements to existing properties.  Our primary sources of cash from investing activities are from the proceeds on the sale of land and income-producing properties.  We received more proceeds from sales of properties and land in the prior period than in the current period.  In addition, we spent $81 million on three residential properties and a combined 15.0 acres of land in the current period.  
 
Our primary sources of cash from financing activities are from proceeds on notes payables.  Our primary cash outlays are for recurring debt payments and payments on maturing notes payable.  We used $22.2 million to make recurring note payments and $163.5 million for maturing notes, including payoffs required on sold properties, as compared to $18.2 million and $391.0 million in the prior period, respectively.
 
Equity Investments.     
 
ARL has from time to time purchased shares of IOT and TCI. The Company may purchase additional equity securities of IOT and TCI through open market and negotiated transactions to the extent ARL’s liquidity permits.
 
Equity securities of TCI held by ARL (and of IOT held by TCI) may be deemed “restricted securities” under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”). Accordingly, ARL may be unable to sell such equity securities other than in a registered public offering or pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act for a one-year period after they are acquired. Such restrictions may reduce ARL’s ability to realize the full fair value of such investments if ARL attempted to dispose of such securities in a short period of time.
 
 
 
34

 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
We have contractual obligations and commitments primarily with regards to the payment of mortgages. The following table aggregates our expected contractual obligations and commitments and includes items not accrued, per GAAP, through the term of the obligation such as interest expense and operating leases. Our aggregate obligations subsequent to December 31, 2014 are shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

   
Total
   
2015
   
2016
      2017-2019    
Thereafter
 
Long-term debt obligation(1)
  $ 1,006,427     $ 138,830     $ 103,862     $ 150,525     $ 613,210  
Capital lease obligation
    -       -       -       -       -  
Operating lease obligation
    21,212       331       336       1,044       19,501  
Purchase obligation
    -       -       -       -       -  
Other long-term debt liabilities reflected on the Registrant's
    -       -       -       -       -  
Registrant's Balance Sheet under GAAP
 
 
                                 
Total
  $ 1,027,639     $ 139,161     $ 104,198     $ 151,569     $ 632,711  
                                         
                                         
(1) ARL's long-term debt may contain financial covenants that, if certain thresholds are not met, could allow the lender to accelerate principal payments or cause the note to become due immediately.
 
 
Environmental Matters
 
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, ARL may be potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property) where property-level managers have arranged for the removal, disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, certain environmental laws impose liability for release of asbestos-containing materials into the air, and third parties may seek recovery for personal injury associated with such materials.
 
Management is not aware of any environmental liability relating to the above matters that would have a material adverse effect on ARL’s business, assets or results of operations.
 
Inflation
 
The effects of inflation on ARL’s operations are not quantifiable. Revenues from property operations tend to fluctuate proportionately with inflationary increases and decreases in housing costs. Fluctuations in the rate of inflation also affect the sales values of properties and the ultimate gains to be realized from property sales. To the extent that inflation affects interest rates, earnings from short-term investments and the cost of new financings as well as the cost of variable interest rate debt will be affected.
 
ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
ARL’s primary market risk exposure consists of changes in interest rates on borrowings under our debt instruments that bear interest at variable rates that fluctuate with market interest rates and maturing debt that has to be refinanced. ARL’s future operations, cash flow and fair values of financial instruments are also partially dependent on the then existing market interest rates and market equity prices.
 
As of December 31, 2014, our $655.5 million debt portfolio consisted of approximately $589.0 million of fixed-rate debt and approximately $66.5 million of variable-rate debt with interest rates ranging from 1.0% to 12.5%. Our overall weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 4.88% and 5.81%, respectively.    
 
ARL’s interest rate sensitivity position is managed by the capital markets department. Interest rate sensitivity is the relationship between changes in market interest rates and the fair value of market rate sensitive assets and liabilities. ARL’s earnings are affected as changes in short-term interest rates affect its cost of variable-rate debt and maturing fixed-rate debt.
 
If market interest rates for variable-rate debt average 100 basis points more in 2015 than they did during 2014, ARL’s interest expense would increase and net income would decrease by $.7 million. This amount is determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on ARL’s borrowing cost. The analysis does not consider the effects of the reduced level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change of such magnitude, management would likely take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no change in ARL’s financial structure.
 
 
 
35

 
 
The following table contains only those exposures that existed at December 31, 2014. Anticipation of exposures of risk on positions that could possibly arise was not considered. ARL’s ultimate interest rate risk and its effect on operations will depend on future capital market exposures, which cannot be anticipated with a probable assurance level (dollars are in thousands):
 
 
 
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Assets
                                         
Market securities at fair value
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Note Receivable
                                                       
Variable interest rate - fair value
                                                       
Instrument's maturities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Instrument's amortization
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Average Rate
    0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %        
                                                         
Fixed interest rate - fair value
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 143,962  
Instrument's maturities
    6,844       24,043       21,386       -       19,530       72,159       143,962  
Instrument's amortization
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Interest
    14,141       13,741       12,170       10,955       9,969       111,730       172,706  
Average Rate
    9.82 %     10.02 %     10.76 %     11.95 %     10.87 %     11.06 %        
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
      2015       2016       2017       2018       2019    
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Notes Payable
                                                       
Variable interest rate - fair value
                                            $ 66,457  
Instrument's maturities
  $ 19,290     $ 8,837     $ 33,180     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 61,307  
Instrument's amortization
    2,715       2,210       225       -       -       -       5,150  
Interest
    2,574       1,972       208       -       -       -       4,754  
Average Rate
    5.65 %     5.83 %     5.77 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %        
                                                         
Fixed interest rate - fair value
                                                  $ 589,027  
Instrument's maturities
  $ 76,940     $ 59,339     $ 1,518     $ -     $ 36,540     $ 48,235     $ 222,572  
Instrument's amortization
    10,896       9,608       8,679       8,661       7,043       321,568       366,455  
Interest
    26,415       21,896       19,561       19,034       15,876       243,407       346,189  
Average Rate
    3.64 %     5.82 %     3.38 %     3.61 %     4.92 %     3.91 %        
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

 
 
ITEM 8.     CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
 
Page
Financial Statements
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
        38
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2014 and 2013 
     39
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 40
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 41
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
        42
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) —Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
        43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 44
   
Financial Statement Schedules
 
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 
        69
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loan Receivables on Real Estate
        73
 
All other schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable, or the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto.
 
 
 
37

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors of and
Stockholders of American Realty Investors, Inc.
Dallas, Texas
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Realty Investors, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. American Realty Investors, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits 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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
As described in Note 16, American Realty Investors, Inc.’s management intends to sell land and income producing properties and refinance or extend debt secured by real estate to meet the Company’s liquidity needs.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Realty Investors, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Schedules III and IV are presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and are not a required part of the basic consolidated financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
 
Farmer, Fuqua & Huff, PC
 
Richardson, Texas
March 30, 2015
 
 
 
38

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
             
             
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except share
and par value amounts)
 
Assets
           
Real estate, at cost
  $ 810,214     $ 799,698  
Real estate held for sale at cost, net of depreciation ($0 in 2014 and $2,390 in 2013 )
    -       16,427  
Real estate subject to sales contracts at cost, net of depreciation ($2,300 in 2014 and $1,949 in 2013)
    19,026       27,598  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (129,477 )     (143,429 )
Total real estate
    699,763       700,294  
Notes and interest receivable
               
Performing (including $139,466 in 2014 and $145,754 in 2013 from related parties)
    149,484       153,275  
Non-performing
    3,161       3,140  
   Less allowance for estimated losses (including $15,537 in 2014 and $15,809 in 2013 from related parties)
    (18,279 )     (19,600 )
Total notes and interest receivable
    134,366       136,815  
Cash and cash equivalents
    12,299       16,437  
Restricted cash
    49,266       32,929  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
    4,279       3,789  
Receivable from related party
    21,414       14,086  
Other assets
    44,111       38,972  
Total assets
  $ 965,498     $ 943,322  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Notes and interest payable
  $ 638,891     $ 618,930  
Notes related to assets held for sale
    1,552       17,100  
Notes related to assets subject to sales contracts
    18,616       23,012  
Deferred revenue (including $72,564 in 2014 and $74,303 in 2013 from sales to related parties)
    74,409       76,148  
Accounts payable and other liabilities (including $11,024 in 2014 and $15,394 in 2013 to related parties)
    52,442       73,271  
      785,910       808,461  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, Series A: $2.00 par value, authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,461,252
and 3,353,954 shares in 2014 and 2013, respectively (liquidation preference $10 per share), including
900,000 shares in 2014 and 2013 held by ARL.  Series K:  $2.00 par value, authorized, issued and
outstanding zero and 135,000 shares in 2014 and 2013, respectively (liquidation preference $22 per share)
    3,126       4,908  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 14,443,404 and 11,941,174 shares
and outstanding 14,027,619 and 11,525,389 shares in 2014 and 2013, respectively; including 140,000 shares
held by TCI (consolidated) in 2014 and 229,214 shares held by TCI (consolidated) in 2013.
    141       115  
Treasury stock at cost; 415,785 shares in 2014 and 2013 and 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) as
of 2014 and 229,214 shares held by TCI (consolidated) as of 2013
    (6,395 )     (6,395 )
Paid-in capital
    108,378       102,974  
Retained earnings
    19,090       (11,795 )
Total American Realty Investors, Inc. shareholders' equity
    124,340       89,807  
Non-controlling interest
    55,248       45,054  
Total equity
    179,588       134,861  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 965,498     $ 943,322  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
39

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues:
                 
Rental and other property revenues (including $701, $670 and $587 for the year ended 2014, 2013
and 2012, respectively, from related parties)
  $ 79,412     $ 80,750     $ 81,849  
                         
Expenses:
                       
Property operating expenses (including $645, $699 and $879 for the year ended 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively, from related parties)
    42,124       39,318       40,000  
Depreciation
    17,593       15,954       14,873  
General and administrative (including $3,628, $3,646 and $3,539 for the year ended 2014, 2013 and
2012, respectively, from related parties)
    10,282       7,919       6,037  
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       18,980       2,330  
Net income fee to related party
    3,669       4,089       180  
Advisory fee to related party
    8,943       10,166       10,182  
     Total operating expenses
    82,611       96,426       73,602  
     Operating income (loss)
    (3,199 )     (15,676 )     8,247  
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest income (including $19,029, $19,110 and $14,182 for the year ended 2014, 2013 and 2012,
respectively, from related parties)
    20,054       19,445       14,612  
Other income (including $0, $0 and $6,000 for the year ended 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively,
 from related parties)
    1,415       10,163       7,770  
Mortgage and loan interest (including $3,660, $3,927 and $3,692 for the year ended 2014, 2013 and
2012, respectively, from related parties)
    (35,416 )     (36,158 )     (38,224 )
Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (2,556 )     (2,952 )     (684 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    (2,854 )     (5,557 )     (3,574 )
Loss on the sale of investments
    (92 )     (283 )     (118 )
Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
    347       391       372  
Litigation settlement
    3,591       (20,313 )     (175 )
        Total other expenses
    (15,511 )     (35,264 )     (20,021 )
Loss before gain (loss) on land sales, non-controlling interest, and taxes
    (18,710 )     (50,940 )     (11,774 )
Gain (loss) on land sales
    561       (455 )     5,475  
Loss from continuing operations before tax
    (18,149 )     (51,395 )     (6,299 )
   Income tax benefit (expense)
    20,413       40,513       (144 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    2,264       (10,882 )     (6,443 )
Discontinued operations:
                       
   Loss from discontinued operations
    (3,557 )     (2,634 )     (9,297 )
   Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    61,879       98,951       8,885  
   Income tax benefit (expense) from discontinued operations
    (20,413 )     (33,711 )     144  
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
    37,909       62,606       (268 )
Net income (loss)
    40,173       51,724       (6,711 )
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests
    (9,288 )     (10,448 )     1,126  
Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
    30,885       41,276       (5,585 )
Preferred dividend requirement
    (2,043 )     (2,452 )     (2,452 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 28,842     $ 38,824     $ (8,037 )
                         
Earnings per share - basic
                       
   Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )
   Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    2.99       5.43       (0.02 )
   Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )
                         
Earnings per share - diluted
                       
   Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )
   Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    2.99       5.43       (0.02 )
   Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )
                         
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share
    12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
    12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389  
                         
                         
Amounts attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
                       
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (7,024 )   $ (21,330 )   $ (5,317 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    37,909       62,606       (268 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 30,885     $ 41,276     $ (5,585 )
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
40

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
                                                             
   
Total
   
Comprehensive
   
Preferred
   
Common Stock
   
Treasury
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   
Non-controlling
 
   
Capital
   
Loss
   
Stock
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
Interest
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
  $ 95,257     $ (137,440 )   $ 4,908       11,941,174     $ 115     $ (6,395 )   $ 105,388     $ (47,486 )   $ (786 )   $ 39,513  
Net loss
    (6,711 )     (6,711 )     -       -       -       -       -       (5,585 )     -       (1,126 )
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
    (523 )     -       -       -       -       -       1,660       -       -       (2,183 )
Distribution to non-controlling interests
    (338 )     -       -       -       -       -       (330 )     -       -       (8 )
Sale of controlling interest
    1,339       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,339  
Sale of non-controlling interests
    (1,468 )     -       -       -       -       -       1,434       -       -       (2,902 )
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)
  (2,452 )     -       -       -       -       -       (2,452 )     -       -       -  
Balance, December 31, 2012
  $ 85,104     $ (144,151 )   $ 4,908       11,941,174     $ 115     $ (6,395 )   $ 105,700     $ (53,071 )   $ (786 )   $ 34,633  
Net income
    51,724       51,724       -       -       -       -       -       41,276       -       10,448  
Distribution to non-controlling interests
    (345 )     -       -       -       -       -       (330 )     -       -       (15 )
Sale of controlling interest
    56       -       -       -       -       -       56       -       -       -  
Sale of non-controlling interests
    774       (786 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       786       (12 )
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)
  (2,452 )     -       -       -       -       -       (2,452 )     -       -       -  
Balance, December 31, 2013
  $ 134,861     $ (93,213 )   $ 4,908       11,941,174     $ 115     $ (6,395 )   $ 102,974     $ (11,795 )   $ -     $ 45,054  
Net income
    40,173       40,173       -       -       -       -       -       30,885       -       9,288  
Distribution to non-controlling interests
    (333 )     -       -       -       -       -       (302 )     -       -       (31 )
Sale of non-controlling interests
    (289 )     -       -       -       -       -       (289 )     -       -       -  
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock
    7,219       -       (1,782 )     2,502,230       26       -       8,038       -       -       937  
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)
  (2,043 )     -       -       -       -       -       (2,043 )     -       -       -  
Balance, December 31, 2014
  $ 179,588     $ (53,040 )   $ 3,126       14,443,404     $ 141     $ (6,395 )   $ 108,378     $ 19,090     $ -     $ 55,248  
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
41

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                   
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 40,173     $ 51,724     $ (6,711 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) applicable to common
 shares to net cash used in operating activities:
 
                   (Gain) loss on sale of land
    (561 )     455       (5,475 )
                   Gain on sale of income producing properties
    (61,879 )     (98,951 )     (8,885 )
                   Depreciation and amortization
    18,345       21,518       22,563  
                   Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       18,980       4,730  
                   Amortization of deferred borrowing costs
    4,017       1,442       2,478  
                   (Earnings) losses from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
    54       (391 )     (372 )
      (Increase) decrease in assets:
                       
                   Accrued interest receivable
    10,095       (12,895 )     (6,117 )
                   Other assets
    2,034       (2,242 )     (5,854 )
                   Prepaid expense
    (2,071 )     (1,722 )     (351 )
                   Escrow
    (17,232 )     3,532       2,216  
                   Earnest money
    180       (535 )     235  
                   Rent receivables
    (1,384 )     3,807       (286 )
      Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
                       
                   Accrued interest payable
    157       (5,116 )     (8,467 )
                   Related party payables
    (7,329 )     (25,008 )     623  
   Other liabilities
    (22,567 )     3,240       (17,180 )
                              Net cash used in operating activities
    (37,968 )     (42,162 )     (26,853 )
                         
Cash Flow From Investing Activities:
                       
      Proceeds from notes receivables
    27,767       2,855       16,055  
      Origination of notes receivables
    (34,092 )     (21,202 )     (10,189 )
      Acquisition of land held for development
    (5,936 )     (83 )     (8,503 )
      Acquisition of income producing properties
    (78,557 )     -       -  
      Proceeds from sale of income producing properties
    132,917       259,115       42,874  
      Proceeds from sale of land
    8,391       14,806       39,766  
      Proceeds from sale of investments
    -       -       132  
      Investment in unconsolidated real estate entities
    (544 )     4,770       2,654  
      Improvement of land held for development
    (3,137 )     (399 )     (184 )
      Improvement of income producing properties
    (5,019 )     (7,681 )     (2,507 )
      Acquisition of non-controlling interest
    -       (75 )     (355 )
      Sale of non-controlling interest
    (289 )     774       (1,468 )
      Sale of controlling interest
    -       50       1,339  
      Construction and development of new properties
    (3,016 )     (1,153 )     (5,790 )
                              Net cash provided by investing activities
    38,485       251,777       73,824  
                         
Cash Flow From Financing Activities:
                       
      Proceeds from notes payable
    183,766       203,885       143,449  
      Recurring amortization of principal on notes payable
    (22,243 )     (18,232 )     (23,022 )
      Payments on maturing notes payable
    (163,494 )     (390,941 )     (167,771 )
      Deferred financing costs
    (6,959 )     1,837       (3,750 )
      Stock-secured borrowings
    (568 )     (411 )     -  
      Distributions to non-controlling interests
    (333 )     (263 )     (338 )
      Preferred stock dividends - Series A
    (2,043 )     (2,452 )     (2,452 )
      Conversion of preferred stock into common stock
    7,219       -       -  
                              Net cash used in financing activities
    (4,655 )     (206,577 )     (53,884 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (4,138 )     3,038       (6,913 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    16,437       13,399       20,312  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 12,299     $ 16,437     $ 13,399  
                         
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for interest
  $ 37,158     $ 44,240     $ 48,606  
                         
Schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:
                       
Note receivable received from affiliate
  $ -     $ -     $ 9,279  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
42

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
For the Three Years Ended December 31,
 
                   
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Net income (loss)
  $ 40,173     $ 51,724     $ (6,711 )
Other comprehensive loss
                       
Unrealized income (loss) on foreign currency translation
    -       786       -  
Unrealized loss on investment securities
    -       -       -  
Total other comprehensive loss
    -       786       -  
Comprehensive income (loss)
    40,173       52,510       (6,711 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
    (9,288 )     (10,448 )     1,126  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
  $ 30,885     $ 42,062     $ (5,585 )
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
43

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Realty Investors, Inc. (“ARL”) and consolidated entities have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the most significant of which are described in Note 1. “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The data presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are as of December 31 of each year and for the year then ended, unless otherwise indicated. Dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share amounts.
 
Certain balances for 2012 and 2013 have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.
 
NOTE 1.     ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

FASB Accounting Standards Codification.    The Company presents its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) completed its accounting guidance codification project. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became effective for the Company’s financial statements issued subsequent to June 30, 2009 and is the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. As of the effective date, the company refers to the ASC Codification as the sole source of authoritative literature.
 
Organization and business.   ARL was organized in 1999. In August 2000, the Company acquired American Realty Trust, Inc., (“ART”), a Georgia corporation, and National Realty L.P. (“NRLP”), a Delaware limited partnership. ART was the successor to a District of Columbia business trust organized in 1961. The business trust was merged into ART in 1988. NRLP was organized in 1987 and subsequently acquired all of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of several public and private limited partnerships. NRLP also owned a portfolio of real estate and mortgage loan investments.  ARL is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”). Approximately 86.7% of ARL’s stock is owned by related party entities. ARL subsidiaries own approximately 80.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), a Nevada corporation, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol (“TCI”). ARL has consolidated TCI’s accounts and operations since March 2003.
 
TCI, a subsidiary of ARL, owns approximately 81.1% of the common stock of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (“IOT”).  Effective July 17, 2009, IOT’s financial results were consolidated with those of ARL and TCI and their subsidiaries.  IOT’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange Euronext (“NYSE MKT”) under the symbol (“IOT”).

ARL’s Board of Directors is responsible for directing the overall affairs of ARL and for setting the strategic policies that guide the Company. As of April 30, 2011, the Board of Directors delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc. (“Pillar”), a Nevada corporation, under a written Advisory Agreement that is reviewed annually by ARL’s Board of Directors. The directors of ARL are also directors of TCI and IOT.  The Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARL also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCI and IOT.  The officers of ARL also serve as officers of TCI, IOT and Pillar.
 
Effective since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”, formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc. “RAMI”, effective August 7, 2014), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust, became the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for the Company’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement. 
 
Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial and hotel properties, and provides brokerage services.  Regis receives property management fees and leasing commissions in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.  Regis is also entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement.   See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”.   ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties. 
 
 
 
44

 
 
On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future.   This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013.  The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years.  Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.
 
Our primary business is the acquisition, development and ownership of income-producing residential and commercial real estate properties. In addition, we opportunistically acquire land for future development in in-fill or high-growth suburban markets. From time to time and when we believe it appropriate to do so, we will also sell land and income-producing properties. We generate revenues by leasing apartment units to residents, and leasing office, industrial and retail space to various for-profit businesses as well as certain local, state and federal agencies, and renting hotel rooms to guests. We also generate revenues from gains on sales of income-producing properties and land. At December 31, 2014, we owned 38 residential apartment communities comprising of 6,344 units, nine commercial properties comprising an aggregate of approximately 2.1 million square feet, and an investment in 4,234 acres of undeveloped and partially developed land.
 
Basis of presentation.    The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE), in accordance with the provisions and guidance of ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, whereby we have determined that we are a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meet certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member as identified in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders as a group lack adequate decision making ability, the obligation to absorb expected losses or residual returns of the entity, or have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests. The primary beneficiary generally is the entity that provides financial support and bears a majority of the financial risks, authorizes certain capital transactions, or makes operating decisions that materially affect the entity’s financial results. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; our and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE; and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of us and the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions.
 
For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. Our investment in Gruppa Florentina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method.  Our investments in LK-Four Hickory, LLC was accounted for under the equity method until January 17, 2012, when the investment was sold.

The Company in accordance with the VIE guidance in ASC 810 “Consolidations” consolidates 36 and 34 multifamily residential properties located throughout the United States at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, ranging from 32 units to 332 units.  Assets totaling $363.5 million  and $345.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively,  are consolidated and included in “Real estate, at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company.  Assets totaling $0.0 and $16.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are consolidated and included in “Real estate held for sale at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company.
 
Real estate, depreciation, and impairment.    Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and improvements—10-40 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment—5-10 years). We continually evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of its real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of its existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC Topic 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value.
 
 
 
45

 

Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in each sale transaction under Item 1 Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing.  Any sale transaction where the guidance reflects that a sale had not occurred, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt and property operations, remained on the books of the Company.  We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period costs for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.
 
Real estate held for sale.    We periodically classify real estate assets as held for sale. An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of the Company’s board of directors and after an active program to sell the asset has commenced. Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset. Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded. Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon a decision to no longer market as an asset for sale, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated. The operating results of real estate assets held for sale and sold are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations. Income from discontinued operations includes the revenues and expenses, including depreciation and interest expense, associated with the assets. This classification of operating results as discontinued operations applies retroactively for all periods presented. Additionally, gains and losses on assets designated as held for sale are classified as part of discontinued operations.
 
Cost capitalization.     The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to planning, developing, initial leasing and constructing a property are capitalized and classified as Real Estate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct project costs incurred during the period of development.
 
A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited.  Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC Topic 835-20 “Interest – Capitalization of Interest” and ASC Topic 970 “Real Estate - General”. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.
 
We capitalize leasing costs which include commissions paid to outside brokers, legal costs incurred to negotiate and document a lease agreement and any internal costs that may be applicable. We allocate these costs to individual tenant leases and amortize them over the related lease term.
 
Fair value measurement.    We apply the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.
 
The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:
 
     
 Level  1
Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.
     
Level 2
Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and
   
inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
   
indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
     
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
 
A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
 
46

 
 

Related parties.  We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may  deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making  of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.
 
Recognition of revenue.    Our revenues, which are composed largely of rental income, include rents reported on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases.
 
Reimbursements of operating costs, as allowed under most of our commercial tenant leases, consist of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, and are recognized as revenue in the period in which the recoverable expenses are incurred. We record these reimbursements on a “gross” basis, since we generally are the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have the credit risk with respect to paying the supplier.
 
Rental income for residential property leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis as lease terms are generally for periods of one year or less. For hotel properties, revenues for room sales and guest services are recognized as rooms are occupied and services are rendered. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.
 
Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, the Company defers some or all of the gain recognition and accounts for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.
 
Foreign currency translation.    Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with local functional currencies are translated to United States dollars at year-end exchange rates. The effects of translation are recorded in the cumulative translation component of shareholders’ equity. Subsidiaries with a United States dollar functional currency re-measure monetary assets and liabilities at year-end exchange rates and non-monetary assets and liabilities at historical exchange rates. The effects of re-measurement are included in income. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates.
 
Non-performing notes receivable.    ARL considers a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
 
Interest recognition on notes receivable.     We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.
 
Allowance for estimated losses.    We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment.  See Note 3 “Notes and Interest Receivable” for details on our notes receivable.
 
Cash equivalents.    For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.  Restricted cash consists of cash reserved primarily for specific uses such as insurance, property taxes and replacement reserves.
 
Concentration of credit risk.  The Company maintains its cash balances at commercial banks and through investment companies, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company maintained balances in excess of the insured amount.
 
Earnings per share.    Income (loss) per share is presented in accordance with ASC 620 “Earnings per Share”. Income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year.
 
 
 
47

 
 
Use of estimates.    In the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP, it is necessary for management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expense for the year ended. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Income taxes.   The Company is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  For tax periods ending before August 31, 2012, the Company filed an annual consolidated income tax return with TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries.  ARL was the common parent for the consolidated group.  After that date, the Company and the rest of the ARL group joined the MRHI consolidated group for tax purposes.  The income tax expense (benefit) for the 2012 tax period in the accompanying financial statement was calculated under a tax sharing and compensating agreement between ARL, TCI and IOT.  That agreement continued until August 31, 2012, at which time a new tax sharing and compensating agreement was entered into by ARL, TCI, IOT and MRHI for the remainder of 2012 and subsequent years.  The agreement specifies the manner in which the group will share the consolidated tax liability and also how certain tax attributes are to be treated among members of the group.
 
Recent accounting pronouncements.    There were no recent accounting pronouncements that our company has not implemented that materially affect our financial statements. 
 
NOTE 2.     REAL ESTATE
 
A summary of our real estate owned as of the end of the year is listed below (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Apartments
  $ 455,602     $ 436,109  
Apartments under construction
    1,512       -  
Commercial properties
    193,197       214,486  
Land held for development
    159,903       149,103  
Real estate held for sale
    -       18,817  
Real estate subject to sales contract
    21,326       29,547  
Total real estate, at cost, less impairment
    831,540       848,062  
Less accumulated deprecation
    (131,777 )     (147,768 )
Total real estate, net of depreciation
  $ 699,763     $ 700,294  
 
Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Significant betterments are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss for the period.
 
Depreciation is computed on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
 
     
Land improvements
25 to 40 years
 
Buildings and improvements
10 to 40 years
 
Tenant improvements
Shorter of useful life or terms of related lease
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
3 to 7 years
 

Provision for Impairment Losses

There was no provision for impairment of notes receivable, investment in real estate partnerships, and real estate assets for the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
In the prior year impairment was recorded as an additional loss in the commercial portfolio of $9.6 million, the land portfolio of $1.6 million and the remaining $7.8 million was related to provisions for losses taken on our notes receivable.  A recent appraisal done during the refinance of an office building in Dallas, Texas resulted in a fair value lower than book basis.  The impairment in our land portfolio was due to a potential sale of land at a value lower than book basis as well as disposal of another property due to bankruptcy.
 
 
 
48

 

Fair Value Measurement

The Company applies the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. The Company is required to assess the fair value of its consolidated real estate assets with indicators of impairment. The value of impaired real estate assets is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analyses on the expected cash flow of each asset, as well as the income capitalization approach, which considers prevailing market capitalization rates, analyses of recent comparable sales transactions, information from actual sales negotiations and bona fide purchase offers received from third parties.  The methods used to measure fair value may produce an amount that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future values.  Furthermore, although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

The fair value measurements used in these evaluations are considered to be Level 2 and 3 valuations within the fair value hierarchy in the accounting rules, as there are significant observable (Level 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3).  Examples of Level 2 inputs the Company utilizes in its fair value calculations are appraisals and bona fide purchase offers from third parties.  Examples of Level 3 inputs the Company utilizes in its fair value calculations are discount rates, market capitalization rates, expected lease rental rates, timing of new leases, an estimate of future sales prices and comparable sales prices of similar assets, if available. All of the impairment charges outlined above were recorded in the statements of operations, either in continuing operations or discontinued operations.  There was no provision for impairment for the year ended December 31, 2014.

         
Fair Value Measurements Using (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2013
 
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Land
  $ 4,899     $ ---     $ 4,899     $ ---  
Commercial
  $ 26,194     $ ---     $ 26,194     $ ---  

Land with a carrying amount of $6,529,768 was written down to its fair value of $4,899,468 resulting in an impairment charge of $1,630,300 in 2013.  Level 2 inputs used to determine the fair values above included third party appraisals and the method taking the debt balance on the collateralized acres plus the book value of the uncollateralized acres.

A commercial building with a carrying amount of $35,794,331 was written down to its fair value of $26,194,331 resulting in an impairment charge of $9,600,000 in 2013.  The Level 2 input used to determine the fair value above was a third party appraisal.

         
Fair Value Measurements Using (dollars in thousands):
 
December 31, 2012
 
Fair Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                         
Land
  $ 2,699     $ ---     $ 1,800     $ 899  
Commercial
  $ 9,660     $ ---     $ 9,660     $ ---  

Land with a carrying amount of $5,029,254 was written down to its fair value of $2,699,175 resulting in an impairment charge of $2,330,079 in 2012.  Level 2 inputs used to determine the fair values above include bona fide purchase offers and third party appraisals.  The Level 3 inputs used to determine the fair values above include comparable sales prices of similar assets.

A commercial building with a carrying amount of $12,060,247 was written down to its fair value of $9,660,247 resulting in an impairment charge of $2,400,000 in 2012.  The method used to determine the fair value was agreement with lender as to value based on their evaluation of the property.
 
The following is a brief description of the more significant property acquisitions and sales in 2014:

On February 6, 2014, TCI sold a 232-unit apartment complex known as Pecan Pointe, located in Temple, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $23.1 million.  The buyer assumed the existing debt of $16.5 million secured by the property.  A gain of $6.1 million was recorded on the sale.

On March 13, 2014, 6.6 acres of land known as Three Hickory located in Farmers Branch, Texas was transferred back to TCI as a result of the settlement agreement with the lender.  On the same day TCI sold the land to IOT for $1.2 million which resulted in a gain of $1.2 million.
 
 
 
49

 

On March 26, 2014, TCI sold 6.314 acres of land known as McKinney Ranch land, located in McKinney, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $1.7 million.  TCI paid $1.5 million on the existing mortgage to satisfy a portion of the multi-tract collateral debt of $6.6 million, secured by various land parcels located in McKinney, Texas.  A gain of $0.8 million was recorded on the sale.

On March 31, 2014, the Company purchased 16.87 acres of land known as Valwood Acres, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, from an independent third party, for a purchase price of $3.2 million.

On April 3, 2014, TCI sold a 512,593 square foot commercial building known as 1010 Common, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $16.6 million.  A gain of $7.0 million was recorded on the sale.

On July 25, 2014, TCI sold 24.498 acres of land known as Stanley Tools and Kelly Lots, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $4.3 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $1.7 million in addition to making a $0.2 million payment on an existing mortgage related to another parcel of land located in Gulfport, Mississippi.  A nominal gain was recorded on the sale.

On August 12, 2014, TCI sold a 20,715 square foot commercial building known as Sesame Square, located in Anchorage, Alaska, to an independent party, for a sales price of $2.6 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $0.8 million.  A gain of $1.8 million was recorded on the sale.

On September 19, 2014, TCI acquired 100% ownership of Summer Breeze I-V, LLC, from an independent third party, which resulted in the acquisition of Sunset Lodge, a 216-unit complex located in Odessa, Texas.  We exchanged the existing note receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $3.5 million for the ownership interest.

On September 23, 2014, TCI sold a 106-unit complex known as Bridgewood Ranch, located in Kaufman, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $8.0 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.5 million and the buyer obtained a new mortgage of $6.6 million.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement as a result of having the option to repurchase the sold property at a later date.   The exercise of the option is subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  TCI determined a sale had not occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remains on their books.

On November 3, 2014, TCI sold a 290-unit apartment complex known as Blue Ridge, located in Midland, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $52.8 million.   We paid off the existing mortgage of $23.7 million.  A gain of $26.7 million was recorded on the sale.

On November 6, 2014, TCI acquired 100% ownership of Dun-Run Golf, Dun-Run Development, and Dun-Run Restaurants, all limited liability companies, which resulted in the acquisition of Mahogany Run Golf Course for a purchase price of $13.3 million.  TCI took out a note as seller financing to aid in the purchase in the amount of $6.6 million.  The note accrues at 8% with interest only payments due through the maturity date of November 6, 2015.  An option to renew for one more year can be exercised if a $1.0 million principal payment is made before maturity.

On November 13, 2014, TCI sold a 216-unit complex known as Sunset Lodge, as well as 5.98 acres of land, both located in Odessa, Texas, to an independent third party, for a combined sales price of $40.6 million.  The buyer assumed the existing debt of $19.0 million secured by the property.  A gain of $20.7 million was recorded on the sale.

On December 1, 2014, TCI acquired a 208-unit complex known as Legacy at Pleasant Grove, located in Texarkana, Texas, from a third party.  We exchanged the existing receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $5.0 million for the complex.

On December 1, 2014, TCI acquired a 148-unit complex known as Villas at Park West I, located in Pueblo, Colorado, from a third party.  We exchanged the existing receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $1.3 million for the complex.

On December 1, 2014, TCI acquired a 112-unit complex known as Villas at Park West II, located in Pueblo, Colorado, from a third party.  We exchanged the existing receivable and all accrued interest in the amount of $5.1 million for the complex.

On December 30, 2014, TCI acquired 8.387 acres of land known as Bonneau Land, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, from a third party, for a purchase price of $1.2 million.

On December 30, 2014, TCI sold 2.606 acres of land known as Carr (Luna) Land, located in Farmers Branch, Texas, to a third party, for a sales price of $0.3 million.  A loss of $0.4 million was recorded on the sale.
 
 
 
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On December 2010, various commercial and land holdings were sold to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party. During the first three months of 2011, many of these transactions were rescinded as of the original transaction date and were subsequently sold to related parties under the same ownership as FRE Real Estate, Inc. As of December 31, 2014, one commercial building, Thermalloy, remains in FRE Real Estate, Inc.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to TCI’s continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and TCI’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  TCI determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20. 
 
As of December 31, 2014, there remain one apartment complex, one commercial building and 110 acres of land that TCI has sold to a related party and have deferred the recognition of the sale.  These are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These properties were sold to a related party in order to help facilitate an appropriate debt or organizational restructure and may or may not be transferred back to the seller upon resolution. These properties have mortgages that are secured by the property and many have corporate guarantees. According to the loan documents, the maker is currently in default on these mortgages primarily due to lack of payment and is actively involved in discussions with every lender in order to settle or cure the default situation. TCI has reviewed each asset and taken impairment to the extent TCI feels the value of the property was less than its current basis.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to its continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and TCI’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  TCI determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20.  The buyers received no compensation for the facilitation of the bankruptcy or debt restructuring process. 
 
Sales to our subsidiary, TCI, have been reflected, in prior years, at the fair value sale price.   Upon discussion with the SEC and in review of the guidance pursuant to ASC 250-10-45-22 to 24, we have adjusted those assets, in the prior year, to reflect a basis equal to ARL’s cost basis in the asset at the time of the sale.  The related party payables from TCI were reduced for the lower asset price.  The Company reflected the original cost basis in consolidation, therefore no change in the financial statements was necessary to reflect this change.
 
 
 
 
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NOTE 3.       NOTES AND INTEREST RECEIVABLE
 
A portion of our assets are invested in mortgage notes receivable, principally secured by real estate. We may originate mortgage loans in conjunction with providing purchase money financing of property sales. Notes receivable are generally collateralized by real estate or interests in real estate and personal guarantees of the borrower and, unless noted otherwise, are so secured.  Management intends to service and hold for investment the mortgage notes in our portfolio. A majority of the notes receivable provide for principal to be paid at maturity. Our mortgage notes receivable consist of first, wraparound and junior mortgage loans (dollars in thousands).
 
             
Maturity
 
Interest
       
   
Borrower
     
Date
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Security
Performing loans:
 
                 
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Holland Lake) (1)
12/19
 
12.00%
 
   $           4,698
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Holland Lake) (1)
12/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,674
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Overlook at Allensville) (1)
11/19
 
12.00%
 
              2,472
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Overlook at Allensville) (1)
12/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,408
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Preserve @ Prairie Pointe) (1)
03/19
 
12.00%
 
              1,810
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Preserve @ Prairie Pointe) (1)
03/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,156
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Vista Ridge) (1)
04/19
 
12.00%
 
              3,923
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Vista Ridge) (1)
06/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,492
 
Secured
 
     HGH Residential, LLC (Tradewinds Development)
07/19
 
12.00%
 
              6,131
 
Secured
 
     One Realco Corporation (1,2)
01/17
 
3.00%
 
              7,000
 
Unsecured
 
     Realty Advisors Management, Inc. (1)
12/16
 
2.20%
 
            20,387
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Cliffs of El Dorado) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,097
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of McKinney, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Echo Station) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              1,481
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Temple, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Inwood on the Park) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              5,059
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing Inwood, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Kensington Park) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              3,936
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing Kensington, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.  (Lakeshore Villas) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,000
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.  (Lakeshore Villas) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              9,096
 
Membership interest in Housing for Seniors of Humble, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              3,057
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Austin, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              4,663
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Austin, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,250
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Vista Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              6,000
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Vista Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Parkside Crossing) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,272
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Parkside Crossing, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase I) (1)
 
12.00%
 
              2,485
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Harvest Hill I, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase II) (1)
 
12.00%
 
              2,555
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Harvest Hill, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              5,174
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Sendero Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              4,812
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Sendero Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Timbers of Terrell) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              1,323
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Terrell, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Tivoli) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              7,966
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Tivoli, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Trails at White Rock) (1)
 
12.00%
 
              3,815
 
100% Interest in Unified Housing of Harvest Hill III, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
06/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,261
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
12/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,207
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
12/15
 
12.00%
 
              2,665
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
12/16
 
12.00%
 
              3,657
 
Unsecured
 
     Various non-related party notes
Various
 
Various
 
              3,503
 
Various secured interests
 
     Various related party notes (1)
Various
 
Various
 
              6,393
 
Various secured interests
 
     Accrued interest
             
              8,606
   
Total Performing
               
 $       149,484
   
                           
Non-Performing loans:
                   
 
     Leman Development, Ltd (2)
07/11
 
7.00%
 
              1,500
 
Unsecured
 
     Tracy Suttles (2)
     
12/11
 
0.00%
 
              1,077
 
Unsecured
 
     Various non-related party notes
Various
 
Various
 
                 507
 
Various secured interests
 
     Accrued interest
             
                   77
   
Total Non-Performing
             
 $           3,161
   
                           
 
      Allowance for estimated losses
       
          (18,279)
   
Total
                 
 $       134,366
   
                           
 (1)  Related party notes
                   
 (2)  An allowance was taken for estimated losses at full value of note.
         

 
52

 
 
Junior Mortgage Loans. We may invest in junior mortgage loans, secured by mortgages that are subordinate to one or more prior liens either on the fee or a leasehold interest in real estate. Recourse on such loans ordinarily includes the real estate on which the loan is made, other collateral and personal guarantees by the borrower.  At December 31, 2014, 14.9% of our assets were invested in junior and wraparound mortgage loans.

As of December 31, 2014, the obligors on $131.2 million or 91.2% of the mortgage notes receivable portfolio were due from related parties.  The Company recognized $14.3 million of interest income from these related party notes receivables.

As of December 31, 2014, $3.1 million or 2.1% of the mortgage notes receivable portfolio were non-performing.
 
The Company has various notes receivable from Unified Housing foundation, Inc. (“UHF”).  UHF is determined to be a related party due to our significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable.  Payments are due from surplus cash flow from operations, sale or refinancing of the underlying properties. These notes are cross collateralized to the extent that any surplus cash available from any of the properties underlying these notes will be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for the remaining notes.  Furthermore, any surplus cash available from any of the properties UHF owns, besides the properties underlying these notes, can be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for these notes.  The allowance on the notes was a purchase allowance that was netted against the notes when acquired.
 
In 2010, the Company agreed to reduce the interest rate from 12% to 5.25% for a five year period on the surplus cash flow notes receivable from UHF.  As of January 1, 2013, the Company agreed to extend the maturity on these surplus cash flow notes receivable for an additional term of five years in exchange for the early termination of the reduced interest rate.
 
NOTE 4.     ALLOWANCE FOR ESTIMATED LOSSES
 
The allowance account for receivables was reviewed and decreased in 2014.  The decrease was due to a note that was paid off, and a note that was written off, both of which were fully reserved.  The decrease in 2013 was due to an allowance amount on a fully reserved note that was adjusted by the amount of a payment received.  This decrease was offset by a reserve amount taken on a related party note receivable due to questionable recovery. The increase in 2012 was related to a reserve taken on a related party note receivable due to questionable recovery, reduced by the amounts of two notes that were written off in the current year, both of which were fully reserved.  The table below shows our allowance for estimated losses (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
                   
Balance January 1,
  $ 19,600     $ 21,704     $ 13,383  
Increase (decrease) in provision
    (1,321 )     (2,104 )     8,321  
Balance December 31,
  $ 18,279     $ 19,600     $ 21,704  
 
NOTE 5.    INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTEES
 
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, jointly owned companies and other investees in which we have a 20% to 50% interest or otherwise exercise significant influence are carried at cost, adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of their undistributed earnings or losses, via the equity method of accounting.
 
Investments accounted for via the equity method consists of the following:
 
   
Percentage ownership as of December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
                   
Gruppa Florentina, LLC(1)
    20.00 %     20.00 %     20.00 %
LK-Four Hickory, LLC(2)
    0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
                         
______________________                         
(1)  Other investees.
                       
(2) Other investees. ARL's 28.57% investment in LK-Four Hickory, LLC was sold on January 17, 2012.
 
 

 
 
53

 
 
The market values, other than unconsolidated subsidiaries, as of the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were not determinable as there were no readily traded markets for these entities. The following is a summary of the financial position and results of operations from our unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees (dollars in thousands):

   
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Other Investees
                 
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation
  $ 11,647     $ 10,823     $ 12,343  
Notes receivable
    7,326       6,526       6,192  
Other assets
    30,291       32,131       32,145  
Notes payable
    (10,429 )     (11,022 )     (13,824 )
Other liabilities
    (7,192 )     (8,134 )     (7,443 )
Shareholders' equity/partners capital
    (31,643 )     (30,324 )     (29,413 )
                         
                         
Revenue
  $ 48,893     $ 46,276     $ 45,505  
Depreciation
    (1,151 )     (1,166 )     (1,277 )
Operating expenses
    (45,590 )     (42,330 )     (41,188 )
Interest expense
    (901 )     (1,022 )     (1,181 )
Income from continuing operations
  $ 1,251     $ 1,758     $ 1,859  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       -       -  
Net income
  $ 1,251     $ 1,758     $ 1,859  
 
                       
Company's proportionate share of earnings (1)
  $ 250     $ 352     $ 372  
                         
(1) Earnings represent continued and discontinued operations
                 

NOTE 6.  NOTES AND INTEREST PAYABLE

Below is a summary of our notes and interest payable as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Notes
Payable
   
Accrued
Interest
   
Total
Debt
 
Apartments
  $ 420,083     $ 1,157     $ 421,240  
Commercial
    114,085       433       114,518  
Land held for development
    83,439       117       83,556  
Real estate held for sale
    452       -       452  
Real estate subject to sales contract
    16,961       1,655       18,616  
Other
    20,464       213       20,677  
                         
Total
  $ 655,484     $ 3,575     $ 659,059  
 
 
 
54

 
 
The following table schedules the principal payments on the notes payable for the next five years and thereafter (dollars in thousands):

Year
 
 Amount
2015
 
 $       109,841
2016
 
            79,994
2017
 
            43,602
2018
 
              8,661
2019
 
            43,583
Thereafter
 
          369,803
Total
 
 $     655,484
 
Interest payable at December 31, 2014, was $3.6 million. Interest accrues at rates ranging from 1.0% to 12.5% per annum, and mature between 2014 and 2053. The mortgages were collateralized by deeds of trust on real estate having a net carrying value of $684.8 million.  Of the total notes payable, the senior debt is $586.9 million, junior debt is $60.2 million, and other debt is $8.4 million.  Included in other debt are property tax loans of $0.3 million.
 
With respect to the additional notes payable due to the acquisition of properties or refinancing of existing mortgages, a summary of some of the more significant transactions is discussed below:

On February 10, 2014, a subsidiary of the Company paid off an existing margin loan and entered into a $4 million promissory note with a third party, secured by TCI stock.  The note matures on February 10, 2016 and has an interest rate of 6%.

On February 12, 2014, TCI exercised the first prepayment option on the settlement relating to the Amoco Building and paid $1.2 million to settle all obligations.  The remaining balance of the note in the amount of $3.5 million, along with accrued interest, was forgiven.  The 135,000 shares of Series K Convertible Preferred Stock of ARL that was pledged to the lender has been released to TCI.  The Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.

On February 14, 2014, the Company entered into a settlement and loan modification agreement with the lender regarding EQK Portage land.  The new loan is for $1.6 million, matures on February 6, 2017, and has an interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 5%.  The Company paid $200,000 at close which was used to adjust the current outstanding loan balance to the newly stated loan balance and the remainder was used to pay down interest that had been accruing under the prior agreement.  The rest of the unpaid interest that accrued under the prior agreement was waived.  Per the agreement, the Company was also required to pay off the property tax note of $257,000.

On February 28, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Parc at Denham Springs apartments, a 224-unit complex located in Denham Springs, Louisiana, for a new mortgage of $19.2 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $19.2 million and $1.6 million in closing costs.  The note accrues interest at 3.75% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing April 1, 2051.

On March 25, 2014, TCI exercised its lender granted option under the settlement agreement relating to the Galleria East Center Retail / Showcase Chevrolet land which was transferred to the existing lender on February 4, 2011.  TCI paid the balance of the notes along with all accrued and unpaid interest and received a reduction in price of $0.4 million.

On March 28, 2014, TCI secured financing of $40.0 million from an independent third party.  The note has a term of five years at an interest rate of 12.0%.  The note is interest only for the first year with quarterly principal payments due of $500,000 starting April 1, 2015.  The loan is secured by various equity interests in residential apartments and can be prepaid at a penalty rate of 4% for year 1 with the penalty declining by 1% each year thereafter.

On March 31, 2014, TCI entered into a settlement agreement relating to the Fenton Centre building which was transferred to the existing lender on June 7, 2011.  The total amount of the settlement was $7.0 million, $5.0 million was paid at the time of the settlement and the remaining $2.0 million will be paid out in equal monthly installments through November 5, 2015.
 
On May 28, 2014, a $1.5 million principal payment was made to the existing Realty Advisors, Inc. mortgage and two additional land parcels, including 8.0 acres of Ladue land owned by TCI and 16.87 acres of Valwood land owned by ARL, were substituted as collateral under the note in exchange for a release of a $4 million deposit account.  The principal balance is allocated based on the land valuation.
 
 
 
55

 
 
On July 31, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Desoto Ranch apartments, a 248-unit complex located in Desoto, Texas, for a new mortgage of $15.7 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $15.7 million and $0.5 million in closing costs.   The note accrues interest at 3.50% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing June 1, 2050.
 
On August 28, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Treehouse apartments, a 160-unit complex located in Irving, Texas, for a new mortgage of $5.8 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.7 million and $1.1 million in closing costs and escrows.   The note accrues interest at 3.55% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing September 1, 2044.
 
On September 23, 2014, TCI sold a 106-unit complex known as Bridgewood Ranch, located in Kaufman, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $8.0 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.5 million and the buyer obtained a new mortgage of $6.6 million.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement as a result of having the option to repurchase the sold property at a later date.   The exercise of the option is subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  TCI determined a sale had not occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remains on their books.

On October 17, 2014, the construction loan in the amount of $19.7 million that was taken out on July 1, 2012, to fund the development of Sunset Lodge apartments, a 216-unit complex located in Odessa, Texas, closed into permanent financing.  The note accrues interest at 3.00% and payments of interest only are payable commencing August 1, 2012, through February 1, 2014, at which time principal and interest payments are due through the maturity date of February 1, 2054.

On December 12, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Stanford Center, a 333,381 square foot commercial building located in Dallas, Texas, for a new mortgage of $28.0 million.  We paid off the existing mortgage of $21.3 million and $7.8 million in closing costs and escrows.  The note accrues interest at a floating rate of 5.50% above the 30-day LIBOR index, with a floor of 5.75% and payments of interest only, maturing on January 5, 2017.

In conjunction with the development of various apartment projects and other developments, we drew down $3.0 million in construction loans during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
 
NOTE 7.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND FEES
 
We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may  deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making  of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.
 
The Company has historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in our best interest.
 
Effective since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust, became the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for the Company’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.
 
Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial and hotel properties, and provides brokerage services.  Regis receives property management fees and leasing commissions in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.  Regis is also entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement.  See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”.   Regis Hotel I, LLC, managed the Company’s hotel investments.  ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties. 
 
 
 
56

 
 
Below is a description of the related party transactions and fees between Pillar and Regis:
 
Fees, expenses, and revenue paid to and/or received from our advisor:
                 
     
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
        (dollars in thousands)  
Fees:
                   
 
Advisory
  $ 8,943     $ 10,166     $ 10,182  
 
Construction advisory
    -       -       181  
 
Mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing
    1,152       1,878       1,881  
 
Net income
    3,669       4,089       180  
 
Property acquisition and sales
    177       -       20  
      $ 13,941     $ 16,133     $ 12,444  
Other Expense:
                       
 
Cost reimbursements
  $ 3,449     $ 3,466     $ 3,359  
 
Interest paid (received)
    (1,043 )     431       495  
      $ 2,406     $ 3,897     $ 3,854  
Revenue:
                       
 
Rental
  $ 701     $ 670     $ 587  
                           
                           
Fees paid to Regis and related parties:
                       
        2014       2013       2012  
          (dollars in thousands)  
Fees:
                         
 
Property acquisition
  $ 348     $ -     $ 71  
 
Property management, construction manaement and leasing commissions
    583       474       2,189  
 
Real estate brokerage
    2,848       4,081       2,321  
      $ 3,779     $ 4,555     $ 4,581  

The Company received rental revenue of $0.7 million in 2013, $0.6 million in 2012, and $0.4 million in 2011 from Pillar and its related parties for properties owned by the Company.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had notes and interest receivables, net of allowances, of $73.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, due from UHF, a related party.  See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable”.  During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $13.0 million, originated $5.4 million, received principal payments of $21.9 million and received interest payments of $24.8 million from these related party notes receivables.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had notes and interest receivables of $21.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, due from FBH, a related party.  See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable”.  During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $1.0 million and originated $21.0 million from these related party notes receivables.
 
On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with UHF, a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future.   This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013.  The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years.  Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.
 
The Company is part of a tax sharing and compensating agreement with respect to federal income taxes between ARL, TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries that was entered into in July of 2009.  That agreement continued until August 31, 2012, at which time a new tax sharing and compensating agreement was entered into by ARL, TCI, IOT and MRHI for the remainder of 2012 and subsequent years.  The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory tax rate of 35%.
 
 
 
57

 
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the related party payable due to Pillar as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Pillar
 
Related party receivable, December 31, 2013
  $ 14,086  
Cash transfers
    59,372  
Advisory fees
    (8,943 )
Net income fee
    (3,669 )
Cost reimbursements
    (3,449 )
Interest income
    1,043  
Notes receivable purchased
    (26,290 )
Fees and commissions
    (4,526 )
Expenses paid by Advisor
    (6,957 )
Financing (mortgage payments)
    (3 )
Sales/purchases transactions
    750  
Tax sharing
    -  
Related party receivable, December 31, 2014
  $ 21,414  

Below are transactions that involve a related party:

In December 2010, various commercial and land holdings were sold to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party. During the first three months of 2011, many of these transactions were rescinded as of the original transaction date and were subsequently sold to related parties under the same ownership as FRE Real Estate, Inc. As of December 31, 2014, one commercial building, Thermalloy, remains in FRE Real Estate, Inc.  The Company did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to TCI’s continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and the Company’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  The Company determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20. 
 
As of December 31, 2014, there remain one apartment complex, one commercial building and 110 acres of land that TCI has sold to a related party and have deferred the recognition of the sale.  These are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These properties were sold to a related party in order to help facilitate an appropriate debt or organizational restructure and may or may not be transferred back to the seller upon resolution. These properties have mortgages that are secured by the property and many have corporate guarantees. According to the loan documents, the maker is currently in default on these mortgages primarily due to lack of payment and is actively involved in discussions with every lender in order to settle or cure the default situation. We have reviewed each asset and taken impairment to the extent we feel the value of the property was less than our current basis.  The Company did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and the Company’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  The Company determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20.  The buyers received no compensation for the facilitation of the bankruptcy or debt restructuring.
 
Sales to our subsidiary, TCI, have been reflected, in prior years, at the fair value sale price.   Upon discussion with the SEC and in review of the guidance pursuant to ASC 250-10-45-22 to 24, we have adjusted those assets, in the prior year, to reflect a basis equal to ARL’s cost basis in the asset at the time of the sale.  The related party payables from TCI were reduced for the lower asset price.  The Company reflected the original cost basis in consolidation, therefore no change in the financial statements were necessary to reflect this change.
 
NOTE 8.    DIVIDENDS
 
ARL’s Board of Directors established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, no dividends on ARL’s common stock were declared for 2014, 2013, or 2012. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
 
 
 
58

 
 
NOTE 9.    PREFERRED STOCK
 
There are 15,000,000 shares of Series A 10.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value of $2.00 per share and liquidation preference of $10.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.00 per share or $.25 per share quarterly to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into ARL common stock at 90.0% of the average daily closing price of ARL’s common stock for the prior 20 trading days.  At December 31, 2014, 2,461,252 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding. Of the outstanding shares, there were 300,000 shares owned by ART Edina, Inc., and 600,000 shares owned by ART Hotel Equities, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ARL. As of May 30, 2014, these 900,000 shares were transferred to ARL.  Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

Prior to July 17, 2014, RAI owned 2,451,435 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock. On July 17, 2014, RAI converted 890,797 shares, including $6.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock.  As of December 31, 2014, RAI owns 1,560,638 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and has accrued dividends of $9.6 million.
 
There are 91,000 shares of Series D 9.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $20.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.90 per year or $.475 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series D Preferred Stock is reserved for the conversion of the Class A limited partner units of Ocean Beach Partners, L.P. The Class A units may be exchanged for Series D Preferred Stock at the rate of 20 Class A units for each share of Series D Preferred Stock. Between June 1, 2001 and May 31, 2006, all unexchanged Class A units are exchangeable. At December 31, 2014, no shares of Series D Preferred Stock were outstanding.
 
There are 500,000 shares of Series E 6.0% Cumulative Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $.60 per share or $.15 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2014, no shares of Series E Preferred Stock were outstanding.
 
100,000 shares of Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock have been designated pursuant to a Certificate of Designation filed March 16, 2006, as an instrument amendatory to ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $80 per share, or $20 per quarter, to stockholders of record on the last day of each of March, June, September and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. Although the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock has been designated, no shares have been issued as of December 31, 2014.
 
The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.
 
NOTE 10.     STOCK OPTIONS
 
In January 1999, stockholders approved the Director’s Stock Option Plan (the “Director’s Plan”) which provided for options to purchase up to 40,000 shares of common stock. In December 2005, the Director’s Plan was terminated. Options granted pursuant to the Director’s Plan were immediately exercisable and expire on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date on which a Director ceases to be a Director or ten years from the date of grant. Each Independent Director was granted an option to purchase 1,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding which were exercisable at $9.70 per share.  These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.

 
  NOTE 11.     INCOME TAXES

For tax periods ending before August 31, 2012, ARL was part of the ARL consolidated federal return.  After that date, ARL and the rest of the ARL group joined the MRHI consolidated group for tax purposes.  The income tax expense (benefit) for the first part of the 2012 tax period was calculated under a tax sharing and compensating agreement between ARL, TCI and IOT.  That agreement continued until August 31, 2012 at which time a new tax sharing and compensating agreement was entered into by ARL, TCI, IOT and MRHI for the remainder of 2012 and subsequent periods.  For 2012 and 2014, MRHI, ARL, TCI and IOT had a combined net taxable loss and ARL recorded no current tax (benefit) or expense. For 2013, MRHI had net taxable income and ARL consolidated with TCI and IOT had a net taxable loss resulting in a tax (benefit) to ARL.  The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory rate of 35%.

 
 
 
59

 
 
Current expense (benefit) is attributable to (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
                   
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (1,169 )   $ (24,217 )   $ (5,387 )
Income from discontinued operations
    1,169       17,415       5,387  
The full 2013 tax (benefit) to ARL comes from MRHI
  $ -     $ (6,802 )   $ -  
 
The Federal income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the corporate tax rate of 35% to the income before income taxes as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
                   
Computed "expected" income tax (benefit) expense
  $ 14,061     $ 15,684     $ (1,955 )
Book to tax differences in gains on sale of property
    (2,350 )     (20,373 )     (8,503 )
Book to tax differences from entities not consolidated for tax purposes
    (23,900 )     (33,565 )     (3,831 )
Book to tax differences of depreciation and amortization
    1,415       1,250       1,460  
Valuation allowance against current net operating loss benefit
    20,125       17,415       5,387  
Other book to tax differences
    (9,351 )     17,208       7,442  
Total
  $ -     $ (2,381 )   $ -  
                         
Alternative minimum tax
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary timing differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities reflected on the financial statements and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  ARL’s tax basis in its net assets differs from the amount at which its net assets are reported for financial statement purposes, principally due to the accounting for gains and losses on property sales, and depreciation on owned properties.  The tax effects of temporary differences and net operating loss carry forwards that give rise to the deferred tax assets are presented below (amounts in thousands):
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
                   
Net operating losses
  $ 74,357     $ 88,486     $ 68,034  
AMT credits
    2,201       2,201       2,201  
Basis difference of:
                       
   Real estate holdings and equipment
    10,337       11,959       1,159  
   Notes receivable
    6,946       7,448       8,248  
   Investments
    (14,950 )     (14,960 )     (13,824 )
   Notes payable
    8,189       13,360       17,691  
   Deferred gains
    18,086       18,746       18,170  
Total
  $ 105,166     $ 127,240     $ 101,679  
Deferred tax valuation allowance
    (105,166 )     (127,240 )     (101,679 )
Net deferred tax asset
  $ -     $ -     $ -  

At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 ARL had a net deferred tax asset due to tax deductions available to it in future years. However, as management could not determine that it was more likely than not that ARL would realize the benefit of the deferred tax asset, a 100% valuation allowance was established.

ARL has prior tax net operating losses and capital loss carryforwards of approximately $53.0 million expiring through the year 2033.  The alternative minimum tax credit balance did not change in 2014 and remains at approximately $2.2 million.  The credit has no expiration.

ARL is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits in progress for any tax periods.  Management believes ARL is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2011.


 
60

 

NOTE 12.    FUTURE MINIMUM RENTAL INCOME UNDER OPERATING LEASES

ARL’s operations include the leasing of commercial properties (office buildings, industrial warehouses and retail centers). The leases, thereon, expire at various dates through 2025. The following is a schedule of minimum future rents due to ARL under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
Year
 
Amount
2015
 
 $        17,627
2016
 
           16,063
2017
 
           13,665
2018
 
           12,470
2019
 
             8,136
Thereafter
 
           20,000
Total
 
 $      87,961
 
NOTE 13.     OPERATING SEGMENTS
 
Our segments are based on management’s method of internal reporting which classifies its operations by property type. The segments are commercial, apartments, hotels, land and other. Significant differences among the accounting policies of the operating segments as compared to the Consolidated Financial Statements principally involve the calculation and allocation of administrative and other expenses. Management evaluates the performance of each of the operating segments and allocates resources to them based on their net operating income and cash flow.
 
Items of income that are not reflected in the segments are interest, other income, gain on debt extinguishment, gain on condemnation award, equity in partnerships, and gains on sale of real estate. Expenses that are not reflected in the segments are provision for losses, advisory, net income and incentive fees, general and administrative, non-controlling interests, foreign currency transaction loss and net loss from discontinued operations before gains on sale of real estate.
 
The segment labeled as “Other” consists of revenue and operating expenses related to the notes receivable and corporate debt.
 
Presented below is the operating income of each operating segment and each segment’s assets for 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Commercial
                             
For the Twelve Months Ended Dec 31, 2014
 
Properties
 
Apartments
 
Hotels
   
Land
   
Other
   
Total
 
Operating revenue
  $ 20,476     $ 58,882     $ -     $ 1     $ 53     $ 79,412  
Operating expenses
    13,127       27,588       -       1,397       12       42,124  
Depreciation and amortization
    7,413       10,270       -       -       (90 )     17,593  
Mortgage and loan interest
    5,934       15,240       -       4,375       9,867       35,416  
Deferred borrowing costs
    92       1,538       -       243       683       2,556  
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    113       2,625       -       66       50       2,854  
Interest income
    -       -       -       -       20,054       20,054  
Gain on land sales
    -       -       -       561       -       561  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ (6,203 )   $ 1,621     $ -     $ (5,519 )   $ 9,585     $ (516 )
Capital expenditures
    4,874       320       -       2,436       -       7,630  
Assets
    142,118       390,366       -       167,279       -       699,763  
                                                 
Property Sales
                                               
Sales price
  $ 19,182     $ 115,273     $ -     $ 8,091     $ -     $ 142,546  
Cost of sale
    9,168       63,408       -       7,530       -       80,106  
Deferred current gain
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Recognized prior deferred gain
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Gain on sale
  $ 10,014     $ 51,865     $ -     $ 561     $ -     $ 62,440  
 
 
 
 
61

 
 
                                                 
   
Commercial
                                       
For the Twelve Months Ended Dec 31, 2013
 
Properties
 
Apartments
 
Hotels
   
Land
   
Other
   
Total
 
Operating revenue
  $ 24,215     $ 56,369     $ -     $ 39     $ 127     $ 80,750  
Operating expenses
    11,623       26,223       -       1,431       41       39,318  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,938       10,188       -       -       (172 )     15,954  
Mortgage and loan interest
    5,798       16,206       -       6,200       7,954       36,158  
Deferred borrowing costs
    67       2,268       -       212       405       2,952  
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    150       3,937       -       1,080       390       5,557  
Interest income
    -       -       -       -       19,445       19,445  
Loss on land sales
    -       -       -       (455 )     -       (455 )
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ 639     $ (2,453 )   $ -     $ (9,339 )   $ 10,954     $ (199 )
Capital expenditures
    6,964       315       -       387       -       7,666  
Assets
    141,200       394,397       -       164,697       -       700,294  
                                                 
Property Sales
                                               
Sales price
  $ 26,974     $ 239,676     $ -     $ 7,186     $ -     $ 273,836  
Cost of sale
    14,914       152,785       -       7,641       -       175,340  
Deferred current gain
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Recognized prior deferred gain
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Gain (loss) on sale
  $ 12,060     $ 86,891     $ -     $ (455 )   $ -     $ 98,496  
                                                 
                                                 
   
Commercial
                                       
For the Twelve Months Ended Dec 31, 2012
 
Properties
 
Apartments
 
Hotels
   
Land
   
Other
   
Total
 
Operating revenue
  $ 28,151     $ 53,534     $ -     $ 78     $ 86       81,849  
Operating expenses
    14,227       24,654       -       689       430       40,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,046       10,096       -       -       (269 )     14,873  
Mortgage and loan interest
    5,181       18,942       -       6,684       7,417       38,224  
Deferred borrowing costs
    92       405       -       159       28       684  
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    -       3,495       -       79       -       3,574  
Interest income
    -       -       -       -       14,612       14,612  
Gain on land sales
    -       -       -       5,475       -       5,475  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ 3,605     $ (4,058 )   $ -     $ (2,058 )   $ 7,092     $ 4,581  
Capital expenditures
    2,114       547               (920 )             1,741  
Assets
    162,756       555,392       -       212,285       -       930,433  
                                                 
Property Sales
                                               
Sales price
  $ 9,825     $ 45,610     $ 3,369     $ 39,733     $ -     $ 98,537  
Cost of sale
    (9,600 )     (40,067 )     (252 )     (34,873 )     -       (84,792 )
Deferred current gain
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Recognized prior deferred gain
    -       -       -       615       -       615  
Gain on sale
  $ 225     $ 5,543     $ 3,117     $ 5,475     $ -     $ 14,360  

The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in in thousands):
 
   
For Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ (516 )   $ (199 )   $ 4,581  
Other non-segment items of income (expense)
                       
General and administrative
    (10,282 )     (7,919 )     (6,037 )
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       (18,980 )     (2,330 )
Net income fee to related party
    (3,669 )     (4,089 )     (180 )
Advisory fee to related party
    (8,943 )     (10,166 )     (10,182 )
Other income
    1,415       10,163       7,770  
Loss on sale of investments
    (92 )     (283 )     (118 )
Earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures and investees
    347       391       372  
Litigation settlement
    3,591       (20,313 )     (175 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    20,413       40,513       (144 )
Gain (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 2,264     $ (10,882 )   $ (6,443 )
 
 
 
 
62

 
 
SEGMENT ASSET RECONCILIATION TO TOTAL ASSETS

The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Segment assets
  $ 699,763     $ 700,294     $ 930,433  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
    4,279       3,789       8,168  
Notes and interest receivable
    134,366       136,815       103,469  
Other assets and receivables
    127,090       102,424       93,275  
Assets held for sale
    -       -       -  
Total assets
  $ 965,498     $ 943,322     $ 1,135,345  

NOTE 14.     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
The Company applies the provisions of ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment.” ASC Topic 360 requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lesser of (1) book value or (2) fair value less cost to sell. In addition, it requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions.
 
Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or repositioned as held for sale as of the year ended 2014, 2013 and 2012. Income from discontinued operations relates to 5, 19, and 25 properties that were sold or repositioned in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The following table summarizes revenue and expense information for these properties sold and held for sale (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenues:
                 
     Rental and other property revenues
  $ 5,612     $ 34,922     $ 43,589  
      5,612       34,922       43,589  
Expenses:
                       
     Property operating expenses
    2,350       16,479       23,326  
     Depreciation
    751       5,563       7,691  
     General and administrative
    451       966       1,224  
     Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       -       2,400  
        Total operating expenses
  $ 3,552     $ 23,008     $ 34,641  
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
    Other income (expense)
    (507 )     45       7  
    Mortgage and loan interest
    (1,743 )     (8,082 )     (12,737 )
    Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (1,461 )     (3,015 )     (1,793 )
    Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    (1,656 )     (3,246 )     (3,472 )
    Litigation settlement
    (250 )     (250 )     (250 )
        Total other expenses
  $ (5,617 )   $ (14,548 )   $ (18,245 )
                         
Loss from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes
    (3,557 )     (2,634 )     (9,297 )
     Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    61,879       98,951       8,885  
     Income tax benefit (expense)
    (20,413 )     (33,711 )     144  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ 37,909     $ 62,606     $ (268 )
 
 The Company’s application of ASC Topic 360 results in the presentation of the net operating results of these qualifying properties sold or held for sale during 2014, 2013 and 2012 as income from discontinued operations. The application of ASC Topic 360 does not have an impact on net income available to common shareholders. ASC Topic 360 only impacts the presentation of these properties within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 

 
63

 
 
NOTE  15.    QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is a tabulation of quarterly results of operations for the years 2014, 2013, and 2012.  Quarterly results presented differ from those previously reported in ARL’s Form 10-Q due to the reclassification of the operations of properties sold or held for sale to discontinued operations in accordance with ASC topic 360:
 
   
Three Months Ended 2014
 
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
2014
                       
Total operating revenues
  $ 19,159     $ 19,500     $ 19,326     $ 21,427  
Total operating expenses
    18,957       19,914       18,858       24,882  
Operating income (loss)
    202       (414 )     468       (3,455 )
Other expense
    (2,440 )     (3,630 )     (4,274 )     (5,167 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes
    (2,238 )     (4,044 )     (3,806 )     (8,622 )
Gain (loss) on land sales
    753       (159 )     40       (73 )
Income tax benefit
    2,049       2,195       786       15,383  
Net income (loss) from continued operations
    564       (2,008 )     (2,980 )     6,688  
Net income from discontinued operations
    3,805       4,077       1,461       28,566  
Net income (loss)
    4,369       2,069       (1,519 )     35,254  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
    (819 )     (551 )     200       (8,118 )
Preferred dividend requirement
    (613 )     (613 )     (427 )     (390 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 2,937     $ 905     $ (1,746 )   $ 26,746  
                                 
PER SHARE DATA
                               
Earnings per share - basic
                               
Loss from continued operations
  $ (0.08 )   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.13 )
Income from discontinued operations
    0.33       0.35       0.11       2.04  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 0.25     $ 0.07     $ (0.13 )   $ 1.91  
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share
    11,525,389       11,525,389       13,619,647       14,027,618  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted
                               
Loss from continued operations
  $ (0.08 )   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.13 )
Income from discontinued operations
    0.33       0.35       0.11       2.04  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ 0.25     $ 0.07     $ (0.13 )   $ 1.91  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
    11,525,389       11,525,389       13,619,647       14,027,618  
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
Three Months Ended 2013
 
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
2013
                               
Total operating revenues
  $ 19,088     $ 19,193     $ 19,530     $ 22,939  
Total operating expenses
    17,838       18,640       20,071       39,877  
Operating income (loss)
    1,250       553       (541 )     (16,938 )
Other expense
    (9,245 )     (5,401 )     (8,533 )     (12,085 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes
    (7,995 )     (4,848 )     (9,074 )     (29,023 )
Gain (loss) on land sales
    (35 )     -       598       (1,018 )
Income tax benefit
    2,807       5,352       402       31,952  
Net income (loss) from continued operations
    (5,223 )     504       (8,074 )     1,911  
Net income from discontinued operations
    5,212       9,940       745       46,709  
Net income (loss)
    (11 )     10,444       (7,329 )     48,620  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
    385       (2,090 )     903       (9,646 )
Preferred dividend requirement
    (613 )     (613 )     (613 )     (613 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (239 )   $ 7,741     $ (7,039 )   $ 38,361  
                                 
PER SHARE DATA
                               
Earnings per share - basic
                               
Loss from continued operations
  $ (0.47 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.68 )   $ (0.72 )
Income from discontinued operations
    0.45       0.86       0.06       4.05  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.67     $ (0.62 )   $ 3.33  
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share
    11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted
                               
Loss from continued operations
  $ (0.47 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.68 )   $ (0.72 )
Income from discontinued operations
    0.45       0.86       0.06       4.05  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.67     $ (0.62 )   $ 3.33  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
    11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389  
                                 
 
 
 
 
64

 
 
   
Three Months Ended 2012
 
   
March 31,
   
June 30,
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
2012
                               
Total operating revenues
  $ 19,240     $ 19,744     $ 20,189     $ 22,676  
Total operating expenses
    18,626       17,146       17,518       20,312  
Operating income
    614       2,598       2,671       2,364  
Other expense
    (6,310 )     (6,645 )     (4,778 )     (2,288 )
Income (loss) before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes
    (5,696 )     (4,047 )     (2,107 )     76  
Gain(loss) on land sales
    (1,021 )     4,738       2,898       (1,140 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (266 )     1,763       (54 )     (1,587 )
Net income (loss) from continued operations
    (6,983 )     2,454       737       (2,651 )
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (494 )     3,275       (99 )     (2,950 )
Net income (loss)
    (7,477 )     5,729       638       (5,601 )
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
    1,177       (1,064 )     (74 )     1,087  
Preferred dividend requirement
    (613 )     (613 )     (613 )     (613 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (6,913 )   $ 4,052     $ (49 )   $ (5,127 )
                                 
PER SHARE DATA
                               
Earnings per share - basic
                               
Income (loss) from continued operations
  $ (0.56 )   $ 0.07     $ -     $ (0.19 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (0.04 )     0.28       (0.01 )     (0.26 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (0.60 )   $ 0.35     $ (0.01 )   $ (0.45 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share
    11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389       11,525,389  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted
                               
Income (loss) from continued operations
  $ (0.56 )   $ 0.03     $ -     $ (0.19 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (0.04 )     0.13       -       (0.26 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (0.60 )   $ 0.16     $ -     $ (0.45 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
    11,525,389       25,679,951       21,027,447       11,525,389  
 
 
NOTE 16.     COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND LIQUIDITY

In conjunction with its sale of Four Hickory in November 2007, the Company agreed to fund amounts to satisfy its commitment to compensate LK-Four Hickory, LLC for move-in discounts and other concessions to existing tenants at the time of sale.  The Company also has various agreements with LK-Four Hickory, LLC related to the funding of projection shortfalls, which, to date, they have not had to provide any additional funding.  In addition, related parties of the Company have active lease agreements with LK-Four Hickory, LLC and the Company has since guaranteed amounts related to certain of these leases.

On December 17, 2007, both Limkwang Nevada, Inc., the majority owner of LK-Four Hickory, LLC, and ARL unconditionally guaranteed the punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or hereafter, including all fees and expenses incurred by the bank on collection of a $28.0 million note payable for LK-Four Hickory, LLC, which has a current outstanding balance of $22.3 million.

The Company’s investment in LK-Four Hickory, LLC at January 17, 2012 was sold and the Company has additional reserves for estimated potential amounts it could be looked to if various related parties are not able to meet their obligations to LK Four Hickory, LLC.  The Company will continue to evaluate these potential estimates and also the likelihood of having to fund any of these and adjust their reserves accordingly.
 
Liquidity.     Management believes that ARL will generate excess cash flow from property operations in 2015, such excess however, will not be sufficient to discharge all of ARL’s obligations as they became due. Management intends to sell land and income producing real estate, refinance real estate and obtain additional borrowings primarily secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements.
 
Partnership Buyouts.    ARL is the limited partner in various partnerships related to the construction of residential properties. As permitted in the respective partnership agreements, ARL intends to purchase the interests of the general and any other limited partners in these partnerships subsequent to the completion of these projects. The amounts paid to buyout the nonaffiliated partners are limited to development fees earned by the nonaffiliated partners, and are set forth in the respective partnership agreements.
 
 
 
65

 
 
Disposed of Entities:
 
ART and ART Midwest, Inc.
 
While the Company and all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest are not parties to or obligated in any way for the outcome, a formerly owned entity (American Realty Trust, Inc.) and its former subsidiary (ART Midwest, Inc.) have been engaged since 1999 in litigation with Mr. David Clapper and entities related to Mr. Clapper (collectively, the “Clapper Parties”).  The matter originally involved a transaction in 1998 in which ART Midwest, Inc. was to acquire eight residential apartment complexes from the Clapper Parties.  Through the years, a number of rulings, both for and against American Realty Trust, Inc. (“ART”) and ART Midwest, Inc., were issued.  In October 2011, a ruling was issued under which the Clapper Parties received a judgment for approximately $74 million, including $26 million in actual damages and $48 million interest.  The ruling was against ART and ART Midwest, Inc., but no other entity.  During February 2014, the court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the judgment in favor of the Clapper Parties, but also ruled that a double counting of a significant portion of the damages had occurred and remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the damage award, as well as pre and post-judgment interest thereon.  ART was also a significant owner of a partnership interest in the partnership that was awarded the initial damages in this matter.

In 2005, ART filed suit against a major national law firm over the initial transaction.  That action has been abated, while the principle case with the Clapper Parties was pending, but it is likely that the action against the law firm will now continue in the near future.  The only defendants in the litigation involving the Clapper Parties are ART and ART Midwest, Inc., which, together, had total assets and net worth, as of December 31, 2012, of approximately $10 million.  In January 2012, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of ART to an unrelated party for a promissory note in the amount of $10 million.  At December 31, 2012, the Company fully reserved and valued such note at zero.

Subsequent to the sale of the ART stock in January 2012, ART instituted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.  In March 2014, the bankruptcy court dismissed the proceeding.

In August 2014, David M. Clapper and two entities related to Mr. Clapper (all, collectively, the “Clapper Parties”) filed a complaint in the U. S. District Court against the Company, its directors and certain of its officers alleging purported transactions to the detriment of the Clapper Parties and others by transferring assets, cash and diverting property.  Management of the Company believes that there is no basis for this action against the Company and its officers and directors and intends to vigorously defend itself. The August 2014 complaint does not allege any facts relating to the Company, except that the named directors and officers are directors and officers of the Company and that the Company is a Nevada corporation, with its headquarters/principal place of business in Dallas, Texas.

Management of the Company believes that the Company has no liability for any ultimate judgment in the proceeding involving the Clapper Parties; however, Management of the Company has serious reservations about the current collectability of the $10 million note and, accordingly, continues to maintain a full reservation of the value of such note at zero.

Port Olpenitz

ARL, through a foreign subsidiary, was involved in developing a maritime harbor town on the 420 acre site of the former naval base of Olpenitz in Kappeln, Germany.  Disputes with the local partner related to his mismanagement of the project resulted in his being replaced as the managing partner which was followed by a filing for bankruptcy protection in Germany to completely remove him from the project.   An insolvency manager was placed in control of the project in order to protect the creditors and as of December 31, 2013, had sold the vast majority of assets (almost all land) of the project.   The Company no longer has any financial responsibility for the obligations of the creditors related to the project and has claims filed for loans relating to our investment in the project.  Due to the questionable collectability of these loans from the proceeds of the project, the Company has written off the unreserved balance of $5.3 million in the project.  As of December 13, 2013, ARL had filed two lawsuits in Germany to recover funds invested in the project. The lawsuits are against: 1) the former German partner and his company, and 2) against the law firm in Hamburg originally hired to protect ARL’s investment in the project. At this time it is unknown how much can be recovered or how successful the litigation will be.
 
 
 
66

 

Dynex Capital, Inc.

   On February 13, 2013, the Court of Appeals, Fifth District of Texas at Dallas (the “Fifth Court of Appeals”) rendered an opinion involving TCI in Case No. 05-04-01358-CV styled Basic Capital Management, Inc., American Realty Trust, Inc., Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. v. Dynex Commercial, Inc. and Dynex Capital, Inc.  The case was on appeal from the 68th Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas, had previously been appealed to the Fifth Court of Appeals and further appealed to the Supreme Court of the State of Texas which had remanded the instant case back to the Fifth Court of Appeals to address certain issues.  The case had its origin with Dynex Commercial making loans to Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. (subsidiaries of Continental Mortgage & Equity Trust (“CMET”), an entity which merged into TCI in 1999 after the original suit was filed).  Under the original loan commitment, $160,000,000 in loans were to be made to the entities.  The loans were conditioned on the execution of a commitment between Dynex Commercial and Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“Basic”).

            An original trial to a jury resulted in the jury awarding significant damages to Basic for “lost opportunity,” awarding damages in “increased costs” and “lost opportunity” damages to ART and damages of $960,646 in “increased costs” and $11,161,520 for “lost opportunity’ damages in favor of TCI and its subsidiaries (a total of $12,122,166).  The original Trial Court ignored the jury’s findings and entered a “Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict” (“JNOV”) in Dynex’s favor; the Fifth Court of Appeals has now ruled that the JNOV was improper because there was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s findings.  As a result, the Fifth Court of Appeals ordered the Trial Court to enter a new judgment consistent with the jury’s original findings.

          The Fifth Court of Appeals also determined that TCI was entitled to damages for “lost opportunities” relating to tenant improvements and awarded TCI an additional $252,577.  Issues relating to attorneys fees were also addressed with the Fifth Court of Appeals ordering the Trial Court to “re-try” the issue of attorney’s fees to determine the amount of fees to which TCI would be entitled on a “breach of commitment” claim.  In addition, as a result of the changes in amounts awarded and passage of time, the Fifth Court of Appeals also ordered the Trial Court to recalculate the correct amounts of pre and post-judgment interest owed to Appellants.

     While the fifteen year old controversy is not yet fully resolved, the Fifth Court of Appeals opinion is favorable to TCI, but TCI expects continued challenges by Dynex to the Fifth Court of Appeals opinion and any ultimate award of damages by the Trial Court.

  ARL is also involved in various other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management is of the opinion that the outcome of these lawsuits will have no material impact on ARL’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
Other Litigation.     The ownership of property and provision of services to the public as tenants entails an inherent risk of liability. Although the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various items of litigation incidental to and in the ordinary course of its business, in the opinion of Management, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operation or liquidity, unless notes otherwise above.
 
 
 The Company is involved in and vigorously defending against other deficiency claims with respect to assets that have been foreclosed by various lenders. Such claims are generally against a consolidated subsidiary as the borrower or the Company as a guarantor of indebtedness or performance. Some of these proceedings may ultimately result in an unfavorable determination for the Company and/or one of its consolidated subsidiaries. While we cannot predict the final result of such proceedings, Management believes that the maximum exposure to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, if any, will not exceed approximately $20 million in the aggregate and will occur, if at all, in future years.
 
 
NOTE 17.     EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Earnings per share (“EPS”) have been computed pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share.” The computation of basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations, adjusted for preferred dividends, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Shares issued during the period shall be weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.
 
 As of December 31, 2014, we have 2,461,252 shares of Series A 10.0% cumulative convertible preferred stock, which are outstanding. These shares may be converted into common stock at 90% of the average daily closing price of the common stock for the prior 20 trading days. These are considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the effect of applying the if-converted method is dilutive.  Of the outstanding 2,461,252 shares of Series A 10.0% cumulative convertible preferred stock, there were 300,000 shares owned by ART Edina, Inc. and 600,000 shares owned by ART Hotel Equities, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ARL. As of May 30, 2014, these 900,000 shares were transferred to ARL.  Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

Prior to July 17, 2014, RAI owned 2,451,435 shares of the outstanding Series A 10.0.0% convertible preferred stock and had accrued dividends unpaid of $15.1 million. On July 17, 2014, RAI converted 890,797 shares, including $6.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 2,502,230 new shares of ARL common stock. As of December 31, 2014, RAI owns 1,560,638 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and has accrued dividends unpaid of $9.6 million.
 
The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.
 
 
 
67

 
 
As of December 31, 2014, we have 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding.  The outstanding options are considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the effect of applying the “treasury stock” method is dilutive. These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the preferred stock and the stock options were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the EPS calculation.
 
NOTE 18.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
The date to which events occurring after December 31, 2014, the date of the most recent balance sheet, have been evaluated for possible adjustment to the financial statements or disclosure is March 30, 2015, which is the date on which the financial statements were available to be issued.

On January 30, 2015, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Heather Creek apartments, a 200-unit complex located in Mesquite, Texas, for a new mortgage of $11.5 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $11.5 million and $0.3 million in closing costs.  The note accrues interest at 3.24% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing August 1, 2050.

On February 9, 2015, TCI purchased 100% of the membership interest in Holland Lake Partners, Ltd, which owns Residences at Holland Lake apartments, a 208-unit complex located in Weatherford, Texas, from FBH, a related party under common control, for $4.7 millions.  TCI assumed the current mortgage of $12.0 million.

On February 9, 2015, TCI purchased 100% of the membership interest in Mount Drive, LLC, which owns Overlook at Allensville apartments, a 144-unit complex located in Seiverville, Tennessee, from FBH, a related party under common control, for $2.5 million.  TCI assumed the current mortgage of $11.6 million.


 
 
68

 

Schedule III
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
REAL ESTATE ACCUMULATED APPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
           
Cost Capitalized
 Subsequent to
 
 Asset
 
 
 Gross Amounts of Which
     
Life on
Which
     
Initial Cost
 
Acquisition
Impairment
Carried at End of Year
     
Depreciation
                               
In Latest
                               
Statement
       
 
Building &
   
 
 Asset
   
 
Building &
 
 
Accumulated
 
Date of
 
Date
of Operation
Property/Location
Encumbrances
Land
Improvements
Improvements
Impairment
Land
Improvements
Total
Depreciation
Construction
Acquired
is Computed
 
 (dollars in thousands)
Properties Held for Investment
                               
Apartments
                               
Anderson Estates, Oxford, MS
845
 
378
2,683
 
313
 
                        -
 
                691
                2,683
              3,374
               598
2003
01/06
40 years
Blue Lake Villas I, Waxahachie, TX
10,267
 
439
9,979
 
292
 
                        -
 
                439
              10,271
            10,710
            3,020
2003
01/02
40 years
Blue Lake Villas II, Waxahachie, TX
3,953
 
287
4,451
 
45
 
                        -
 
                287
                4,496
              4,783
               791
2004
01/04
40 years
Breakwater Bay, Beaumont, TX
9,579
 
740
10,435
 
63
 
                        -
 
                740
              10,498
            11,238
            2,589
2004
05/03
40 years
Bridgewood Ranch, Kaufman, TX
6,544
 
762
6,856
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                762
                6,856
              7,618
            1,205
2007
04/08
40 years
Capitol Hill, Little Rock, AR
9,189
 
1,860
7,948
 
55
 
                        -
 
             1,860
                8,003
              9,863
            2,093
2003
03/03
40 years
Curtis Moore Estates, Greenwood, MS
1,525
 
186
5,732
 
757
 
                        -
 
                847
                5,828
              6,675
            1,437
2003
01/06
40 years
Dakota Arms, Lubbock, TX
12,009
 
921
12,644
 
231
 
                        -
 
                921
              12,875
            13,796
            3,214
2004
01/04
40 years
David Jordan Phase II, Greenwood, MS
584
 
52
1,521
 
225
 
                        -
 
                277
                1,521
              1,798
               374
1999
01/06
40 years
David Jordan Phase III, Greenwood, MS
602
 
83
2,115
 
356
 
                        -
 
                439
                2,115
              2,554
               472
2003
01/06
40 years
Desoto Ranch, DeSoto, TX
15,578
 
1,349
16,784
 
65
 
                        -
 
             1,349
              16,849
            18,198
            4,552
2002
05/02
40 years
Falcon Lakes, Arlington, TX
12,923
 
1,319
14,039
 
339
 
                        -
 
             1,319
              14,378
            15,697
            4,517
2001
10/01
40 years
Heather Creek, Mesquite, TX
11,511
 
1,327
12,015
 
69
 
                        -
 
             1,345
              12,066
            13,411
            3,015
2003
03/03
40 years
Lake Forest, Houston, TX
12,385
 
335
12,268
 
1,519
 
                        -
 
                335
              13,787
            14,122
            3,217
2004
01/04
40 years
Legacy at Pleasant Grove, Texarkana, TX
15,253
 
2,005
17,892
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             2,005
              17,892
            19,897
                 37
2006
12/14
40 years
Lodge at Pecan Creek, Denton, TX
16,025
 
1,349
16,180
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,349
              16,180
            17,529
            1,228
2011
10/05
40 years
Mansions of Mansfield, Mansfield, TX
15,855
 
977
17,799
 
54
 
                        -
 
                977
              17,853
            18,830
            2,563
2009
09/05
40 years
Mission Oaks, San Antonio, TX
15,123
 
1,266
16,627
 
212
 
                        -
 
             1,266
              16,839
            18,105
            3,239
2005
05/05
40 years
Monticello Estate, Monticello, AR
470
 
36
1,493
 
263
 
                        -
 
                284
                1,508
              1,792
               348
2001
01/06
40 years
Northside on Travis, Sherman, TX
13,533
 
1,301
14,560
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,301
              14,560
            15,861
            1,942
2009
10/07
40 years
Park at Clarksville, Clarksville, TN
13,075
 
571
14,300
 
118
 
                        -
 
                587
              14,402
            14,989
            2,290
2007
06/02
40 years
Parc at Denham Springs, Denham Springs, LA
19,030
 
1,022
20,188
 
8
 
                        -
 
             1,022
              20,196
            21,218
            1,999
2011
07/07
40 years
Parc at Maumelle, Little Rock, AR
16,182
 
1,048
17,688
 
617
 
                        -
 
             1,048
              18,305
            19,353
            3,746
2006
12/04
40 years
Parc at Metro Center, Nashville, TN
10,637
 
947
12,226
 
556
 
                        -
 
                947
              12,782
            13,729
            2,704
2006
05/05
40 years
Parc at Rogers, Rogers, AR
15,860
 
1,482
22,993
 
286
 
              (3,180)
 
             1,748
              19,833
            21,581
            3,649
2007
04/04
40 years
Preserve at Pecan Creek, Denton, TX
14,722
 
885
16,626
 
59
 
                        -
 
                902
              16,668
            17,570
            2,634
2008
10/05
40 years
Riverwalk Phase I, Greenville, MS
301
 
23
1,537
 
175
 
                        -
 
                198
                1,537
              1,735
               386
2003
01/06
40 years
Riverwalk Phase II, Greenville, MS
1,155
 
52
4,007
 
364
 
                        -
 
                297
                4,126
              4,423
            1,262
2003
01/06
40 years
Sonoma Court, Rockwall, TX
10,850
 
941
11,074
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                941
              11,074
            12,015
               917
2011
07/10
40 years
Sugar Mill, Baton Rouge, LA
11,570
 
1,437
13,367
 
160
 
                        -
 
             1,437
              13,527
            14,964
            1,815
2009
08/08
40 years
Toulon, Gautier, MS
20,820
 
1,621
20,107
 
372
 
                        -
 
             1,993
              20,107
            22,100
            1,788
2011
09/09
40 years
Treehouse, Irving, TX
5,753
 
162
2,807
 
233
 
                        -
 
                200
                3,002
              3,202
               780
1974
05/04
40 years
Villas at Park West I, Pueblo, CO
10,716
 
1,171
10,453
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,171
              10,453
            11,624
                 22
2005
12/14
40 years
Villas at Park West II, Pueblo, CO
9,686
 
1,463
13,060
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,463
              13,060
            14,523
                 27
2010
12/14
40 years
Vistas of Vance Jackson, San Antonio, TX
15,511
 
1,265
16,539
 
188
 
                        -
 
             1,327
              16,665
            17,992
            3,887
2004
01/04
40 years
Whispering Pines, Topeka, KS
8,903
 
243
4,831
 
1,274
 
                        -
 
                243
                6,105
              6,348
            5,231
1974
02/78
40 years
Windsong, Fort Worth, TX
10,309
 
790
11,526
 
69
 
                        -
 
                790
              11,595
            12,385
            3,133
2002
07/03
40 years
Total Apartments Held for Investment
 $     378,833
 
 $         32,095
 $          417,350
 
 $             9,337
 
 $           (3,180)
 
 $        35,107
 $         420,495
 $       455,602
 $       76,721
     
                                 
Apartments Under Construction
                               
Parc at Mansfield, Mansfield, TX
1,250
 
543
                       -
 
969
 
                        -
 
                543
                   969
              1,512
                    -
                   -
12/14
                   -
Total Apartments Under Construction
 $         1,250
 
 $              543
 $                      -
 
 $                969
 
 $                     -
 
 $             543
 $                969
 $           1,512
 $                 -
     
                                 
Commercial
                               
600 Las Colinas, Las Colinas, TX
          40,410
 
              5,751
               51,759
 
              11,768
 
                        -
 
             5,751
63,527
            69,278
          17,833
1984
08/05
40 years
Bridgeview Plaza, LaCrosse, WI
            5,956
 
                      -
                         -
 
                   965
 
                        -
 
                     -
965
                 965
               361
1979
03/03
40 years
Browning Place (Park West I), Farmers Branch, TX
          23,816
 
              5,096
               45,868
 
              12,487
 
                        -
 
             5,096
58,355
            63,451
          15,901
1984
04/05
40 years
Mahogany Run Golf Course, US Virgin Islands
            6,625
 
              7,058
                 5,920
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             7,058
5,920
            12,978
                    -
1981
11/14
40 years
Cross County Mall, Matoon, IL
            8,177
 
                 608
                 4,891
 
                8,533
 
                        -
 
             1,394
12,638
            14,032
          12,039
1971
08/79
40 years
Fruitland Plaza, Fruitland Park, FL
                    -
 
                   23
                         -
 
                     66
 
                        -
 
                  23
66
                   89
                 27
05/92
40 years
Senlac VHP,  Farmers Branch, TX
                 29
 
                 616
                         -
 
                   142
 
                        -
 
                616
142
                 758
               121
08/05
40 years
Stanford Center, Dallas, TX
          28,000
 
              3,878
               34,862
 
                2,506
 
              (9,600)
 
             3,878
27,768
            31,646
            6,474
06/08
40 years
Total Commercial Held for Investment
 $     113,013
 
 $         23,030
 $          143,300
 
 $           36,467
 
 $           (9,600)
 
 $        23,816
 $         169,381
 $       193,197
 $       52,756
     
 
 
 
69

 
 
Schedule III
(Continued)
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
REAL ESTATE ACCUMULATED APPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
           
 Cost Capitalized
Subsequent to
 
 Asset
 
 
 Gross Amounts of Which
     
Life on Which
     
Initial Cost
 
Acquisition
Impairment
Carried at End of Year
     
Depreciation
                               
In Latest
                               
Statement
       
 
 Building &
   
 
 Asset
   
 
Building &
 
 
Accumulated
 
Date of
 
Date
of Operation
Property/Location
Encumbrances
Land
Improvements
Improvements
Impairment
Land
Improvements
Total
Depreciation
Construction
Acquired
is Computed
 
(dollars in thousands)
                                 
Land
                               
2427 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX
                    -
 
76
   
                        -
 
                        -
 
                  76
                        -
                   76
                    -
07/12
Audubon, Adams County, MS
                    -
 
518
                         -
 
                   297
 
                        -
 
                815
                        -
                 815
                    -
03/07
Bonneau Land, Farmers Branch, TX
                    -
 
1,309
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,309
                        -
              1,309
                    -
12/14
Cooks Lane, Fort Worth, TX
               830
 
1,094
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,094
                        -
              1,094
                    -
06/04
Dedeaux, Gulfport, MS
               616
 
1,612
                         -
 
                     46
 
                   (38)
 
             1,620
                        -
              1,620
                    -
10/06
Denham Springs, Denham Springs, LA
               322
 
339
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                339
                        -
                 339
                    -
08/08
Gautier Land, Gautier, MS
                    -
 
                 202
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                202
                        -
                 202
                    -
07/98
GNB Land, Farmers Branch, TX
          13,285
 
              4,385
                         -
 
                     32
 
                        -
 
             4,417
                        -
              4,417
                    -
07/06
Hollywood Casino Land Tract II, Farmers Branch, TX
            3,048
 
              3,192
                         -
 
                   748
 
                        -
 
             3,940
                        -
              3,940
                    -
03/08
Lacy Longhorn Land, Farmers Branch, TX
                    -
 
                 408
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                408
                        -
                 408
                    -
06/04
LaDue Land, Farmers Branch, TX
               675
 
              1,845
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,845
                        -
              1,845
                    -
07/98
Lake Shore Villas, Humble, TX
                    -
 
                   81
                         -
 
                       3
 
                        -
 
                  84
                        -
                   84
                    -
03/02
Lubbock Land, Lubbock, TX
                    -
 
                 234
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                234
                        -
                 234
                    -
01/04
Luna Ventures, Farmers Branch TX
                    -
 
              2,934
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             2,934
                        -
              2,934
                    -
04/08
Manhattan Land, Farmers Branch, TX
                   1
 
              4,455
                         -
 
                2,770
 
                        -
 
             7,225
                        -
              7,225
                    -
02/00
McKinney 36, Collin County, TX
            3,471
 
              1,769
                         -
 
                   298
 
                   (58)
 
             2,009
                        -
              2,009
                    -
01/98
McKinney Ranch Land, McKinney, TX
            5,052
 
            13,077
                         -
 
                   429
 
              (2,089)
 
           11,417
                        -
            11,417
                    -
12/05
Meloy/Portage Land, Kent OH
            1,400
 
              5,119
                         -
 
                        -
 
              (1,069)
 
             4,050
                        -
              4,050
                    -
02/04
Minivest Land, Dallas, TX
                    -
 
                     7
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                    7
                        -
                     7
                    -
04/13
Mira Lago,  Farmers Branch, TX
                    -
 
                   53
                         -
 
                     15
 
                        -
 
                  68
                        -
                   68
                    -
05/01
Nakash, Malden, MO
                    -
 
                 103
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                103
                        -
                 103
                    -
01/93
Nashville, Nashville, TN
                    -
 
                 872
                         -
 
                   101
 
                        -
 
                973
                        -
                 973
                    -
06/02
Nicholson Croslin, Dallas, TX
                   2
 
                   66
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                  66
                        -
                   66
                    -
10/98
Nicholson Mendoza, Dallas, TX
                    -
 
                   29
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                  29
                        -
                   29
                    -
10/98
Ocean Estates, Gulfport, MS
                    -
 
              1,418
                         -
 
                   390
 
                        -
 
             1,808
                        -
              1,808
                    -
10/07
Seminary West, Fort Worth, TX
                    -
 
                 146
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                146
                        -
                 146
                    -
07/01
Senlac Land Tract II, Farmers Branch, TX
                    -
 
                 656
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                656
                        -
                 656
                    -
08/05
Sugar Mill Land, Baton Rouge, LA
               245
 
                 445
                         -
 
                     90
 
                        -
 
                535
                        -
                 535
                    -
08/13
Texas Plaza Land, Irving, TX
               270
 
              1,738
                         -
 
                        -
 
                 (238)
 
             1,500
                        -
              1,500
                    -
12/06
Three Hickory Land, Farmers Branch, TX
                    -
 
              1,202
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,202
                        -
              1,202
                    -
03/14
Travelers Land, Farmers Branch, TX
          10,240
 
            24,511
                         -
 
                       4
 
                        -
 
           24,515
                        -
            24,515
                    -
11/06
Travelers Land, Farmers Branch, TX
               955
 
              1,913
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,913
                        -
              1,913
                    -
11/06
Travis Ranch Land, Kaufman County, TX
757
 
              1,030
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,030
                        -
              1,030
                    -
08/08
Travis Ranch Retail, Kaufman City, TX
                    -
 
              1,517
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             1,517
                        -
              1,517
                    -
08/08
Union Pacific Railroad Land, Dallas, TX
                    -
 
                 130
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                130
                        -
                 130
                    -
03/04
US Virgin Islands - Pearl, US Virgin Islands
            2,424
 
            14,125
                         -
 
                2,663
 
                        -
 
           16,788
                        -
            16,788
                    -
10/08
Valley View 34 (Mercer Crossing), Farmers Branch, TX
               139
 
                 228
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                228
                        -
                 228
                    -
08/08
Valley View/Senlac, Farmers Branch, TX
                 14
 
                 796
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                796
                        -
                 796
                    -
12/05
Valwood Land, Farmers Branch, TX
            1,252
 
              3,332
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
             3,332
                        -
              3,332
                    -
03/14
Waco 151 Land, Waco, TX
            1,030
 
              2,106
                         -
 
                        -
 
              (1,207)
 
                899
                        -
                 899
                    -
04/07
Waco Swanson, Waco, TX
                    -
 
                 173
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                173
                        -
                 173
                    -
08/06
Walker Land, Dallas County, TX
            5,252
 
            13,105
                         -
 
                     70
 
                        -
 
           13,175
                        -
            13,175
                    -
09/06
Willowick Land, Pensacola, FL
                    -
 
                 137
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                137
                        -
                 137
                    -
01/95
Windmill Farms Land, Kaufman County, TX
          30,074
 
            54,536
                         -
 
              10,631
 
            (21,008)
 
           44,159
                        -
            44,159
                    -
11/11
Total Land Held for Investment
 $       81,354
 
 $       167,023
 $                      -
 
 $           18,587
 
 $         (25,707)
 
 $      159,903
 $                     -
 $       159,903
 $                 -
     
 
 
 
70

 
 
Schedule III
(Continued)
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
REAL ESTATE ACCUMULATED APPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
           
 Cost Capitalized
Subsequent to
 
 Asset
 
 
 Gross Amounts of Which
     
Life on Which
     
Initial Cost
 
Acquisition
Impairment
Carried at End of Year
     
Depreciation
                               
In Latest
                               
Statement
       
 
 Building &
   
 
 Asset
   
 
Building &
 
 
Accumulated
 
Date of
 
Date
of Operation
Property/Location
Encumbrances
Land
Improvements
Improvements
Impairment
Land
Improvements
Total
Depreciation
Construction
Acquired
is Computed
 
(dollars in thousands)
Corporate Departments/Investments/Misc.
                             
TCI - Corporate
          14,797
 
                      -
   
                        -
     
                     -
                        -
                     -
                    -
ARI - Corporate
          45,666
 
                      -
                         -
 
                        -
     
                     -
                        -
                     -
                    -
Total Corporate Debt
 $       60,463
 
                    -
 $                    -
 
 $                   -
 
 $                   -
 
 $                -
 $                   -
 $                -
 $               -
     
                                 
Total Properties Held for Investment/Corporate Debt
 $     634,913
 
 $       222,691
 $          560,650
 
 $           65,360
 
 $         (38,487)
 
 $      219,369
 $         590,845
 $       810,214
 $     129,477
     
                                 
Properties Held for Sale
                               
Commercial
                               
Dunes Plaza, Michigan City, IN
               452
 
                      -
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                     -
                        -
                     -
                    -
1978
03/92
40 years
Fenton Center (Park West II),
            1,100
 
                      -
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                     -
                        -
                     -
                    -
1978
03/92
40 years
Total Commercial Held for Sale
 $         1,552
 
 $                   -
 $                      -
 
 $                     -
 
 $                     -
 
 $                  -
 $                     -
 $                  -
 $                 -
     
                                 
Total Properties Held for Sale
 $         1,552
 
 $                   -
 $                      -
 
 $                     -
 
 $                     -
 
 $                  -
 $                     -
 $                  -
 $                 -
     
                                 
Properties Subject to Sales Contract
                             
Apartments
                               
Quail Hollow, Holland, OH
          11,129
 
              1,406
               12,651
 
                     41
 
              (1,998)
 
             1,406
              10,694
            12,100
            2,125
2000
04/08
40 years
Total Aparments Subject to Sales Contract
 $       11,129
 
 $           1,406
 $            12,651
 
 $                  41
 
 $           (1,998)
 
 $          1,406
 $           10,694
 $         12,100
 $         2,125
     
                                 
Commercial
                               
Thermalloy, Farmers Branch, TX
                 51
 
                 791
                 1,061
 
                        -
     
                791
                1,061
              1,852
               175
05/08
40 years
Total Commercial Subject to Sales Contract
 $              51
 
 $              791
 $              1,061
 
 $                     -
 
 $                     -
 
 $             791
 $             1,061
 $           1,852
 $            175
     
                                 
Land
                               
Dominion Tract, Dallas, TX
 $         1,473
 
 $           2,083
 $                      -
 
 $                  48
 
                 (133)
 
 $          1,998
 $                     -
 $           1,998
 $                 -
03/99
Hollywood Casino Tract I, Farmers Branch, TX
            2,571
 
              3,321
                         -
 
                   147
 
                 (176)
 
             3,292
                        -
              3,292
                    -
06/02
Hunter Equities Land, Dallas, TX
                    -
 
                 398
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                398
                        -
                 398
                    -
07/08
Pioneer Crossing Tract I, Austin, TX
            2,058
 
                      -
                         -
 
                        -
 
                        -
 
                     -
                        -
                     -
                    -
03/06
Whorton Land, Bentonville, AR
            1,737
 
              4,291
                         -
 
                   391
 
              (2,996)
 
             1,686
                        -
              1,686
                    -
06/05
Total Land Subject to Sales Contract
 $         7,839
 
 $         10,093
 $                      -
 
 $                586
 
 $           (3,305)
 
 $          7,374
 $                     -
 $           7,374
 $                 -
     
                                 
Total Properties Subject to Sales Contract
 $       19,019
 
 $         12,290
 $            13,712
 
 $                627
 
 $           (5,303)
 
 $          9,571
 $           11,755
 $         21,326
 $         2,300
     
                                 
TOTAL:  Real Estate
 $     655,484
 
 $       234,981
 $          574,362
 
 $           65,987
##
 $         (43,790)
 
 $      228,940
 $         602,600
 $       831,540
 $     131,777
     
 
 
 
71

 
 
               
SCHEDULE III
 
               
(Continued)
 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
 
As of December 31,
 
                   
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(dollars in thousansds)
 
Reconciliation of Real Estate
                 
Balance at January 1,
  $ 848,062     $ 1,111,299     $ 1,196,662  
          Additions
                       
                    Acquisitions, improvements and construction
    75,945       (22,346 )     11,860  
          Deductions
                       
                    Sale of real estate
    (92,467 )     (229,661 )     (89,978 )
                    Asset impairments
    -       (11,230 )     (7,245 )
Balance at December 31,
  $ 831,540     $ 848,062     $ 1,111,299  
                         
Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation
                       
Balance at January 1,
  $ 147,768     $ 180,866     $ 170,032  
           Additions
                       
                    Depreciation
    18,077       21,816       22,494  
           Deductions
                       
                    Sale of real estate
    (34,068 )     (54,914 )     (11,660 )
Balance at December 31,
  $ 131,777     $ 147,768     $ 180,866  
 
 
 
 
72

 
 
SCHEDULE IV
  
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest
Rate
 
 
 
Final
Maturity
Date
 
 
 
Periodic
Payment
Terms
 
 
 
 
Prior
Liens
 
 
 
Face
Amount of
Mortgage
 
 
 
 Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
 
Principal
or Loans
Subject to
Delinquent
 Principal
or Interest
  (dollars in thousands)
JUNIOR MORTGAGE LOANS
                           
2410 Partnership
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              145
 
              145
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Christine Tunney
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                49
 
                49
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Compton Partners
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              289
 
              289
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
David Monier
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Earl Samson III
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Edward Samson III
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Holland Lake Acquisition Fee)
12.00%
 
12/17
 
Excess cash flow
 
        11,971
 
           1,674
 
           1,674
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
 Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Holland Lake)
 
12.00%
 
12/19
 
Excess cash flow
 
        11,971
 
           4,698
 
           4,698
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Overlook at Allensville Acquisition Fee)
12.00%
 
12/17
 
Excess cash flow
 
        11,594
 
           1,408
 
           1,408
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Overlook at Allensville)
12.00%
 
11/19
 
Excess cash flow
 
        11,594
 
           2,472
 
           2,472
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Preserve @ Prairie Pointe Acquisition Fee)
12.00%
 
3/17
 
Excess cash flow
 
        10,301
 
           1,156
 
           1,156
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Preserve @ Prairie Pointe Acquisition)
12.00%
 
3/19
 
Excess cash flow
 
        10,301
 
           1,810
 
           1,810
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Vista Ridge Apts Acquisition Fee)
12.00%
 
6/17
 
Excess cash flow
 
        10,907
 
           1,492
 
           1,492
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
Foundation for Better Housing, Inc (Vista Ridge Apts)
 
12.00%
 
4/19
 
Excess cash flow
 
        10,907
 
           3,923
 
           3,923
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Foundation for Better Housing, Inc.
                         
 
 
 
73

 
 
SCHEDULE IV
(Continued)
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest
Rate
 
 
 
Final
Maturity
Date
 
 
 
Periodic
Payment
Terms
 
 
 
 
Prior
Liens
 
 
 
Face
Amount of
Mortgage
 
 
 
 Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
Principal
or Loans
Subject to
Delinquent
Principal
or Interest
  (dollars in thousands)
Hammon Operating Corporation
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              193
 
              193
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Harold Wolfe
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              193
 
              193
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Herrick Partners
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                91
 
                91
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
HGH Residential, LLC (Tradewinds Dev)
 
12.00%
 
7/19
 
Excess cash flow
     
           6,131
 
           6,131
 
                   -
Percentage interest in Heritage Guaranty Holdings, Inc.
                           
Mary Anna MacLean
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              193
 
              193
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Michael Monier
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              304
 
              304
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Michale Witte
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Palmer Brown Madden
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Quintin Smith Jr.
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              193
 
              193
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Richard Schmaltz
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              203
 
              203
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Robert Baylis
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              193
 
              193
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Sherman Bull
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
              193
 
              193
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Cliffs of El Dorado/UH of McKinney,LLC)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        12,911
 
           2,469
 
           2,097
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Mckinney, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Echo Station)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
          9,862
 
           1,809
 
           1,481
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Temple, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Inwood on the Park/UH of Inwood,LLC)                                                                             
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        22,526
 
           5,462
 
           5,059
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Inwood, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Kensington Park/UH of Kensington,LLC)                                                                                        
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        19,097
 
           4,310
 
           3,936
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Kensington, LLC
                           
 
 
 
74

 
 
SCHEDULE IV
(Continued)
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest
Rate
 
 
 
Final
Maturity
Date
 
 
 
Periodic
Payment
Terms
 
 
 
 
Prior
Liens
 
 
 
Face
Amount of
Mortgage
 
 
 
 Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
Principal
or Loans
Subject to
Delinquent
 Principal
or Interest
  (dollars in thousands)
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble,LLC)  (31.5% of cash flow)
12.00%
 
12/32
Excess cash flow
 
        15,965
 
           8,836
 
           6,363
 
                   -
Interest in Unified Housing Foundation Inc.
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble,LLC)                                                                                            
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        15,965
 
           2,959
 
           2,733
 
                   -
100% Interest in HFS of Humble, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        13,893
 
           9,216
 
           4,663
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Austin, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        13,893
 
           9,216
 
           3,057
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Austin, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch/UH of Vista Ridge,LLC)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        18,948
 
         12,335
 
           8,250
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Vista Ridge, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Parkside Crossing)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        11,730
 
           2,772
 
           2,272
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Parkside Crossing, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock I)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        14,932
 
           2,794
 
           2,485
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill I, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock II)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        14,213
 
           2,843
 
           2,555
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        23,285
 
         12,663
 
           9,986
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Sendero Ridge, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Timbers of Terrell)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
          7,396
 
           1,702
 
           1,323
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Terrell, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Tivoli)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        10,606
 
         12,761
 
           7,966
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Tivoli, LLC
                           
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Trails at White Rock)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        22,011
 
           4,245
 
           3,815
 
                   -
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill III, LLC
                           
William H. Ingram
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
William S. Urkiel
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                 
                   -
Willingham Revocable Trust
 
10.00%
 
09/17
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
                96
 
                96
 
                   -
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.
                   
Various non-related party notes
 
various
 
various
     
                -
 
              507
 
              507
 
                   -
Various related party notes
 
various
 
various
     
                -
 
           7,002
 
           6,889
 
                   -
 
 
 
75

 
 
SCHEDULE IV
(Continued)
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest
Rate
 
 
 
Final
Maturity
Date
 
 
 
Periodic
Payment
Terms
 
 
 
 
Prior
Liens
 
 
 
Face
Amount of
Mortgage
 
 
 
 Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
Principal
or Loans
Subject to
Delinquent
Principal
or Interest
  (dollars in thousands)
UNSECURED LOANS
                         
                   -
Leman Development, Ltd. (1)
 
0.00%
 
N/A
     
                  -
 
           1,500
 
           1,500
 
                   -
One Realco Corporation (1)
 
3.00%
 
01/17
 
Interest and principal due at maturity.
                  -
 
         10,000
 
           7,000
 
                   -
Realty Advisors Management, Inc.
 
2.20%
 
12/16
 
Interest only paid quarterly.
                  -
 
         20,387
 
         20,387
 
                   -
Tracy Suttles (1)
 
18.00%
 
11/13
 
Interest and principal due at maturity.
                  -
 
           2,147
 
           1,077
 
             1,077
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.
 
12.00%
 
12/15
 
Excess cash flow
     
           2,665
 
           2,665
 
                   -
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.
 
12.00%
 
12/16
 
Excess cash flow
     
           3,657
 
           3,657
 
                   -
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.
 
12.00%
 
12/17
 
Excess cash flow
     
           1,207
 
           1,207
 
                   -
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.
 
12.00%
 
6/17
 
Excess cash flow
     
           1,261
 
           1,261
 
                   -
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble,LLC) (68.5% of cash flow)
12.00%
 
12/32
 
Excess cash flow
 
        15,965
 
           2,189
 
           2,000
 
                   -
                       
 $    143,962
   
                   
     Accrued interest
           8,683
   
                   
     Allowance for estimated losses
       (18,279)
   
                       
 $    134,366
   
(1) Fully reserved
                           
 
 
 
76

 
 
SCHEDULE IV
(Continued)
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
MORTGAGE LOAN RECEIVABLES ON REAL ESTATE
 
As of December 31,
 
   
 
             
   
 
             
         
 
       
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Balance at January 1,
  $ 156,415     $ 125,173     $ 114,923  
Additions
                       
New mortgage loans  
    32,380       -       18,590  
Funding of existing loans  
    -       22,445       1  
Increase (decrease) of interest receivable on mortgage loans  
    (10,097 )     13,267       (2,749 )
Deductions
                       
Amounts received
    (25,492 )     (3,327 )     (3,913 )
Non-cash reductions  
    (561 )     (1,143 )     (1,679 )
                         
Balance at December 31,  
  $ 152,645     $ 156,415     $ 125,173  
 
 
 
 
77

 
 
 
ITEM 9.     CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
ITEM  9A.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting. These limitations include the possibility of human error, the circumvention of overriding of the system and reasonable resource constraints. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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 policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on management’s assessments and those criteria, management has concluded that Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.
 
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial report. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
In preparation for management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, we documented and tested the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item  9B.    OTHER INFORMATION
 
Not applicable.
 
 
 
78

 
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Directors
 
The affairs of ARL are managed by a Board of Directors. The Directors are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders or are appointed by the incumbent Board and serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until a successor has been elected or appointed.
 
It is the Board’s objective that a majority of the Board consists of independent directors.  For a Director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the Director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with ARL.  The Board has established guidelines to assist it in determining director independence which conform to, or are more exacting than, the independence requirements in the New York Stock Exchange listing rules.  The independence guidelines are set forth in ARL’s “Corporate Governance Guidelines”.  The text of this document has been posted on ARL’s Internet website at http://www.amrealtytrust.com and is available in print to any shareholder who requests it.  In addition to applying these guidelines, the Board will consider all relevant facts and circumstances in making an independence determination.
 
ARL has adopted a code of conduct that applies to all Directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. Stockholders may find our code of conduct on our website by going to our website address at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. We will post any amendments to the code of conduct, as well as any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, on our website.
 
Our Board of Directors has adopted charters for our Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees of the Board of Directors. Stockholders may find these documents on our website by going to the website address at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. You may also obtain a printed copy of the materials referred to by contacting us at the following address:
 
American Realty Investors, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800
Dallas, Texas 75234
Telephone: 469-522-4200
 
All members of the Audit Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee must be independent directors. Members of the Audit Committee must also satisfy additional independence requirements, which provide (i) that they may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or compensatory fee from ARL or any of its subsidiaries other than their Director’s compensation (other than in their capacity as a member of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors, or any other committee of the Board), and (ii) no member of the Audit Committee may be an “affiliated person” of ARL or any of its subsidiaries, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
The current Directors of ARL are listed below, together with their ages, terms of service, all positions and offices with ARL and its advisor Pillar,  their principal occupations, business experience, and directorships with other companies during the last five years or more. The designation “affiliated”, when used below with respect to a Director, means that the Director is an officer, director, or employee of  Pillar, an officer of the Company, or an officer or director of a related party of the Company. The designation “independent,” when used below with respect to a Director, means that the Director is neither an officer of the Company nor a director, officer, or employee of  Pillar (but may be a director of the Company), although the Company may have certain business or professional relationships with such Director as discussed in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence”.
 
HENRY A. BUTLER:  Age 64, Director (Affiliated) (since July 2003) and Chairman of the Board since May 2009.
 
Mr. Butler is Vice President Land Sales for Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC (since April 2011), and its predecessor, Prime Income Asset Management, LLC (July 2003 to April 2011).  Mr. Butler is Chairman of the Board (since May 28, 2009) and a Director (since July 2003) of the Company.  He is also Chairman of the Board (since May 2009) and a Director (since December 2001) of TCI and Chairman of the Board (since May 2011) and a Director (since February 2011) of IOT.
 
ROBERT A. JAKUSZEWSKI: Age 52, Director (Independent) (since November 2005).
 
   Mr. Jakuszewski is currently a Medical Specialist for VAYA Pharma, Inc.  He was the Senior Medical Liaison (January 2013 to July 2013) for Vein Clinics of America, and Vice President of Sales and Marketing (September 1998 to December 2012) of New Horizon Communications, Inc.  Mr. Jakuszewski has been a Director of the Company since his election on November 22, 2005. He is also a director of TCI (since November 2005) and a Director of IOT (since March 2004).
 
 
 
79

 
 
SHARON HUNT, Age 72, Director (Independent) (since October 2011).
 
    Ms. Hunt is a licensed Realtor in Arkansas with Keystone Realty.  Ms. Hunt has been a Director of the Company since her election on October 25, 2011 and previously (February 2004 to January 2011).  She is also a Director of TCI (since October 2011) and previously (February 2004 to January 2011), and a Director of IOT (since October, 2011).
 
TED R. MUNSELLE: Age 59, Director (Independent) (since February 2004).
 
Mr. Munselle is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since October 1998) of Landmark Nurseries, Inc.  On February 17, 2012, he was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors for Spindletop Oil & Gas Company and as Chairman of their Audit Committee.  Spindletop’s stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market.  He is a certified public accountant (since 1980).  Mr. Munselle has been a Director of the Company since his election on February 20, 2004.  He is also a Director of TCI (since February 2004) and a Director of IOT (since May 2009).  Mr. Munselle is qualified as an Audit Committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations and the Board of Directors of ARL has determined that he has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.
 
Board Meetings and Committees
 
The Board of Directors held seven meetings during 2014. For such year, no incumbent Director attended fewer than 100% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings held by the Board during the period for which he/she had been a Director and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he/she served during the periods that he/she served. Under ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, each Director is expected to dedicate sufficient time, energy and attention to ensure the diligent performance of his or her duties, including by attending meetings of the stockholders of the Company, the Board and Committees of which he is a member.  The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees.
 
Audit Committee.    The current Audit Committee was formed on February 19, 2004, and its function is to review ARL’s operating and accounting procedures. The charter of the Audit Committee has also been adopted by the Board. The charter of the Audit Committee was adopted on February 19, 2004 and is available on the company’s investor relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com). The Audit Committee is an “audit committee” for purposes of Section 3(a) (58) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The current members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent within the meaning of the SEC Regulations, the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., and ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, are Messrs. Jakuszewski and Munselle (Chairman) and Ms. Hunt. Mr. Ted R. Munselle, a member of the Committee, is qualified as an Audit Committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC Regulations, and the Board has determined that he has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.  All of the members of the Audit Committee meet the experience requirements of the listing standards of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee met five times during 2014.
 
Governance and Nominating Committee.    The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices relating to corporate governance, including reviewing and monitoring implementation of ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. In addition, the Committee develops and reviews background information on candidates for the Board and makes recommendations to the Board regarding such candidates. The Committee also prepares and supervises the Board’s annual review of director independence and the Board’s performance self-evaluation. The Charter of the Governance and Nominating Committee was adopted on March 22, 2004. The current members of the Committee are Messrs. Jakuszewski (Chairman), and Munselle and Ms. Hunt. The Governance and Nominating Committee met once during 2014.
 
Compensation Committee.    The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the policies of the Company relating to compensation to be paid by the Company to the Company’s principal executive officer and any other officers designated by the Board and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such policies, produce necessary reports and executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Statement in accordance with applicable rules and regulations and to monitor the development and implementation of succession plans for the principal executive officers and other key executives and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such plans. The charter of the Compensation Committee was adopted on March 22, 2004, and is available on the Company’s Investor Relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com). The current members of the Compensation Committee are Ms. Hunt (Chairman) and Messrs. Jakuszewski and Munselle. All of the members of the Compensation Committee are independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Compensation Committee is to be comprised of at least two directors who are independent of Management and the Company. The Compensation Committee met once during 2014.
 
 
 
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The members of the Board of Directors on the date of this Report and the Committees of the Board on which they serve are identified below:
 
   
Audit
Committee
 
Governance and
Nominating Committee
 
Compensation
Committee
Sharon Hunt
 
X
 
X
 
Chair
Robert A. Jakuszewski
X
 
Chair
 
X
Ted R. Munselle
Chair
 
X
 
X
Henry A. Butler
       
 
Presiding Director
 
In March 2004, the Board created a new position of presiding director, whose primary responsibility is to preside over periodic executive sessions of the Board in which Management directors and other members of Management do not participate. The presiding director also advises the Chairman of the Board and, as appropriate, Committee Chairs with respect to agendas and information needs relating to Board and Committee meetings, provides advice with respect to the selection of Committee Chairs and performs other duties that the Board may from time to time delegate to assist the Board in fulfillment of its responsibilities.

Following the annual meeting of stockholders held December 2014 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the full Board met and re-appointed Ted R. Munselle as Presiding Director, to serve in such position until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders to be held following the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.  
 
Determination of Director’s Independence
 
In February 2004, the Board adopted its Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Guidelines adopted by the Board meet or exceed the new listing standards adopted during that year by the New York Stock Exchange. The full text of the Guidelines can be found on the Company’s Investor Relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com).
 
Pursuant to the Guidelines, the Board undertook its annual review of director independence in March 2014, and during this review, the Board considered transactions and relationships between each director or any member of his or her immediate family and ARL and its subsidiaries and related parties, including those reported under Certain Relationships and Related Transactions below. The Board also examined transactions and relationships between directors or their related parties and members of ARL’s senior management or their related parties. As provided in the Guidelines, the purpose of such review was to determine whether such relationships or transactions were inconsistent with the determination that the director is independent.
 
As a result of this review, the Board affirmatively determined of the then directors, Messrs. Munselle and Jakuszewski and Ms. Hunt are each independent of the Company and its Management under the standards set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines.
 
Executive Officers
 
Executive officers of the Company are listed below, all except one of whom are employed by Pillar. Mr. Bertcher is employed by New Concept Energy, Inc (“NCE”).   None of the executive officers receive any direct remuneration from the Company nor do any hold any options granted by the Company. Their positions with the Company are not subject to a vote of stockholders. In addition to the following executive officers, the Company has several vice presidents and assistant secretaries who are not listed herein. The ages, terms of service and all positions and offices with the Company, Pillar, other related entities, other principal occupations, business experience and directorships with other publicly held companies during the last five years or more are set forth below.  No family relationships exist among any of the executive officers or directors of the Company.
 
DANIEL J. MOOS, 64
 
President (since April 2007) and Chief Executive Officer (since March 2010) of the Company, ARL, IOT, Prime Income Asset Management Inc (“Prime”) (March 2007 to April 2011) and Pillar (since April, 2011).

GENE S. BERTCHER, 66
 
     Executive Vice President (since February 2008), Chief Financial Officer (since October 2009), and Treasurer (since October 2013) of the Company, TCI and IOT. Mr. Bertcher is also Chief Executive Officer (since December 2006), Chief Financial Officer (since November 1989) and a Director (since June 1999) of New Concept Energy, Inc. (“NCE”), a Nevada corporation which has its common stock listed on the American Stock Exchange. Mr. Bertcher has been employed by NCE since November 1989. He is a Certified Public Accountant (since 1973).
 
 
 
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LOUIS J. CORNA, 67
 
     Executive Vice President—General Counsel/Tax Counsel and Secretary (since February 2004) of the Company, TCI and IOT.  Executive Vice President—Tax (since April 2011) of Pillar.  Mr. Corna was also a Director and Vice President (June 2004 to December 2010) and Secretary (January 2005 to December 2010) of First Equity Properties, Inc., a Nevada corporation with securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.
 
ALFRED CROZIER, 63
 
     Executive Vice President—Residential Development of Prime (November 2006 to April 2011) and the Company, ARL, IOT and Pillar (since April 2011).
 
Code of Ethics
 
ARL has adopted a code of ethics entitled “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” that applies to all directors, officers, and employees (including those of the contractual Advisor to ARL). In addition, ARL has adopted a code of ethics entitled “Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers” that applies to the principal executive officer, president, principal financial officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, and controller. The text of these documents has been posted on ARL’s internet website at http://www.amrealtytrust.com and are available in print to any stockholder who requests them.
 
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Under the securities laws of the United States, ARL’s Directors, executive officers, and any persons holding more than 10% of ARL’s shares of common stock are required to report their ownership and any changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). Specific due dates for these reports have been established and ARL is required to report any failure to file by these dates. All of these filing requirements were satisfied by ARL’s directors and executive officers and 10% holders during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. In making these statements, ARL has relied on the written representations of its incumbent Directors and executive officers and its 10% holders and copies of the reports that they have filed with the Commission.
 
The Advisor
 
Pillar has been ARL’s Advisor and Cash Manager since April 30, 2011.  Although the Board of Directors is directly responsible for managing the affairs of ARL, and for setting the policies which guide it, the day-to-day operations of ARL are performed by Pillar, as the contractual advisor, under the supervision of the Board.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities and arranging debt and equity financing for the Company with third party lenders and investors.  Additionally, Pillar serves as a consultant to the Board with regard to their decisions in connection with ARL’s business plan and investment policy.  Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees and as such, employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.
 
Pillar is a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust.   
 
The May Trust is a Trust, the beneficiaries of which are the children of Gene E. Phillips.  Mr. Phillips is not an officer, manager or Director of Pillar, Realty Advisors, LLC, RAI, MRHI or ARL, nor is he a Trustee of the May Trust.
 
Under the Advisory Agreement, Pillar is required to annually formulate and submit, for Board approval, a budget and business plan containing a twelve-month forecast of operations and cash flow, a general plan for asset sales and purchases, lending, foreclosure and borrowing activity, and other investments.  Pillar is required to report quarterly to the Board on ARL’s performance against the business plan. In addition, all transactions require prior Board approval, unless they are explicitly provided for in the approved business plan or are made pursuant to authority expressly delegated to Pillar by the Board.
 
The Advisory Agreement also requires prior Board approval for the retention of all consultants and third party professionals, other than legal counsel. The Advisory Agreement provides that Pillar shall be deemed to be in a fiduciary relationship to the ARL stockholders; contains a broad standard governing Pillar’s liability for losses incurred by ARL; and contains guidelines for Pillar’s allocation of investment opportunities as among itself, ARL and other entities it advises.  Pillar is a company of which Messrs. Moos, Bertcher, Corna, and Crozier serve as executive officers.
 
 
 
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The Advisory Agreement with Pillar provides for Pillar to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of ARL and for Pillar to receive, as compensation for basic management and advisory services, a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value (total assets less allowance for amortization, depreciation or depletion and valuation reserves).
 
In addition to base compensation, Pillar receives the following forms of additional compensation:
 
(1)  
an annual net income fee equal to 7.5% of ARL’s net income as an incentive for successful investment and management of the Company’s assets;
 
(2)  
an annual incentive sales fee to encourage periodic sales of appreciated real property at optimum value equal to 10.0% of the amount, if any, by which the aggregate sales consideration for all real estate sold by ARL during such fiscal year exceeds the sum of:
 
(a)  
 the cost of each such property as originally recorded in ARL’s books for tax purposes (without deduction for depreciation, amortization or reserve for losses);
 
(b)  
capital improvements made to such assets during the period owned; and
 
(c)  
all closing costs (including real estate commissions) incurred in the sale of such real estate; provided however, no incentive fee shall be paid unless (a) such real estate sold in such fiscal year, in the aggregate, has produced an 8.0% simple annual return on the net investment including capital improvements, calculated over the holding period before depreciation and inclusive of operating income and sales consideration, and (b) the aggregate net operating income from all real estate owned for each of the prior and current fiscal years shall be at least 5.0% higher in the current fiscal year than in the prior fiscal year;
 
(3)  
an acquisition commission, from an unaffiliated party of any existing mortgage or loan, for supervising the acquisition, purchase or long-term lease of real estate equal to the lesser of:
 
(a)  
up to 1.0% of the cost of acquisition, inclusive of commissions, if any, paid to non-affiliated brokers; or
 
(b)  
the compensation customarily charged in arm’s-length transactions by others rendering similar property acquisition services as an ongoing public activity in the same geographical location and for comparable property, provided that the aggregate purchase price of each property (including acquisition fees and real estate brokerage commissions) may not exceed such property’s appraised value at acquisition;
 
(4)  
a construction fee equal to 6.0% of the so-called “hard costs” only of any costs of construction on a completed basis, based upon amounts set forth as approved on any architect’s certificate issued in connection with such construction, which fee is payable at such time as the applicable architect certifies other costs for payment to third parties. The phrase “hard costs” means all actual costs of construction paid to contractors, subcontractors and third parties for materials or labor performed as part of the construction but does not include items generally regarded as “soft costs,” which are consulting fees, attorneys’ fees, architectural fees, permit fees and fees of other professionals; and
 
(5)  
 reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by the advisor in the performance of advisory services.
 

The Advisory Agreement also provides that Pillar receive the following forms of compensation:

(1)  
a mortgage or loan acquisition fee with respect to the acquisition or purchase from an unaffiliated party of any existing mortgage loan by ARL equal to the lesser of:

(a)  
1.0% of the amount of the mortgage or loan purchased; or

(b)  
a brokerage or commitment fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances. Such fee will not be paid in connection with the origination or funding of any mortgage loan by ARL; and
 
 
(2)  
a mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fee for obtaining loans or refinancing on properties equal to the lesser of:
 
(a)  
1.0% of the amount of the loan or the amount refinanced; or
 
(b)  
a brokerage or refinancing fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances; provided, however, that no such fee shall be paid on loans from Pillar without the approval of ARL’s Board of Directors. No fee shall be paid on loan extensions.
 

 
 
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Under the ARL Advisory Agreement, all or a portion of the annual advisory fee must be refunded by the Advisor if the operating expenses of ARL (as defined in the Advisory Agreement) exceed certain limits specified in the Advisory Agreement based on the book value, net asset value, and net income of ARL during the fiscal year.
 
The ARL Advisory Agreement requires Pillar to pay to ARL one-half of any compensation received from third parties with respect to the origination, placement or brokerage of any loan made by ARL; provided, however, that the compensation retained by Pillar shall not exceed the lesser of (1) 2.0% of the amount of the loan commitment or (2) a loan brokerage and commitment fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances.
 
The ARL Advisory Agreement further provides that Pillar shall bear the cost of certain expenses of its employees, excluding fees paid to ARL’s Directors; rent and other office expenses of both Pillar and ARL (unless ARL maintains office space separate from that of Pillar); costs not directly identifiable to ARL’s assets, liabilities, operations, business or financial affairs; and miscellaneous administrative expenses relating to the performance by Pillar of its duties under the Advisory Agreement.
 
If and to the extent that ARL shall request Pillar, or any director, officer, partner, or employee of Pillar, to render services for ARL other than those required to be rendered by the Advisory Agreement, Pillar separately would be compensated for such additional services on terms to be agreed upon between such party and ARL from time to time. As discussed below, under “Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage,” effective January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services under similar terms as the previous agreements with Triad and Regis Realty I.
 
ARL entered into a Cash Management Agreement with Pillar on April 30, 2011, to further define the administration of the Company’s day-to-day investment operations, relationship contacts, flow of funds and deposit and borrowing of funds.  Under the Cash Management Agreement, all funds of the Company are delivered to Pillar which has a deposit liability to the Company and is responsible for payment of all payables and investment of all excess funds which earn interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 1.0% per annum, as set quarterly on the first day of each calendar quarter. Borrowings for the benefit of the Company bear the same interest rate. The term of the Cash Management Agreement is coterminous with the Advisory Agreement, and is automatically renewed each year unless terminated with the Advisory Agreement.  ARL’s management believes that the terms of the Advisory Agreement are at least as fair as could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
 
Situations may develop in which the interests of ARL are in conflict with those of one or more directors or officers in their individual capacities, or of Pillar, or of their respective related parties. In addition to services performed for ARL, as described above, Pillar actively provides similar services as agent for, and advisor to, other real estate enterprises, including persons and entities involved in real estate development and financing, including TCI and IOT. The Advisory Agreement provides that Pillar may also serve as advisor to other entities.
 
As Advisor, Pillar is a fiduciary of ARL’s public investors. In determining to which entity a particular investment opportunity will be allocated, Pillar will consider the respective investment objectives of each entity and the appropriateness of a particular investment in light of each such entity’s existing mortgage note and real estate portfolios and business plan. To the extent any particular investment opportunity is appropriate to more than one such entity, such investment opportunity will be allocated to the entity that has had funds available for investment for the longest period of time, or, if appropriate, the investment may be shared among various entities. See Part III, Item 13 “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”
 
The terms of TCI’s Advisory and Cash Management Agreements with Pillar are substantially the same as those of ARL’s Advisory and Cash Management Agreements.

Pillar may assign the Advisory Agreement only with the prior consent of ARL.
 
 
 
84

 
 
The principal executive officers and directors of Pillar are set forth below:
 
Name
 
Officer(s)
   
Daniel J. Moos
 
President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer
   
Gene S. Bertcher
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
 
Louis J. Corna
 
Executive Vice President, Secretary, Tax Counsel, General Legal Counsel
Alfred Crozier
 
Executive Vice President, Residential Development
 
Mickey N. Phillips
 
Director
   
Ryan T. Phillips
 
Director
   
 
Property Management
 
Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties for a fee of 3.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the commercial properties it manages, and leasing commissions of 6.0% or less in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.  Regis Hotel I, LLC, managed the Company’s hotel investments.
 
ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment properties for a fee of 6.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the residential properties under their management.
 
Real Estate Brokerage
 
Regis provides real estate brokerage services to ARL and receives brokerage commissions of 3% or less of transaction amounts.
 
Regis also provides real estate brokerage services to TCI under terms which differ from ARL.  TCI’s brokerage agreement is computed on a sliding scale as listed below:
 
(1)  
maximum fee of 4.5% on the first $2.0 million of any purchase or sale transaction of which no more than 3.5% is to be paid to Regis;
 
(2)  
maximum fee of 3.5% on transaction amounts between $2.0 million-$5.0 million of which no more than 3.0% is to be paid to Regis;
 
(3)  
maximum fee of 2.5% on transaction amounts between $5.0 million-$10.0 million of which no more than 2.0% is to be paid to Regis; and
 
(4)  
 a maximum fee of 2.0% on transaction amounts in excess of $10.0 million of which no more than 1.5% is to be paid to Regis.
 
ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
ARL has no employees, payroll, or benefit plans, and pays no compensation to its executive officers. The Directors and executive officers of ARL, who are also officers or employees of Pillar, ARL’s advisor, are compensated by Pillar. Such affiliated Directors and executive officers perform a variety of services for Pillar and the amount of their compensation is determined solely by Pillar. Pillar does not allocate the cash compensation of its officers among the various entities for which it serves as advisor. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” for a more detailed discussion of compensation payable to Pillar by ARL.
 
The only remuneration paid by ARL is to those directors who are not officers or employees of Pillar or its related companies. The Independent Directors (1) review the business plan of ARL to determine that it is in the best interest of ARL’s stockholders, (2) review the advisory contract, (3) supervise the performance of the advisor and review the reasonableness of the compensation paid to the advisor in terms of the nature and quality of services performed, (4) review the reasonableness of the total fees and expenses of ARL and (5) select, when necessary, a qualified independent real estate appraiser to appraise properties acquired
 
 Effective February 2011 each non-affiliated Director is entitled to receive an annual retainer of $20,000, with the Chairman of the Audit Committee to receive a one-time annual fee of $500.  Directors who are also employees of the Company or its advisor receive no additional compensation for service as a Director.
 
During 2014, $60,500 was paid to non-employee Directors in total Directors’ fees.   The fees paid to the directors are as follows: Sharon Hunt, $20,000, Robert A. Jakuszewski, $20,000, and Ted R. Munselle, $20,500.
 
 
 
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In January 1999, stockholders approved the Director’s Stock Option Plan (the “Director’s Plan”) which provides for options to purchase up to 40,000 shares of common stock. Options granted pursuant to the Director’s Plan are immediately exercisable and expire on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date on which a Director ceases to be a Director or ten years from the date of grant. On January 1, 2003, 2004, 2005 total options granted were 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000, respectively. In December 2005, the Director’s Plan was terminated. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding which were exercisable at $9.70 per share.  These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.
 
ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014 regarding compensation plans under which equity securities of ARL are authorized for issuance.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
       
Plan Category
Number of Securities to 
be Issued Upon Exercise 
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under  Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in Column) (a)
 
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
1,000
$ 9.70
 —  
 
See Note 10. to the financial statements “Stock Options” for information regarding the material features of the above plans.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
 
The following table sets forth the ownership of ARL’s common stock both beneficially and of record, both individually and in the aggregate, for those persons or entities known by ARL to be the owner of more than 5.0% of the shares of ARL’s common stock as of the close of business on March 15, 2015.
 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of
 Beneficial Ownership*
Approximate
Percent of Class **
         
         
Prime Stock Holdings, Inc.
 
         1,459,828
(1)
10.41%
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800
       
Dallas, Texas 75234
       
         
Realty Advisors, Inc.
 
       11,751,566
(1)(2)
83.77%
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800
       
Dallas, Texas 75234
       
         
Realty Advisors LLC
 
       10,291,738
(3)
73.37%
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800
       
Dallas, Texas 75234
       
         
Ryan T. Phillips
 
       11,779,168
(1)(2)(3)
83.97%
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800
       
Dallas, Texas 75234
       
___________________________
 *
“Beneficial Ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.
**
Percentages are based upon 14,027,619 shares outstanding as of March 15, 2015.
(1)
Includes 1,459,828 shares owned by Prime Stock Holdings, Inc. (PSH), formerly One Realco Stock Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Realty Advisors, LLC(“RALLC”),  over which each of the directors of PSH, Mickey Ned Phillips and Ryan T. Phillips, may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as directors of PSH.  The directors of PSH disclaim beneficial ownership of such
(2)  
  Includes 10,291,738 shares owned directly by RALLC (“RALLC”), over which each of the managers, Gene S. Bertcher and Daniel J. Moos, may be deemed to be beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as managers of RALLC.  The managers of RALLC disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(3)
Includes 27,602 shares owned by the Gene E. Phillips’ Children’s Trust of which Ryan T. Phillips is a beneficiary.
 
 
 
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Security Ownership of Management.    The following table sets forth the ownership of shares of ARL’s common stock, both beneficially and of record, both individually in the aggregate, for the Directors and executive officers of ARL, as of the close of business on March 15, 2015.
 
Name of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of 
Beneficial Ownership*
Approximate
Percent of Class **
Gene S. Bertcher
 
   11,751,566
    (1)(2)
83.77%
Henry A. Butler
 
                 -
   
Louis J. Corna
 
   11,751,566
    (1)(2)
83.77%
Alfred Crozier
 
   11,751,566
    (1)(2)
83.77%
Robert A. Jakuszewski
 
                 -
   
Daniel J. Moos
 
   11,751,566
    (1)(2)
83.77%
Ted R. Munselle
 
                 -
   
Sharon Hunt
 
                 -
   
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (8 persons)
 
   11,751,566
    (1)(2)
83.77%
_____________________
*  
Beneficial Ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.
**
Percentages are based upon 14,027,619 shares outstanding as of March 15, 2015
(1) 
At December 31, 2014, Ted R. Munselle had options to purchase 1,000 shares of common stock.  These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.
(2)
Includes 10,291,738 shares owned by RALLC, over which the managers and executive offices of RALLC may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as managers and executive officers of RALLC.  The managers and executive officers of RALLC disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(3)
Includes 1,459,828 shares owned by Prime Stock Holdings, Inc. (PSH), formerly One Realco Stock Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Realty Advisors, LLC(“RALLC”),  over which each of the directors of PSH, Mickey Ned Phillips and Ryan T. Phillips, may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as directors of PSH.  The directors of PSH disclaim beneficial ownership of such
 
ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Policies with Respect to Certain Activities
 
Article 11 of ARL’s Articles of Incorporation provides that ARL shall not, directly or indirectly, contract or engage in any transaction with (1) any director, officer or employee of ARL, (2) any director, officer or employee of the advisor, (3) the advisor, or (4) any affiliate or associate (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of any of the aforementioned persons, unless (a) the material facts as to the relationship among or financial interest of the relevant individuals or persons and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed to or are known by ARL’s Board of Directors or the appropriate committee thereof and (b) ARL’s Board of Directors or committee thereof determines that such contract or transaction is fair to ARL and simultaneously authorizes or ratifies such contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of independent directors of ARL entitled to vote thereon.
 
Article 11 defines an “Independent Director” (for purposes of that Article) as one who is neither an officer or employee of ARL, nor a director, officer or employee of ARL’s advisor. This definition predates ARL’s director independence guidelines adopted in February 2004.
 
ARL’s policy is to have such contracts or transactions approved or ratified by a majority of the disinterested Directors with full knowledge of the character of such transactions, as being fair and reasonable to the stockholders at the time of such approval or ratification under the circumstances then prevailing. Such Directors also consider the fairness of such transactions to ARL. Management believes that, to date, such transactions have represented the best investments available at the time and they were at least as advantageous to ARL as other investments that could have been obtained.
 
ARL may enter into future transactions with entities, the officers, directors, or stockholders of which are also officers, directors, or stockholders of ARL, if such transactions would be beneficial to the operations of ARL and consistent with ARL’s then-current investment objectives and policies, subject to approval by a majority of disinterested Directors as discussed above.
 
ARL does not prohibit its officers, directors, stockholders, or related parties from engaging in business activities of the types conducted by ARL.
 
 
 
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Certain Business Relationships
 
Pillar has been ARL’s Advisor and Cash Manager since April 30, 2011.  Although the Board of Directors is directly responsible for managing the affairs of ARL, and for setting the policies which guide it, the day-to-day operations of ARL are performed by Pillar, as the contractual advisor, under the supervision of the Board.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities and arranging debt and equity financing for the Company with third party lenders and investors.  Additionally, Pillar serves as a consultant to the Board with regard to their decisions in connection with ARL’s business plan and investment policy.  Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees and as such, employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.
 
Pillar is a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust.   
 
The May Trust is a Trust, the beneficiaries of which are the children of Gene E. Phillips.  Mr. Phillips is not an officer, manager or Director of Pillar, Realty Advisors, LLC, RAI, MRHI or ARL, nor is he a Trustee of the May Trust.
 
All of ARL’s directors also serve as Directors of TCI and IOT.  The executive officers of ARL also serve as executive officers of TCI and IOT. As such, they owe fiduciary duties to that entity as well as to Pillar under applicable law. TCI has the same relationship with Pillar, as does ARL. Mr. Bertcher is an officer, director and employee of NCE and as such also owes fiduciary duties to NCE as well as ARL, TCI and IOT under applicable law.
 
Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties for a fee of 3.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the commercial properties it manages, and leasing commissions of 6.0% or less in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.  Regis Hotel I, LLC, managed the Company’s hotel investments.
 
ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment properties for a fee of 6.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the residential properties under their management.
 
At December 31, 2014, ARL owned approximately 80.9% of TCI’s outstanding common stock and through its interest in TCI  approximately 81.1% of IOT’s outstanding common stock.
 
The Company is part of a tax sharing and compensating agreement with respect to federal income taxes between ARL, TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries that was entered into in July of 2009.  That agreement continued until August 31, 2012, at which time a new tax sharing and compensating agreement was entered into by ARL, TCI IOT and MRHI for the remainder of 2012 and subsequent years.  The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory tax rate of 35%.
 
The Company’s subsidiary, TCI, has a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future.   The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years.  Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.
 
Related Party Transactions
 
The Company has historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in the best interest of our company.
 
In 2014, the Company paid advisory fees of $8.9 million, net income fees of $3.7 million, mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fees of $1.2 million, cost reimbursements of $3.4 million and received interest of $1.0 million from Pillar.
 
The Company paid property management fees, construction management fees and leasing commissions of $0.6 million to Regis in 2014.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had notes and interest receivables, net of allowances, of $73.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, due from UHF, a related party.  See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable”.  During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $13.0 million, originated $5.4 million, received principal payments of $21.9 million and received interest payments of $24.8 million from these related party notes receivables.
 

 
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As of December 31, 2014, the Company had notes and interest receivables of $21.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, due from FBH, a related party.  See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable”.  During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $1.0 million and originated $21.0 million from these related party notes receivables.

Below are transactions that involve a related party:

In December 2010, various commercial and land holdings were sold to FRE Real Estate, Inc., a related party. During the first three months of 2011, many of these transactions were rescinded as of the original transaction date and were subsequently sold to related parties under the same ownership as FRE Real Estate, Inc. As of December 31, 2014, one commercial building, Thermalloy, remains in FRE Real Estate, Inc.  The Company did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to TCI’s continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and the Company’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  The Company determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20. 
 
As of December 31, 2014, there remains one apartment complex, one commercial building and 110 acres of land that TCI has sold to a related party and have deferred the recognition of the sale.  These are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These properties were sold to a related party in order to help facilitate an appropriate debt or organizational restructure and may or may not be transferred back to the seller upon resolution. These properties have mortgages that are secured by the property and many have corporate guarantees. According to the loan documents, the maker is currently in default on these mortgages primarily due to lack of payment and is actively involved in discussions with every lender in order to settle or cure the default situation. We have reviewed each asset and taken impairment to the extent we feel the value of the property was less than our current basis.  The Company did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and the Company’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  The Company determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20.  The buyers received no compensation for the facilitation of the bankruptcy or debt restructuring.
 
Sales to our subsidiary, TCI, have previously been reflected at the fair value sale price.   Upon discussion with the SEC and in review of the guidance pursuant to ASC 250-10-45-22 to 24, we have adjusted those assets, in the prior year, to reflect a basis equal to ARL’s cost basis in the asset at the time of the sale.  The related party payables to ARL were reduced for the lower asset price.  The Company reflected the original cost basis in consolidation, therefore no change in the financial statements were necessary to reflect this change.
 
Operating Relationships
 
ARL received rents of $0.7 million in 2014, $0.7million in 2013, and $0.6 million in 2012 from Pillar, and its related parties for ARL owned properties.
 
Advances and Loans
 
From time to time, ARL and its related parties have made advances to each other, which generally have not had specific repayment terms, did not bear interest, are unsecured, and have been reflected in ARL’s financial statements as other assets or other liabilities. ARL and the advisor charge interest on the outstanding balance of funds advanced to or from ARL. The interest rate, set at the beginning of each quarter, is the prime rate plus 1% on the average daily cash balances advanced. At December 31, 2014, Pillar owes ARL $21.4 million.
 
 
 
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ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for professional services rendered to ARL for the years 2014 and 2013 by ARL’s principal accounting firms, Farmer, Fuqua and Huff, L.P., BDO Seidman, LLP and Swalm & Associates, PC:
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Farmer, Fuqua
   
BDO
   
Swalm &
   
Farmer, Fuqua
   
BDO
   
Swalm &
 
Type of Fee
 
& Huff
   
Seidman
   
Associates
   
& Huff
   
Seidman
   
Associates
 
Audit Fees
  $ 801,219  (1)   $ -     $ 54,356  (3)   $ 750,983  (4)   $ -     $ 56,947  (6)
Audit Related Fees
            10,250                                  
Tax Fees
    61,075  (2)     8,042       -       55,376  (5)     8,042       -  
All Other Fees
                                               
Total
  $ 862,294     $ 18,292     $ 54,356     $ 806,359     $ 8,042     $ 56,947  
__________
                                     
(1)  Includes $591,118 TCI
                               
(2)  Includes $39,383 TCI
                               
(3)  All IOT
                                     
(4)  Includes $549,783 TCI
                               
(5)  Includes $42,076 TCI
                               
(6)  All IOT
                                     
 
The audit fees for 2014 and 2013 were for professional services rendered for the audits and reviews of the consolidated financial statements of ARL and its subsidiaries. Tax fees for 2014 and 2013 were for services related to federal and state tax compliance and advice.

All services rendered by the principal auditors are permissible under applicable laws and regulations and were pre-approved by either the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee, as required by law. The fees paid to the principal auditors for the services described in the above table fall under the categories listed below:
 
Audit Fees.    These are fees for professional services performed by the principal auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s 10-Q filings and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filing or engagements.
 
Audit-Related Fees.    These are fees for assurance and related services performed by the principal auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements. These services include attestations by the principal auditor that are not required by statute or regulation and consulting on financial accounting/reporting standards.
 
Tax Fees.    These are fees for professional services performed by the principal auditor with respect to tax compliance, tax planning, tax consultation, returns preparation, and review of returns. The review of tax returns includes the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
All Other Fees.    These are fees for other permissible work performed by the principal auditor that do not meet the above category descriptions.
 
These services are actively monitored (as to both spending level and work content) by the Audit Committee to maintain the appropriate objectivity and independence in the principal auditor’s core work, which is the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures for the approval and pre-approval of audit services and permitted non-audit services. The Audit Committee has the responsibility to engage and terminate ARL’s independent auditors, to pre-approve their performance of audit services and permitted non-audit services, to approve all audit and non-audit fees, and to set guidelines for permitted non-audit services and fees. All the fees for 2014 and 2013 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee or were within the pre-approved guidelines for permitted non-audit services and fees established by the Audit Committee, and there were no instances of waiver of approved requirements or guidelines during the same periods.
 
 
 
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Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the independent auditor. The purpose of the provisions of the SOX Act and the SEC rules for the Audit Committee role in retaining the independent auditor is two-fold. First, the authority and responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the auditors should be with directors who are independent of management. Second, any non-audit work performed by the auditors should be reviewed and approved by these same independent directors to ensure that any non-audit services performed by the auditor do not impair the independence of the independent auditor. To implement the provisions of the SOX Act, the SEC issued rules specifying the types of services that an independent may not provide to its audit client, and governing the Audit Committee’s administration of the engagement of the independent auditor. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor in order to assure that they do not impair the auditor’s independence. Accordingly, the Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy of audit and non-audit services (the “Policy”), which sets forth the procedures and conditions pursuant to which services to be performed by the independent auditor are to be pre-approved. Consistent with the SEC rules establishing two different approaches to pre-approving non-prohibited services, the Policy of the Audit Committee covers pre-approval of audit services, audit-related services, international administration tax services, non-U.S. income tax compliance services, pension and benefit plan consulting and compliance services, and U.S. tax compliance and planning. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Audit Committee will evaluate other known potential engagements of the independent auditor, including the scope of work proposed to be performed and the proposed fees, and approve or reject each service, taking into account whether services are permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each non-audit service on the independent auditor’s independence from management. Typically, in addition to the generally pre-approved services, other services would include due diligence for an acquisition that may or may not have been known at the beginning of the year. The Audit Committee has also delegated to any member of the Audit Committee designated by the Board or the financial expert member of the Audit Committee responsibilities to pre-approve services to be performed by the independent auditor not exceeding $25,000 in value or cost per engagement of audit and non-audit services, and such authority may only be exercised when the Audit Committee is not in session.
 
 
 
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PART IV
 
ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
 
 
1.
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2014 and 2013
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
 
 
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loan Receivables on Real Estate
 
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or because the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
 
 
3.
Incorporated Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Item 8. of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014).
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Item 8. of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014).

 
(b)
Exhibits.

The following documents are filed as Exhibits to this Report:
 
   
Exhibit
Number
Description
   
3.1
Certificate of Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
3.2
Certificate of Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 29, 2000 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
3.3
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock dated August 26, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
3.4
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock dated October 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
3.5
By-laws of American Realty Investors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on December 30, 1999).
   
4.1
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Relative Participating or Optional or Other Special Rights, and Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof of Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated June 11, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).
 
 
 
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4.2
Certificate of Withdrawal of Preferred Stock, Decreasing the Number of Authorized Shares of and Eliminating Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock, dated June 18, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
   
4.3
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated February 3, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
   
4.4
Certificate of Designation for Nevada Profit Corporations designating the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on March 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Registrant current report on Form 8-K for event of March 16, 2006).
   
10.1
Advisory Agreement between American Realty Investors, Inc. and Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 30, 2011).
   
10.2
Second Amendment to Modification of Stipulation of Settlement dated October 17, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated February 24, 2002).
   
14.0
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.0 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
   
 21.1*
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   
 31.1*
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer.
   
 31.2*
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer.
   
 32.1*
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
______________________________
*
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Dated: March 30, 2015
 
   
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
     
 
 
 
      
 
 
 By: /S/ GENE S. BERTCHER    
 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
     
Signature
Title
Date
     
/s/    HENRY A. BUTLER
Henry A. Butler
Chairman of the Board and Director
March 30, 2015
     
/s ROBERT A. JAKUSZEWSKI
Robert A. Jakuszewski
Director
March 30, 2015
     
/s/ SHARON HUNT
Sharon Hunt
Director
March 30, 2015
     
/s/    TED R. MUNSELLE 
Ted R. Munselle
Director
March 30, 2015
     
/s/    DANIEL J. MOOS
Daniel J. Moos
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 30, 2015
     
/s/    GENE S. BERTCHER
Gene S. Bertcher
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
 Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
March 30, 2015
 
 
 
94

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
   
Exhibit
Number
Description
   
3.1
Certificate of Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
3.2
Certificate of Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 29, 2000 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
3.3
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock dated August 26, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
3.4
Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock dated October 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
3.5
By-laws of American Realty Investors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on December 30, 1999).
   
4.1
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Relative Participating or Optional or Other Special Rights, and Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof of Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated June 11, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).
 
4.2
Certificate of Withdrawal of Preferred Stock, Decreasing the Number of Authorized Shares of and Eliminating Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock, dated June 18, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
   
4.3
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated February 3, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
   
4.4
Certificate of Designation for Nevada Profit Corporations designating the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on March 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Registrant current report on Form 8-K for event of March 16, 2006).
   
10.1
Advisory Agreement between American Realty Investors, Inc. and Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 30, 2011).
   
10.2
Second Amendment to Modification of Stipulation of Settlement dated October 17, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated February 24, 2002).
   
14.0
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.0 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
   
21.1*
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   
31.1*
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer.
   
31.2*
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer.
   
32.1*
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
______________________________
*
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
95