ari10q093014.htm


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

FORM 10-Q

 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
 
or
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______ to ______
 
Commission File Number 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)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
1603 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75234
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(469) 522-4200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    xYes     ¨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 Regulation 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)    xYes     ¨No.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition 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 a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨Yes     xNo.
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
   
Common Stock, $.01 par value
14,027,619
(Class)
(Outstanding at November 12, 2014)

 


 
 
 

 
 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
   
    PAGE    
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013
               3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
               4
     
 
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (unaudited)
               5
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
               6
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)
               7
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
               8
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
               25
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks
               35
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
               35
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
               36
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
               37
   
SIGNATURES
               38
 
 
 
2

 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except
share and par value amounts)
 
Assets
           
Real estate, at cost
  $ 745,544     $ 799,698  
Real estate held for sale at cost, net of depreciation ($2,066 for 2014 and $2,390 for 2013)
    44,288       16,427  
Real estate subject to sales contracts at cost, net of depreciation ($2,212 for 2014 and $1,949 for 2013)
    19,594       27,598  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (125,352 )     (143,429 )
Total real estate
    684,074       700,294  
Notes and interest receivable
               
Performing (including $147,978 in 2014 and $145,754 in 2013 from related parties)
    163,335       153,275  
Non-performing
    3,151       3,140  
Less allowance for doubtful accounts (including $15,537 in 2014 and $15,809 in 2013 from related parties)
    (18,279 )     (19,600 )
Total notes and interest receivable
    148,207       136,815  
Cash and cash equivalents
    4,383       16,437  
Restricted cash
    28,813       32,929  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
    4,137       3,789  
Receivable from related party
    22,930       14,086  
Other assets
    43,442       38,972  
Total assets
  $ 935,986     $ 943,322  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Notes and interest payable
  $ 597,469     $ 618,930  
Notes related to assets held for sale
    42,883       17,100  
Notes related to subject to sales contracts
    18,769       23,012  
Deferred revenue (including $74,303 in 2014 and 2013 from sales to related parties)
    76,148       76,148  
Accounts payable and other liabilities (including $10,634 in 2014 and $15,394 in 2013 to related parties)
    55,917       73,271  
      791,186       808,461  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, Series A: $2.00 par value, authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
2,461,252 shares in 2014 and 3,353,954 shares in 2013 (liquidation preference $10 per share),
including 900,000 shares in 2014 and 2013 held by ARL or subsidiaries.  Series K:  $2.00 par value,
authorized, issued and outstanding 0 shares in 2014 and 135,000 shares in 2013 (liquidation
preference $22 per share)
    3,126       4,908  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 14,443,404 shares in 2014
and 11,941,174 shares in 2013; outstanding 14,027,619 shares in 2014 and 11,525,389 shares in 2013;
including 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) in 2014 and 229,214 shares held by TCI
(consolidated) in 2013.
    141       115  
Treasury stock at cost; 415,785 shares in 2014 and 2013
    (6,395 )     (6,395 )
Paid-in capital
    108,844       102,974  
Retained earnings
    (8,046 )     (11,795 )
Total American Realty Investors, Inc. shareholders' equity
    97,670       89,807  
Non-controlling interest
    47,130       45,054  
Total equity
    144,800       134,861  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 935,986     $ 943,322  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
3

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(unaudited)
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
   
For the Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues:
                       
Rental and other property revenues (including $175 and $165 for the three months and $525
and $497 for the nine months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)
  $ 19,326     $ 19,530     $ 57,986     $ 57,810  
                                 
Expenses:
                               
Property operating expenses (including $171 and $178 for the three months and $484 and
$550 for the nine months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)
    10,766       10,387       30,677       29,107  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,463       4,053       13,099       11,820  
General and administrative (including $926 and $878 for the three months and $2,686 and
$2,765 for the nine months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)
    1,590       1,867       6,770       5,911  
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       1,125       -       1,926  
Net income fee to related party
    (186 )     55       514       159  
Advisory fee to related party
    2,225       2,584       6,670       7,625  
     Total operating expenses
    18,858       20,071       57,730       56,548  
     Operating income (loss)
    468       (541 )     256       1,262  
                                 
Other income (expenses):
                               
Interest income (including $4,699 and $3,718 for the three months and $14,693 and $10,574
for the nine months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)
    5,106       3,778       15,264       10,831  
Other income
    1,332       59       1,738       2,734  
Mortgage and loan interest (including $978 and $1,168 for the three months and $2,709 and
$2,849 for the nine months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties)
    (9,053 )     (9,130 )     (26,573 )     (27,152 )
Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (848 )     (247 )     (2,078 )     (2,672 )
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    (1,044 )     (49 )     (2,626 )     (4,166 )
Loss on sale of investments
    -       (275 )     -       (283 )
Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
    320       69       266       256  
Litigation settlement
    (86 )     (2,739 )     3,666       (2,727 )
        Total other expenses
    (4,273 )     (8,534 )     (10,343 )     (23,179 )
Loss before gain on land sales, non-controlling interest, and taxes
    (3,805 )     (9,075 )     (10,087 )     (21,917 )
Gain on land sales
    40       598       634       563  
Net loss from continuing operations before taxes
    (3,765 )     (8,477 )     (9,453 )     (21,354 )
   Income tax benefit
    786       402       5,030       8,561  
Net loss from continuing operations
    (2,979 )     (8,075 )     (4,423 )     (12,793 )
Discontinued operations:
                               
   Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
    477       1,021       (454 )     (970 )
   Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    1,769       127       14,826       25,429  
   Income tax expense from discontinued operations
    (786 )     (402 )     (5,030 )     (8,561 )
Net income from discontinued operations
    1,460       746       9,342       15,898  
Net income (loss)
    (1,519 )     (7,329 )     4,919       3,105  
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
    200       903       (1,170 )     (803 )
Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
    (1,319 )     (6,426 )     3,749       2,302  
Preferred dividend requirement
    (427 )     (613 )     (1,653 )     (1,839 )
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (1,746 )   $ (7,039 )   $ 2,096     $ 463  
                                 
Earnings per share - basic
                               
   Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.24 )   $ (0.68 )   $ (0.59 )   $ (1.34 )
   Net income from discontinued operations
    0.11       0.06       0.76       1.38  
   Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.62 )   $ 0.17     $ 0.04  
                                 
Earnings per share - diluted
                               
   Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.24 )   $ (0.68 )   $ (0.59 )   $ (1.34 )
   Net income from discontinued operations
    0.11       0.06       0.76       1.38  
   Net income (loss) applicable to common shares
  $ (0.13 )   $ (0.62 )   $ 0.17     $ 0.04  
                                 
Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share
    13,619,647       11,525,389       12,231,146       11,525,389  
Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
    13,619,647       11,525,389       12,231,146       11,525,389  
                                 
                                 
Amounts attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
                               
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (2,779 )   $ (7,172 )   $ (5,593 )   $ (13,596 )
Net income from discontinued operations
    1,460       746       9,342       15,898  
Net income (loss) applicable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
  $ (1,319 )   $ (6,426 )   $ 3,749     $ 2,302  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
4

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
(unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
 
                                                             
                                                             
   
Total
   
Comprehensive
   
Preferred
   
Common Stock
   
Treasury
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   
Non-controlling
 
   
Equity
   
Income (Loss)
   
Stock
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income (Loss)
   
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
    4,919       4,919       -       -       -       -       -       3,749       -       1,170  
Distribution to non-controlling interests
    (257 )     -       -       -       -       -       (226 )     -       -       (31 )
Sale of non-controlling interests
    (289 )     -       -       -       -       -       (289 )     -       -       -  
Conversion of preferred stock into common stock
    7,219       -       (1,782 )     2,502,230       26       -       8,038       -       -       937  
Series A preferred stock dividend ($1.00 per share)
    (1,653 )     -       -       -       -       -       (1,653 )     -       -       -  
Balance, September 30, 2014
  $ 144,800     $ (88,294 )   $ 3,126       14,443,404     $ 141     $ (6,395 )   $ 108,844     $ (8,046 )   $ -     $ 47,130  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
5

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
For the Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
             
Net income
  $ 4,919     $ 3,105  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    -       -  
Total comprehensive income
    4,919       3,105  
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest
    (1,170 )     (803 )
Comprehensive income attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc.
  $ 3,749     $ 2,302  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
6

 
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(unaudited)
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
(dollars in thousands)
 
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 4,919     $ 3,105  
      Adjustments to reconcile net income applicable to common
      shares to net cash flow from operating activities:
 
                   Gain on sale of land
    (634 )     (563 )
                   Gain on sale of income-producing properties
    (14,826 )     (25,429 )
                   Depreciation and amortization
    13,763       16,120  
                   Provision for impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       1,926  
                   Amortization of deferred borrowing costs
    2,415       3,705  
                   (Earnings) losses from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees
    54       (256 )
      Decrease (increase) in assets:
               
                   Accrued interest receivable
    10,727       (3,260 )
                   Other assets
    2,002       (17 )
                   Prepaid expense
    (2,318 )     (1,937 )
                   Escrow
    3,556       6,074  
                   Earnest money
    (5 )     1,545  
                   Rent receivables
    (15 )     (676 )
      Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
               
                   Accrued interest payable
    43       (1,752 )
                   Payable to related parties
    (8,844 )     (2,492 )
                   Other liabilities
    (17,294 )     (9,027 )
                              Net cash used in operating activities
    (6,457 )     (12,934 )
                 
Cash Flow From Investing Activities:
               
      Proceeds from notes receivable
    -       2,855  
      Origination or advances of notes receivable
    (20,798 )     (38 )
      Acquisition of land held for development
    (3,425 )     (7 )
      Acquisition of income producing properties
    (19,534 )     -  
      Proceeds from sale of income-producing properties
    41,666       73,621  
      Proceeds from sale of land
    6,252       3,664  
      Investment in unconsolidated real estate entities
    (402 )     (1,911 )
      Improvement of land held for development
    (1,654 )     (373 )
      Improvement of income-producing properties
    (3,625 )     (6,396 )
      Acquisition of non-controlling interest
    -       (77 )
      Sale of non-controlling interest
    (289 )     -  
      Sale of controlling interest
    -       50  
      Construction and development of new properties
    (1,026 )     (327 )
                              Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (2,835 )     71,061  
                 
Cash Flow From Financing Activities:
               
      Proceeds from notes payable
    110,308       142,802  
      Recurring amortization of principal on notes payable
    (14,540 )     (13,401 )
      Payments on maturing notes payable
    (97,564 )     (191,291 )
      Stock-secured borrowings
    (568 )     (411 )
      Deferred financing costs
    (5,707 )     (1,524 )
      Distributions to non-controlling interests
    (257 )     (179 )
      Preferred stock dividends - Series A
    (1,653 )     (1,839 )
      Conversion of preferred stock into common stock
    7,219       -  
                              Net cash used in financing activities
    (2,762 )     (65,843 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (12,054 )     (7,716 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    16,437       17,141  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 4,383     $ 9,425  
                 
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 28,004     $ 22,659  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7

 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
Organization
 
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 November 1999.  In August 2000, the Company acquired American Realty Trust, Inc. (“ART”), a Georgia corporation and National Realty, L.P. (“NRLP”), a Delaware partnership.

The Company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“ARL”). Approximately 86.8% of ARL’s stock is owned by related parties.  Subsidiaries of ARL own approximately 80.9% 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 New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol (“TCI”).  ARL is a “C” corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and has consolidated TCI’s accounts and operations since March 2003.  During the third quarter 2012, May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”), formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc., subsidiaries acquired more than 80% of ARL stock and as a result, ARL joined 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”).   Effective July 17, 2009, IOT’s financial results were consolidated with those of ARL and TCI and their subsidiaries.  Shares of IOT are traded on the NYSE MKT under the symbol (“IOT”). 

ARL invests in real estate through direct ownership, leases and partnerships and also invests in mortgage loans on real estate.  Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc. (“Pillar”) is the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager.  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.

Regis Realty Prime, LLC (“Regis”) manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services.  ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties.  TCI also 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.  This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013.

Properties
 
We own or had interests in a total property portfolio of 45 income-producing properties as of September 30, 2014.  The properties consisted of:
 
 
Eight commercial properties consisting of four office buildings, one industrial warehouse, and three retail centers comprising in aggregate approximately 2.1 million rentable square feet;
 
 
37 apartment communities totaling 6,382 units, excluding apartments being developed; and
 
 
4,130 acres of developed and undeveloped land.

We join with various third-party development companies to construct residential apartment communities. We are in the predevelopment process on several residential apartment communities but have not yet begun construction.  At September 30, 2014, we had no apartment projects in development.  The third-party developer typically holds a general partner as well as a majority limited partner interest in a limited partnership formed for the purpose of building a single property while we generally take a minority 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.
 
 
 
8

 

Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, have been condensed or omitted in accordance with such rules and regulations, although management believes the disclosures are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring matters) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for other interim periods or for the full fiscal year.
 
The year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Certain 2013 financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation, including adjustments for discontinued operations.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its 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 is included in consolidated net income.  Our investment in Gruppa Florentina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method.
 
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).  The Company continually evaluates 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.
 
Real Estate Held For Sale
 
We periodically classify real estate assets as “held for sale”.  An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of our Board of Directors, after an active program to sell the asset has commenced and if the sale is probable.  One of the deciding factors in determining whether a sale is probable is whether the firm purchase commitment is obtained and whether the sale is probable within the year.  Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset.  Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded.  Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Upon a decision that the sale is no longer probable, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated.  The operating results of real estate assets held for sale and sold are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Income from discontinued operations includes the revenues and expenses, including depreciation and interest expense, associated with the assets.  This classification of operating results as discontinued operations applies retroactively for all periods presented.  Additionally, gains and losses on assets designated as held for sale are classified as part of discontinued operations.
 
 
 
9

 
 
Cost Capitalization
 
Costs related to planning, developing, leasing and constructing a property are capitalized and classified as Real Estate in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We capitalize interest to qualifying assets under development based on average accumulated expenditures outstanding during the period.  In capitalizing interest to qualifying assets, we first use the interest incurred on specific project debt, if any, and next use the weighted average interest rate of non-project specific debt.  We capitalize interest, real estate taxes and certain operating expenses until building construction is substantially complete and the building is ready for its intended use, but no later than one year from the cessation of major construction activity.
 
We capitalize leasing costs which include commissions paid to outside brokers, legal costs incurred to negotiate and document a lease agreement and any internal costs that may be applicable.  We allocate these costs to individual tenant leases and amortize them over the related lease term.
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
We apply the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, to the valuation of real estate assets.  These provisions define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in developing fair value estimates and require disclosure of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3 measurements), such as the reporting entity’s own data.
 
The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date and includes three levels defined as follows:
 
Level 1 –
Unadjusted quoted prices for identical and unrestricted assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 –
Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
 
A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
 
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.
 
 
 
10

 
 
Newly Issued Accounting Standards
 
We have considered all other newly issued accounting guidance that is applicable to our operations and the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements, including that which we have not yet adopted.  We do not believe that any such guidance will have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
NOTE 2. REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY
 
Below is a summary of the real estate owned as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
Apartments
  $ 409,430  
Commercial properties
    178,824  
Land held for development
    157,290  
Real estate held for sale
    46,354  
Real estate subject to sales contract
    21,806  
Total real estate
  $ 813,704  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (129,630 )
Total real estate, net of depreciation
  $ 684,074  
 
The highlights of our significant real estate transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are listed below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On September 23, 2014, TCI sold a 106-unit complex known as Bridgewood Ranch, located in Kaufman, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $8.0 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.5 million and the buyer obtained a new mortgage of $6.6 million.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement as a result of having the option to repurchase the sold property at a later date.   The exercise of the option is subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  TCI determined a sale had not occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remains on their books.
 
 
 
11

 
 
As of September 30, 2014, there is one apartment complex, one commercial building and 110 acres of land that TCI has sold to a related party and has deferred the recognition of the sale.  These are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These properties were sold to a related party in order to help facilitate an appropriate debt or organizational restructure and may or may not be transferred back to the seller upon resolution. These properties have mortgages that are secured by the property and many have corporate guarantees. According to the loan documents, the maker is currently in default on these mortgages primarily due to lack of payment and is actively involved in discussions with every lender in order to settle or cure the default situation. TCI has reviewed each asset and taken impairment to the extent it feels the value of the property was less than its current basis.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement, which included the potential payment of cash shortfalls, future obligations under the existing mortgage and guaranty, the buyer’s inadequate initial investment and TCI’s questionable recovery of investment cost.  TCI determined that no sale had occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remained on the books and continued to record operating expenses and depreciation as a period cost until a sale occurred that met the requirements of ASC 360-20.  The buyers received no compensation for the facilitation of the bankruptcy or debt restructuring process.
 
We continue to invest in the development of apartment projects. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we have expended $1.0 million related to the construction or predevelopment of various apartment complexes.
 
 
 
 
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NOTE 3. NOTES AND INTEREST RECEIVABLE
 
A portion of our assets are invested in mortgage notes receivable, principally secured by real estate. We may originate mortgage loans in conjunction with providing purchase money financing of property sales. Notes receivable are generally collateralized by real estate or interests in real estate and personal guarantees of the borrower and, unless noted otherwise, are so secured. Management intends to service and hold for investment the mortgage notes in our portfolio. A majority of the notes receivable provide for principal to be paid at maturity.  Our mortgage notes receivable consist of first, wraparound and junior mortgage loans (dollars in thousands):
 
               
Maturity
 
Interest
       
Borrower
           
Date
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Security
Performing loans:
 
 
                 
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Preserve at Prairie Pointe) (1)
03/19
 
12.00%
 
 $           1,810
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Preserve at Prairie Pointe) (1)
03/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,156
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Vista Ridge) (1)
 
04/19
 
12.00%
 
              3,923
 
Secured
 
     Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (Vista Ridge) (1)
 
06/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,492
 
Secured
 
     HGH Residential, Inc. (Park West I Apts)
 
07/19
 
12.00%
 
              1,102
 
Secured
 
     HGH Residential, Inc. (Park West II Apts)
 
07/19
 
12.00%
 
              4,771
 
Secured
 
     HGH Residential, Inc. (Tradewinds Dev)
 
07/19
 
12.00%
 
              6,131
 
Secured
 
     One Realco Corporation (1) (2)
   
01/17
 
3.00%
 
              7,000
 
Unsecured
 
     Realty Advisors Management, Inc. (1)
 
12/16
 
2.20%
 
            20,387
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Cliffs of El Dorado) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,097
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of McKinney, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Echo Station) (1)
 
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              1,481
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Temple, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Inwood on the Park) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              5,059
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing Inwood, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Kensington Park) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              3,936
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing Kensington, LLC
 
     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%
 
              9,096
 
Membership interest in Housing for Seniors of Humble, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              3,057
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Austin, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Canyon) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              4,663
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Austin, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,250
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Vista Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Limestone Ranch) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              6,000
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Vista Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Parkside Crossing) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,272
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Parkside Crossing, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)
 
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              5,174
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Sendero Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Sendero Ridge) (1)
 
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              4,812
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Sendero Ridge, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Timbers at the Park) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              1,323
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Terrell, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Tivoli) (1)
 
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              7,966
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Tivoli, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase I) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,485
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Harvest Hill I, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Reserve at White Rock Phase II) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              2,555
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Harvest Hill, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (Trails at White Rock) (1)
12/32
 
12.00%
 
              3,815
 
100% Membership Interest in Unified Housing of Harvest Hill III, LLC
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
 
03/17
 
5.00%
 
              6,000
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
 
06/17
 
12.00%
 
              1,261
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
 
12/15
 
12.00%
 
            17,928
 
Unsecured
 
     Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (1)
 
12/16
 
12.00%
 
              3,657
 
Unsecured
 
     Other non-related party notes
   
Various
 
Various
 
              3,007
 
Various secured interests
 
     Other related party notes (1)
   
Various
 
Various
 
              2,117
 
Various secured interests
 
     Other related party notes (1)
   
Various
 
Various
 
              3,568
 
Various unsecured interests
 
     Accrued interest
               
              7,984
   
Total Performing
                 
 $         163,335
   
                             
Non-Performing loans:
                     
 
     Leman Development, Ltd (2)
   
07/11
 
7.00%
 
 $              1,500
 
Unsecured
 
     Tracy Suttles (2)
       
12/11
 
0.00%
 
              1,077
 
Unsecured
 
     Other non-related party notes
   
Various
 
Various
 
                 507
 
Secured
 
     Accrued interest
               
                   67
   
Total Non-Performing
               
 $              3,151
   
                             
 
      Allowance for doubtful accounts
           
       $       ( 18,279 )
   
Total
                   
 $         148,207
   
                             
                             
 (1)  Related party notes
                     
 (2)  An allowance was taken for estimated losses at full value of note
           

At September 30, 2014, we had junior mortgage loans and accrued interest receivable from related parties, net of allowances, totaling $132.4 million. We recognized interest income of $12.1 million related to these notes receivables.
 
 
 
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The Company has various notes receivable from Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. (“UHF”) and Foundation for Better Housing, Inc. (“FBH”).  UHF and FBH are determined to be related parties due to our significant investment in the performance of the collateral secured under the notes receivable.  Payments are due from surplus cash flow of operations of the properties.  A sale or refinance of any of the properties underlying these notes will be used to repay outstanding interest and principal for the remaining notes for the specific borrower.  These notes are cross-collateralized for the specific borrower, but to the extent cash is received from a specific UHF or FBH property, it is applied first against any outstanding interest for the related-property note.  The allowance on the UHF notes was a purchase allowance that was netted against the notes when acquired.
 
In the 1st quarter of 2014, TCI obtained $3.2 million in notes and accrued interest receivable from Realty Advisors Inc. (“RAI”), a related party.  These notes are due from FBH, a related party.  The notes accrue interest at 12% and mature at various times.
 
In the 2nd quarter of 2014, TCI obtained $4.0 million in a note receivable from RAI.  This note is due from FBH.  The note accrues interest at 12% and matures in April, 2019.
 
In the 3rd quarter of 2014, TCI obtained $3.4 million in notes receivable from RAI.  $2.8 million of the notes are due from UHF and $0.6 million are due from FBH, both are related parties.  These notes accrue interest at 12% and have various maturity dates in 2017.
 
In the 3rd quarter of 2014, TCI obtained $1.5 million in a note receivable from Regis, a related party.  This note is due from FBH.    The note accrues interest at 12% and matures in June, 2017.
 
In the 3rd quarter of 2014, TCI obtained $0.5 million in a note and accrued interest receivable from Basic Capital Management, Inc. (“Basic”), a related party.  The note is due from UHF, The note accrues interest at 5.25% until August, 2015 then at 12% until maturity in December, 2027.

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED INVESTEES
 
Investments in unconsolidated investees in which we have a 20% to 50% interest or otherwise exercise significant influence are carried at cost and adjusted for the Company’s proportionate share of their undistributed earnings or losses under the equity method of accounting.
 
Investments in unconsolidated investees consist of the following:
 
   
Percentage ownership as of
 
   
September 30, 2014
   
September 30, 2013
 
Gruppa Florentina, LLC
    20.00 %     20.00 %
 
Gruppa Florentina, LLC is the sole member of Milano Restaurants International Corporation, (“Milano”) which operates 35 pizza parlors under the trade name “Me-N-Ed’s Pizza Parlors” located primarily in Central and Northern California.  Milano has a 100% ownership interest in SienaCorp, which operates two grills under the trade names “Me-N-Ed’s Victory Grill” and “Me-N-Ed’s Coney Island Grill”.  Milano has a 100% ownership interest in Piazza del Pane, Inc., which operates two restaurants located in Central California.  Milano also has 23 franchised locations, including two operating, under the trade name Angelo & Vito’s Pizzerias.
 
 
 
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The following is a summary of the financial position and results of operations from our investees (dollars in thousands):
 
As of September 30,
 
2014
   
2013
 
Real estate, net of accumulated depreciation
  $ 11,014     $ 11,006  
Notes receivable
    7,122       6,321  
Other assets
    30,398       31,683  
Notes payable
    (10,521 )     (11,735 )
Other liabilities
    (6,386 )     (7,473 )
Shareholders' equity
    (31,627 )     (29,802 )
                 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
    2014       2013  
Revenue
  $ 36,197     $ 34,286  
Depreciation
    (863 )     (879 )
Operating expenses
    (33,438 )     (31,385 )
Interest expense
    (661 )     (787 )
Income from continuing operations
    1,235       1,235  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       -  
Net income
  $ 1,235     $ 1,235  
 
               
Company's proportionate share of earnings (1)
  $ 247     $ 247  
                 
(1) Earnings represents continued and discontinued operations
         

NOTE 5. NOTES PAYABLE

Below is a summary of our notes and interest payable as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Notes Payable
   
Accrued Interest
   
Total Debt
 
Apartments
  $ 384,445     $ 1,051     $ 385,496  
Commercial
    100,329       437       100,766  
Land
    87,526       117       87,643  
Real estate held for sale
    42,783       100       42,883  
Real estate subject to sales contract
    17,164       1,605       18,769  
Other
    23,412       152       23,564  
                         
Total
  $ 655,659     $ 3,462     $ 659,121  

The segment labeled as “Other” consists of unsecured or stock-secured notes payable.

With respect to the additional notes payable due to the acquisition of properties or refinancing of existing mortgages, a summary of some of the more significant transactions is discussed below:

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

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

On February 14, 2014, the Company entered into a settlement and loan modification agreement with the lender regarding EQK Portage land.  The new loan is for $1.6 million, matures on February 6, 2017, and has an interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 5%.  The Company paid $200,000 at close which was used to adjust the current outstanding loan balance to the newly stated loan balance and the remainder was used to pay down interest that had been accruing under the prior agreement.  The rest of the unpaid interest that accrued under the prior agreement was waived.  Per the agreement, the Company was also required to pay off the property tax note of $257,000.
 
 
 
15

 

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

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

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

On March 31, 2014, TCI entered into a settlement agreement relating to the Fenton Centre building which was transferred to the existing lender on June 7, 2011.  The total amount of the settlement was $7.0 million, $5.0 million was paid at the time of the settlement and the remaining $2.0 million will be paid out in equal monthly installments through November 5, 2015.
 
On May 28, 2014, a $1.5 million principal payment was made to the existing Realty Advisors, Inc. mortgage and two additional land parcels, including 8.0 acres of Ladue land owned by TCI and 16.75 acres of Valwood land owned by ARL, were substituted as collateral under the note in exchange for a release of a $4 million deposit account.  The principal balance is allocated based on the land valuation.
 
On July 31, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Desoto Ranch apartments, a 248-unit complex located in Desoto, Texas, for a new mortgage of $15.7 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $15.7 million and $0.5 million in closing costs.   The note accrues interest at 3.50% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing June 1, 2050.
 
On August 28, 2014, TCI refinanced the existing mortgage on Treehouse apartments, a 160-unit complex located in Irving, Texas, for a new mortgage of $5.8 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.7 million and $1.1 million in closing costs and escrows.   The note accrues interest at 3.55% and payments of interest and principal are due monthly, maturing September 1, 2044.
 
On September 23, 2014, TCI sold a 106-unit complex known as Bridgewood Ranch, located in Kaufman, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $8.0 million.  TCI paid off the existing mortgage of $4.5 million and the buyer obtained a new mortgage of $6.6 million.  TCI did not recognize or record the sale in accordance with ASC 360-20 due to our continuing involvement as a result of having the option to repurchase the sold property at a later date.   The exercise of the option is subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  TCI determined a sale had not occurred for financial reporting purposes and therefore the asset remains on their books.
 
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.
 
The properties that we have sold to a related party and have deferred the recognition of the sale are treated as “subject to sales contract” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These properties were sold to a related party in order to help facilitate an appropriate debt or organizational restructure and may or may not be transferred back to the seller upon resolution.  These properties have mortgages that are secured by the property and many have corporate guarantees.  According to the loan documents, the maker is currently in default on these mortgages primarily due to lack of payment and is actively involved in discussions with every lender in order to settle or cure the default situation.  We have reviewed each asset and taken impairment to the extent we feel the value of the property was less than our current basis.
 
 
 
16

 
 
NOTE 6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of accounts receivable from and (accounts payable) to related parties as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Pillar
 
Related party receivable, December 31, 2013
  $ 14,086  
Cash transfers
    39,452  
Advisory fees
    (6,670 )
Fees and commissions
    (1,699 )
Cost reimbursements
    (2,550 )
Interest (to) from advisor
    801  
Notes receivable purchased
    (19,915 )
Net income fee
    (514 )
Expenses paid by Advisor
    (1,789 )
Financing (mortgage payments)
    1,378  
Sales/purchases transactions
    350  
Related party receivable, September 30, 2014
  $ 22,930  

During the ordinary course of business, we have related party transactions that include, but are not limited to, rent income, interest income, interest expense, general and administrative costs, commissions, management fees and property expenses.  In addition, we have assets and liabilities that include related party amounts.  The related party amounts included in assets and liabilities, and the related party revenues and expenses received/paid are shown on the face of the financial statements.
 
NOTE 7. OPERATING SEGMENTS
 
Our segments are based on our method of internal reporting which classifies our operations by property type.  Our property types are grouped into commercial, apartments, hotels, land and other operating segments.  Significant differences among the accounting policies of the operating segments as compared to the Consolidated Financial Statements principally involve the calculation and allocation of administrative and other expenses.  Management evaluates the performance of each of the operating segments and allocates resources to them based on their net operating income and cash flow.
 
Items of income that are not reflected in the segments are interest, other income, gain on debt extinguishment, gain on condemnation award, equity in partnerships, and gains on sale of real estate. Expenses that are not reflected in the segments are provision for losses, advisory, net income and incentive fees, general and administrative, non-controlling interests 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.
 

 
17

 
 
Presented below is our reportable segments’ operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, including segment assets and expenditures (dollars in thousands):
 
   
Commercial
                               
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Properties
   
Apartments
   
Hotels
   
Land
   
Other
   
Total
 
Rental and other property revenues
  $ 4,609     $ 14,704     $ -     $ -     $ 13     $ 19,326  
Property operating expenses
    2,890       7,284       -       585       7       10,766  
Depreciation
    1,944       2,537       -       -       (18 )     4,463  
Mortgage and loan interest
    1,310       3,768       -       1,058       2,917       9,053  
Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    15       540       -       106       187       848  
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    -       1,026       -       18       -       1,044  
Interest income
    -       -       -       -       5,106       5,106  
Gain on land sales
    -       -       -       40       -       40  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ (1,550 )   $ (451 )   $ -     $ (1,727 )   $ 2,026     $ (1,702 )
Capital expenditures
    486       38       -       1,435       -       1,959  
Real estate assets
    129,361       345,281       -       165,144       -       639,786  
                                                 
Property Sales
                                               
Sales price
  $ 2,582     $ -     $ -     $ 4,269     $ -     $ 6,851  
Cost of sale
    813       -       -       4,229       -       5,042  
Gain on sale
  $ 1,769     $ -     $ -     $ 40     $ -     $ 1,809  
                                                 
                                                 
   
Commercial
                                         
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Properties
   
Apartments
   
Hotels
   
Land
   
Other
   
Total
 
Rental and other property revenues
  $ 5,162     $ 14,226     $ -     $ 45     $ 97     $ 19,530  
Property operating expenses
    3,067       6,784       -       514       22       10,387  
Depreciation
    1,541       2,551       -       -       (39 )     4,053  
Mortgage and loan interest
    1,330       3,958       -       1,653       2,189       9,130  
Deferred borrowing costs amortizaion
    17       (10 )     -       34       206       247  
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    -       -       -       -       49       49  
Interest income
    -       -       -       -       3,778       3,778  
Gain on land sales
    -       -       -       598       -       598  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ (793 )   $ 943     $ -     $ (1,558 )   $ 1,448     $ 40  
Capital expenditures
    2,955       37       -       83       -       3,075  
Real estate assets
    140,616       355,251       -       209,788       -       705,655  
                                                 
Property Sales
                                               
Sales price
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 1,187     $ -     $ 1,187  
Cost of sale
    -       (127 )     -       589       -       462  
Gain on sale
  $ -     $ 127     $ -     $ 598     $ -     $ 725  
 

The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ (1,702 )   $ 40  
Other non-segment items of income (expense)
               
General and administrative
    (1,590 )     (1,867 )
Net income fee to related party
    186       (55 )
Advisory fee to related party
    (2,225 )     (2,584 )
Other income
    1,332       59  
Loss on sale of investments
    -       (275 )
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       (1,125 )
Earnings from unconsolidated investees
    320       69  
Litigation settlement
    (86 )     (2,739 )
Income tax benefit
    786       402  
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (2,979 )   $ (8,075 )
 
 
 
18

 

The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Segment assets
  $ 639,786     $ 705,655  
Investments in unconsolidated investees
    4,137       10,337  
Notes and interest receivable
    148,207       105,139  
Other assets
    143,856       244,245  
Total assets
  $ 935,986     $ 1,065,376  

 
   
Commercial
                               
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Properties
   
Apartments
   
Hotels
   
Land
   
Other
   
Total
 
Rental and other property revenues
  $ 14,166     $ 43,779     $ -     $ -     $ 41     $ 57,986  
Property operating expenses
    9,206       20,284       -       1,175       12       30,677  
Depreciation
    5,515       7,656       -       -       (72 )     13,099  
Mortgage and loan interest
    4,424       11,433       -       3,520       7,196       26,573  
Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    36       1,480       -       187       375       2,078  
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    9       2,599       -       18       -       2,626  
Interest income
    -       -       -       -       15,264       15,264  
Gain on land sales
    -       -       -       634       -       634  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ (5,024 )   $ 327     $ -     $ (4,266 )   $ 7,794     $ (1,169 )
Capital expenditures
    3,476       137       -       1,586       -       5,199  
Real estate assets
    129,361       345,281       -       165,144       -       639,786  
                                                 
Property Sales
                                               
Sales price
  $ 19,182     $ 23,131     $ -     $ 4,986     $ -     $ 47,299  
Cost of sale
    10,410       17,077       -       4,352       -       31,839  
Gain on sale
  $ 8,772     $ 6,054     $ -     $ 634     $ -     $ 15,460  
                                                 
                                                 
   
Commercial
                                         
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Properties
   
Apartments
   
Hotels
   
Land
   
Other
   
Total
 
Rental and other property revenues
  $ 15,545     $ 42,053     $ -     $ 101     $ 111     $ 57,810  
Property operating expenses
    8,660       19,176       -       1,240       31       29,107  
Depreciation
    4,318       7,639       -       -       (137 )     11,820  
Mortgage and loan interest
    4,317       12,261       -       4,692       5,882       27,152  
Deferred borrowing costs amortizaion
    60       2,233       -       131       248       2,672  
Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    -       3,937       -       -       229       4,166  
Interest income
    -       -       -       -       10,831       10,831  
Gain on land sales
    -       -       -       563       -       563  
Segment operating income (loss)
  $ (1,810 )   $ (3,193 )   $ -     $ (5,399 )   $ 4,689     $ (5,713 )
Capital expenditures
    5,869       147       -       364       -       6,380  
Real estate assets
    140,616       355,251       -       209,788       -       705,655  
                                                 
Property Sales
                                               
Sales price
  $ 26,974     $ 50,122     $ -     $ 3,437     $ -     $ 80,533  
Cost of sale
    14,914       36,753       -       2,874       -       54,541  
Gain on sale
  $ 12,060     $ 13,369     $ -     $ 563     $ -     $ 25,992  
 

 
19

 

The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:

   
For the Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Segment operating loss
  $ (1,169 )   $ (5,713 )
Other non-segment items of income (expense)
               
General and administrative
    (6,770 )     (5,911 )
Net income fee to related party
    (514 )     (159 )
Advisory fee to related party
    (6,670 )     (7,625 )
Other income
    1,738       2,734  
Loss on sale of investments
    -       (283 )
Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets
    -       (1,926 )
Earnings from unconsolidated investees
    266       256  
Litigation settlement
    3,666       (2,727 )
Income tax benefit
    5,030       8,561  
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (4,423 )   $ (12,793 )
 
The table below reconciles the segment information to the corresponding amounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Segment assets
  $ 639,786     $ 705,655  
Investments in unconsolidated investees
    4,137       10,337  
Notes and interest receivable
    148,207       105,139  
Other assets
    143,856       244,245  
Total assets
  $ 935,986     $ 1,065,376  


NOTE 8. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
We apply the provisions of ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”. ASC Topic 360 requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lesser of (1) book value or (2) fair value less cost to sell.  In addition, it requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions.


 
20

 
 
Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or held for sale as of the period ended September 30, 2014.   Included in discontinued operations are a total of five and 20 properties for 2014 and 2013, respectively. Properties sold in 2014 have been reclassified to discontinued operations for current and prior year reporting periods.  In 2014, we sold one apartment complex (Pecan Pointe), two commercial properties (1010 Common and Sesame Square) and have two apartment complexes held for sale (Blue Ridge and Sunset Lodge).  In 2013, we sold 11 apartment complexes (Dorado Ranch, Huntington Ridge, Laguna Vista, Legends of El Paso, Mariposa Villas, Paramount Terrace, River Oaks, Savoy of Garland, Stonebridge at City Park, Verandas at City View and Vistas of Pinnacle Park) and four commercial properties (225 Baronne, Amoco, Ergon and Eton Square).  The gain on sale of the properties is also included in discontinued operations for those years.  The following table summarizes revenue and expense information for the properties sold and held for sale (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenues:
                       
     Rental and other property revenues
  $ 1,416     $ 7,945     $ 5,328     $ 27,405  
      1,416       7,945       5,328       27,405  
Expenses:
                               
     Property operating expenses
    326       3,729       2,201       12,237  
     Depreciation
    155       1,251       664       4,300  
     General and administrative
    65       254       378       803  
          Total operating expenses
    546       5,234       3,243       17,340  
                                 
Other income (expense):
                               
     Other income
    (36 )     5       (522 )     35  
     Mortgage and loan interest
    (351 )     (1,598 )     (1,431 )     (6,623 )
     Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (6 )     (17 )     (336 )     (1,032 )
     Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    -       -       -       (3,245 )
     Litigation settlement
    -       (80 )     (250 )     (170 )
          Total other expenses
    (393 )     (1,690 )     (2,539 )     (11,035 )
                                 
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and tax
    477       1,021       (454 )     (970 )
     Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    1,769       127       14,826       25,429  
     Income tax expense
    (786 )     (402 )     (5,030 )     (8,561 )
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 1,460     $ 746     $ 9,342     $ 15,898  
 
Our application of ASC Topic 360 results in the presentation of the net operating results of these qualifying properties sold or held for sale during 2014 as income from discontinued operations.  This does not have an impact on net income available to common shareholders and only impacts the presentation of these properties within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES AND LIQUIDITY
 
LK-FOUR HICKORY, LLC
 
In conjunction with its sale of Four Hickory in November 2007, the Company agreed to fund amounts to satisfy its commitment to compensate LK-Four Hickory, LLC for move-in discounts and other concessions to existing tenants at the time of sale.  The Company also has various agreements with LK-Four Hickory, LLC related to the funding of projection shortfalls, which, to date, they have not had to provide any additional funding.  In addition, related parties of the Company have active lease agreements with LK-Four Hickory, LLC and the Company has since guaranteed amounts related to certain of these leases.

On December 17, 2007, both Limkwang Nevada, Inc., the majority owner of LK-Four Hickory, LLC and ARL unconditionally guaranteed the punctual payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or hereafter, including all fees and expenses incurred by the bank on collection of a $28.0 million note payable for LK-Four Hickory, LLC which has a current outstanding balance of $22.4 million.

The Company’s investment in LK-Four Hickory, LLC at January 17, 2012 was sold and the Company has additional reserves for estimated potential amounts it could be liable for if various related parties are not able to meet their obligations to LK-Four Hickory, LLC.  The Company will continue to evaluate these potential estimates and also the likelihood of having to fund any of these and adjust their reserves accordingly.  
 
 
 
21

 
 
Liquidity.     Management believes that ARL will generate excess cash flow from property operations in 2014; such excess, however, will not be sufficient to discharge all of ARL’s obligations as they became due. Management intends to sell land and income- producing real estate, refinance real estate and obtain additional borrowings primarily secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements.

Partnership Buyouts.    ARL is the limited partner in various partnerships related to the construction of residential properties. As permitted in the respective partnership agreements, ARL intends to purchase the interests of the general and any other limited partners in these partnerships subsequent to the completion of these projects. The amounts paid to buy out the non-affiliated partners are limited to development fees earned by the non-affiliated partners, and are set forth in the respective partnership agreements.
 
Litigation.     The ownership of property and provision of services to the public as tenants entails an inherent risk of liability. Although the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various items of litigation incidental to and in the ordinary course of its business, in the opinion of management, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s financial condition, results of operation or liquidity, unless noted otherwise below.
 
The Company is involved in, and vigorously defending against, a number of deficiency claims with respect to assets that have been foreclosed by various lenders.  Such claims are generally against a consolidated subsidiary as the borrower or the Company as a guarantor of indebtedness or performance.  Some of these proceedings may ultimately result in an unfavorable determination for the Company and/or one of its consolidated subsidiaries.  While we cannot predict the final result of such proceedings, management believes that the maximum exposure to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, if any, will not exceed approximately $20.0 million in the aggregate and will occur, if at all, in future years.
 
DISPOSED OF ENTITIES:
 
ART and ART Midwest, Inc.

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

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

Subsequent to the sale of the ART stock in January 2012, ART instituted a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. In March 2014, the bankruptcy court dismissed the proceeding.
 
Management of the Company believes that the Company has no liability for any ultimate judgment in the proceeding involving the Clapper Parties; however, Management of the Company has serious reservations about the current collectability of the $10 million note and, accordingly, continues to maintain a full reservation of the value of such note at zero.

Port Olpenitz

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

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

An original trial to a jury resulted in the jury awarding significant damages to Basic for “lost opportunity,” awarding damages in “increased costs” and “lost opportunity” damages to ART and damages of $960,646.28 in “increased costs” and $11,161,520 for “lost opportunity’ damages in favor of TCI and its subsidiaries (a total of $12,122,166.28). The original Trial Court ignored the jury’s findings and entered a “Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict” (“JNOV”) in Dynex’s favor; the Fifth Court of Appeals has now ruled that the JNOV was improper because there was sufficient evidence to support the jury’s findings. As a result, the Fifth Court of Appeals ordered the Trial Court to enter a new judgment consistent with the jury’s original findings.

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

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

During the third quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report, no proceeding previously reported was terminated.
 
NOTE 10. 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 September 30, 2014, we have 2,461,252 shares of Series A 10.0% cumulative convertible preferred stock, which are outstanding.  These shares may be converted into common stock at 90% of the average daily closing price of the common stock for the prior 20 trading days.  These are considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the effect of applying the if-converted method is dilutive.
 
Of the outstanding 2,461,252 shares of Series A 10.0% cumulative convertible preferred stock, 300,000 shares are owned by ART Edina, Inc. and 600,000 shares are owned by ART Hotel Equities, Inc., both wholly owned subsidiaries of ARL.  Dividends are not paid on the shares owned by ARL subsidiaries.  As of May 30, 2014, the shares were transferred to ARL.
 
Prior to July 17, 2014, RAI owned 2,451,435 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and had accrued dividends unpaid of $15.1 million.  On July 17, 2014, RAI converted 890,797 shares, including $6.3 million in accumulated dividends unpaid for these shares, into the requisite number of shares of common stock.  This conversion resulted in the issuance of 2,502,230 new shares of ARL common stock.  As of September 30, 2014, RAI owns 1,560,638 shares of the outstanding Series A convertible preferred stock and has accrued dividends unpaid of $9.3 million.
 
The Company had 135,000 shares of Series K convertible preferred stock, which were held by TCI and used as collateral on a note.  The note has been paid in full and the Series K preferred stock was cancelled May 7, 2014.
 

 
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As of September 30, 2014, we have 1,000 shares of stock options outstanding, which will expire January 1, 2015, if not exercised.  The outstanding options are considered in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the effect of applying the “treasury stock” method is dilutive.
 
As of September 30, 2014, the preferred stock and the stock options were anti-dilutive and thus not included in the EPS calculation.
 
NOTE 11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 4, 2014, TCI sold a 290-unit complex known as Blue Ridge, located in Midland, Texas, to an independent third party, for a sales price of $52.8 million.  We paid off the existing mortgage of $23.7 million.  A gain of $26.7 million was recorded on the sale.

Sunset Lodge, a 216-unit complex located in Odessa, Texas, is under contract to an independent third party, with an anticipated sales price of $39.4 million.  The purchaser will buy the property subject to the existing mortgage of $19.0 million.  A gain of $19.7 million will be recorded on the sale.

5.98 acres of land known as Sunset Lodge land, located in Odessa, Texas, is under contract to an independent third party, for an anticipated sales price of $1.2 million.  A gain of $0.6 million will be recorded on the sale.
 
 
 
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ITEM 2.  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 Report on Form 10-Q 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 construction and mortgage financing and the use of debt to fund acquisitions and developments;
 
 
demand for apartments and commercial properties in the Company’s markets and the effect on occupancy and rental rates;
 
 
the Company’s ability to obtain financing, enter into joint venture arrangements in relation to or self-fund the development or acquisition of properties;
 
 
risks associated with the timing and amount of property sales and the resulting gains/losses associated with such sales;
 
 
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-Q, including those described under the caption “Risk Factors.”
 
The risks included here are not exhaustive.  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 factors listed and described at Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which investors should review.  There have been no changes from the risk factors previously described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
 
Other sections of this report may also include suggested factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment.  New risks emerge from time-to-time and it is not possible for management to predict all such matters: nor can we assess the impact of all such matter 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 prediction of actual results.  Investors should also refer to our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for future periods and to other materials we may furnish to the public from time-to-time through Forms 8-K or otherwise as we file them with the SEC.
 
 
 
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Overview
 
We are an externally advised and managed real estate investment company that owns a diverse portfolio of income-producing properties, and land held for development.  Our portfolio of income-producing properties includes residential apartment communities, office buildings, hotels, and other commercial properties.  Our investment strategy includes acquiring existing income-producing properties as well as developing new properties on land already owned or acquired for a specific development project.  We acquire land primarily in urban in-fill locations or high-growth suburban markets.  We are an active buyer and seller of real estate and during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we acquired $19.6 million and sold $48.9 million of land and income-producing properties. As of September 30, 2014, we owned 6,382 units in 37 residential apartment communities and eight commercial properties comprising approximately 2.1 million rentable square feet.  In addition, we owned 4,130 acres of land held for development.
 
We finance our acquisitions primarily through operating cash flow, proceeds from the sale of land and income-producing properties, and debt financing primarily in the form of property-specific first-lien mortgage loans from commercial banks and institutional lenders.  We finance our development projects principally with short-term, variable interest rate construction loans that are converted to long-term, fixed rate amortizing mortgages when the development project is completed and occupancy has been stabilized.  We will, from time to time, also enter into partnerships with various investors to acquire income-producing properties or land and to sell interests in certain of our wholly owned properties.  When we sell assets, we may carry a portion of the sales price generally in the form of a short-term, interest bearing seller-financed note receivable.  We generate operating revenues primarily by leasing apartment units to residents; leasing office, retail and industrial space to commercial tenants; and renting hotel rooms to guests.  We have no employees.
 
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.

Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc. (“Pillar”) is the Company’s external Advisor and Cash Manager.  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.

Regis Realty Prime, LLC (“Regis”) manages our commercial properties and provides brokerage services.  ARL engages third-party companies to lease and manage its apartment properties.  TCI also 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.  This development agreement was terminated December 31, 2013.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
We present our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).  The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) is the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. As of the effective date, we no longer refer to the authoritative guidance dictating its accounting methodologies under the previous accounting standards hierarchy. Instead, we refer to the ASC Codification as the sole source of authoritative literature.
 
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts, our subsidiaries, generally all of which are wholly-owned, and all entities in which we have a controlling interest.  Arrangements that are not controlled through voting or similar rights are accounted for as a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”), in accordance with the provisions and guidance of ASC Topic 810 “Consolidation”, whereby we have determined that we are a primary beneficiary of the VIE and meet certain criteria of a sole general partner or managing member as identified in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 04-5, Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders as a group lack adequate decision making ability, the obligation to absorb expected losses or residual returns of the entity, or have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests.  The primary beneficiary generally is the entity that provides financial support and bears a majority of the financial risks, authorizes certain capital transactions, or makes operating decisions that materially affect the entity’s financial results.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
 
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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 cease capitalization when a building is considered substantially complete and ready for its intended use, but no later than one year from the cessation of major construction activity.
 
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.
 
ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as held for sale, be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and we will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale.  The components of the property’s net income that is reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property held for sale, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan).  We generally consider assets to be held for sale when the transaction has been approved by our Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that the property sale within one year is considered probable.  Following the classification of a property as held for sale, no further depreciation is recorded on the assets.
 
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 project costs incurred during the period of development.
 
 
 
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Management reviews its long-lived assets used in operations for impairment when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates impairment in value.  An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value.  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.
 
Investments 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.  For hotel properties, revenues for room sales and guest services are recognized as rooms are occupied and services are rendered.  An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for all past due rents and operating expense reimbursements considered to be uncollectible.
 
Revenue Recognition on the Sale of Real Estate
 
Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sale”.  The specific timing of a sale is measured against various criteria in ASC 360-20 related to the terms of the transaction and any continuing involvement in the form of management or financial assistance associated with the properties.  If the sales criteria for the full accrual method are not met, we defer some or all of the gain recognition and account for the continued operations of the property by applying the finance, leasing, deposit, installment or cost recovery methods, as appropriate, until the sales criteria are met.
 
Non-Performing Notes Receivable
 
We consider a note receivable to be non-performing when the maturity date has passed without principal repayment and the borrower is not making interest payments in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
 
Interest Recognition on Notes Receivable
 
We record interest income as earned in accordance with the terms of the related loan agreements.
 
Allowance for Estimated Losses
 
We assess the collectability of notes receivable on a periodic basis, of which the assessment consists primarily of an evaluation of cash flow projections of the borrower to determine whether estimated cash flows are sufficient to repay principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the note.  We recognize impairments on notes receivable when it is probable that principal and interest will not be received in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  The amount of the impairment to be recognized generally is based on the fair value of the partnership’s real estate that represents the primary source of loan repayment.  See Note 3 “Notes and Interest Receivable” for details on our notes receivable.
 
 
 
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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 been 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 continuing operations.  Once a developed property becomes leased up and is held the entire period for both periods 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 discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 
The following discussion is based on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this report.  The prior year’s property portfolios have been adjusted for subsequent sales. Continuing operations relates to income-producing properties that were held during those years as adjusted for sales in the subsequent years.
 
At September 30, 2014 and 2013, we owned or had interests in a portfolio of 45 and 57 income-producing properties, respectively.  The total property portfolio represents all income-producing properties held as of September 30 for the period presented. Sales subsequent to the period ended represent properties that were held as of the period end for the periods presented, but sold in the next quarter. Continuing operations represents all properties that have not been reclassified to discontinued operations as of September 30, 2014 for the periods presented.  
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Continuing operations
    43       43  
Held for sale/subsequent sales
    2       14  
Total property portfolio
    45       57  
 
 
 
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Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2014 to the same period ended 2013:
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2014, we reported a net loss applicable to common shares of $1.7 million or $0.13 per diluted earnings per share, as compared to a net loss applicable to common shares of $7.0 million or $0.62 per diluted earnings per share for the same period ended 2013.

Revenues

Rental and other property revenues were $19.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. This represents a decrease of $0.2 million, as compared to the prior period revenues of $19.5 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $0.5 million, offset by a decrease in the commercial portfolio of $0.5 million and a decrease in the other portfolio of $0.2 million.  Within the apartment portfolio the increase was attributable to the same property portfolio. Our apartment portfolio continues to excel in the current economic conditions with occupancies averaging over 93% 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.  Our existing commercial portfolio decreased in the same store properties.  Our commercial portfolio expects to continue to improve as the Company has been diligent in our actions to re-lease vacant space and has been successful in attracting high-quality tenants and expects to see the benefits of those new leases over the next twelve months.  We continue to work aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.

Expense

Property operating expenses were $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. This represents an increase of $0.4 million, as compared to the prior period expenses of $10.4 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $0.5 million, an increase in the land portfolio of $0.1 million and a decrease in the commercial portfolio of $0.2 million.   Within the apartment and land portfolios, the increases were due to an increase in the current period real estate taxes.  There were also some non-recurring repair projects completed for the apartment portfolio in the current period.  Within the commercial portfolio, the decrease was largely due to the receipt of prior year tax refunds.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $4.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  This represents an increase of $0.4 million, as compared to prior period expenses of $4.1 million.  The majority of this change is in the commercial portfolio related to an increase in tenant improvements.

Advisory fees were $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  This represents a decrease of $0.4 million, as compared to the prior period fees of $2.6 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 $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. This represents an increase of $1.3 million, as compared to the prior period income of $3.8 million dollars. The majority of this increase is due to the purchase of notes receivable, in addition to an increase in interest received from our Advisor.

Other income was $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  This represents an increase of $1.2 million, as compared to the prior period income of $0.1 million.  This increase is due to prior year adjustments made in the current period and the payoff of a note receivable which was fully reserved.

Deferred borrowing costs amortization was $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. This represents an increase of $0.6 million, as compared to the prior period expense of $0.2 million. This increase is mainly due to the higher loan deferred borrowing costs in the same store properties of the apartment portfolio that were written off in the current period due to refinancing.

Loan charges and prepayment penalties were $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  There were refinances completed in the current period and none in the prior period.

Litigation settlement expenses were $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  This represents a decrease of $2.6 million, as compared to the prior period expenses of $2.7 million.  The matters were settled in the prior period in order to avoid future litigation and legal expenses.   
 
 
 
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Gain on land sales was $0.04 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.  In the current period we sold 24.5 acres of land in one transaction for a sales price of $4.3 million and recorded a gain of $0.04 million.
 
Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or held for sale as of the period ended September 30, 2014.   Included in discontinued operations are a total of five and 20 properties for 2014 and 2013, respectively. Properties sold in 2014 have been reclassified to discontinued operations for current and prior year reporting periods.  In 2014, we sold one apartment complex (Pecan Pointe), two commercial properties (1010 Common and Sesame Square) and have two apartment complexes held for sale (Blue Ridge and Sunset Lodge).  In 2013, we sold 11 apartment complexes (Dorado Ranch, Huntington Ridge, Laguna Vista, Legends of El Paso, Mariposa Villas, Paramount Terrace, River Oaks, Savoy of Garland, Stonebridge at City Park, Verandas at City View and Vistas of Pinnacle Park) and four commercial properties (225 Baronne, Amoco, Ergon and Eton Square).  The gain on sale of the properties is also included in discontinued operations for those years.  The following table summarizes revenue and expense information for the properties sold and held for sale (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenues:
           
     Rental and other property revenues
  $ 1,416     $ 7,945  
      1,416       7,945  
Expenses:
               
     Property operating expenses
    326       3,729  
     Depreciation
    155       1,251  
     General and administrative
    65       254  
          Total operating expenses
    546       5,234  
                 
Other income (expense):
               
     Other income
    (36 )     5  
     Mortgage and loan interest
    (351 )     (1,598 )
     Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (6 )     (17 )
     Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    -       -  
     Litigation settlement
    -       (80 )
          Total other expenses
    (393 )     (1,690 )
                 
Gain from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and tax
    477       1,021  
     Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    1,769       127  
     Income tax expense
    (786 )     (402 )
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 1,460     $ 746  

 
 
 
31

 
 
Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to the same period ended 2013:
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we reported a net income applicable to common shares of $2.1 million or $0.17 per diluted earnings per share, as compared to a net income applicable to common shares of $0.5 million or $0.04 per diluted earnings per share for the same period ended 2013.
 

Revenues
 
Rental and other property revenues were slightly higher for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to the prior period.  Our apartment portfolio continues to excel in the current economic conditions with occupancies averaging over 93% 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.  Our commercial portfolio expects to continue to improve as the Company has been diligent in our actions to re-lease vacant space and has been successful in attracting high-quality tenants and expects to see the benefits of those new leases over the next twelve months.  We continue to work aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.
 
Expenses

Property operating expenses were $30.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents an increase of $1.6 million, as compared to the prior period expenses of $29.1 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $1.1 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.5 million.  Within the apartment portfolio, the increase was mainly due to increases in real estate taxes and non-recurring repair projects completed in the current period.  Within the commercial portfolio the decrease was largely due to the receipt of prior year tax refunds.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $13.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents an increase of $1.3 million, as compared to prior period expenses of $11.8 million. The majority of this change is in the commercial portfolio related to an increase in tenant improvements.

General and administrative expenses were $6.8 million dollars for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents an increase of $0.9 million, as compared to the prior period expenses of $5.9 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the other portfolio of $1.4 million, offset by a decrease in the land portfolio of $0.5 million.  Within the other portfolio, the increase was mainly due to increases in professional fees and franchise taxes.   Within the land portfolio, the decrease was due to a reduction in professional fees.

Net income fee was $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  This represents an increase of $0.3 million, as compared to the prior period fee of $0.2 million.  The net income fee paid to our Advisor is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

Advisory fees were $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  This represents a decrease of $0.9 million, as compared to the prior period fees of $7.6 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 $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents an increase of $4.5 million, as compared to the prior period income of $10.8 million dollars. The majority of this increase is due to the purchase of notes receivable and the accrued interest recognition on the cash flow notes from Unified Housing Foundation, Inc. related to the mid-year surplus cash calculation.   There was no mid-year surplus cash collected for the prior period.

Other income was $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents a decrease of $1.0 million as compared to the prior period income of $2.7 million.  This decrease is due largely to the income recognized in the prior period relating to a released contingency on a sold commercial property.

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $26.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents a decrease of $0.6 million, as compared to the prior period expense of $27.2 million. This change, by segment, is a decrease in the apartment portfolio of $0.8 million and a decrease in the land portfolio of $1.2 million, offset by an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.1 million and an increase in the other portfolio of $1.3 million.  Within the apartment portfolio, the majority of the decrease relates to the same apartment portfolio due to the refinances closed with long-term, low interest rates.  The decrease in the land portfolio relates to principal payments made in the prior periods, thereby requiring less interest to be paid on debt obligations in the current period.  The majority of the increase in the other portfolio is due to the securing of a new loan.
 
 
 
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Deferred borrowing costs amortization was $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents a decrease of $0.6 million as compared to the prior period expense of $2.7 million. This change, by segment, is a decrease in the apartment portfolio of $0.7 million and an increase in the other portfolio of $0.1 million. Within the apartment portfolio, the majority of the decrease is due to the refinancing of several properties. Within the other portfolio, the increase is due to the securing of a new loan in the current period.

Loan charges and prepayment penalties were $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This represents a decrease of $1.6 million, as compared to the prior period expense of $4.2 million. There were fewer refinances completed in the current period than in the prior period.

Litigation settlement expenses were a credit or $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  This represents a decrease of $6.4 million, as compared to the prior period expense of $2.7 million.  The majority of the credit to the current period litigation expense relates to the settlement with Petra CRE CDO relating to the Amoco Building in which the balance in the amount of $3.5 million was forgiven.The matters were settled in the prior period in order to avoid future litigation and legal expenses.    
 
 
Gain on land sales was $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  In the current period we sold 67.7 acres of land in three transactions for a sales price of $6.6 million and recorded a gain of $0.6 million.
 
Discontinued operations relates to properties that were either sold or held for sale as of the period ended September 30, 2014.   Included in discontinued operations are a total of five and 20 properties for 2014 and 2013, respectively. Properties sold in 2014 have been reclassified to discontinued operations for current and prior year reporting periods.  In 2014, we sold one apartment complex (Pecan Pointe), two commercial properties (1010 Common and Sesame Square) and have two apartment complexes held for sale (Blue Ridge and Sunset Lodge).  In 2013, we sold 11 apartment complexes (Dorado Ranch, Huntington Ridge, Laguna Vista, Legends of El Paso, Mariposa Villas, Paramount Terrace, River Oaks, Savoy of Garland, Stonebridge at City Park, Verandas at City View and Vistas of Pinnacle Park) and four commercial properties (225 Baronne, Amoco, Ergon and Eton Square).  The gain on sale of the properties is also included in discontinued operations for those years.  The following table summarizes revenue and expense information for the properties sold and held for sale (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Revenues:
           
     Rental and other property revenues
  $ 5,328     $ 27,405  
      5,328       27,405  
Expenses:
               
     Property operating expenses
    2,201       12,237  
     Depreciation
    664       4,300  
     General and administrative
    378       803  
          Total operating expenses
    3,243       17,340  
                 
Other income (expense):
               
     Other income
    (522 )     35  
     Mortgage and loan interest
    (1,431 )     (6,623 )
     Deferred borrowing costs amortization
    (336 )     (1,032 )
     Loan charges and prepayment penalties
    -       (3,245 )
     Litigation settlement
    (250 )     (170 )
          Total other expenses
    (2,539 )     (11,035 )
                 
Loss from discontinued operations before gain on sale of real estate and tax
    (454 )     (970 )
     Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations
    14,826       25,429  
     Income tax expense
    (5,030 )     (8,561 )
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 9,342     $ 15,898  
 
 
 
 
33

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
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;
 
 
collection of receivables from related party companies;
 
 
refinancing of existing debt; and
 
 
additional borrowing, including mortgage notes payable and lines of credit.
 
We draw on multiple financing sources to fund our long-term capital needs.  We generally fund our development projects with construction loans.  Management anticipates that our available cash 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 borrowing secured by real estate to meet its liquidity requirements.  Although the past cannot predict the future, historically, management has been successful at extending a portion of our current maturity obligations and selling assets as necessary to meet current obligations.
 
Cash Flow Summary
 
The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the statements of cash flows as presented in Part I Item 1. “Financial Statements” and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flow (dollars in thousands):
 
   
September 30,
       
   
2014
   
2013
   
Variance
 
                   
Net cash used in operating activities
  $ (6,457 )   $ (12,934 )   $ 6,477  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
  $ (2,835 )   $ 71,061     $ (73,896 )
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (2,762 )   $ (65,843 )   $ 63,081  
 
Our 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. In addition, we have a related party account in which excess cash is transferred to or from.  Accrued interest receivable decreased in the current period.
 
Our primary cash outlays for investing activities are for construction and development, acquisition of land and income producing properties, and capital improvements to existing properties. Our primary sources of cash from investing activities are from the proceeds on the sale of land and income-producing properties.  The majority of the decrease in the current period is related to a lower sales amount, the acquisition of notes receivables and the acquisition of an income producing property.

Our primary sources of cash from financing activities are from proceeds on notes payables either through refinancing our existing loans or by obtaining new financing. Our primary cash outlays are for recurring debt payments and payments on maturing notes payable. Proceeds from notes payable associated with new loans and refinancing provided more cash in the current period to be used in operations.

Environmental Matters
 
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, we 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 our business, assets or results of operations.
 
 
 
34

 
 
Inflation
 
The effects of inflation on our operations are not quantifiable.  Revenues from property operations tend to fluctuate proportionately with inflationary increases and decreases in real estate 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.
 
Tax Matters

During the third quarter 2012, May Realty Holdings, Inc. (“MRHI”), formerly known as Realty Advisors Management, Inc., subsidiaries acquired stock of ARL such that more than 80% of ARL was owned by the MRHI group.  As a result, ARL joined the MRHI consolidated group for federal income tax reporting.

Financial statement income varies from taxable income principally due to the accounting for income and losses of investees, gains and losses from asset sales, depreciation on owned properties, amortization of discounts on notes receivable and payable and the difference in the allowance for estimated losses. ARL had a loss for federal income tax purposes after the use of net operating loss carryforwards in the first nine months of 2014 and a loss in 2013 and 2012, therefore, it recorded no provision for income taxes.

At September 30, 2014, ARL had a net deferred tax asset of $107.2 million due to tax deductions available to it in future years.  However, as management cannot determine that it is more likely than not that ARI will realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets, a 100% valuation allowance has been established.


ITEM 3.       QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
 
At September 30, 2014, our exposure to a change in interest rates on our debt is as follows (dollars in thousands, except per share):
 
         
Weighted
   
Effect of 1%
 
         
Average
   
Increase In
 
   
Balance
   
Interest Rate
   
Base Rates
 
Notes payable:
                 
Variable rate
  $ 63,417       5.37 %   $ 634  
Total decrease in ARL’s annual net income
                    634  
Per share
                  $ 0.05  
 
ITEM 4.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Based on an evaluation by our management (with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer), as of the end of the period covered by this report, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
35

 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 2.         UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
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.  The following table represents shares repurchased on a monthly basis during the third quarter of 2014:
 
               
Total Number of
   
Maximum Number of
 
               
Shares Purchased
   
Shares that May
 
   
Total Number of
   
Average Price
   
as Part of Publicly
   
Yet be Purchased
 
Period
 
Shares Purchased
   
Paid per share
   
Announced Program
   
Under the Program
 
Balance at June 30, 2014
                986,750       263,250  
July 31, 2014
    -     $ -       986,750       263,250  
August 31, 2014
    -     $ -       986,750       263,250  
September 30, 2014
    -     $ -       986,750       263,250  
Total
    -                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

 
 
ITEM 6.         EXHIBITS
 
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference as indicated below:
 
   
Exhibit
Number    
 
 
Description of Exhibit
 
 
         3.0  
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).
   
         3.1  
Certificate of Correction of Restated Articles of Incorporation of American Realty Investors, Inc. dated August 29, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000).
   
         3.2  
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 23, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
         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 I Cumulative Preferred Stock dated October 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
   
         3.4  
Bylaws of American Realty Investors, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed 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’s current report on Form 8-K for event of March 16, 2006).
4.5  
Certificate of Designation for Nevada Profit Corporation designating the Series K Convertible Preferred Stock as filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on May 6, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s current report on form 8-K for event of May 7, 2013).
   
10.1  
Advisory Agreement between American Realty Investors, Inc. and Pillar Income Asset Management, Inc., dated April 30, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 2, 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).
   
31.1*
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
31.2*
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
   
32.1*
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101    Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T.
 
_________________________
*
Filed herewith
 
 
 
37

 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE
 
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
 
     
 
AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC.
     
Date: November 12, 2014
By:
/s/ Daniel J. Moos
   
Daniel J. Moos
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date: November 12, 2014
By:
/s/ Gene S. Bertcher
   
Gene S. Bertcher
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
38