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EX-14 - EXHIBIT 14 - SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPv419742_ex14.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPv419742_ex31-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPv419742_ex32-1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPv419742_ex31-1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPv419742_ex32-2.htm
EX-21 - EXHIBIT 21 - SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPv419742_ex21.htm

 

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 June 30, 2015

or

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

For the transition period from _______ to_________

 

Commission File Number 0-6877

 

SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

NEVADA 95-2452529
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

 

10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150, Los Angeles, California 90024

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(310) 889-2500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Common Stock, $.10 Par Value

(Title of class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

¨ Yes x No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.

¨ Yes x No

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

x Yes ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 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 amendments 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.

 

  Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨
     
  Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):

¨ Yes x No

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock, no par value, held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the average bid and asked price on December 31, 2014 (the last business day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2014) was approximately $3,025,000.

 

The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s Common Stock, as of August 20, 2015 was 1,241,810

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
     
  PART I  
     
Item 1. Business. 4
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors. 10
     
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. 10
     
Item 2. Properties. 10
     
Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 13
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 14
     
  PART II  
     
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 14
     
Item 6. Selected Financial Data. 15
     
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 15
     
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 20
     
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 21
     
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 46
     
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. 46
     
Item 9B. Other Information. 46
     
  PART III  
     
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. 47
     
Item 11. Executive Compensation. 49
     
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. 51
     
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. 52
     
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 54
     
  PART IV  
     
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 55
     
Signatures   57

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They contain words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” “may,” “could,” “might” and other words or phrases of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. From time to time we also provide forward-looking statements in our Forms 10-Q and 8-K, Annual Reports to Shareholders, press releases and other materials we may release to the public. Forward looking statements reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statement. Consequently, no forward looking statement can be guaranteed and our actual future results may differ materially.

 

Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to:

 

·risks associated with the lodging industry, including competition, increases in wages, labor relations, energy and fuel costs, actual and threatened pandemics, actual and threatened terrorist attacks, and downturns in domestic and international economic and market conditions, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area;

 

·risks associated with the real estate industry, including changes in real estate and zoning laws or regulations, increases in real property taxes, rising insurance premiums, costs of compliance with environmental laws and other governmental regulations;

 

·the availability and terms of financing and capital and the general volatility of securities markets;

 

·changes in the competitive environment in the hotel industry;

 

·risks related to natural disasters;

 

·litigation; and

 

·other risk factors discussed below in this Report.

 

We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as to the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects on our Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

3 

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1.Business.

 

GENERAL

 

Santa Fe Financial Corporation (“Santa Fe” or the “Company” and may also be referred to as “we” “us” or “our” in this report) was incorporated under the name of Tri Financial Corporation in the State of Nevada on July 25, 1967 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Crateo, Inc., a public company. On October 31, 1969, Crateo issued a one-for-one stock dividend of all of its shares of Tri Financial to its common shareholders. On September 17, 1970, the name of the Corporation was changed to Santa Fe Financial Corporation.

 

As of June 30, 2015, approximately 81.3% of the outstanding common stock of Santa Fe was owned by The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”), a public company (NASDAQ: INTG). As of June 30, 2015, Santa Fe owned approximately 68.8% of the common stock of Portsmouth Square, Inc. (“Portsmouth”), a public company (OTCBB: PRSI). InterGroup also directly owns approximately 13.1% of the common stock of Portsmouth.

 

The Company’s principal source of operating revenue has been, and continues to be, derived from the management of its 68.8% owned subsidiary, Portsmouth’s primary business is conducted through its general and limited partnership interest in Justice Investors, a California limited partnership (“Justice” or the “Partnership”). Portsmouth controls approximately 93% of the interest in Justice and is the sole general partner. The financial statements of Justice are consolidated with those of the Company. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Justice, through its subsidiaries Justice Holdings Company, LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware limited liability Company, Justice Operating Company, LLC (“Operating”) , a Delaware limited liability Company, and Justice Mezzanine Company, LLC (“Mezzanine”) , a Delaware limited liability Company, owns a 543-room Hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco California, known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the “Hotel”) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. Holdings and Mezzanine are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership; Operating is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mezzanine. Mezzanine is the mezzanine borrower under certain indebtedness of Justice, and in December 2013, the Partnership conveyed ownership of the Hotel to Operating. See Recent Business Developments – Limited Partnership Redemption and Restructuring. The Hotel is operated by the Partnership as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with HLT Franchise Holding LLC (Hilton) . Justice also has entered into a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (“Prism”) to perform management functions for the Hotel. The management agreement with Prism had an original term of ten years and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by the Partnership owner. Effective January 2014, the management agreement with Prism was amended by the Partnership. The Owner and Manager desire to amend and restate the Existing Management Agreement to change the nature of the services provided by Manager and its compensation, among other things. Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, which is for a term of 3 years, but which can be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.

 

The parking garage that is part of the Hotel property is managed by Ace Parking Management, Inc. pursuant to a contract with the Partnership. Portsmouth also receives management fees as a general partner of Justice for its services in overseeing and managing the Partnership’s assets. Those fees are eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company also derives rental income from two multi-family, residential rental properties located in the Los Angeles area. The Company may also look for new real estate investment opportunities in hotels, apartments, office buildings and shopping centers. The acquisition of any new real estate investments will depend on the Company’s ability to find suitable investment opportunities and the availability of sufficient financing to acquire such investments. To help fund any such acquisition, the Company may borrow funds to leverage its investment capital. The amount of any such debt will depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the availability of financing and the sufficiency of the acquisition property’s projected cash flows to support the operations and debt service.

 

The Company also derives income from the investment of its cash and investment securities assets. The Company has invested in income-producing instruments, equity and debt securities and will consider other investments if such investments offer growth or profit potential. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a discussion of the Company’s marketable securities and other investments.

 

4 

 

 

RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

 

Limited Partnership Redemption and Restructuring

 

In December 2013, the Partnership determined to restructure its ownership to facilitate a refinancing of the Hotel and redeem the interests of certain Partners, including Evon. In the course of this refinancing, restructuring and redemption, the Partnership created three subsidiaries: Justice Holdings Company, LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Justice Operating Company, LLC (“Operating”) and Justice Mezzanine Company, LLC (“Mezzanine”). Holdings and Mezzanine are each wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership; Operating is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mezzanine. Mezzanine is the Mezzanine borrower and in December 2013, the Partnership conveyed ownership of the Hotel to Operating.

 

On December 18, 2013, the Partnership completed an Offer to Redeem any and all limited partnership interests not held by Portsmouth. In addition, the Partnership approved amendments to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which amendments became effective upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem and the consummation of the Loan Agreements. Such amendments are described below. As a result, Portsmouth, which prior to the Offer to Redeem owned 50% of the then outstanding limited partnership interests, now controls approximately a 93% interest in Justice and is now the Partnership’s sole General Partner.

 

Pursuant to the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership accepted tenders, for cash, from Evon, and seventy-three of the Partnership’s limited partners representing approximately 29.173% of partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem for $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. On December 19, 2013, Justice distributed the amounts due each of these former partners pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Redeem.

 

In addition, the Partnership accepted the election of holders of approximately 17.146% of the limited partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem to participate in an alternate redemption structure. Under that alternative redemption structure, the Partnership paid to Holdings $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. Those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure were given an option to designate property for Holdings to purchase within 12 months of December 18, 2013, and then require Holdings to transfer that property to the partner in redemption of that partner’s interest in the Partnership. The governing agreement also provided for other possible methods of redeeming the interests of the partners who elected the alternate redemption structure, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, a total of $16,163,000 and $2,928,000 was redeemed under the alternative redemption structure, respectively. As of June 30, 2015, all limited partner interests outstanding under the Offer had been redeemed.

 

The Partnership incurred approximately $6,681,000 in restructuring costs relating to the Offer to Redeem and related financing transactions, including a one-time management fee of $1,550,000, approximately $431,000 in legal, accounting and other professional expenses, and payment of a Real Property Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”).

 

In connection with the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership retired existing debt and replaced it with lower-yielding loans, the proceeds of which were used to fund the Offer to Redeem and to provide for additional working capital for the Hotel. The Partnership incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3,910,000 which included a yield maintenance (prepayment penalty) expense of $3,808,000 and a write-off of capitalized loan costs on the refinanced debt of approximately $102,000.

 

As a result of the ownership structure implemented in December 2013, the Partnership is the indirect sole owner of a 543-room Hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California, now known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the “Hotel”) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. The Hotel is operated by Operating as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with HLT Existing Franchise Holding LLC (the “Hilton”). Operating also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (“Prism”) to perform management functions for the Hotel. The management agreement with Prism had an original term of ten years and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by the Partnership owner. Effective January 2014, the management agreement with Prism was amended by the Partnership. Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, which is for a term of 3 years, but which can be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.

 

5 

 

 

HILTON HOTELS FRANCHISE LICENSE AGREEMENT

 

The Partnership entered into a Franchise License Agreement (the “License Agreement”) with the HLT Existing Franchise Holding LLC (Hilton) on November 24, 2004. The term of the License Agreement was for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the date the Hotel began operating as a Hilton hotel, with an option to extend the License Agreement for another five years, subject to certain conditions. On June 26, 2015, the Partnership and Hilton entered into an amended franchise agreement which extended the License Agreement through 2030, modified the monthly royalty rate, extended geographic protection to the Partnership and also provided the Partnership certain key money cash incentives to be earned through 2030.

 

Since the opening of the hotel in January 2006, the Partnership has paid monthly royalties, program fees and information technology recapture charges equal to a percent of the Hotel’s gross room revenue for the preceding calendar month. Total fees paid to Hilton for such services during fiscal 2015 and 2014 totaled $3.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

 

HOTEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

On February 2, 2007, the Partnership entered into a management agreement with Prism to manage and operate the Hotel as its agent. The original agreement was effective for a term of ten years, but was amended in January 2014 as described below. Under the original management agreement, the Partnership was required to pay Prism base management fees of up to 2.5% of gross operating revenues of the Hotel (i.e., room, food and beverage, and other operating departments) for the fiscal year. Of that amount, 1.75% of the gross operating revenues was paid monthly. The balance or 0.75% was paid only to the extent that the partially adjusted net operating income (net operating income less capital expenditures) for the applicable fiscal year exceeded the amount of the Hotel’s return for the fiscal year. The base management fee was limited to 1.75% for the period ended January 31, 2014. Under the new management agreement, effective January 2014, the required base management fees were amended by the Partnership to a fixed rate of $20,000 per month. Under the amended management agreement, Prism can also earn an incentive fee of $11,000 for each month that the revenues per room of the Hotel exceed the average revenues per room of a defined set of competing hotels. Base management fees and incentives paid to Prism during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $293,000 and $579,000, respectively.

 

Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc. (“GMP”), a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement. The management agreement with GMP has a term of 3 years, but may be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause. Under the agreement, GMP is required to advise the Partnership on the management and operation of the Hotel; administer the Partnership’s contracts, leases, agreements with hotel managers and franchisors and other contracts and agreements; provide administrative and asset management services, oversee financial reporting, and maintain offices at the Hotel in order to facilitate provision of services. GMP is paid an annual base management fee of $325,000 per year, increasing by 5% per year, payable in monthly installments, and to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by GMP in performing its obligations under the agreement. During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, GMP was reimbursed $736,000 and $330,000, respectively, for the salaries, benefits, and local payroll taxes for four key employees. Base management fees and payroll related reimbursements paid to GMP during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1,078,000 and $519,000, respectively.

 

The management fees expensed for Prism and GMP during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1,370,000 and $1,098,000, respectively.

 

GARAGE OPERATIONS

 

On October 31, 2010, the Partnership and Ace Parking entered into an amendment of the original Parking Agreement to extend the term for a period of sixty two (62) months, commencing on November 1, 2010 and terminating December 31, 2015, subject to either party’s right to terminate the agreement without cause on ninety (90) days written notice. The monthly management fee of $2,000 and the accounting fee of $250 remain the same, but the amendment modified how the Excess Profit Fee to be paid to Ace Parking would be calculated.

 

6 

 

 

The amendment provides that, if net operating income (“NOI”) from the garage operations exceeds $1,800,000 but is less than $2,000,000, then Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee of one percent (1%) of the total annual NOI. If the annual NOI is $2,000,000 or higher, Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee equal to two percent (2%) of the total annual NOI. The garage’s NOI exceeded the annual NOI of $2,000,000 for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Base Management and incentive fees to Ace Parking amounted to $44,000 for each of the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

CHINESE CULTURE FOUNDATION LEASE

 

On March 15, 2005, the Partnership entered into an amended lease with the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco (the “Foundation”) for the third floor space of the Hotel commonly known as the Chinese Cultural Center, which the Foundation had right to occupy pursuant to a 50-year nominal rent lease.

 

The Partnership and the Foundation entered into an amended lease that, among other things, requires the Partnership to pay to the Foundation a monthly event space fee in the amount of $5,000, adjusted annually based on the local Consumer Price Index. The term of the amended lease expires on October 17, 2023, with an automatic extension for another 10 year term if the property continues to be operated as a hotel. This amendment allowed Justice to incorporate the third floor into the renovation of the Hotel resulting in a new ballroom for the joint use of the Hotel and new offices and a gallery for the Chinese Culture Center.

  

MARKETABLE SECURITIES INVESTMENT POLICIES

 

In addition to its Hotel and real estate operations, the Company also invests from time to time in income producing instruments, corporate debt and equity securities, publically traded investment funds, mortgage backed securities, securities issued by REIT’s and other companies which invest primarily in real estate.

 

The Company’s securities investments are made under the supervision of a Securities Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. The Committee currently has three members and is chaired by the Company’s Chairman of the Board and President, John V. Winfield. The Committee has delegated authority to manage the portfolio to the Company’s Chairman and President together with such assistants and management committees he may engage. The Committee has established investment guidelines for the Company’s investments. These guidelines presently include: (i) corporate equity securities should be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NYSE MKT, NYSE Arca or the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ); (ii) the issuer of the listed securities should be in compliance with the listing standards of the respective National Securities Exchanges; and (iii) investment in a particular issuer should not exceed 10% of the market value of the total portfolio. The investment policies do not require the Company to divest itself of investments, which initially meet these guidelines but subsequently fail to meet one or more of the investment criteria. Non-conforming investments require the approval of the Securities Investment Committee. The Committee has in the past approved non-conforming investments and may in the future approve non-conforming investments. The Securities Investment Committee may modify these guidelines from time to time.

 

The Company may also invest, with the approval of the Securities Investment Committee, in unlisted securities, such as convertible notes, through private placements including private equity investment funds. Those investments in non-marketable securities are carried at cost on the Company’s balance sheet as part of other investments and reviewed for impairment on a periodic basis. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had other investments of $7,711,000.

 

As part of its investment strategies, the Company may assume short positions in marketable securities. Short sales are used by the Company to potentially offset normal market risks undertaken in the course of its investing activities or to provide additional return opportunities. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had no obligations for securities sold (equities short).

 

In addition, the Company may utilize margin for its marketable securities purchases through the use of standard margin agreements with national brokerage firms. The use of available leverage is guided by the business judgment of management and is subject to any internal investment guidelines, which may be imposed by the Securities Investment Committee. The margin used by the Company may fluctuate depending on market conditions. The use of leverage could be viewed as risky and the market values of the portfolio may be subject to large fluctuations.

 

7 

 

 

As Chairman of the Securities Investment Committee, the Company’s President and Chief Executive officer, John V. Winfield, directs the investment activity of the Company in public and private markets pursuant to authority granted by the Board of Directors. Mr. Winfield also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Santa Fe and Portsmouth and oversees the investment activity of those companies. Depending on certain market conditions and various risk factors, the Chief Executive Officer, his family, Santa Fe and Portsmouth may, at times, invest in the same companies in which the Company invests. The Company encourages such investments because it places personal resources of the Chief Executive Officer and his family members, and the resources of Santa Fe and Portsmouth, at risk in connection with investment decisions made on behalf of the Company.

 

Seasonality

 

Hotel’s operations historically have been seasonal. Like most hotels in the San Francisco area, the Hotel generally maintains higher occupancy and room rates during the first and second quarters of its fiscal year (July 1 through December 31) than it does in the third and fourth quarters (January 1 through June 30). These seasonal patterns can be expected to cause fluctuations in the quarterly revenues from the Hotel.

 

Competition

 

The hotel industry is highly competitive. Competition is based on a number of factors, most notably convenience of location, brand affiliation, price, range of services and guest amenities or accommodations offered and quality of customer service. Competition is often specific to the individual market in which properties are located.

 

San Francisco market is a very competitive market with high demand for guest rooms and meeting space. In the earlier part of fiscal 2015, the Hotel expanded its meeting space to approximately 22,000 square feet by converting the spa on the lobby level to three additional meeting rooms. This has given the Hotel additional flexibility to host bigger groups with break out needs. In addition to the brand new meeting rooms on the lobby level, the renovation of the 2nd floor and brand new carpet on the 3rd floor has enabled the Hotel to attract smaller high end corporate clients. The renovation and increase in meeting space has elevated the perception of clients in the market even though total space available is less than the comp set.  

 

The Hotel’s highest priority is guest satisfaction, and that enhancing the guest experience differentiates the Hotel from its competition by building the most sustainable guest loyalty. In addition to the recent completion of “The Cloud” (a technology lounge), three new premium executive meeting rooms and the Karaoke lounge, the Hotel has enhanced the arrival experience of the guests by renovating and upgrading the entrance and the lobby. The lobby, the porte cochere and the second floor furniture have been modernized. The carpet flooring in the lobby has been replaced by oak wood creating an open and welcoming environment. The Wellness Center on the fifth floor features a new spa with two treatment rooms and a room for manicure and pedicure treatments. The fitness center has also been expanded with state of the art equipment. 

 

In order to further the client experience, the Hotel plans to renovate the fourth floor meeting space which will help modernize and attract key clientele. Hotel guest rooms are also being remodeled over a period of three years with modern shower amenities and granite countertops. The Hotel, in conjunction with the Chinese Cultural Center, is developing a landscape area on the Pedestrian Bridge that connects the Hotel to Portsmouth Square. As the Hotel continues to take steps that further develop its ties with the local Chinese community and the city of San Francisco, the Hotel is also able to promote important new business ideas that represent good corporate citizenship. 

 

With the high demand in guest rooms and the ADR(average daily rate) increasing, the Hotel’s strategies of obtaining group clients have been streamlined in order to ensure that length and pattern of stay benefits the Hotel overall. The Hotel is also focusing on high end clients with more banquets and meeting room requirements. Moving forward, the Hotel will continue to focus on cultivating international business, especially from China, and capturing a greater percentage of the higher rated business, leisure and group travel. The Hotel will also continue in our efforts to upgrade guest rooms and facilities and explore new and innovative ways to differentiate the Hotel from its competition, as well as focusing on returning food and beverage operations to profitability. During the last twelve months, the Hotel has seen steady improvement in business and leisure travel. If that trend in the San Francisco market and the hotel industry continues, it should translate into an increase in room revenues and profitability. However, like all hotels, the Hotel will remain subject to the uncertain domestic and global economic environment and other risk factors beyond our control, such as the effect of natural disasters and economic uncertainties.

 

8 

 

 

The Hotel is also subject to certain operating risks common to all of the hotel industry, which could adversely impact performance. These risks include:

 

·Competition for guests and meetings from other hotels including  competition and pricing pressure from internet wholesalers and distributors;

 

·increases in operating costs, including wages, benefits, insurance, property taxes and energy, due to inflation and other factors, which may not be offset in the future by increased room rates;

 

·labor strikes, disruptions or lock outs;

 

·dependence on demand from business and leisure travelers, which may fluctuate and is seasonal;

 

·increases in energy costs, cost of fuel, airline fares and other expenses related to travel, which may negatively affect traveling;

 

·terrorism, terrorism alerts and warnings, wars and other military actions, pandemics or other medical events or warnings which may result in decreases in business and leisure travel;

 

·natural disasters; and

 

·adverse effects of downturns and recessionary conditions in international, national and/or local economies and market conditions.

 

Environmental Matters

 

In connection with the ownership of the Hotel, the Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations relating to environmental protection. Under these laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on, under or in such property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous or toxic substances.

 

Environmental consultants retained by the Partnership or its lenders conducted updated Phase I environmental site assessments in fiscal year ended June 30, 2014 on the Hotel property. These Phase I assessments relied, in part, on Phase I environmental assessments prepared in connection with the Partnership’s first mortgage loan obtained in December 2013. Phase I assessments are designed to evaluate the potential for environmental contamination on properties based generally upon site inspections, facility personnel interviews, historical information and certain publicly-available databases; however, Phase I assessments will not necessarily reveal the existence or extent of all environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns at the properties.

 

Although the Phase I assessments and other environmental reports we have reviewed disclose certain conditions on our properties and the use of hazardous substances in operation and maintenance activities that could pose a risk of environmental contamination or liability, we are not aware of any environmental liability that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

The Company believes that the Hotel is in compliance, in all material respects, with all federal, state and local environmental ordinances and regulations regarding hazardous or toxic substances and other environmental matters, the violation of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has not received written notice from any governmental authority of any material noncompliance, liability or claim relating to hazardous or toxic substances or other environmental matters in connection with any of its present properties.

 

9 

 

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of June 30, 2015, Santa Fe had two full-time employees. The employees of the Company are not part of any collective bargaining agreement, and the Company believes that its employee relations are satisfactory.

 

Employees of Justice and management of the Hotel are not unionized and the Company believes that their relationships with the Hotel are satisfactory and consistent with the market in San Francisco.

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Partnership, through Operating, had approximately 312 employees. Approximately 79% of those employees were represented by one of three labor unions, and their terms of employment were determined under a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) to which the Partnership was a party. During the year ended June 30, 2014, the Partnership renewed the CBAs for the Local 2 (Hotel and Restaurant Employees), Local 856 (International Brotherhood of Teamsters), and Local 39 (stationary engineers).

 

Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, which includes not just terms and conditions of employment, but scope and coverage of employees, is a regular and expected course of business operations for the Partnership. The Partnership expects and anticipates that the terms of conditions of CBAs will have an impact on wage and benefit costs, operating expenses, and certain hotel operations during the life of the each CBA, and incorporates these principles into its operating and budgetary practices.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The Company files annual and quarterly reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or the “Commission”). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the Commission at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Commission also maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission.

 

Other information about the Company can be found on our parent company’s website www.intgla.com. Reference in this document to that website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors.

 

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

 

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

Item 2.Properties.

 

SAN FRANCISCO HOTEL PROPERTY

 

The Hotel is owned indirectly by the Partnership through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Operating. The Hotel is centrally located near the Financial District in San Francisco, one block from the Transamerica Pyramid. The Embarcadero Center is within walking distance and North Beach is two blocks away.  Chinatown is directly across the bridge that runs from the Hotel to Portsmouth Square Park. The Hotel is a 31-story (including parking garage), steel and concrete, A-frame building, built in 1970. The Hotel has 543 well-appointed guest rooms and luxury suites situated on 22 floors.  The third floor houses the Chinese Culture Center and grand ballroom.  The Hotel has approximately 22,000 square feet of meeting room space, including the grand ballroom. Other features of the Hotel include a 5-level underground parking garage and pedestrian bridge across Kearny Street connecting the Hotel and the Chinese Culture Center with Portsmouth Square Park in Chinatown.  The bridge, built and owned by the Partnership, is included in the lease to the Chinese Culture Center. 

 

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The Hotel is currently undergoing major guestroom renovations that will span over the next three years. The Partnership expects to expend at least 4% of gross annual Hotel revenues each year for capital improvements and requirements.  In the opinion of management, the Hotel is adequately covered by insurance.

 

HOTEL FINANCINGS

 

On December 18, 2013: (i) Justice Operating Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Operating”), entered into a loan agreement (“Mortgage Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America (“Mortgage Lender”); and (ii) Justice Mezzanine Company, a Delaware limited liability company (“Mezzanine”), entered into a mezzanine loan agreement (“Mezzanine Loan Agreement” and, together with the Mortgage Loan Agreement, the “Loan Agreements”) with ISBI San Francisco Mezz Lender LLC (“Mezzanine Lender” and, together with Mortgage Lender, the “Lenders”). The Partnership is the sole member of Mezzanine, and Mezzanine is the sole member of Operating.

 

The Loan Agreements provide for a $97,000,000 Mortgage Loan and a $20,000,000 Mezzanine Loan. The proceeds of the Loan Agreements were used to fund the redemption of limited partnership interests described above and the pay-off of the prior mortgage.

 

The Mortgage Loan is secured by the Partnership’s principal asset, the Hotel. The Mortgage Loan bears an interest rate of 5.28% per annum and matures in January 2024. The term of the loan is 10 years with interest only due in the first three years and principle and interest on the remaining seven years of the loan based on a thirty year amortization schedule. The Mortgage Loan also requires payments for impounds related to property tax, insurance and capital improvement reserves. As additional security for the Mortgage Loan, there is a limited guaranty (“Mortgage Guaranty”) executed by the Company in favor of Mortgage Lender.

 

The Mezzanine Loan is a secured by the Operating membership interest held by Mezzanine and is subordinated to the Mortgage Loan. The Mezzanine Loan bears interest at 9.75% per annum and matures on January 1, 2024. Interest only, payments are due monthly. As additional security for the Mezzanine Loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of Mezzanine Lender (the “Mezzanine Guaranty” and, together with the Mortgage Guaranty, the “Guaranties”).

 

The Guaranties are limited to what are commonly referred to as “bad boy” acts, including: (i) fraud or intentional misrepresentations; (ii) gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) misapplication or misappropriation of rents, security deposits, insurance or condemnation proceeds; and (iv) failure to pay taxes or insurance. The Guaranties will be full recourse guaranties under identified circumstances, including failure to maintain “single purpose” status which is a factor in a consolidation of Operating or Mezzanine in a bankruptcy of another person, transfer or encumbrance of the Property in violation of the applicable loan documents, Operating or Mezzanine incurring debts that are not permitted, and the Property becoming subject to a bankruptcy proceeding. Pursuant to the Guaranties, the Partnership is required to maintain a certain minimum net worth and liquidity. As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Partnership is in compliance with both requirements.

 

Each of the Loan Agreements contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, reporting requirements, affirmative covenants and negative covenants, which impose restrictions on, among other things, organizational changes of the respective borrower, operations of the Property, agreements with affiliates and third parties. Each of the Loan Agreements also provides for mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances (including casualty or condemnation events) and voluntary prepayments, subject to satisfaction of prescribed conditions set forth in the Loan Agreements.

 

On July 2, 2014, the Partnership obtained from the Intergroup Corporation (a related party) an unsecured loan in the principal amount of $4,250,000 at 12% per year fixed interest, with a term of 2 years, payable interest only each month. Intergroup received a 3% loan fee. The loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The proceeds of the loan were applied to the July 2014 payments to Holdings described in Note 2.

 

11 

 

 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA APARTMENT BUILDINGS

 

The property owned and consolidated by the Company's 55.4% subsidiary, Woodland Village, is a 27-unit apartment complex located Los Angeles, California. The Company's equity interest in Woodland Village was acquired on September 29, 1999 at a cost of $4,075,000. For the year ended June 30, 2015, real estate property taxes were approximately $62,000. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line method based upon an estimated useful life of 40 years. In November 2010, Woodland Village refinanced its $1,641,000 adjustable rate mortgage note payable on its 27-unit apartment building for a new 10-year fixed rate mortgage in the amount of $3,260,000. The interest rate on the new loan is fixed at 4.85% per annum, with monthly principal and interest payments based on a 30-year amortization schedule. The note matures in December 2020. With the proceeds, Woodland Village loaned $831,000 to Santa Fe and $669,000 to InterGroup under the same terms. The intercompany loan balance of $725,000 to Santa Fe was eliminated in consolidation. The loan balance of $624,000 to Intergroup is included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheet. As of June 30, 2015, the outstanding mortgage balance was $3,029,000.

 

The second Los Angeles property, Acanto, which is wholly owned by the Company, is a two-story apartment building with 2 units. The property was acquired on February 1, 2002 at an initial cost of $785,000. For the year ended June 30, 2015, real estate property taxes were approximately $12,000. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line method, based upon an estimated useful life of 40 years. The outstanding mortgage balance was approximately $381,000 at June 30, 2015 and the maturity date of the mortgage is September 2042 and is collateralized by the property. The interest rate is fixed at 4.25%.

 

Effective August 1, 2005, the Company entered into a Management Agreement with Century West Properties, Inc. (“Century West”) to act as an agent of the Company to rent and manage both of the Company’s residential rental properties in the Los Angeles, California area. The Management Agreement with Century West was for a term of twelve months ending on July 31, 2006 and continues thereafter on a month-to-month basis, unless terminated upon 30 days prior written notice. The Management Agreements provide for a monthly fee equal to 4% of the monthly gross receipts from the properties with resident managers and a fee of 4 1/2% of monthly gross receipts for properties without resident managers. For the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, management fees were $25,000 and $28,000, respectively. Effective September 1, 2015, the management of these two properties will be managed in-house by the Company.

 

Woodland Village and Acanto lease units in the apartment buildings on a short-term basis, with no lease extending beyond one year. For the year ended June 30, 2015, the economic occupancy (gross potential less rent below market, vacancy loss, bad debt, discounts and concessions divided by gross potential rent) for Woodland Village and Acanto was 73% and 94%, respectively. The physical occupancy (gross potential rent less vacancy loss divided by gross potential rent) for the year ended June 30, 2015 for Woodland Village and Acanto was 94% and 94%, respectively.

 

In the opinion of management, both rental properties are adequately covered by insurance.

 

LAND HELD FOR DEVELOPMENT

 

On August 29, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized an investment of $973,000 for Portsmouth to acquire a 50% equity interest in Intergroup Uluniu, Inc., a Hawaii corporation (“Uluniu”) in a related party transaction. Uluniu was a 100% owned subsidiary of The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”). Uluniu owns an approximately two-acre parcel of unimproved land located in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii which is held for development. The Company’s investment in Uluniu represents an amount equal to the costs paid by InterGroup for the acquisition and carrying costs of the property through August 2007. The fairness of the financial terms of the transaction were reviewed and approved by the independent director of the Company.

 

Uluniu intends to obtain the entitlements and permits necessary for the joint development of the parcel with an adjoining landowner into residential units. After the completion of this predevelopment phase, the Uluniu will determine whether it more advantageous to sell the entitled property or to commence with construction. Due to current economic conditions, the project is on hold.

 

12 

 

 

Item 3.Legal Proceedings.

 

In 2013, the City of San Francisco’s Tax Collector’s office claimed that Justice owed the City of San Francisco $2.1 million based on the Tax Collector’s interpretation of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code relating to Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourist Improvement District Assessment. This amount exceeds Justice’s estimate of the taxes owed, and Justice has disputed the claim and is seeking to discharge all penalties and interest charges imposed by the Tax Collector attributed to its over payment. The Company paid the full amount in March 2014 as part of the appeals process but is reflecting an amount on the balance sheet in “Other assets, net” as it is currently under protest.

 

Several legal matters are pending relating to the redemption transaction described in Note 2. On December 18, 2013, a Real Property Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million was paid to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel land parcel from Investors to Operating, which was necessary to effect the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership contends the Transfer Tax that was assessed by CCSF was illegal and erroneous, the tax was paid, under protest, to facilitate the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund lawsuit against CCSF in San Francisco County Superior Court. No prediction can be made as to whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

On February 13, 2014, Evon filed a complaint in San Francisco Superior Court against the Partnership, Portsmouth, and a limited partner and related party asserting contract and tort claims based on Justice’s withholding of $4.7 million from a payment due to Holdings to pay the transfer tax described above. On April 1, 2014, the defendants in the action removed the action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Evon dismissed its complaint on April 8, 2014 and, that same day, filed a second complaint in San Francisco Superior Court substantially similar to the dismissed complaint, except for the omission of a federal cause of action. Evon’s current complaint in the action asserts causes of action for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against Justice only; breach of fiduciary duty against Portsmouth only; conversion against Justice and Portsmouth; and fraud/ and concealment against Justice, Portsmouth and a Justice limited partner and related party. In July 2014, Justice paid to Holdings a total of $4.7 million, the amount Evon claims was incorrectly withheld from Holdings to pay the transfer tax described above. Defendants moved to compel arbitration on August 5, 2014, and the Superior Court denied that motion on September 23, 2014. Defendants have appealed the order denying the motion to compel arbitration. The parties have been engaged in settlement discussions, and have agreed to postpone activity in both the Superior Court and the Court of Appeal while they attempt settlement. To date, the courts have been amenable to continuing all pending dates. The parties have not yet reached a final settlement. No prediction can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

On April 21, 2014, the Partnership commenced an arbitration action against Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP (formerly known as Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP), Brett J. Cohen, Gary N. Jacobs, Janet S. McCloud, Paul B. Salvaty, and Joseph K. Fletcher III (collectively, the “Respondents”) in connection with the redemption transaction. The arbitration alleges legal malpractice against the Respondents and also seeks declaratory relief regarding provisions of the option agreement in the redemption transaction and regarding the engagement letter with Respondents. The arbitration is pending before JAMS, Inc. in Los Angeles, but has been stayed pending conclusion of the action filed by Evon described above. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

 

On June 27, 2014, the Partnership commenced an action in San Francisco Superior Court against Evon, Holdings, and those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure. The action seeks a declaration of the correct interpretation of (i) the special allocations sections of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Justice, with an effective date of January 1, 2013; and (ii) whether certain partners who elected the alternative redemption structure breached the governing Limited Partnership Interest Redemption Option Agreement. The complaint states that these declarations are relevant to preparation of the Partnership’s 2013 and 2014 state and federal tax returns and the associated Forms K-1 to be issued to affected current and former partners. The Partnership filed a First Amended Complaint on October 31, 2014. Evon filed a cross-complaint on December 9, 2014, alleging fraudulent concealment and promissory fraud against the Partnership in connection with the redemption transaction. The Partnership demurred to the cross-complaint, and that demurrer is still pending in the Superior Court. The parties have been engaged in settlement discussions, and have agreed to postpone activity in this case while they attempt settlement. To date, the court has been amenable to continuing all pending dates. The parties have not yet reached a final settlement. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

 

On March 20, 2015, the Partnership and Operating filed a case in the Supreme Court of the State of New York entitled Justice Investors and Justice Operating Company, LLC v. Hilton Franchise LLC (the “Action”). On June 26, 2015, Operating and Hilton entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release (the “Agreement”) to settle and release all claims arising out of or in connection with the Action. Under the terms of the Agreement, Hilton and Operating agreed to amend the existing License Agreement (described above) between the Partnership and Hilton by extending it for 15 years, and for Hilton to pay to Operating key money. Operating executed a self-exhausting, interest-free promissory note in favor of HLT Existing Franchise Holding LLC in the amount of the key money, which provides that the key money is to be amortized, on a straight-line basis, over the 15 year term of the amended, extended Franchise Agreement. Upon the Effective Date of the Agreement, Justice dismissed the Action.

 

13 

 

 

The Partnership has not yet filed its 2014 federal and state partnership income tax returns. The outcome of the Declaratory Relief action pending in San Francisco Superior Court will likely impact the filing of the 2014 tax returns, and the Partnership is working to resolve these issues.

 

The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company defends itself vigorously against any such claims. Management does not believe that the impact of such matters will have a material effect on the financial conditions or result of operations when resolved.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures.

  

Not Applicable.

 

PART II

  

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Market Information

 

Santa Fe’s common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) under the symbol: SFEF.OB The following table sets forth the range of the high and low bid quotations as reported by the OTCBB for Santa Fe’s common stock for each full quarterly period for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.

 

Fiscal 2015  High   Low 
           
First Quarter (7/ 1 to 9/30)  $19.00   $17.50 
Second Quarter (10/1 to 12/31)  $18.16   $16.00 
Third Quarter (1/1 to 3/31)  $18.25   $15.54 
Fourth Quarter (4/1 to 6/30)  $25.00   $17.47 

 

Fiscal 2014  High   Low 
           
First Quarter (7/ 1 to 9/30)  $19.50   $16.41 
Second Quarter (10/1 to 12/31)  $20.50   $16.41 
Third Quarter (1/1 to 3/31)  $21.00   $18.66 
Fourth Quarter (4/1 to 6/30)  $21.25   $19.00 

 

As of June 30, 2015, the number of holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock was approximately 170. Such number of owners was determined from the Company’s shareholders records and does not include beneficial owners of the Company’s Common Stock whose shares are held in the names of various brokers, clearing agencies or other nominees.

 

Dividends

 

On February 1, 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company determined that it did not foresee the Company paying any cash dividends on its Common Stock in the immediate future. Instead, it is the intent of the Company to deploy its capital in a manner to increase its operating and investment activities.

 

14 

 

 

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

 

Santa Fe has no securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Santa Fe did not repurchase any of its own securities during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 and does not have any publicly announced repurchase program.

 

Item 6. Selected financial Data.

 

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

 

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

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Company's principal sources of revenue continue to be derived from the investment of its 68.8% owned subsidiary, Portsmouth, in the Justice Investors limited partnership (“Justice” or the “Partnership”), rental income from its investments in multi-family real estate properties and income received from investment of its cash and securities assets. Justice owns a 543 room Hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California 94108, known as the “Hilton San Francisco Financial District” (the “Hotel”) and related facilities, including a five-level underground parking garage. The financial statements of Justice have been consolidated with those of the Company.

 

The Hotel is operated by the Partnership as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with HLT Franchise Holding LLC (Hilton) . The Partnership entered into a Franchise License agreement with the HLT Franchise Holding LLC (Hilton) on December 10, 2004. The term of the License agreement was for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the opening date, with an option to extend the license agreement for another five years, subject to certain conditions. On June 26, 2015, the Partnership and Hilton entered into an amended franchise agreement which extended the franchise agreement through 2030, modified the monthly royalty rate, extended geographic protection to the Partnership and also provided the Partnership certain key money cash incentives to be earned through 2030. The key money cash incentives were received on July 1, 2015 and are included in accounts receivable at June 30, 2015.

 

Justice also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (“Prism”) to perform management functions for the Hotel. The management agreement with Prism had an original term of ten years and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by the Partnership owner. Effective January 2014, the management agreement with Prism was amended by the Partnership. Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, which is for a term of 3 years, but which can be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.

 

The parking garage that is part of the Hotel property is managed by Ace Parking pursuant to a contract with the Partnership. Portsmouth also receives management fees as a general partner of Justice for its services in overseeing and managing the Partnership’s assets. Those fees are eliminated in consolidation.

 

In addition to the operations of the Hotel, the Company also generates income from the ownership and management of real estate. On December 31, 1997, the Company acquired a controlling 55.4% interest in Intergroup Woodland Village, Inc. ("Woodland Village") from InterGroup. Woodland Village's major asset is a 27-unit apartment complex located in Los Angeles, California. The Company also owns a two-unit apartment building in Los Angeles, California.

 

15 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014

 

The Company had a net loss of $3,063,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 compared to a net loss of $7,027,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in the net loss is primarily attributable to all of the costs associated with the redemption of the limited partners of Justice that occurred in the year ended June 30, 2014, partially offset by higher mortgage interest expense and losses from the Company’s investment activities during the current year.

 

The Company had net loss from Hotel operations of $840,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 compared to net loss of $10,563,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in the net loss as noted above was primarily attributable to all of the costs associated with the redemption of the limited partners of Justice that occurred in the year ended June 30, 2014. Although revenues from the Hotel increased during the current period, the increase was offset by higher operating expenses, mortgage interest expense and legal expense related to the current litigation.

 

The following table sets forth a more detailed presentation of Hotel operations for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

For the year ended June 30,  2015   2014 
Hotel revenues:          
Hotel rooms  $45,351,000   $41,502,000 
Food and beverage   7,577,000    5,862,000 
Garage   2,802,000    2,893,000 
Other operating departments   1,081,000    706,000 
Total hotel revenues   56,811,000    50,963,000 
Operating expenses, excluding non-recurring charges, depreciation and amortization   (47,016,000)   (40,805,000)
Operating income before non-recurring charges, interest and depreciation and amortization   9,795,000    10,158,000 
Hotel restructuring costs   -    (6,681,000)
Hotel occupancy tax - penalty fees   -    (1,278,000)
Income before loss on extinguishment of debt, loss on disposal of assets , interest, depreciation and amortization   9,795,000    2,199,000 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   -    (3,910,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (47,000)   (1,092,000)
Interest expense - mortgage   (7,787,000)   (4,960,000)
Interest expense - occupancy tax   -    (328,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,801,000)   (2,472,000)
           
Net loss from Hotel operations  $(840,000)  $(10,563,000)

 

For the year ended June 30, 2015, the Hotel generated operating income of $9,795,000 before non-recurring charges and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $56,811,000 compared to operating income of $10,158,000 before non-recurring charges and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $50,963,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. Room revenues increased by $3,849,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 compared to the year ended June 30, 2014 primarily as the result of higher room rates and increased occupancy from business groups. Food and beverage revenue increased by $1,715,000 as result of increase in group stays during the current year.

 

Operating expenses increased by $6,211,000 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher legal fees and higher operating expenses which include employee related expenses, room occupancy related expenses and food and beverage related expenses, franchise and credit card fees as the result in the increase in revenues and higher property taxes as the result of the redemption the limited partners and the refinancing of the Hotel. Legal expenses increased as the result of the current litigation.

 

Mortgage interest increased as the result of having one full year of interest expense on the new mortgage loans versus only six months. The increase is also due to the $4,250,000 related party loan obtained in July 2014.

 

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The following table sets forth the average daily room rate, average occupancy percentage and room revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) of the Hotel for the year ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

For the  Year  Average   Average     
Ended June 30,  Daily Rate   Occupancy %   RevPAR 
               
2015  $246    93%  $229 
2014  $229    92%  $209 

 

Room revenues remained strong as the San Francisco market continued to have good demand for higher rated business. The Hotel’s average daily rate increased by $17 for the year ended June 30, 2015 compared to the year ended June 30, 2014, while occupancy percentages increased to 93% from 92%. As a result, the Hotel was able to achieve a RevPAR number that was $20 higher than the prior year.

 

Our highest priority is guest satisfaction. We believe that enhancing the guest experience differentiates the Hotel from our competition by building the most sustainable guest loyalty. In addition to the recent completion of “The Cloud” (technology lounge), three new premium executive meeting rooms and the Karaoke lounge, the Hotel has enhanced the arrival experience of the guests by renovating and upgrading the entrance and the lobby. The lobby, the porte cochere and the second floor furniture have been modernized. The carpet flooring in the lobby has been replaced by oak wood creating an open and welcoming environment. The Wellness Center on the fifth floor features a new spa with two treatment rooms and a room for manicure and pedicure treatments. The fitness center has also been expanded with state of the art equipment. 

 

In order to further the client experience, the Hotel plans to renovate the fourth floor meeting space which will help modernize and attract key clientele.  Additionally, we have installed new carpet on the third floor including the ballroom. Guestrooms are also being remodeled with modern shower amenities and granite countertops that will span over the next three years. And finally, the Hotel in conjunction with the Chinese Cultural Center is developing a landscape area on the Pedestrian Bridge that connects the Hotel to Portsmouth Square. As we continue to take steps that further develop our ties with the local Chinese community and the city of San Francisco, we are also able to promote important new business ideas that represent good corporate citizenship. 

 

With the high demand in guest rooms and the ADR increasing, the Hotel’s strategies of obtaining group clients have been streamlined in order to ensure that length and pattern of stay benefits the Hotel overall. The Hotel is also focusing on high end clients with more banquet and meeting room requirements. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on cultivating international business, especially from China, and capturing a greater percentage of the higher rated business, leisure and group travel. We will also continue in our efforts to upgrade our guest rooms and facilities and explore new and innovative ways to differentiate the Hotel from its competition, as well as focusing on returning our food and beverage operations to profitability. During the last twelve months, we have seen steady improvement in business and leisure travel. If that trend in the San Francisco market and the hotel industry continues, it should translate into an increase in room revenues and profitability. However, like all hotels, it will remain subject to the uncertain domestic and global economic environment and other risk factors beyond our control, such as the effect of natural disasters.

 

Rental revenue from the Company’s real estate operations remained consistent while operating expenses decreased to $287,000 from $382,000 as the result of lower repairs and maintenance related expenses. Management continues to review and analyze the Company’s real estate operations to improve occupancy and rental rates, reduce expenses and improve efficiencies.

 

The Company had a net loss on marketable securities of $2,009,000 for the year ended June 30, 2015 compared to a net gain on marketable securities of $333,000 for the year ended June 30, 2014. Approximately $1,608,000 of the $2,009,000 net loss is related to the Company’s investment in the common stock of Comstock Mining Inc. Such investments represent approximately 70% of the Company’s portfolio. For the year ended June 30, 2015, the Company had a net realized loss of $625,000 and a net unrealized loss of $1,384,000. For the year ended June 30, 2014, the Company had a net realized gain of $283,000 and a net unrealized gain of $50,000. Gains and losses on marketable securities may fluctuate significantly from period to period in the future and could have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations. However, the amount of gain or loss on marketable securities for any given period may have no predictive value and variations in amount from period to period may have no analytical value. For a more detailed description of the composition of the Company’s marketable securities see the Marketable Securities section below.

 

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During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company performed an impairment analysis of its other investments and determined that its investments had an other than temporary impairment and recorded impairment losses of $432,000 and $63,000, respectively.

 

The Company and its subsidiary, Portsmouth, compute and file income tax returns and prepare discrete income tax provisions for financial reporting.  The income tax benefit during the year ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 represents primarily the income tax effect on the Portsmouth’s pretax loss which includes its share in net loss of the Hotel.

 

MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

 

As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had investments in marketable equity securities of $1,955,000 and $4,931,000, respectively. The following table shows the composition of the Company’s marketable securities portfolio by selected industry groups as:

 

As of June 30, 2015      % of Total 
       Investment 
Industry Group  Fair Value   Securities 
Basic materials  $1,392,000    71.2%
Financial services   196,000    10.0%
REITs and real estate companies   125,000    6.4%
Industrial goods   102,000    5.2%
Other   140,000    7.2%
   $1,955,000    100.0%

 

As of June 30, 2014      % of Total 
       Investment 
Industry Group  Fair Value   Securities 
Basic materials  $2,657,000    53.9%
Technology   479,000    9.7%
Financial services   287,000    5.8%
REITs and real estate companies   278,000    5.6%
Other   1,230,000    25.0%
   $4,931,000    100.0%

 

The Company’s investment portfolio is diversified with 13 different equity positions. The Company has one equity security that is more than 10% of the equity value of the portfolio. This security represents 70% of the portfolio at June 30, 2015 and consists of the common stock of Comstock Mining, Inc. (“Comstock” - NYSE MKT: LODE) which is included in the basic materials industry group. The amount of the Company’s investment in any particular issuer may increase or decrease, and additions or deletions to its securities portfolio may occur, at any time. While it is the internal policy of the Company to limit its initial investment in any single equity to less than 10% of its total portfolio value, that investment could eventually exceed 10% as a result of equity appreciation or reduction of other positions. A significant percentage of the portfolio consists of common stock in Comstock that was obtained through dividend payments by Comstock on its 7.5% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock. Marketable securities are stated at fair value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date.

 

The Company also holds a $6,659,000 investment in Comstock Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock which is carried at cost and included in Other investments, net. On August 27, 2015, all of such preferred stock was converted into common stock of Comstock.   

 

18 

 

 

The following table shows the net gain or loss on the Company’s marketable securities and the associated margin interest and trading expenses for the respective years.

 

For the years ended June 30,  2015   2014 
Net (loss) gain on marketable securities  $(2,009,000)  $333,000 
Net unrealized (loss) gain on other investments   (116,000)   104,000 
Impairment loss on other investments   (432,000)   (63,000)
Dividend and interest income   522,000    539,000 
Margin interest expense   (103,000)   (130,000)
Trading expenses   (375,000)   (380,000)
   $(2,513,000)  $403,000 

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

 

The Company’s cash flows are primarily generated from its Hotel operations and general partner management fees (“the Partnership”). The Company also receives revenues generated from the investment of its cash and marketable securities, other investments and the ownership of real estate.

 

On December 18, 2013, the Partnership completed an Offer to Redeem any and all limited partnership interests not held by Portsmouth. As a result, Portsmouth, which prior to the Offer to Redeem owned 50% of the then outstanding limited partnership interests now controls approximately 93% of the interest in Justice and is now its sole General Partner.

  

To fund redemption of limited partnership interests and to repay the prior mortgage, Justice obtained a $97,000,000 mortgage loan and a $20,000,000 mezzanine loan. The mortgage loan is secured by the Partnership’s principal asset, the Hilton San Francisco-Financial District. The mortgage loan initially bears an interest rate of 5.28% per annum and matures in January 2024. As additional security for the mortgage loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of mortgage lender. The mezzanine loan is a secured by the Operating membership interest held by Mezzanine and is subordinated to the Mortgage Loan. The mezzanine loan initially bears interest at 9.75% per annum and matures in January 2024. As additional security for the mezzanine loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of mezzanine lender.

 

On July 2, 2014, the Partnership obtained from the Intergroup Corporation (parent company of Portsmouth) an unsecured loan in the principal amount of $4,250,000 at 12% per year fixed interest, with a term of 2 years, payable interest only each month. Intergroup received a 3% loan fee. The loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The proceeds of the loan were applied to the July 2014 payments to Holdings described in Note 2 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Despite an uncertain economy, the Hotel has continued to generate strong revenue growth. While the debt service requirements related the new loans and the ongoing legal dispute with some of the former Justice partners, may create some additional risk for the Company and its ability to generate cash flows in the future, management believes that cash flows from the operations of the Hotel and the garage will continue to be sufficient to meet all of the Partnership’s current and future obligations and financial requirements. Management also believes that there is sufficient equity in the Hotel assets to support future borrowings, if necessary, to fund any new capital improvements and other requirements.

 

The Company has invested in short-term, income-producing instruments and in equity and debt securities when deemed appropriate. The Company's marketable securities are classified as trading with unrealized gains and losses recorded through the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Management believes that its cash, securities assets, real estate and the cash flows generated from those assets and from partnership distributions and management fees, will be adequate to meet the Company’s current and future obligations. Additionally, management believes there is significant appreciated value in the Hotel property to support additional borrowings if necessary.

 

19 

 

 

MATERIAL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s material financial obligations which also includes interest.

 

  Total   Year 1   Year 2   Year 3   Year 4   Year 5   Thereafter 
Mortgage notes payable  $120,410,000   $68,000   $744,000   $1,473,000   $1,552,000   $1,636,000   $114,937,000 
Related party and other notes payable   9,155,000    518,000    4,723,000    408,000    362,000    361,000    2,783,000 
Interest   50,626,000    7,767,000    7,440,000    6,714,000    6,130,000    5,599,000    16,976,000 
Total  $180,191,000   $8,353,000   $12,907,000   $8,595,000   $8,044,000   $7,596,000   $134,696,000 

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Company has no material off balance sheet arrangements.

 

IMPACT OF INFLATION

 

Hotel room rates are typically impacted by supply and demand factors, not inflation, since rental of a hotel room is usually for a limited number of nights. Room rates can be, and usually are, adjusted to account for inflationary cost increases. Since Prism has the power and ability under the terms of its management agreement to adjust hotel room rates on an ongoing basis, there should be minimal impact on partnership revenues due to inflation. Partnership revenues are also subject to interest rate risks, which may be influenced by inflation. For the two most recent fiscal years, the impact of inflation on the Company's income is not viewed by management as material.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Critical accounting policies are those that are most significant to the portrayal of our financial position and results of operations and require judgments by management in order to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to the consolidation of our subsidiaries, to our revenues, allowances for bad debts, accruals, asset impairments, other investments, income taxes and commitments and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. The actual results may differ from these estimates or our estimates may be affected by different assumptions or conditions.

 

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Not required for smaller reporting companies.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 22
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2015 and 2014 23
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations - For years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 24
   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit - For years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

25
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - For years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 26
   
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 27

 

21 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
   Santa Fe Financial Corporation:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Santa Fe Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. 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 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 financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Santa Fe Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended June 30, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc.
San Francisco, California
September 4, 2015

 

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SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

As of June 30,  2015   2014 
         
ASSETS          
Investment in Hotel, net  $39,938,000   $37,883,000 
Investment in real estate, net   4,972,000    4,981,000 
Investment in marketable securities   1,955,000    4,931,000 
Other investments, net   7,711,000    8,210,000 
Cash and cash equivalents   1,146,000    1,139,000 
Restricted cash - redemption   -    16,163,000 
Restricted cash - mortgage impounds   656,000    944,000 
Accounts receivable - Hotel, net   6,791,000    1,964,000 
Other assets, net   4,366,000    4,858,000 
Deferred tax assets   8,351,000    7,246,000 
           
Total assets  $75,886,000   $88,319,000 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT          
Liabilities:          
Accounts payable and other liabilities  $15,975,000   $16,893,000 
Redemption payable   -    16,163,000 
Due to securities broker   -    998,000 
Obligations for securities sold   -    102,000 
Relatd party and other notes payable   9,155,000    282,000 
Mortgage notes payable - real estate   3,410,000    3,472,000 
Mortgage notes payable - Hotel   117,000,000    117,000,000 
           
Total liabilities   145,540,000    154,910,000 
           
Commitments and contingencies          
Shareholders' deficit:          
Common stock - par value $.10 per share;          
Authorized - 2,000,000;          
Issued 1,339,638 and outstanding 1,241,810   134,000    134,000 
Additional paid-in capital   8,808,000    8,808,000 
Accumulated deficit   (52,746,000)   (50,259,000)
Treasury stock, at cost, 97,828 shares   (951,000)   (951,000)
Total Santa Fe shareholders' deficit   (44,755,000)   (42,268,000)
Noncontrolling interest   (24,899,000)   (24,323,000)
Total shareholders' deficit   (69,654,000)   (66,591,000)
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit  $75,886,000   $88,319,000 

 

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

 

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SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

For the years ended June 30,  2015   2014 
         
Revenues:          
Hotel  $56,811,000   $50,963,000 
Real estate   618,000    633,000 
Total revenues   57,429,000    51,596,000 
           
Costs and operating expenses:          
Hotel operating expenses   (47,016,000)   (40,805,000)
Hotel restructuring costs   -    (6,681,000)
Hotel occupancy tax - penalty fees   -    (1,278,000)
Real estate operating expenses   (287,000)   (382,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,863,000)   (2,534,000)
General and administrative expense   (961,000)   (954,000)
           
Total costs and operating expenses   (51,127,000)   (52,634,000)
           
Income (loss) from operations   6,302,000    (1,038,000)
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense - mortgage   (7,886,000)   (5,062,000)
Interest expense - occupancy tax   -    (328,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt   -    (3,910,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (47,000)   (1,092,000)
Net (loss) gain on marketable securities   (2,009,000)   333,000 
Net unrealized (loss) gain on other investments   (116,000)   104,000 
Impairment loss on other investments   (432,000)   (63,000)
Dividend and interest income   522,000    539,000 
Trading and margin interest expense   (478,000)   (510,000)
           
Net other expense   (10,446,000)   (9,989,000)
           
Loss before income taxes   (4,144,000)   (11,027,000)
Income tax benefit   1,081,000    4,000,000 
           
Net loss   (3,063,000)   (7,027,000)
Less:  Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest   576,000    1,928,000 
           
Net loss attributable to Santa Fe  $(2,487,000)  $(5,099,000)
           
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Santa Fe  $(2.00)  $(4.11)
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding   1,241,810    1,241,810 

 

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

 

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SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

               Retained       Total         
   Common Stock   Additional   Earnings       Santa Fe       Total 
           Paid-in   (Accumulated   Treasury   Shareholders'   Noncontrolling   Shareholders' 
   Shares   Amount   Capital   Deficit)   Stock   Equity (Deficit)   Interest   Equity (Deficit) 
                                 
Balance at July 1, 2013   1,339,638   $134,000   $8,808,000   $(205,000)  $(951,000)  $7,786,000   $(3,198,000)  $4,588,000 
                                         
Net loss   -    -    -    (5,099,000)   -    (5,099,000)   (1,928,000)   (7,027,000)
                                         
Redemption of limited partnership interests   -    -    -    (65,298,000)   -    (65,298,000)   1,146,000    (64,152,000)
                                         
Allocation of accumulated deficit of Justice to noncontrolling interest relating to the redemption of limited parthership interests   -    -    -    20,343,000    -    20,343,000    (20,343,000)   - 
                                         
Balance at June 30, 2014   1,339,638    134,000    8,808,000    (50,259,000)   (951,000)   (42,268,000)   (24,323,000)   (66,591,000)
                                         
Net loss   -    -    -    (2,487,000)   -    (2,487,000)   (576,000)   (3,063,000)
                                         
Balance at June 30, 2015   1,339,638   $134,000   $8,808,000   $(52,746,000)  $(951,000)  $(44,755,000)  $(24,899,000)  $(69,654,000)

 

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

 

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SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

For the years ended June 30,  2015   2014 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss  $(3,063,000)  $(7,027,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Net unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities   1,384,000    (50,000)
Unrealized loss (gain) on other investments   116,000    (104,000)
Impairment loss on other investments   432,000    63,000 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   -    3,910,000 
Loss on disposal of assets   47,000    1,092,000 
Depreciation and amortization   2,739,000    2,534,000 
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Investment in marketable securities   1,592,000    324,000 
Accounts receivable - hotel, net   (597,000)   (7,000)
Other assets, net   683,000    (1,890,000)
Accounts payable and other liabilities   (918,000)   7,049,000 
Due to securities broker   (998,000)   166,000 
Obligations for securities sold   (102,000)   (826,000)
Deferred tax asset   (1,105,000)   (4,053,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities   210,000    1,181,000 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Hotel and real estate investments   (5,023,000)   (3,699,000)
Other investments, net   (49,000)   (236,000)
Net cash used in investing activities   (5,072,000)   (3,935,000)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable   -    117,000,000 
Proceeds (payments) of mortgage and other notes payable   4,643,000    (48,698,000)
Restricted cash provided (used) for redemption and mortgage impounds   16,389,000    (17,108,000)
Distributions and redemption to noncontrolling interest   (16,163,000)   (47,989,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities   4,869,000    3,205,000 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents:   7,000    451,000 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   1,139,000    688,000 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $1,146,000   $1,139,000 
           
Supplemental information:          
Income tax paid  $84,000   $27,000 
Interest paid  $7,989,000   $5,192,000 

 

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

 

26 

 

 

SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Description of Business

 

Santa Fe Financial Corporation, a Nevada corporation, (“Santa Fe” or the “Company”) owns approximately 68.8% of the outstanding common shares of Portsmouth Square, Inc. (“Portsmouth”), a public company. Santa Fe is an 81.3%-owned subsidiary of The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”), a public company. InterGroup also directly owns approximately 13.1% of the common stock of Portsmouth, a public company.

 

Portsmouth’s primary business is conducted through its general and limited partnership interest in Justice Investors, a California limited partnership (“Justice” or the “Partnership”). Portsmouth controls approximately 93% of the interest in Justice and is the sole general partner.

  

Justice, through its subsidiaries Justice Holdings Company, LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Justice Operating Company, LLC (“Operating”) and Justice Mezzanine Company, LLC (“Mezzanine”), owns a 543-room Hotel property located at 750 Kearny Street, San Francisco California, known as the Hilton San Francisco Financial District (the Hotel) and related facilities including a five level underground parking garage. Holdings and Mezzanine are both a wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership; Operating is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mezzanine. Mezzanine is the Mezzanine borrower under certain indebtedness of Justice, and in December 2013, the Partnership conveyed ownership of the Hotel to Operating. The Hotel is operated by the partnership as a full service Hilton brand hotel pursuant to a Franchise License Agreement with HLT Franchise Holding LLC (Hilton) . Justice also has a Management Agreement with Prism Hospitality L.P. (“Prism”) to perform management functions for the Hotel. The management agreement with Prism had an original term of ten years and can be terminated at any time with or without cause by the Partnership owner. Effective January 2014, the management agreement with Prism was amended by the Partnership. Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement, which is for a term of 3 years, but which can be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause.

 

In addition to the operations of the Hotel, the Company also generates income from the ownership and management of real estate. On December 31, 1997, the Company acquired a controlling 55.4% interest in Intergroup Woodland Village, Inc. ("Woodland Village") from InterGroup. Woodland Village's major asset is a 27-unit apartment complex located in Los Angeles, California. The Company also owns a two-unit apartment building in Los Angeles, California.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, Portsmouth and Woodland Village. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

Investment in Hotel, net

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Building improvements are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives ranging from 3 to 39 years. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives ranging from 3 to 7 years.

 

Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Costs of significant renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of its remaining estimated useful life or life of the asset. The cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts; any resulting gain or loss is included in other income (expenses).

 

27 

 

 

The Company reviews property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). If the carrying amount of the asset, including any intangible assets associated with that asset, exceeds its estimated undiscounted net cash flow, before interest, the Partnership will recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between its carrying amount and its estimated fair value. If impairment is recognized, the reduced carrying amount of the asset will be accounted for as its new cost. For a depreciable asset, the new cost will be depreciated over the asset’s remaining useful life. Generally, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow, replacement cost or market comparison analyses. The process of evaluating for impairment requires estimates as to future events and conditions, which are subject to varying market and economic factors. Therefore, it is reasonably possible that a change in estimate resulting from judgments as to future events could occur which would affect the recorded amounts of the property. No impairment losses were recorded for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Investment in Real Estate, net

 

Rental properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of rental property is provided on the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 5 to 10 years for equipment. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred and major improvements are capitalized.

 

The Company also reviews its rental property assets for impairment. No impairment losses on the investment in real estate have been recorded for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

Investment in Marketable Securities

 

Marketable securities are stated at fair value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date. Marketable securities are classified as trading securities with all unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investment portfolio recorded through the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Other Investments, net

 

Other investments include non-marketable securities (carried at cost, net of any impairments loss), non –marketable warrants (carried at fair value) and certain convertible preferred securities, received in exchange for debt instruments, carried at a book basis, initially determined using the estimated fair value on the exchange date. The Company has no significant influence or control over the entities that issue these investments. These investments are reviewed on a periodic basis for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include but are not limited to: (i) the length of time an investment is in an unrealized loss position, (ii) the extent to which fair value is less than cost, (iii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer and (iv) our ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. For the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded impairment losses related to other investments of $432,000 and $63,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the allowance for impairment losses was $3,368,000 and $2,936,000, respectively.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company has investments in stock warrants that are considered derivative instruments.

 

Derivative financial instruments consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying (e.g. interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with the related unrealized gain or loss recorded in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company used the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value these instruments which requires management to make significant assumptions including trading volatility, estimated terms, and risk free rates. Estimating fair values of derivative financial instruments requires the development of significant and subjective estimates that may, and are likely to, change over the duration of the instrument with related changes in internal and external market factors. In addition, option-based models are highly volatile and sensitive to changes in the trading market price of the underlying common stock, which has a high-historical volatility. Since derivative financial instruments are initially and subsequently carried at fair values, the Company’s consolidated statement of operations will reflect the volatility in these estimates and assumption changes.

 

28 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash is comprised of amounts held by lenders for payment of real estate taxes, insurance, replacement, capital addition reserves for the Hotel and the funds held by Justice to implement the alternate redemption structure for those partners who elected that structure.

 

Accounts Receivable - Hotel, net

 

Accounts receivable from Hotel customers are carried at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts that is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of accounts receivable. The Partnership extends unsecured credit to its customers but mitigates the associated credit risk by performing ongoing credit evaluations of its customers.

 

Other Assets, net

 

Other assets include prepaid insurance, loan fees, franchise fees, license fees, occupancy tax deposits and other miscellaneous assets. Loan fees are stated at cost and amortized over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. Franchise fees are stated at cost and amortized over the life of the agreement (15 years). License fees are stated at cost and amortized over 10 years.

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are calculated under the liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the current enacted tax rates. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established for certain deferred tax assets where realization is not likely.

 

Assets and liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions.

 

Due to Securities Broker

 

Various securities brokers have advanced funds to the Company for the purchase of marketable securities under standard margin agreements. These advanced funds are recorded as a liability.

 

Obligations for Securities Sold

 

Obligation for securities sold represents the fair market value of shares sold with the promise to deliver that security at some future date and the fair market value of shares underlying the written call options with the obligation to deliver that security when and if the option is exercised. The obligation may be satisfied with current holdings of the same security or by subsequent purchases of that security. Unrealized gains and losses from changes in the obligation are included in the statement of operations.

 

Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities include trade payables, customer advance deposits and other liabilities.

 

29 

 

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards for fair value measurement establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability of inputs as follows:

 

Level 1–inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2–inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments.

 

Level 3–inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value.

 

Treasury Stock

 

The Company records the acquisition of treasury stock under the cost method.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Room revenue is recognized on the date upon which a guest occupies a room and/or utilizes the Hotel’s services. Food and beverage revenues are recognized upon delivery. Garage revenue is recognized when a guest uses the garage space. The Company records a liability for payments collected in advance of revenue recognition. This liability is included in Accounts payable and other liabilities.

 

Revenue recognition from apartment rentals commences when an apartment unit is placed in service and occupied by a rent-paying tenant. Apartment units are leased on a short-term basis, with no lease extending beyond one year.

 

Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $459,000 and $434,000 for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Basic and Diluted (Loss) Income per Share

 

Basic loss per share is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each fiscal year. As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have any potentially dilutive securities outstanding.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding certain types of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements. Accordingly, upon settlement, actual results may differ from estimated amounts.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early application is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance.

 

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In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the consolidation analysis for both the variable interest model and for the voting model for limited partnerships and similar entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early application is permitted. ASU 2015-02 provides for one of two methods of transition: retrospective application to each prior period presented; or recognition of the cumulative effect of retrospective application of the new standard in the period of initial application. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance and our method of adoption.

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360)(“ASU 2014-08”). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 provide guidance for the recognition of discontinued operations, change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in ASC 205-20, “Discontinued Operations” (“ASC 205-20”) and require additional disclosures about discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for the Company for periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early application is permitted, but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-08 but believes that this ASU will not have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements as it relates primarily as to how items are presented in the financial statements. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance and we have no plan to discontinue use of any significant assets.

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) amending revenue recognition guidance and requiring more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company does not plan to early adopt. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). The new guidance explicitly requires that management assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and may require additional detailed disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Though permitted, the Company does not plan to early adopt. The Company does not believe that this standard will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11") which requires entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Though permitted, the Company does not plan to early adopt. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2015-11 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 2 - JUSTICE INVESTORS

 

Justice Investors, a California limited partnership (“Justice” or the “Partnership”), was formed in 1967 to acquire real property in San Francisco, California, for the development and lease of the Hotel (described below) and related facilities. The Partnership has one general partner, Portsmouth Square, Inc., a California corporation (“Portsmouth”) and approximately 24 voting limited partners, including Portsmouth.

 

Effective December 1, 2008, Portsmouth and Evon Corporation, a California corporation (“Evon”), as the two general partners of Justice, entered into a 2008 Amendment to the Limited Partnership agreement (the “Amendment”) that provided for a change in the respective roles of the general partners. Pursuant to the Amendment, Portsmouth assumed the role of managing general partner and Evon continued on as the co-general partner of Justice. The Amendment was ratified by approximately 98% of the limited partnership interests. The Amendment also amended and restated the Limited Partnership agreement of the Company in its entirety to comply with the new provisions of the California Corporations Code known as the “Uniform Limited Partnership Act of 2008.” The Amendment did not result in any material modifications of the rights or obligations of the general and limited partners. The Amendment also provides that future amendments to the limited partnership agreement would be made only upon the consent of the general partners and at least seventy five percent (75%) of the interests of the limited partners. Consent of at least 75% of the interests of the limited partners is required to remove a general partner pursuant to the Amendment.

 

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Concurrent with the Amendment, a new General Partner Compensation Agreement (the “Compensation Agreement”) was entered into on December 1, 2008, among Justice, Portsmouth and Evon to terminate and supersede all prior compensation agreements for the general partners. Pursuant to the Compensation Agreement, the general partners of Justice were entitled to receive an amount equal to 1.5% of the gross annual revenues of the partnership (as defined in the Amendment), less $75,000 to be used as a contribution toward the cost of Justice engaging an asset manager. The Compensation Agreement set the minimum annual compensation of the general partners at a of approximately $285,000, with eighty percent (80%) of that amount being allocated to Portsmouth for its services as managing general partner and twenty percent (20%) allocated to Evon as the co-general partner. Compensation earned by the general partners in each calendar year in excess of the minimum base was be payable in equal fifty percent (50%) shares to Portsmouth and Evon. As described below, the Compensation Agreement was amended upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem on December 18, 2013.

 

In December 2013, the Partnership determined to restructure its ownership to facilitate a refinancing of the Hotel and redeem the interests of certain Partners, including Evon. In the course of this refinancing, restructuring and redemption, the Partnership created three subsidiaries: Justice Holdings Company, LLC (“Holdings”), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Justice Operating Company, LLC (“Operating”) and Justice Mezzanine Company, LLC (“Mezzanine”). Holdings and Mezzanine are each wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Partnership; Operating is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mezzanine. Mezzanine is the Mezzanine borrower and in December 2013, the Partnership conveyed ownership of the Hotel to Operating.

 

On December 18, 2013, the Partnership completed an Offer to Redeem any and all limited partnership interests not held by Portsmouth. In addition, the Partnership approved amendments to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, which amendments became effective upon the completion of the Offer to Redeem and the consummation of the Loan Agreements. Such amendments are described below. As a result, Portsmouth, which prior to the Offer to Redeem owned 50% of the then outstanding limited partnership interests, now controls approximately a 93% interest in Justice and is now the Partnership’s sole General Partner.

 

Pursuant to the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership accepted tenders, for cash, from Evon, and seventy-three of the Partnership’s limited partners representing approximately 29.173% of partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem for $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. On December 19, 2013, Justice distributed the amounts due each of these former partners pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Redeem.

 

In addition, the Partnership accepted the election of holders of approximately 17.146% of the limited partnership interests outstanding prior to the Offer to Redeem to participate in an alternate redemption structure. Under that alternative redemption structure, the Partnership paid to Holdings $1,385,000 for each 1% tendered. Those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure were given an option to designate property for Holdings to purchase within 12 months of December 18, 2013, and then require Holdings to transfer that property to the partner in redemption of that partner’s interest in the Partnership. The governing agreement also provided for other possible methods of redeeming the interests of the partners who elected the alternate redemption structure, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, a total of $16,163,000 and $2,928,000 was redeemed under the alternative redemption structure, respectively. As of June 30, 2015, all limited partner interests outstanding under the Offer had been redeemed.

 

The Partnership incurred approximately $6,681,000 in restructuring costs relating to the Offer to Redeem and related financing transactions, including a one-time management fee of $1,550,000, approximately $431,000 in legal, accounting and other professional expenses, and payment of a Real Property Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”).

 

In connection with the Offer to Redeem, the Partnership retired existing debt and replaced it with lower-yielding loans, the proceeds of which were used to fund the Offer to Redeem and to provide for additional working capital for the Hotel. The Partnership incurred a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $3,910,000 which included a yield maintenance (prepayment penalty) expense of $3,808,000 and a write-off of capitalized loan costs on the refinanced debt of approximately $102,000.

 

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As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Partnership had an accumulated deficit. That accumulated deficit is primarily attributable to the redemption of certain limited partners, effective December 18, 2013. The Partnership utilized the book value method to record the redemption of the limited partners. Under book value (bonus) method the remaining partners continue the existing partnership, recording no changes to the book values of the partnership’s assets and liabilities. As a result, any revaluation of the existing partnership’s assets or liabilities that might be undertaken is solely to determine the settlement price to the outgoing partner. The partner’s withdrawal from the partnership is recorded by adjusting the remaining partners’ capital accounts with the amount of the bonus, which is allocated according to their income sharing ratio. The amount of adjustment is equal to the difference between the settlement price paid to the withdrawing partner and the book value of his share of total partnership capital at the time he withdraws. Justice Partner’s capital was reduced by approximately $64.1 million for the redemption during the year ended June 30, 2014.

 

Management believes that the revenues and cash flows expected to be generated from the operations of the Hotel, garage and leases will be sufficient to meet all of the Partnership’s current and future obligations and financial requirements. Management also believes that there is significant appreciated value in the Hotel property in excess of the net book value to support additional borrowings, if necessary.

 

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT IN HOTEL, NET

 

Investment in Hotel consisted of the following as of:

 

       Accumulated   Net Book 
June 30, 2015  Cost   Depreciation   Value 
             
Land  $1,896,000   $-   $1,896,000 
Furniture and equipment   25,958,000    (21,605,000)   4,353,000 
Building and improvements   57,494,000    (23,805,000)   33,689,000 
   $85,348,000   $(45,410,000)  $39,938,000 

 

       Accumulated   Net Book 
June 30, 2014  Cost   Depreciation   Value 
             
Land  $1,896,000   $-   $1,896,000 
Furniture and equipment   23,306,000    (20,074,000)   3,232,000 
Building and improvements   55,281,000    (22,526,000)   32,755,000 
   $80,483,000   $(42,600,000)  $37,883,000 

 

In December 2013, Justice determined to substantially demolish the Hotel’s ground-level Spa (with the exception of the ceilings and certain mechanical systems) to build out additional meeting rooms, a technology lounge and re-locate Hotel offices in Fiscal 2014. Justice recorded a loss of approximately $738,000 as a disposal of assets on the closure of the Hotel’s Spa on the lobby level.

 

NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE, NET

 

The Company owns and operates a 27-unit and a 2-unit multi-family apartment complex located in Los Angeles, California and owns land held for development located in Maui, Hawaii. As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, investment in real estate included the following:

 

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   2015   2014 
Land  $2,430,000   $2,430,000 
Buildings, improvements and equipment   2,634,000    2,580,000 
Accumulated depreciation   (1,065,000)   (1,002,000)
    3,999,000    4,008,000 
Land held for development   973,000    973,000 
Investment in real estate, net  $4,972,000   $4,981,000 

  

Depreciation expense for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $62,000 and $63,000, respectively.

 

In August 2007, Portsmouth agreed to acquire 50% interest in Intergroup Uluniu, Inc., a Hawaiian corporation and a 100% owned subsidiary of InterGroup, for $973,000, which represents an amount equal to the costs paid by InterGroup for the acquisition and carrying costs of approximately two acres of unimproved land held for development located in Maui, Hawaii. As a related party transaction, the fairness of the financial terms of the transaction were reviewed and approved by the independent director of Portsmouth.

 

NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES

 

The Company’s investment in marketable securities consists primarily of corporate equities. The Company has also periodically invested in corporate bonds and income producing securities, which may include interests in real estate based companies and REITs, where financial benefit could insure to its shareholders through income and/or capital gain.

 

At June 30, 2015 and 2014, all of the Company’s marketable securities are classified as trading securities. The change in the unrealized gains and losses on these investments are included in earnings. Trading securities are summarized as follows:

 

       Gross   Gross   Net   Fair 
Investment  Cost   Unrealized Gain   Unrealized Loss   Unrealized (Loss) Gain   Value 
                     
As of June 30, 2015                    
       
Corporate                         
Equities  $3,016,000   $368,000   $(1,429,000)  $(1,061,000)  $1,955,000 
                          
As of June 30, 2014                            
Corporate                         
Equities  $4,603,000   $1,250,000   $(922,000)  $328,000   $4,931,000 

  

As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $1,420,000 and $901,000, respectively, of unrealized losses related to securities held for over one year.

 

Net gain (loss) on marketable securities on the statement of operations is comprised of realized and unrealized gains (losses). Below is the composition of the two components for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

For the year ended June 30,  2015   2014 
Realized (loss) gain on marketable securities  $(625,000)  $283,000 
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities   (1,384,000)   50,000 
           
Net (loss) gain on marketable securities  $(2,009,000)  $333,000 

 

 

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NOTE 6 – OTHER INVESTMENTS, NET

 

The Company may also invest, with the approval of the Securities Investment Committee and other Company guidelines, in private investment equity funds and other unlisted securities, such as convertible notes through private placements. Those investments in non-marketable securities are carried at cost on the Company’s balance sheet as part of other investments, net of other than temporary impairment losses.

 

Other investments, net consist of the following:

 

Type  June 30, 2015   June 30, 2014 
Preferred stock - Comstock, at cost  $6,659,000   $6,659,000 
Private equity hedge fund, at cost   777,000    1,025,000 
Corporate debt and equity instruments, at cost   -    168,000 
Other preferred stock   223,000    240,000 
Warrants - at fair value   52,000    118,000 
   $7,711,000   $8,210,000 

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $6,659,000 (6,659 preferred shares) held in Comstock Mining, Inc. (“Comstock” – OTCBB: LODE) 7 1/2% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “A-1 Preferred”) of Comstock.

On August 27, 2015, all of such preferred stock was converted into common stock of Comstock.   

 

As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had investments in corporate debt and equity instruments which had attached warrants that were considered derivative instruments. These warrants have an allocated cost basis of $267,000 and $257,000, respectively, as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 and a fair value of $52,000 and $118,000, respectively, as of June 30, 2015 and 2014. During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had an unrealized loss of $66,000 and an unrealized gain of $104,000, respectively, related to these warrants.

  

NOTE 7 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The carrying values of the Company’s financial instruments not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis approximate fair value due to their short maturities (i.e., accounts receivable, other assets, accounts payable and other liabilities, due to securities broker and obligations for securities sold) or the nature and terms of the obligation (i.e., other notes payable and mortgage notes payable).

 

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The assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

 

As of June 30, 2015                
Assets:  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Other investments - warrants  $-   $-   $52,000   $52,000 
Investment in marketable securities:                    
Basic materials   1,392,000    -    -    1,392,000 
Financial services   196,000    -    -    196,000 
Industrial goods   102,000    -    -    102,000 
REITs and real estate companies   125,000    -    -    125,000 
Other   140,000    -    -    140,000 
    1,955,000    -    -    1,955,000 
   $1,955,000   $-   $52,000   $2,007,000 

 

As of June 30, 2014                
Assets:  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Other investments - warrants  $-   $-   $118,000   $118,000 
Investment in marketable securities:                    
Basic materials   2,657,000    -    -    2,657,000 
Technology   479,000    -    -    479,000 
Financial services   287,000    -    -    287,000 
REITs and real estate companies   278,000    -    -    278,000 
Other   1,230,000    -    -    1,230,000 
    4,931,000    -    -    4,931,000 
   $4,931,000   $-   $118,000   $5,049,000 

 

The fair values of investments in marketable securities are determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date. The fair value of the warrants was determined based upon a Black-Scholes option valuation model.

 

Financial assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables above include “Other investments, net in non-marketable securities,” that were initially measured at cost and have been written down to fair value as a result of impairment or adjusted to record the fair value of new instruments received (i.e., preferred shares) in exchange for old instruments (i.e., debt instruments). The following table shows the fair value hierarchy for these assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as follows:

  

                   Net loss for the year 
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   June 30, 2015   ended June 30, 2015 
                     
Other non-marketable investments  $-   $-   $7,659,000   $7,659,000   $(432,000)

 

                   Net loss for the year 
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   June 30, 2014   ended June 30, 2014 
                     
Other non-marketable investments  $-   $-   $8,092,000   $8,092,000   $(63,000)

  

Other investments in non-marketable securities are carried at cost net of any impairment loss. The Company has no significant influence or control over the entities that issue these investments. These investments are reviewed on a periodic basis for other-than-temporary impairment. When determining the fair value of these investments on a non-recurring basis, the Company uses valuation techniques such as the market approach and the unobservable inputs include factors such as conversion ratios and the stock price of the underlying convertible instruments. The Company reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include but are not limited to: (i) the length of time an investment is in an unrealized loss position, (ii) the extent to which fair value is less than cost, (iii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer and (iv) our ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

 

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NOTE 8 – OTHER ASSETS, NET

 

Other assets consist of the following as of June 30:

 

   2015   2014 
Inventory - Hotel  $256,000   $653,000 
Prepaid expenses   781,000    1,120,000 
Occupancy tax deposit - Hotel   1,061,000    1,061,000 
Note receivable - related party   624,000    634,000 
Miscellaneous assets, net   1,644,000    1,390,000 
           
Total other assets  $4,366,000   $4,858,000 

 

In 2013, the City of San Francisco’s Tax Collector’s office claimed that Justice owed the City of San Francisco $2.1 million based on the Tax Collector’s interpretation of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code relating to Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourist Improvement District Assessment. This amount exceeds Justice’s estimate of the taxes owed, and Justice has disputed the claim and is seeking to discharge all penalties and interest charges imposed by the Tax Collector attributed to its over payment. The Company paid the full amount in March 2014 as part of the appeals process but is reflecting the amount on the balance sheet in “Other assets, net” as it is currently under protest.

 

Amortization expense of loan fees and franchise costs for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $131,000 and $88,000, respectively.

 

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE

 

The Company has various notes payable and financing obligations outstanding at June 30, 2015 and 2014 totaling $313,000 and $282,000, respectively. The notes bear interest at market rates and require monthly principal payments through May 2017 when the obligations will be fully repaid.

 

On July 2, 2014, the Partnership obtained from the Intergroup Corporation (related party) an unsecured loan in the principal amount of $4,250,000 at 12% per year fixed interest, with a term of 2 years, payable interest only each month until maturity in July 2016. Intergroup received a 3% loan fee. The loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The proceeds of the loan were applied to the July 2014 payments to Holdings described in Note 2.

 

The balance of other notes payable at June 30, 2015 relates to an obligation to Hilton(franchisor) in the form of a self-exhausting, interest free development incentive note which will be reduced approximately $316,000 annually through 2030 by Hilton if the Partnership is still a Franchisee with Hilton. For the year ended June 30, 2015, the note was reduced by approximately $158,000 and treated as a reduction of royalty expense.

 

NOTE 10 – MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE

 

On December 18, 2013: (i) Justice Operating Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Operating”), entered into a loan agreement (“Mortgage Loan Agreement”) with Bank of America (“Mortgage Lender”); and (ii) Justice Mezzanine Company, a Delaware limited liability company (“Mezzanine”), entered into a mezzanine loan agreement (“Mezzanine Loan Agreement” and, together with the Mortgage Loan Agreement, the “Loan Agreements”) with ISBI San Francisco Mezz Lender LLC (“Mezzanine Lender” and, together with Mortgage Lender, the “Lenders”). The Partnership is the sole member of Mezzanine, and Mezzanine is the sole member of Operating.

 

The Loan Agreements provide for a $97,000,000 Mortgage Loan and a $20,000,000 Mezzanine Loan. The proceeds of the Loan Agreements were used to fund the redemption of limited partnership interests described above and the pay-off of the prior mortgage.

 

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The Mortgage Loan is secured by the Partnership’s principal asset, the Hilton San Francisco-Financial District (the “Property”). The Mortgage Loan bears an interest rate of 5.28% per annum and matures in January 2024. The term of the loan is 10 years with interest only due in the first three years and principle and interest on the remaining seven years of the loan based on a thirty year amortization schedule. The Mortgage Loan also requires payments for impounds related to property tax, insurance and capital improvement reserves. As additional security for the Mortgage Loan, there is a limited guaranty (“Mortgage Guaranty”) executed by the Company in favor of Mortgage Lender.

 

The Mezzanine Loan is a secured by the Operating membership interest held by Mezzanine and is subordinated to the Mortgage Loan. The Mezzanine Loan bears interest at 9.75% per annum and matures on January 1, 2024. Interest only, payments are due monthly. As additional security for the Mezzanine Loan, there is a limited guaranty executed by the Company in favor of Mezzanine Lender (the “Mezzanine Guaranty” and, together with the Mortgage Guaranty, the “Guaranties”).

 

The Guaranties are limited to what are commonly referred to as “bad boy” acts, including: (i) fraud or intentional misrepresentations; (ii) gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) misapplication or misappropriation of rents, security deposits, insurance or condemnation proceeds; and (iv) failure to pay taxes or insurance. The Guaranties will be full recourse guaranties under identified circumstances, including failure to maintain “single purpose” status which is a factor in a consolidation of Operating or Mezzanine in a bankruptcy of another person, transfer or encumbrance of the Property in violation of the applicable loan documents, Operating or Mezzanine incurring debts that are not permitted, and the Property becoming subject to a bankruptcy proceeding. Pursuant to the Guaranties, the Partnership is required to maintain a certain minimum net worth and liquidity. As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Partnership is in compliance with both requirements.

 

Each of the Loan Agreements contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, reporting requirements, affirmative covenants and negative covenants, which impose restrictions on, among other things, organizational changes of the respective borrower, operations of the Property, agreements with affiliates and third parties. Each of the Loan Agreements also provides for mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances (including casualty or condemnation events) and voluntary prepayments, subject to satisfaction of prescribed conditions set forth in the Loan Agreements.

 

Each mortgage note payable is secured by its respective land and building. As of June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had the following mortgages:

 

June 30, 2015   June 30, 2014   Interest Rate  Origination Date  Maturity Date
$97,000,000   $97,000,000    Fixed 5.28%  December 18, 2013  January 1, 2024
 20,000,000    20,000,000    Fixed 9.75%  December 18, 2013  January 1, 2024
                 
 117,000,000    117,000,000    Total mortgage notes payable - hotel   
                 
 3,029,000    3,084,000    Fixed 4.85%  November 4, 2010  December 1, 2020
 381,000    388,000    Fixed 4.25%  September 1, 2012  September 1, 2042
                 
$3,410,000   $3,472,000    Total mortgage notes payable - real estate       

 

Future minimum payments for all notes payable are as follows:

  

For the year ending June 30,    
2016  $268,000 
2017   861,000 
2018   1,473,000 
2019   1,552,000 
2020   1,636,000 
Thereafter   114,933,000 
   $120,723,000 

  

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NOTE 11 – GARAGE OPERATIONS

 

On October 31, 2010, the Partnership and Ace Parking entered into an amendment of the original Parking Agreement to extend the term for a period of sixty two (62) months, commencing on November 1, 2010 and terminating December 31, 2015, subject to either party’s right to terminate the agreement without cause on ninety (90) days written notice. The monthly management fee of $2,000 and the accounting fee of $250 remain the same, but the amendment modified how the Excess Profit Fee to be paid to Ace Parking would be calculated.

 

The amendment provides that, if net operating income (“NOI”) from the garage operations exceeds $1,800,000 but is less than $2,000,000, then Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee of one percent (1%) of the total annual NOI. If the annual NOI is $2,000,000 or higher, Ace Parking will be entitled to an Excess Profit Fee equal to two percent (2%) of the total annual NOI. The garage’s NOI exceeded the annual NOI of $2,000,000 for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Base Management and incentive fees to Ace Parking amounted to $44,000 for each of the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

NOTE 12 – MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

 

On February 2, 2007, the Partnership entered into an agreement with Prism to manage and operate the Hotel as its agent. The original agreement was effective for a term of ten years, but was amended in January 2014 as provided in the agreement. Under the original management agreement, the Partnership was required to pay the base management fees of up to 2.5% of gross operating revenues of the Hotel (i.e., room, food and beverage, and other operating departments) for the fiscal year. Of that amount, 1.75% of the gross operating revenues was paid monthly. The balance or 0.75% was paid only to the extent that the partially adjusted net operating income (net operating income less capital expenditures) for the fiscal year exceeded the amount of the Hotel’s return for the fiscal year. The base management fee was limited to 1.75% for the period ended January 31, 2014. Under the new management agreement, effective January 2014, the required base management fees per the original agreement were amended by the Partnership to a fixed rate of $20,000 per month. Under the amended management agreement, Prism can also earn an incentive fee of $11,000 for each month that the revenues per room of the Hotel exceed the average revenues per room of a defined set of competing hotels. Base management fees and incentives paid to Prism during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $293,000 and $579,000, respectively.

 

Effective December 1, 2013, GMP Management, Inc. (“GMP”), a company owned by a Justice limited partner and related party, also provides management services for the Partnership pursuant to a Management Services Agreement. The management agreement with GMP has a term of 3 years, but may be terminated earlier by the Partnership for cause. Under the agreement, GMP is required to advise the Partnership on the management and operation of the hotel; administer the Partnership’s contracts, leases, agreements with hotel managers and franchisors and other contracts and agreements; provide administrative and asset management services, oversee financial reporting, and maintain offices at the Hotel in order to facilitate provision of services. GMP is paid an annual base management fee of $325,000 per year, increasing by 5% per year, payable in monthly installments, and to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred by GMP in performing its obligations under the agreement. During the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, GMP was reimbursed $736,000 and $330,000, respectively, for the salaries, benefits, and local payroll taxes for four key employees. Base management fees and payroll related reimbursements paid to GMP during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1,078,000 and $519,000, respectively.

 

The management fees expensed for Prism and GMP during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1,370,000 and $1,098,000, respectively.

 

NOTE 13 – CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

 

As of June 30, 2015, approximately 70% of accounts receivable is related to the amended franchise agreement. Travel agents and airlines made up 19%, or $1,278,000, and 50%, or $915,000, of accounts receivable at June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Hotel had two customers that accounted for 17%, or $1,182,000, of accounts receivable at June 30, 2015. The Hotel had two customers who accounted for 65%, or $1,203,000, of accounts receivable at June 30, 2014.

 

The Partnership maintains its cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash with various financial institutions that are monitored regularly for credit quality. At times, such cash and cash equivalents holdings may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or other federally insured limits.

 

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NOTE 14 - INCOME TAXES

 

The Company and Portsmouth file separate tax returns for both federal and state purposes. The provision for income tax expense consists of the following:

 

For the years ended June 30,  2015   2014 
Federal          
  Current tax expense  $(13,000)  $(39,000)
  Deferred tax benefit (expense)   878,000    3,061,000 
    865,000    3,022,000 
State          
  Current tax expense   (11,000)   (14,000)
  Deferred tax benefit   227,000    992,000 
    216,000    978,000 
           
Total income tax benefit  $1,081,000   $4,000,000 

 

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:

 

For the years ended June 30,  2015   2014 
         
Statutory federal tax rate   34.0%   34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit   5.4%   6.0%
Noncontrolling interest   -1.9%   -3.2%
Valuation allowance   -12.4%   -1.4%
Other   1.0%   1.0%
    26.1%   36.4%

 

The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and (liabilities) as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

  2015   2014 
Deferred tax assets        
Net operating loss carryforward  $12,039,000   $8,689,000 
Investment reserve   1,747,000    1,565,000 
Basis difference in Justice   (377,000)   1,621,000 
Capital loss carryforward   624,000    624,000 
Depreciation and amortization   211,000    206,000 
Wash sales   297,000    297,000 
Constructive sales   18,000    18,000 
Accrued vacation   7,000    19,000 
Valuation allowance   (2,335,000)   (1,847,000)
    12,231,000    11,192,000 
Deferred tax liabilities          
Unrealized gains on marketable securities   (2,252,000)   (2,421,000)
Deferred gains on real estate sale   (913,000)   (913,000)
State taxes   (715,000)   (612,000)
    (3,880,000)   (3,946,000)
Net deferred tax assets  $8,351,000   $7,246,000 

 

The deferred tax valuation allowance increased by $488,000 and $152,000, respectively, during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

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As of June 30, 2015, the Company had federal and state operating loss carryforwards of $29,038,000 and $24,478,000, respectively. These carryforwards expire in varying amounts through 2030.

 

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as to income tax in multiple state jurisdictions. Federal income tax returns of the Company are subject to IRS examination for the 2010 through 2014 tax years. State income tax returns are subject to examination for the 2009 through 2014 tax years.

 

Assets and liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. The Partnership has disputed certain tax assessments arising out of the restructuring of the Company in 2013. See Note 8, Other Assets, Net and Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Matters. With the exception of those matters, as of June 30, 2015, it has been determined there are no uncertain tax positions likely to impact the Company.

 

The Partnership files tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates and is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, were applicable. As of June 30, 2015, tax years beginning in fiscal 2010 remain open to examination by the major tax jurisdictions, and are subject to the statute of limitations.

 

NOTE 15 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in three reportable segments, the operation of the Hotel (“Hotel Operations”), its multi-family residential properties (“Real Estate Operations) and the investment of its cash in marketable securities and other investments (“Investment Transactions”). These three operating segments, as presented in the financial statements, reflect how management internally reviews each segment’s performance. Management also makes operational and

strategic decisions based on this same information.

 

Information below represents reporting segments for the year ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Segment loss from Hotel operations consists of the operation of the Hotel and operation of the garage. Segment income from real estate operations consists of the operation of the rental properties. Segment (loss) income from investments consists of net investment gain (loss), dividend and interest income and investment related expenses.

 

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As of and for the year   Hotel   Real Estate   Investment         
ended June 30, 2015  Operations   Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $56,811,000   $618,000   $-   $-   $57,429,000 
Segment operating expenses   (47,016,000)   (287,000)   -    (961,000)   (48,264,000)
Segment income (loss)   9,795,000    331,000    -    (961,000)   9,165,000 
Interest expense - mortgage   (7,787,000)   (99,000)   -    -    (7,886,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (47,000)        -    -    (47,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,801,000)   (62,000)   -    -    (2,863,000)
Loss from investments   -    -    (2,513,000)   -    (2,513,000)
Income tax benefit   -    -    -    1,081,000    1,081,000 
Net income (loss)  $(840,000)  $170,000   $(2,513,000)  $120,000   $(3,063,000)
Total assets  $48,289,000   $4,972,000   $9,666,000   $12,959,000   $75,886,000 

 

As of and for the year   Hotel   Real Estate   Investment         
ended June 30, 2014  Operations   Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $50,963,000   $633,000   $-   $-   $51,596,000 
Segment operating expenses   (48,764,000)   (382,000)   -    (954,000)   (50,100,000)
Segment income (loss)   2,199,000    251,000    -    (954,000)   1,496,000 
Interest expense - mortgage   (4,960,000)   (102,000)   -    -    (5,062,000)
Interest expense - occupancy tax   (328,000)   -    -    -    (328,000)
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (3,910,000)   -    -    -    (3,910,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (1,092,000)   -    -    -    (1,092,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,472,000)   (62,000)   -    -    (2,534,000)
Income from investments   -    -    403,000    -    403,000 
Income tax benefit   -    -    -    4,000,000    4,000,000 
Net income (loss)  $(10,563,000)  $87,000   $403,000   $3,046,000   $(7,027,000)
Total assets  $37,883,000   $4,981,000   $13,141,000   $32,314,000   $88,319,000 

  

NOTE 16 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

As discussed in Note 9 – Other Notes Payable, on July 2, 2014, the Partnership obtained from the Intergroup Corporation (the parent company) an unsecured loan in the principal amount of $4,250,000.

 

As discussed in Note 12 – Management Agreements, effective December 1, 2013, the Partnership has a management agreement with GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and a related party.

 

In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice Investors, Limited Partnership described in Note 2 above, Justice Operating Company, LLC agreed to pay a total of $1,550,000 in fees to certain officers and directors of the Company for services rendered in connection with the redemption of partnership interests, refinancing of Justice’s properties and reorganization of Justice Investors. This agreement was superseded by a letter dated December 11, 2013 from Justice Investors, Limited Partnership, in which Justice Investors Limited Partnership assumed the payment obligations of Justice Operating Company, LLC. The first payment under this agreement was made concurrently with the closing of the loan agreements described in Note 2 above, with the remaining payments due upon Justice Investor’s having adequate available cash as described in the letter. As of June 30, 2015, $1,200,000 of these fees remain payable.

 

Two general partners provided services to the Partnership through December 17, 2013. On December 18, 2013, the Partnership redeemed Evon’s partnership interest and Portsmouth Square became the sole general partner. During the year ended June 30, 2014, the general partners were paid a total of $591,000, which is included in “General and administrative” expense in the statements of operations and partners’ accumulated deficit. The total amount paid represents the minimum base compensation of $285,000 plus $306,000, calculated at one and one-half percent of Hotel revenue. The Partnership’s obligation to pay Evon, Justice’s former general partner, terminated as of December 18, 2013. Under the terms of the Justice Partnership Agreement, its current general partner, Portsmouth, receives annual base compensation of $285,000, plus one percent of Hotel Revenue. During each of the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, total compensation paid to Portsmouth under the new and previous agreements was $565,000 and $473,000, respectively. Amounts paid to Portsmouth are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Certain shared costs and expenses, primarily administrative expenses, rent and insurance are allocated among the Company and InterGroup based on management's estimate of the pro rata utilization of resources. For the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, these expenses were approximately $144,000 for each respective year.

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Company has a note receivable from Intergroup in the amount of $624,000. The interest rate on the note is fixed at 4.85% and the note matures in December 2020. See Note 8 – Other Assets, Net.

 

Four of the Portsmouth directors serve as directors of Intergroup. Three of those directors also serve as directors of Santa Fe. The three Santa Fe directors also serve as directors of Intergroup.

 

As Chairman of the Securities Investment Committee, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John V. Winfield, directs the investment activity of the Company in public and private markets pursuant to authority granted by the Board of Directors. Mr. Winfield also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Santa Fe and InterGroup and oversees the investment activity of those companies. Depending on certain market conditions and various risk factors, the Chief Executive Officer, his family, Santa Fe and InterGroup may, at times, invest in the same companies in which the Company invests. The Company encourages such investments because it places personal resources of the Chief Executive Officer and his family members, and the resources of Santa Fe and InterGroup, at risk in connection with investment decisions made on behalf of the Company.

 

In fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, the disinterested members of the Boards of Directors of the Company and its subsidiary, Portsmouth, established a performance based compensation program for the Company’s CEO to keep and retain his services as a direct and active manager of the Company’s securities portfolio. Pursuant to the current criteria established by the Board, Mr. Winfield is entitled to performance based compensation for his management of the Company’s securities portfolio equal to 20% of all net investment gains generated in excess of an annual return equal to the Prime Rate of Interest (as published in the Wall Street Journal) plus 2%. Compensation amounts are calculated and paid quarterly based on the results of the Company’s investment portfolio for that quarter. Should the Company have a net investment loss during any quarter, Mr. Winfield would not be entitled to any further performance-based compensation until any such investment losses are recouped by the Company. This performance based compensation program may be further modified or terminated at the discretion of the respective Boards of Directors. The Company’s CEO did not earn any performance based compensation for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

  

NOTE 17 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Franchise Agreements

 

The Partnership entered into a Franchise License agreement (the License agreement) with the HLT Franchise Holding LLC (Hilton) (Hilton) on December 10, 2004. The term of the License agreement was for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the opening date, with an option to extend the license agreement for another five years, subject to certain conditions. On June 26, 2015, the Partnership and Hilton entered into an amended franchise agreement which extended the franchise agreement through 2030, modified the monthly royalty rate, extended geographic protection to the Partnership and also provided the Partnership certain key money cash incentives to be earned through 2030. The key money cash incentives were received on July 1, 2015 and are included in accounts receivable at June 30, 2015.

 

Since the opening of the Hotel in January 2006, the Partnership has paid monthly royalties, program fees and information technology recapture charges equal to a percent of the Hotel’s gross room revenue for the preceding calendar month. Total fees paid to Hilton for such services during fiscal 2015 and 2014 totaled $3.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

Employees

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Partnership, through Operating, had approximately 312 employees. Approximately 79% of those employees were represented by one of three labor unions, and their terms of employment were determined under a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) to which the Partnership was a party. During the year ended June 30, 2014, the Partnership renewed the CBAs for the Local 2 (Hotel and Restaurant Employees), Local 856 (International Brotherhood of Teamsters), and Local 39 (stationary engineers).

 

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Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, which includes not just terms and conditions of employment, but scope and coverage of employees, is a regular and expected course of business operations for the Partnership. The Partnership expects and anticipates that the terms of conditions of CBAs will have an impact on wage and benefit costs, operating expenses, and certain Hotel operations during the life of the each CBA, and incorporates these principles into its operating and budgetary practices.

 

Legal Matters

 

In 2013, the City of San Francisco’s Tax Collector’s office claimed that Justice owed the City of San Francisco $2.1 million based on the Tax Collector’s interpretation of the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code relating to Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourist Improvement District Assessment. This amount exceeds Justice’s estimate of the taxes owed, and Justice has disputed the claim and is seeking to discharge all penalties and interest charges imposed by the Tax Collector attributed to its over payment. The Company paid the full amount in March 2014 as part of the appeals process but is reflecting the amount on the balance sheet in “Other assets, net” as it is currently under protest.

 

Several legal matters are pending relating to the redemption transaction described in Note 2. On December 18, 2013, a Real Property Transfer Tax of approximately $4.7 million was paid to the City and County of San Francisco (“CCSF”). CCSF required payment of the Transfer Tax as a condition to record the transfer of the Hotel land parcel from Investors to Operating, which was necessary to effect the Loan Agreements. While the Partnership contends the Transfer Tax that was assessed by CCSF was illegal and erroneous, the tax was paid, under protest, to facilitate the consummation of the redemption transaction, the Loan Agreements and the recording of related documents. The Partnership has challenged CCSF’s imposition of the tax and filed a refund lawsuit against CCSF in San Francisco County Superior Court. No prediction can be made as to whether any portion of the tax will be refunded.

 

On February 13, 2014, Evon filed a complaint in San Francisco Superior Court against the Partnership, Portsmouth, and a limited partner and related party asserting contract and tort claims based on Justice’s withholding of $4.7 million from a payment due to Holdings to pay the transfer tax described above. On April 1, 2014, the defendants in the action removed the action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Evon dismissed its complaint on April 8, 2014 and, that same day, filed a second complaint in San Francisco Superior Court substantially similar to the dismissed complaint, except for the omission of a federal cause of action. Evon’s current complaint in the action asserts causes of action for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against Justice only; breach of fiduciary duty against Portsmouth only; conversion against Justice and Portsmouth; and fraud/ and concealment against Justice, Portsmouth and a Justice limited partner and related party. In July 2014, Justice paid to Holdings a total of $4.7 million, the amount Evon claims was incorrectly withheld from Holdings to pay the transfer tax described above. Defendants moved to compel arbitration on August 5, 2014, and the Superior Court denied that motion on September 23, 2014. Defendants have appealed the order denying the motion to compel arbitration. The parties have been engaged in settlement discussions, and have agreed to postpone activity in both the Superior Court and the Court of Appeal while they attempt settlement. To date, the courts have been amenable to continuing all pending dates. The parties have not yet reached a final settlement. No prediction can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter.

 

 

On April 21, 2014, the Partnership commenced an arbitration action against Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP (formerly known as Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP), Brett J. Cohen, Gary N. Jacobs, Janet S. McCloud, Paul B. Salvaty, and Joseph K. Fletcher III (collectively, the “Respondents”) in connection with the redemption transaction. The arbitration alleges legal malpractice against the Respondents and also seeks declaratory relief regarding provisions of the option agreement in the redemption transaction and regarding the engagement letter with Respondents. The arbitration is pending before JAMS, Inc. in Los Angeles, but has been stayed pending conclusion of the action filed by Evon described above. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

 

On June 27, 2014, the Partnership commenced an action in San Francisco Superior Court against Evon, Holdings, and those partners who elected the alternative redemption structure. The action seeks a declaration of the correct interpretation of (i) the special allocations sections of the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Justice with an effective date of January 1, 2013; and (ii) whether certain partners who elected the alternative redemption structure breached the governing Limited Partnership Interest Redemption Option Agreement. The complaint states that these declarations are relevant to preparation of the Partnership’s 2013 and 2014 state and federal tax returns and the associated Forms K-1 to be issued to affected current and former partners. The Partnership filed a First Amended Complaint on October 31, 2014. Evon filed a cross-complaint on December 9, 2014, alleging fraudulent concealment and promissory fraud against the Partnership in connection with the redemption transaction. The Partnership demurred to the cross-complaint, and that demurrer is still pending in the Superior Court. The parties have been engaged in settlement discussions, and have agreed to postpone activity in this case while they attempt settlement. To date, the court has been amenable to continuing all pending dates. The parties have not yet reached a final settlement. No prediction can be given as to the outcome of this matter.

  

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On March 20, 2015, the Partnership and Operating filed a case in the Supreme Court of the State of New York entitled Justice Investors and Justice Operating Company, LLC v. Hilton Franchise LLC (the “Action”). On June 26, 2015, the Partnership and Hilton Franchise Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, successor-by-merger to Hilton Franchise LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Hilton”) entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release (the “Agreement”) to settle and release all claims arising out of or in connection with the Action. Under the terms of the Agreement, Hilton and Justice agreed to amend the existing License Agreement (described above) between the Partnership and Hilton by extending it for 15 years, and for Hilton to pay to Justice key money. Operating executed a self-exhausting, interest-free promissory note in favor of HLT Existing Franchise Holding LLC in the amount of the key money, which provides that the key money is to be amortized, on a straight-line basis, over the 15 year term of the amended, extended Franchise Agreement. Upon the Effective Date of the Agreement, Justice dismissed the Action.

 

The Partnership has not yet filed its 2014 federal and state partnership income tax returns. The outcome of the Declaratory Relief action pending in San Francisco Superior Court will likely impact the filing of the 2014 tax returns, and the Partnership is working to resolve these issues.

 

The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company defends itself vigorously against any such claims. Management does not believe that the impact of such matters will have a material effect on the financial conditions or result of operations when resolved.

 

NOTE 18 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

Justice has a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) for non-union employees who have completed six months of service. Justice provides a matching contribution up to 4% of the contribution to the Plan based upon a certain percentage on the employees’ elective deferrals. Justice may also make discretionary contributions to the Plan each year. Contributions made to the Plan amounted to $61,000 and $53,000 during the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Certain employees of Justice who are members of various unions are covered by union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi-employer health and welfare and benefit pension plans. Justice does not contribute separately to those multi-employer plans.

 

NOTE 19 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $6,659,000 (6,659 preferred shares) held in Comstock Mining, Inc. (“Comstock” – OTCBB: LODE) 7 1/2% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “A-1 Preferred”) of Comstock.

On August 27, 2015, all of such preferred stock was converted into common stock of Comstock.   

 

The Company has evaluated all events occurring subsequent to June 30, 2015 and concluded that no additional subsequent events has occurred outside the normal course of business operations that require disclosure.

 

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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

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the fiscal period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this filing is accumulated and communicated to management and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, for the Company. In establishing adequate internal control over financial reporting, management has developed and maintained a system of internal control, policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information contained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and other information presented in this annual report is reliable, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact, and fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of and for the periods presented in this annual report.

 

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013 COSO Framework). Based on its evaluation under that framework, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2015.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the last quarterly period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information.

 

None to report.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as of June 30, 2015:

 

Name   Position with the Company   Age   Term to Expire
             
John V. Winfield   Chairman of the Board; President and Chief Executive Officer (1)   68   Fiscal 2015 Annual Meeting
             
John C. Love   Director (1)(2)   75   Fiscal 2015 Annual Meeting
             
William J. Nance   Director(1)(2)   71   Fiscal 2015 Annual Meeting
             
Other Executive Officers:
             
Clyde W. Tinnen    Secretary   42   N/A
             
David T. Nguyen   Treasurer and Controller (Principal Financial Officer)   41   N/A

 

 

 

(1) Member of Securities Investment Committee

(2) Member of Audit Committee

 

Business Experience:

 

The principal occupation and business experience during the last five years for each of the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company are as follows:

 

John V. Winfield -- Mr. Winfield was first elected to the Board in May of 1995 and currently serves as the Company's Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, having been appointed as such in April 1996. Mr. Winfield is also the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company's subsidiary, Portsmouth, having held those positions since May of 1996. Mr. Winfield is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup”), a public company, and has held those positions since 1987. Mr. Winfield also serves as Chairman of the Board of Comstock Mining, Inc. (NYSE MKT: LODE), a public company in which he was elected a Director on June 23, 2011. Mr. Winfield’s extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor, as well as his managerial and leadership experience from serving as a chief executive officer and director of public companies, led to the Board’s conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

John C. Love -- Mr. Love was appointed a Director of the Company on March 5, 1998. Mr. Love is an international hospitality and tourism consultant. He is a retired partner in the national CPA and consulting firm of Pannell Kerr Forster and, for the last 30 years, a lecturer in hospitality industry management control systems and competition & strategy at Golden Gate University and San Francisco State University. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Golden Gate University and the Executive Secretary of the Hotel and Restaurant Foundation. Mr. Love is also a Director of Portsmouth, having first been appointed in March 1998 and a Director of InterGroup, having first been appointed in January 1998. Mr. Love’s extensive experience as a CPA and in the hospitality industry, including teaching at the university level for the last 30 years in management control systems, and his knowledge and understanding of finance and financial reporting, led to the Board’s conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

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William J. Nance -- Mr. Nance was first elected to the Board in May of 1996. Mr. Nance is also a director of Portsmouth. Mr. Nance is the President and CEO of Century Plaza Printers, Inc., a company he founded in 1979. He has also served as a consultant in the acquisition and disposition of multi-family and commercial real estate. Mr. Nance is a Certified Public Accountant and, from 1970 to 1976, was employed by Kenneth Leventhal & Company where he was a Senior Accountant specializing in the area of REITS and restructuring of real estate companies, mergers and acquisitions, and all phases of real estate development and financing. Mr. Nance is also Director of InterGroup, and has held such position since 1984. Mr. Nance also serves as a director of Comstock Mining, Inc. Mr. Nance’s extensive experience as a CPA and in numerous phases of the real estate industry, his business and management experience gained in running his own businesses, his service as a director and audit committee member for other public companies and his knowledge and understanding of finance and financial reporting, led to the Board’s conclusion that he should serve as a director of the Company.

 

Clyde W. Tinnen – Mr. Tinnen was appointed as Secretary of the Company on December 14, 2014. Mr. Tinnen also serves as Secretary of InterGroup and Santa Fe, having been appointed to those positions on December 14, 2014. Mr. Tinnen is a corporate partner at the law firm of Withers Bergman LLP.  Prior to joining Withers Bergman LLP in April 2015, Mr. Tinnen was a  corporate partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, where he was employed from January 2010 to March 2015, after previously working as a corporate associate with the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP from September 2006 to December 2009.

 

David T. Nguyen – Mr. Nguyen was appointed as Treasurer of the Company on February 27, 2003. Mr. Nguyen also serves as Treasurer of InterGroup and Portsmouth, having been appointed to those positions on February 26, 2003 and February 27, 2003, respectively. Mr. Nguyen is a Certified Public Accountant and from 1995 to 1999, was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he was a Senior Accountant specializing in real estate. Mr. Nguyen has also served as the Company's Controller from 1999 to December 2001 and from December 2002 to present.

 

Family Relationships: There are no family relationships among directors, executive officers, or persons nominated or chosen by the Company to become directors or executive officers.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings: No director or executive officer, or person nominated or chosen to become a director or executive officer, was involved in any legal proceeding requiring disclosure.

 

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s officers and directors, and each beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the Common Stock of the Company, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

 

Based solely on its review of the copies of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company during its most recent fiscal year, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were required for those persons, the Company believes that during fiscal 2015 all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors, and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners were complied with.

 

Code of Ethics.

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, as well as its Board of Directors. A copy of the Code of Ethics is filed as Exhibit 14 to this Report. A copy is also posted on the Santa Fe page of its parent company’s website at www.intgla.com. The Company will provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of its Code of Ethics by sending such request to: Santa Fe Financial Corporation, Attn: Treasurer, 10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150, Los Angeles, CA 90024. The Company will promptly disclose any amendments or waivers to its Code of Ethics on Form 8-K.

 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE INFORMATION

 

Santa Fe is an unlisted company and a Smaller Reporting Company under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). With the exception of the Company’s President and CEO, John V. Winfield, all of Santa Fe’s Board of Directors consists of “independent” directors as independence is defined by the applicable rules of the SEC and NASDAQ.

 

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Procedures for Recommendations of Nominees to Board of Directors

 

There have been no changes to the procedures previously disclosed by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

Santa Fe is an unlisted company and a Smaller Reporting Company under SEC rules and regulations. The Company’s Audit Committee is currently comprised of Directors William J. Nance (Chairperson) and John C. Love, each of whom are independent directors as independence is defined by the applicable rules of the SEC and NASDAQ, and as may be modified or supplemented. Each of these directors also meets the audit committee financial expert requirement based on their qualifications and business experience discussed above in this Item 10.

  

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

 

The following table provides certain summary information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the Company’s principal executive officer and other named executive officers of the Company whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for all services rendered to the Company for each of the Company’s last two competed fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. No stock awards, long-term compensation, options or stock appreciation rights were granted to any of the named executive officers during the last two fiscal years.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

   Annual Compensation     
Name and  Fiscal           All Other     
Principal Position  Year   Salary   Bonus   Compensation   Total 
                     
John V. Winfield   2015   $392,000(1)   -   $43,000(2)  $435,000(1)
Chairman; President   2014   $329,500(1)   -   $143,000(2)(4)  $472,500(1)
and Chief Executive Officer                         
                          
David T. Nguyen   2015   $118,000   $12,000    -   $130,000(3)
Treasurer and Controller   2014   $98,000    -    -   $98,000(3)
(Principal Financial Officer)                         

 

(1) Includes salary and director’s fees received from the Company’s subsidiary, Portsmouth, in the amounts of $289,000 and $282,000 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and directors fees in the amount of $6,000 per year paid by Santa Fe. Does not include compensation received from Santa Fe’s parent corporation, InterGroup, of $485,000 and $318,000 for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

(2) During fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company and Portsmouth also paid combined annual premiums of $43,000, for each respective year, for split dollar whole life insurance policies, owned by, and the beneficiary of which is, a trust for the benefit of Mr. Winfield’s family. Portsmouth’s share of those premiums was $17,000 per year. These policies were obtained in December 1998 and provide for an aggregate death benefit of $2,500,000. The Company has a secured right to receive, from any proceeds of the policy, reimbursement of all premiums paid prior to any payments to the beneficiary.

 

(3) Includes salary and bonus paid by Portsmouth in the amount of $65,000 and $49,000 for fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Does not include $132,000 and $98,000 paid by Santa Fe’s parent company, InterGroup, for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

(4) In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements, Justice agreed to pay a total of $1,550,000 in fees to certain officers and directors of the Company for services rendered in connection with the redemption of partnership interests, refinancing of Justice’s properties and reorganization of Justice Investors. The first payment under this agreement was made concurrently with the closing of the loan agreements, with the remaining payments due upon Justice having adequate available cash. Mr. Winfield was paid $100,00 in fiscal 2014.

 

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As a Smaller Reporting Company, Santa Fe has no compensation committee. Executive Officer compensation is set by disinterested members of the Board of Directors. Santa Fe has no stock option plan or stock appreciation rights for its executive officers. The Company has no pension or long-term incentive plans. There are no employment contracts between Santa Fe and any executive officer, and there are no termination-of-employment or change-in-control arrangements.

 

In fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, the disinterested members of the Boards of Directors of the Company and its subsidiary, Portsmouth, established a performance based compensation program for the Company’s CEO to keep and retain his services as a direct and active manager of the Company’s securities portfolio. Pursuant to the current criteria established by the Board, Mr. Winfield is entitled to performance based compensation for his management of the Company’s securities portfolio equal to 20% of all net investment gains generated in excess of an annual return equal to the Prime Rate of Interest (as published in the Wall Street Journal) plus 2%. Compensation amounts are calculated and paid quarterly based on the results of the Company’s investment portfolio for that quarter. Should the Company have a net investment loss during any quarter, Mr. Winfield would not be entitled to any further performance-based compensation until any such investment losses are recouped by the Company. This performance based compensation program may be further modified or terminated at the discretion of the respective Boards of Directors. The Company’s CEO did not earn any performance based compensation for the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

  

Internal Revenue Code Limitations

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), provides that, in the case of a publicly held corporation, the corporation is not generally allowed to deduct remuneration paid to its chief executive officer and certain other highly compensated officers to the extent that such remuneration exceeds $1,000,000 for the taxable year. Certain remuneration, however, is not subject to disallowance, including compensation paid on a commission basis and, if certain requirements prescribed by the Code are satisfied, other performance based compensation. Since InterGroup, Santa Fe and Portsmouth are each public companies, the $1,000,000 limitation applies separately to the compensation paid by each entity. Stock option expenses are also amortized over a several years. For fiscal years 2015 and 2014, no compensation paid by the Company to its CEO or other executive officers was subject the deduction disallowance prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The following table provides information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the Company’s directors for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name 

Fees Earned

or Paid in Cash

  

All Other

Compensation

   Total 
             
John C. Love  $58,000(1)   -   $58,000 
                
William J. Nance  $58,000(1)   -   $58,000 
                
John V. Winfield(2)   -    -    - 

 

(1) Mr. Love and Mr. Nance also serve as directors of the Company’s subsidiary, Portsmouth. Amounts shown include $8,000 in regular board and audit committee fees paid by Santa Fe and $8,000 in regular board and audit committee fees paid by Portsmouth. These amounts also include $42,000 in special Hotel committee fees paid to Mr. Love and Mr. Nance by Portsmouth related to the oversight of its Hotel asset.

 

(2) As an executive officer, Mr. Winfield’s directors fees are reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

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The bylaws of Santa Fe permit directors to be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board or a stated retainer fee as director. Each director is paid a fee of $1,500 per quarter for a total annual compensation of $6,000. This policy has been in effect since July 1, 1985. Members of the Company’s Audit Committee also receive a fee of $500 per quarter.

 

Change in Control or Other Arrangements

 

Except for the foregoing, there are no other arrangements for compensation of directors and there are no employment contracts between the Company and its directors or any change in control arrangements.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End.

 

The Company did not have any outstanding equity awards at the end of its fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 and has no equity compensation plans in effect.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The following table sets forth, as of August 20, 2015, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock of the Company owned by those persons or groups known by the Company to own more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

 

Name and Address of  Amount and Nature of     
Beneficial Owner  Beneficial Ownership (1)   Percent of Class (2) 
         
The InterGroup Corporation   1,009,277    81.3%
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150          
Los Angeles, CA 90024          
           
John V. Winfield   49,400    4.0%
10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2150          
Los Angeles, CA 90024          
           
The InterGroup Corporation and   1,058,677(3)   85.3%
John V. Winfield as a group          

 

 

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.

 

(2) Percentages are calculated on the basis of 1,241,810 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of August 20, 2015 plus any securities that the person has a right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.

 

(3) Pursuant to a Voting Trust Agreement dated June 30, 1998, InterGroup has the power to vote the 49,400 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Winfield. As President, Chairman of the Board and a 62.9% beneficial shareholder of InterGroup, Mr. Winfield has voting and dispositive power over the shares owned of record and beneficially by InterGroup.

 

Security Ownership of Management.

 

The following table sets forth, as of August 20, 2015, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock of the Company owned by (i) each Director and each of the named Executive Officers, and (ii) all Directors and Executive Officers as a group.

 

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Name of

Beneficial Owner

 

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership(1)

  

Percent

of Class(2)

 
         
John V. Winfield   1,058,677(3)   85.3%
           
John C. Love   0(4)   - 
           
William J. Nance   0(4)   - 
           
Michael G. Zybala   0    - 
           
David T. Nguyen   0    - 
           
All Directors and Executive          
Officers as a Group (5 persons)   1,058,677    85.3%

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.

 

(2) Percentages are calculated on the basis of 1,241,810 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of August 20, 2015 plus any securities that person has the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.

 

(3) John V. Winfield is the sole beneficial owner of 49,400 shares of Common Stock. InterGroup is the beneficial owner of 1,009,277 shares of Common Stock. As the President, Chairman of the Board and a 62.9% shareholder of InterGroup, Mr. Winfield has voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares of Santa Fe owned of record and beneficially by InterGroup.

 

(4) John C. Love is a 0.8% shareholder of InterGroup as well as a Director thereof. William J. Nance is also a Director of InterGroup and a 2.3% shareholder.

 

Security Ownership of Management in Subsidiary

 

As of August 20, 2015, Santa Fe was the record and beneficial owner of 505,437 shares of its subsidiary, Portsmouth, and 94,927 shares are owned by Santa Fe’s parent company InterGroup. The President and Chairman of the Board of Santa Fe and InterGroup has voting power with respect to common shares of Portsmouth owned by Santa Fe and InterGroup which represent 81.9% of the voting power of Portsmouth. No other director or executive officer of Santa Fe has a beneficial interest in Portsmouth’s shares.

 

Changes in Control

 

There are no arrangements that may result in a change in control of the Company.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.

 

Santa Fe has no securities authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans.

  

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

As of August 20, 2015, Santa Fe and InterGroup owned 81.9% of the common stock of Portsmouth, and InterGroup and John V. Winfield, in the aggregate, owned approximately 85.3% of the voting stock of Santa Fe. All of the Company’s Directors serve as directors of InterGroup and all three of the Company’s Directors serve on the Board of Portsmouth.

 

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As of June 30, 2015, the Company has a note receivable from Intergroup in the amount of $624,000. The interest rate on the note is fixed at 4.85% and the note matures in December 2020.

 

As discussed in Note 9 – Related Party and Other Notes Payable, on July 2, 2014, the Partnership obtained from the Intergroup Corporation (the parent company) an unsecured loan in the principal amount of $4,250,000 due in July 2016.

 

As discussed in Note 12 – Management Agreements, effective December 1, 2013, the Partnership has a management agreement with GMP Management, Inc., a company owned by a Justice limited partner and a related party.

 

In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice Investors, Limited Partnership described in Note 2 above, Justice Operating Company, LLC agreed to pay a total of $1,550,000 in fees to certain officers and directors of the Company for services rendered in connection with the redemption of partnership interests, refinancing of Justice’s properties and reorganization of Justice Investors. This agreement was superseded by a letter dated December 11, 2013 from Justice Investors, Limited Partnership, in which Justice Investors Limited Partnership assumed the payment obligations of Justice Operating Company, LLC. The first payment under this agreement was made concurrently with the closing of the loan agreements described in Note 2 above, with the remaining payments due upon Justice Investor’s having adequate available cash as described in the letter. As of June 30, 2015, $1,200,000 of these fees remain payable.

 

Two general partners provided services to the Partnership through December 17, 2013. On December 18, 2013, the Partnership redeemed Evon’s partnership interest and Portsmouth Square became the sole general partner. During the year ended June 30, 2014, the general partners were paid a total of $591,000, which is included in “General and administrative” expense in the statements of operations and partners’ accumulated deficit. The total amount paid represents the minimum base compensation of $285,000 plus $306,000, calculated at one and one-half percent of Hotel revenue. The Partnership’s obligation to pay Evon, Justice’s former general partner, terminated as of December 18, 2013. Under the terms of the Justice Partnership Agreement, its current general partner, Portsmouth, receives annual base compensation of $285,000, plus one percent of Hotel Revenue. During each of the years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, total compensation paid to Portsmouth under the new and previous agreements was $565,000 and $473,000, respectively. Amounts paid to Portsmouth are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Certain costs and expenses, primarily administrative salaries, rent and insurance, are allocated among the Company, its subsidiary, Portsmouth, and parent InterGroup based on management’s estimate of the pro rata utilization of resources. During each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company and Portsmouth made payments to InterGroup of approximately $144,000 for administrative costs and reimbursement of direct and indirect costs associated with the management of the Companies and their investments, including the partnership asset.

 

As Chairman of the Securities Investment Committee, the Company’s President and Chief Executive officer, John V. Winfield, directs the investment activity of the Company in public and private markets pursuant to authority granted by the Board of Directors. Mr. Winfield also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Portsmouth and InterGroup and oversees the investment activity of those companies. Depending on certain market conditions and various risk factors, the Chief Executive Officer, his family, Portsmouth and InterGroup may, at times, invest in the same companies in which the Company invests. The Company encourages such investments because it places personal resources of the Chief Executive Officer and his family members, and the resources of Portsmouth and InterGroup, at risk in connection with investment decisions made on behalf of the Company.

 

In December 1998, Board of Directors authorized the Company to obtain whole life insurance and split dollar insurance policies covering the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Winfield. During fiscal years 2015 and 2014, the Company paid annual premiums of $26,000 for the split dollar whole life insurance policy, owned by, and the beneficiary of which is, a trust for the benefit of Mr. Winfield’s family. The Company has a secured right to receive, from any proceeds of the policy, reimbursement of all premiums paid prior to any payments to the beneficiary. During fiscal 2015 and 2014, Portsmouth also paid annual premiums of $17,000 for a split dollar policy also covering Mr. Winfield. The premiums associated with that spilt dollar policy are considered additional compensation to Mr. Winfield.

 

There are no other relationships or related transactions between the Company and any of its officers, directors, five-percent security holders or their families which require disclosure.

 

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Director Independence

 

Santa Fe is an unlisted company and a Smaller Reporting Company under the rules and regulations of the SEC. With the exception of the Company’s President and CEO, John V. Winfield, all of Santa Fe’s Board of Directors consists of “independent” directors as independence is defined by the applicable rules of the SEC and NASDAQ.

  

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

 

Audit Fees - The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 for professional services rendered by Burr Pilger Mayer, Inc., the independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-Q reports or services normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years, were as follows:

 

  

Fiscal Year

 
   2015   2014 
         
Audit fees  $173,000   $158,000 
Audit related fees   -    - 
Tax fees   -    - 
All other fees   -    - 
           
TOTAL:  $173,000   $158,000 

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

 

The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm, subject to any de minimus exceptions that may be set for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the Committee prior to the completion of the audit. The Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when appropriate, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that decisions of such subcommittee to grant pre-approvals shall be presented to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting. All of the services described herein were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to its pre-approval policies.

 

None of the hours expended on the independent registered public accounting firms’ engagement to audit the Company’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the independent registered public accounting firm’s full-time permanent employees.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a)(1) Financial Statements

 

The following financial statements of the Company are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report at pages 20 through 44:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) for years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for years ended June 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

 

All other schedules for which provision is made in Regulation S-X have been omitted because they are not required or are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

(a)(3) Exhibits

 

Set forth below is an index of applicable exhibits filed with this report according to exhibit table number.

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
     
3.(i)   Articles of Incorporation (Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated August 12, 1997, are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1997, as filed with the Commission on March 31, 1998.
     
3.(ii)   Bylaws (as amended February 15, 2000) incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1999, as filed with the Commission on March 29, 2000).
     
4.   Instruments defining the rights of security holders including indentures (See Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws)*
     
10.   Material Contracts:
     
10.1   Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Justice Investors, effective November 30, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Report for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Commission on February 11, 2011).
     
10.2   General Partner Compensation Agreement, dated December 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Company’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2008, filed with the Commission on February 12, 2009).

 

 

55 

 

  

10.3   Franchise License Agreement, dated December 10, 2004, between Justice Investors and Hilton Hotels (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s amended report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, as filed with the Commission on August 24, 2012).
     
10.4   Management Agreement, dated February 2, 2012, between Justice Investors and Prism Hospitality, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s amended report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, as filed with the Commission on August 24, 2012).
     
14.   Code of Ethics (filed herewith).
     
21.   Subsidiaries (filed herewith).
     
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a). (filed herewith)
     
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a). (filed herewith)
     
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. (filed herewith)
     
32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. (filed herewith)

 

EX-101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
EX-101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
     
EX-101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
     
EX-101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
     
EX-101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
     
EX-101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

* All exhibits marked by an asterisk have been previously filed with other documents, including Registrant's Form 10 filed on October 27, 1967, and subsequent filings on Forms 8-K, 10-K, 10-KSB, 10-Q and 10-QSB, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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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.

 

  SANTA FE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
  (Registrant)
   
Date: September 4, 2015 by /s/ John V. Winfield
  John V. Winfield, President,
  Chairman of the Board and
  Chief Executive Officer
   
Date: September 4, 2015 by /s/ David T. Nguyen
  David T. Nguyen, Treasurer
  and Controller

 

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 dates indicated.

 

Signatures   Title and Position   Date
         
/s/ John V Winfield   President, Chief Operating Officer and Chairman   September 4, 2015
John V. Winfield   of the Board (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ David T. Nguyen   Treasurer and Controller (Principal Financial Officer)   September 4, 2015
David T. Nguyen        
         
/s/ John C. Love   Director   September 4, 2015
John C. Love        
         
/s/ William J. Nance   Director   September 4, 2015
William J. Nance        

 

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