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EX-31.1 - RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION BY PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER - AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS INCex31-1.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION - AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS INCex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - RULE 13A-14(A) CERTIFICATION BY PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER - AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS INCex31-2.htm
EX-21.1 - SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT - AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS INCex21-1.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR  

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

 

Commission File Number 001-15663  


American Realty Investors, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  

   
Nevada 75-2847135

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer 

Identification Number)

   

1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300

Dallas, Texas

75234
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(469) 522-4200

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code

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

   
Title of Each Class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value New York Stock Exchange

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

NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ☐ No ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yes ☐ No ☒

The aggregate market value of the shares of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing price at which the common equity was last sold which was the sales price of the Common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2016 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was $9,793,299 based upon a total of 2,019,327 shares held as of June 30, 2016 by persons believed to be non-affiliates of the Registrant. The basis of the calculation does not constitute a determination by the Registrant as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such calculation, if made as of a date within sixty days of this filing, would yield a different value.

As of March 31, 2017, there were 15,514,360 shares of common stock outstanding.

Documents Incorporated By Reference:   

Consolidated Financial Statements of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.; Commission File No. 001-14784

Consolidated Financial Statements of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.; Commission File No. 001-09240

 

 

  

 

 

 

INDEX TO

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

       Page 
PART I
Item 1. Business   3
Item 1A. Risk Factors   8
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments   12
Item 2. Properties   13
Item 3. Legal Proceedings   16
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   17
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities   18
Item 6. Selected Financial Data   19
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   20
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   30
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   32
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   69
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures   69
Item 9B. Other Information   69
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance   69
Item 11. Executive Compensation   75
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   77
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence   78
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services   80
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules   82
Signature Page   84

 

2 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain Statements in this Form 10-K are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “estimate,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Report and in the documents incorporated herein by reference. The Company disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that our expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from estimates or projections contained in any forward-looking statements are described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

General

 

As used herein, the terms “ARL,” “the Company,” “We,” “Our,” or “Us” refer to American Realty Investors, Inc., a Nevada corporation, which was formed in 1999.

 

The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock is listed and trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”).  Over 80% of ARL’s stock is owned by related parties.  ARL and a subsidiary own approximately 78% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), a Nevada corporation, which has its common stock listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol (“TCI”).  TCI’s financial results are consolidated with those of ARL.  In 2012, May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”) subsidiaries acquired more than 80% of ARL stock and as a result, ARL is included in the MRHI consolidated group for federal income tax reporting. We have no employees.

 

TCI, a subsidiary of ARL, owns approximately 81.1% of the common stock of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (“IOT”). IOT’s financial results are consolidated with those of TCI and its subsidiaries. Shares of IOT are listed and traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol (“IOT”).

 

ARL’s Board of Directors is responsible for directing the overall affairs of ARL and for setting the strategic policies that guide the Company. As of April 30, 2011, the Board of Directors delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc. (“Pillar”), a Nevada corporation, under a written Advisory Agreement that is reviewed annually by ARL’s Board of Directors. The directors of ARL are also directors of TCI and IOT. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARL also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCI and IOT. The officers of ARL also serve as officers of TCI, IOT and Pillar.

 

Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”, formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc.), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust, became the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager. Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for the Company’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT. As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”. ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services. Regis receives property management fees, construction management fees and leasing commissions in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement. Regis is also entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”. ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties.

 

On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

ARL through subsidiaries invests in real estate through direct ownership, leases, and partnerships and also invests in mortgage loans on real estate. Our primary business is the acquisition, development and ownership of income-producing residential and commercial real estate. In addition, we opportunistically acquire land for future development in in-fill or high-growth suburban markets. From time to time and when we believe it appropriate to do so, we will also sell land and income-producing properties. We generate revenues by leasing apartment units to residents; and by leasing office, industrial and retail space to various for-profit businesses as well as certain local, state and federal agencies.

 

3 

 

 

At December 31, 2016, our income-producing properties (most of which were owned by subsidiaries of TCI) consisted of:

 

Eight commercial properties consisting of six office buildings and two retail properties comprising in aggregate of approximately 2.0 million square feet;

 

A golf course comprising approximately 96.09 acres; and

 

50 residential apartment communities comprising 8,226 units, excluding apartments being developed.

 

The following table sets forth the location of our real estate held for investment (income-producing properties only) by asset type as of December 31, 2016:

 

    Apartments     Commercial  
Location   No.     Units     No.     SF  
Alabama     1       168         —      
Arkansas     5       938              
Colorado     2       260              
Florida     3       198       1       6,722  
Georgia     1       222                  
Illinois                 1       306,609  
Louisiana-Other     2       384              
Mississippi     9       924              
Tennessee     4       708              
Texas-Greater Dallas-Ft Worth     11       1,962       4       1,473,457  
Texas-Greater Houston     2       416       1       94,792  
Texas-San Antonio     2       468              
Texas-Other     8       1,578              
Wisconsin                 1       122,205  
Total     50       8,226       8       2,003,785  

 

We finance our acquisitions primarily through operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of land and income-producing properties and debt financing primarily in the form of property-specific, first-lien mortgage loans from commercial banks and institutional lenders. We finance our development projects principally with short-term, variable-rate construction loans that are refinanced with the proceeds of long-term, fixed-rate amortizing mortgages when the development has been completed and occupancy has been stabilized. When we sell properties, we may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable, secured by the property being sold. We may also from time to time enter into partnerships or joint ventures with various investors to acquire land or income-producing properties or to sell interests in certain of our properties.

 

We join with various third-party development companies to construct residential apartment communities. At December 31, 2016, we have three apartment projects in development. The third-party developer typically holds a general partner as well as a limited partner interest in a limited partnership formed for the purpose of building a single property while we generally take a limited partner interest in the limited partnership. We may contribute land to the partnership as part of our equity contribution or we may contribute the necessary funds to the partnership to acquire the land. We are required to fund all required equity contributions while the third-party developer is responsible for obtaining construction financing, hiring a general contractor and for the overall management, successful completion and delivery of the project. We generally bear all the economic risks and rewards of ownership in these partnerships and therefore include these partnerships in our consolidated financial statements. The third-party developer is paid a developer fee typically equal to a percentage of the construction costs. When the project reaches stabilized occupancy, we acquire the third-party developer’s partnership interests in exchange for any remaining unpaid developer fees.

 

4 

 

 

At December 31, 2016, our apartment projects in development included (dollars in thousands):

 

                    Total  
                    Projected  
Property   Location   No. of Units     Costs to Date (1)     Costs (1)  
Lakeside Lofts   Farmers Branch, TX     494     $ 1,744     $ 78,000  
Overlook at Allensville Square II   Sevierville, TN     144       2,114       18,400  
Terra Lago   Rowlett, TX     447     21,430     66,360  
Total         1,085     $ 25,288     $ 162,760  

 

(1) Costs include construction hard costs, construction soft costs and loan borrowing costs.

 

We have made investments in a number of large tracts of undeveloped and partially developed land and intend to a) continue to improve these tracts of land for our own development purposes or b) make the improvements necessary to ready the land for sale to other developers.

 

At December 31, 2016, our investments in undeveloped and partially developed land consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

Location   Acquired     Acres     Cost     Intended Use
                       
McKinney, TX     1997-2008       10     $ 613     Mixed use
Dallas, TX     1996-2013       165       13,674     Mixed use
Kaufman County, TX     2008       25       2,547     Multi-family residential
Farmers Branch, TX     2008       240       32,183     Mixed use
Kaufman County, TX    (1)     2006       2,884       43,817     Mixed use
Various     1990-2008       342       35,273     Various
Total Land Holdings             3,666     $ 128,107      

  

(1) Windmill Farms Land was acquired by a subsidiary of ARL in 2006 and 2,900 acres were subsequently sold to TCI in 2011.

 

Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financings

 

A summary of some of the significant transactions for the year ended December 31, 2016 are discussed below:

 

Purchases

During the year ended December 31, 2016, subsidiaries acquired four income-producing apartment properties from third parties in the states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, increasing the total number of units by 723, for a combined purchase price of $79.7 million. In addition, we acquired four land parcels for future development for a total purchase price of $12.5 million, adding 36.3 acres to the development portfolio.

 

Sales  

For the year ended December 31, 2016, ARI sold a combined 129.7 acres of land located in Forney, Texas, McKinney, Texas, Farmers Branch, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee to independent third parties for a total sales price of $29.1 million. We recorded an aggregate $3.1 million gain from the land sales. In addition, the Company sold one apartment community located in Irving, Texas to an independent third party for a total sales price of $8.1 million and one apartment community located in Topeka, Kansas to an independent third party for a total sales price of $12.3 million. We recorded an aggregate gain of $16.4 million from the sale of these two properties. The Company also sold an industrial warehouse consisting of approximately 177,805 square feet. The sale resulted in a loss of approximately $0.2 million.

 

As of December 31, 2016, subsidiaries hold approximately 91 acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions ARI has deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

We continue to invest in the development of apartment projects. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we have expended $20.3 million related to the construction or predevelopment of various apartment complexes and capitalized $0.9 million of interest costs.

 

5 

 

 

Business Plan and Investment Policy

 

Our business objective is to maximize long-term value for our stockholders by investing in residential and commercial real estate through the acquisition, development and ownership of apartments, commercial properties, and land. We intend to achieve this objective through acquiring and developing properties in multiple markets and operating as an industry-leading landlord. We believe this objective will provide the benefits of enhanced investment opportunities, economies of scale and risk diversification, both in terms of geographic market and real estate product type. We believe our objective will also result in continuing access to favorably priced debt and equity capital. In pursuing our business objective, we seek to achieve a combination of internal and external growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet and employing a strategy of financial flexibility. We maximize the value of our apartments and commercial properties by maintaining high occupancy levels while charging competitive rental rates, controlling costs and focusing on tenant retention. We also pursue attractive development opportunities either directly or in partnership with other investors.

 

For our portfolio of commercial properties, we generate increased operating cash flow through annual contractual increases in rental rates under existing leases. We also seek to identify best practices within our industry and across our business units in order to enhance cost savings and gain operating efficiencies. We employ capital improvement and preventive maintenance programs specifically designed to reduce operating costs and increase the long-term value of our real estate investments.

 

We seek to acquire properties consistent with our business objectives and strategies. We execute our acquisition strategy by purchasing properties which management believes will create stockholder value over the long-term. We will also sell properties when management believes value has been maximized or when a property is no longer considered an investment to be held long-term.

 

We are continuously in various stages of discussions and negotiations with respect to development, acquisition, and disposition projects. The consummation of any current or future development, acquisition, or disposition, if any, and the pace at which any may be completed cannot be assured or predicted.

 

Substantially all of our properties are owned by subsidiary companies, many of which are single-asset entities. This ownership structure permits greater access to financing for individual properties and permits flexibility in negotiating a sale of either the asset or the equity interests in the entity owning the asset. From time-to-time, our subsidiaries have invested in joint ventures with other investors, creating the possibility of risks that do not exist with properties solely owned by an ARL subsidiary. In those instances where other investors are involved, those other investors may have business, economic, or other objectives that are inconsistent with our objectives, which may in turn require us to make investment decisions different from those if we were the sole owner.

 

Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to promptly dispose of properties in response to economic or other conditions. To offset this challenge, selective dispositions have been a part of our strategy to maintain an efficient investment portfolio and to provide additional sources of capital. We finance acquisitions through mortgages, internally generated funds, and, to a lesser extent, property sales. Those sources provide the bulk of funds for future acquisitions. We may purchase properties by assuming existing loans secured by the acquired property. When properties are acquired in such a manner, we customarily seek to refinance the asset in order to properly leverage the asset in a manner consistent with our investment objectives.

 

Our businesses are not generally seasonal with regard to real estate investments. Our investment strategy seeks both current income and capital appreciation. Our plan of operation is to continue, to the extent our liquidity permits, to make equity investments in income-producing real estate such as apartments, and commercial properties. We may also invest in the debt or equity securities of real estate-related entities. We intend to pursue higher risk, higher reward investments, such as improved and unimproved land where we can obtain reasonably-priced financing for substantially all of a property’s purchase price. We intend to continue the development of apartment properties in selected markets in Texas and in other locations where we believe adequate levels of demand exist. We intend to pursue sales opportunities for properties in stabilized real estate markets where we believe our properties’ value has been maximized. We also intend to be an opportunistic seller of properties in markets where demand exceeds current supply. Although we no longer actively seek to fund or purchase mortgage loans, we may, in selected instances, originate mortgage loans or we may provide purchase money financing in conjunction with a property sale.

 

Our Board of Directors has broad authority under our governing documents to make all types of investments, and we may devote available resources to particular investments or types of investments without restriction on the amount or percentage of assets that may be allocated to a single investment or to any particular type of investment, and without limit on the percentage of securities of any one issuer that may be acquired. Investment objectives and policies may be changed at any time by the Board without stockholder approval.

 

The specific composition from time-to-time of our real estate portfolio owned by ARL directly and through our subsidiaries depends largely on the judgment of management to changing investment opportunities and the level of risk associated with specific investments or types of investments. We intend to maintain a real estate portfolio that is diversified by both location and type of property.

 

6 

 

 

Competition

 

The real estate business is highly competitive and we compete with numerous companies engaged in real estate activities (including certain entities described in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence”), some of which have greater financial resources than ARL. We believe that success against such competition is dependent upon the geographic location of a property, the performance of property-level managers in areas such as leasing and marketing, collection of rents and control of operating expenses, the amount of new construction in the area and the maintenance and appearance of the property. Additional competitive factors include ease of access to a property, the adequacy of related facilities such as parking and other amenities, and sensitivity to market conditions in determining rent levels. With respect to apartments, competition is also based upon the design and mix of the units and the ability to provide a community atmosphere for the residents. We believe that beyond general economic circumstances and trends, the degree to which properties are renovated or new properties are developed in the competing submarket are also competitive factors. See also Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.

 

To the extent that ARL seeks to sell any of its properties, the sales prices for the properties may be affected by competition from other real estate owners and financial institutions also attempting to sell properties in areas where ARL’s properties are located, as well as aggressive buyers attempting to dominate or penetrate a particular market.

 

As described above and in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence,” the officers and directors of ARL serve as officers and directors of TCI and IOT. TCI and IOT have business objectives similar to those of ARL. ARL’s officers and directors owe fiduciary duties to both IOT and TCI as well as to ARL under applicable law. In determining whether a particular investment opportunity will be allocated to ARL, IOT, or TCI, management considers the respective investment objectives of each Company and the appropriateness of a particular investment in light of each Company’s existing real estate and mortgage notes receivable portfolio. To the extent that any particular investment opportunity is appropriate to more than one of the entities, the investment opportunity may be allocated to the entity which has had funds available for investment for the longest period of time, or, if appropriate, the investment may be shared among all three or two of the entities.

 

In addition, as described in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence,” ARL competes with related parties of Pillar having similar investment objectives related to the acquisition, development, disposition, leasing and financing of real estate and real estate-related investments. In resolving any potential conflicts of interest which may arise, Pillar has informed ARL that it intends to exercise its best judgment as to what is fair and reasonable under the circumstances in accordance with applicable law.

 

We have historically engaged in and will continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisitions and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in the best interests of the Company.

 

Available Information

 

ARL maintains an Internet site at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. Available through the website, free of charge, are Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, we have posted the charters for the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Corporate Governance Guidelines on Director Independence, and other information on the website. These charters and principles are not incorporated in this report by reference. We will also provide a copy of these documents free of charge to stockholders upon written request. The Company issues Annual Reports containing audited financial statements to its common shareholders.

 

7 

 

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our securities involves various risks. All investors should carefully consider the following risk factors in conjunction with the other information in this report before trading our securities.

 

Risk Factors Related to our Business

 

Adverse events concerning our existing tenants or negative market conditions affecting our existing tenants could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract new tenants, release space, collect rent or renew leases, and thus could adversely affect cash flow from operations and inhibit growth.

 

Cash flow from operations depends in part on the ability to lease space to tenants on economically favorable terms. We could be adversely affected by various facts and events over which the Company has limited or no control, such as:

 

lack of demand for space in areas where the properties are located;

 

inability to retain existing tenants and attract new tenants;

 

oversupply of or reduced demand for space and changes in market rental rates;

 

defaults by tenants or failure to pay rent on a timely basis;

 

the need to periodically renovate and repair marketable space;

 

physical damage to properties;

 

economic or physical decline of the areas where properties are located; and

 

potential risk of functional obsolescence of properties over time.

 

At any time, any tenant may experience a downturn in its business that may weaken its financial condition. As a result, a tenant may delay lease commencement, fail to make rental payments when due, decline to extend a lease upon its expiration, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. Any tenant bankruptcy or insolvency, leasing delay or failure to make rental payments when due could result in the termination of the tenant’s lease and material losses to the Company.

 

If tenants do not renew their leases as they expire, we may not be able to rent the space. Furthermore, leases that are renewed, and some new leases for space that is re-let, may have terms that are less economically favorable than expiring lease terms, or may require us to incur significant costs, such as renovations, tenant improvements or lease transaction costs. Any of these events could adversely affect cash flow from operations and our ability to make distributions to shareholders and service indebtedness. A significant portion of the costs of owning property, such as real estate taxes, insurance, and debt service payments, are not necessarily reduced when circumstances cause a decrease in rental income from the properties.

 

We may not be able to compete successfully with other entities that operate in our industry.

 

We experience a great deal of competition in attracting tenants for the properties and in locating land to develop and properties to acquire.

 

In our effort to lease properties, we compete for tenants with a broad spectrum of other landlords in each of the markets. These competitors include, among others, publicly-held REITs, privately-held entities, individual property owners and tenants who wish to sublease their space. Some of these competitors may be able to offer prospective tenants more attractive financial terms than we are able to offer.

 

If the availability of land or high quality properties in our markets diminishes, operating results could be adversely affected.

 

We may experience increased operating costs which could adversely affect our financial results and the value of our properties.

 

Our properties are subject to increases in operating expenses such as insurance, cleaning, electricity, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, administrative costs and other costs associated with security, landscaping, repairs, and maintenance of the properties. While some current tenants are obligated by their leases to reimburse us for a portion of these costs, there is no assurance that these tenants will make such payments or agree to pay these costs upon renewal or new tenants will agree to pay these costs. If operating expenses increase in our markets, we may not be able to increase rents or reimbursements in all of these markets to offset the increased expenses, without at the same time decreasing occupancy rates. If this occurs, our ability to make distributions to shareholders and service indebtedness could be adversely affected.

 

8 

 

 

Our ability to achieve growth in operating income depends in part on its ability to develop additional properties.

 

We intend to continue to develop properties where warranted by market conditions. We have a number of ongoing development and land projects being readied for commencement.

 

Additionally, general construction and development activities include the following risks:

 

construction and leasing of a property may not be completed on schedule, which could result in increased expenses and construction costs, and would result in reduced profitability for that property;

 

construction costs may exceed original estimates due to increases in interest rates and increased cost of materials, labor or other costs, possibly making the property less profitable because of inability to increase rents to compensate for the increase in construction costs;

 

some developments may fail to achieve expectations, possibly making them less profitable;

 

we may be unable to obtain, or face delays in obtaining, required zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other governmental permits and authorizations, which could result in increased costs and could require us to abandon our activities entirely with respect to a project;

 

we may abandon development opportunities after the initial exploration, which may result in failure to recover costs already incurred. If we determine to alter or discontinue its development efforts, future costs of the investment may be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized and we may determine the investment is impaired resulting in a loss;

 

we may expend funds on and devote management’s time to projects which will not be completed; and

 

occupancy rates and rents at newly-completed properties may fluctuate depending on various factors including market and economic conditions, and may result in lower than projected rental rates and reduced income from operations.

 

We face risks associated with property acquisitions.

 

We acquire individual properties and various portfolios of properties and intend to continue to do so. Acquisition activities are subject to the following risks:

 

when we are able to locate a desired property, competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase the seller’s offering price;

 

acquired properties may fail to perform as expected;

 

the actual costs of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be higher than original estimates;

 

acquired properties may be located in new markets where we face risks associated with an incomplete knowledge or understanding of the local market, a limited number of established business relationships in the area and a relative unfamiliarity with local governmental and permitting procedures; and

 

we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into existing operations, and results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. However, if an unknown liability was later asserted against the acquired properties, we might be required to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect cash flow.

 

Many of our properties are concentrated in our primary markets and the Company may suffer economic harm as a result of adverse conditions in those markets.

 

Our properties are located principally in specific geographic areas in the southwestern, southeastern, and mid-western United States. The Company’s overall performance is largely dependent on economic conditions in those regions.

 

We are leveraged and may not be able to meet our debt service obligations.

 

We had total indebtedness at December 31, 2016 of approximately $867.7 million. Substantially all assets have been pledged to secure debt. These borrowings increase the risk of loss because they represent a prior claim on assets and most require fixed payments regardless of profitability. Our leveraged position makes us vulnerable to declines in the general economy and may limit the Company’s ability to pursue other business opportunities in the future.

 

9 

 

 

We may not be able to access financial markets to obtain capital on a timely basis, or on acceptable terms.

 

We rely on proceeds from property dispositions and third party capital sources for a portion of our capital needs, including capital for acquisitions and development. The public debt and equity markets are also among the sources upon which the Company relies. There is no guarantee that we will be able to access these markets or any other source of capital. The ability to access the public debt and equity markets depends on a variety of factors, including:

 

general economic conditions affecting these markets;

 

our own financial structure and performance;

 

the market’s opinion of real estate companies in general; and

 

the market’s opinion of real estate companies that own similar properties.

 

We may suffer adverse effects as a result of terms and covenants relating to the Company’s indebtedness.

 

Required payments on our indebtedness generally are not reduced if the economic performance of the portfolio declines. If the economic performance declines, net income, cash flow from operations and cash available for distribution to stockholders may be reduced. If payments on debt cannot be made, we could sustain a loss or suffer judgments, or in the case of mortgages, suffer foreclosures by mortgagees. Further, some obligations contain cross-default and/or cross-acceleration provisions, which means that a default on one obligation may constitute a default on other obligations.

 

We anticipate only a small portion of the principal of our debt will be repaid prior to maturity. Therefore, we are likely to refinance a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt or the terms of any refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the maturing debt. If principal balances due at maturity cannot be refinanced, extended, or repaid with proceeds from other sources, such as the proceeds of sales of assets or new equity capital, cash flow may not be sufficient to repay all maturing debt in years when significant “balloon” payments come due.

 

Our credit facilities and unsecured debt contain customary restrictions, requirements and other limitations on the ability to incur indebtedness, including total debt to asset ratios, secured debt to total asset ratios, debt service coverage ratios, and minimum ratios of unencumbered assets to unsecured debt. Our continued ability to borrow is subject to compliance with financial and other covenants. In addition, failure to comply with such covenants could cause a default under credit facilities, and we may then be required to repay such debt with capital from other sources. Under those circumstances, other sources of capital may not be available, or be available only on terms that are detrimental to the Company.

 

Our degree of leverage could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or affect the market price of our common stock.

 

The degree of leverage could affect our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes. The degree of leverage could also make us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the general economy.

 

An increase in interest rates would increase interest costs on variable rate debt and could adversely impact the ability to refinance existing debt.

 

We currently have, and may incur more, indebtedness that bears interest at variable rates. Accordingly, if interest rates increase, so will the interest costs, which could adversely affect cash flow and the ability to pay principal and interest on our debt and the ability to make distributions to shareholders. Further, rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance existing debt when it matures.

 

Unbudgeted capital expenditures or cost overruns could adversely affect business operations and cash flow.

 

If capital expenditures for ongoing or planned development projects or renovations exceed expectations, the additional cost of these expenditures could have an adverse effect on business operations and cash flow. In addition, we might not have access to funds on a timely basis to pay for the unexpected expenditures.

 

Construction costs are funded in large part through construction financing, which the Company may guarantee. The Company’s obligation to pay interest on this financing continues until the rental project is completed, leased-up and permanent financing is obtained, or the project is sold, or the construction loan is otherwise paid. Unexpected delays in completion of one or more ongoing projects could also have a significant adverse impact on business operations and cash flow.

 

We may need to sell properties from time to time for cash flow purposes.

 

Because of the lack of liquidity of real estate investments generally, our ability to respond to changing circumstances may be limited. Real estate investments generally cannot be sold quickly. In the event that we must sell assets to generate cash flow, we cannot predict whether there will be a market for those assets in the time period desired, or whether we will be able to sell the assets at a price that will allow the Company to fully recoup its investment. We may not be able to realize the full potential value of the assets and may incur costs related to the early extinguishment of the debt secured by such assets.

 

10 

 

 

We intend to devote resources to the development of new projects.

 

We plan to continue developing new projects as opportunities arise in the future. Development and construction activities entail a number of risks, including but not limited to the following:

 

we may abandon a project after spending time and money determining its feasibility;

 

construction costs may materially exceed original estimates;

 

the revenue from a new project may not be enough to make it profitable or generate a positive cash flow;

 

we may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms for development of a property, if at all;

 

we may not complete construction and lease-ups on schedule, resulting in increased development or carrying costs; and

 

we may not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in obtaining, necessary governmental permits.

 

The overall business is subject to all of the risks associated with the real estate industry.

 

We are subject to all risks incident to investment in real estate, many of which relate to the general lack of liquidity of real estate investments, including, but not limited to:

 

our real estate assets are concentrated primarily in the southwest and any deterioration in the general economic conditions of this region could have an adverse effect;

 

changes in interest rates may make the ability to satisfy overall debt service requirements more burdensome;

 

lack of availability of financing may render the purchase, sale or refinancing of a property more difficult or unattractive;

 

changes in real estate and zoning laws;

 

increases in real estate taxes and insurance costs;

 

federal or local regulations or rent controls;

 

acts of terrorism, and

 

hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and other similar natural disasters.

 

Our performance and value are subject to risks associated with our real estate assets and with the real estate industry.

 

Our economic performance and the value of our real estate assets, and consequently the value of our securities, are subject to the risk that if our properties do not generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, our cash flow will be adversely affected. The following factors, among others, may adversely affect the income generated by our properties:

 

downturns in the national, regional and local economic conditions (particularly increases in unemployment);

 

competition from other office, apartment and commercial buildings;

 

local real estate market conditions, such as oversupply or reduction in demand for office, apartments or other commercial space;

 

changes in interest rates and availability of financing;

 

vacancies, changes in market rental rates and the need to periodically repair, renovate and re-let space;

 

increased operating costs, including insurance expense, utilities, real estate taxes, state and local taxes and heightened security costs;

 

civil disturbances, earthquakes and other natural disasters, or terrorist acts or acts of war which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses;

 

significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property;

 

declines in the financial condition of our tenants and our ability to collect rents from our tenants; and

 

decreases in the underlying value of our real estate.

 

11 

 

 

Adverse economic and geopolitical conditions and dislocations in the credit markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, and financial condition.

 

Our business may be affected by market and economic challenges experienced by the U.S. economy or real estate industry as a whole or by the local economic conditions in the markets in which our properties are located, including the current dislocations in the credit markets and general global economic recession. These current conditions, or similar conditions existing in the future, may adversely affect our results of operations, and financial condition as a result of the following, among other potential consequences:

 

the financial condition of our tenants may be adversely affected which may result in tenant defaults under leases due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failures or for other reasons;

 

significant job losses within our tenants may occur, which may decrease demand for our office space, causing market rental rates and property values to be negatively impacted;

 

our ability to borrow on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, or at all, may be limited, which could reduce our ability to pursue acquisition and development opportunities and refinance existing debt, reduce our returns from our acquisition and development activities and increase our future interest expense;

 

reduced values of our properties may limit our ability to dispose of assets at attractive prices or to obtain debt financing secured by our properties and may reduce the availability of unsecured loans; and

 

one or more lenders could refuse to fund their financing commitment to us or could fail and we may not be able to replace the financing commitment of any such lenders on favorable terms, or at all.

 

Real estate investments are illiquid, and the Company may not be able to sell properties if and when it is appropriate to do so.

 

Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. We may not be able to dispose of properties promptly in response to economic or other conditions. In addition, provisions of the Internal Revenue Code may limit our ability to sell properties (without incurring significant tax costs) in some situations when it may be otherwise economically advantageous to do so, thereby adversely affecting returns to stockholders and adversely impacting our ability to meet our obligations.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

12 

 

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

On December 31, 2016, our portfolio consisted of 59 income-producing properties consisting of 50 apartment communities totaling 8,266 units, 8 commercial properties consisting of 5 office buildings and 3 retail centers; and a golf course. In addition, we own or control 3,666 acres of improved and unimproved land held for future development or sale. The average annual rental and other property revenue dollar per square foot is $11.19 for the Company’s residential apartment portfolio and $14.91 for the commercial portfolio. The table below shows information relating to those properties in which we own or have an ownership interest, all of which are suitable and adequate for the purpose for which each is utilized:

 

Residential Apartments   Location   Units     Occupancy  
Anderson Estates   Oxford, MS     48       87.5 %
Blue Lake Villas I   Waxahachie, TX     186       89.2 %
Blue Lake Villas II   Waxahachie, TX     70       90.0 %
Breakwater Bay   Beaumont, TX     176       90.9 %
Bridgewood Ranch   Kaufman, TX     106       98.1 %
Capitol Hill   Little Rock, AR     156       93.3 %
Centennial Village   Oak Ridge TN     252       95.6 %
Crossing at Opelika   Opelika AL     168       98.8 %
Curtis Moore Estates   Greenwood, MS     104       90.4 %
Dakota Arms   Lubbock, TX     208       89.4 %
David Jordan Phase II   Greenwood, MS     32       90.6 %
David Jordan Phase III   Greenwood, MS     40       87.5 %
Desoto Ranch   DeSoto, TX     248       89.1 %
Falcon Lakes   Arlington, TX     248       96.0 %
Heather Creek   Mesquite, TX     200       93.5 %
Lake Forest   Houston, TX     240       89.2 %
Legacy at Pleasant Grove   Texarkana, TX     208       88.9 %
Lodge at Pecan Creek   Denton, TX     192       92.7 %
Mansions of Mansfield   Mansfield, TX     208       95.2 %
Metropolitan   Little Rock, AR     260       81.2 %
Mission Oaks   San Antonio, TX     228       96.5 %
Monticello Estate   Monticello, AR     32       87.5 %
Northside on Travis   Sherman, TX     200       96.0 %
Oak Hollow   Seguin TX     160       91.3 %
Oceanaire   Biloxi, MS     196       91.3 %
Overlook @ Allensville   Sevierville TN     144       97.9 %
Parc at Clarksville   Clarksville, TN     168       92.3 %
Parc at Denham Springs   Denham Springs, LA     224       71.8 %
Parc at Maumelle   Little Rock, AR     240       92.5 %
Parc at Metro Center   Nashville, TN     144       97.9 %
Parc at Rogers   Rogers, AR     250       98.0 %
Residences at Holland Lake   Weatherford TX     208       95.2 %
Preserve at Pecan Creek   Denton, TX     192       93.8 %
Preserve at Prairie Point   Lubbock, TX     184       95.1 %
Riverwalk Phase I   Greenville, MS     32       87.5 %
Riverwalk Phase II   Greenville, MS     72       86.1 %
Sawgrass Creek   New Port Richey, FL     45       95.6 %
Sonoma Court   Rockwall, TX     124       91.1 %
Sugar Mill   Baton Rouge, LA     160       95.0 %
Tattersall Village   Hinesville, GA     222       95.0 %
Toulon   Gautier, MS     240       97.9 %
Tradewinds   Midland TX     214       90.2 %
Villager Apts   Fort Walton FL     33       97.0 %
Villas at Park West I   Pueblo, CO     148       93.9 %
Villas at Park West II   Pueblo, CO     112       92.0 %
Vista Ridge   Tupelo MS     160       91.3 %
Vistas of Vance Jackson   San Antonio, TX     240       90.4 %
Waterford at Summer Park   Rosenberg TX     196       91.3 %
Westwood Apts   Mary Ester FL     120       98.3 %
Windsong   Fort Worth, TX     188       96.8 %
    Total Apartments     8,226      

 

  13

 

 

Office Buildings   Location   SqFt     Occupancy  
600 Las Colinas   Las Colinas, TX     512,033       87.1 %
770 South Post Oak   Houston, TX     94,792       97.2 %
Browning Place (Park West I)   Farmers Branch, TX     625,378       66.6 %
Senlac (VHP)   Farmers Branch, TX     2,812       100.0 %
Stanford Center   Dallas, TX     333,234       97.8 %
    Total Office Buildings     1,568,249          
                     
Retail Centers   Location   SqFt     Occupancy  
Bridgeview Plaza   LaCrosse, WI     122,205       90.9 %
Cross County Mall   Matoon, IL     306,609       56.3 %
Fruitland Park   Fruitland Park, FL     6,722       100.0 %
    Total Retail Centers     435,536          
                     
    Total Commercial     2,003,785      

 

Golf Course   Location   Acres  
Mahogany Run Golf Course   St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands     96.09  

  

Lease Expirations

 

The table below shows the lease expirations of the commercial properties over a nine-year period and thereafter:

 

Year of Lease
Expiration
    Rentable
Square Feet
Subject to
Expiring Leases
    Current Annualized (1)
Contractual Rent
Under
Expiring Leases
    Current
Annualized(1)
Contractual
Rent Under
Expiring
Leases (P.S.F.)
    Percentage
of Total
Square Feet
    Percentage
of Gross
Rentals
 
                                 
2017       98,884     $ 1,794,900     $ 18.15       4.9 %     6.4 %
2018       233,433       3,792,229       16.25       11.6 %     13.6 %
2019       309,343       5,459,692       17.65       15.4 %     19.6 %
2020       119,547       2,346,184       19.63       6.0 %     8.4 %
2021       120,934       2,447,251       20.24       6.0 %     8.8 %
2022       206,039       4,670,002       22.67       10.3 %     16.7 %
2023       231,362       2,344,412       10.13       11.5 %     8.4 %
2024       68,738       1,211,100       17.62       3.4 %     4.3 %
2025       127,499       2,727,050       21.39       6.4 %     9.8 %
Thereafter       67,291       1,110,013       16.50       3.4 %     4.0 %
Total       1,583,070     $ 27,902,834               79.2 %     100 %

 

(1) Represents the monthly contractual base rent and recoveries from tenants under existing leases as of December 31, 2016, multiplied by twelve. This amount reflects total rent before any rent abatements and includes expense reimbursements which may be estimates as of such date.

 

  14

 

 

The table below shows information related to the land parcels we own as of December 31, 2016:

 

Land   Location   Acres  
2427 Valley View Ln   Farmers Branch, TX     0.31  
Audubon   Adams County, MS     48.20  
Bonneau Land   Farmers Branch, TX     8.39  
Cooks Lane   Fort Worth, TX     23.24  
Dedeaux   Gulfport, MS     10.00  
Denham Springs   Denham Springs, LA     4.38  
Dominion Mercer   Farmers Branch, TX     5.29  
Gautier   Gautier, MS     3.46  
GNB   Farmers Branch, TX     45.00  
Hollywood Casino Tract II   Farmers Branch, TX     13.85  
Lacy Longhorn   Farmers Branch, TX     5.08  
Lake Shore Villas   Humble, TX     19.51  
Lubbock   Lubbock, TX     2.86  
Luna Ventures   Farmers Branch, TX     26.71  
McKinney 36   Collin County, TX     9.77  
Meloy/Portage   Kent, OH     52.95  
Minivest   Dallas, TX     0.23  
Nashville   Nashville, TN     6.25  
Nicholson Croslin   Dallas, TX     0.80  
Nicholson Mendoza   Dallas, TX     0.35  
Ocean Estates   Gulfport, MS     12.00  
Senlac   Farmers Branch, TX     8.49  
Texas Plaza   Irving, TX     10.33  
Travis Ranch   Kaufman County, TX     16.80  
Travis Ranch Retail   Kaufman County, TX     8.13  
Union Pacific Railroad   Dallas, TX     0.04  
Valley View 34 (Mercer Crossing)   Farmers Branch, TX     2.19  
Willowick   Pensacola, FL     39.78  
Windmills Farm   Kaufman County, TX     2,884.07  
    Total Land/Development     3,268.46  
             
Land Subject to Sales Contract   Location     Acres  
Dominion Tract   Dallas, TX     10.59  
Hollywood Casino Tract I   Farmers Branch, TX     15.52  
LaDue   Farmers Branch, TX     8.01  
Three Hickory   Farmers Branch, TX     6.60  
Travelers   Farmers Branch, TX     193.17  
Valwood land   Farmers Branch, TX     16.87  
Walker/Cummings   Dallas County, TX     82.59  
Whorton   Bentonville, AR     64.44  
    Total Land Subject to Sales Contract     397.79  
             
    Total Land     3,666.25  

 

  15

 

 

ITEM 3.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

ART and ART Midwest, Inc.

 

While the Company and all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest are not parties to or obligated in any way for the outcome, a formerly owned entity (American Realty Trust, Inc.) and its former subsidiary (ART Midwest, Inc.) have been engaged since 1999 in litigation with Mr. David Clapper and entities related to Mr. Clapper (collectively, the “Clapper Parties”). The matter originally involved a transaction in 1998 in which ART Midwest, Inc. was to acquire eight residential apartment complexes from the Clapper Parties. Through the years, a number of rulings, both for and against American Realty Trust, Inc. (“ART”) and ART Midwest, Inc., were issued. In October 2011, a ruling was issued under which the Clapper Parties received a judgment for approximately $74 million, including $26 million in actual damages and $48 million interest. The ruling was against ART and ART Midwest, Inc., but no other entity. During February 2014, the Court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the judgment in favor of the Clapper Parties, but also ruled that a double counting of a significant portion of the damages had occurred and remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the damage award, as well as pre- and post-judgment interest thereon. Subsequently, the trial court recalculated the damage award, reducing it to approximately $59 million, inclusive of actual damages and then current interest. ART was also a significant owner of a partnership interest in the partnership that was awarded the initial damages in this matter.

The Clapper Parties subsequently filed a new lawsuit against ARI, its subsidiary EQK Holdings, Inc. (“EQK”), and ART.  The Clapper Parties seek damages from ARL for payment by ART to ARL of ART’s stock in EQK in exchange for a release of the Antecedent Debt owed by ART to ARI. Management is vigorously defending this Litigation.

In 2005, ART filed suit against a major national law firm over the initial transaction. That action was initially abated while the principal case with the Clapper Parties was pending, but the abatement was recently lifted.  The trial court subsequently dismissed the case on procedural grounds, but ART has filed a notice of appeal. In January 2012, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of ART to an unrelated party for a promissory note in the amount of $10 million. At December 31, 2012, the Company fully reserved and valued such note at zero.

  Port Olpenitz

 

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

 

Dynex Capital, Inc.

 

On July 20, 2015, the 68th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Texas issued its Final Judgment in Cause No. DC-03-00675, styled Basic Capital Management, Inc., American Realty Trust, Inc., Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. v. Dynex Commercial, Inc. The case, which was litigated for more than a decade, had its origin with Dynex Commercial making loans to Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. (subsidiaries of Continental Mortgage & Equity Trust (“CMET”), an entity which merged into TCI in 1999 after the original suit was filed). Under the original loan commitment, $160 million in loans were to be made to the entities. The loans were conditioned on the execution of a commitment between Dynex Commercial and Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“Basic”).

 

  16

 

 

An original trial in 2004, which also included Dynex Capital, Inc. as a defendant, resulted in a jury awarding damages in favor of Basic for “lost opportunity,” as well as damages in favor of ART and in favor of TCI and its subsidiaries for “increased costs” and “lost opportunity.” The original Trial Court judge ignored the jury’s findings, however, and entered a “Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict” (“JNOV”) in favor of the Dynex entities (the judge held the Plaintiffs were not entitled to any damages from the Dynex entities). After numerous appeals by all parties, Dynex Capital, Inc. was ultimately dismissed from the case and the remaining claims against Dynex Commercial were remanded to the Trial Court for a new judgment consistent with the jury’s findings. The Court entered the new Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015.

 

The Final Judgment entered against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015 awarded Basic $0.256 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $0.192 million for a total amount of $0.448 million. The Judgment awarded ART $14.2 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $10.6 million for a total amount of $24.8 million. The Judgment awarded TCI $11.1 million, plus pre-judgment interest of $8.4 million for a total amount of $19.5 million. The Judgment also awarded Basic, ART, and TCI post-judgment interest at the rate of 5% per annum from April 25, 2014 until the date their respective damages are paid. Lastly, the Judgement awarded Basic, ART, and TCI $1.6 million collectively in attorneys’ fees from Dynex Commercial, Inc.

 

The Company is working with counsel to identify assets and collect on the Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc., as well as explore possible additional claims, if any, against Dynex Capital, Inc.

 

Litigation. The ownership of property and provision of services to the public as tenants entails an inherent risk of liability. Although the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various items of litigation incidental to and in the ordinary course of its business, in the opinion of management, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operation or liquidity.

 

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

  17

 

  

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

ARL’s common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “ARL”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported in the consolidated reporting system of the NYSE for the quarters ended:

 

    2016     2015  
    High     Low     High     Low  
First Quarter   $ 5.83     $ 3.89     $ 5.90     $ 4.26  
Second Quarter   $ 7.05     $ 4.44     $ 5.95     $ 4.66  
Third Quarter   $ 7.81     $ 5.19     $ 7.49     $ 4.09  
Fourth Quarter   $ 7.93     $ 4.92     $ 7.19     $ 4.75  

 

On March 10, 2017, the closing market price of ARL’s common stock on the NYSE $6.67 per share, and was held by approximately 3,036 stockholders of record.

 

ARL’s Board of Directors has established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, the Board determined not to pay any dividends on common stock in 2016, 2015 or 2014. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

 

Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 15,000,000 shares of Series A 10.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value of $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.00 per share, or $.25 per share quarterly, to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September, and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into common stock at 90.0% of the average daily closing price of ARL’s common stock for the prior 20 trading days. At December 31, 2016, 2,000,614 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding. Of the outstanding shares, 900,000 are held by ARL. Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

 

Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 91,000 shares of Series D 9.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $20.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.90 per year or $0.475 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series D Preferred Stock is reserved for the conversion of the Class A limited partner units of Ocean Beach Partners, L.P. The Class A units may be exchanged for Series D Preferred Stock at the rate of 20 Class A units for each share of Series D Preferred Stock. There are no outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock.

 

Under ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 500,000 shares of Series E 6.0% Cumulative Preferred Stock are authorized with a par value $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $0.60 per share or $0.15 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. There are no Series E Preferred Stock outstanding. As an instrument amendatory to ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, 100,000 shares of Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock have been designated pursuant to a Certificate of Designation filed March 16, 2006, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $80 per share, or $20 per quarter, to stockholders of record on the last day of each of March, June, September and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. Although the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock has been designated, no shares have been issued.

 

The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.

 

On September 1, 2000, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to a total of 1,000,000 shares of ARL common stock. This repurchase program has no termination date. In August 2010, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the share repurchase program for up to an additional 250,000 shares of common stock which results in a total authorization under the repurchase program for up to 1,250,000 shares. There were no shares repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

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ITEM 6.     SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,
    2016   2015   2014   2013   2012
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
EARNINGS DATA                                        
Rental and other property revenues   $ 119,663     $ 104,188     $ 79,412     $ 80,750     $ 81,849  
Total operating expenses     105,029       97,880       82,611       96,426       73,602  
Operating income (loss)     14,634       6,308       (3,199 )     (15,676 )     8,247  
Other expenses     (36,325 )     (31,622 )     (15,511 )     (35,264 )     (20,021 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-controlling interest, and taxes     (21,691 )     (25,314 )     (18,710 )     (50,940 )     (11,774 )
Gain on sale of income-producing properties     16,207                          
Gain (loss) on land sales     3,121       21,648       561       (455 )     5,475  
Income tax benefit (expense)     (46 )     (517 )     20,413       40,513       (144 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations     (2,409 )     (4,183 )     2,264       (10,882 )     (6,443 )
Net income (loss) from discontinuing operations     (1 )     896       37,909       62,606       (268 )
Net income (loss)     (2,410 )     (3,287 )     40,173       51,724       (6,711 )
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     (322 )     1,327       (9,288 )     (10,448 )     1,126  
Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.     (2,732 )     (1,960 )     30,885       41,276       (5,585 )
Preferred dividend requirement     (1,101 )     (1,216 )     (2,043 )     (2,452 )     (2,452 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (3,833 )   $ (3,176 )   $ 28,842     $ 38,824     $ (8,037 )
                                         
PER SHARE DATA                                        
Earnings per share - basic                                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations           0.06       2.99       5.43       (0.02 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     15,514,360       15,111,107       12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389  
                                         
Earnings per share - diluted                                        
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )   $ (2.07 )   $ (0.67 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations           0.06       2.99       5.43       (0.02 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28     $ 3.36     $ (0.69 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     15,514,360       15,111,107       12,683,956       11,525,389       11,525,389  
                                         
                                         
BALANCE SHEET DATA                                        
Real estate, net   $ 901,006     $ 853,507     $ 699,763     $ 700,294     $ 930,433  
Notes and interest receivable, net     126,564       120,243       134,366       136,815       103,469  
Total assets     1,174,909       1,117,368       965,498       943,322       1,135,345  
Notes and interest payables     851,095       804,760       659,059       659,042       869,857  
Shareholders’ equity     176,131       176,889       179,588       134,861       85,104  
Book value per share     11.35       11.71       14.16       11.70       7.38  

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, principally, but not only, under the captions “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We caution investors that any forward-looking statements in this report, or which management may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on management’s beliefs and on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “estimate”, “project”, “should”, “will”, “result” and similar expressions which do not relate solely to historical matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance, which may be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties, and factors, that are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. We caution you that, while forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs when we make them, they are not guarantees of future performance and are impacted by actual events when they occur after we make such statements. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

 

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

 

general risks affecting the real estate industry (including, without limitation, the inability to enter into or renew leases, dependence on tenants’ financial condition, and competition from other developers, owners and operators of real estate);

 

risks associated with the availability and terms of financing and the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments;

 

failure to manage effectively our growth and expansion into new markets or to integrate acquisitions successfully;

 

risks and uncertainties affecting property development and construction (including, without limitation, construction delays, cost overruns, inability to obtain necessary permits and public opposition to such activities);

 

risks associated with downturns in the national and local economies, increases in interest rates, and volatility in the securities markets;

 

costs of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar laws and regulations;

 

potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental contamination;

 

risks associated with our dependence on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed; and

 

the other risk factors identified in this Form 10-K, including those described under the caption “Risk Factors.”

 

The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report, including Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” include additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Investors should also refer to our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for future periods and current reports on Form 8-K as we file them with the SEC, and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time to time through Forms 8-K or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

We are an externally advised and managed real estate investment company that owns a diverse portfolio of income-producing properties and land held for development. Our portfolio of income-producing properties includes residential apartment communities, office buildings and a golf course. Our investment strategy includes acquiring existing income-producing properties as well as developing new properties on land already owned or acquired for a specific development project. We acquire land primarily in urban in-fill locations or high-growth suburban markets. We are an active buyer and seller of real estate and during 2016 we acquired $92.2 million and sold $51.4 million of land and income-producing properties. As of December 31, 2016, we owned 8,266 units in 50 residential apartment communities, eight commercial properties comprising approximately 2.0 million rentable square feet and a golf course. In addition, we own 3,666 acres of land held for development. The Company currently owns income-producing properties and land in ten states as well as in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

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We finance our acquisitions primarily through operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of land and income-producing properties and debt financing primarily in the form of property-specific first-lien mortgage loans from commercial banks and institutional lenders. We finance our development projects principally with short-term, variable interest rate construction loans that are converted to long-term, fixed rate amortizing mortgages when the development project is completed and occupancy has been stabilized. We will, from time to time, also enter into partnerships with various investors to acquire income-producing properties or land and to sell interests in certain of our wholly owned properties. When we sell assets, we may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable. We generate operating revenues primarily by leasing apartment units to residents and leasing office, retail and industrial space to commercial tenants.

 

We have historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in our best interest.

 

Since April 30, 2011, Pillar is the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager under a contractual arrangement that is reviewed annually by our Board of Directors. Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for ARL’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT. As the contractual Advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”. ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Effective since January 1, 2011, Regis manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services. Regis is entitled to receive a fee for its property management and brokerage services. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”. The Company contracts with third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment communities.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We present our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE), in accordance with the provisions and guidance of ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, whereby we have determined that we are a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meet certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member as identified in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders as a group lack adequate decision making ability, the obligation to absorb expected losses or residual returns of the entity, or have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests. The primary beneficiary generally is the entity that provides financial support and bears a majority of the financial risks, authorizes certain capital transactions, or makes operating decisions that materially affect the entity’s financial results. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; our and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE; and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of us and the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

 

For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities are included in consolidated net income. Our investment in Gruppa Florentina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method.

 

The Company, in accordance with the VIE guidance in ASC 810 “Consolidations,” consolidated 50 and 48 multifamily residential properties located throughout the United States at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, ranging from 32 units to 260 units. Assets totaling approximately $442 million and approximately $457 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are consolidated and included in “Real estate, at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company.

 

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Real Estate

 

Upon acquisitions of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets, including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-market” and “below-market” leases, origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, and allocate the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land at appraised value and buildings at replacement cost.

 

We assess and consider fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and/or capitalization rates, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. We also consider an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on our acquisitions to date, our allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.

 

We record acquired “above-market” and “below-market” leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases.

 

Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, we include real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, we consider leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

 

Depreciation and Impairment

 

Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized. Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct project costs incurred during the period of development.

 

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC Topic 835-20 “Interest – Capitalization of Interest” and ASC Topic 970 “Real Estate - General”. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

 

Management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined by a recent appraisal, comparable based upon prices for similar assets, executed sales contract, a present value and/or a valuation technique based upon a multiple of earnings or revenue. If such impairment is present, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. If we determine that impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their face value.

 

Real Estate Assets Held for Sale

 

We classify properties as held for sale when certain criteria are met in accordance with GAAP. At that time, we present the assets and obligations of the property held for sale separately in our consolidated balance sheet and we cease recording depreciation and amortization expense related to that property. Properties held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell. We did not have any real estate assets classified as held for sale at December 31, 2016 or 2015.

 

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Effective as of January 1, 2015, we adopted the revised guidance in Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 regarding discontinued operations. For sales of real estate or assets classified as held for sale after January 1, 2015, we will evaluate whether a disposal transaction meets the criteria of a strategic shift and will have a major effect on our operations and financial results to determine if the results of operations and gains on sale of real estate will be presented as part of our continuing operations or as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. If the disposal represents a strategic shift, it will be classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented; if not, it will be presented in continuing operations.

 

Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in Item 1 “Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing.” Any sale transaction where the guidance reflects that a sale had not occurred, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt, if appropriate, and property operations, remained on the books of the Company. We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period costs for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

 

Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

 

Except for ownership interests in variable interest entities, we account for our investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures under the equity method of accounting because we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on our balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate ventures over the life of the related asset. Under the equity method of accounting, our net equity is reflected within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and our share of net income or loss from the joint ventures is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The joint venture agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, our recognition of joint venture income or loss generally follows the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. For ownership interests in variable interest entities, we consolidate those in which we are the primary beneficiary.

 

Recognition of Rental Income

 

Rental income for commercial property leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms. In accordance with ASC Topic 805 “Business Combinations”, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-market” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases. On our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we include as a receivable the excess of rental income recognized over rental payments actually received pursuant to the terms of the individual commercial lease agreements.

 

Reimbursements of operating costs, as allowed under most of our commercial tenant leases, consist of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, and are recognized as revenue in the period in which the recoverable expenses are incurred. We record these reimbursements on a “gross” basis, since we generally are the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have the credit risk with respect to paying the supplier.

 

Rental income for residential property leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis as lease terms are generally for periods of one year or less. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.

 

Revenue Recognition on the Sale of Real Estate

 

Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, we defer some or all of the gain recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.

 

Non-performing Notes Receivable

 

We consider a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

Interest Recognition on Notes Receivable

 

We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.

 

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Allowance for Estimated Losses

 

We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment. See Note 3 “Notes and Interest Receivable” for details on our notes receivable.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

We apply the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.

 

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:

 

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.
     
Level 2 Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
     
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Related parties

 

We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

 

Results of Operations

 

The discussion of our results of operations is based on management’s review of operations, which is based on our segments. Our segments consist of apartments, commercial buildings, hotels, land and other. For discussion purposes, we break these segments down into the following sub-categories; same property portfolio, acquired properties, and developed properties in the lease-up phase. The same property portfolio consists of properties that were held by us for the entire period for both years being compared. The acquired property portfolio consists of properties that we acquired but have not held for the entire period for both periods being compared. Developed properties in the lease-up phase consist of completed projects that are being leased-up. As we complete each phase of the project, we lease-up that phase and include those revenues in our continued operations. Once a developed property becomes leased-up (80% or more) and is held the entire period for both years under comparison, it is considered to be included in the same property portfolio. Income-producing properties that we have sold during the year are reclassified to discontinuing operations for all periods presented. The other segment consists of revenue and operating expenses related to the notes receivable and corporate entities.

 

The following discussion is based on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 as included in Part II, Item 8. “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The prior year’s property portfolios have been adjusted for subsequent sales. Continued operations relates to income-producing properties that were held during those years as adjusted for sales in the subsequent years.

 

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At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we owned or had interests in a portfolio of 59, 58 and 47 income-producing properties, respectively. The total property portfolio represents all income-producing properties held as of December 31 for the year presented. Sales subsequent to year end represent properties that were held as of year end for the years presented, but sold in subsequent years. Continued operations represents all properties that have not been reclassed to discontinued operations as of December 31, 2016 for the year presented. The table below shows the number of income-producing properties held by year.

 

    2016     2015     2014  
                   
Continued operations     59       58       46  
Sales subsequent to year end                 1  
Total property portfolio     59       58       47  

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we reported net loss applicable to common shares of $3.8 million or ($0.25) per diluted earnings per share compared to a net loss applicable to common shares of $3.2 million or ($0.21) per diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2015. The current year net loss applicable to common shares of $3.8 million includes gain on income-producing properties of $16.2 million and gain on land sales of $3.1 million compared to the prior year net loss applicable to common shares of $3.2 million which includes gain on land sales of $21.6 million, a provision on the impairment of real estate assets of $5.3 million and net income from discontinued operations of $0.9 million.

 

Revenues

 

Rental and other property revenues were $119.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $15.5 million compared to the prior year revenues of $104.2 million. The change by segment is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $13.1 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $2.5 million, partially offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in the other portfolio. We purchased 12 apartment communities during the year ended December 31, 2015, which produced rental revenue of $21.7 million and $10.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for a net increase of $11.5 million. In addition, we purchased two apartment properties during 2016 that produced revenues of $2.0 million and we had a decrease in rental revenue of approximately $0.9 million for two apartment communities sold during 2016. The $2.5 million increase in revenues for the commercial portfolio was primarily due to the acquisition of a commercial building in Houston, Texas late in the second quarter of 2015.

 

Expenses

 

Property operating expenses were $63.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $9.0 million compared to the prior year operating expenses of $54.0 million. The change by segment is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $5.8 million, an increase in the commercial portfolio of $2.6 million and an increase in the land portfolio of $0.7 million, partially offset by a decrease in the other portfolio of $0.2 million. The Company added a net 2,145 apartment units during 2015 and 723 units during 2016.  Property operating expenses for our commercial portfolio increased $2.6 million due to the acquisition of an office building in Houston, Texas late in the second quarter of 2015.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $2.4 million compared to prior year depreciation of $21.4 million. The increase is primarily due to the growth in our apartment portfolio which had an increase of $2.3 million year-over-year.

 

General and administrative expenses were $7.1 million dollars for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $0.2 million compared to the prior year general and administrative expenses of $6.9 million.

 

There was no provision for impairment of real estate assets for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year provision of $5.3 million, related to the golf course and related assets located in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

Net income fee was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an decrease of $0.2 million compared to the prior year net income fee of $0.5 million. The net income fee paid to Pillar is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

 

Advisory fees were $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $1.1 million compared to the prior year advisory fees of $9.8 million. Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

 

Other income (expense)

 

Interest income was $20.5 million for the year ending December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $3.8 million compared to the prior year interest income of $16.7 million dollars. This increase was primarily due to the year-over-year increase in the receivable from our Advisor.

 

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Other income was $2.1 million for the year ending December 31, 2016. This represents a decrease of $2.0 million compared to prior year other income of $4.1 million. The increase is primarily due to a property with a negotiated settlement of a debt with the lender during 2015.

 

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $59.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of $6.9 million compared to the prior year expense of $52.5 million. The change by segment is an increase in the other portfolio of $7.4 million, an increase in the apartment portfolio of $1.7 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in the land portfolio of $2.5 million. Within the other portfolio, the increase is due to incurring new mezzanine debt obligations during 2015. The increase in the apartment portfolio was primarily due to the acquisition of new properties, partially offset by the refinancing of five loans during 2016 at lower rates.

 

Gain on sale of income-producing properties was $16.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. During 2016, the Company sold one apartment community located in Irving, Texas to an independent third party for a total sales price of $8.1 million and one apartment community located in Topeka, Kansas to an independent third party for a total sales price of $12.3 million. We recorded an aggregate gain of $16.2 million from the sale of these two properties. The Company also sold an industrial warehouse consisting of approximately 177,805 square feet. The sale resulted in a loss of approximately $0.2 million.

 

Gain on land sales was $3.1 million and $21.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2016, we sold a combined 129.7 acres of land located in Forney, Texas, McKinney, Texas, Farmers Branch, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee to independent third parties for a total sales price of $29.1 million. We recorded an aggregate $3.1 million gain from the land sales. During 2015, we sold approximately 595 acres of land for a sales price of $107.3 million and recorded a gain of $18.9 million. In addition, we recognized $2.7 million in deferred gain from prior years land sales during the year ended December 31, 2015.  

 

  26

 

  

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2014:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we reported a net loss applicable to common shares of $3.2 million or ($0.21) per diluted earnings per share compared to a net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million or $2.28 per diluted earnings per share for the same period ended 2014. The net loss applicable to common shares of $3.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 included gain on land sales of $21.6 million, a provision on the impairment of real estate assets of $5.3 million and net income from discontinued operations of $0.9 million compared to net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, which included a gain on land sales of $0.6 million and net income from discontinued operations of $37.9 million.

 

Revenues

 

Rental and other property revenues were $104.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $24.8 million, as compared to the prior year revenues of $79.4 million. The change by segment is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $14.7 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $10.1 million. The increase in the apartment and commercial portfolios is mainly due to the acquisition of new properties. Our apartment portfolio continues to excel in the current economic conditions with occupancies averaging over 94% and increasing rental rates. We have been able to surpass expectations due to the high-quality product offered, strength of our management team and our commitment to our tenants. The increase in the commercial segment is also due to a high rise in the occupancy rate of the commercial complexes, in 2015 the average occupancy rate was over 86%. Our commercial portfolio is performing significantly better than in previous periods and we anticipate that it will continue to improve as the Company has been successful in attracting high-quality tenants and expects to continue to see the benefits of those new leases in the future. We continue to work aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.

 

Expenses

 

Property operating expenses were $54.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $11.9 million, as compared to the prior year operating expenses of $42.1 million. The change by segment is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $7.4 million, an increase in the commercial portfolio of $4.7 million. Within the apartment portfolio there was an increase of $5.9 million in the acquired properties portfolio, and an increase of $1.5 million in the same property portfolio. Within the commercial portfolio there was an increase of $3.6 million in the acquired properties portfolio and an increase of $1.1 million in the same store properties. The increase in the apartment portfolio was due to the acquisition of new properties throughout the year. The increase in the commercial portfolio was due to an acquisition of a property within the year and an increase in real estate taxes.

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $3.8 million compared to prior year depreciation of $17.6 million. Within the apartment and commercial portfolios, the majority of this change is due to the acquisition of new properties and an increase in tenant improvements and repairs projects.

 

General and administrative expenses were $6.9 million dollars for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.4 million compared to the prior year general and administrative expenses of $10.3 million. The majority of this change is due to decreases in legal expenses and franchise taxes in the current year.

 

The provision for impairment of real estate assets was $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. There was no provision for impairment expense in the prior year. During 2015, the Company recorded an impairment of $5.3 million for the golf course and related assets located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This impairment was due to the decision to sell the development parcels in the U.S. Virgin Islands which resulted in a decrease in the estimated fair value of the remaining assets.

 

Net income fee was $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.2 million compared to the prior year net income fee of $3.7 million. The net income fee paid to Pillar is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

 

Advisory fees were $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $0.9 million compared to the prior year advisory fees of $8.9 million. Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

 

Other income (expense)

 

Interest income was $16.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.4 million compared to the prior year interest income of $20.1 million dollars. The majority of this decrease is due to the recognition of uncollectable interest in the prior year on notes receivable.

 

Other income was $4.1 million for the year ending December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $2.7 million compared to the prior year other income of $1.4 million. The increase is primarily due to a property with a negotiated settlement of a debt with the lender.

 

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $52.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $9.5 million compared to the prior year expense of $40.8 million. The change by segment is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $4.3 million, an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.8 million, and an increase in the other portfolio of $6.6 million. Within the apartment and commercial portfolios, the majority of the increase is due to the acquisition of new properties, offset by loan refinancings at lower rates. Within the other portfolio, the majority of the increase is due to incurring two new mezzanine debt obligations during 2015.

 

  27

 

 

Litigation settlement expenses were $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $3.9 million compared to the prior year credit of $3.6 million. This variance is due to the settlement of a debt resulting in a gain of $3.5 million in the prior year.

 

Gain on land sales was $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2015, we sold approximately 595 acres of land in eleven transactions for a sales price of $107.3 million and recorded a gain of $18.9 million. In addition, we recognized $2.7 million in deferred gain from prior years land sales.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a gain on land sales of $0.6 million.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

Prior to January 1, 2015, we applied the provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” which requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lesser of (1) book value or (2) fair value less cost to sell. In addition, it requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-08, which changed the criteria of ASC 360 related to determining which disposals qualify to be accounted for as discontinued operations and modified related reporting and disclosure requirements. Disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have a major effect on a company’s operations and financial results will be presented as discontinued operations.

 

There were no sales of income-producing properties during 2016 or 2015 that met the criteria for discontinued operations. Amounts included in discontinued operations represent the residual amounts from sales classified as discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2015. The following table summarizes revenue and expense information for the properties sold that qualified as discontinued operations (dollars in thousands):

 

  For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2016     2015     2014  
Revenues:                  
Rental and other property revenues  $     $ 355     $ 5,612  
          355       5,612  
Expenses:                      
Property operating expenses   2       (345 )     2,350  
Depreciation               751  
General and administrative         99       451  
Total operating expenses   2       (246 )     3,552  
                       
Other income (expense):                      
Other income (expense)         45       (507 )
Mortgage and loan interest         (2 )     (3,204 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties               (1,656 )
Litigation settlement               (250 )
Total other expenses         43       (5,617 )
                       
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes   (2 )     644       (3,557 )
Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations         735       61,879  
Income tax expense   1       (483 )     (20,413 )
Income from discontinued operations $ (1 )   $ 896     $ 37,909  

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

Our principal liquidity needs are:

 

fund normal recurring expenses;

 

meet debt service and principal repayment obligations including balloon payments on maturing debt;

 

fund capital expenditures, including tenant improvements and leasing costs;

 

fund development costs not covered under construction loans; and

 

fund possible property acquisitions.

 

Our principal sources of cash have been and will continue to be:

 

property operations;

 

proceeds from land and income-producing property sales;

 

collection of mortgage notes receivable;

 

collections of receivables from related companies;

 

refinancing of existing debt; and

 

additional borrowings, including mortgage notes payable, and lines of credit.

 

It is important to realize that the current status of the banking industry has had a significant effect on our industry. The banks’ willingness and/or ability to originate loans affects our ability to buy and sell property, and refinance existing debt. We are unable to foresee the extent and length of this down-turn. A continued and extended decline could materially impact our cash flows. We draw on multiple financing sources to fund our long-term capital needs. We generally fund our development projects with construction loans, which are converted to traditional mortgages upon completion of the project.

 

We may also issue additional equity securities, including common stock and preferred stock. Management anticipates that our cash at December 31, 2016, along with cash that will be generated in 2017 from property operations, may not be sufficient to meet all of our cash requirements. Management intends to selectively sell land and income-producing assets, refinance or extend real estate debt and seek additional borrowings secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements. Historically, management has been successful at refinancing and extending a portion of the Company’s current maturity obligations and selling assets as necessary to meet current obligations.

 

Management reviews the carrying values of ARL’s properties and mortgage notes receivable at least annually and whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. Impairment is considered to exist if, in the case of a property, the future cash flow from the property (undiscounted and without interest) is less than the carrying amount of the property. The property review generally includes: (1) selective property inspections, (2) a review of the property’s current rents compared to market rents, (3) a review of the property’s expenses, (4) a review of maintenance requirements, (5) a review of the property’s cash flow, (6) discussions with the manager of the property, and (7) a review of properties in the surrounding area. For notes receivable, impairment is considered to exist if it is probable that all amounts due under the terms of the note will not be collected. If impairment is found to exist, a provision for loss is recorded by a charge against earnings to the extent that the investment in the note exceeds management’s estimate of the fair value of the collateral securing such note. The mortgage note receivable review includes an evaluation of the collateral property securing each note.

 

Cash Flow Summary

 

The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Part II, Item 8. “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below (dollars in thousands):

 

    2016     2015     Variance  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ 17,446     $ (34,509 )   $ 34,509  
Net cash used in investing activities     (61,100     (130,348 )     130,348  
Net cash provided by financing activities     45,944       167,790       (167,790 )

 

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The primary use of cash for operations is daily operating costs, general and administrative expenses, advisory fees and land holding costs. Our primary source of cash from operating activities is from rental income on properties.

 

Our primary cash outlays for investing activities are for construction and development, acquisition of land and income-producing properties, and capital improvements to existing properties. Our primary sources of cash from investing activities are from the proceeds on the sale of land and income-producing properties. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we acquired 4 apartment properties and 4 developmental land properties.

 

Our primary sources of cash from financing activities are from proceeds on notes payables. Our primary cash outlays are for recurring debt payments and payments on maturing notes payable.

 

Equity Investments.

 

ARL has from time to time purchased shares of IOT and TCI. The Company may purchase additional equity securities of IOT and TCI through open market and negotiated transactions to the extent ARL’s liquidity permits.

 

Equity securities of TCI held by ARL (and of IOT held by TCI) may be deemed “restricted securities” under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”). Accordingly, ARL may be unable to sell such equity securities other than in a registered public offering or pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act for a one-year period after they are acquired. Such restrictions may reduce ARL’s ability to realize the full fair value of such investments if ARL attempted to dispose of such securities in a short period of time.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We have contractual obligations and commitments primarily with regards to the payment of mortgages. The following table aggregates our expected contractual obligations and commitments and includes items not accrued, per GAAP, through the term of the obligation such as interest expense and operating leases. Our aggregate obligations subsequent to December 31, 2016 are shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

 

    Total     2017     2018     2019-2021     Thereafter  
Long-term debt obligation (1)   $ 1,333,106     $ 180,432     $ 91,162     $ 215,058     $ 846,454  
Operating lease obligation     32,695       536       545       1,695       29,919  
Total   $ 1,365,801     $ 180,968     $ 91,707     $ 216,753     $ 876,373  

 

(1) ARL’s long-term debt may contain financial covenants that, if certain thresholds are not met, could allow the lender to accelerate principal payments or cause the note to become due immediately.

  

Environmental Matters

 

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, ARL may be potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property) where property-level managers have arranged for the removal, disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances. In addition, certain environmental laws impose liability for release of asbestos-containing materials into the air, and third parties may seek recovery for personal injury associated with such materials.

 

Management is not aware of any environmental liability relating to the above matters that would have a material adverse effect on ARL’s business, assets or results of operations.

 

Inflation

 

The effects of inflation on ARL’s operations are not quantifiable. Revenues from property operations tend to fluctuate proportionately with inflationary increases and decreases in housing costs. Fluctuations in the rate of inflation also affect the sales values of properties and the ultimate gains to be realized from property sales. To the extent that inflation affects interest rates, earnings from short-term investments and the cost of new financings as well as the cost of variable interest rate debt will be affected.

 

ITEM 7A.       QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

ARL’s primary market risk exposure consists of changes in interest rates on borrowings under our debt instruments that bear interest at variable rates that fluctuate with market interest rates and maturing debt that has to be refinanced. ARL’s future operations, cash flow and fair values of financial instruments are also partially dependent on the then existing market interest rates and market equity prices.

 

As of December 31, 2016, our $867.7 million debt portfolio consisted of approximately $827.9 million of fixed-rate debt and approximately $39.8 million of variable-rate debt with interest rates ranging from 4.75% to 12.0%. Our overall weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 4.91% and 4.66%, respectively.

 

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ARL’s interest rate sensitivity position is managed by the capital markets department. Interest rate sensitivity is the relationship between changes in market interest rates and the fair value of market rate sensitive assets and liabilities. ARL’s earnings are affected as changes in short-term interest rates affect its cost of variable-rate debt and maturing fixed-rate debt.

 

If market interest rates for variable-rate debt average 100 basis points more in 2016 than they did during 2015, ARL’s interest expense would increase and net income would decrease by $0.4 million. This amount is determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on ARL’s borrowing cost. The analysis does not consider the effects of the reduced level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. Further, in the event of a change of such magnitude, management would likely take actions to further mitigate its exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysis assumes no change in ARL’s financial structure.

 

The following table contains only those exposures that existed at December 31, 2016. Anticipation of exposures of risk on positions that could possibly arise was not considered. ARL’s ultimate interest rate risk and its effect on operations will depend on future capital market exposures, which cannot be anticipated with a probable assurance level (dollars are in thousands): 

 

    2017   2018   2019   2020   2021   Thereafter   Total
Note Receivable                                                        
Fixed interest rate - fair value                                                   $ 134,230  
Instrument’s maturities   $ 37,966     $ 14,301     $ 5,896     $ 5,907     $ 174     $ 69,985     $ 134,230  
Instrument’s amortization                                          
Interest     12,494       11,153       9,497       8,446       8,415       100,779       150,784  
Average Rate     9.31 %     11.59 %     11.59 %     11.10 %     11.99 %     12.00 %        
                                                         
    2017     2018     2019     2020     2021     Thereafter      Total  
Notes Payable                                                        
Variable interest rate - fair value                                                   $ 39,779  
Instrument’s maturities   $ 1,995     $     $     $     $     $     $ 1,995  
Instrument’s amortization     36,202       211       224       238       157       752       37,784  
Interest     382       95       81       67       54       110       789  
Average Rate     5.65 %     5.83 %     5.77 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %        
                                                         
Fixed interest rate - fair value                                                   $ 827,932  
Instrument’s maturities   $ 11,640     $ 2,477     $ 18,649     $ 15,990     $     $ 33,729     $ 82,484  
Instrument’s amortization     90,278       53,568       51,262       35,388       15,673       499,278       745,448  
Interest     39,935       34,811       29,938       24,622       22,715       312,585       464,606  
Average Rate     9.37 %     0.23 %     11.03 %     10.08 %     0.00 %     0.38 %        

 

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ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Page 

Financial Statements  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 33
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2016 and 2015 34
Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 35
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 38
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss) —Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 39
   
Financial Statement Schedules  
Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 61
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loan Receivables on Real Estate 68

 

All other schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not applicable, or the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto. 

 

32 
 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of and 

Stockholders of American Realty Investors, Inc. 

Dallas, Texas

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Realty Investors, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. American Realty Investors, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As described in Note 16, American Realty Investors, Inc.’s management intends to sell land and income-producing properties and refinance or extend debt secured by real estate to meet the Company’s liquidity needs.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Realty Investors, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. Schedules III and IV are presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and are not a required part of the basic consolidated financial statements. American Realty Investors, Inc.’s management is responsible for these schedules. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

Farmer, Fuqua & Huff, PC

 

Richardson, Texas 

March 31, 2017

 

33 
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

 

    December 31,
2016
    December 31,
2015
 
    (dollars in thousands, except share
and par value amounts)
 
Assets            
Real estate, at cost   $ 1,017,684     $ 954,390  
Real estate subject to sales contracts at cost, net of depreciation     48,919       49,155  
Less accumulated depreciation     (165,597 )     (150,038 )
Total real estate     901,006       853,507  
Notes and interest receivable                
Performing (including $125,799 in 2016 and $125,915 in 2015 from related parties)     143,601       137,280  
Less allowance for estimated losses (including $15,537 in 2016 and $15,537 in 2015 from related parties)     (17,037 )     (17,037 )
Total notes and interest receivable     126,564       120,243  
Cash and cash equivalents     17,522       15,232  
Restricted cash     38,399       45,711  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     6,087       8,365  
Receivable from related party     24,672       28,147  
Other assets     60,659       46,163  
Total assets   $ 1,174,909     $ 1,117,368  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity                
Liabilities:                
Notes and interest payable   $ 845,107     $ 797,962  
Notes related to assets held for sale     376       376  
Notes related to assets subject to sales contracts     5,612       6,422  
Deferred revenue (including $70,935 in 2016 and $70,892 in 2015 from sales to related parties)     91,380       91,336  
Accounts payable and other liabilities (including $10,854 in 2016 and $7,236 in 2015 to related parties)     56,303       44,383  
      998,778       940,479  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:                
                 
Preferred stock, Series A: $2.00 par value, authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,000,614 shares in 2016 and 2015 (liquidation preference $10 per share), including 900,000 shares in 2016 and 2015 held by ARL     2,205       2,205  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 15,930,145 shares and outstanding 15,514,360 shares in 2016 and 2015, including 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) in 2016 and 2015     159       156  
Treasury stock at cost; 415,785 shares in 2016 and 2015, and 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) as of 2016 and 2015     (6,395 )     (6,395 )
Paid-in capital     111,510       109,861  
Retained earnings     14,398       17,130  
Total American Realty Investors, Inc. shareholders’ equity     121,877       122,957  
Non-controlling interest     54,254       53,932  
Total equity     176,131       176,889  
Total liabilities and equity   $ 1,174,909     $ 1,117,368  

 

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

 

34 
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
   

2016 

     2015      2014   
       
   

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 

 
Revenues:                  
Rental and other property revenues (including $708, $726 and $701 for the year ended 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from related parties)   $ 119,663     $ 104,188     $ 79,412  
                         
Expenses:                        
Property operating expenses (including $900, $770 and $645 for the year ended 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from related parties)     62,950       54,002       42,124  
Depreciation     23,785       21,418       17,593  
General and administrative (including $4,053, $3,855 and $3,628 for the year ended 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from related parties)     7,119       6,893       10,282  
Provision on impairment of real estate assets           5,300        
Net income fee to related party     257       492       3,669  
Advisory fee to related party     10,918       9,775       8,943  
Total operating expenses     105,029       97,880       82,611  
Operating income (loss)     14,634       6,308       (3,199 )
                         
Other income (expense):                        
Interest income (including $18,864, $15,859 and $19,029 for the year ended 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from related parties)     20,453       16,674       20,054  
Other income     2,091       4,106       1,415  
Mortgage and loan interest (including $5,300, $3,774 and $3,660 for the year ended 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from related parties)     (59,362 )     (52,477 )     (40,826 )
Loss on the sale of investments           (1 )     (92 )
Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     493       428       347  
Litigation settlement           (352 )     3,591  
Total other expenses     (36,325 )     (31,622 )     (15,511 )
Loss before gain on sales, non-controlling interest and taxes     (21,691 )     (25,314 )     (18,710 )
Gain on sale of income-producing properties     16,207              
Gain on land sales     3,121       21,648       561  
Loss from continuing operations before tax     (2,363 )     (3,666 )     (18,149 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     (46 )     (517 )     20,413  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations     (2,409 )     (4,183 )     2,264  
Discontinued operations:                        
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     (2 )     644       (3,557 )
Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations           735       61,879  
Income tax expense from discontinued operations     1       (483 )     (20,413 )
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations     (1 )     896       37,909  
Net income (loss)     (2,410 )     (3,287 )     40,173  
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests     (322 )     1,327       (9,288 )
Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.     (2,732 )     (1,960 )     30,885  
Preferred dividend requirement     (1,101 )     (1,216 )     (2,043 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (3,833 )   $ (3,176 )   $ 28,842  
                         
Earnings per share - basic                        
Loss from continuing operations   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )
Income from discontinued operations           0.06       2.99  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28  
                         
Earnings per share - diluted                        
Loss from continuing operations   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.71 )
Income from discontinued operations           0.06       2.99  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.21 )   $ 2.28  
                         
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     15,514,360       15,111,107       12,683,956  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     15,514,360       15,111,107       12,683,956  
                         
                         
Amounts attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.                        
Loss from continuing operations   $ (2,731 )   $ (2,856 )   $ (7,024 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     (1 )     896       37,909  
Net income (loss)   $ (2,732 )   $ (1,960 )   $ 30,885  

 

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

 

35 
 

  

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2016 

(dollars in thousands) 

                            Common Stock                               Non-controlling  
    Total
Capital
    Comprehensive Loss     Preferred Stock     Shares     Amount     Treasury Stock     Paid-in Capital     Retained Earnings     Controlling Interest  
Balance, December 31, 2013   $ 134,861     $ (93,213 )   $ 4,908       11,941,174     $ 115     $ (6,395 )   $ 102,974     $ (11,795 )   $ 45,054  
Net income     40,173       40,173                                     30,885       9,288  
Distribution to non-controlling interests     (333 )                                   (302 )           (31 )
Sale of controlling interest     (289 )                                   (289 )            
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock     7,219             (1,782 )     2,502,230       26             8,038             937  
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)     (2,043 )                                   (2,043 )            
Balance, December 31, 2014   $ 179,588     $ (53,040 )   $ 3,126       14,443,404     $ 141     $ (6,395 )   $ 108,378     $ 19,090     $ 55,248  
Net loss     (3,287 )     (3,287 )                                   (1,960 )     (1,327 )
Contribution from non-controlling interests     11                                                 11  
Assumption of non-controlling interests     (470 )                                   (470 )            
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock     2,263             (921 )     1,486,741       15             3,169              
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)     (1,216 )                                   (1,216 )            
Balance, December 31, 2015   $ 176,889     $ (56,327 )   $ 2,205       15,930,145     $ 156     $ (6,395 )   $ 109,861     $ 17,130     $ 53,932  
Net loss     (2,410 )     (2,410 )                                   (2,732 )     322  
Assumption of non-controlling interests     (268 )                                   (268 )            
Sale of non-controlling interests     3,021                         3             3,018              
Series A preferred stock cash dividend ($1.00 per share)     (1,101 )                                   (1,101 )            
Balance, December 31, 2016   $ 176,131     $ (58,737 )   $ 2,205       15,930,145     $ 159     $ (6,395 )   $ 111,510     $ 14,398     $ 54,254  

 

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

 

36 
 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

For the Three Years Ended December 31, 

 

    2016     2015     2014  
      (dollars in thousands)  
Net income (loss)   $ (2,410 )   $ (3,287 )   $ 40,173  
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest     (322 )     1,327       (9,288 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.   $ (2,732 )   $ (1,960 )   $ 30,885  

 

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

 

37 
 

  

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                   
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2016     2015     2014  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:                        
Net income (loss)   $ (2,410 )   $ (3,287 )   $ 40,173  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) applicable to common shares to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                        
Gain on sale of land     (3,121 )     (21,648 )     (561 )
Gain on sale of income-producing properties     (16,207 )     (735 )     (61,879 )
Depreciation and amortization     23,785       21,418       18,345  
Provision on impairment of real estate assets           5,300        
Amortization of deferred borrowing costs     4,357       2,842       4,017  
Losses from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     493       1,327       54  
(Increase) decrease in assets:                        
Accrued interest receivable     (1,151 )     (1,242 )     10,095  
Other assets     (2,343 )     2,683       2,034  
Prepaid expense     (9,222 )     (13,851 )     (2,071 )
Escrow     7,584       (1,261 )     (17,232 )
Earnest money     (571 )     (1,193 )     180  
Rent receivables     2,844       (2,168 )     (1,384 )
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:                        
Accrued interest payable     3,475       (255 )     157  
Related party payables     (706 )     (11,027 )     (7,329 )
Other liabilities     10,639       (11,412 )     (22,567 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     17,446       (34,509 )     (37,968 )
                         
Cash Flow From Investing Activities:                        
Proceeds from notes receivables     6,532       14,744       27,767  
Origination of notes receivables     (11,703 )     (18,055 )     (34,092 )
Acquisition of land held for development     (12,508 )           (5,936 )
Acquisition of income producing properties     (79,736 )     (207,313 )     (78,557 )
Proceeds from sale of income producing properties     21,850             132,917  
Proceeds from sale of land     29,128       108,356       8,391  
Investment in unconsolidated real estate entities     2,278       4,086       (544 )
Improvement of land held for development     (3,023 )     (6,158 )     (3,137 )
Improvement of income producing properties     (5,998 )     (8,955 )     (5,019 )
Acquisition of non-controlling interest                  
Sale of non-controlling interest           (336 )     (289 )
Sale of controlling interest     3,021              
Construction and development of new properties     (10,941 )     (16,717 )     (3,016 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (61,100 )     (130,348 )     38,485  
                         
Cash Flow From Financing Activities:                        
Proceeds from notes payable     242,215       412,326       183,766  
Recurring amortization of principal on notes payable     (22,851 )     (26,668 )     (22,243 )
Payments on maturing notes payable     (173,160 )     (195,549 )     (163,494 )
Debt assumption by buyer           (16,688 )      
Deferred financing costs     841       (6,734 )     (6,959 )
Stock-secured borrowings                 (568 )
Distributions to non-controlling interests           11       (333 )
Preferred stock dividends - Series A     (1,101 )     (1,216 )     (2,043 )
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock           2,308       7,219  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     45,944       167,790       (4,655 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     2,290       2,933       (4,138 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     15,232       12,299       16,437  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 17,522     $ 15,232     $ 12,299  
                         
                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                        
Cash paid for interest   $ 50,945     $ 44,672     $ 37,158  

 

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

 

38 
 

 

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of American Realty Investors, Inc. (“ARL”) and consolidated entities have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the most significant of which are described in Note 1. “Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The data presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are as of December 31 of each year and for the year then ended, unless otherwise indicated. Dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share amounts.

 

Certain balances for 2015 and 2014 have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation.

 

NOTE 1.      ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Organization and business.   

 

The Company, a Nevada corporation that was formed in 1999, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”).  Over 80% of ARL’s stock is owned by related party entities. ARL and a subsidiary own approximately 78% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), a Nevada corporation, whose common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol (“TCI”).

 

TCI, a subsidiary of ARL, owns approximately 81.1% of the common stock of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (“IOT”). Effective July 17, 2009, IOT’s financial results were consolidated with those of ARL and TCI and their subsidiaries. IOT’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE MKT”) under the symbol (“IOT”).

 

ARL’s Board of Directors is responsible for directing the overall affairs of ARL and for setting the strategic policies that guide the Company. As of April 30, 2011, the Board of Directors delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc. (“Pillar”), a Nevada corporation, under a written Advisory Agreement that is reviewed annually by ARL’s Board of Directors. The directors of ARL are also directors of TCI and IOT. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARL also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCI and IOT. The officers of ARL also serve as officers of TCI, IOT and Pillar.

 

Since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”, formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc. “RAMI”, effective August 7, 2014), a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust, became the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for the Company’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement. 

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial and provides brokerage services. Regis receives property management fees and leasing commissions in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement. Regis is also entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage”. ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties. 

 

On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

Our primary business is the acquisition, development and ownership of income-producing residential and commercial real estate properties. In addition, we opportunistically acquire land for future development in in-fill or high-growth suburban markets. From time to time and when we believe it appropriate to do so, we will also sell land and income-producing properties. We generate revenues by leasing apartment units to residents, and leasing office and retail space to various for-profit businesses as well as certain local, state and federal agencies. We also generate revenues from gains on sales of income-producing properties and land. At December 31, 2016, we owned 50 residential apartment communities comprising of 8,266 units, eight commercial properties comprising an aggregate of approximately 2.0 million rentable square feet, and an investment in 3,666 acres of undeveloped and partially developed land, and a golf course comprising approximately 96.1 acres.

 

39 
 

 

Basis of presentation.  The Company presents its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest. Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE), in accordance with the provisions and guidance of ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, whereby we have determined that we are a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meet certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member as identified in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders as a group lack adequate decision making ability, the obligation to absorb expected losses or residual returns of the entity, or have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests. The primary beneficiary generally is the entity that provides financial support and bears a majority of the financial risks, authorizes certain capital transactions, or makes operating decisions that materially affect the entity’s financial results. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of our investment; the obligation or likelihood for us or other investors to provide financial support; our and the other investors’ ability to control or significantly influence key decisions for the VIE; and the similarity with and significance to the business activities of us and the other investors. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current future fair values and performance of real estate held by these VIEs and general market conditions.

 

For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, our share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. Our investment in Gruppa Florentina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method. Our investment in LK-Four Hickory, LLC was accounted for under the equity method until January 17, 2012, when the investment was sold.

 

The Company in accordance with the VIE guidance in ASC 810 “Consolidations” consolidated 50 and 48 multifamily residential properties located throughout the United States at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, with total units of 8,226 and 7,983, respectively.  Assets totaling approximately $442 million and approximately $457 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were consolidated and included in “Real estate, at cost” on the balance sheet and are all collateral for their respective mortgage notes payable, none of which are recourse to the partnership in which they are in or to the Company. 

 

Real estate, depreciation, and impairment.    Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and improvements—10-40 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment—5-10 years). We continually evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of its real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of its existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC Topic 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value.

 

Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in each sale transaction under Item 1 Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing. Any sale transaction where the guidance reflects that a sale had not occurred, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt and property operations, remained on the books of the Company. We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period costs for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.

 

Real estate held for sale.  We classify properties as held for sale when certain criteria are met in accordance with GAAP. At that time, we present the assets and obligations of the property held for sale separately in our consolidated balance sheet and we cease recording depreciation and amortization expense related to that property. Properties held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or their estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell. We did not have any real estate assets classified as held for sale at December 31, 2016 or 2015.

 

Effective as of January 1, 2015, we adopted the revised guidance in Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 regarding discontinued operations. For sales of real estate or assets classified as held for sale after January 1, 2015, we will evaluate whether a disposal transaction meets the criteria of a strategic shift and will have a major effect on our operations and financial results to determine if the results of operations and gains on sale of real estate will be presented as part of our continuing operations or as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations. If the disposal represents a strategic shift, it will be classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented; if not, it will be presented in continuing operations.

 

40 
 

 

Any properties that are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are listed in detail in Schedule III, “Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation” are those in which we have not recognized the legal sale according to the guidance in ASC 360-20 due to various factors, disclosed in Item 1 “Significant Real Estate Acquisitions/Dispositions and Financing.” Any sale transaction where the guidance reflects that a sale had not occurred, the asset involved in the transaction, including the debt, if appropriate, and property operations, remained on the books of the Company. We continue to charge depreciation to expense as a period costs for the property until such time as the property has been classified as held for sale in accordance with guidance reflected in ASC 360-10-45 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”

 

Cost capitalization. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. Costs directly related to planning, developing, initial leasing and constructing a property are capitalized and classified as Real Estate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Capitalized development costs include interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct project costs incurred during the period of development.

 

A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. After determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. Our capitalization policy on development properties is guided by ASC Topic 835-20 “Interest – Capitalization of Interest” and ASC Topic 970 “Real Estate - General”. The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the receipt of certificates of occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed and (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and we capitalize only those costs associated with the portion under construction.

 

We capitalize leasing costs which include commissions paid to outside brokers, legal costs incurred to negotiate and document a lease agreement and any internal costs that may be applicable. We allocate these costs to individual tenant leases and amortize them over the related lease term.

 

Fair value measurementWe apply the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets. These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.

 

The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:

 

Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.
     
Level 2 Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
     
Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.

 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Related parties. We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations”, to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

 

Recognition of revenue. Our revenues, which are composed largely of rental income, include rents reported on a straight-line basis over the lease term. In accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”, we recognize rental revenue of acquired in-place “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values over the terms of the respective leases.

 

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Reimbursements of operating costs, as allowed under most of our commercial tenant leases, consist of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, and are recognized as revenue in the period in which the recoverable expenses are incurred. We record these reimbursements on a “gross” basis, since we generally are the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, have discretion in selecting the supplier and have the credit risk with respect to paying the supplier.

 

Rental income for residential property leases is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as earned, which is not materially different than on a straight-line basis as lease terms are generally for periods of one year or less. For hotel properties, revenues for room sales and guest services are recognized as rooms are occupied and services are rendered. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.

 

Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”. The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties. If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, the Company defers some or all of the gain recognition and accounts for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.

 

Foreign currency translation.  Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with local functional currencies are translated to United States dollars at year-end exchange rates. The effects of translation are recorded in the cumulative translation component of shareholders’ equity. Subsidiaries with a United States dollar functional currency re-measure monetary assets and liabilities at year-end exchange rates and non-monetary assets and liabilities at historical exchange rates. The effects of re-measurement are included in income. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates.

 

Non-performing notes receivable.  ARL considers a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

 

Interest recognition on notes receivable. We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.

 

Allowance for estimated losses.  We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment. See Note 3 “Notes and Interest Receivable” for details on our notes receivable.

 

Cash equivalents.  For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash consists of cash reserved primarily for specific uses such as insurance, property taxes and replacement reserves.

 

Concentration of credit risk. The Company maintains its cash balances at commercial banks and through investment companies, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company maintained balances in excess of the insured amount.

 

Earnings per share.  Income (loss) per share is presented in accordance with ASC 620 “Earnings per Share”. Income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year.

 

Use of estimates.   In the preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP, it is necessary for management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expense for the year ended. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Income taxes.  The Company is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For tax periods ending before August 31, 2012, the Company filed an annual consolidated income tax return with TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries. ARL was the common parent for the consolidated group. After that date, the Company and the rest of the ARL group joined the MRHI consolidated group for tax purposes. The income tax expense (benefit) for the 2012 tax period in the accompanying financial statement was calculated under a tax sharing and compensating agreement between ARL, TCI and IOT. That agreement continued until August 31, 2012, at which time a new tax sharing and compensating agreement was entered into by ARL, TCI, IOT and MRHI for the remainder of 2012 and subsequent years. The agreement specifies the manner in which the group will share the consolidated tax liability and also how certain tax attributes are to be treated among members of the group. 

 

42 
 

 

Recent accounting pronouncements.  

 

In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” was issued. This new guidance established a new single comprehensive revenue recognition model and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under the new policy, the nature, timing and amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from those recognized under existing accounting guidance. This new standard does not affect revenue recognized under lease contracts. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance has on its financial position and results of operations, if any.

 

In February 2016, Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), “Leases” was issued. This new guidance establishes a new model for accounting for leases and provides for enhanced disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance, if any, on its financial position and results of operations.

 

NOTE 2.     REAL ESTATE

 

A summary of our real estate owned as of the end of the year is listed below (dollars in thousands):

 

    2016     2015  
             
Apartments   $ 694,351     $ 622,761  
Apartments under construction     25,288       18,230  
Commercial properties     218,857       215,609  
Land held for development     79,188       97,790  
Real estate held for sale            
Real estate subject to sales contract     48,919       49,155  
Total real estate, at cost, less impairment     1,066,603       1,003,545  
Less accumulated deprecation     (165,597 )     (150,038 )
Total real estate, net of depreciation   $ 901,006     $ 853,507  

 

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Significant betterments are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss for the period.

 

Depreciation is computed on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 

Land improvements 25 to 40 years
   
Buildings and improvements 10 to 40 years
   
Tenant improvements Shorter of useful life or terms of related lease
   
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 to 7 years

 

Provision for Impairment Losses

 

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded an impairment of $5.3 million for the golf course and related assets located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This impairment relates to the decision to sell the development parcels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the resultant decrease in the estimated fair value of the remaining assets. There was no provision for impairment for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014.

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

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

 

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The fair value measurements used in these evaluations are considered to be Level 2 and 3 valuations within the fair value hierarchy in the accounting rules, as there are significant observable (Level 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Examples of Level 2 inputs the Company utilizes in its fair value calculations are appraisals and bona fide purchase offers from third parties. Examples of Level 3 inputs the Company utilizes in its fair value calculations are discount rates, market capitalization rates, expected lease rental rates, timing of new leases, an estimate of future sales prices and comparable sales prices of similar assets, if available.

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using (dollars in thousands):  
December 31, 2015     Fair Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
  Commercial     $ 3,000     $     $     $ 3,000  

 

During 2015, our golf course, with a carrying value of approximately $8.3 million, was written down to its fair value of $3.0 million resulting in an impairment charge of $5.3 million. The method used to determine fair value was an analysis of the discounted cash flow of the asset.

 

There was no provision for impairment during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014.

 

The highlights of our significant real estate transactions for the year ended December 31, 2016, are discussed below.

 

Purchases

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company acquired four income-producing apartment properties from third parties in the states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, increasing the total number of units by 422, for a combined purchase price of $79.7 million. In addition, we acquired three land parcels for future development for a total purchase price of $12.5 million, adding 36.3 acres to the development portfolio.

 

Sales

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, TCI sold a combined 129.7 acres of land located in Forney, Texas, McKinney, Texas, Farmers Branch, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee to independent third parties for a total sales price of $29.1 million. We recorded an aggregate $3.1 million gain from the land sales. In addition, the Company sold one apartment community located in Irving, Texas to an independent third party for a total sales price of $8.1 million and one apartment community located in Topeka, Kansas to an independent third party for a total sales price of $12.3 million. We recorded an aggregate gain of $16.2 million from the sale of these two properties. The Company also sold an industrial warehouse consisting of approximately 177,805 square feet. The sale resulted in a loss of approximately $0.2 million.

 

As of December 31, 2016, subsidiaries hold approximately 91 acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions, we deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

We continue to invest in the development of apartment projects. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we have expended $20.3 million related to the construction or predevelopment of various apartment complexes and capitalized $0.9 million of interest costs.

 

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NOTE 3.     NOTES AND INTEREST RECEIVABLE

 

A portion of our assets are invested in mortgage notes receivable, principally secured by real estate. We may originate mortgage loans in conjunction with providing purchase money financing of property sales. Notes receivable are generally collateralized by real estate or interests in real estate and personal guarantees of the borrower and, unless noted otherwise, are so secured. Management intends to service and hold for investment the mortgage notes in our portfolio. A majority of the notes receivable provide for principal to be paid at maturity (dollars in thousands).

 

Borrower    

Maturity
Date

   

Interest
Rate

      Amount    

Security

Performing loans:

                             
H198, LLC (Las Vegas Land)     01 /20     12.00 %     $ 5,907     Secured
Leman Development, Ltd (2)     N/A     0.00 %       1,500     Unsecured
One Realco Corporation (1,2)     01 /17     3.00 %       7,000     Unsecured
Oulan-Chikh Family Trust     03 /21     8.00 %       174     Secured
Realty Advisors Management, Inc. (1)     12 /19     2.28 %       20,387     Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Cliffs of El Dorado) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       2,097     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Echo Station) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       1,481     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Inwood on the Park) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       5,059     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Kensington Park) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       3,933     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       2,000     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       9,100     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       2,653     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       4,640     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       1,953     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       6,000     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Parkside Crossing) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       2,272     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase I) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       2,485     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase II) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       2,555     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       4,491     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       4,812     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Timbers of Terrell) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       1,323     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Tivoli) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       7,966     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Trails at White Rock) (1)     12 /32     12.00 %       3,815     Secured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)     12 /17     12.00 %       1,207     Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)     12 /18     12.00 %       3,994     Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)     12 /18     12.00 %       6,407     Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)     12 /18     12.00 %       2,657     Unsecured
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)     06 /19     12.00 %       5,400     Unsecured
Other related party notes     Various     Various         1,349     Various secured interests
Other related party notes     Various     Various         1,404     Various unsecured interests
Other non-related party notes     Various     Various         3,466     Various secured interests
Other non-related party notes     Various     Various         4,742     Various unsecured interests
Accrued interest                     9,372  
Total Performing                     $ 143,601  
                           
Allowance for estimated losses                       (17,037 )
Total                     $ 126,564  

 

(1) Related party notes
(2) An allowance was taken for estimated losses at full value of note.

 

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As of December 31, 2016, the obligors on $118.4 million or 88.2% of the mortgage notes receivable portfolio were due from related parties. The Company recognized $12.4 million of interest income from these related party notes receivables.

 

As of December 31, 2016 none of the mortgage notes receivable portfolio were non-performing.

 

The Company has various notes receivable from Unified Housing foundation, Inc. (“UHF”). UHF is determined to be a related party due to our significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable. Payments are due from surplus cash flow from operations, sale or refinancing of the underlying properties. These notes are cross collateralized to the extent that any surplus cash available from any of the properties underlying these notes will be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for the remaining notes. Furthermore, any surplus cash available from any of the properties UHF owns, besides the properties underlying these notes, can be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for these notes. The allowance on the notes was a purchase allowance that was netted against the notes when acquired.

 

NOTE 4.     ALLOWANCE FOR ESTIMATED LOSSES

 

The allowance account for receivables was reviewed and remained unchanged in 2016. The decrease in 2015 was due to a note that was paid off, and a note that was written off, both of which were fully reserved. The table below shows our allowance for estimated losses (dollars in thousands):

 

    2016     2015     2014  
                   
Balance January 1,   $ 17,037     $ 18,279     $ 19,600  
Increase (decrease) in provision           (1,242 )     (1,321 )
Balance December 31,   $ 17,037     $ 17,037     $ 18,279  

 

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NOTE 5.    INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTEES

 

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, jointly owned companies and other investees in which we have a 20% to 50% interest or otherwise exercise significant influence are carried at cost, adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of their undistributed earnings or losses, via the equity method of accounting.

 

Investments accounted for via the equity method consists of the following:

 

    Percentage ownership as of December 31,  
    2016     2015     2014  
Gruppa Florentina, LLC (1)     20.00 %     20.00 %     20.00 %

 

(1) Other investees.

 

The market values, other than unconsolidated subsidiaries, as of the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were not determinable as there were no readily traded markets for these entities. The following is a summary of the financial position and results of operations from our investees (dollars in thousands):

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2016     2015     2014  
Other Investees                        
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation   $ 13,641     $ 13,899     $ 11,647  
Notes receivable     9,561       8,457       7,326  
Other assets     31,135       30,834       30,291  
Notes payable     (9,734     (10,883 )     (10,429 )
Other liabilities     (8,384     (7,967 )     (7,192 )
Shareholders’ equity/partners capital     (36,219 )     (34,340 )     (31,643 )
                         
Revenue   $ 54,264     $ 51,650     $ 48,893  
Depreciation     (1,150 )     (1,150 )     (1,151 )
Operating expenses     (49,856 )     (47,143 )     (45,590 )
Interest expense     (793 )     (805 )     (901 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations     2,465       2,552       1,251  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations                  
Net  income (loss)   $ 2,465     $ 2,552     $ 1,251  
                         
Company’s proportionate share of earnings (1)   $ 493     $ 510     $ 250  

 

(1) Earnings represent continued and discontinued operations

 

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NOTE 6.   NOTES AND INTEREST PAYABLE

 

Below is a summary of our notes and interest payable as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

    Notes
Payable
    Accrued
Interest
    Total Debt  
Apartments   $ 553,509     $ 1,500     $ 555,009  
Apartment under construction     16,576             16,576  
Commercial     108,725     528       109,253  
Land held for development     39,765     116       39,881  
Real estate subject to sales contract     5,142     470       5,612  
Mezzanine financing     119,923             119,923  
Other     24,071             24,071  
Total     867,711       2,614       870,325  
                         
Unamortized deferred borrowing costs     (19,230 )           (19,230 )
Total   $ 848,481     $ 2,614     $ 851,095  

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations for principal payments as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

Year     Amount  
2017     $ 140,115  
2018       56,255  
2019       70,135  
2020       51,616  
2021       15,830  
Thereafter       533,760  
Total     $ 867,711  

 

Interest payable at December 31, 2016, was $2.6 million. Interest accrues at rates ranging from 2.5% to 12.0% per annum, and mature between 2017 and 2055. The mortgages were collateralized by deeds of trust on real estate having a net carrying value of $901 million.

 

During the year, the Company refinanced or modified five loans with a total principal balance of $78.9 million. The refinancing resulted in lower interest rates and the extension of the term of the loan.  The modifications resulted in lower interest rates.  The transactions provide for lower monthly payments over the term of the loans.

 

There are various land mortgages, secured by the property, that are in the process of a modification or extension to the original note due to expiration of the loan. We are in constant contact with these lenders, working together in order to modify the terms of these loans and we anticipate a timely resolution that is similar to the existing agreement or subsequent modification.

 

In conjunction with the development of various apartment projects and other developments, we drew down $13 million in construction loans during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

NOTE 7.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND FEES

 

We apply ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations,” to evaluate business relationships. Related parties are persons or entities who have one or more of the following characteristics, which include entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, trust for the benefit of persons including principal owners of the entities and members of their immediate families, management personnel of the entity and members of their immediate families and other parties with which the entity may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the decision making of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests, or affiliates of the entity.

 

The Company has historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in our best interest.

 

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Since April 30, 2011, Pillar, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust, became the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities. Pillar also arranges, for the Company’s benefit, debt and equity financing with third party lenders and investors. Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor.”  ARL has no employees. Employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services. Regis receives property management fees and leasing commissions in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement. Regis is also entitled to receive real estate brokerage commissions in accordance with the terms of a non-exclusive brokerage agreement. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage.”  ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties. 

 

Below is a description of the related party transactions and fees between Pillar and Regis:

 

Fees, expenses, and revenue paid to and/or received from our advisor:

 

    2016     2015     2014  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Fees:                        
Advisory   $ 10,918     $ 9,775     $ 8,943  
Construction advisory                  
Mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing     775       1,612       1,152  
Net income     257       492       3,669  
Property acquisition and sales           921       177  
    $ 11,950     $ 12,800     $ 13,941  
Other Expense:                        
Cost reimbursements   $ 3,826     $ 3,675     $ 3,449  
Interest paid (received)     (1,144 )     (1,234 )     (1,043 )
    $ 2,682     $ 2,441     $ 2,406  
Revenue:                        
Rental   $ 708     $ 726     $ 701  
                         
Fees paid to Regis and related parties:                        
      2016       2015       2014  
    (dollars in thousands)  
Fees:                        
Property acquisition   $ 10,775     $ 1,932     $ 348  
Property management, construction management and leasing commissions     888       717       583  
Real estate brokerage     787       1,105       2,848  
    $ 12,450     $ 3,754     $ 3,779  

 

The Company received rental revenue of $0.7 million in each of the three years ended December 31, 2016 from Pillar and its related parties for properties owned by the Company.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had notes and interest receivables, net of allowances, of $102.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively, due from UHF, a related party. See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable.”  During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $12.4 million, originated $4.7 million, received principal payments of $4.9 million and received interest payments of $10.8 million from these related party notes receivables.

 

On January 1, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary, TCI, entered into a development agreement with UHF, a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

The Company is the primary guarantor, on a $60.4 million mezzanine loan between UHF and a lender. In addition, ARL, and an officer of the Company are limited recourse guarantors of the loan. As of December 31, 2016, UHF was in compliance with the covenants to the loan agreement.

 

49

 

 

The Company is part of a tax sharing and compensating agreement with respect to federal income taxes between ARL, TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries that was entered into in July of 2009. The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory tax rate of 35%.

 

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of accounts receivable from and (accounts payable) to related parties as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

    Pillar  
Related party receivable, December 31, 2015   $ 28,147  
Cash transfers     31,670  
Advisory fees     (10,918 )
Net income fee     (257 )
Cost reimbursements     (3,826 )
Interest income     1,144  
Notes receivable purchased     (5,356 )
Fees and commissions     (1,551 )
Expenses paid by Advisor     (8,630 )
Financing (mortgage payments)     5,025  
Sales/purchases transactions     (10,776 )
Tax sharing      
Purchase of obligations      
Related party receivable, December 31, 2016   $ 24,672  

 

As of December 31, 2016, subsidiaries hold approximately 91 acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions TCI has deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

NOTE 8.    DIVIDENDS

 

ARL’s Board of Directors established a policy that dividend declarations on common stock would be determined on an annual basis following the end of each year. In accordance with that policy, no dividends on ARL’s common stock were declared for 2016, 2015, or 2014. Future distributions to common stockholders will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

 

NOTE 9.    PREFERRED STOCK

 

There are 15,000,000 shares of Series A 10.0% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value of $2.00 per share and liquidation preference of $10.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.00 per share or $.25 per share quarterly to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into ARL common stock at 90.0% of the average daily closing price of ARL’s common stock for the prior 20 trading days. At December 31, 2016, 2,000,614 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding. Of the outstanding shares, 900,000 are held by ARL. Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

 

Prior to July 17, 2014, RAI owned 2,451,435 shares of the outstanding Series A 10.0.0% convertible preferred stock and had accrued dividends unpaid of $15.1 million. On July 17, 2014, RAI converted 890,797 shares, including $6.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 2,502,230 new shares of ARL common stock. On April 9, 2015, RAI converted 460,638 shares including $2.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 1,486,741 new shares of ARL common stock. As of December 31, 2016, RAI owns 1,100,000 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and has accrued dividends unpaid of $9.7 million.

 

There are 91,000 shares of Series D 9.50% Cumulative Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $20.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $1.90 per year or $.475 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The Series D Preferred Stock is reserved for the conversion of the Class A limited partner units of Ocean Beach Partners, L.P. The Class A units may be exchanged for Series D Preferred Stock at the rate of 20 Class A units for each share of Series D Preferred Stock. Between June 1, 2001 and May 31, 2006, all unexchanged Class A units are exchangeable. At December 31, 2016, no shares of Series D Preferred Stock were outstanding.

 

50

 

 

There are 500,000 shares of Series E 6.0% Cumulative Preferred Stock authorized, with a par value $2.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $0.60 per share or $0.15 per quarter to stockholders of record on the last day of each March, June, September and December when and as declared by the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2016, no shares of Series E Preferred Stock were outstanding.

 

100,000 shares of Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock have been designated pursuant to a Certificate of Designation filed March 16, 2006, as an instrument amendatory to ARL’s Amended Articles of Incorporation, with a par value of $2.00 per share, and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Dividends are payable at the annual rate of $80 per share, or $20 per quarter, to stockholders of record on the last day of each of March, June, September and December, when and as declared by the Board of Directors. Although the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock has been designated, no shares have been issued as of December 31, 2016.

 

NOTE 10.   STOCK OPTIONS

 

In January 1999, stockholders approved the Director’s Stock Option Plan (the “Director’s Plan”) which provided for options to purchase up to 40,000 shares of common stock. In December 2005, the Director’s Plan was terminated. Options granted pursuant to the Director’s Plan were immediately exercisable and expired on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date on which a Director ceases to be a Director or ten years from the date of grant. Each Independent Director was granted an option to purchase 1,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding which were exercisable at $9.70 per share. These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015.

 

NOTE 11.     INCOME TAXES

 

For 2016, IOT had taxable income while ARL and TCI had taxable losses with the overall group having taxable income. For 2015, ARL, TCI and IOT had a combined net taxable loss and ARL recorded no current tax benefit or expense. For 2014, ARL, TCI and IOT had a combined net taxable loss and ARL recorded no current tax (benefit) or expense. The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory rate of 35%.

 

Current expense (benefit) is attributable to (dollars in thousands):

 

    2016     2015     2014  
                   
Income (loss) from continuing operations   $ 46     $ 517   $ (20,413 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     (1 )     483       20,413  
The full 2013 tax (benefit) to ARL comes from MRHI   $ 45     $ 1,000     $

 

The Federal income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the corporate tax rate of 35% to the income before income taxes as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

    2016     2015     2014  
                   
Computed “expected” income tax (benefit) expense   $ (827 )   $ (800 )   $ 14,061  
Book to tax differences in gains on sale of property     (2,757 )     (3,744 )     (2,350 )
Book to tax differences of depreciation and amortization     (497 )     (193 )     (1,415 )
Other book to tax differences     4,126     5,737     (10,296 )
Total   $ 45   $ 1,000     $
                         
Alternative minimum tax   $     $     $  

 

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Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary timing differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities reflected on the financial statements and the amounts used for income tax purposes. ARL’s tax basis in its net assets differs from the amount at which its net assets are reported for financial statement purposes, principally due to the accounting for gains and losses on property sales, and depreciation on owned properties. The tax effects of temporary differences and net operating loss carry forwards that give rise to the deferred tax assets are presented below (amounts in thousands):

 

    2016     2015     2014  
                   
Net operating losses   $ 64,048     $ 67,112     $ 74,357  
AMT credits     2,418       2,751       2,201  
Basis difference of:                        
Real estate holdings and equipment     (1,580 )     (11,197 )     10,337  
Notes receivable     10,756       6,475       6,946  
Investments     (13,775 )     (14,966 )     (14,950 )
Notes payable     2,700       3,455       8,189  
Deferred gains     21,462       19,868       18,086  
Total   86,029     73,498     105,166  
Deferred tax valuation allowance     (86,029 )     (73,498 )     (105,166 )
Net deferred tax asset   $     $     $  

 

At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 ARL had a net deferred tax asset due to tax deductions available to it in future years. However, as management could not determine that it was more likely than not that ARL would realize the benefit of the deferred tax asset, a 100% valuation allowance was established.

 

ARL has prior tax net operating losses and capital loss carryforwards of approximately $61.0 million expiring through the year 2033. The alternative minimum tax credit balance decreased in 2016 to approximately $2.4 million. The credit has no expiration date.

 

ARL is subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions; however, there are currently no audits in progress for any tax periods. Management believes ARL is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2012.

 

NOTE 12.    FUTURE MINIMUM RENTAL INCOME UNDER OPERATING LEASES

 

ARL’s operations include the leasing of commercial properties (office buildings, industrial warehouses and retail centers). The leases, thereon, expire at various dates through 2025. The following is a schedule of minimum future rents due to ARL under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

 

Year     Amount  
2017      $ 25,384  
2018       23,223  
2019       17,573  
2020       13,592  
2021       11,564  
Thereafter       19,815  
Total     $ 111,151  

 

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NOTE 13.     OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

Our segments are based on management’s method of internal reporting which classifies its operations by property type. The segments are commercial, apartments, land and other. Significant differences among the accounting policies of the operating segments as compared to the Consolidated Financial Statements principally involve the calculation and allocation of administrative and other expenses. Management evaluates the performance of each of the operating segments and allocates resources to them based on their operating income and cash flow.

 

Items of income that are not reflected in the segments are interest, other income, equity in partnerships and gains on sale of real estate. Expenses that are not reflected in the segments are provision for losses, advisory, net income and incentive fees, general and administrative, non-controlling interests and net loss from discontinued operations before gains on sale of real estate.

 

The segment labeled as “Other” consists of revenue and operating expenses related to the notes receivable and corporate debt.

 

Presented below is the Company’s reportable segments’ operating income including segment assets and expenditures for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016   Commercial
Properties
    Apartments     Land     Other     Total  
Operating revenue   $ 33,026     $ 86,603     $ 30     $ 4     $ 119,663  
Operating expenses     (20,398 )     (40,786 )     (1,745 )     (21 )     (62,950 )
Depreciation and amortization     (9,099 )     (14,759 )           73       (23,785 )
Mortgage and loan interest     (7,191 )     (25,381 )     (2,232 )     (24,558 )     (59,362 )
Interest income                       20,453       20,453  
Gain on sale of income producing properties     (238 )     16,445                   16,207  
Gain on land sales                 3,121             3,121  
Segment operating income (loss)   $ (3,900 )   $ 22,122     $ (826 )   $ (4,049 )   $ 13,347  
Capital expenditures   $ 5,008     $ 864     $ 268     $     $ 6,140  
Assets   $ 150,838     $ 622,061     $ 128,107     $     $ 901,006  
                                         
Property Sales                                        
Sales price   $ 1,500     $ 20,350     $ 29,128     $     $ 50,978  
Cost of sale     (1,738 )     (3,905 )     (26,007 )           (31,650 )
Gain on sale   $ (238 )   $ 16,445     $ 3,121     $     $ 19,328  

 

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015   Commercial
Properties
    Apartments     Land     Other     Total  
Operating revenue   $ 30,540     $ 73,543     $     $ 105     $ 104,188  
Operating expenses     (17,761 )     (34,955 )     (1,029 )     (257 )     (54,002 )
Depreciation and amortization     (8,993 )     (12,498 )           73       (21,418 )
Mortgage and loan interest     (6,919 )     (23,699 )     (4,694 )     (17,165 )     (52,477 )
Interest income                       16,674       16,674  
Gain on land sales                 21,648             21,648  
Segment operating income (loss)   $ (3,133 )   $ 2,391     $ 15,925     $ (570 )   $ 14,613  
Capital expenditures   $ 8,133     $ 506     $ 2,621     $     $ 11,260  
Assets   $ 155,147     $ 551,415     $ 146,945     $     $ 853,507  
                                         
Property Sales                                        
Sales price   $     $ 11,129     $ 107,298     $     $ 118,427  
Cost of sale           (10,394 )     (88,387 )           (98,781 )
Recognized prior deferred gain                 2,737             2,737  
Gain on sale   $     $ 735     $ 21,648     $     $ 22,383  

 

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For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014   Commercial
Properties
    Apartments     Land     Other     Total  
Operating revenue   $ 20,476     $ 58,882     $ 1     $ 53     $ 79,412  
Operating expenses     (13,127 )     (27,588 )     (1,397 )     (12 )     (42,124 )
Depreciation and amortization     (7,413 )     (10,270 )           90       (17,593 )
Mortgage and loan interest     (6,139 )     (19,403 )     (4,684 )     (10,600 )     (40,826 )
Interest income                       20,054       20,054  
Gain on land sales                 561             561  
Segment operating income (loss)   $ (6,203 )   $ 1,621     $ (5,519 )   $ 9,585     $ (516 )
Capital expenditures   $ 4,874     $ 320     $ 2,436     $     $ 7,630  
Assets   $ 142,118     $ 390,366     $ 167,279     $     $ 699,763  
                                         
Property Sales                                        
Sales price   $ 19,182     $ 115,273     $ 8,091     $       142,546  
Cost of sale     (9,168 )     (63,408 )     (7,530 )           (80,106 )
Gain (loss) on sale   $ 10,014     $ 51,865     $ 561     $     $ 62,440  

  

The table below reflects the reconciliation of segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (dollars in thousands):

    For Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
    2016     2015     2014  
Segment operating income (loss)   $ 13,347     $ 14,613     $ (516 )
Other non-segment items of income (expense)                        
General and administrative     (7,119 )     (6,893 )     (10,282 )
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets           (5,300 )      
Net income fee to related party     (257 )     (492 )     (3,669 )
Advisory fee to related party     (10,918 )     (9,775 )     (8,943 )
Other income     2,091       4,106       1,415  
Loss on sale of investments           (1 )     (92 )
Earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures and investees     493       428       347  
Litigation settlement           (352 )     3,591  
Income tax benefit (expense)     (46 )     (517 )     20,413  
Gain (loss) from continuing operations   $ (2,409 )   $ (4,183 )   $ 2,264  

  

SEGMENT ASSET RECONCILIATION TO TOTAL ASSETS

 

The table below reflects the reconciliation of segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands): 

                   
    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2016     2015     2014  
Segment assets   $ 901,006     $ 853,507     $ 699,763  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees     6,087       8,365       4,279  
Notes and interest receivable     126,564       120,243       134,366  
Other assets and receivables     141,252       135,253       127,090  
Total assets   $ 1,174,909     $ 1,117,368     $ 965,498  

 

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NOTE 14.     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

Prior to January 1, 2015, we applied the provisions of ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” which requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lesser of (1) book value or (2) fair value less cost to sell. In addition, it requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions.

 

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-08, which changed the criteria of ASC 360 related to determining which disposals qualify to be accounted for as discontinued operations and modified related reporting and disclosure requirements. Disposals representing a strategic shift in operations that have a major effect on a company’s operations and financial results will be presented as discontinued operations.

 

There were no sales of income-producing properties during 2016 or 2015 that met the criteria for discontinued operations. Amounts included in discontinued operations represent the residual amounts from sales classified as discontinued operations prior to January 1, 2015. The following table summarizes revenue and expense information for the properties sold that qualified as discontinued operations (dollars in thousands):

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2016     2015     2014  
Revenues:                  
     Rental and other property revenues   $     $ 355     $ 5,612  
            355       5,612  
Expenses:                        
     Property operating expenses     2       (345 )     2,350  
     Depreciation                 751  
     General and administrative           99       451  
        Total operating expenses     2       (246 )     3,552  
                         
Other income (expense):                        
    Other income (expense)           45       (507 )
    Mortgage and loan interest           (2 )     (3,204 )
    Loan charges and prepayment penalties                 (1,656 )
    Litigation settlement                 (250 )
        Total other expenses           43       (5,617 )
                         
Loss from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and taxes     (2 )     644       (3,557 )
     Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations           735       61,879  
     Income tax benefit (expense)     1       (483 )     (20,413 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations   $ (1 )   $ 896     $ 37,909  

 

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NOTE 15.    QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is a tabulation of quarterly results of operations for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014. Quarterly results presented differ from those previously reported in ARL’s Form 10-Q due to the reclassification of the operations of properties sold or held for sale to discontinued operations in accordance with ASC topic 360:

 

    Three Months Ended 2016  
    March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
2016                        
Total operating revenues   $ 29,205     $ 30,834     $ 30,067     $ 29,557  
Total operating expenses     25,881       26,212       26,272       26,664  
Operating income (loss)     3,324       4,622       3,795       2,893  
Other expense     (8,470 )     (8,156 )     (9,252 )     (10,447 )
Loss before gain on sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes     (5,146 )     (3,534 )     (5,457 )     (7,554 )
Gain (loss) on sale of income producing properties     (244 )     5,168             11,283  
Gain (loss) on land sales     1,652       1,719       555       (805 )
Income tax benefit (expense)                 (46 )      
Net income (loss) from continued operations     (3,738 )     3,353       (4,948 )     2,924  
Net loss from discontinued operations     2                   (3 )
Net income (loss)     (3,736 )     3,353       (4,948 )     2,921  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     530       (864 )     1,194       (1,182 )
Preferred dividend requirement     (497 )     (53 )     (275 )     (276 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (3,703 )   $ 2,436     $ (4,029 )   $ 1,463  
                                 
PER SHARE DATA                                
Earnings per share - basic                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.09  
Income from discontinued operations                        
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.09  
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     15,514,360       15,514,360       15,514,360       15,514,360  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.09  
Income from discontinued operations                        
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ (0.24 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.26 )   $ 0.09  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     15,514,360       15,514,360       15,514,360       15,514,360  

 

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    Three Months Ended 2015  
    March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
2015                        
Total operating revenues   $ 23,156     $ 24,241     $ 27,826     $ 28,965  
Total operating expenses     21,155       20,388       25,741       30,596  
Operating income (loss)     2,001       3,853       2,085       (1,631 )
Other expense     (2,338 )     (5,139 )     (11,152 )     (12,993 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes     (337 )     (1,286 )     (9,067 )     (14,624 )
Gain (loss) on land sales     2,876       3,027       1,958       13,787  
Income tax benefit     103       (12 )     274       (882 )
Net income (loss) from continued operations     2,642       1,729       (6,835 )     (1,719 )
Net income from discontinued operations     190       (22 )     508       220  
Net income (loss)     2,832       1,707       (6,327 )     (1,499 )
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     508       (540 )     1,164       195  
Preferred dividend requirement     (390 )     (275 )     (275 )     (276 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 2,950     $ 892     $ (5,438 )   $ (1,580 )
                                 
PER SHARE DATA                                
Earnings per share - basic                                
Loss from continued operations   $ 0.20     $ 0.06     $ (0.38 )   $ (0.12 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.01             0.03       0.01  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.21     $ 0.06     $ (0.35 )   $ (0.11 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     14,027,619       15,367,320       15,514,360       15,514,360  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted                                
Loss from continued operations   $ 0.16     $ 0.05     $ (0.38 )   $ (0.12 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.01             0.03       0.01  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.17     $ 0.05     $ (0.35 )   $ (0.11 )
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     17,426,707       17,844,339       15,514,360       15,514,360  

  

    Three Months Ended 2014  
    March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
    (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)  
2014                        
Total operating revenues   $ 19,159     $ 19,500     $ 19,326     $ 21,427  
Total operating expenses     18,957       19,914       18,858       24,882  
Operating income (loss)     202       (414 )     468       (3,455 )
Other expense     (2,440 )     (3,630 )     (4,274 )     (5,167 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-contolling interest, and taxes     (2,238 )     (4,044 )     (3,806 )     (8,622 )
Gain (loss) on land sales     753       (159 )     40       (73 )
Income tax benefit     2,049       2,195       786       15,383  
Net income (loss) from continued operations     564       (2,008 )     (2,980 )     6,688  
Net income from discontinued operations     3,805       4,077       1,461       28,566  
Net income (loss)     4,369       2,069       (1,519 )     35,254  
Less: net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest     (819 )     (551 )     200       (8,118 )
Preferred dividend requirement     (613 )     (613 )     (427 )     (390 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 2,937     $ 905     $ (1,746 )   $ 26,746  
                                 
PER SHARE DATA                                
Earnings per share - basic                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.13 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.33       0.35       0.11       2.04  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.25     $ 0.07     $ (0.13 )   $ 1.91  
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share     11,525,389       11,525,389       13,619,647       14,027,618  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted                                
Loss from continued operations   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.28 )   $ (0.24 )   $ (0.13 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.33       0.35       0.11       2.04  
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares   $ 0.25     $ 0.07     $ (0.13 )   $ 1.91  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share     11,525,389       11,525,389       13,619,647       14,027,618  

  

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NOTE 16.     COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND LIQUIDITY

 

Liquidity.   Management believes that ARL will generate excess cash flow from property operations in 2017, such excess however, will not be sufficient to discharge all of ARL’s obligations as they became due. Management intends to sell land and income-incomeproducing real estate, refinance real estate and obtain additional borrowings primarily secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements.

 

Guarantees. TCI is a primary guarantor, on a $60.4 million mezzanine loan between UHF and a lender. In addition, ARL, and an officer of the Company are limited recourse guarantors of the loan. As of December 31, 2016 UHF was in compliance with the covenants to the loan agreement.

 

LK-Four Hickory, LLC owns a commercial office building in Dallas, Texas.  On January 17, 2012, TCI sold its investment in LK-Four Hickory, LLC, however ARL continues to be a guarantor on the bank debt which had an outstanding balance of $20.9 million at December 31, 2016.

 

Partnership Buyouts. ARL is the limited partner in various partnerships related to the construction of residential properties. As permitted in the respective partnership agreements, ARL intends to purchase the interests of the general and any other limited partners in these partnerships subsequent to the completion of these projects. The amounts paid to buyout the nonaffiliated partners are limited to development fees earned by the nonaffiliated partners, and are set forth in the respective partnership agreements.

 

ART and ART Midwest, Inc.

 

While the Company and all entities in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest are not parties to or obligated in any way for the outcome, a formerly owned entity (American Realty Trust, Inc.) and its former subsidiary (ART Midwest, Inc.) have been engaged since 1999 in litigation with Mr. David Clapper and entities related to Mr. Clapper (collectively, the “Clapper Parties”). The matter originally involved a transaction in 1998 in which ART Midwest, Inc. was to acquire eight residential apartment complexes from the Clapper Parties. Through the years, a number of rulings, both for and against American Realty Trust, Inc. (“ART”) and ART Midwest, Inc., were issued. In October 2011, a ruling was issued under which the Clapper Parties received a judgment for approximately $74 million, including $26 million in actual damages and $48 million interest. The ruling was against ART and ART Midwest, Inc., but no other entity. During February 2014, the Court of Appeals affirmed a portion of the judgment in favor of the Clapper Parties, but also ruled that a double counting of a significant portion of the damages had occurred and remanded the case back to the trial court to recalculate the damage award, as well as pre- and post-judgment interest thereon. Subsequently, the trial court recalculated the damage award, reducing it to approximately $59 million, inclusive of actual damages and then current interest. ART was also a significant owner of a partnership interest in the partnership that was awarded the initial damages in this matter.

The Clapper Parties subsequently filed a new lawsuit against ARI, its subsidiary EQK Holdings, Inc. (“EQK”), and ART.  The Clapper Parties seek damages from ARL for payment by ART to ARL of ART’s stock in EQK in exchange for a release of the Antecedent Debt owed by ART to ARI. Management is vigorously defending this Litigation.

In 2005, ART filed suit against a major national law firm over the initial transaction. That action was initially abated while the principal case with the Clapper Parties was pending, but the abatement was recently lifted.  The trial court subsequently dismissed the case on procedural grounds, but ART has filed a notice of appeal. In January 2012, the Company sold all of the issued and outstanding stock of ART to an unrelated party for a promissory note in the amount of $10 million. At December 31, 2012, the Company fully reserved and valued such note at zero.

 

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Port Olpenitz

 

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

 

Dynex Capital, Inc.

 

On July 20, 2015, the 68th Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Texas issued its Final Judgment in Cause No. DC-03-00675, styled Basic Capital Management, Inc., American Realty Trust, Inc., Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. v. Dynex Commercial, Inc. The case, which was litigated for more than a decade, had its origin with Dynex Commercial making loans to Continental Poydras Corp., Continental Common, Inc. and Continental Baronne, Inc. (subsidiaries of Continental Mortgage & Equity Trust (“CMET”), an entity which merged into TCI in 1999 after the original suit was filed). Under the original loan commitment, $160 million in loans were to be made to the entities. The loans were conditioned on the execution of a commitment between Dynex Commercial and Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“Basic”). 

 

An original trial in 2004, which also included Dynex Capital, Inc. as a defendant, resulted in a jury awarding damages in favor of Basic for “lost opportunity,” as well as damages in favor of ART and in favor of TCI and its subsidiaries for “increased costs” and “lost opportunity.” The original Trial Court judge ignored the jury’s findings, however, and entered a “Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict” (“JNOV”) in favor of the Dynex entities (the judge held the Plaintiffs were not entitled to any damages from the Dynex entities). After numerous appeals by all parties, Dynex Capital, Inc. was ultimately dismissed from the case and the remaining claims against Dynex Commercial were remanded to the Trial Court for a new judgment consistent with the jury’s findings. The Court entered the new Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015.  

 

The Final Judgment entered against Dynex Commercial, Inc. on July 20, 2015 awarded Basic $0.256 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $0.192 million for a total amount of $0.448 million. The Judgment awarded ART $14.2 million in damages, plus pre-judgment interest of $10.6 million for a total amount of $24.8 million. The Judgment awarded TCI $11.1 million, plus pre-judgment interest of $8.4 million for a total amount of $19.5 million. The Judgment also awarded Basic, ART, and TCI post-judgment interest at the rate of 5% per annum from April 25, 2014 until the date their respective damages are paid. Lastly, the Judgement awarded Basic, ART, and TCI $1.6 million collectively in attorneys’ fees from Dynex Commercial, Inc.  

 

The Company is working with counsel to identify assets and collect on the Final Judgment against Dynex Commercial, Inc., as well as explore possible additional claims, if any, against Dynex Capital, Inc. 

 

NOTE 17.     EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Earnings per share (“EPS”) have been computed pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share.” The computation of basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders from continuing operations, adjusted for preferred dividends, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Shares issued during the period shall be weighted for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.

 

As of December 31, 2016, we have 2,000,614 shares of Series A 10.0% cumulative convertible preferred stock, which are outstanding. These shares may be converted into common stock at 90% of the average daily closing price of the common stock for the prior 20 trading days. These are considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the effect of applying the if-converted method is dilutive. Of the outstanding 2,000,614 shares, 900,000 are held by ARL. Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL.

 

Prior to July 17, 2014, RAI owned 2,451,435 shares of the outstanding Series A 10.0.0% convertible preferred stock and had accrued dividends unpaid of $15.1 million. On July 17, 2014, RAI converted 890,797 shares, including $6.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 2,502,230 new shares of ARL common stock. On April 9, 2015, RAI converted 460,638 shares including $2.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock. This conversion resulted in the issuance of 1,486,741 new shares of ARL common stock. As of December 31, 2016, RAI owns 1,100,000 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and has accrued dividends unpaid of $9.7 million.

 

  59

 

 

The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note. The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.

 

Prior to January 1, 2015, the Company had 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding. These options expired unexercised January 1, 2015. The options are no longer included in the dilutive earnings per share calculation for the current period, but are considered in the computation for the prior periods if applying the “treasury stock” method is dilutive.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Series A convertible preferred stock and the stock options were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the EPS calculation.

 

NOTE 18.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The date to which events occurring after December 31, 2016, the date of the most recent balance sheet, have been evaluated for possible adjustment to the financial statements or disclosure is March 31, 2017, which is the date on which the financial statements were available to be issued.  There are no subsequent events that would require an adjustment to the financial statements.

On February 13, 2017, Southern Properties Capital LTD, a British Virgin Islands corporation (“Southern”), filed a final prospectus with the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange LTD (the “TASE”) for an offering and sale of nonconvertible Series A Bonds (the “Debentures”), to be issued by Southern, which is an indirect subsidiary of TCI.  Southern, in turn, wholly owns interest in other entities, which, in turn, are the principal owners of various residential and commercial properties located in the south and southwestern portions of the United States. The Debentures are unsecured obligations of Southern.  On February 14, 2017, Southern commenced the institutional tender of the Debentures and has accepted application for 276 million Israeli, new Shekels (approximately $73,651,065 USD, based on the exchange rate of 3.7474 Shekels to the U.S. Dollar effective February 14, 2017) in both institutional and public tenders, at an annual interest rate averaging approximately 7.38%.

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    Schedule III
  AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
  REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION  
  December 31, 2016  
                                                                         
                                                                       
                      Cost Capitalized
Subsequent to
    Asset     Gross Amounts of Which                       Life on Which  
          Initial Cost     Acquisition     Impairment     Carried at End of Year                       Depreciation  
                                                                      In Latest  
                                                                      Statement  
                Building &           Asset           Building &           Accumulated     Date of     Date     of Operation  
Property/Location   Encumbrances     Land     Improvements     Improvements     Impairment     Land     Improvements     Total     Depreciation     Construction     Acquired     is Computed  
    (dollars in thousands)                    
Properties Held for Investment Apartments                                                                                                
Anderson Estates, Oxford, MS     796       378       2,683       313             378       2,996       3,373       732       2003       01 /06     40 years  
Blue Lake Villas I, Waxahachie, TX     10,589       526       10,784       (601 )           526       10,183       10,709       3,533       2003       01 /02     40 years  
Blue Lake Villas II, Waxahachie, TX     3,832       287       4,451       45             287       4,496       4,783       1,023       2004       01 /04     40 years  
Breakwater Bay, Beaumont, TX     9,271       740       10,435       63             740       10,498       11,238       3,123       2004       05 /03     40 years  
Bridgewood Ranch, Kaufman, TX     6,340       762       6,856       57             762       6,913       7,675       1,553       2007       04 /08     40 years  
Capitol Hill, Little Rock, AR     8,893       1,860       7,948       55             1,860       8,002       9,862       2,506       2003       03 /03     40 years  
Centennial, Oak Ridge, TN     20,794       2,570       22,589                   2,570       22,589       25,159       800       2011       07 /14     40 years  
Curtis Moore Estates, Greenwood, MS     1,444       186       5,733       946             186       6,679       6,865       1,772       2003       01 /06     40 years  
Crossing at Opelika, Opelika, AL     14,700       1,590       14,314                   1,590       14,314       15,904       267       2015       12 /15     40 years  
Dakota Arms, Lubbock, TX     12,356       921       12,644       358             921       13,002       13,923       3,860       2004       01 /04     40 years  
David Jordan Phase II, Greenwood, MS     563       51       1,521       295             51       1,816       1,867       461       1999       01 /06     40 years  
David Jordan Phase III, Greenwood, MS     573       83       2,115       420             83       2,535       2,618       590       2003       01 /06     40 years  
Desoto Ranch, DeSoto, TX     15,119       1,472       17,856       (1,131 )           1,472       16,725       18,197       5,403       2002       05 /02     40 years  
Falcon Lakes, Arlington, TX     13,530       1,438       15,094       (725 )           1,438       14,369       15,806       5,203       2001       10 /01     40 years  
Heather Creek, Mesquite, TX     11,162       1,326       12,015       69             1,326       12,083       13,410       3,626       2003       03 /03     40 years  
Holland Lake, Weatherford, TX     11,669       1,449       14,612                   1,449       14,612       16,061       609       2004       05 /14     40 years  
Lake Forest, Houston, TX     12,007       335       12,267       1,615             335       13,883       14,218       3,919       2004       01 /04     40 years  
Legacy at Pleasant Grove, Texarkana, TX     14,757       2,005       17,892                   2,005       17,892       19,897       932       2006       12 /14     40 years  
Lodge at Pecan Creek, Denton, TX     16,174       1,349       16,180                   1,349       16,180       17,529       2,090       2011       10 /05     40 years  
Mansions of Mansfield, Mansfield, TX     15,347       977       17,799       76             977       17,875       18,851       3,465       2009       09 /05     40 years  
Metropolitan Apartments     24,303       3,229       29,003       0               3,229       29,003       32,232       363                          
Mission Oaks, San Antonio, TX     14,670       1,266       16,627       212             1,266       16,839       18,105       4,077       2005       05 /05     40 years  
Monticello Estate, Monticello, AR     445       36       1,493       264             36       1,757       1,793       422       2001       01 /06     40 years  
Northside on Travis, Sherman, TX     13,099       1,301       14,560       26             1,301       14,586       15,887       2,671       2009       10 /07     40 years  
Oak Hollow, Sequin, TX     11,832       1,435       12,405                     1,435       12,405       13,840       465       2011       07 /14     40 years  
Overlook at Allensville, Sevierville, TN     11,374       1,228       12,297                     1,228       12,297       13,524       567       2012       10 /15     40 years  
Oceanaire Apartments     13,607       1,397       12,575                     1,397       12,575       13,972                                
Parc at Clarksville, Clarksville, TN     12,658       571       14,300       118             571       14,418       14,990       3,022       2007       06 /02     40 years  
Parc at Denham Springs, Denham Springs, LA     18,520       1,022       20,188       8             1,022       20,195       21,218       3,012       2011       07 /07     40 years  
Parc at Maumelle, Little Rock, AR     15,694       1,153       17,688       671             1,153       18,359       19,512       4,759       2006       12 /04     40 years  
Parc at Metro Center, Nashville, TN     10,316       960       12,226       543             960       12,769       13,729       3,359       2006       05 /05     40 years  
Parc at Rogers, Rogers, AR     20,382       1,482       22,993       449       (3,180 )     1,482       23,442       21,745       4,321       2007       04 /04     40 years  
Preserve at Pecan Creek, Denton, TX     14,251       885       16,626       59             885       16,685       17,570       3,473       2008       10 /05     40 years  
Preserve at Prairie Pointe, Lubbock, TX     10,057       1,074       10,603       178               1,074       10,782       11,856       462       2005       04 /15     40 years  
Riverwalk Phase I, Greenville, MS     282       23       1,537       180             23       1,718       1,741       464       2003       01 /06     40 years  
Riverwalk Phase II, Greenville, MS     1,089       52       4,007       408             52       4,415       4,467       1,467       2003       01 /06     40 years  
Sawgrass Creek     0       784       7,056       0               784       7,056       7,840       73                          
Sonoma Court, Rockwall, TX     10,616       941       11,074                   941       11,074       12,014       1,500       2011       07 /10     40 years  
Sugar Mill, Baton Rouge, LA     11,216       1,437       13,367       205             1,437       13,572       15,009       2,500       2009       08 /08     40 years  
Tattersall Village     26,121       2,691       23,961       0               2,691       23,961       26,652                                
Toulon, Gautier, MS     20,356       1,621       20,107       372             1,621       20,479       22,099       2,765       2011       09 /09     40 years  
Tradewinds, Midland, TX     14,477       3,300       20,073       0               3,300       20,073       23,373       748       2015       06 /15     40 years  
Villager, Ft. Walton, FL     733       141       1,268       0               141       1,268       1,409       53       1972       06 /15     40 years  
Villas at Park West I, Pueblo, CO     10,410       1,171       10,453                   1,171       10,453       11,624       544       2005       12 /14     40 years  
Villas at Park West II, Pueblo, CO     9,418       1,463       13,060                   1,463       13,060       14,523       680       2010       12 /14     40 years  
Vista Ridge, Tupelo, MS     10,661       1,339       13,398                     1,339       13,398       14,737       849       2009       10 /15     40 years  
Vistas of Vance Jackson, San Antonio, TX     15,076       1,265       16,540       189             1,265       16,728       17,993       4,728       2004       01 /04     40 years  
Waterford, Roseberg, TX     17,167       2,341       20,880       0               2,341       20,880       23,221       783       2013       06 /14     40 years  
Westwood, Mary Ester, FL     4,167       692       6,650       0               692       6,650       7,343       263       1972       06 /15     40 years  
Windsong, Fort Worth, TX     10,599       790       11,526       69             790       11,596       12,386       3,724       2002       07 /03     40 years  
Total Apartments Held for Investment   $ 553,509     $ 57,396     $ 634,328     $ 5,806     $ (3,180 )   $ 57,396     $ 640,135     $ 694,351     $ 97,580                          
                                                                                                 
Apartments Under Construction                                                                                                
Lakeside Lofts, Farmers Branch, TX     0       0             1,744                   1,744       1,744                   12 /14      
Terra Lago, Rowlett, TX     13,005       6,023               15,406               6,023       15,406       21,429                     11 /15      
Overlook at Allensville Square II, Seigerville, TN     0       1,843               271               1,843       271       2,114                     11 /15      
Total Apartments Under Construction   $ 13,005     $ 7,866     $     $ 17,421     $     $ 7,866     $ 17,421     $ 25,288     $                          

 

61

 

 

  AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. Schedule III
  REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION Continued
  December 31, 2016
                                                                         
                                                                       
                      Cost Capitalized
Subsequent to
    Asset     Gross Amounts of Which                       Life on Which  
          Initial Cost     Acquisition     Impairment     Carried at End of Year                       Depreciation  
                                                                      In Latest  
                                                                      Statement  
                Building &           Asset           Building &           Accumulated     Date of     Date     of Operation  
Property/Location   Encumbrances     Land     Improvements     Improvements     Impairment     Land     Improvements     Total     Depreciation     Construction     Acquired     is Computed  
    (dollars in thousands)                    
Commercial                                                                        
600 Las Colinas, Las Colinas, TX     39,237       5,751       51,759       16,941             5,751       68,700       74,451       23,729       1984       08 /05     40 years  
770 South Post Oak, Houston, TX     12,700       1,763       15,834       165               1,763       15,999       17,762       660       1970       07 /15     40 years  
Bridgeview Plaza, LaCrosse, WI     5,218                   1,008                   1,008       1,008       522       1979       03 /03     40 years  
Browning Place (Park West I), Farmers Branch, TX     23,193       5,096       45,868       14,355             5,096       60,223       65,319       21,301       1984       04 /05     40 years  
Cross County Mall, Matoon, IL           608       5,677       8,194             608       13,871       14,479       12,324       1971       08 /79     40 years  
Mahogany Run Golf Course, US Virgin Islands           7,168       6,031       141       (5,300 )     7,168       6,173       8,041       323       1981       11 /14     40 years  
Fruitland Plaza, Fruitland Park, FL           23             77             23       77       100       46             05 /92     40 years  
Senlac VHP,  Farmers Branch, TX           622             142             622       142       765       134             08 /05     40 years  
Stanford Center, Dallas, TX     28,000       3,878       34,862       7,793       (9,600 )     3,878       42,655       36,933       8,980             06 /08     40 years  
Total Commercial Held for Investment   $ 108,348     $ 24,910     $ 160,031     $ 48,816     $ (14,900 )   $ 24,910     $ 208,847     $ 218,857     $ 68,017                          
                                                                                                 
Land                                                                                                
2427 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX           76                         76             76                   07 /12      
Audubon, Adams County, MS           519       297       297             815             815                   03 /07      
Bonneau Land, Farmers Branch, TX           1,309                         1,309             1,309                   12 /14      
Cooks Lane, Fort Worth, TX     394       1,094                         1,094             1,094                   06 /04      
Dedeaux, Gulfport, MS           1,612       46       46       (38 )     1,620             1,620                   10 /06      
Denham Springs, Denham Springs, LA     153       714                         714             714                   08 /08      
Dominion Mercer     3,572       3,688                         3,688             3,688                   10 /16      
Gautier Land, Gautier, MS           202                         202             202                   07 /98      
GNB Land, Farmers Branch, TX     8,695       4,385       32       32             4,418             4,418                   07 /06      
Hollywood Casino Land Tract II, Farmers Branch, TX     1,410       3,192       620       674             4,486             4,486                   03 /08      
Lacy Longhorn Land, Farmers Branch, TX           1,169             (760 )           408             408                   06 /04      
Lake Shore Villas, Humble, TX           81       3       3             84             84                   03 /02      
Lubbock Land, Lubbock, TX           234                         234             234                   01 /04      
Luna Ventures, Farmers Branch TX           2,934                         2,934             2,934                   04 /08      
Mandahl Bay Land           667                         667               667                   01 /05      
Manhattan Land, Farmers Branch, TX                       (344 )           (344 )           (344 )                 02 /00      
McKinney 36, Collin County, TX     1,415       647       164       (198 )           613             613                   01 /98      
Meloy/Portage Land, Kent OH     1,160       5,119                   (1,069 )     4,050             4,050                   02 /04      
Minivest Land, Dallas, TX           7                         7             7                   04 /13      
Mira Lago,  Farmers Branch, TX           59       15       (7 )           67             67                   05 /01      
Nakash, Malden, MO           113             (10 )           103             103                   01 /93      
Nashville, Nashville, TN           662       59       (384 )           338             338                   06 /02      
Nicholson Croslin, Dallas, TX           184             (118 )           66             66                   10 /98      
Nicholson Mendoza, Dallas, TX           80             (51 )           29             29                   10 /98      
Ocean Estates, Gulfport, MS           1,418       390       390             1,808             1,808                   10 /07      
Senlac Land Tract II, Farmers Branch, TX           656                         656             656                   08 /05      
Sugar Mill Land, Baton Rouge, LA     116       445       242       242             687             687                   08 /13      
Texas Plaza Land, Irving, TX           1,738                   (238 )     1,500             1,500                   12 /06      
Travis Ranch Land, Kaufman County, TX     757       1,030                         1,030             1,030                   08 /08      
Travis Ranch Retail, Kaufman City, TX           1,517                         1,517             1,517                   08 /08      
Union Pacific Railroad Land, Dallas, TX           130                         130             130                   03 /04      
Valley View 34 (Mercer Crossing), Farmers Branch, TX           1,173             (945 )           228             228                   08 /08      
Willowick Land, Pensacola, FL           137                         137             137                   01 /95      
Windmill Farms Land, Kaufman County, TX     25,332       49,371             15,009       (20,564 )     43,817             43,817                   11 /11      
Total Land Held for Investment   $ 42,698     $ 86,363     $ 1,869     $ 13,876     $ (21,909 )   $ 79,188     $     $ 79,188     $                          

 

62

 

 

   AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. Schedule III
  REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION Continued
  December 31, 2015

 

                                                                       
                      Cost Capitalized
Subsequent to
    Asset     Gross Amounts of Which                       Life on Which  
          Initial Cost     Acquisition     Impairment     Carried at End of Year                       Depreciation  
                                                                      In Latest  
                                                                      Statement  
                Building &           Asset           Building &           Accumulated     Date of     Date     of Operation  
Property/Location   Encumbrances     Land     Improvements     Improvements     Impairment     Land     Improvements     Total     Depreciation     Construction     Acquired     is Computed  
    (dollars in thousands)                    
Corporate Departments/Investments/Misc.                                                                                                
TCI - Corporate     162,232                                                                        
ARI - Corporate     5,486                                                                      
Total Corporate Debt   $ 167,718           $     $     $     $     $     $     $                          
                                                                                                 
Total Properties Held for Investment/Corporate Debt   $ 885,278     $ 176,535     $ 796,227     $ 85,919     $ (39,989 )   $ 169,360     $ 866,403     $ 1,017,684     $ 165,597                          
                                                                                                 
Properties Held for Sale                                                                                                
Commercial                                                                                                
Dunes Plaza, Michigan City, IN     376                                                       1978       03/92     40 years  
Total Commercial Held for Sale   $ 376     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $                          
                                                                                                 
Total Properties Held for Sale   $ 376     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $                          
                                                                                                 
Properties Subject to Sales Contract Apartments                                                                                                
                                                                                           
Total Aparments Subject to Sales Contract   $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $                          
                                                                                                 
Commercial                                                                                                
                                                                                           
Total Commercial Subject to Sales Contract   $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $                          
                                                                                                 
Land                                                                                                
Dominion Tract, Dallas, TX   $ 3,360     $ 3,931     $     $ (304 )     (1,624 )   $ 2,003     $     $ 2,003     $             03/99      
Hollywood Casino Tract I, Farmers Branch, TX     1,410       3,350       147       (1,013 )     (176 )     2,308             2,308                   03/08      
LaDue Land, Farmers Branch, TX           1,900                   (55 )     1,845             1,845                   07/98      
Three Hickory Land, Farmers Branch, TX           1,202                         1,202             1,202                   03/14      
Travelers Land, Farmers Branch, TX           21,511             4             21,515             21,515                   11/06      
Travelers Land, Farmers Branch, TX           6,891             (4,978 )           1,913             1,913                   11/06      
Valwood Land, Farmers Branch, TX           3,332                         3,332             3,332                     03/14        
Walker Land, Dallas County, TX           19,728             (5,992 )     (562 )     13,174             13,174                   09/06      
Whorton Land, Bentonville, AR     372       3,510             568       (2,451 )     1,627             1,627                   06/05      
Total Land Subject to Sales Contract   $ 5,142     $ 65,355     $ 147     $ (11,714 )   $ (4,868 )   $ 48,919     $     $ 48,919     $                          
                                                                                                 
Total Properties Subject to Sales Contract   $ 5,142     $ 65,355     $ 147     $ (11,714 )   $ (4,868 )   $ 48,919     $     $ 48,919     $                          
                                                                                                 
Land Sold                                                                                                
                                                                                                 
            $     $     $           $     $     $     $                          
Total Land Subject to Sales Contract   $     $     $     $     $   $     $     $     $                          
                                                                                                 
TOTAL:  Real Estate   $ 890,796     $ 241,890     $ 796,374     $ 74,205     $ (44,857 )   $ 218,280     $ 866,403     $ 1,066,603     $ 165,597                          

 

63

 

 

SCHEDULE III
(Continued)
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
As of December 31,
                   
    2016     2015     2014  
    (dollars in thousansds)  
Reconciliation of Real Estate                        
Balance at January 1,   $ 1,003,545     $ 831,540     $ 848,062  
Additions                        
Acquisitions, improvements and construction     112,762       216,090       75,945  
Deductions                        
Sale of real estate     (49,704 )     (38,785 )     (92,467 )
Asset impairments           (5,300 )      
Balance at December 31,   $ 1,066,603     $ 1,003,545     $ 831,540  
                         
Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation                        
Balance at January 1,   $ 150,038     $ 131,777     $ 147,768  
Additions                        
Depreciation     23,277       20,386       18,077  
Deductions                        
Sale of real estate     (7,718 )     (2,125 )     (34,068 )
Balance at December 31,   $ 165,597     $ 150,038     $ 131,777  

 

64

 

 

SCHEDULE IV

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. 

MORTGAGE LOANS
December 31, 2016

 

Description   Interest
Rate
    Final
Maturity
Date
  Periodic Payment Terms   Prior Liens   Face Amount of Mortgage   Carrying
Amount of
Mortgage
  Principal or Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest  
                  (dollars in thousands)      
                                 
Christine Tunney     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         49     48      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Compton Partners     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         289     289      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
David Monier     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         97     97      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Earl Samson III     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         96     96      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Edward Samson III     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         96     96      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
H198, LLC     12.00 %   01/20             5,907     5,907      
Las Vegas Land                                          
Hammon Operating Corporation     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         193     193      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Harold Wolfe     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         193     193      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Herrick Partners     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         91     91      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Mary Anna MacLean     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         193     193      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Michael Monier     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         304     304      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Michale Witte     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         96     96      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Palmer Brown Madden     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         96     96      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Richard Schmaltz     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         203     203      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Robert Baylis     10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         193     193      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Sherman Bull
    10.00 %   09/17   Interest only paid quarterly.         193     193      
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                          
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Cliffs of El Dorado/UH of McKinney, LLC)     12.00 %   12/32   Excess cash flow     12,663     2,469     2,097      
100% Interest in UH of Mckinney, LLC                                          
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Echo Station)     12.00 %   12/32   Excess cash flow     9,719     1,809     1,481      
100% Interest in UH of Temple, LLC                                          

  

65 

 

 

SCHEDULE IV
(Continued)

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
MORTGAGE LOANS
December 31, 2016

 

Description   Interest Rate     Final Maturity Date     Periodic Payment Terms   Prior Liens     Face Amount of Mortgage     Carrying Amount of Mortgage     Principal or Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest  
                    (dollars in thousands)        
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Inwood on the Park/UH of Inwood, LLC)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     22,227       5,462       5,059        
100% Interest in UH of Inwood, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Kensington Park/UH of Kensington, LLC)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     18,723       4,310       3,933        
100% Interest in UH of Kensington, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble, LLC)  (31.5% of cash flow)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     15,756       8,836       6,368        
Interest in Unified Housing Foundation Inc.                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble, LLC)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     15,965       2,959       2,732        
100% Interest in HFS of Humble, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     13,621       9,216       7,293        
100% Interest in UH of Austin, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     18,641       12,335       7,953        
100% Interest in UH of Vista Ridge, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Parkside Crossing)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     11,544       2,772       2,272        
100% Interest in UH of Parkside Crossing, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock I)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     15,640       2,794       2,485        
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill I, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock II)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     14,026       2,843       2,555        
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     22,984       12,663       9,303        
100% Interest in UH of Sendero Ridge, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Timbers of Terrell)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     7,294       1,702       1,323        
100% Interest in UH of Terrell, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Tivoli)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     10,398       12,761       7,966        
100% Interest in UH of Tivoli, LLC                                                  
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Trails at White Rock)     12.00 %   12/32     Excess cash flow     21,712       4,245       3,815        
100% Interest in UH of Harvest Hill III, LLC                                                  
William H. Ingram     10.00 %   09/17     Interest only paid quarterly.           96       96        
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                                  
William S. Urkiel     10.00 %   09/17     Interest only paid quarterly.           97       97        
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                                
Willingham Revocable Trust     10.00 %   09/17     Interest only paid quarterly.           96       96        
Class A limited partnership interests in Edina Park Plaza Associates, L.P.                                                  
Various related party notes     various     various     Excess cash flow           1,349       1,349        
Various non-related party notes     various     various                 496       796        

  

66 

 

 

SCHEDULE IV
(Continued)

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
MORTGAGE LOANS
December 31, 2016

 

Description   Interest Rate     Final Maturity Date     Periodic Payment Terms   Prior Liens     Face Amount of Mortgage     Carrying Amount of Mortgage     Principal or Loans Subject to Delinquent Principal or Interest  
                    (dollars in thousands)        
                                                 
Leman Development, Ltd. (1)     0.00 %   N/A                 1,500       1,500        
One Realco Corporation (1)     3.00 %   01/17   Interest and principal due at maturity.           10,000       7,000        
Oulan-Chikh Family Trust     8.00 %   03/21               174       174        
Realty Advisors Management, Inc.
    2.28 %   12/19   Interest only paid quarterly.           20,387       20,387        
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Lakeshore Villas/HFS of Humble, LLC) (68.5% of cash flow)     12.00 %   12/32   Excess cash flow     15,965       2,189       2,000        
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.     12.00 %   12/18   Excess cash flow           2,665       2,657        
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.     12.00 %   06/19   Excess cash flow           5,400       5,400        
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.     12.00 %   12/17   Excess cash flow           1,207       1,207        
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.     12.00 %   06/17   Excess cash flow           1,261              
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.     12.00 %   12/18   Excess cash flow           3,994       3,994        
Unified Housing Foundation, Inc.     12.00 %   12/18   Excess cash flow           6,407       6,407        
Various related party notes     various     various     Excess cash flow           1,420       1,404        
Various non-related party notes     various     various                 4,742       4,742        
                                      $ 134,230          
                                     Accrued interest       9,371          
                                     Allowance for estimated losses       (17,037 )        
                                      $ 126,564          

 

(1) Fully reserved

   

67 

 

 

SCHEDULE IV
(Continued)

 

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
MORTGAGE LOANS
As of December 31,

 

    2016     2015     2014  
    (dollars in thousands)  
                   
Balance at January 1,   $ 137,280     $ 152,645     $ 156,415  
Additions                        
New mortgage loans       11,703       18,055       32,380  
Increase (decrease) of interest receivable on mortgage loans       13,835       11,130       (10,097 )
Deductions                        
Amounts received     (19,217 )     (16,486 )     (25,492 )
Non-cash reductions             (28,064 )     (561 )
                         
Balance at December 31,     $ 143,601     $ 137,280     $ 152,645  

 

68 

 

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on this evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting. These limitations include the possibility of human error, the circumvention of overriding of the system and reasonable resource constraints. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on management’s assessments and those criteria, management has concluded that Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial report. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

In preparation for management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, we documented and tested the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not applicable.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Directors

 

The affairs of ARL are managed by a Board of Directors. The Directors are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders or are appointed by the incumbent Board and serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until a successor has been elected or appointed.

 

It is the Board’s objective that a majority of the Board consists of independent directors. For a Director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the Director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with ARL. The Board has established guidelines to assist it in determining director independence which conform to, or are more exacting than, the independence requirements in the New York Stock Exchange listing rules. The independence guidelines are set forth in ARL’s “Corporate Governance Guidelines”. The text of this document has been posted on ARL’s Internet website at http://www.amrealtytrust.com and is available in print to any shareholder who requests it. In addition to applying these guidelines, the Board will consider all relevant facts and circumstances in making an independence determination.

 

69

 

 

ARL has adopted a code of conduct that applies to all Directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. Stockholders may find our code of conduct on our website by going to our website address at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. We will post any amendments to the code of conduct, as well as any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, on our website.

 

Our Board of Directors has adopted charters for our Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees of the Board of Directors. Stockholders may find these documents on our website by going to the website address at http://www.amrealtytrust.com. You may also obtain a printed copy of the materials referred to by contacting us at the following address:

 

American Realty Investors, Inc.

Attn: Investor Relations

1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800

Dallas, Texas 75234

Telephone: 469-522-4200

 

All members of the Audit Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee must be independent directors. Members of the Audit Committee must also satisfy additional independence requirements, which provide (i) that they may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or compensatory fee from ARL or any of its subsidiaries other than their Director’s compensation (other than in their capacity as a member of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors, or any other committee of the Board), and (ii) no member of the Audit Committee may be an “affiliated person” of ARL or any of its subsidiaries, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The current Directors of ARL are listed below, together with their ages, terms of service, all positions and offices with ARL and its advisor Pillar, their principal occupations, business experience, and directorships with other companies during the last five years or more. The designation “affiliated”, when used below with respect to a Director, means that the Director is an officer, director, or employee of Pillar, an officer of the Company, or an officer or director of a related party of the Company. The designation “independent,” when used below with respect to a Director, means that the Director is neither an officer of the Company nor a director, officer, or employee of Pillar (but may be a director of the Company), although the Company may have certain business or professional relationships with such Director as discussed in Part III, Item 13. “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence”.

 

HENRY A. BUTLER, age 66, Director, Affiliated, since February 2011 and Chairman of the Board since May 2011

 

Mr. Butler has served as Vice President Land Sales for Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC since April 2011, and its predecessor, Prime Income Asset Management, LLC from July 2003 to April 2011. Mr. Butler has been a Director of the Company since February 2011 and Chairman of the Board since May 2011. He has also served as Chairman of the Board since May 2009 and as a Director since July 2003 of ARL and Chairman of the Board since May 2009 and a Director since December 2001 of TCI.

 

ROBERT A. JAKUSZEWSKI, age 54, Director, Independent, since March 2004.

 

Mr. Jakuszewski is currently has served as a Territory Manager for Artesa Labs since April 2015. He was a Medical Specialist from January 2014 to April 2015 for VAYA Pharma, Inc., Senior Medical Liaison from January 2013 to July 2013 for Vein Clinics of America, and the Vice President of Sales and Marketing from September 1998 to December 2012 for New Horizons Communications, Inc. Mr. Jakuszewski has been a Director of the Company since March 2004. He has also been a Director of ARL since November 2005 and a Director of TCI since November 2005.

 

TED R. MUNSELLE, age 61, Director, Independent, since May 2009

 

Mr. Munselle has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Landmark Nurseries, Inc. since October 1998. On February 17, 2012, he was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors for Spindletop Oil & Gas Company and as Chairman of their Audit Committee. Spindletop’s stock is traded on the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market. Mr. Munselle has been a Director of the Company since May 2009. He has also served as Director of ARL since February 2004 and Director of TCI since February 2004. Mr. Munselle is qualified as an Audit Committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations and the Board of Directors of IOT has determined that he has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE MKT. Mr. Munselle is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

RAYMOND R. ROBERTS, SR., age 84, Director, Independent, since June 2016

 

Mr. Roberts is currently retired. Mr. Roberts has served as Director of the Company since June 2, 2016. He has also served as Director of ARL and TCI since June 2, 2016. For more than five years prior to December 31, 2014, he was Director of Aviation of Steller Aviation, Inc., a privately held corporation engaged in the business of aircraft (Boeing 737) and logistical management.

 

70

 

 

Board Meetings and Committees

 

The Board of Directors held seven meetings during 2016. For such year, no incumbent Director attended fewer than 85% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of meetings held by the Board during the period for which he/she had been a Director and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he/she served during the periods that he/she served. Under ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, each Director is expected to dedicate sufficient time, energy and attention to ensure the diligent performance of his or her duties, including by attending meetings of the stockholders of the Company, the Board and Committees of which he is a member. The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, and Governance and Nominating Committees.

 

 Audit Committee.    The current Audit Committee was formed on February 19, 2004, and its function is to review ARL’s operating and accounting procedures. The charter of the Audit Committee has also been adopted by the Board. The charter of the Audit Committee was adopted on February 19, 2004 and is available on the company’s investor relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com). The Audit Committee is an “audit committee” for purposes of Section 3(a) (58) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The current members of the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent within the meaning of the SEC Regulations, the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., and ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, are Messrs. Jakuszewski, Munselle (Chairman) and Roberts. Mr. Ted R. Munselle, a member of the Committee, is qualified as an Audit Committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC Regulations, and the Board has determined that he has accounting and related financial management expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. All of the members of the Audit Committee meet the experience requirements of the listing standards of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee met five times during 2016.

 

Governance and Nominating Committee.    The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices relating to corporate governance, including reviewing and monitoring implementation of ARL’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. In addition, the Committee develops and reviews background information on candidates for the Board and makes recommendations to the Board regarding such candidates. The Committee also prepares and supervises the Board’s annual review of director independence and the Board’s performance self-evaluation. The Charter of the Governance and Nominating Committee was adopted on March 22, 2004. The current members of the Committee are Messrs. Jakuszewski (Chairman), Roberts and Munselle. The Governance and Nominating Committee met two times during 2016.

 

Compensation Committee.    The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the policies of the Company relating to compensation to be paid by the Company to the Company’s principal executive officer and any other officers designated by the Board and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such policies, produce necessary reports and executive compensation for inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Statement in accordance with applicable rules and regulations and to monitor the development and implementation of succession plans for the principal executive officers and other key executives and make recommendations to the Board with respect to such plans. The charter of the Compensation Committee was adopted on March 22, 2004, and is available on the Company’s Investor Relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com). The current members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Roberts (Chairman), Jakuszewski and Munselle. All of the members of the Compensation Committee are independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Compensation Committee is to be comprised of at least two directors who are independent of Management and the Company. The Compensation Committee met two times during 2016.

 

The members of the Board of Directors on the date of this Report and the Committees of the Board on which they serve are identified below:

 

    Audit Committee   Governance and Nominating Committee   Compensation Committee
Robert A. Jakuszewski   X   Chair   X
Ted R. Munselle   Chair   X   X
Raymond R. Roberts. Sr   X   X   Chair
Henry A. Butler            

 

Presiding Director

 

In March 2004, the Board created a new position of presiding director, whose primary responsibility is to preside over periodic executive sessions of the Board in which Management directors and other members of Management do not participate. The presiding director also advises the Chairman of the Board and, as appropriate, Committee Chairs with respect to agendas and information needs relating to Board and Committee meetings, provides advice with respect to the selection of Committee Chairs and performs other duties that the Board may from time to time delegate to assist the Board in fulfillment of its responsibilities.

 

71

 

 

The day following the annual meeting of stockholders held December 7, 2016 representing all stockholders of record dated November 2, 2016, the full Board met and re-appointed Ted R. Munselle as Presiding Director, to serve in such position until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders to be held subsequently in 2017.  

 

Determination of Director’s Independence

 

In February 2004, the Board adopted its Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Guidelines adopted by the Board meet or exceed the new listing standards adopted during that year by the New York Stock Exchange. The full text of the Guidelines can be found on the Company’s Investor Relations website (www.amrealtytrust.com).

 

Pursuant to the Guidelines, the Board undertook its annual review of director independence in March 8, 2016, and during this review, the Board considered transactions and relationships between each director or any member of his or her immediate family and ARL and its subsidiaries and related parties, including those reported under Certain Relationships and Related Transactions below. The Board also examined transactions and relationships between directors or their related parties and members of ARL’s senior management or their related parties. As provided in the Guidelines, the purpose of such review was to determine whether such relationships or transactions were inconsistent with the determination that the director is independent.

 

As a result of this review, the Board affirmatively determined of the then directors, Messrs. Munselle, Jakuszewski and Roberts are each independent of the Company and its Management under the standards set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines.

 

Executive Officers

 

Executive officers of the Company are listed below, all except one of whom are employed by Pillar. Mr. Bertcher is employed by New Concept Energy, Inc (“NCE”). None of the executive officers receive any direct remuneration from the Company nor do any hold any options granted by the Company. Their positions with the Company are not subject to a vote of stockholders. In addition to the following executive officers, the Company has several vice presidents and assistant secretaries who are not listed herein. The ages, terms of service and all positions and offices with the Company, Pillar, other related entities, other principal occupations, business experience and directorships with other publicly held companies during the last five years or more are set forth below. No family relationships exist among any of the executive officers or directors of the Company.

 

DANIEL J. MOOS, 66

 

Mr. Moos has served as President since April 2007 and Chief Executive Officer since March 2010 of IOT, ARL and TCI. Mr. Moos has also served as Prime’s President since April 2007, Secretary since June 2011 and Treasurer since October 2013. He has also served as a Director since December 2016, President since December 2010, Chief Executive Officer since March 2011 and Treasurer since October 2013 of Pillar.

 

GENE S. BERTCHER, 68

 

Mr. Bertcher has served as Executive Vice President since February 2008, Chief Financial Officer since May 2008 and Treasurer since October 2013 of IOT, ARL and TCI. Mr. Bertcher has also served in the following capacities for New Concept Energy, Inc. (“NCE”), a Nevada corporation which has its common stock listed on the NYSE: Director since June 1999, Chairman of the Board since December 2006, Chief Executive Officer since December 2006, President since November 2004, Chief Financial Officer since November 1989, Treasurer since November 1989 and Secretary since October 2012. Mr. Bertcher has been employed by NCE since November 1989. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

LOUIS J. CORNA, 69

 

Mr. Corna has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel/Tax Counsel and Secretary since February 2004 of IOT, ARL and TCI. He has also been Executive Vice President-Tax since April 2011 and Secretary since December 2010 of Pillar. Mr. Corna was also a Director and Vice President from June 2004 to December 2010 and Secretary from January 2005 to December 2010 of First Equity Properties, Inc., a Nevada corporation with securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act.

 

Code of Ethics

 

ARL has adopted a code of ethics entitled “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” that applies to all directors, officers, and employees (including those of the contractual Advisor to ARL). In addition, ARL has adopted a code of ethics entitled “Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers” that applies to the principal executive officer, president, principal financial officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, and controller. The text of these documents has been posted on ARL’s internet website at http://www.amrealtytrust.com and are available in print to any stockholder who requests them.

 

72

 

  

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

 

Under the securities laws of the United States, ARL’s Directors, executive officers, and any persons holding more than 10% of ARL’s shares of common stock are required to report their ownership and any changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). Specific due dates for these reports have been established and ARL is required to report any failure to file by these dates. All of these filing requirements were satisfied by ARL’s directors and executive officers and 10% holders during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. In making these statements, ARL has relied on the written representations of its incumbent Directors and executive officers and its 10% holders and copies of the reports that they have filed with the Commission.

 

The Advisor

 

Pillar has been ARL’s Advisor and Cash Manager since April 30, 2011.  Although the Board of Directors is directly responsible for managing the affairs of ARL, and for setting the policies which guide it, the day-to-day operations of ARL are performed by Pillar, as the contractual advisor, under the supervision of the Board.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities and arranging debt and equity financing for the Company with third party lenders and investors.  Additionally, Pillar serves as a consultant to the Board with regard to their decisions in connection with ARL’s business plan and investment policy.  Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees and as such, employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Pillar is a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust.  

 

The May Trust is a Trust, the beneficiaries of which are the children of Gene E. Phillips. Mr. Phillips is not an officer, manager or Director of Pillar, Realty Advisors, LLC, RAI, MRHI or ARL, nor is he a Trustee of the May Trust.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, Pillar is required to annually formulate and submit, for Board approval, a budget and business plan containing a twelve-month forecast of operations and cash flow, a general plan for asset sales and purchases, lending, foreclosure and borrowing activity, and other investments. Pillar is required to report quarterly to the Board on ARL’s performance against the business plan. In addition, all transactions require prior Board approval, unless they are explicitly provided for in the approved business plan or are made pursuant to authority expressly delegated to Pillar by the Board.

 

The Advisory Agreement also requires prior Board approval for the retention of all consultants and third party professionals, other than legal counsel. The Advisory Agreement provides that Pillar shall be deemed to be in a fiduciary relationship to the ARL stockholders; contains a broad standard governing Pillar’s liability for losses incurred by ARL; and contains guidelines for Pillar’s allocation of investment opportunities as among itself, ARL and other entities it advises. Pillar is a company of which Messrs. Moos, Bertcher and Corna serve as executive officers.

 

The Advisory Agreement with Pillar provides for Pillar to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of ARL and for Pillar to receive, as compensation for basic management and advisory services, a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value (total assets less allowance for amortization, depreciation or depletion and valuation reserves).

 

In addition to base compensation, Pillar receives the following forms of additional compensation:

 

(1) an annual net income fee equal to 7.5% of ARL’s net income as an incentive for successful investment and management of the Company’s assets;

 

(2) an annual incentive sales fee to encourage periodic sales of appreciated real property at optimum value equal to 10.0% of the amount, if any, by which the aggregate sales consideration for all real estate sold by ARL during such fiscal year exceeds the sum of:

 

(a) the cost of each such property as originally recorded in ARL’s books for tax purposes (without deduction for depreciation, amortization or reserve for losses);

 

(b) capital improvements made to such assets during the period owned; and

 

(c) all closing costs (including real estate commissions) incurred in the sale of such real estate; provided however, no incentive fee shall be paid unless (a) such real estate sold in such fiscal year, in the aggregate, has produced an 8.0% simple annual return on the net investment including capital improvements, calculated over the holding period before depreciation and inclusive of operating income and sales consideration, and (b) the aggregate net operating income from all real estate owned for each of the prior and current fiscal years shall be at least 5.0% higher in the current fiscal year than in the prior fiscal year;

 

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(3) an acquisition commission, from an unaffiliated party of any existing mortgage or loan, for supervising the acquisition, purchase or long-term lease of real estate equal to the lesser of:

 

(a) up to 1.0% of the cost of acquisition, inclusive of commissions, if any, paid to non-affiliated brokers; or

 

(b) the compensation customarily charged in arm’s-length transactions by others rendering similar property acquisition services as an ongoing public activity in the same geographical location and for comparable property, provided that the aggregate purchase price of each property (including acquisition fees and real estate brokerage commissions) may not exceed such property’s appraised value at acquisition;

 

(4) a construction fee equal to 6.0% of the so-called “hard costs” only of any costs of construction on a completed basis, based upon amounts set forth as approved on any architect’s certificate issued in connection with such construction, which fee is payable at such time as the applicable architect certifies other costs for payment to third parties. The phrase “hard costs” means all actual costs of construction paid to contractors, subcontractors and third parties for materials or labor performed as part of the construction but does not include items generally regarded as “soft costs,” which are consulting fees, attorneys’ fees, architectural fees, permit fees and fees of other professionals; and

 

(5) reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by the advisor in the performance of advisory services.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(b) a brokerage or commitment fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances. Such fee will not be paid in connection with the origination or funding of any mortgage loan by ARL; and

 

(2) a mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fee for obtaining loans or refinancing on properties equal to the lesser of:

 

(a) 1.0% of the amount of the loan or the amount refinanced; or

 

(b) a brokerage or refinancing fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances; provided, however, that no such fee shall be paid on loans from Pillar without the approval of ARL’s Board of Directors. No fee shall be paid on loan extensions.

 

Under the ARL Advisory Agreement, all or a portion of the annual advisory fee must be refunded by the Advisor if the operating expenses of ARL (as defined in the Advisory Agreement) exceed certain limits specified in the Advisory Agreement based on the book value, net asset value, and net income of ARL during the fiscal year.

 

The ARL Advisory Agreement requires Pillar to pay to ARL one-half of any compensation received from third parties with respect to the origination, placement or brokerage of any loan made by ARL; provided, however, that the compensation retained by Pillar shall not exceed the lesser of (1) 2.0% of the amount of the loan commitment or (2) a loan brokerage and commitment fee which is reasonable and fair under the circumstances.

 

The ARL Advisory Agreement further provides that Pillar shall bear the cost of certain expenses of its employees, excluding fees paid to ARL’s Directors; rent and other office expenses of both Pillar and ARL (unless ARL maintains office space separate from that of Pillar); costs not directly identifiable to ARL’s assets, liabilities, operations, business or financial affairs; and miscellaneous administrative expenses relating to the performance by Pillar of its duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

If and to the extent that ARL shall request Pillar, or any director, officer, partner, or employee of Pillar, to render services for ARL other than those required to be rendered by the Advisory Agreement, Pillar separately would be compensated for such additional services on terms to be agreed upon between such party and ARL from time to time. As discussed below, under “Property Management and Real Estate Brokerage,” effective January 1, 2011, Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services under similar terms as the previous agreements with Triad and Regis Realty I.

 

ARL entered into a Cash Management Agreement with Pillar on April 30, 2011, to further define the administration of the Company’s day-to-day investment operations, relationship contacts, flow of funds and deposit and borrowing of funds. Under the Cash Management Agreement, all funds of the Company are delivered to Pillar which has a deposit liability to the Company and is responsible for payment of all payables and investment of all excess funds which earn interest at the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 1.0% per annum, as set quarterly on the first day of each calendar quarter. Borrowings for the benefit of the Company bear the same interest rate. The term of the Cash Management Agreement is coterminous with the Advisory Agreement, and is automatically renewed each year unless terminated with the Advisory Agreement. ARL’s management believes that the terms of the Advisory Agreement are at least as fair as could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

 

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Situations may develop in which the interests of ARL are in conflict with those of one or more directors or officers in their individual capacities, or of Pillar, or of their respective related parties. In addition to services performed for ARL, as described above, Pillar actively provides similar services as agent for, and advisor to, other real estate enterprises, including persons and entities involved in real estate development and financing, including TCI and IOT. The Advisory Agreement provides that Pillar may also serve as advisor to other entities.

 

As Advisor, Pillar is a fiduciary of ARL’s public investors. In determining to which entity a particular investment opportunity will be allocated, Pillar will consider the respective investment objectives of each entity and the appropriateness of a particular investment in light of each such entity’s existing mortgage note and real estate portfolios and business plan. To the extent any particular investment opportunity is appropriate to more than one such entity, such investment opportunity will be allocated to the entity that has had funds available for investment for the longest period of time, or, if appropriate, the investment may be shared among various entities. See Part III, Item 13 “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”

 

The terms of TCI’s Advisory and Cash Management Agreements with Pillar are substantially the same as those of ARL’s Advisory and Cash Management Agreements.

 

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

 

The principal executive officers and directors of Pillar are set forth below:

 

Name   Directors/Officer(s)
Daniel J. Moos   President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer, Director
Gene S. Bertcher   Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
Louis J. Corna   Executive Vice President, Secretary, Tax Counsel, General Legal Counsel

 

Property Management

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties for a fee of 3.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the commercial properties it manages, and leasing commissions of 6.0% or less in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.

 

ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment properties for a fee of 6.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the residential properties under their management.

 

Real Estate Brokerage

 

Regis provides real estate brokerage services to ARL and receives brokerage commissions of 3% or less of transaction amounts.

 

Regis also provides real estate brokerage services to TCI under terms which differ from ARL. TCI’s brokerage agreement is computed on a sliding scale as listed below:

 

(1) maximum fee of 4.5% on the first $2.0 million of any purchase or sale transaction of which no more than 3.5% is to be paid to Regis;

 

(2) maximum fee of 3.5% on transaction amounts between $2.0 million-$5.0 million of which no more than 3.0% is to be paid to Regis;

 

(3) maximum fee of 2.5% on transaction amounts between $5.0 million-$10.0 million of which no more than 2.0% is to be paid to Regis; and

 

(4) a maximum fee of 2.0% on transaction amounts in excess of $10.0 million of which no more than 1.5% is to be paid to Regis.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

ARL has no employees, payroll, or benefit plans, and pays no compensation to its executive officers. The Directors and executive officers of ARL, who are also officers or employees of Pillar, ARL’s advisor, are compensated by Pillar. Such affiliated Directors and executive officers perform a variety of services for Pillar and the amount of their compensation is determined solely by Pillar. Pillar does not allocate the cash compensation of its officers among the various entities for which it serves as advisor. See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” for a more detailed discussion of compensation payable to Pillar by ARL.

 

The only remuneration paid by ARL is to those directors who are not officers or employees of Pillar or its related companies. The Independent Directors (1) review the business plan of ARL to determine that it is in the best interest of ARL’s stockholders, (2) review the advisory contract, (3) supervise the performance of the advisor and review the reasonableness of the compensation paid to the advisor in terms of the nature and quality of services performed, (4) review the reasonableness of the total fees and expenses of ARL and (5) select, when necessary, a qualified independent real estate appraiser to appraise properties acquired

 

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Effective February 2011 each non-affiliated Director is entitled to receive an annual retainer of $20,000, with the Chairman of the Audit Committee to receive a one-time annual fee of $500. Directors who are also employees of the Company or its advisor receive no additional compensation for service as a Director.

 

During 2016, $67,094 was paid to non-employee Directors in total Directors’ fees. The fees paid to the directors are as follows: Robert A. Jakuszewski $20,000; Ted R. Munselle $20,500; Raymond D. Roberts, Sr. $9,927; and Sharon Hunt, a director who resigned in May 2016, $16,667.

 

In January 1999, stockholders approved the Director’s Stock Option Plan (the “Director’s Plan”) which provides for options to purchase up to 40,000 shares of common stock. Options granted pursuant to the Director’s Plan are immediately exercisable and expire on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date on which a Director ceases to be a Director or ten years from the date of grant. On January 1, 2003, 2004, 2005 total options granted were 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000, respectively. In December 2005, the Director’s Plan was terminated. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding which were exercisable at $9.70 per share. These options expired unexercised January 1, 2016.

  

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2016 regarding compensation plans under which equity securities of ARL are authorized for issuance.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 

The following table sets forth the ownership of ARL’s common stock both beneficially and of record, both individually and in the aggregate, for those persons or entities known by ARL to be the owner of more than 5.0% of the shares of ARL’s common stock as of the close of business on March 31, 2017.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner   Amount and
Nature
of Beneficial 
Ownership*
    Approximate
Percent of Class **
 
             
RA Stock Holdings, Inc.     1,459,828 (1)     9.41 %
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800                
Dallas, Texas 75234                
                 
Realty Advisors, Inc.     13,292,037 (1)(2)(3)     85.68 %
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800                
Dallas, Texas 75234                
                 
Realty Advisors LLC     9,303,066 (1)(2)     59.96 %
1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 800                
Dallas, Texas 75234                

 

 
* “Beneficial Ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.
** Percentages are based upon 15,514,360 shares outstanding as of March 28, 2017.
(1) Includes 1,459,828 shares owned by RA Stock Holdings, Inc. (RASH), formerly One Realco Stock Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Realty Advisors, LLC(“RALLC”), over which each of the directors of RASH, Mickey Ned Phillips and Ryan T. Phillips, may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as directors of RASH. The directors of RASH disclaim beneficial ownership of such.
(2) Includes 7,843,238 shares owned directly by RALLC (“RALLC”), over which each of the managers, Gene S. Bertcher and Daniel J. Moos, may be deemed to be beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as managers of RALLC. The managers of RALLC disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(3) Includes 3,988,971 shares owned directly by Realty Advisors, Inc. (“RAI”) over which each of the directors and officers of RAI may be deemed beneficial owners, all of which disclaim beneficial ownership.

  

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Security Ownership of Management.    The following table sets forth the ownership of shares of ARL’s common stock, both beneficially and of record, both individually in the aggregate, for the Directors and executive officers of ARL, as of the close of business on March 28, 2017.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner   Amount and
Nature
of Beneficial 
Ownership*
    Approximate Percent of Class **  
Gene S. Bertcher     13,521,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)     87.15 %
Henry A. Butler     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
Louis J. Corna     13,521,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)     87.15 %
Robert A. Jakuszewski     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
Daniel J. Moos     13,526,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)     87.19 %
Ted R. Munselle     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
Raymond R. Roberts, Sr.     229,214 (3)     1.48 %
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (7 persons)     13,526,251 (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)     87.19 %

 

 
* “Beneficial Ownership” means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the voting of, a security or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.
** Percentages are based upon 15,514,360 shares outstanding as of March 18, 2016.
(1) Includes 7,843,238 shares owned direct by RALLC, over which the managers and executive offices of RALLC may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as managers and executive officers of RALLC; the managers and executive officers of RALLC disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares. Also includes 3,988,971 shares owned direct by RAI, over which the executive officers of RAI may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions; the executive officers of RAI disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(2) Includes 1,459,828 shares owned by (RASH), over which the executive officers of RASH may be deemed the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as executive officers of RASH; the executive officers of RASH disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(3) Includes 229,214 shares owned by Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (“TCI”), over which the directors and executive officers of TCI may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as directors and executive officers of TCI; the directors and executive officers of TCI disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(4) Includes 3,988,971 shares owned by RAI, over which the executive officers of RAI may be deemed to be the beneficial owners by virtue of their positions as executive of RAI; the executive officers of RAI disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
(5) Daniel J. Moos owns directly 5,000 shares.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Policies with Respect to Certain Activities

 

Article 11 of ARL’s Articles of Incorporation provides that ARL shall not, directly or indirectly, contract or engage in any transaction with (1) any director, officer or employee of ARL, (2) any director, officer or employee of the advisor, (3) the advisor, or (4) any affiliate or associate (as such terms are defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of any of the aforementioned persons, unless (a) the material facts as to the relationship among or financial interest of the relevant individuals or persons and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed to or are known by ARL’s Board of Directors or the appropriate committee thereof and (b) ARL’s Board of Directors or committee thereof determines that such contract or transaction is fair to ARL and simultaneously authorizes or ratifies such contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of independent directors of ARL entitled to vote thereon.

 

Article 11 defines an “Independent Director” (for purposes of that Article) as one who is neither an officer or employee of ARL, nor a director, officer or employee of ARL’s advisor. This definition predates ARL’s director independence guidelines adopted in February 2004.

 

ARL’s policy is to have such contracts or transactions approved or ratified by a majority of the disinterested Directors with full knowledge of the character of such transactions, as being fair and reasonable to the stockholders at the time of such approval or ratification under the circumstances then prevailing. Such Directors also consider the fairness of such transactions to ARL. Management believes that, to date, such transactions have represented the best investments available at the time and they were at least as advantageous to ARL as other investments that could have been obtained.

 

 ARL may enter into future transactions with entities, the officers, directors, or stockholders of which are also officers, directors, or stockholders of ARL, if such transactions would be beneficial to the operations of ARL and consistent with ARL’s then-current investment objectives and policies, subject to approval by a majority of disinterested Directors as discussed above.

 

ARL does not prohibit its officers, directors, stockholders, or related parties from engaging in business activities of the types conducted by ARL.

 

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Certain Business Relationships

 

Pillar has been ARL’s Advisor and Cash Manager since April 30, 2011.  Although the Board of Directors is directly responsible for managing the affairs of ARL, and for setting the policies which guide it, the day-to-day operations of ARL are performed by Pillar, as the contractual advisor, under the supervision of the Board.  Pillar’s duties include, but are not limited to, locating, evaluating and recommending real estate and real estate-related investment opportunities and arranging debt and equity financing for the Company with third party lenders and investors.  Additionally, Pillar serves as a consultant to the Board with regard to their decisions in connection with ARL’s business plan and investment policy.  Pillar also serves as an Advisor and Cash Manager to TCI and IOT.  As the contractual advisor, Pillar is compensated by ARL under an Advisory Agreement that is more fully described in Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – The Advisor”.  ARL has no employees and as such, employees of Pillar render services to ARL in accordance with the terms of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Pillar is a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, the sole member of which is RAI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is MRHI, a Nevada corporation, the sole shareholder of which is a trust known as the May Trust.  

 

All of ARL’s directors also serve as Directors of TCI and IOT. The executive officers of ARL also serve as executive officers of TCI and IOT. As such, they owe fiduciary duties to that entity as well as to Pillar under applicable law. TCI has the same relationship with Pillar, as does ARL. Mr. Bertcher is an officer, director and employee of NCE and as such also owes fiduciary duties to NCE as well as ARL, TCI and IOT under applicable law.

 

Regis Realty Prime, LLC, dba Regis Property Management, LLC (“Regis”), the sole member of which is Realty Advisors, LLC, manages our commercial properties for a fee of 3.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the commercial properties it manages, and leasing commissions of 6.0% or less in accordance with the terms of its property-level management agreement.

 

ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage our apartment properties for a fee of 6.0% or less of the monthly gross rents collected on the residential properties under their management.

 

At December 31, 2016, ARL owned approximately 77.6% of TCI’s outstanding common stock and through its interest in TCI approximately 81.1% of IOT’s outstanding common stock.

 

The Company is part of a tax sharing and compensating agreement with respect to federal income taxes between ARL, TCI and IOT and their subsidiaries. The expense (benefit) in each year was calculated based on the amount of losses absorbed by taxable income multiplied by the maximum statutory tax rate of 35%.

 

The Company’s subsidiary, TCI, has a development agreement with Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) a non-profit corporation that provides management services for the development of residential apartment projects in the future. The Company has also invested in surplus cash notes receivables from UHF and has sold several residential apartment properties to UHF in prior years. Due to this ongoing relationship and the significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable, UHF has been determined to be a related party.

 

TCI is the primary guarantor, on a $60.4 million mezzanine loan between UHF and a lender. In addition, ARL, and an officer of the Company are limited recourse guarantors of the loan. As of December 31, 2016 UHF was in compliance with the covenants to the loan agreement.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

The Company has historically engaged in and may continue to engage in certain business transactions with related parties, including but not limited to asset acquisition and dispositions. Transactions involving related parties cannot be presumed to be carried out on an arm’s length basis due to the absence of free market forces that naturally exist in business dealings between two or more unrelated entities. Related party transactions may not always be favorable to our business and may include terms, conditions and agreements that are not necessarily beneficial to or in the best interest of our company.

 

In 2016, the Company paid advisory fees of $10.9 million, net income fees of $0.3 million, mortgage brokerage and equity refinancing fees of $0.8 million, cost reimbursements of $3.8 million and received interest of $1.1 million from Pillar.

 

 The Company paid property management fees, construction management fees and leasing commissions of $x.x million to Regis in 2016.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company had notes and interest receivables, net of allowances, of $102.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively, due from UHF, a related party. See Part 2, Item 8. Note 3. “Notes and Interest Receivable.”  During the current period, the Company recognized interest income of $12.4 million, originated $4.7 million, received principal payments of $4.9 million and received interest payments of $10.8 million from these related party notes receivables.

 

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As of December 31, 2016, subsidiaries hold approximately 91 acres of land, at various locations that were sold to related parties in multiple transactions. These transactions are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Due to the related party nature of the transactions TCI has deferred the recording of the sales in accordance with ASC 360-20.

 

Operating Relationships

 

The Company received rental revenue of $0.7 million in each of the three years ended Decemeber 31, 2016 from Pillar and its related parties for properties owned by the Company.

 

Advances and Loans

 

From time to time, ARL and its related parties have made advances to each other, which generally have not had specific repayment terms, did not bear interest, are unsecured, and have been reflected in ARL’s financial statements as other assets or other liabilities. ARL and the Advisor charge interest on the outstanding balance of funds advanced to or from ARL. The interest rate, set at the beginning of each quarter, is the prime rate plus 1% on the average daily cash balances advanced. At December 31, 2016, Pillar owes ARL $24.7 million.

 

ITEM 14.      PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for professional services rendered to ARL for the years 2016 and 2015 by ARL’s principal accounting firms, Farmer, Fuqua and Huff, L.P., BDO Seidman, LLP and Swalm & Associates, PC:

  

    2016     2015  
    Farmer, Fuqua     Swalm &     Farmer, Fuqua     BDO     Swalm &  
Type of Fee   & Huff     Associates     & Huff     Seidman     Associates  
Audit Fees   $ 881,576 (1)   $ 60,551 (3)   $ 821,100 (4)   $     $ 54,263 (3)
Tax Fees     44,483 (2)           83,708 (5)     8,890        
Total   $ 926,059     $ 60,551     $ 904,808     $ 8,890     $ 54,263  

 

 
(1) Includes $575,563 TCI
(2) Includes $36,725 TCI
(3) All IOT
(4) Includes $552,663 TCI
(5) Includes $50,141 TCI

 

The audit fees for 2016 and 2015 were for professional services rendered for the audits and reviews of the consolidated financial statements of ARL and its subsidiaries. Tax fees for 2016 and 2015 were for services related to federal and state tax compliance and advice.

 

All services rendered by the principal auditors are permissible under applicable laws and regulations and were pre-approved by either the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee, as required by law. The fees paid to the principal auditors for the services described in the above table fall under the categories listed below:

 

Audit Fees.    These are fees for professional services performed by the principal auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of financial statements included in the Company’s 10-Q filings and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filing or engagements.

 

Audit-Related Fees.    These are fees for assurance and related services performed by the principal auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements. These services include attestations by the principal auditor that are not required by statute or regulation and consulting on financial accounting/reporting standards.

 

Tax Fees.    These are fees for professional services performed by the principal auditor with respect to tax compliance, tax planning, tax consultation, returns preparation, and review of returns. The review of tax returns includes the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.  We did not use BDO Seidman for professional tax services during 2016.

 

These services are actively monitored (as to both spending level and work content) by the Audit Committee to maintain the appropriate objectivity and independence in the principal auditor’s core work, which is the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The Audit Committee has established policies and procedures for the approval and pre-approval of audit services and permitted non-audit services. The Audit Committee has the responsibility to engage and terminate ARL’s independent auditors, to pre-approve their performance of audit services and permitted non-audit services, to approve all audit and non-audit fees, and to set guidelines for permitted non-audit services and fees. All the fees for 2016 and 2015 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee or were within the pre-approved guidelines for permitted non-audit services and fees established by the Audit Committee, and there were no instances of waiver of approved requirements or guidelines during the same periods.

 

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Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOX Act”) and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the independent auditor. The purpose of the provisions of the SOX Act and the SEC rules for the Audit Committee role in retaining the independent auditor is two-fold. First, the authority and responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the auditors should be with directors who are independent of management. Second, any non-audit work performed by the auditors should be reviewed and approved by these same independent directors to ensure that any non-audit services performed by the auditor do not impair the independence of the independent auditor. To implement the provisions of the SOX Act, the SEC issued rules specifying the types of services that an independent may not provide to its audit client, and governing the Audit Committee’s administration of the engagement of the independent auditor. As part of this responsibility, the Audit Committee is required to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditor in order to assure that they do not impair the auditor’s independence. Accordingly, the Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy of audit and non-audit services (the “Policy”), which sets forth the procedures and conditions pursuant to which services to be performed by the independent auditor are to be pre-approved. Consistent with the SEC rules establishing two different approaches to pre-approving non-prohibited services, the Policy of the Audit Committee covers pre-approval of audit services, audit-related services, international administration tax services, non-U.S. income tax compliance services, pension and benefit plan consulting and compliance services, and U.S. tax compliance and planning. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Audit Committee will evaluate other known potential engagements of the independent auditor, including the scope of work proposed to be performed and the proposed fees, and approve or reject each service, taking into account whether services are permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each non-audit service on the independent auditor’s independence from management. Typically, in addition to the generally pre-approved services, other services would include due diligence for an acquisition that may or may not have been known at the beginning of the year. The Audit Committee has also delegated to any member of the Audit Committee designated by the Board or the financial expert member of the Audit Committee responsibilities to pre-approve services to be performed by the independent auditor not exceeding $25,000 in value or cost per engagement of audit and non-audit services, and such authority may only be exercised when the Audit Committee is not in session.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15.      EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

 

1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2016 and 2015

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity—Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedule III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

 

Schedule IV—Mortgage Loan Receivables on Real Estate

 

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

 

3. Incorporated Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Financial Statements of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Item 8. of Income Opportunity Realty Investors, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016).

 

Consolidated Financial Statements of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Item 8. of Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016).

  

(b) Exhibits.

 

The following documents are filed as Exhibits to this Report:

  

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

     
  3.1   Certificate of Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
     
  3.2   Certificate of Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 29, 2000 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
     
  3.3   Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock dated August 26, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
     
  3.4   Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock dated October 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).

 

82

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

  3.5   By-laws of American Realty Investors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on December 30, 1999).
     
  4.1   Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Relative Participating or Optional or Other Special Rights, and Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof of Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated June 11, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).
     
  4.2   Certificate of Withdrawal of Preferred Stock, Decreasing the Number of Authorized Shares of and Eliminating Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock, dated June 18, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
     
  4.3   Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated February 3, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
     
  4.4   Certificate of Designation for Nevada Profit Corporations designating the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on March 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Registrant current report on Form 8-K for event of March 16, 2006).
     
10.1   Advisory Agreement between American Realty Investors, Inc. and Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 30, 2011).
     
10.2   Second Amendment to Modification of Stipulation of Settlement dated October 17, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated February 24, 2002).
     
14.0   Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.0 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
     
21.1*   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
     
31.1*   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer.
     
31.2*   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer.
     
32.1*   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 
* Filed herewith.

 

83

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Dated: March 31, 2017 

     
  American realty investors, inc.
     
  By:

/s/  Gene S. Bertcher        

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

       

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

  

Signature

 

Title

 

Date 

         

/s/  Henry A. Butler

  Chairman of the Board and Director   March 31, 2017
Henry A. Butler        
         

/s/ Robert A. Jakuszewski

  Director   March 31, 2017
Robert A. Jakuszewski        
         

/s/  Raymond R. Roberts, sr.

  Director   March 31, 2017
Raymond R. Roberts, Sr.        
         

/s/  Ted R. Munselle

  Director   March 31, 2017
Ted R. Munselle        
         

/s/ Daniel J. Moos

  President and Chief Executive Officer   March 31, 2017
Daniel J. Moos   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         

/s/  Gene S. Bertcher

  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   March 31, 2017
Gene S. Bertcher   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    

 

84

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

 

3.1 Certificate of Restatement of Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 3, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
3.2 Certificate of Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated August 29, 2000 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000).
   
3.3 Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock dated August 26, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
3.4 Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. decreasing the number of authorized shares of and eliminating Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock dated October 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
3.5 By-laws of American Realty Investors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on December 30, 1999).
   
4.1 Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Relative Participating or Optional or Other Special Rights, and Qualifications, Limitations or Restrictions Thereof of Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated June 11, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001).
   
4.2 Certificate of Withdrawal of Preferred Stock, Decreasing the Number of Authorized Shares of and Eliminating Series F Redeemable Preferred Stock, dated June 18, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.0 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
 
4.3 Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Series I Cumulative Preferred Stock of American Realty Investors, Inc., dated February 3, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
   
4.4 Certificate of Designation for Nevada Profit Corporations designating the Series J 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on March 16, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Registrant current report on Form 8-K for event of March 16, 2006).
   
10.1 Advisory Agreement between American Realty Investors, Inc. and Pillar Income Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.0 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 30, 2011).
   
10.2 Second Amendment to Modification of Stipulation of Settlement dated October 17, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, dated February 24, 2002).
   
14.0 Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.0 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
   
21.1* Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   
31.1* Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer.
   
31.2* Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial Officer.
   
32.1* Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 
* Filed herewith.

 

85