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EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - INTERGROUP CORPv430177_ex31-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - INTERGROUP CORPv430177_ex31-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - INTERGROUP CORPv430177_ex32-1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - INTERGROUP CORPv430177_ex32-2.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 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 1-10324

 

THE INTERGROUP CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE 13-3293645
(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)

  

 

 

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 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 number of shares outstanding of registrant’s Common Stock, as of January 8, 2016 was 2,383,689.

 

 

 

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  

      Page
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
Item 1. Financial Statements.    
       
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2015   3
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014   4
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Six Months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014   5
       
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014   6
       
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.   16
       
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.   23
       
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
       
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   24
       
Item 6. Exhibits.   25
       
Signatures     25

 

 -2- 

 

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 - Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

THE INTERGROUP CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

As of  December 31, 2015   June 30, 2015 
   (Unaudited)     
ASSETS          
Investment in Hotel, net  $45,096,000   $43,840,000 
Investment in real estate, net   57,193,000    55,768,000 
Investment in marketable securities   16,005,000    5,827,000 
Other investments, net   1,415,000    15,082,000 
Cash and cash equivalents   5,079,000    8,529,000 
Restricted cash - mortgage impounds   2,937,000    2,868,000 
Other assets, net   6,537,000    11,505,000 
Deferred income taxes   1,917,000    - 
           
Total assets  $136,179,000   $143,419,000 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT          
Liabilities:          
Accounts payable and other liabilities  $3,497,000   $5,268,000 
Accounts payable and other liabilities - Hotel   12,280,000    13,615,000 
Due to securities broker   1,552,000    345,000 
Obligations for securities sold   -    22,000 
Other notes payable   4,643,000    4,905,000 
Mortgage notes payable - Hotel   117,000,000    117,000,000 
Mortgage notes payable - real estate   65,541,000    66,233,000 
Deferred income taxes   -    3,000 
Total liabilities   204,513,000    207,391,000 
           
Commitments and contingencies          
           
Shareholders' deficit:          
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; none issued   -    - 
Common stock, $.01 par value, 4,000,000 shares authorized; 3,395,616 and 3,391,096 issued; 2,383,689 and 2,386,029 outstanding, respectively   33,000    33,000 
Additional paid-in capital   10,532,000    10,494,000 
Accumulated deficit   (40,285,000)   (36,459,000)
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,011,927 and 1,005,067 shares   (12,033,000)   (11,878,000)
Total InterGroup shareholders' deficit   (41,753,000)   (37,810,000)
Noncontrolling interest   (26,581,000)   (26,162,000)
Total shareholders' deficit   (68,334,000)   (63,972,000)
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $136,179,000   $143,419,000 

 

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

 

 -3- 

 

 

THE INTERGROUP CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

For the three months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Revenues:          
Hotel  $13,713,000   $14,044,000 
Real estate   3,546,000    4,030,000 
Total revenues   17,259,000    18,074,000 
Costs and operating expenses:          
Hotel operating expenses   (11,969,000)   (12,033,000)
Real estate operating expenses   (1,715,000)   (2,192,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (1,285,000)   (1,232,000)
General and administrative expense   (585,000)   (960,000)
           
Total costs and operating expenses   (15,554,000)   (16,417,000)
           
Income from operations   1,705,000    1,657,000 
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense - mortgages   (2,461,000)   (2,517,000)
Disposal of other assets   -    (51,000)
Gain on sale of real estate   -    1,742,000 
Net loss on marketable securities   (6,356,000)   (1,544,000)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on other investments   (53,000)   16,000 
Impairment loss on other investments   (287,000)   - 
Dividend and interest income   6,000    503,000 
Trading and margin interest expense   (222,000)   (431,000)
Other expense, net   (9,373,000)   (2,282,000)
           
Loss before income taxes   (7,668,000)   (625,000)
Income tax benefit   2,538,000    17,000 
Net loss   (5,130,000)   (608,000)
Less:  Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest   835,000    319,000 
Net loss attributable to InterGroup  $(4,295,000)  $(289,000)
           
Basic and diluted net loss per share  $(2.15)  $(0.25)
           
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to InterGroup  $(1.80)  $(0.12)
           
Weighted average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding   2,384,272    2,385,955 

 

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

 

 -4- 

 

 

THE INTERGROUP CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

For the six months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Revenues:          
Hotel  $28,851,000   $28,874,000 
Real estate   7,128,000    8,227,000 
Total revenues   35,979,000    37,101,000 
Costs and operating expenses:          
Hotel operating expenses   (23,162,000)   (23,871,000)
Real estate operating expenses   (3,451,000)   (4,332,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (2,521,000)   (2,458,000)
General and administrative expense   (1,394,000)   (1,741,000)
           
Total costs and operating expenses   (30,528,000)   (32,402,000)
           
Income from operations   5,451,000    4,699,000 
           
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense - mortgages   (4,925,000)   (5,175,000)
Disposal of other assets   (30,000)   (51,000)
Gain on sale of real estate   -    1,742,000 
Other real estate gain   -    458,000 
Net loss on marketable securities   (5,976,000)   (3,034,000)
Net unrealized loss on other investments   (127,000)   (26,000)
Impairment loss on other investments   (287,000)   - 
Dividend and interest income   19,000    517,000 
Trading and margin interest expense   (462,000)   (900,000)
Other expense, net   (11,788,000)   (6,469,000)
           
Loss before income taxes   (6,337,000)   (1,770,000)
Income tax benefit   1,920,000    258,000 
Net loss   (4,417,000)   (1,512,000)
Less:  Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest   591,000    460,000 
Net loss attributable to InterGroup  $(3,826,000)  $(1,052,000)
           
Basic and diluted net loss per share  $(1.85)  $(0.63)
           
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to InterGroup  $(1.60)  $(0.44)
           
Weighted average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding   2,385,784    2,386,051 

 

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

 

 -5- 

 

 

THE INTERGROUP CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

 

For the six months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss  $(4,417,000)  $(1,512,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   2,521,000    2,458,000 
Loss on disposal of assets   30,000    51,000 
Gain on sale of real estate   -    (1,742,000)
Net unrealized loss on marketable securities   5,519,000    3,106,000 
Unrealized loss on other investments   127,000    26,000 
Impairment loss on other investments   287,000    - 
Stock compensation expense   330,000    552,000 
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Investment in marketable securities   (2,444,000)   (3,612,000)
Other assets   5,063,000    12,000 
Accounts payable and other liabilities   (3,106,000)   (3,765,000)
Due to securities broker   1,207,000    1,954,000 
Obligations for securities sold   (22,000)   397,000 
Deferred taxes   (1,920,000)   (258,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   3,175,000    (2,333,000)
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Net proceeds from sale of real estate   -    3,288,000 
Investment in hotel, net   (2,902,000)   (2,916,000)
Investment in real estate, net   (2,425,000)   (331,000)
Investment in Santa Fe   (120,000)   (68,000)
Investment in Portsmouth   -    (33,000)
Net cash used in investing activities   (5,447,000)   (60,000)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Restricted cash - (payments to) withdrawal of mortgage impounds   (69,000)   360,000 
Net payments on mortgage and other notes payable   (954,000)   (1,463,000)
Purchase of treasury stock   (155,000)   (56,000)
Net cash used in financing activities   (1,178,000)   (1,159,000)
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (3,450,000)   (3,552,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period   8,529,000    4,705,000 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period  $5,079,000   $1,153,000 
Supplemental information:          
Interest paid  $5,132,000   $5,471,000 
Non-cash transaction:          
Conversion of other investments to marketable securities  $13,231,000   $- 

 

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

 

 -6- 

 

  

THE INTERGROUP CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by The InterGroup Corporation (“InterGroup” or the “Company”), without audit, according to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the condensed consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes the disclosures that are made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Further, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which included only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, cash flows and results of operations as of and for the periods indicated. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of InterGroup and the notes therein included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015. The June 30, 2015 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015.

 

The results of operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.

 

For the three and six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had no components of comprehensive income other than net loss itself.

 

Basic and diluted loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted income per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share except that the weighted-average number of common shares is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potential dilutive common shares had been issued. The Company's only potentially dilutive common shares are stock options. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company did not have diluted earnings per share as the Company had a net loss for the respective periods.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had the power to vote 85.6% of the voting shares of Santa Fe Financial Corporation (“Santa Fe”), a public company (OTCBB: SFEF). This percentage includes the power to vote an approximately 4% interest in the common stock in Santa Fe owned by the Company’s Chairman and President pursuant to a voting trust agreement entered into on June 30, 1998.

 

Santa Fe’s primary business is conducted through the management of its 68.8% owned subsidiary, Portsmouth Square, Inc. (“Portsmouth”), a public company (OTCBB: PRSI). 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 voting interest in Justice and is the sole general partner. InterGroup also directly owns approximately 13.1% of the common stock of Portsmouth. The financial statements of Justice are consolidated with those of the Company.

 

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.

 

 -7- 

 

 

Management believes that the revenues 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 value in the Hotel to support additional borrowings, if necessary.

 

In addition to the operations of the Hotel, the Company also generates income from the ownership of real estate. Properties include sixteen apartment complexes, one commercial real estate, and three single-family houses as strategic investments. The properties are located throughout the United States, but are concentrated in Texas and Southern California. The Company also has investments in unimproved real property.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which is intended to improve how deferred taxes are classified on organizations’ balance sheets by eliminating the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will now be required to classify all deferred

tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The changes are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, which means the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year 2018. We are currently reviewing the ASU and assessing the potential impact on the 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.

 

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 periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early application is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this guidance.

 

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 for interim periods within those fiscal years, 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 annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted this standard in the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and it did not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements as it relates primarily to how items are presented in the financial statements.

 

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.

 

 -8- 

 

  

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.

 

NOTE 2 – INVESTMENT IN HOTEL, NET

 

Investment in hotel consisted of the following as of:

 

       Accumulated   Net Book 
December 31, 2015  Cost   Depreciation   Value 
             
Land  $2,738,000   $-   $2,738,000 
Furniture and equipment   26,704,000    (22,344,000)   4,360,000 
Building and improvements   63,917,000    (25,919,000)   37,998,000 
   $93,359,000   $(48,263,000)  $45,096,000 

 

       Accumulated   Net Book 
June 30, 2015  Cost   Depreciation   Value 
             
Land  $2,738,000   $-   $2,738,000 
Furniture and equipment   25,958,000    (21,603,000)   4,355,000 
Building and improvements   62,031,000    (25,284,000)   36,747,000 
   $90,727,000   $(46,887,000)  $43,840,000 

 

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE

 

Investment in real estate consisted of the following:

 

As of  December 31, 2015   June 30, 2015 
Land  $24,828,000   $23,453,000 
Buildings, improvements and equipment   65,878,000    64,828,000 
Accumulated depreciation   (33,513,000)   (32,513,000)
Investment in real estate, net  $57,193,000   $55,768,000 

  

In July 2015, the Company purchased a residential house in Los Angeles, California as a strategic asset for $1,975,000 in cash.

 

NOTE 4 – 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 transfer to its shareholders through income and/or capital gain.

 

 -9- 

 

 

At December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, 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 Gain (Loss)   Value 
                     
As of December 31, 2015                         
Corporate                         
Equities  $23,542,000   $724,000   $(8,261,000)  $(7,537,000)  $16,005,000 
                          
As of June 30, 2015                         
Corporate                         
Equities  $7,845,000   $1,136,000   $(3,154,000)  $(2,018,000)  $5,827,000 

 

As of December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, the Company had unrealized losses of $3,395,000 and $3,062,000, respectively, related to securities held for over one year.

 

As of December 31, 2015, approximately 66% of the investment marketable securities balance above is comprised of the common stock of Comstock Mining, Inc.

 

Net 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 respective periods:

 

For the three months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Realized loss on marketable securities  $(397,000)  $(83,000)
Unrealized loss on marketable securities   (5,959,000)   (1,461,000)
           
Net loss on marketable securities  $(6,356,000)  $(1,544,000)
           
For the six months ended December 31,   2015    2014 
Realized (loss) gain on marketable securities  $(457,000)  $72,000 
Unrealized loss on marketable securities   (5,519,000)   (3,106,000)
           
Net loss on marketable securities  $(5,976,000)  $(3,034,000)

 

NOTE 5 – 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 also include non-marketable warrants carried at fair value.

 

 -10- 

 

  

Other investments, net consist of the following:

 

Type  December 31, 2015   June 30, 2015 
Preferred stock - Comstock, at cost  $-   $13,231,000 
Private equity hedge fund, at cost   1,144,000    1,250,000 
Other preferred stock, at cost   255,000    497,000 
Warrants - at fair value   16,000    104,000 
   $1,415,000   $15,082,000 

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Company had $13,231,000 (13,231 preferred shares) held in Comstock Mining, Inc. (“Comstock” – OTCBB: LODE) 7 1/2% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “A-1 Preferred”). On August 27, 2015, all of such preferred stock was converted into common stock of Comstock. Such shares are now included on the balance sheet under “Investment in marketable securities”.

 

NOTE 6 - 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 and obligations for securities sold) or the nature and terms of the obligation (i.e., other notes payable and mortgage notes payable).

 

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

 

As of December 31, 2015  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets:                    
Other investments - warrants  $-   $-   $16,000   $16,000 
Investment in marketable securities:                    
Basic materials   10,938,000    -    -    10,938,000 
Oil, gas and energy   1,769,000    -    -    1,769,000 
Other   3,298,000    -    -    3,298,000 
    16,005,000    -    -    16,005,000 
   $16,005,000   $-   $16,000   $16,021,000 

 

As of June 30, 2015  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets:                    
Other investments - warrants  $-   $-   $104,000   $104,000 
Investment in marketable securities:                    
Basic materials   2,761,000    -    -    2,761,000 
Other   3,066,000    -    -    3,066,000 
    5,827,000    -    -    5,827,000 
   $5,827,000   $-   $104,000   $5,931,000 

 

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 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:

 

 -11- 

 

 

                   Net loss for the six months 
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   December 31, 2015   ended December 31, 2015 
                          
Other non-marketable investments  $-   $-   $1,399,000   $1,399,000   $(287,000)

 

                   Net loss for the six months 
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   June 30, 2015   ended December 31, 2014 
                          
Other non-marketable investments  $-   $-   $14,978,000   $14,978,000   $- 

 

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 and holds less than 20% ownership in each of the 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.

 

NOTE 7 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

 

The Company follows Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, which addresses accounting for equity-based compensation arrangements, including employee stock options and restricted stock units. 

 

Please refer to Note 16 – Stock Based Compensation Plans in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015 for more detail information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.

 

During the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded stock option compensation cost of $123,000 and $227,000, respectively, related to stock options that were previously issued. During the six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded stock option compensation cost of $242,000 and $464,000, respectively, related to stock options that were previously issued. As of December 31, 2015, there was a total of $508,000 of unamortized compensation related to stock options which is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of 3 years.

 

Option-pricing models require the input of various subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The expected stock price volatility is based on analysis of the Company’s stock price history. The Company has selected to use the simplified method for estimating the expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rates whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. No dividend yield is included as the Company has not issued any dividends and does not anticipate issuing any dividends in the future.

 

The following table summarizes the stock options activity from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015:

 

 -12- 

 

 

       Number of   Weighted Average   Weighted Average  Aggregate 
       Shares   Exercise Price   Remaining Life  Intrinsic Value 
                    
Oustanding at   July 1, 2014    367,000   $16.85   7.71 years  $953,000 
Granted        -    -         
Exercised        (2,400)   18.00         
Forfeited        (5,000)   24.92         
Exchanged        (9,600)   18.00         
Oustanding at   June 30, 2015    350,000   $16.70   6.95 years  $939,000 
Exercisable at   June 30, 2015    126,639   $12.06   6.46 years  $939,000 
Vested and Expected to vest at   June 30, 2015    350,000   $16.70   6.95 years  $939,000 
                        
Oustanding at   July 1, 2015    350,000   $16.70   6.95 years  $939,000 
Granted        -    -         
Exercised        -    -         
Forfeited        -    -         
Exchanged        -    -         
Oustanding at   December 31, 2015    350,000   $16.70   6.44 years  $3,078,000 
Exercisable at   December 31, 2015    218,000   $15.19   5.80 years  $2,246,000 
Vested and Expected to vest at   December 31, 2015    350,000   $16.70   6.44 years  $3,078,000 

 

On July 1 of every year, as part of the Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, each non-employee director received an automatic grant of a number of shares of Company’s Common Stock equal in value to $22,000 ($88,000 total recorded as stock compensation expense for the six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014) based on 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the day of grant. The four non-employee directors of the Company received a total grant of 4,520 and 4,608 shares of common stock on July 1, 2015.

 

NOTE 8 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company operates in three reportable segments, the operation of the hotel (“Hotel Operations”), the operation of 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 information.

 

Information below represents reported segments for the three and six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Operating income (loss) from hotel operations consist of the operation of the hotel and operation of the garage. Operating income for rental properties consist of rental income. Operating income (loss) for investment transactions consist of net investment gain (loss), impairment loss on other investments, net unrealized gain (loss) on other investments, dividend and interest income and trading and margin interest expense.

 

 -13- 

 

 

As of and for the three months  Hotel   Real Estate   Investment         
ended December 31, 2015  Operations   Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $13,713,000   $3,546,000   $-   $-   $17,259,000 
Segment operating expenses   (11,969,000)   (1,715,000)   -    (585,000)   (14,269,000)
Segment income (loss) from operations   1,744,000    1,831,000    -    (585,000)   2,990,000 
Interest expense - mortgage   (1,813,000)   (648,000)   -    -    (2,461,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (759,000)   (526,000)   -    -    (1,285,000)
Loss from investments   -    -    (6,912,000)   -    (6,912,000)
Income tax benefit   -    -    -    2,538,000    2,538,000 
 Net income (loss)  $(828,000)  $657,000   $(6,912,000)  $1,953,000   $(5,130,000)
Total assets  $50,664,000   $57,193,000   $17,420,000   $10,902,000   $136,179,000 

 

As of and for the three months  Hotel   Real Estate   Investment         
ended December 31, 2014  Operations   Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $14,044,000   $4,030,000   $-   $-   $18,074,000 
Segment operating expenses   (12,033,000)   (2,192,000)   -    (960,000)   (15,185,000)
Segment income (loss) from operations   2,011,000    1,838,000    -    (960,000)   2,889,000 
Interest expense - mortgage   (1,769,000)   (748,000)   -    -    (2,517,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (51,000)   -    -    -    (51,000)
Gain on sale of real estate   -    1,742,000    -    -    1,742,000 
Depreciation and amortization expense   (714,000)   (518,000)   -    -    (1,232,000)
Loss from investments   -    -    (1,456,000)   -    (1,456,000)
Income tax benefit   -    -    -    17,000    17,000 
 Net income (loss)  $(523,000)  $2,314,000   $(1,456,000)  $(943,000)  $(608,000)
Total assets  $51,234,000   $61,429,000   $27,737,000   $6,250,000   $146,650,000 

 

As of and for the six months  Hotel   Real Estate   Investment         
ended December 31, 2015  Operations   Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $28,851,000   $7,128,000   $-   $-   $35,979,000 
Segment operating expenses   (23,162,000)   (3,451,000)   -    (1,394,000)   (28,007,000)
Segment income (loss) from operations   5,689,000    3,677,000    -    (1,394,000)   7,972,000 
Interest expense - mortgage   (3,627,000)   (1,298,000)   -    -    (4,925,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (30,000)   -    -    -    (30,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (1,521,000)   (1,000,000)   -    -    (2,521,000)
Loss from investments   -    -    (6,833,000)   -    (6,833,000)
Income tax benefit   -    -    -    1,920,000    1,920,000 
 Net income (loss)  $511,000   $1,379,000   $(6,833,000)  $526,000   $(4,417,000)
Total assets  $50,664,000   $57,193,000   $17,420,000   $10,902,000   $136,179,000 

 

As of and for the six months  Hotel   Real Estate   Investment         
ended December 31, 2014  Operations   Operations   Transactions   Other   Total 
Revenues  $28,874,000   $8,227,000   $-   $-   $37,101,000 
Segment operating expenses   (23,871,000)   (4,332,000)   -    (1,741,000)   (29,944,000)
Segment income (loss) from operations   5,003,000    3,895,000    -    (1,741,000)   7,157,000 
Interest expense - mortgage   (3,665,000)   (1,510,000)   -    -    (5,175,000)
Loss on disposal of assets   (51,000)   -    -    -    (51,000)
Gain on sale of real estate   -    1,742,000    -    -    1,742,000 
Other real estate income   -    458,000    -    -    458,000 
Depreciation and amortization expense   (1,405,000)   (1,053,000)   -    -    (2,458,000)
Loss from investments   -    -    (3,443,000)   -    (3,443,000)
Income tax benefit   -    -    -    258,000    258,000 
 Net income (loss)  $(118,000)  $3,532,000   $(3,443,000)  $(1,483,000)  $(1,512,000)
Total assets  $51,234,000   $61,429,000   $27,737,000   $6,250,000   $146,650,000 

 

NOTE 9 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

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 loan was eliminated in consolidation.

 

During the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company received management fees from Justice Investors totaling $137,000 and $140,000, respectively. During the six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company received management fees from Justice Investors totaling $300,000 and $281,000, respectively.

These fees are eliminated in consolidation.

 

In connection with the redemption of limited partnership interests of Justice Investors, Limited Partnership (which took place during fiscal year ended June 30, 2014), 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, with the remaining payments due upon Justice Investor’s having adequate available cash as described in the letter. As of December 31, 2015, $400,000 of these fees remains outstanding.

 

 -14- 

 

  

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.

 

John V. Winfield serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, Portsmouth and Santa Fe. Depending on certain market conditions and various risk factors, the Chief Executive Officer, Portsmouth and Santa Fe 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 the resources of Portsmouth and Santa Fe, at risk in connection with investment decisions made on behalf of the Company.

 

 -15- 

 

  

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

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS

 

The Company may from time to time make forward-looking statements and projections concerning future expectations. When used in this discussion, the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “may,” “could,” “might” and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as national and worldwide economic conditions, including the impact of recessionary conditions on tourism, travel and the lodging industry, the impact of terrorism and war on the national and international economies, including tourism and securities markets, energy and fuel costs, natural disasters, general economic conditions and competition in the hotel industry in the San Francisco area, seasonality, labor relations and labor disruptions, actual and threatened pandemics such as swine flu, partnership distributions, the ability to obtain financing at favorable interest rates and terms, securities markets, regulatory factors, litigation and other factors discussed below in this Report and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as to the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to those forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company owned approximately 81.7% of the common shares of its subsidiary, Santa Fe and Santa Fe owned approximately 68.8% of the common shares of Portsmouth Square, Inc. InterGroup also directly owns approximately 13.1% of the common shares of Portsmouth. The Company's principal sources of revenue continue to be derived from the general and limited partnership interests of its 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. Properties include sixteen apartment complexes, one commercial real estate property, and three single-family houses as strategic investments. The properties are located throughout the United States, but are concentrated in Texas and Southern California. The Company also has an investment in unimproved real property. As of December 31, 2015, all of the Company’s properties are managed in-house.

 

 -16- 

 

  

The Company acquires its investments in real estate and other investments utilizing cash, securities or debt, subject to approval or guidelines of the Board of Directors. The Company also invests in income-producing instruments, equity and debt securities and will consider other investments if such investments offer growth or profit potential.

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014

 

The Company had a net loss of $5,130,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss of $608,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2014. The increase in the net loss is primarily attributable to the higher net loss on marketable securities primarily as the result of the decrease in the market value of the Company’s holdings in common stock of Comstock Mining, Inc., offset by the gain on the sale of real estate recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2014.

 

The Company had a net loss from hotel operations of $828,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss of $523,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2014. Hotel revenues decreased during the current quarter, while operating expenses also decreased by a lower percentage relative to the decrease in revenues.

 

The following table sets forth a more detailed presentation of Hotel operations for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

For the three months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Hotel revenues:          
Hotel rooms  $10,796,000   $10,916,000 
Food and beverage   1,858,000    2,073,000 
Garage   674,000    721,000 
Other operating departments   385,000    334,000 
Total hotel revenues   13,713,000    14,044,000 
Operating expenses, excluding loss on disposal of assets, depreciation and amortization   (11,969,000)   (12,033,000)
Operating income before loss on disposal of assets, interest and depreciation and amortization   1,744,000    2,011,000 
Loss on disposal of assets   -    (51,000)
Interest expense - mortgage   (1,813,000)   (1,769,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (759,000)   (714,000)
           
Net loss from Hotel operations  $(828,000)  $(523,000)

 

For the three months ended December 31, 2015, the Hotel generated operating income of $1,744,000 before the loss on disposal of assets and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $13,713,000 compared to operating income of $2,011,000 before the loss on disposal of assets and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $14,044,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2014.  Room revenues decreased by $120,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014 primarily as the result of the decrease in group stays.  Food and beverage revenue also decreased by $215,000 as the result of lower catering and banquet services from groups.

 

Total operating expenses remained consistent with the prior comparable period. However, the Hotel did have a decrease in franchise fees and legal expenses offset by increases in property taxes, repairs and maintenance expense and management fees. Franchise fees decreased as the result of the new Hilton franchise agreement. Legal expenses decreased as the result of coming closer to a settlement of the current litigation. 

 

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 three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

 -17- 

 

  

Three Months
Ended December 31,
  Average
Daily Rate
   Average
Occupancy %
   RevPAR 
             
2015  $243    89%  $216 
2014  $245    89%  $218 

 

The Hotel’s revenues decreased by 2.4% this quarter as compared to the previous comparable quarter. Average daily rate and RevPAR decreased by $2 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014.

 

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 program. The Hotel's loyalty score improved by five percentage points year-over-year and our overall service score by four percentage points. We attribute this improvement to continued training of team members on Hilton brand standards and guest satisfaction, hiring and retaining talents in key operations, and enhancing the arrival experience. In addition, the Hotel replaced the carpet flooring in the lobby with oak wood, creating an open and welcoming environment; modernized the furniture in the lobby, the porte cochere, and the second floor; and replaced the third floor carpets and doors. The Wellness Center on the fifth floor features a new spa with two treatment rooms and a room for manicure and pedicure which has been doing well. The fitness center has been expanded with state of the art equipment. 

 

In order to further enhance the guest experience, the Hotel plans to renovate the fourth floor meeting rooms to make a state of the art meeting space and, concurrently, to renovate the fourth floor bathrooms. The hotel will remodel guest room bathrooms with modern shower amenities, and update desk tables and the night stands with granite tops for a sleek and modern look.  The Hotel is also looking into converting the carpet in the rooms to hardwood floors. 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. We continue to take steps that further develop our ties with the local Chinese community and the city of San Francisco, representing good corporate citizenship and promoting important, new business opportunities.

 

Real estate revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2015 decreased to $3,546,000 from $4,030,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2014 primarily as the result of the sale of the 249 unit apartment located in Austin, Texas in March 2015. Real estate operating expenses also decreased to $1,715,000 from $2,192,000 primarily as the result of the sale of the property. In August 2015, the Company terminated its third party property management agreement for the management of the Company’s properties located in California and will manage the properties in-house going forward. As of September 2015, all of the Company’s properties are being managed in house. Management believes this will result in a decrease operating expenses and greater operating efficiencies. Management continues to review and analyze the Company’s real estate operations to improve occupancy and rental rates and to reduce expenses and improve efficiencies.

 

In July 2015, the Company purchased a single family house located in Los Angeles, California for $1,975,000 as a strategic investment.

 

In November 2014, the Company sold its 5,900 square foot commercial property for $3,450,000 which resulted in a realized a gain on the sale of real estate of $1,742,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2014.

 

The Company had a net loss on marketable securities of $6,356,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss on marketable securities of $1,544,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2014. Approximately $5,562,000 of the $6,356,000 net loss is related to the Company’s investment in the common stock of Comstock. Such investments represent approximately 66% of the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2015. For the three months ended December 31, 2015, the Company had a net realized loss of $397,000 and a net unrealized loss of $5,959,000. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company had a net realized loss of $83,000 and a net unrealized loss of $1,461,000. 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.

 

 -18- 

 

  

During the three months ended December 31, 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 $287,000 in the current quarter. There were no such losses in the prior year comparable period.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries, Portsmouth and Santa Fe, compute and file income tax returns and prepare discrete income tax provisions for financial reporting. The income tax benefit during the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 represents primarily the income tax effect of the pre-tax loss at InterGroup and Portsmouth’s pretax loss which includes its share in net loss of the Hotel.

 

Six Months Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Six Months Ended December 31, 2014

 

The Company had a net loss of $4,417,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss of $1,512,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2014. The increase in the net loss is primarily attributable to the higher net loss on marketable securities primarily as the result of the decrease in the market value of the Company’s holdings in common stock of Comstock Mining, Inc., partially offset by the gain on the sale of real estate recognized during the six months ended December 31, 2014 and to a lesser extent by the higher income from Hotel operations in the current six month period.

 

The Company had net income from hotel operations of $511,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss of $118,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2014. Hotel revenues remained relatively consistent for the six months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year while operating expenses decreased.

 

The following table sets forth a more detailed presentation of Hotel operations for the six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

For the six months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Hotel revenues:          
Hotel rooms  $23,403,000   $23,260,000 
Food and beverage   3,508,000    3,646,000 
Garage   1,359,000    1,418,000 
Other operating departments   581,000    550,000 
Total hotel revenues   28,851,000    28,874,000 
Operating expenses, excluding loss on disposal of assets, depreciation and amortization   (23,162,000)   (23,871,000)
Operating income before loss on disposal of assets, interest and depreciation and amortization   5,689,000    5,003,000 
Loss on disposal of assets   (30,000)   (51,000)
Interest expense - mortgage   (3,627,000)   (3,665,000)
Depreciation and amortization expense   (1,521,000)   (1,405,000)
           
Net income (loss) from Hotel operations  $511,000   $(118,000)

 

For the six months ended December 31, 2015, the Hotel generated operating income of $5,689,000 before the loss on disposal of assets and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $28,851,000 compared to operating income of $5,003,000 before the loss on disposal of assets and interest and depreciation and amortization on total operating revenues of $28,874,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2014.  Room revenues increased by $143,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the six months ended December 31, 2014 primarily as the result of the higher revenue from groups.  Food and beverage revenue decreased by $138,000 as the result of lower catering and banquet services from groups.

 

Operating expenses decreased by $709,000 compared to the prior comparable period primarily due to reduced royalty fees per the new Hilton franchise agreement and the decrease in legal expenses as the result of coming closer to a settlement of the current litigation. 

 

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 six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

 -19- 

 

  

Six Months
Ended December 31,
  Average
Daily Rate
   Average
Occupancy %
   RevPAR 
             
2015  $254    92%  $234 
2014  $252    93%  $232 

 

The Hotel’s revenues remained consistent with the previous comparable six months. Average daily rate and RevPAR increased by $2 for the six months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the six months ended December 31, 2014. The increases were offset by the decrease in the average occupancy by 1%.

 

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 program. The Hotel's loyalty score improved by five percentage points year-over-year and our overall service score by four percentage points. We attribute this improvement to continued training of team members on Hilton brand standards and guest satisfaction, hiring and retaining talents in key operations, and enhancing the arrival experience. In addition, the Hotel replaced the carpet flooring in the lobby with oak wood, creating an open and welcoming environment; modernized the furniture in the lobby, the porte cochere, and the second floor; and replaced the third floor carpets and doors. The Wellness Center on the fifth floor features a new spa with two treatment rooms and a room for manicure and pedicure which has been doing well. The fitness center has been expanded with state of the art equipment. 

 

In order to further enhance the guest experience, the Hotel plans to renovate the fourth floor meeting rooms to make a state of the art meeting space and, concurrently, to renovate the fourth floor bathrooms. The hotel will remodel guest room bathrooms with modern shower amenities, and update desk tables and the night stands with granite tops for a sleek and modern look.  The Hotel is also looking into converting the carpet in the rooms to hardwood floors. 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. We continue to take steps that further develop our ties with the local Chinese community and the city of San Francisco, representing good corporate citizenship and promoting important, new business opportunities.

 

Real estate revenues for the six months ended December 31, 2015 decreased to $7,128,000 from $8,227,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2014 primarily as the result of the sale of the 249 unit apartment located in Austin, Texas in March 2015. Real estate operating expenses also decreased to $3,451,000 from $4,332,000 primarily as the result of the sale of the property. In August 2015, the Company terminated its third party property management agreement for the management of the Company’s properties located in California and will manage the properties in-house going forward. As of September 2015, all of the Company’s properties are being managed in house. Management believes this will result in a decrease operating expenses and greater operating efficiencies. Management continues to review and analyze the Company’s real estate operations to improve occupancy and rental rates and to reduce expenses and improve efficiencies.

 

In July 2015, the Company purchased a single family house located in Los Angeles, California for $1,975,000 as a strategic investment.

 

In November 2014, the Company sold its 5,900 square foot commercial property for $3,450,000 which resulted in a realized a gain on the sale of real estate of $1,742,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2014.

 

The Company had a net loss on marketable securities of $5,976,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a net loss on marketable securities of $3,034,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2014. Approximately $5,146,000 of the $5,976,000 net loss is related to the Company’s investment in the common stock of Comstock. Such investments represent approximately 66% of the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2015. For the six months ended December 31, 2015, the Company had a net realized loss of $457,000 and a net unrealized loss of $5,519,000. For the six months ended December 31, 2014, the Company had a net realized gain of $72,000 and a net unrealized loss of $3,106,000. 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.

 

 -20- 

 

  

During the six months ended December 31, 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 $287,000 in the current quarter. There were no such losses in the prior year comparable period.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries, Portsmouth and Santa Fe, compute and file income tax returns and prepare discrete income tax provisions for financial reporting. The income tax benefit during the six months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 represents primarily the income tax effect of the pre-tax loss at InterGroup and Portsmouth’s pretax loss which includes its share in net income of the Hotel.

 

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

 

As of December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, the Company had investments in marketable equity securities of $16,005,000 and $5,827,000, respectively. The following table shows the composition of the Company’s marketable securities portfolio by selected industry groups as:

 

As of December 31, 2015      % of Total 
      Investment 
Industry Group  Fair Value   Securities 
         
 Basic materials  $10,938,000    68.3%
 Oil, gas and energy  $1,769,000    11.1%
 Other   3,298,000    20.6%
   $16,005,000    100.0%

 

As of June 30, 2015      % of Total 
      Investment 
Industry Group  Fair Value   Securities 
         
 Basic materials  $2,761,000    47.4%
 Other   3,066,000    52.6%
   $5,827,000    100.0%

 

The Company’s investment in marketable securities portfolio consists primarily of (66%) of the common stock of Comstock Mining, Inc. (“Comstock” - NYSE MKT: LODE) which is included in the basic materials industry group. The significant increase in the Company’s investment in Comstock was due to the conversion of the $13,231,000 (13,231 preferred shares) held in Comstock Mining, Inc. (“Comstock” – OTCBB: LODE) 7 1/2% Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “A-1 Preferred”) to common stock on August 27, 2015. The A-1 Preferred was previously included in other investments prior to its conversion.

 

Marketable securities are stated at fair value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date.

 

For the three months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Net loss on marketable securities  $(6,356,000)  $(1,544,000)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on other investments   (53,000)   16,000 
Impairment loss on other investments   (287,000)   - 
Dividend and interest income   6,000    503,000 
Margin interest expense   (108,000)   (139,000)
Trading and management expenses   (114,000)   (292,000)
   $(6,912,000)  $(1,456,000)

 

 -21- 

 

 

 

For the six months ended December 31,  2015   2014 
Net loss on marketable securities  $(5,976,000)  $(3,034,000)
Net unrealized loss on other investments   (127,000)   (26,000)
Impairment loss on other investments   (287,000)   - 
Dividend and interest income   19,000    517,000 
Margin interest expense   (207,000)   (296,000)
Trading and management expenses   (255,000)   (604,000)
   $(6,833,000)  $(3,443,000)

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

 

The Company’s cash flows are primarily generated from its Hotel operations, and general partner management fees, its real estate operations and from the investment of its cash in marketable securities and other investments.

 

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 voting 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 Hotel. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015. The loan was eliminated in consolidation.

 

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.

 

In July 2015, the Company purchased residential house in Los Angeles, California as a strategic asset for $1,975,000 in cash.

 

Management believes that its cash, securities assets, real estate and the cash flows generated from those assets and from the partnership 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 and other real estate properties to support additional borrowings if necessary.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements.

 

 -22- 

 

  

MATERIAL CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The following table provides a summary as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s material financial obligations which also including interest payments.

 

       6 Months   Year   Year   Year   Year     
   Total   2016   2017   2018   2019   2020   Thereafter 
Mortgage and subordinated notes payable  $182,541,000   $1,879,000   $2,140,000   $2,929,000   $3,070,000   $3,219,000   $169,304,000 
Other notes payable   4,643,000    428,000    572,000    408,000    362,000    362,000    2,511,000 
Interest   63,226,000    5,486,000    9,859,000    9,074,000    8,432,000    7,838,000    22,537,000 
Total  $250,410,000   $7,793,000   $12,571,000   $12,411,000   $11,864,000   $11,419,000   $194,352,000 

 

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 the Company has the power and ability 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.

 

The Company's residential rental properties provide income from short-term operating leases and no lease extends beyond one year. Rental increases are expected to offset anticipated increased property operating expenses.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES

 

Critical accounting policies are those that are most significant to the presentation 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 condensed 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. There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies during the six months ended December 31, 2015. Please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2015 for a summary of the critical accounting policies.

 

Item 4. 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) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 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.

 

 -23- 

 

  

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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

(a) None.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Purchases of equity securities by the small business issuer and affiliated purchasers.

 

The following table reflects purchases of InterGroup’s common stock made by The InterGroup Corporation, for its own account, during the second quarter of its fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.

 

SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

           (c) Total Number   (d) Maximum Number 
   (a) Total   (b)   of Shares Purchased   of shares that May 
Fiscal  Number of   Average   as Part of Publicly   Yet be Purchased 
2016  Shares   Price Paid   Announced Plans   Under the Plans 
Period  Purchased   Per Share   or Programs   or Programs 
                 
Month #1                    
(October 1-   400   $27.20    400    91,806 
October 31)                    
                     
Month #2                    
(November 1-   700   $24.81    700    91,106 
November 30)                    
                     
Month #3                    
(December 1-   200   $25.07    200    90,906 
December 31)                    
                     
TOTAL:   1,300   $25.59    1,300    90,906 

 

The Company has only one stock repurchase program. The program was initially announced on January 13, 1998 and was amended on February 10, 2003 and October 12, 2004. The total number of shares authorized to be repurchased pursuant to those prior authorizations was 870,000, adjusted for stock splits. On June 3, 2009, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional 125,000 shares of Company’s common stock. On November 15, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional 100,000 shares of Company’s common stock. The purchases will be made, in the discretion of management, from time to time, in the open market or through privately negotiated third party transactions depending on market conditions and other factors. The Company’s repurchase program has no expiration date and can be amended and increased, from time to time, in the discretion of the Board of Directors. No plan or program expired during the period covered by the table.

 

 -24- 

 

  

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

 31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
   
 31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Periodic Report Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a).
   
 32.1  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
 32.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

EX-101.INSXBRL Instance Document

 

EX-101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

EX-101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

 

EX-101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

EX-101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

 

EX-101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

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.

 

  THE INTERGROUP CORPORATION
  (Registrant)
     
Date: February 5, 2016 by /s/ John V. Winfield
    John V. Winfield, President,
    Chairman of the Board and
    Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: February 5, 2016 by /s/ David T. Nguyen
    David T. Nguyen, Treasurer
    and Controller

 

 -25-