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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2021

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

Commission File No. 000-25043

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland

22-1697095

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

505 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey

 

07601

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

201-488-6400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share

FREVS

OTC Pink Market

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

 

 

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share

(Title of class)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

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

Large Accelerated Filer ☐ Accelerated Filer ☐ Non-Accelerated Filer ☒ Smaller Reporting Company ☒

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares of common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $105 million. Computation is based on the closing sales price of such shares as quoted on the over-the-counter-market on April 30, 2021, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter. As of January 28, 2022, the number of shares of common stock outstanding was 6,860,048.

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Table of Contents

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-K

 

PART I   Page No.
  Item 1 Business 3
  Item 1A Risk Factors 12
  Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments 15
  Item 2 Properties 15
  Item 3 Legal Proceedings 19
  Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures 20
       
PART II    
  Item 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 21
  Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 22
  Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 44
  Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 44
  Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 44
  Item 9A Controls and Procedures 45
  Item 9B Other Information  45
  Item 9C Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections  45
       
PART III    
  Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 46
  Item 11 Executive Compensation 49
  Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 61
  Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions; Director Independence 62
  Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 66
       
PART IV    
  Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 67

 

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Table of Contents 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information included in this Annual Report contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The registrant cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to the registrant’s investment policies and objectives; the financial performance of the registrant; the ability of the registrant to borrow and service its debt; the economic and competitive conditions which affect the registrant’s business; the ability of the registrant to obtain the necessary governmental approvals for the development, expansion or renovation of its properties, the impact of environmental conditions affecting the registrant’s properties, and the registrant’s liquidity and capital resources, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors, including, without limitation, the registrant’s future financial performance; the availability of capital; general market conditions; national and local economic conditions, particularly long-term interest rates; federal, state and local governmental regulations that affect the registrant; and the competitive environment in which the registrant operates, including, the availability of retail space and residential apartment units in the areas where the registrant’s properties are located. In addition, the registrant’s continued qualification as a real estate investment trust involves the application of highly technical and complex rules of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report and the registrant assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those projected in such forward-looking statements.

 

PART I

ITEM 1 BUSINESS

 

(a) General Business

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) is an equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) which was organized in New Jersey in 1961. On July 1, 2021, FREIT completed the change of its form of organization from a New Jersey REIT to a Maryland corporation (the “Reincorporation”) which was approved by its stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 6, 2021. The Reincorporation changes the law applicable to FREIT’s affairs from New Jersey law to Maryland law and was accomplished by the merger of FREIT with and into its wholly owned subsidiary, First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (“FREIT Maryland”, “Trust”, “us”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation. As a result of the Reincorporation, the separate existence of FREIT has ceased and FREIT Maryland has succeeded to all the business, properties, assets and liabilities of FREIT. Holders of shares of beneficial interest in FREIT have received one newly issued share of common stock of FREIT Maryland for each share of FREIT that they own, without any action of stockholders required and all treasury stock held by FREIT was retired.

FREIT Maryland is organized and will continue to operate in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and its stock is traded on the over-the counter market under the trading symbol FREVS. FREIT Maryland acquires, develops, constructs and holds real estate properties for long-term investment and not for resale. FREIT Maryland’s long-range investment policy is to review and evaluate potential real estate investment opportunities for acquisition that it believes will (i) complement its existing investment portfolio, (ii) generate increased income and distributions to its stockholders, and (iii) increase the overall value of FREIT Maryland’s portfolio. FREIT Maryland’s investments may take the form of wholly-owned fee interests, or if the circumstances warrant diversification of risk, ownership on a joint venture basis or as tenants-in-common with other parties, including employees and affiliates of Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian & Co.”), FREIT Maryland’s managing agent (See “Management Agreement”). While our general investment policy is to hold and maintain properties for the long-term, we may, from time-to-time, sell or trade certain properties in order to (i) obtain capital to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which we have determined or determine are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.

FREIT Maryland Website: All of FREIT Maryland’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings for the past three years are available free of charge on FREIT Maryland’s website, which can be accessed at http://www.freitnj.com.

Fiscal Year 2021 Developments

(i) FINANCING
(a) Effective beginning on February 1, 2021, WestFREIT, Corp. (owned 100% by FREIT Maryland) entered into a loan extension and modification agreement with M&T Bank on its loan secured by the Westridge Square shopping center in Frederick, Maryland. This loan requires monthly principal payments of $49,250 plus interest based on a floating interest rate equal to 255 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and has a maturity date of January 31, 2022, with the option of WestFREIT, Corp. to extend for an additional one-year period through January 31, 2023, subject to certain requirements as provided for in the loan agreement including the lease-up of certain space. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.) On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT, Corp. was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan.

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(b) FREIT Maryland’s revolving line of credit provided by Provident Bank was renewed for a three-year term ending on October 31, 2023. Draws against the credit line can be used for working capital needs and standby letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT Maryland’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and retail space in Glen Rock, New Jersey. The total line of credit is $13 million and the interest rate on the amount outstanding is based on a floating interest rate of prime minus 25 basis points with a floor of 3.75%. As of October 31, 2021, there was no amount outstanding and $13 million was available under the line of credit. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)
(c) Effective February 6, 2021, Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande Rotunda”) exercised the first extension option on this loan with a balance in the amount of approximately $118.5 million, extending the loan one year with a new maturity date of February 6, 2022. Principal payments in the amount of $500,000 were required upon exercise of the first loan extension option and per calendar quarter thereafter. Additionally, Grande Rotunda purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2021, for the loan amount of approximately $118.5 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year expiring on February 6, 2022. At October 31, 2021, the total amount outstanding on this loan was approximately $116.5 million and the interest rate was approximately 2.93%. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.) On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)
(b) Financial Information about Segments

FREIT Maryland has determined that it has two reportable segments: commercial properties and residential properties. These reportable segments offer different types of space, have different types of tenants and are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies and management expertise. Segment information for the three years ended October 31, 2021 is included in Note 13 “Segment Information” to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.

(c) Narrative Description of Business

FREIT Maryland was founded and organized for the principal purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a portfolio of diverse income producing real estate properties. FREIT Maryland’s developed properties include residential apartment communities and commercial properties that consist of multi and single tenanted properties. Our properties are located in New Jersey, Maryland and New York. We also currently own approximately 7.37 acres of unimproved land in New Jersey. See Item 2, “Properties - Portfolio of Investments.” 

FREIT Maryland elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. FREIT Maryland operates in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT in order to take advantage of certain favorable tax aspects of the REIT structure. Generally, a REIT will not be subject to federal income taxes on that portion of its ordinary income or capital gain that is currently distributed to its equity holders.

As an equity REIT, we generally acquire interests in income producing properties to be held as long-term investments. FREIT Maryland’s return on such investments is based on the income generated by such properties mainly in the form of rents.

From time to time, FREIT Maryland has sold, and may sell again in the future, certain of its properties in order to (i) obtain capital used or to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which FREIT Maryland has determined or determines are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.

We do not hold any patents, registered trademarks, or licenses. 

Portfolio of Real Estate Investments

At October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland’s real estate holdings included (i) seven (7) multi-family apartment buildings or complexes containing a total of 1,171 apartment units, (ii) a 65% tenancy-in-common undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property (See Item 1 “Investment in tenancy in common” of this Annual Report for additional details), (iii) eight (8) commercial properties (retail and office) containing a total of approximately 1,280,000 square feet of leasable space, including one (1) one-acre parcel subject to a ground lease and (iv) three (3) parcels of undeveloped land consisting of approximately 7.37 acres in total. FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries own all such properties in fee simple. See Item 2, “Properties - Portfolio of Investments” of this Annual Report for a description of FREIT Maryland’s separate investment properties and certain other pertinent information with respect to such properties that is relevant to FREIT Maryland’s business.

4 

Investment in Subsidiaries 

The consolidated financial statements (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K) include the accounts of the following subsidiaries of FREIT Maryland:

Westwood Hills, LLC (“Westwood Hills”): FREIT Maryland owns a 40% membership interest in Westwood Hills, which owns and operates a 210-unit residential apartment complex in Westwood, New Jersey.

Wayne PSC, LLC (“Wayne PSC”): FREIT Maryland owns a 40% membership interest in Wayne PSC, which owns a 322,000 square foot shopping center in Wayne, New Jersey.

Grande Rotunda, LLC: FREIT Maryland owns a 60% membership interest in Grande Rotunda, which owns a 295,000 square foot mixed use property (office and retail) and a 379-unit residential apartment complex in Baltimore, Maryland.

Damascus Centre, LLC: FREIT Maryland owns a 70% membership interest in Damascus Centre, LLC which owns a 144,000 square foot shopping center in Damascus, Maryland.

WestFREIT, Corp: FREIT Maryland owns 100% of the capital stock of WestFREIT, Corp., which owns Westridge Square, a 253,000 square foot shopping center in Frederick, Maryland.

FREIT Regency, LLC: FREIT Maryland owns a 100% membership interest in FREIT Regency, LLC, which owns a 132-unit residential apartment complex located in Middletown, New York.

Station Place on Monmouth, LLC: FREIT Maryland owns a 100% membership interest in Station Place on Monmouth, LLC, which owns a 45-unit residential apartment complex located in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Berdan Court, LLC: FREIT Maryland owns a 100% membership interest in Berdan Court, LLC, which owns a 176-unit residential apartment complex located in Wayne, New Jersey.

Investment in tenancy-in-common 

On February 28, 2020, FREIT Maryland reorganized its subsidiary S and A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S&A”) from a partnership into a tenancy-in-common form of ownership (“TIC”). Prior to this reorganization, FREIT Maryland owned a 65% partnership interest in S&A, which owned 100% of the Pierre Towers property located in Hackensack, New Jersey through its 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC. Pursuant to the TIC agreement, FREIT Maryland ultimately acquired a 65% undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property, a 266-unit residential apartment complex in Hackensack, New Jersey (which was formerly owned by S&A). (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.)

Purchase and Sale Agreement

On November 22, 2021, certain affiliates (the “Sellers”) of FREIT Maryland entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Maryland Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with MCB Acquisition Company, LLC (the “Purchaser”), a third party, pursuant to which the Sellers agreed to sell three properties to the Purchaser. The properties consisted of retail and office space and a residential apartment community owned by Grande Rotunda, LLC (the “Rotunda Property”), a shopping center owned by Damascus Centre, LLC (the “Damascus Property”), and a shopping center owned by WestFREIT Corp. (the “Westridge Square Property”). FREIT Maryland owns 100% of its subsidiary, WestFREIT Corp. (“WestFREIT”), a 60% interest in Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande Rotunda”), the joint venture that owned the Rotunda Property, and a 70% interest in Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus Centre”), the joint venture that owned the Damascus Property.

The original purchase price for the Rotunda Property, the Damascus Property and the Westridge Square Property (collectively the “Properties”) under the Maryland Purchase and Sale Agreement was reduced by $2,723,000 from $267,000,000 to $248,750,269, after giving effect to the $15,526,731 escrow deposit described below. This reduction in the sales price was to account for improvements and repairs to the Properties and miscellaneous items identified by the Purchaser in the course of its due diligence inspection. Additionally, the Purchaser was obligated under the Purchase and Sale Agreement to deposit a total of $15,526,731 in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Properties where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of the Sellers under certain leases remain unpaid. Although there can be no assurance, a portion of the $15,526,731 escrow deposit (the “Purchaser Escrow Payment”) may be paid to the Sellers depending upon the outcome of construction and leasing activities at the Properties.

On December 30, 2021, the sale of the Rotunda Property was consummated by Grande Rotunda and the Purchaser for a purchase price of $191,080,598. Grande Rotunda received net proceeds from the sale of approximately $68.7 million, after payment of related mortgage debt in the amount of $116.5 million and certain transactional expenses and transfer taxes, and not including loans (including interest) from each of the partners in Grande Rotunda (FREIT Maryland and Rotunda 100, LLC), totaling approximately $30.9 million which will be repaid with proceeds from the sale. In addition, the Purchaser deposited a total of $14,026,401 of the Purchaser Escrow Payment in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Rotunda Property where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of Grande Rotunda under certain leases remain unpaid. The sale

5 

of the Rotunda Property resulted in a net gain of approximately $52 million which includes approximately $8.2 million of proceeds anticipated to be released from the $14,026,401 held in escrow.

On January 7, 2022, the sale of the Westridge Square Property was consummated by WestFREIT and the Purchaser for a purchase price of $20,984,604. WestFREIT paid net cash outlays from the sale of approximately $0.7 million, after payment of related mortgage debt in the amount of approximately $21.1 million and certain transactional expenses and transfer taxes. In addition, the Purchaser deposited a total of $1,015,396 of the Purchaser Escrow Payment in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Westridge Square Property where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of WestFREIT under certain leases remain unpaid. The sale of the Westridge Square Property resulted in a net gain of approximately $8.7 million which includes approximately $0.7 million of proceeds anticipated to be released from the $1,015,396 held in escrow.

On January 10, 2022, the sale of the Damascus Property was consummated by Damascus Centre and the Purchaser for a purchase price of $36,685,067. Damascus Centre received net proceeds from the sale of approximately $16.9 million, after payment of related mortgage debt in the amount of approximately $18.2 million and certain transactional expenses and transfer taxes. In addition, the Purchaser deposited a total of $484,934 of the Purchaser Escrow Payment in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Damascus Property where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of Damascus Centre under certain leases remain unpaid. The sale of the Damascus Property resulted in a net gain of approximately $10.1 million which includes approximately $0.4 million of proceeds anticipated to be released from the $484,934 held in escrow. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

Employees

On October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries had twenty-three (23) full-time employees and two (2) part-time employees employed through a professional services organization, who work solely at the properties owned by FREIT Maryland or its subsidiaries. The number of part-time employees varies seasonally.

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and President, Ronald J. Artinian, Chairman of the Board, Allan Tubin, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and John A. Aiello, Esq., Secretary, are the executive officers of FREIT Maryland. FREIT Maryland does not retain the services of its executive officers on an exclusive basis, and accordingly FREIT Maryland’s executive officers are permitted to engage in other business activities as all of their business activities are not devoted to FREIT Maryland. Please see “Item 10 – Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance,” for additional information about FREIT Maryland’s executive officers. Hekemian & Co. has been retained by FREIT Maryland to manage FREIT Maryland’s properties and is responsible for recruiting, on behalf of FREIT Maryland, the personnel required to perform all services related to the operation of FREIT Maryland’s properties. See “Management Agreement” below. 

Effective upon the late Robert S. Hekemian’s retirement as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and as a Director on April 5, 2018, FREIT Maryland entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Hekemian, pursuant to which Mr. Hekemian provided consulting services to FREIT Maryland through December 2019. The consulting agreement obliged Mr. Hekemian to provide advice and consultation with respect to matters pertaining to FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries, affiliates, assets and business for no fewer than 30 hours per month during the term of the agreement. FREIT Maryland paid Mr. Hekemian a consulting fee of $5,000 per month during the term of the consulting agreement, which was payable in the form of shares on a quarterly basis (i.e. in quarterly installments of $15,000). In connection with the termination of Robert S. Hekemian’s service to FREIT Maryland under the consulting agreement between Mr. Hekemian and FREIT Maryland in December 2019, Mr. Hekemian’s accrued plan benefits under FREIT Maryland’s Deferred Fee Plan became payable to him and were paid in a single lump sum in the amount of approximately $4.8 million. See Note 11 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for a more complete description of the Deferred Fee Plan.

Management Agreement

On April 10, 2002, FREIT Maryland and Hekemian & Co. executed a Management Agreement whereby Hekemian & Co. would continue as managing agent for FREIT Maryland. The Management Agreement automatically renews for successive periods of two years unless either party gives not less than six (6) months prior notice to the other of non-renewal. The term of the Management Agreement was renewed for a two-year term, which will expire on October 31, 2023. Hekemian & Co. currently manages all the properties owned by FREIT Maryland and its affiliates, except for the office building at the Rotunda property located in Baltimore, Maryland, which is managed by an independent third party management company. However, FREIT Maryland may retain other managing agents to manage properties acquired after April 10, 2002 and to perform various other duties such as sales, acquisitions, and development with respect to any or all properties. Hekemian & Co. does not serve as the exclusive property acquisition advisor to FREIT Maryland and is not required to offer potential acquisition properties exclusively to FREIT Maryland before acquiring those properties for its own account. The Management Agreement includes a detailed schedule of fees for those services, which Hekemian & Co. may be called upon to perform. The Management Agreement provides for a termination fee in the event of a termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement under certain circumstances.

Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, FREIT Maryland pays Hekemian & Co. fees and commissions as compensation for its services. From time to time, FREIT Maryland engages Hekemian & Co., or certain affiliates of Hekemian

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& Co., to provide additional services, such as consulting services related to development, property sales and financing activities of FREIT Maryland. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between Hekemian & Co. and FREIT Maryland with respect to such additional services. Employees of Hekemian & Co. own an interest in certain FREIT Maryland properties. (See Note 8 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.)

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of FREIT Maryland, is the Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian & Co., and owns approximately 33.3% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hekemian & Co. David Hekemian, a Director of FREIT Maryland, is the President of Hekemian & Co., and owns approximately 33.3% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hekemian & Co.

Real Estate Financing

FREIT Maryland funds acquisition opportunities and the development of its real estate properties largely through debt financing, including mortgage loans collateralized by certain of its properties. At October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $301.3 million, which bears a weighted average interest rate of 3.56% and an average life of 2.44 years. See the tables in Item 2, “Properties - Portfolio of Investments” for the outstanding mortgage balances at October 31, 2021 with respect to each of these properties.

FREIT Maryland is highly leveraged and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. This level of indebtedness results in increased debt service requirements that could adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of FREIT Maryland. A number of FREIT Maryland’s mortgage loans are amortized over a period that is longer than the terms of such loans; thereby requiring balloon payments at the expiration of the terms of such loans. FREIT Maryland has not established a cash reserve sinking fund with respect to such obligations and at this time does not expect to have sufficient funds from operations to make such balloon payments when due under the terms of such loans. FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries expect to refinance such mortgage loans as they become due. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under Item 7.

FREIT Maryland is subject to the normal risks associated with debt financing, including the risk that FREIT Maryland’s cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; the risk that indebtedness on its properties will not be able to be renewed, repaid or refinanced when due; or that the terms of any renewal or refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the indebtedness being replaced. If FREIT Maryland were unable to refinance its indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, FREIT Maryland might be forced to dispose of one or more of its properties on disadvantageous terms which might result in losses to FREIT Maryland. These losses could have a material adverse effect on FREIT Maryland and its ability to make distributions to stockholders and to pay amounts due on its debt. If a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and FREIT Maryland is unable to meet mortgage payments, the mortgagee could foreclose upon the property, appoint a receiver and receive an assignment of rents and leases or pursue other remedies, all with a consequent loss of revenues and asset value to FREIT Maryland. Further, payment obligations on FREIT Maryland’s mortgage loans will not be reduced if there is a decline in the economic performance of any of FREIT Maryland’s properties. If any such decline in economic performance occurs, FREIT Maryland’s revenues, earnings, and funds available for distribution to stockholders would be adversely affected.

Neither FREIT Maryland’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, nor any policy statement formally adopted by the Board limits either the total amount of indebtedness or the specified percentage of indebtedness (based on the total capitalization of FREIT Maryland), which may be incurred by FREIT Maryland. Accordingly, FREIT Maryland may incur additional secured or unsecured indebtedness in the future in furtherance of its business activities, including, if or when necessary, to refinance its existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT Maryland could bear interest at rates which are higher than the rates on FREIT Maryland’s existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT Maryland could also bear interest at a variable rate. Increases in interest rates would increase FREIT Maryland’s variable interest costs (to the extent that the related indebtedness was not protected by interest rate protection arrangements), which could have a material adverse effect on FREIT Maryland and its ability to make distributions to stockholders and to pay amounts due on its debt or cause FREIT Maryland to be in default under its debt. Further, in the future, FREIT Maryland may not be able to, or may determine that it is not able to, obtain financing for property acquisitions or for capital expenditures to develop or improve its properties on terms which are acceptable to FREIT Maryland. In such event, FREIT Maryland might elect to defer certain projects unless alternative sources of capital were available, such as through an equity or debt offering by FREIT Maryland.

Competitive Conditions

FREIT Maryland is subject to normal competition with other investors to acquire real property and to profitably manage such property. Numerous other REITs, banks, insurance companies and pension funds, as well as corporate and individual developers and owners of real estate, compete with FREIT Maryland in seeking properties for acquisition and for tenants. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than FREIT Maryland.

In addition, retailers at FREIT Maryland's commercial properties face increasing competition from online shopping, outlet malls and discount shopping clubs. In many markets, the trade areas of FREIT Maryland's commercial properties overlap with the trade areas of other shopping centers. Renovations and expansions at those competing shopping centers and malls could negatively affect FREIT Maryland's commercial properties by encouraging shoppers to make their purchases at such new, expanded or renovated shopping centers and malls. Increased competition through these various sources could adversely affect

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the viability of FREIT Maryland's tenants, and any new commercial real estate competition developed in the future could potentially have an adverse effect on the revenues of and earnings from FREIT Maryland's commercial properties.

  (A) General Factors Affecting Investment in Commercial and Apartment Properties; Effect of Economic and Real Estate Conditions

The revenues and value of FREIT Maryland’s commercial and residential apartment properties may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including, without limitation, public health crises, epidemics and pandemics (See Note 16 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on FREIT Maryland); the national economic climate; the regional economic climate (which may be adversely affected by plant closings, industry slow-downs and other local business factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail space or apartment units); perceptions by retailers or shoppers of the security, safety, convenience and attractiveness of a shopping center; perception by residential tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of an apartment building or complex; the proximity and the number of competing shopping centers and apartment complexes; the availability of recreational and other amenities and the willingness and ability of the owner to provide capable management and adequate maintenance. In addition, other factors may adversely affect the fair market value of a commercial property or apartment building or complex without necessarily affecting the revenues, including changes in government regulations (such as limitations on development or on hours of operation) changes in tax laws or rates, and potential environmental or other legal liabilities.

  (B)   Commercial Shopping Center Properties' Dependence on Anchor Stores and Satellite Tenants

FREIT Maryland believes that its revenues and earnings, its ability to meet its debt obligations, and its funds available for distribution to stockholders would be adversely affected if space in FREIT Maryland's multi-store shopping center properties could not be leased or if anchor store tenants or satellite tenants failed to meet their lease obligations.

The success of FREIT Maryland's investment in its shopping center properties is largely dependent upon the success of its tenants. Unfavorable economic, demographic, or competitive conditions may adversely affect the financial condition of tenants and consequently the lease revenues from and the value of FREIT Maryland's investments in its shopping center properties. If the sales of stores operating in FREIT Maryland's shopping center properties were to decline due to deteriorating economic conditions, the tenants may be unable to pay their base rents or meet other lease charges and fees due to FREIT Maryland. In addition, any lease provisions providing for additional rent based on a percentage of sales would not be operative in this economic environment. In the event of default by a tenant, FREIT Maryland could suffer a loss of rent and experience extraordinary delays while incurring additional costs in enforcing its rights under the lease, which FREIT Maryland may not be able to recapture.

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As of October 31, 2021, the following table lists the ten (10) largest commercial tenants, which account for approximately 53.4% of FREIT Maryland’s leased commercial rental space and 40.3% of fixed commercial rents.

             
Tenant   Center   Sq. Ft.   % of Revenue
Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp. (1)    Westridge Square (4)   85,992   3.9%
Kmart Corp.    Westwood Plaza   84,254   1.9%
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.    Preakness   61,020   3.8%
Safeway Stores, Inc.    Damascus Center (4)   58,358   5.7%
H-Mart Frederick, LLC    Westridge Square (4)   55,300   4.0%
The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy    Rotunda (4)   51,520   9.3%
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.    Franklin Crossing   48,673   5.2%
TJ MAXX    Westwood Plaza   28,480   3.4%
T-Bowl, Inc. (2)    Preakness   27,195   1.9%
Gold's Gym (3)    Westridge Square (4)   20,680   1.3%

 

(1) On May 4, 2021, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse Corp. ("Burlington") amended its lease extending the term of the lease for a period of one (1) year and ninety (90) days commencing on December 1, 2021 and expiring on February 28, 2023 (“Fourth Extension Period”).  The fixed rent during this Fourth Extension Period shall be reduced from $59,120 per month to $35,830 per month.  Additionally, Burlington has the right to terminate the lease at any time prior to the last day of the Fourth Extension Period by providing at least twelve (12) months prior written notice of such termination (the “Termination Notice”). In the event that Burlington delivers the Termination Notice, the term of the lease shall automatically end on the last day of the twelfth (12th) full calendar month immediately following receipt of the Termination Notice.     See “Renewal of leases and Reletting of Space” below for additional details. On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold.  See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.

 

(2) T-Bowl, Inc. was shut down for several months in Fiscal 2020 due to the effects of COVID-19 and resumed operations at a very low capacity in Fiscal 2021. Although this tenant has been paying common are maintenance, insurance reimbursements and real estate tax reimbursements ("additional rent") in Fiscal 2021, rental revenue for this tenant of approximately $369,000 during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 has been deemed uncollectible and classified as a reduction in rental revenue. See “Renewal of leases and Reletting of Space” below and Note 16 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.

 

(3) Gold's Gym did not exercise its option to renew its lease which expires on March 31, 2022. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021, Gold's Gym ceased operations at this location while continuing to pay only additional rent. FREIT Maryland's operating results will be adversely affected from loss of base rent and additional rent of approximately $330,000 on an annualized basis.  See “Renewal of leases and Reletting of Space” below for additional details. On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold.  See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.

 

(4) On December 30, 2021, January 7, 2022 and January 10, 2022 the property owned by Grande Rotunda, WestFREIT and Damascus Centre, respectively, was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

 

    (C) Renewal of Leases and Reletting of Space

There is no assurance that we will be able to retain tenants at our commercial properties upon expiration of their leases. Upon expiration or termination of leases for space located in FREIT Maryland's commercial properties, the premises may not be relet or the terms of reletting (including the cost of concessions to tenants) may not be as favorable as lease terms for the terminated lease. If FREIT Maryland were unable to promptly relet all or a substantial portion of this space or if the rental rates upon such reletting were significantly lower than current or expected rates, FREIT Maryland's revenues and earnings, FREIT Maryland’s ability to service its debt, and FREIT Maryland’s ability to make distributions to its stockholders, could be adversely affected.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2021, Pet Valu, Inc., a pet store tenant, vacated several stores located in shopping centers owned by FREIT Maryland affiliates (Wayne PSC, Damascus Centre and Grande Rotunda) and terminated the related leases early paying an aggregate lease termination fee in the amount of approximately $260,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $140,000). The properties owned by Grande Rotunda and Damascus Centre were sold on December 30, 2021 and January 10, 2022, respectively. See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.

FREIT Maryland owns and operates an 87,661 square foot shopping center located in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, the anchor tenant of which is The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, LLC (“Stop & Shop”). On July 26, 2017, Stop & Shop entered into a lease modification with FREIT Maryland whereby the tenant exercised its option to renew the lease for a ten-year period with a right of the tenant to terminate the lease at any time during the fifth year if the store did not meet certain sales volume levels set forth in the modification. Based on Stop & Shop’s sales volume levels at this location, the tenant will not be able to exercise its right terminate the lease prior to the end of its ten-year renewal period, which is June 30, 2027. This lease modification provided for a $250,000 reduction in annual rent over the renewed term.

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On April 26, 2020, CB Theatre Experience, LLC filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States bankruptcy code (“Bankruptcy Code”) as disclosed in its bankruptcy filings. The theatre operated by CB Theatre Experience, LLC (known as “Cobb Theatre”) at the Rotunda retail property in Baltimore, Maryland, under a lease with Grande Rotunda, has been closed since April 2020 due to the mandated shut down related to the COVID-19 pandemic and on July 14, 2020, Cobb Theatre rejected its lease at this property as of June 30, 2020. Additionally, there were unamortized tenant improvements related to the buildout of the movie theatre space in the amount of approximately $7.3 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $4.4 million) which were deemed to be impaired, written off and charged to operating expenses in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020. During the first quarter ended January 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland received a settlement payment from Cobb Theatre in the amount of approximately $0.2 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.1 million). On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold. See “Results of Operations – Segment Information – Commercial Segment” under Item 7 and Notes 16 and 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.

In Fiscal 2021, the lease for T-Bowl, Inc., which does business as a bowling alley at the Preakness Shopping Center located in Wayne, New Jersey, expired and has been on a month-to-month basis. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic mandated shut downs and imposed restrictions, this tenant was shut down for several months in Fiscal 2020 and resumed operations at a very low capacity in Fiscal 2021. Although this tenant has been paying additional rents in Fiscal 2021, rental revenue for this tenant of approximately $369,000 during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 has been deemed uncollectible and classified as a reduction in rental revenue. If the tenant is unable to recommence operations and does not extend or renew this lease, FREIT Maryland’s operating results will be adversely impacted from loss of base rent and additional rent of approximately $551,000 on an annualized basis. The Company is currently in discussions with this tenant. There were no other material lease expirations during Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020.

On May 4, 2021, Burlington amended its lease at the Westridge Square Shopping Center (owned by WestFREIT) extending the term of the lease for a period of one (1) year and ninety (90) days commencing on December 1, 2021 and expiring on February 28, 2023 (“Fourth Extension Period”). The fixed rent during this Fourth Extension Period was reduced from $59,120 per month to $35,830 per month. Additionally, Burlington has the right to terminate the lease at any time prior to the last day of the Fourth Extension Period by providing at least twelve (12) months prior written notice of such termination (the “Termination Notice”). In the event that Burlington delivers the Termination Notice, the term of the lease shall automatically end on the last day of the twelfth (12th) full calendar month immediately following receipt of the Termination Notice. On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

Gold's Gym, which does business as a gym at the Westridge Square Shopping Center did not exercise its option to renew its lease which expires on March 31, 2022. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021, Gold's Gym ceased operations at this location while continuing to pay only additional rent. FREIT Maryland's operating results will be adversely affected from loss of base rent and additional rent of approximately $330,000 on an annualized basis.  On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)  

  (D) Illiquidity of Real Estate Investments; Possibility that Value of FREIT Maryland's Interests may be less than its Investment

Equity real estate investments are relatively illiquid. Accordingly, the ability of FREIT Maryland to vary its portfolio in response to changing economic, market or other conditions is limited. Also, FREIT Maryland's interests in its partially owned subsidiaries are subject to transfer constraints imposed by the operating agreements which govern FREIT Maryland’s investment in these partially owned subsidiaries. Even without such restrictions on the transfer of its interests, FREIT Maryland believes that there would be a limited market for its interests in these partially owned subsidiaries.

If FREIT Maryland had to liquidate all or substantially all of its real estate holdings, the value of such assets would likely be diminished if a sale were required to be completed in a limited time frame. The proceeds to FREIT Maryland from any such sale of the assets in FREIT Maryland’s real estate portfolio would therefore be less than the fair market value of those assets.

Impact of Governmental Laws and Regulations on Registrant's Business

FREIT Maryland’s properties are subject to various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including those relating to the environment and local rent control and zoning ordinances.

  (A) Environmental Matters

Both federal and state governments are concerned with the impact of real estate construction and development programs upon the environment. Environmental legislation affects the cost of selling real estate, the cost to develop real estate, and the risks associated with purchasing real estate.

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under such property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property). Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the

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owners knew of, or were responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances. Such liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of any operator of, or tenant at, the property. The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal injury or property damages and the property owner's liability for same could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. If FREIT Maryland incurred any such liability, it could reduce FREIT Maryland's revenues and ability to make distributions to its stockholders.

A property can also be negatively impacted by either physical contamination or by virtue of an adverse effect upon value attributable to the migration of hazardous or toxic substances, or other contaminants that have or may have emanated from other properties.

At this time, FREIT Maryland is aware of the following environmental matters affecting its properties:

  (i) Westwood Plaza Shopping Center, Westwood, NJ

This property is in a Flood Hazard Zone. FREIT Maryland maintains flood insurance in the amount of $500,000 for the subject property, which is the maximum available under the Flood Program for the property. Any reconstruction of that portion of the property situated in the flood hazard zone is subject to regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP"), which could require extraordinary construction methods. FREIT Maryland acquired the Westwood Plaza property in 1988, and the property has not experienced any flooding that gave rise to any claims under FREIT Maryland’s flood insurance in this time period.

  (ii) Other

a) The State of New Jersey has adopted an underground fuel storage tank law and various regulations with respect to underground storage tanks.

FREIT Maryland no longer has underground storage tanks on any of its properties.

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, FREIT Maryland conducted environmental audits for all of its properties. The environmental reports secured by FREIT Maryland have not revealed any environmental conditions on its properties which require any further remediation pursuant to any applicable federal or state law or regulation.

b) FREIT Maryland has determined that several of its properties contain lead based paint (“LBP”). FREIT Maryland has obtained lead-free interior certifications with respect to all properties that were found to contain LBP, certifying that such properties contain no LBP on the interior surfaces. FREIT Maryland believes that it complies with all federal, state and local requirements as they pertain to LBP.

FREIT Maryland does not believe that the environmental conditions described in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above will have a material adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, revenues, earnings, financial condition or competitive position of FREIT Maryland.

  (B) Rent Control Ordinances

Each of the apartment buildings or complexes owned by FREIT Maryland or an affiliate of FREIT Maryland, is subject to some form of rent control ordinance which limits the amount by which FREIT Maryland or an affiliate of FREIT Maryland, can increase the rent for renewed leases, and in some cases, limits the amount of rent which FREIT Maryland or an affiliate of FREIT Maryland can charge for vacated units, except for The Regency, Westwood Hills, The Boulders at Rockaway, Station Place and Icon which are not subject to any rent control law or regulation.

  (C) Zoning Ordinances

Local zoning ordinances may prevent FREIT Maryland from renovating, expanding or converting its existing properties for their highest and best use as determined by the Board. In Fiscal 2021, Wayne PSC received approvals from the Township of Wayne to allow it to redevelop the site immediately behind the former Macy’s department store to include 244 residential units with 37 units earmarked for affordable housing.

  (D) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sale

FREIT Maryland does not engage in operations in foreign countries and it does not derive any portion of its revenues from customers in foreign countries.

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ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS

Almost all of FREIT Maryland’s income and cash flow are derived from the net rental income (revenues after expenses) from our properties. FREIT Maryland’s business and financial results are affected by the following fundamental factors:

· public health crises, epidemics and pandemics;
· the national and regional economic climate;
· occupancy rates at the properties;
· tenant turnover rates;
· rental rates;
· operating expenses;
· tenant improvement and leasing costs;
· cost of and availability of capital;
· failure of banking institutions;
· failure of insurance carriers;
· new acquisitions and development projects; and
· changes in governmental regulations, real estate tax rates and similar matters.

A negative or adverse quality change in the above factors could potentially cause a detrimental effect on FREIT Maryland’s revenue, earnings and cash flow. If rental revenues decline, we would expect to have less cash available to pay our indebtedness and distribute to our stockholders.

Adverse impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic: FREIT Maryland is subject to risks related to the effects of public health crises, epidemics and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Such events could inhibit global, national and local economic activity; constrain our access to capital and other sources of funding, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings or refinancings; adversely affect our residential tenants’ financial condition due to a sustained loss of income, which could affect their ability to pay rent; adversely affect our commercial tenants’ financial condition by limiting foot traffic and staffing at their businesses, which could affect their ability to pay rent and willingness to make new leasing commitments; reduce our cash flow, which could impact our ability to pay dividends or to service our debt; temporarily or permanently reduce the demand for retail or office space; reduce the value of our real estate assets, which may result in material non-cash impairment charges in future periods; and have other direct and indirect effects that are difficult to predict. Such risks depend upon the nature and severity of the public health concern, as well as the extent and duration of government-mandated orders and personal decisions to limit travel, economic activity and personal interaction, none of which can be predicted with confidence. In particular, we cannot predict the duration of certain government orders instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which vary by jurisdiction, or the short and long term economic effects caused by the pandemic, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Adverse Changes in General Economic Climate: FREIT Maryland derives the majority of its revenues from renting apartments to individuals or families, and from retailers renting space at its shopping centers. Over the past several years, there have been many factors aiding in economic growth in the United States such as: (a) improvement in the housing market; (b) increased consumer confidence to push spending modestly higher; (c) improvements in private sector employment; and (d) improved credit availability. However, there have been many factors impacting long-term economic growth, including, without limitation: (i) continued political gridlock in the federal government; (ii) regulatory uncertainties; (iii) continued infrastructure deterioration; (iv) increasing concerns regarding terrorism; (v) rising healthcare costs; (vi) the impact of trade policies; and (vii) rising energy, wages and consumer prices driving an increase in inflation.

FREIT Maryland receives a substantial portion of its operating income as rent under long-term leases with commercial tenants. At any time, any of our commercial tenants could experience a downturn in its business that might weaken its financial condition. These tenants might defer or fail to make rental payments when due, delay lease commencement, voluntarily vacate the premises or declare bankruptcy, which could result in the termination of the tenant’s lease, and could result in material losses to us and harm to our results of operations. Also, it might take time to terminate leases of underperforming or nonperforming tenants and FREIT Maryland might incur costs to remove such tenants. Also, if tenants are unable to comply with the terms of their leases, FREIT Maryland might modify lease terms in ways that are less favorable to FREIT Maryland.

Tenants unable to pay rent: Financially distressed tenants may be unable to pay rents and expense recovery charges, where applicable, and may default on their leases. Enforcing FREIT Maryland’s rights as landlord could result in substantial costs and may not result in a full recovery of unpaid rent. If a tenant files for bankruptcy, the tenant’s lease may be terminated. In each such instance FREIT Maryland’s income and cash flow would be negatively impacted. The Company is closely monitoring changes in the collectability assessment of its tenant receivables as a result of certain tenants suffering adverse financial consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, rental revenue deemed uncollectible of approximately $1.3 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.8 million) and $1.4 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.9 million), respectively, was

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classified as a reduction in rental revenue based on our assessment of the probability of collecting substantially all of the remaining rents for certain tenants.

Costs of re-renting space: If tenants fail to renew leases, fail to exercise renewal options, or terminate their leases early, the lost rents due to vacancy and the costs of re-renting the space could prove costly to FREIT Maryland. In addition to cleaning and renovating the vacated space, we may be required to grant concessions to a new tenant, and may incur leasing brokerage commissions. The lease terms to a new tenant may be less favorable than the prior tenant’s lease terms, and will negatively impact FREIT Maryland’s income and cash flow and adversely affect FREIT Maryland’s ability to pay mortgage debt and interest or make distributions to its stockholders.

Inflation may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations: Increased inflation could have a pronounced negative impact on FREIT Maryland’s operating and administrative expenses, as these costs may increase at a higher rate than FREIT Maryland’s rents. While increases in most operating expenses at FREIT Maryland’s commercial properties can be passed on to retail tenants, increases in expenses at its residential properties cannot be passed on to residential tenants. Unreimbursed increased operating expenses may reduce cash flow available for payment of mortgage debt and interest and for distributions to stockholders.

Development and construction risks: As part of its investment strategy, FREIT Maryland seeks to acquire property for development and construction, as well as to develop and build on land already in its portfolio. Development and construction activities are challenged with the following risks, which may adversely affect FREIT Maryland’s cash flow:

· financing may not be available in the amounts FREIT Maryland seeks, or may not be on favorable terms;
· long-term financing may not be available upon completion of the construction;
· failure to complete construction on schedule or within budget may increase debt service costs and construction costs; and
· abandoned project costs could result in an impairment loss.

Debt financing could adversely affect income and cash flow: FREIT Maryland relies on debt financing to fund its growth through acquisitions and development activities. To the extent third party debt financing is not available or not available on acceptable terms, acquisitions and development activities will be curtailed.

As of October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland had approximately $138.6 million of non-recourse fixed interest rate mortgage debt, including deferred interest, and approximately $162.7 million of non-recourse variable interest rate mortgage debt of which $116.5 million related to the outstanding loan balance on the Grande Rotunda, LLC loan with Aareal Capital. On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan. On January 7, 2022 the property owned by WestFREIT was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $21.1 million then outstanding balance of this loan. On January 10, 2022 the property owned by Damascus Centre was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $18.2 million then outstanding balance of this loan. See Note 17 to FREIT’s consolidated financial statements for additional details. These mortgages are being repaid over periods (amortization schedules) that are longer than the terms of the mortgages. Accordingly, when the mortgages become due (at various times), significant balloon payments (the unpaid principal amounts) will be required. FREIT Maryland expects to refinance the individual mortgages with new mortgages or exercise extension options available to FREIT Maryland or its subsidiaries when their terms expire. To this extent, FREIT Maryland has exposure to capital availability and interest rate risk. If interest rates, at the time any individual mortgage note is due, are higher than the current fixed interest rate, higher debt service may be required and/or refinancing proceeds may be less than the amount of the mortgage debt being retired. To the extent FREIT Maryland is unable to refinance its indebtedness on acceptable terms, FREIT Maryland might need to dispose of one or more of its properties upon disadvantageous terms.

FREIT Maryland’s revolving $13 million credit line (of which $13 million was available as of October 31, 2021), and several of its loan agreements require FREIT Maryland or its subsidiaries to meet or maintain certain financial covenants that could restrict FREIT Maryland’s acquisition activities and result in a default on these loans if FREIT Maryland fails to satisfy these covenants. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic rent losses and the planning for a potential redevelopment of its shopping center, as of October 31, 2021, Wayne PSC was not, and currently is not, in compliance with a look back debt service coverage ratio loan covenant contained in the mortgage loan agreement held by People’s United Bank in the amount of approximately $22.6 million as of October 31, 2021. Although the Company continues to make its required debt service payments in accordance with the loan agreement, it is unable to comply with this covenant. As such, the bank could exercise its remedies under the loan agreement including, among other things, requiring a partial or full repayment of the loan. The Company is currently working with the lender to remediate this covenant default. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10K report, the bank has not declared this loan to be in default. Until such time as a definitive agreement is entered into, there can be no assurance the loan covenant will be amended and the bank will not declare this loan to be in default. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.)

Failure of banking and financing institutions: Banking and financing institutions such as insurance companies provide FREIT Maryland with credit lines and construction financing. The credit lines available to FREIT Maryland may be used for a variety of business purposes, including general corporate purposes, acquisitions, construction, and letters of credit. Construction

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financing enables FREIT Maryland to develop new properties, or renovate or expand existing properties. A failure of the banking institution making credit lines available may render the line unavailable and adversely affect FREIT Maryland’s liquidity, and negatively impact FREIT Maryland’s operations in a number of ways. A failure of a financial institution unable to fund its construction financing obligations to FREIT Maryland may cause the construction to halt or be delayed. Substitute financing may be significantly more expensive, and construction delays may subject FREIT Maryland to delivery penalties.

Failure of insurance carriers: FREIT Maryland’s properties are insured against unforeseen liability claims, property damages, and other hazards. The insurance companies FREIT Maryland uses have good ratings at the time the policies are put into effect. Substantially all of FREIT Maryland’s insurance coverage is provided by one carrier. Financial failure of FREIT Maryland’s carriers may result in their inability to pay current and future claims. This inability to pay claims may have an adverse impact on FREIT Maryland’s financial condition. In addition, a failure of a FREIT Maryland insurance carrier may cause FREIT Maryland’s insurance renewal or replacement policy costs to increase.

Real estate is a competitive business: FREIT Maryland is subject to normal competition with other investors to acquire real property and to profitably manage such property. Numerous other REITs, banks, insurance companies and pension funds, as well as corporate and individual developers and owners of real estate, compete with FREIT Maryland in seeking properties for acquisition and for tenants. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than FREIT Maryland. In addition, retailers at FREIT Maryland's commercial properties face increasing competition from online shopping, outlet malls and discount shopping clubs. In many markets, the trade areas of FREIT Maryland's commercial properties overlap with the trade areas of other shopping centers. Renovations and expansions at those competing shopping centers and malls could negatively affect FREIT Maryland's commercial properties by encouraging shoppers to make their purchases at such new, expanded or renovated shopping centers and malls. Increased competition through these various sources could adversely affect the viability of FREIT Maryland's tenants, and any new commercial real estate competition developed in the future could potentially have an adverse effect on the revenues of and earnings from FREIT Maryland's commercial properties.

FREIT Maryland also faces competition with respect to its residential properties based on a variety of factors, including perception by residential tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of an apartment building or complex; the proximity and the number of competing apartment complexes; the proximity of commercial shopping centers; the availability of recreational and other amenities and the willingness and ability of the owner to provide capable management and adequate maintenance. Certain of these factors, such as the availability of amenities in the area surrounding a residential property, are not within FREIT Maryland’s control.

Illiquidity of real estate investment: Real estate investments are relatively difficult to buy and sell quickly. Accordingly, the ability of FREIT Maryland to diversify its portfolio in response to changing economic, market or other conditions is limited. Also, FREIT Maryland’s interests in its partially owned subsidiaries are subject to transfer constraints imposed under the operating agreements that govern FREIT Maryland’s investment in these partially owned subsidiaries.

Environmental problems may be costly: Both federal and state governments are concerned with the impact of real estate construction and development programs upon the environment. Environmental legislation affects the cost of selling real estate, the cost to develop real estate, and the risks associated with purchasing real estate.

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under such

property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property). Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owners knew of, or were responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances. Such liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of any operator of, or tenant at the property. The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal injury or property damages and the property owner's liability for same could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. If FREIT Maryland incurred any such liability, it could reduce FREIT Maryland's revenues and ability to make distributions to its stockholders. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, FREIT Maryland conducted environmental audits for all of its properties. The environmental reports secured by FREIT Maryland have not revealed any environmental conditions on its properties which require any further remediation pursuant to any applicable federal or state law or regulations.

A property can also be negatively impacted by either physical contamination or by virtue of an adverse effect upon value attributable to the migration of hazardous or toxic substances, or other contaminants that have or may have emanated from other properties.

Qualification as a REIT: Since its inception in 1961, FREIT Maryland has elected to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, and will continue to operate so as to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Governmental legislation, new regulations, and administrative interpretations may significantly change the tax laws with respect to the requirements for qualification as a REIT, or the federal income tax consequences of qualifying as a REIT. Although FREIT Maryland intends to continue to operate in a

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manner to allow it to qualify as a REIT, future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may cause it to revoke the REIT election or fail to qualify as a REIT. Such a revocation would subject FREIT Maryland’s income to federal income tax at regular corporate rates, and failure to qualify as a REIT would also eliminate the requirement that FREIT Maryland pay dividends to its stockholders.

Change of investment and operating policies: FREIT Maryland’s investment and operating policies, including indebtedness and dividends, are exclusively determined by the Board, and not subject to stockholder approval.

ITEM 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2 PROPERTIES

Portfolio of Investments: The following tables set forth certain information relating to each of FREIT Maryland's real estate investments in addition to the specific mortgages encumbering the properties.

Residential Apartment Properties as of October 31, 2021:      
Property & Location Year
Acquired
No.
of
Units
Average Annual
Occupancy Rate for
the Year Ended
10/31/21
Average
Monthly Rent
per Unit @
10/31/21*
Average
Monthly Rent
per Unit @
10/31/20*
Mortgage
Balance ($000)
@ 10/31/21
Depreciated Cost of
Land, Buildings &
Equipment ($000)
@ 10/31/21
               
Berdan Court (1) 1965 176 97.3% $1,928 $1,909 $28,815 $1,490
Wayne, NJ              
               
Regency Club 2014 132 99.9% $1,738 $1,754 $14,921 $17,935
Middletown, NY              
               
Steuben Arms 1975 100 97.0% $1,706 $1,698 $9,545 $679
River Edge, NJ              
               
Westwood Hills (2) 1994 210 94.4% $2,068 $2,016 $25,000 $8,207
Westwood Hills, NJ              
               
Boulders (3) 2006 129 99.0% $2,118 $2,157 $14,453 $14,532
Rockaway, NJ              
               
Icon (4) 2016 379 94.7% $2,239 $2,295 $64,086 (6) $82,192
Baltimore, Maryland              
               
Station Place (5) 2017 45 99.1% $2,913 $2,848 $11,971 $18,514
Red Bank, NJ              

 

* Average monthly rent per unit excludes the impact of rent concessions and abatements.

(1) Berdan Court is 100% owned by Berdan Court, LLC, which is 100% owned by FREIT Maryland.

(2) FREIT Maryland owns a 40% equity interest in Westwood Hills, LLC which owns 100% of Westwood Hills.

(3) Construction completed in August 2006 on land acquired in 1963 / 1964.

(4) FREIT Maryland owns a 60% equity interest in Grande Rotunda, LLC ("Grande Rotunda").  A major redevelopment and expansion project was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016, in which a 379-unit residential complex was constructed upon property acquired in 2005. On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(5) Station Place is 100% owned by Station Place on Monmouth, LLC, which is 100% owned by FREIT Maryland.

(6) Effective February 6, 2021, Grande Rotunda exercised the first extension option on this loan with a balance in the amount of approximately $118.5 million, extending the loan one year with a new maturity date of February 6, 2022. Principal payments in the amount of $500,000 were required upon exercise of the first loan extension option and per calendar quarter thereafter. Additionally, Grande Rotunda purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2021, for the loan amount of approximately $118.5 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year expiring on February 6, 2022. At October 31, 2021, the total amount outstanding on this loan was approximately $116.5 million and the interest rate was approximately 2.93%. Approximately 55% of this outstanding loan balance was allocated to the residential segment based on a historical appraisal.  (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.) On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

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Commercial Properties as of October 31, 2021:**        
Property & Location Year
Acquired
Leasable
Space-
Approximate
Sq.Ft.
Average Annual
Occupancy Rate for
the Year Ended
10/31/21
Average
Annualized
Rent per Sq. Ft.
@ 10/31/21*
Average
Annualized Rent
per Sq. Ft. @
10/31/20*
Mortgage
Balance ($000)
@ 10/31/21
Depreciated
Cost of Land,
Buildings &
Equipment
($000)
  @ 10/31/21
               
Glen Rock, NJ 1962 4,672 46.8% $15.79 $18.64 None (1) $48
               
               
Franklin Crossing 1966 (2) 87,661 86.2% $21.27 $21.20 None (1) $6,372
Franklin Lakes, NJ              
               
Westwood Plaza 1988 174,275 85.8% $11.50 $11.31 $18,001 $7,051
Westwood, NJ              
               
Westridge Square (3) 1992 252,733 90.6% $13.20 $13.01 $21,188 (7) $11,626
Frederick, MD              
               
Preakness Center (4) 2002 322,142 55.5% $13.41 $15.26 $22,588 (9) $23,408
Wayne, NJ              
               
Damascus Center (5) 2003 143,815 85.0% $18.34 $20.61 $18,274 (10) $24,700
Damascus, MD              
               
The Rotunda (6) 2005 294,500 74.6% $28.99 $25.36 $52,434 (8) $54,431
Baltimore, MD              
               
Rockaway, NJ 1964/1963 1 Acre 100.0% N/A N/A None $114
    Land lease          

 

* Average annualized rent per sq. ft. includes the impact of straight-line rent adjustments and the amortization of rent concessions and abatements.

** See Note 16 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details in regards to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rents from commercial tenants.

(1) These properties are security for draws against FREIT Maryland's Credit Line.  (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(2) The original 33,000 sq. ft. shopping center was replaced with a new 87,661 sq. ft. center that opened in October 1997.

(3) FREIT Maryland owns a 100% interest in WestFREIT Corp, that owns the center. On January 7, 2022 the property owned by WestFREIT was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(4) FREIT Maryland owns a 40% equity interest in Wayne PSC, LLC, that owns the center.

(5) FREIT Maryland owns a 70% equity interest in Damascus Centre, LLC, that owns the center. A major renovation and expansion project was completed in November 2011. On January 10, 2022 the property owned by Damascus Centre was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(6) FREIT Maryland owns a 60% equity interest in Grande Rotunda, that owns the center. A major redevelopment and expansion project was substantially completed in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016, which included modernization of the office building containing 137,000 sq. ft. of office space and approximately 83,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the building and an additional 75,000 square feet of new retail space. On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(7) WestFREIT Corp. entered into a loan extension and modification agreement with M&T Bank, effective beginning on February 1, 2021, which requires monthly principal payments of $49,250 plus interest based on a floating interest rate equal to 255 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and has a maturity date of January 31, 2022, with the option of WestFREIT Corp. to extend for an additional one-year period through January 31, 2023, subject to certain requirements as provided for in the loan agreement including the lease-up of certain space. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.)  On January 7, 2022 the property owned by WestFREIT Corp. was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the approximately $21.1 million then outstanding balance of this loan.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(8) Effective February 6, 2021, Grande Rotunda exercised the first extension option on this loan with a balance in the amount of approximately $118.5 million, extending the loan one year with a new maturity date of February 6, 2022. Principal payments in the amount of $500,000 were required upon exercise of the first loan extension option and per calendar quarter thereafter. Additionally, Grande Rotunda purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2021, for the loan amount of approximately $118.5 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year expiring on February 6, 2022. At October 31, 2021, the total amount outstanding on this loan was approximately $116.5 million and the interest rate was approximately 2.93%. Approximately 45% of this outstanding loan balance was allocated to the commercial segment based on a historical appraisal.  (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.) On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(9) See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.

(10) On January 10, 2022 the property owned by Damascus Centre was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the approximately $18.2 million then outstanding balance of this loan.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

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Supplemental Segment Information:

 

The following table includes commercial lease expirations for tenants at the Grande Rotunda, WestFREIT and Damascus Centre properties which were sold subsequent to October 31, 2021. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

 

Commercial lease expirations at October 31, 2021 assuming none of the tenants exercise renewal options:
        Annual Rent of Expiring Leases
Year Ending Number of Expiring Leases Percent of    
October 31, Expiring Leases Sq. Ft. Commercial Sq. Ft. Total Per Sq. Ft.
           
Month to month 13 43,268 4.4%  $                765,094  $                     17.68
2022 22 166,695 17.1%  $             1,482,508  $                       8.89
2023 27 164,609 16.8%  $             3,093,691  $                     18.79
2024 27 116,226 11.9%  $             2,790,370  $                     24.01
2025 15 47,735 4.9%  $             1,301,856  $                     27.27
2026 22 102,308 10.5%  $             1,936,913  $                     18.93
2027 16 84,409 8.6%  $             1,864,875  $                     22.09
2028 14 45,301 4.6%  $             1,251,638  $                     27.63
2029 9 90,057 9.2%  $             1,548,688  $                     17.20
2030 4 59,224 6.1%  $                864,600  $                     14.60
2031 4 21,878 2.2%  $                599,355  $                     27.40
2032 4 31,196 3.2%  $                534,876  $                     17.15
2033 1 4,365 0.4%  $                135,315  $                     31.00

 

Vacant Land as of October 31, 2021:

Vacant Land     Permitted Use Per Acreage Per
Location (1) Acquired Current Use Local Zoning Laws Parcel
Franklin Lakes, NJ 1966 None Residential 4.27
Wayne, NJ 2002 None Commercial 2.1
Rockaway, NJ 1964 None Residential 1.0
(1)       All of the above land is unencumbered, except as noted elsewhere.

 

FREIT Maryland believes that it has a diversified portfolio of residential and commercial properties. FREIT Maryland does not derive 10% or greater of its revenue from any single lease agreement.

In Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, FREIT Maryland had one (1) property that contributed over 15% of FREIT Maryland’s total consolidated revenue: within both the residential and commercial segment, the Rotunda property in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rotunda property accounted for 34% for Fiscal 2021, 31.3% for Fiscal 2020 and 29.3% for Fiscal 2019 of total consolidated revenue. On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

Although FREIT Maryland’s general investment policy is to hold properties as long-term investments, FREIT Maryland could selectively sell certain properties if it determines that any such sale is in FREIT Maryland’s and its stockholders’ best interests. See “Business-Disposition” under Item 1 above. With respect to FREIT Maryland’s future acquisition and development activities, FREIT Maryland will evaluate various real estate opportunities, which FREIT Maryland believes would increase FREIT Maryland’s revenues and earnings, as well as complement and increase the overall value of FREIT Maryland’s existing investment portfolio.

Except for the TD Bank branch located in Rockaway, New Jersey and the property located in Glen Rock, New Jersey, all of FREIT Maryland’s and its subsidiaries’ commercial properties have multiple tenants.

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As of October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries’ commercial properties have seventeen (17) anchor/major tenants, which account for approximately 64.1% of the space leased. The balance of the space is leased to one hundred fifty-five (155) satellite and office tenants. The following table lists the anchor/major tenants at each center and the number of satellite tenants:

         
Commercial Property       No. of
Shopping Center (SC)   Net Leasable   Additional/Satellite
Office Building (O)   Space Anchor/Major Tenants Tenants
         
 Westridge Square   (SC)  252,733  Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse, Corp. (5)  18
 Frederick, MD        H-Mart Frederick, LLC   
       Gold's Gym (6)   
 Franklin Crossing   (SC)  87,661  Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.   16
 Franklin, Lakes, NJ         
 Westwood Plaza   (SC)  174,275  Kmart Corp  12
 Westwood, NJ       TJMaxx   
 Preakness Center (1)   (SC)  322,142  Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.   22
 Wayne, NJ       CVS   
       Annie Sez   
       T-Bowl, Inc. (4)   
       Wayne Movietown (4)   
 Damascus Center (2)   (SC)  143,815  Safeway Stores, Inc.   22
 Damascus, MD         
 The Rotunda (3)   (O)  137,307  iHeartMedia+Entertainment, Inc. (f/k/a Clear Channel Broadcasting Inc.)  40
 Baltimore, MD       The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc.   
         
   (SC)  157,237  Walgreen Corporation  24
       Mom's Organic Market   
       Brick Bodies   
         
 Glen Rock, NJ   (SC)  4,672  —  1
         

(1) FREIT Maryland has a 40% interest in this property.

(2) FREIT Maryland has a 70% interest in this property. On January 10, 2022 the property owned by Damascus Centre was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(3) FREIT Maryland has a 60% interest in this property. On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(4) Tenants were shut down in Fiscal 2020 due to the COVID-19 impact and have either resumed operations at a low capacity or not yet re-opened.  See Note 16 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements and “Renewal of leases and Reletting of Space” for additional details.

(5) On May 4, 2021, Burlington amended its lease extending the term of the lease for a period of one (1) year and ninety (90) days commencing on December 1, 2021 and expiring on February 28, 2023 (“Fourth Extension Period”).  The fixed rent during this Fourth Extension Period shall be reduced from $59,120 per month to $35,830 per month.  Additionally, Burlington has the right to terminate the lease at any time prior to the last day of the Fourth Extension Period by providing at least twelve (12) months prior written notice of such termination (the “Termination Notice”). In the event that Burlington delivers the Termination Notice, the term of the lease shall automatically end on the last day of the twelfth (12th) full calendar month immediately following receipt of the Termination Notice.     See “Renewal of leases and Reletting of Space” for additional details. On January 7, 2022 the property owned by WestFREIT was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

(6) Gold's Gym did not exercise its option to renew its lease which expires on March 31, 2022. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021, Gold's Gym ceased operations at this location while continuing to pay only additional rent. FREIT Maryland's operating results will be adversely affected from loss of base rent and additional rent of approximately $330,000 on an annualized basis.  See “Renewal of leases and Reletting of Space” for additional details. On January 7, 2022 the property owned by WestFREIT was sold.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)   

With respect to most of FREIT Maryland’s commercial properties, lease terms range from five (5) years to twenty-five (25) years with options, which if exercised would extend the terms of such leases. The lease agreements generally provide for reimbursement of real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties. During the last three (3) completed fiscal years, occupancy at FREIT Maryland’s commercial properties averaged 79.2%, which represents the actual “physical” occupancy rate (based upon possession and use of leased space). The lower average occupancy level is attributed to uncertainties in the retail market as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on retail business in Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020, making it difficult to attract and retain tenants due to the financial hardship driven by the mandated shut downs and continued restrictions imposed upon them.

Leases for FREIT Maryland’s apartment buildings and complexes are usually one to two years in duration. Even though the residential units are leased on a short-term basis, FREIT Maryland has averaged, during the last three (3) completed fiscal years,

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a 95.4% occupancy rate with respect to FREIT Maryland’s available apartment units, excluding occupancy at the Pierre Towers property which was converted to a TIC and deconsolidated from FREIT Maryland’s operating results as of February 28, 2020.

FREIT Maryland does not believe that any seasonal factors materially affect FREIT Maryland’s business operations and the leasing of its commercial and apartment properties.

FREIT Maryland believes that its properties are covered by adequate fire and property insurance provided by reputable companies and with commercially reasonable deductibles and limits. 

 

ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On January 14, 2020, FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Sellers”), entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (as subsequently amended, the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with Sinatra Properties LLC (the “Purchaser”), which provided for the sale by the Sellers to the Purchaser of 100% of the Sellers’ ownership interests in six real properties held by the Sellers in exchange for the purchase price described therein, subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. On April 30, 2020, the Sellers delivered written notice to the Purchaser of the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with its terms due to the occurrence of a “Purchaser Default” thereunder, based on the Purchaser’s failure to perform its obligations under the Purchase and Sale Agreement and close the transactions contemplated therein.

Upon the execution of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Purchaser delivered into escrow a deposit in the amount of $15 million (the “Deposit”), in the form of an unconditional, irrevocable letter of credit in such amount (the “Letter of Credit”). The Purchase and Sale Agreement provides that the Sellers’ exclusive remedy, in the event of a “Purchaser Default” and the termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, is the forfeiture of the Deposit to the Sellers as liquidated damages. Accordingly, contemporaneously with the Sellers’ delivery of the termination notice to the Purchaser, the Sellers delivered written notice to the escrow agent requesting that the escrow agent release the Letter of Credit from escrow and deliver same to the Sellers.

On May 6, 2020, the Purchaser filed a complaint (the “Complaint”) against the Sellers in the Superior Court of New Jersey, in which, among other things, the Purchaser alleges breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing against the Sellers in connection with the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The Purchaser seeks (a) a judgment of specific performance compelling the Sellers to convey the properties under the Purchase and Sale Agreement to the Purchaser; (b) declaratory judgment from the court that (i) the Purchase and Sale Agreement is not terminated, (ii) the Purchaser is not in default under the Purchase and Sale Agreement, and (iii) the Sellers are in default under the Purchase and Sale Agreement, subject to a right to cure; (c) an order for injunctive relief compelling the Sellers to perform the Purchase and Sale Agreement; (d) in the event that the court does not order specific performance, a judgment directing that the Purchaser’s $15 million deposit under the Purchase and Sale Agreement be returned to the Purchaser, and compensatory, consequential and incidental damages in an amount to be determined at trial; and (e) attorneys’ fees and costs.

The Purchaser has filed lis pendens with respect to each of the six properties that were subject to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The lis pendens provides notice to the public of the Complaint. Pending the resolution of this litigation, the filing of the lis pendens will adversely affect the future sale or financing of those properties.

On June 17, 2020, the Sellers filed their answer, separate defenses, and counterclaims (the “Answer”) in response to the Complaint, in which, among other things, the Sellers (a) deny the Purchaser’s claim that the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement was wrongful, and assert that there was no contractual basis in the Purchase and Sale Agreement to relieve the Purchaser from its obligation to perform thereunder, or to defer or postpone the Purchaser’s obligation to perform, (b) assert certain defenses to the allegations set forth in the Complaint without admitting any liability, and (c) request relief from the Court in the form of (i) judgment in the Sellers’ favor dismissing all of the Purchaser’s claims against them with prejudice and denying all of the Purchaser’s requests for relief, (ii) reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and (iii) such other and further relief as the Court deems just.

In addition, the Answer asserts counterclaims by the Sellers against the Purchaser for breach of contract due to the Purchaser’s failure to close the Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with its terms, and the Sellers seek a declaratory judgment from the Court that the Sellers properly terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with its terms due to the Purchaser’s default and an order from the Court that the Purchaser authorize the escrow agent to release the $15 million deposit under the Purchase and Sale Agreement to the Sellers. On April 28, 2021, the Sellers amended the Answer to include (1) counterclaims against the Purchaser for breach of contract due to the Purchaser’s breach of confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations contained in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, and (2) third-party claims against Purchaser’s affiliate Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC for breach of its confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations contained in the non-disclosure agreement entered into by the parties in connection with the negotiation of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase and Sale Agreement, based on the conduct of the Purchaser and its affiliates after the Sellers terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

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In connection with these counterclaims and third-party claims, the Answer seeks the following relief from the Court: (a) liquidated damages in the amount of $15 million, as provided in the Purchase and Sale Agreement; (b) in the alternative to the liquidated damages provided for in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, money damages in an amount to be determined at trial; (c) interest, attorneys’ fees and costs associated with the defense of the Purchaser’s claims and the prosecution of the Sellers’ counterclaims against the Purchaser, as provided for in the Purchase and Sale Agreement; (d) judgment declaring that the Sellers properly terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement due to the Purchaser’s default thereunder; (e) judgment declaring that the Purchaser must authorize the escrow agent to release the $15 million deposit to the Sellers; (f) an order enjoining the Purchaser and its affiliates from engaging in further breaches of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and non-disclosure agreement, and compelling the Purchaser and its affiliates to return the Sellers’ confidential information and materials and to use best efforts to ensure the return of the Sellers’ confidential information and materials from third parties to whom the Purchaser and/or its affiliates provided such materials; and (g) such other relief as the Court deems just and equitable.

In the Answer filed by the Purchaser on September 15, 2020 and the Answer and Affirmative Defenses filed by the Purchaser and Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC on June 7, 2021, the Purchaser and Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC have generally denied the claims, counterclaims and allegations contained in the Sellers’ original and amended Answer, and asserted affirmative defenses to the Sellers’ claims and counterclaims.

The Sellers believe that the allegations set forth in the Complaint and Answer filed by the Purchaser and in the Answer and Affirmative Defenses filed by the Purchaser and Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action and enforce the Sellers’ rights and remedies under the Purchase and Sale Agreement in connection with the “Purchaser Default” thereunder, including the Purchaser’s forfeiture of its $15 million deposit to the Sellers as liquidated damages as provided in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. (See Note 14 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.)

Except as disclosed in the preceding paragraphs, there are no other material pending legal proceedings to which FREIT Maryland is a party, or of which any of its properties is the subject. There is, however, ordinary and routine litigation involving FREIT Maryland's business including various tenancy and related matters. Except for the environmental conditions involving remediation disclosed in “Item 1(c) Narrative Description of Business - Impact of Governmental Laws and Regulations on Registrant’s Business; Environmental Matters,” there are no legal proceedings concerning environmental issues with respect to any property owned by FREIT Maryland.

 

ITEM 4

 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

 

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PART II

   
ITEM 5 MARKET FOR FREIT MARYLAND'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Reincorporation

On July 1, 2021, FREIT completed the change of its form of organization from a New Jersey REIT to a Maryland corporation (the “Reincorporation”) which was approved by its shareholders at the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 6, 2021. The Reincorporation changes the law applicable to FREIT’s affairs from New Jersey law to Maryland law and was accomplished by the merger of FREIT with and into its wholly owned subsidiary, First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (“FREIT Maryland”, “Trust”, “us”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation. As a result of the Reincorporation, the separate existence of FREIT has ceased and FREIT Maryland has succeeded to all the business, properties, assets and liabilities of FREIT. Holders of shares of beneficial interest in FREIT have received one newly issued share of common stock of FREIT Maryland for each share of FREIT that they own, without any action of stockholders required and all treasury stock held by FREIT was retired.

 

Shares

FREIT Maryland has the authority to issue 25,000,000 shares, consisting of 20,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. FREIT Maryland’s only authorized, issued and outstanding class of equity is common stock (“Shares”). As of January 28, 2022, there were approximately 500 holders of record of the Shares.

The Shares are traded in the over-the-counter market through use of the OTC Bulletin Board Service (the “OTC Bulletin Board”) provided by FINRA, Inc. FREIT Maryland does not believe that an active United States public trading market exists for the Shares since historically only small volumes of the Shares are traded on a sporadic basis. The following table sets forth, at the end of the periods indicated, the Bid and Asked quotations for the Shares on the OTC Bulletin Board.

 

    Bid   Asked  
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2021          
First Quarter   $ 18.10   $ 18.50  
Second Quarter   $ 17.65   $ 18.00  
Third Quarter   $ 17.31   $ 19.00  
Fourth Quarter   $ 18.51   $ 19.99  

 

    Bid   Asked  
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2020          
First Quarter   $ 24.50   $ 25.45  
Second Quarter   $ 17.76   $ 18.00  
Third Quarter   $ 14.50   $ 15.00  
Fourth Quarter   $ 13.21   $ 14.49  

 

The bid quotations set forth above for the Shares reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The source of the bid and asked quotations is Bloomberg.

Dividends

The holders of Shares are entitled to receive distributions as may be declared by the FREIT Maryland Board of Directors (“Board”). Dividends may be declared from time to time by the Board and may be paid in cash, property, or Shares. The Board’s present policy is to distribute annually at least ninety percent (90%) of FREIT Maryland’s REIT taxable income as dividends to the holders of Shares in order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Distributions are made on a quarterly basis. For Fiscal 2021, FREIT Maryland paid/declared an annual dividend of $0.25 per share. For Fiscal 2020, FREIT Maryland did not pay/declare a dividend. For Fiscal 2019, FREIT Maryland paid/declared an annual dividend of $0.60 per share. In Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017, FREIT Maryland paid/declared an annual dividend of $0.15 per share for each fiscal year.

 

See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Distributions to Stockholders.”

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

 

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

 

Cautionary Statement Identifying Important Factors That Could Cause FREIT Maryland’s Actual Results to Differ From Those Projected in Forward Looking Statements.

Readers of this discussion are advised that the discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of FREIT Maryland (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain statements in this discussion may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect FREIT Maryland’s current expectations and are based on estimates, projections, beliefs, data, methods and assumptions of management of FREIT Maryland at the time of such statements regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of FREIT Maryland, and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These forward-looking statements are identified through the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions.

Although FREIT Maryland believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to the following: general economic and business conditions, including the purchase of retail products over the Internet, which will, among other things, affect demand for rental space, the availability of prospective tenants, lease rents, the financial condition of tenants and the default rate on leases, operating and administrative expenses and the availability of financing; adverse changes in FREIT Maryland’s real estate markets, including, among other things, competition with other real estate owners, competition confronted by tenants at FREIT Maryland’s commercial properties, governmental actions and initiatives; environmental/safety requirements; risks of real estate development and acquisitions; and on-going negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our properties and tenants, and generally on our real estate assets and the real estate markets in which we operate, and the global, U.S. and local economies (see Special Note below). The risks with respect to the development of real estate include: increased construction costs, inability to obtain construction financing, or unfavorable terms of financing that may be available, unforeseen construction delays and the failure to complete construction within budget.

Special Note Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic:

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19 (“COVID-19”), a pandemic. The full extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the full extent of its effects on the global, U.S., and local economies, and on FREIT Maryland and our business, operating results, financial condition, properties, and tenants, cannot yet be known. Any future developments in this regard will be highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with any certainty, including the scope and duration of the pandemic, actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic and the effects thereof, and the other factors discussed above and throughout this report. The uncertain future development of the COVID-19 pandemic could materially and adversely further affect FREIT Maryland and our business, operating results, financial condition, liquidity, and our properties and tenants.

 

OVERVIEW

FREIT Maryland is an equity real estate investment trust ("REIT") that is self-administered and externally managed. FREIT Maryland owns a portfolio of residential apartment and commercial properties. FREIT Maryland’s revenues consist primarily of rental income and other related revenues from its residential and commercial properties and additional rents derived from operating commercial properties. FREIT Maryland’s properties are primarily located in northern New Jersey, Maryland and New York.

COVID-19 Pandemic: The international spread of COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The extent to which this pandemic could continue to affect our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations is difficult to predict and depends on evolving factors, including: duration, scope, government actions, and other social responses. Beginning in March 2020 and throughout most of 2020, many states in the U.S., including New Jersey, New York and Maryland, where our properties are located, implemented stay-at-home and shut down orders for all "non-essential" business and activity in an aggressive effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These orders have continued to evolve resulting in the lifting of these restrictions over the past year. Vaccinations for the COVID-19 virus have been widely distributed among the general U.S. population which has resulted in loosened restrictions previously mandated on our tenants identified as nonessential. However, the potential emergence of vaccine-resistant variants of COVID-19 could trigger restrictions to be put back in place. Such restrictions may include mandatory business shut-downs, reduced business operations and social distancing requirements.

As the impact of the pandemic evolves, it continues to cause uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets. Many U.S. industries and businesses were negatively affected and millions of people filed for unemployment resulting in the U.S. unemployment rate rising to 14.7% in April 2020, which was the highest recorded rate since the Great Depression. Since April 2020, the U.S unemployment rate has declined to 4.6% as of October 2021, as many businesses continue to reopen and rehire employees following many of the COVID-19 mandated shut down orders being lifted. However, the jobless rate remains above

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the pre-pandemic levels of about 3.5%. The COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by individuals, businesses and government authorities to reduce its spread have caused substantial lost business revenue, changes in consumer behavior and large reductions in liquidity and fair value of many assets.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and preventive measures taken to mitigate the spread, our residential properties continued to generate cash flow. The average annual occupancy rate for the residential properties (including the Pierre TIC) has increased from approximately 93.7% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 to approximately 96.1% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. The tenants at these properties, for the most part, continue to pay their rent.

At our commercial properties, with the exception of grocery stores and other "essential" businesses, many of our retail tenants have been adversely affected by the previously mandated shut downs and the continued lingering impact to consumer sentiment and preferences for safety amid the reemergence of other COVID-19 variants. While the overall average cash realization of monthly billings as compared to monthly cash collections for the commercial properties for the year ended October 31, 2021 has resumed to pre-pandemic levels, the average annual occupancy rate has declined from approximately 79.7% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 to approximately 76.3% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2021, Pet Valu, Inc., a pet store tenant, vacated several stores located in shopping centers owned by FREIT Maryland affiliates (Wayne PSC, Damascus Centre and Grande Rotunda) and terminated the related leases early paying an aggregate lease termination fee in the amount of approximately $260,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $140,000). The properties owned by Grande Rotunda and Damascus Centre were sold on December 30, 2021 and January 10, 2022, respectively. See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details. The Company is closely monitoring changes in the collectability assessment of its tenant receivables as a result of certain tenants suffering adverse financial consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, rental revenue deemed uncollectible of approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.8 million and $0.9 million), respectively, was classified as a reduction in rental revenue based on our assessment of the probability of collecting substantially all of the remaining rents for certain tenants. During the period beginning March 2020 through October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland has applied, net of amounts subsequently paid back by tenants, an aggregate of approximately $397,000 of security deposits from its commercial tenants to outstanding receivables due. On a case by case basis, FREIT has offered some commercial tenants deferrals of rent over a specified time period totaling approximately $132,000 and $206,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $81,000 and $192,000) and rent abatements totaling approximately $239,000 and $238,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $158,000 and $156,000) for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. FREIT Maryland currently remains in active discussions and negotiations with these impacted retail tenants.

Cobb Theatre, an anchor tenant movie theatre at the Rotunda retail property filed for bankruptcy and rejected its lease at the Rotunda property as of June 30, 2020. As a result of the rejection of this lease, uncollected rents in the amount of approximately $0.3 million and a straight-line rent receivable of approximately $0.4 million were reversed against revenue, and unamortized leasing commissions in the amount of approximately $0.2 million were written off and fully expensed in Fiscal 2020 resulting in a net impact to net income of approximately $0.9 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.5 million) for the year ended October 31, 2020. Tenant improvements related to the Cobb Theatre with a net book value of approximately $7.3 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $4.4 million) as of October 31, 2020 were deemed to be impaired, written off and charged to operations in the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold. (See Notes 16 and 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

As a result of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at our commercial properties, in Fiscal 2020 we were granted debt payment relief from certain of our lenders on such properties in the form of deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a three-month period, resulting in total deferred payments of approximately $1,013,000, which will become due at the maturity of the loans. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately $162,000 of this amount has been repaid, there will be no further deferrals of principal and/or interest payments on these loans and the balance due has been included in mortgages payable on the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2021 and 2020. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details).

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, we have experienced a positive cash flow from operations with cash provided by operations of approximately $12.2 million. This could change based on the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain. We believe that our cash balance as of October 31, 2021 of approximately $35.9 million coupled with a $13 million available line of credit (available through October 31, 2023, see Note 5) and the additional $7.5 million in funds available to draw on the Boulders loan (See Note 17 for additional details) will provide us with sufficient liquidity for at least the next twelve months from the filing of this Form 10-K.

The extent of the effects of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations, cash flows, value of our real estate assets and growth prospects is highly uncertain and will ultimately depend on future developments, none of which can be predicted with any certainty. (See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional details.) FREIT Maryland will continue to actively monitor the effects of the pandemic, including governmental directives in the jurisdictions in which we operate and the recommendations of public

23 

health authorities, and will, as needed, take further measures to adapt our business in the best interests of our stockholders and personnel. (See Note 16 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.)

Residential Properties: While our residential properties continue to generate positive cash flow, the impact COVID-19 may have on these properties over the next year is uncertain and will depend on the duration of the pandemic and the recovery of the economy.

Commercial Properties: There continues to be uncertainty in the retail environment that could have an adverse impact on FREIT Maryland’s retail tenants, which could have an adverse impact on FREIT Maryland. As the impact of the pandemic evolves, the impact COVID-19 may have on the operating and financial performance of our commercial properties is currently uncertain and will depend on certain developments, including, among others, the impact of COVID-19 on our tenants and the magnitude and duration of the pandemic, including its impact on store closing and social distancing rules which may impact a tenant’s ability to generate sales at sufficient levels to cover operating costs, including rent and the continued rollout of the vaccinations to the population.

On May 4, 2021, Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse (“Burlington”) amended its lease at the Westridge Square Shopping Center (owned by WestFREIT) extending the term of the lease for a period of one (1) year and ninety (90) days commencing on December 1, 2021 and expiring on February 28, 2023 (“Fourth Extension Period”). The fixed rent during this Fourth Extension Period was reduced from $59,120 per month to $35,830 per month. Additionally, Burlington has the right to terminate the lease at any time prior to the last day of the Fourth Extension Period by providing at least twelve (12) months prior written notice of such termination (the “Termination Notice”). In the event that Burlington delivers the Termination Notice, the term of the lease shall automatically end on the last day of the twelfth (12th) full calendar month immediately following receipt of the Termination Notice. On January 7, 2022 the property owned by WestFREIT was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

Reincorporation: On July 1, 2021, First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) completed the change of its form of organization from a New Jersey real estate investment trust to a Maryland corporation (the “Reincorporation”) which was approved by its shareholders at the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 6, 2021. The Reincorporation changes the law applicable to FREIT’s affairs from New Jersey law to Maryland law and was accomplished by the merger of FREIT with and into its wholly owned subsidiary, First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (“FREIT Maryland”, “Trust”, “us”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation. As a result of the Reincorporation, the separate existence of FREIT has ceased and FREIT Maryland has succeeded to all the business, properties, assets and liabilities of FREIT. Holders of shares of beneficial interest in FREIT have received one newly issued share of common stock of FREIT Maryland for each share of FREIT that they own, without any action of stockholders required and all treasury stock held by FREIT was retired.

FREIT Maryland is organized and will continue to operate in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and its stock is traded on the over-the counter market under the trading symbol FREVS. (See Note 1 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.)

Debt Financing Availability: Financing has been available to FREIT Maryland and its affiliates. The lis pendens filed in connection with the legal proceeding between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC may adversely affect FREIT Maryland’s ability to refinance certain of its residential properties. In accordance with certain loan agreements, FREIT Maryland may be required to meet or maintain certain financial covenants throughout the term of the loan. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic rent losses and the planning for a potential redevelopment of its shopping center, as of October 31, 2021, Wayne PSC was not, and currently is not, in compliance with a look back debt service coverage ratio loan covenant contained in the mortgage loan agreement held by People’s United Bank in the amount of approximately $22.6 million as of October 31, 2021. Although the Company continues to make its required debt service payments in accordance with the loan agreement, it is unable to comply with this covenant. As such, the bank could exercise its remedies under the loan agreement including, among other things, requiring a partial or full repayment of the loan. The Company is currently working with the lender to remediate this covenant default. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10K report, the bank has not declared this loan to be in default. Until such time as a definitive agreement is entered into, there can be no assurance the loan covenant will be amended and the bank will not declare this loan to be in default.

Operating Cash Flow: FREIT Maryland expects that cash provided by operating activities and cash reserves will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments (including payments of interest, but excluding balloon payments, which are expected to be refinanced and/or extended), real estate taxes, recurring capital improvements at its properties and other needs to maintain its status as a REIT for at least a period of one year from the date of filing of this Form 10K report.

 

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Pursuant to the SEC disclosure guidance for "Critical Accounting Policies," the SEC defines Critical Accounting Policies as those that require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, the preparation of which takes into account estimates based on judgments and assumptions that affect certain amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. The accounting policies and estimates used, which are outlined in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements which is presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K, have been applied consistently as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, and for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. We believe that the following accounting policies or estimates require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments:

Revenue Recognition: Base rents, additional rents based on tenants' sales volume and reimbursement of the tenants' share of certain operating expenses are generally recognized when due from tenants. The straight-line basis is used to recognize base rents under leases if they provide for varying rents over the lease terms. Straight-line rents represent unbilled rents receivable to the extent straight-line rents exceed current rents billed in accordance with lease agreements. Before FREIT Maryland can recognize revenue, it is required to assess, among other things, its collectability.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets: FREIT Maryland assesses the carrying value of long-lived assets periodically, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of certain assets may not be recoverable. When FREIT Maryland determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may be impaired, the measurement of any impairment is based on a projected discounted cash flow method determined by FREIT Maryland's management. While we believe that our discounted cash flow methods are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows may significantly affect the measurement of impairment.

Real Estate Development Costs: It is FREIT Maryland’s policy to capitalize pre-development costs, which generally include legal and professional fees and other directly related third-party costs. Real estate taxes and interest costs incurred during the development and construction phases are also capitalized. FREIT Maryland ceases capitalization of these costs when the project or portion thereof becomes operational, or when construction has been postponed. In the event of postponement, capitalization of these costs will recommence once construction on the project resumes.

See Note 1 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for recently issued accounting standards.

 

25 

Results of Operations:

Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2021 and 2020

Summary revenues and net income for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 (“Fiscal 2021”) and October 31, 2020 (“Fiscal 2020”) are as follows:

 

    Years Ended October 31,  
    2021     2020     Change  
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Real estate revenues:                        
  Commercial properties   $ 23,317     $ 24,089     $ (772 )
  Residential properties     26,974       28,638       (1,664 )
      Total real estate revenues     50,291       52,727       (2,436 )
                         
Operating expenses:                        
  Real estate operating expenses     22,294       22,922       (628 )
  Third party transaction costs           4,606       (4,606 )
  General and administrative expenses     5,195       3,821       1,374  
  Depreciation     9,300       10,341       (1,041 )
  Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19           7,277       (7,277 )
      Total operating expenses     36,789       48,967       (12,178 )
                         
Operating income     13,502       3,760       9,742  
                         
Investment income     116       204       (88 )
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary           27,680       (27,680 )
Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common     (295 )     (202 )     (93 )
Financing costs     (12,276 )     (14,122 )     1,846  
      Net income     1,047       17,320       (16,273 )
                         
Net (income)  loss attributable to noncontrolling                        
   interests in subsidiaries     (120 )     3,233       (3,353 )
Net income attributable to common equity   $ 927     $ 20,553     $ (19,626 )
                         
Earnings per share - basic and diluted:   $ 0.13     $ 2.94     $ (2.81 )
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding:                        
  Basic     7,019       6,992          
  Diluted     7,022       6,994          

 

Real estate revenue for Fiscal 2021 decreased 4.6% to $50,291,000 compared to $52,727,000 for Fiscal 2020. The decline in revenue was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a decline in revenue of approximately $2.7 million resulting from the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results due to the conversion to a tenancy-in-common form of ownership (“TIC”) as of February 28, 2020; (b) a decrease in reimbursement revenue of approximately $0.4 million primarily attributed to the settle-ups of Common Area Maintenance with commercial tenants in the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2021; (c) a decline in revenue from the commercial segment of approximately $0.4 million, (net of lease termination payments received from PetValu in the amount of approximately $0.3 million and a settlement payment in the amount of approximately $0.2 million received from Cobb Theatre at the Rotunda retail property), primarily driven by a decline in the average occupancy rate to 76.3% in Fiscal 2021 from 79.7% in Fiscal 2020; (d) an insurance reimbursement received at the Icon property in Fiscal 2020 in the amount of approximately $0.2 million; offset by (e) an increase in revenue from the residential segment of approximately $1.2 million primarily driven by an increase in the average occupancy rate to 96.5% in Fiscal 2021 from 94.0% in Fiscal 2020 and an increase in base rents across most properties.

Net income attributable to common equity (“net income-common equity”) for Fiscal 2021 was $927,000 ($0.13 per share basic and diluted), compared to $20,533,000 ($2.94 per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2020.

 

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The schedule below provides a non-GAAP detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted net income-common equity for Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020:

 

NON-GAAP NET INCOME COMPONENTS                  
    Years Ended October 31,  
    2021     2020     Change  
    (In Thousands)  
Income from real estate operations:                        
    Commercial properties   $ 12,094     $ 12,755     $ (661 )
    Residential properties     15,903       17,050       (1,147 )
      Total income from real estate operations     27,997       29,805       (1,808 )
                         
Financing costs:                        
Fixed rate mortgages     (5,783 )     (7,401 )     1,618  
Floating rate mortgages     (5,159 )     (5,303 )     144  
Other - Corporate interest     (225 )     (329 )     104  
Mortgage cost amortization     (1,109 )     (1,089 )     (20 )
  Total financing costs     (12,276 )     (14,122 )     1,846  
                         
Investment income     116       204       (88 )
                         
General & administrative expenses:                        
    Accounting fees     (426 )     (558 )     132  
    Legal and professional fees     (2,477 )     (1,074 )     (1,403 )
    Directors and consultant fees     (950 )     (1,205 )     255  
    Stock option expense     (42 )     (46 )     4  
    Corporate expenses     (1,300 )     (938 )     (362 )
  Total general & administrative expenses     (5,195 )     (3,821 )     (1,374 )
                         
Third party transaction costs           (4,606 )     4,606  
Depreciation     (9,300 )     (10,341 )     1,041  
Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common     (295 )     (202 )     (93 )
    Adjusted net income (loss)     1,047       (3,083 )     4,130  
                         
Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19           (7,277 )     7,277  
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary           27,680       (27,680 )
    Net income     1,047       17,320       (16,273 )
                         
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling                        
     interests in subsidiaries     (120 )     3,233       (3,353 )
Net income attributable to common equity   $ 927     $ 20,553     $ (19,626 )

 

Adjusted net income (loss) for Fiscal 2021 was net income of $1,047,000 ($0.15 per share basic and diluted) compared to net loss of $3,083,000 (($0.44) per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2020. Adjusted net income (loss) is a non-GAAP measure, which management believes is a useful and meaningful gauge to investors of our operating performance, since it excludes the impact of unusual and infrequent items specifically: a gain on deconsolidation of the Pierre Towers property in Fiscal 2020; and a tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19 in Fiscal 2020.

The increase in adjusted net income for Fiscal 2021 was primarily driven by the following: (a) third party transaction costs incurred in Fiscal 2020 of approximately $4.6 million; (b) a decrease in net financing costs of approximately $1.2 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.9 million), (excluding the impact of the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers from FREIT Maryland’s operating results of approximately $0.6 million in interest expense), primarily driven by a decline in interest rates on variable mortgage loans; (c) a decline in depreciation expense of approximately $0.6 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.3 million), (excluding the impact of the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers from FREIT Maryland’s operating results of approximately $0.5 million in depreciation expense), primarily driven by the tenant improvements written off in Fiscal 2020; (d) a decline in expense for the reserve of uncollectible rents for commercial tenants of approximately $0.4 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.3 million); (e) an increase in revenue, excluding the impact of the conversion of the Pierre Towers property to a TIC, in the amount of approximately $0.2 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.3 million) as explained above; (f) a decrease in leasing costs in the amount of approximately $0.2 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.1 million) resulting from the write-off of unamortized lease commissions in Fiscal 2020 due to the Cobb Theatres’ rejection of its lease; offset by (g) an increase in general & administrative expenses of approximately $1.4 million primarily driven by an increase in legal costs in Fiscal 2021 attributed to the legal proceeding between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC and reincorporation expenses incurred in Fiscal 2021 to reincorporate in the state of Maryland; (h) an increase in snow removal costs due to a harsher winter in Fiscal 2021 of approximately $0.5 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.4 million); (i) an increase in repairs and maintenance expense of approximately $0.5 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.3 million), (excluding the impact of the deconsolidation of the

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operating results of the Pierre Towers from FREIT Maryland’s operating results of approximately $0.2 million in repairs and maintenance expense); and (j) a decrease in adjusted net income with an impact of approximately $0.3 million attributed to the Pierre Towers deconsolidation from FREIT Maryland’s operating results in Fiscal 2020 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.2 million). (Refer to the segment disclosure below for a more detailed discussion of the financial performance of FREIT Maryland’s commercial and residential segments.)

 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following table sets forth comparative net operating income ("NOI") data for FREIT Maryland’s real estate segments and reconciles the NOI to consolidated net income-common equity for Fiscal 2021, as compared to Fiscal 2020 (See below for definition of NOI):

 

                                                             
    Commercial     Residential     Combined  
    Years Ended                 Years Ended                 Years Ended  
    October 31,     Increase (Decrease)     October 31,     Increase (Decrease)     October 31,  
    2021     2020     $     %     2021     2020     $     %     2021     2020  
    (In Thousands)           (In Thousands)           (In Thousands)  
Rental income   $ 17,875     $ 18,769     $ (894 )     -4.8%     $ 26,515     $ 27,812     $ (1,297 )     -4.7%     $ 44,390     $ 46,581  
Reimbursements     5,311       5,690       (379 )     -6.7%       157       150       7       4.7%       5,468       5,840  
Other     361       27       334       1237.0%       302       676       (374 )     -55.3%       663       703  
Total revenue     23,547       24,486       (939 )     -3.8%       26,974       28,638       (1,664 )     -5.8%       50,521       53,124  
                                                                                 
Operating expenses     11,223       11,334       (111 )     -1.0%       11,071       11,588       (517 )     -4.5%       22,294       22,922  
Net operating income   $ 12,324     $ 13,152     $ (828 )     -6.3%     $ 15,903     $ 17,050     $ (1,147 )     -6.7%       28,227       30,202  
                                                                                 
Average Occupancy %     76.3%       79.7%               -3.4%       96.5% *     94.0% *             2.5%                  
                                                                                 

 

  Reconciliation to consolidated net income-common equity:            
  Deferred rents - straight lining     (230 )     (397 )
  Investment income     116       204  
  Third party transaction costs           (4,606 )
  Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary           27,680  
  Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common     (295 )     (202 )
  General and administrative expenses     (5,195 )     (3,821 )
  Depreciation     (9,300 )     (10,341 )
  Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19           (7,277 )
  Financing costs     (12,276 )     (14,122 )
             Net income     1,047       17,320  
  Net (income) loss  attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries     (120 )     3,233  
             Net income attributable to common equity   $ 927     $ 20,553  

 

*Average occupancy rate excludes the Pierre Towers property  from all periods presented as the property was deconsolidated and converted to a TIC effective February 28, 2020.

NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation, financing costs and other items. FREIT Maryland assesses and measures segment operating results based on NOI.

Same Property NOI: FREIT Maryland considers same property net operating income (“Same Property NOI”) to be a useful supplemental non-GAAP measure of its operating performance. FREIT Maryland defines same property within both the commercial and residential segments to be those properties that FREIT Maryland has owned and operated for both the current and prior periods presented, excluding those properties that FREIT Maryland acquired, sold or redeveloped during those periods. Any newly acquired property that has been in operation for less than a year, any property that is undergoing a major redevelopment but may still be in operation at less than full capacity, and/or any property that has been sold or deconsolidated is not considered same property.

NOI and Same Property NOI are non-GAAP financial measures and are not measures of operating results or cash flow as measured by GAAP, and are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

 

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT

The commercial segment contains eight (8) separate properties. Seven of these properties are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and one is single tenanted on land located in Rockaway, New Jersey owned by FREIT Maryland from which it receives monthly rental income from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on the land.

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT Maryland’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2021 decreased by 3.8% and 6.3%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2020. The decline in revenue for Fiscal 2021 was primarily attributed to the following: (a) a decrease in reimbursement revenue of approximately $0.4 million primarily attributed to the settle-ups of Common Area Maintenance with commercial tenants in the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2021; and (b) a decline in revenue in the amount of approximately $0.6 million (net of lease termination

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payments received from PetValu in the amount of approximately $0.3 million and a settlement payment in the amount of approximately $0.2 million received from Cobb Theatre at the Rotunda retail property) primarily attributable to a decline in the average occupancy rate to 76.3% in Fiscal 2021 from 79.7% in Fiscal 2020. The decline in NOI for Fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a decline in revenue of approximately $0.9 million as described above; (b) an increase in snow removal costs due to a harsher winter in Fiscal 2021 of approximately $0.3 million; (c) an increase in repairs and maintenance expense of approximately $0.2 million; offset by (d) a decline in expense for the reserve of uncollectible rents of approximately $0.4 million; and (e) a decrease in leasing costs in the amount of approximately $0.2 million resulting from the write-off of unamortized lease commissions in Fiscal 2020 due to the Cobb Theatres’ rejection of its lease.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT Maryland’s commercial segment currently contains eight (8) same properties. (See definition of same property under Segment Information above.) Since all of FREIT Maryland’s commercial properties are considered same properties in Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020, refer to the preceding paragraph for discussion of changes in same property results.

Leasing: The following tables reflect leasing activity at FREIT Maryland’s commercial properties for comparable leases (leases executed for spaces in which there was a tenant at some point during the previous twelve-month period) and non-comparable leases for Fiscal 2021.

 

RETAIL:   Number of
Leases
    Lease Area
(Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average Prior
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    % Increase
(Decrease)
    Tenant
Improvement
Allowance
(per Sq. Ft.)  
(a)
    Lease
Commissions
(per Sq. Ft.)  
(a)
 
                                           
Comparable leases (b)     23       148,190     $ 13.83     $ 16.64       -16.9%     $     $ 0.21  
                                                         
Non-comparable leases     7       12,514     $ 32.79        N/A         N/A      $ 1.27     $ 1.63  
                                                         
Total leasing activity     30       160,704                                          
                                                         

 

OFFICE:   Number of
Leases
    Lease Area
(Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average Prior
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    % Increase
(Decrease)
    Tenant
Improvement
Allowance
(per Sq. Ft.)  
(a)
    Lease
Commissions
(per Sq. Ft.)  
(a)
 
                                           
Comparable leases (b)     13       30,605     $ 33.01     $ 32.07       2.9%     $     $ 0.34  
                                                         
Non-comparable leases     2       4,053     $ 23.72        N/A         N/A      $     $ 1.34  
                                                         
Total leasing activity     15       34,658                                          
                                                         

 

(a) These leasing costs are presented as annualized costs per square foot and are allocated uniformly over the lease term.

(b) This includes new tenant leases and/or modifications/extensions/renewals of existing tenant leases.        

 

 

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2021, Pet Valu, Inc., a pet store tenant, vacated several stores located in shopping centers owned by FREIT Maryland affiliates (Wayne PSC, Damascus Centre and Grande Rotunda) and terminated the related leases early paying an aggregate lease termination fee in the amount of approximately $260,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $140,000).

On May 4, 2021, Burlington amended its lease at the Westridge Square Shopping Center (owned by WestFREIT) extending the term of the lease for a period of one (1) year and ninety (90) days commencing on December 1, 2021 and expiring on February 28, 2023 (“Fourth Extension Period”). The fixed rent during this Fourth Extension Period was reduced from $59,120 per month to $35,830 per month. Additionally, Burlington has the right to terminate the lease at any time prior to the last day of the Fourth Extension Period by providing at least twelve (12) months prior written notice of such termination (the “Termination Notice”). In the event that Burlington delivers the Termination Notice, the term of the lease shall automatically end on the last day of the twelfth (12th) full calendar month immediately following receipt of the Termination Notice. On January 7, 2022 the property owned by WestFREIT was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

On April 26, 2020, CB Theatre Experience, LLC filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code as disclosed in the bankruptcy filings. The CB Theatre Experience, LLC (known as “Cobb Theatre”) at the Rotunda retail property in Baltimore, Maryland has been closed since April 2020 due to the mandated shut down related to the COVID-19 pandemic and on July 14, 2020 rejected its lease at this property as of June 30, 2020. During the first quarter ended January 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland received a settlement payment from Cobb Theatre in the amount of approximately $0.2 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.1 million).

The properties owned by Grande Rotunda, WestFREIT and Damascus Centre were sold on December 30, 2021, January 7, 2022 and January 10, 2022, respectively. See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.

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RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT

FREIT Maryland currently operates seven (7) multi-family apartment buildings or complexes totaling 1,171 apartment units. On February 28, 2020, FREIT Maryland reorganized its subsidiary S and A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S&A”) from a partnership into a TIC. Prior to this reorganization, FREIT Maryland owned a 65% membership interest in S&A, which owned 100% of the Pierre Towers property located in Hackensack, New Jersey through its 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC. Accordingly, FREIT Maryland consolidated the financial statements of S&A and its subsidiary to include 100% of the subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows with the interest not owned by FREIT Maryland reflected as “noncontrolling interests in subsidiary” and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.

Pursuant to the TIC agreement, FREIT Maryland ultimately acquired a 65% undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property which was formerly owned by S&A. Based on the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification 810, “Consolidation”, FREIT Maryland’s investment in the TIC is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. While FREIT Maryland’s effective ownership percentage interest in the Pierre Towers property remains unchanged after the reorganization to a TIC, FREIT Maryland no longer has a controlling interest as the TIC is now under joint control. (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.)

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT Maryland’s residential segment for Fiscal 2021 decreased by 5.8% and 6.7%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2020. The decline in revenue for Fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results due to the conversion to a TIC as of February 28, 2020 resulting in a decline in revenue of approximately $2.7 million; (b) an insurance reimbursement received at the Icon property in Fiscal 2020 in the amount of approximately $0.2 million; offset by (c) an increase in revenue of approximately $1.2 million driven by an increase in the average occupancy rate by approximately 2.5% over Fiscal 2020 and an increase in base rent across most properties. The decline in NOI for Fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results due to the conversion to a TIC as of February 28, 2020 resulting in a decline in NOI of approximately $1.3 million; (b) an increase in repairs and maintenance expense of approximately $0.3 million; (c) an increase in operating expenses of approximately $0.3 million primarily driven by an increase in snow removal costs due to a harsher winter in Fiscal 2021 and an increase in janitorial costs; (d) an increase in advertising expense of approximately $0.1 million; and (e) an increase in expense for the reserve of uncollectible rents of approximately $0.1 million; offset by (f) an increase in revenue of approximately $1 million as explained above (excluding the impact of the Pierre Towers deconsolidation).

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT Maryland’s residential segment currently contains seven (7) same properties. (See definition of same property under Segment Information above.) The Pierre Towers property was excluded from same property results for both fiscal years because this property was deconsolidated and converted to a TIC as of February 28, 2020. Same property revenue and NOI increased by 3.8% and 1.1%, respectively, from Fiscal 2020. The changes resulted from the factors discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph.

FREIT Maryland’s residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a factor of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. Monthly average residential rents at the end of Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020 were $1,998 and $1,953, respectively. A 1% decline in annual average occupancy, or a 1% decline in average rents from current levels, results in an annual revenue decline of approximately $281,000 and $276,000, respectively.

Capital expenditures: Since all of FREIT Maryland’s apartment communities, with the exception of the Boulders, Regency, Icon and Station Place properties, were constructed more than 25 years ago, FREIT Maryland tends to spend more in any given year on maintenance and capital improvements than may be spent on newer properties. As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, only capital improvements deemed essential are being made at this time. Funds for these capital projects will be available from cash flow from the property's operations and cash reserves.

 

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FINANCING COSTS

 

    Years Ended October 31,  
    2021     2020  
    (In Thousands of Dollars)  
Fixed rate mortgages (a):                
    1st Mortgages                
    Existing   $ 5,783     $ 7,401  
    New            
Variable rate mortgages:                
    1st Mortgages                
    Existing     5,159       5,211  
    New           92  
Other     225       329  
Total financing costs, gross     11,167       13,033  
     Amortization of mortgage costs     1,109       1,089  
Total financing costs, net   $ 12,276     $ 14,122  
                 
 (a) Includes the effect of interest rate swap contracts which effectively convert the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate over the term of the loan.

 

Total net financing costs for Fiscal 2021 decreased by approximately $1,846,000 or 13.1%, compared to Fiscal 2020 which is attributable to the following: (a) a decline in interest on the variable mortgage loans for the Rotunda and WestFREIT properties of approximately $1,105,000 resulting from lower interest rates (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details); and (b) the deconsolidation of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results due to the conversion to a TIC as of February 28, 2020 resulting in a decrease in net financing costs of approximately $645,000. (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details on the deconsolidation of the Pierre Towers property.)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income for Fiscal 2021 was $116,000 as compared to $204,000 for Fiscal 2020. Investment income is principally derived from interest earned from cash on deposit in institutional money market funds and interest earned from secured loans receivable (loans made to Hekemian & Co. employees, including Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of FREIT Maryland, David B. Hekemian, a Director of FREIT Maryland, Allan Tubin, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland and certain other members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT Maryland’s former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and consultant of FREIT Maryland) for their equity investments (through Rotunda 100, LLC) in Grande Rotunda, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT Maryland owns a 60% equity interest. (See Note 8 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (“G&A”)

G&A expense for Fiscal 2021 was $5,195,000 as compared to $3,821,000 for Fiscal 2020. The primary components of G&A are accounting/auditing fees, legal and professional fees, directors’ and consultant fees and corporate expenses. The increase in G&A costs for Fiscal 2021 was primarily driven by the following: (a) an increase in legal costs of approximately $1,403,000 primarily resulting from the legal proceeding between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC; (b) an increase in corporate expenses of approximately $362,000 primarily attributed to reincorporation expenses incurred in Fiscal 2021 of approximately $493,000 to reincorporate in the state of Maryland offset by costs incurred in Fiscal 2020 for the formation and transfer of the Pierre subsidiary to a TIC of approximately $293,000; offset by (c) a decline in directors’ and consultant fees of approximately $255,000.

 

THIRD PARTY TRANSACTION COSTS

The Special Committee of the Board (“Special Committee”) incurred on behalf of the Company third party transaction costs for advisory, legal and other expenses primarily related to the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the Plan of Liquidation (See Notes 14 and 15 for additional details) in the amount of approximately $0 for Fiscal 2021 as compared to approximately $4,606,000 for Fiscal 2020. On April 30, 2020, the Sellers delivered written notice to the Purchaser of the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement (See Note 14 for details) and on May 7, 2020, the Board approved the elimination of the Special Committee. No further transaction costs were incurred thereafter.

 

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense from operations for Fiscal 2021 was $9,300,000 as compared to $10,341,000 for Fiscal 2020. The decline in depreciation expense in Fiscal 2021 was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a decline in the amount of approximately $460,000 resulting from the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results as of February 28, 2020 (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details); and (b) the remainder of the decline is primarily related to tenant improvements written off in Fiscal 2020.

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Results of Operations:

Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2020 and 2019

Summary revenues and net income for Fiscal 2020 and October 31, 2019 (“Fiscal 2019”) are as follows:

 

    Years Ended October 31,  
    2020     2019     Change  
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Real estate revenues:                        
  Commercial properties   $ 24,089     $ 27,122     $ (3,033 )
  Residential properties     28,638       33,155       (4,517 )
      Total real estate revenues     52,727       60,277       (7,550 )
                         
Operating expenses:                        
  Real estate operating expenses     22,922       26,062       (3,140 )
  Third party transaction costs     4,606       1,416       3,190  
  General and administrative expenses     3,821       2,633       1,188  
  Depreciation     10,341       11,339       (998 )
  Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19     7,277             7,277  
      Total operating expenses     48,967       41,450       7,517  
                         
Operating income     3,760       18,827       (15,067 )
                         
Investment income     204       360       (156 )
Unrealized loss on interest rate cap contract           (160 )     160  
Gain on sale of property           836       (836 )
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary     27,680             27,680  
Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common     (202 )           (202 )
Financing costs     (14,122 )     (18,070 )     3,948  
      Net income     17,320       1,793       15,527  
                         
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling                        
   interests in subsidiaries     3,233       (6 )     3,239  
Net income attributable to common equity   $ 20,553     $ 1,787     $ 18,766  
                         
Earnings per share - basic and diluted:   $ 2.94     $ 0.26     $ 2.68  
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding:                        
  Basic     6,992       6,940          
  Diluted     6,994       6,940          

 

Real estate revenue for Fiscal 2020 decreased 12.5% to $52,727,000 compared to $60,277,000 for Fiscal 2019. The decline in revenue was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a decline in revenue of approximately $5 million resulting from the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results due to the conversion to a TIC as of February 28, 2020; (b) a reduction in total revenue in the amount of approximately $1.1 million, which includes the write-off of straight-line rent in the amount of approximately $0.4 million, as compared to Fiscal 2019 due to the rejection of the lease for the Cobb Theatre at the Rotunda retail property as of June 30, 2020 resulting from the Cobb Theatre bankruptcy filing; (c) a reduction in total revenue in the amount of approximately $1.4 million as compared to Fiscal 2019 due to rental revenue being deemed uncollectible and classified as a reduction in rental revenue primarily attributed to commercial tenants suffering adverse financial consequences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; (d) a decline in total revenue of approximately $0.4 million driven by a decline in the annual average occupancy rate for the commercial properties from 81.5% in Fiscal 2019 to 79.7% in Fiscal 2020; (e) a decrease in revenue of approximately $0.2 million attributed to commercial rent abatements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; offset by (f) an increase in the residential segment of approximately $0.5 million driven by insurance reimbursements received in Fiscal 2020 related to a fire at each of the Pierre Towers and Icon properties and an increase in base rent at most of these properties.

Net income attributable to common equity (“net income-common equity”) for Fiscal 2020 was $20,553,000 ($2.94 per share basic and diluted), compared to $1,787,000 ($0.26 per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2019 primarily as a result of the non-cash gain on the deconsolidation of a subsidiary (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details).

 

32 

The schedule below provides a non-GAAP detailed analysis of the major changes that impacted revenue and net income-common equity for Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019:

 

NON-GAAP NET INCOME COMPONENTS                  
    Years Ended October 31,  
    2020     2019     Change  
    (In Thousands)  
Income from real estate operations:                        
    Commercial properties   $ 12,755     $ 15,427     $ (2,672 )
    Residential properties     17,050       18,788       (1,738 )
      Total income from real estate operations     29,805       34,215       (4,410 )
                         
Financing costs:                        
Fixed rate mortgages     (7,401 )     (8,953 )     1,552  
Floating rate mortgages     (5,303 )     (7,384 )     2,081  
Other - Corporate interest     (329 )     (594 )     265  
Mortgage cost amortization     (1,089 )     (1,139 )     50  
  Total financing costs     (14,122 )     (18,070 )     3,948  
                         
Investment income     204       360       (156 )
Unrealized loss on interest rate cap contract           (160 )     160  
                         
General & administrative expenses:                        
    Accounting fees     (558 )     (654 )     96  
    Legal and professional fees     (1,074 )     (135 )     (939 )
    Directors and consultant fees     (1,205 )     (1,164 )     (41 )
    Stock option expense     (46 )     (124 )     78  
    Corporate expenses     (938 )     (556 )     (382 )
  Total general & administrative expenses     (3,821 )     (2,633 )     (1,188 )
                         
Third party transaction costs     (4,606 )     (1,416 )     (3,190 )
Depreciation     (10,341 )     (11,339 )     998  
Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common     (202 )           (202 )
    Adjusted net (loss) income     (3,083 )     957       (4,040 )
                         
Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19     (7,277 )           (7,277 )
Gain on sale of property           836       (836 )
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary     27,680             27,680  
    Net income     17,320       1,793       15,527  
                         
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling                        
     interests in subsidiaries     3,233       (6 )     3,239  
Net income attributable to common equity   $ 20,553     $ 1,787     $ 18,766  

 

Adjusted net loss for Fiscal 2020 was $3,083,000 (($0.44) per share basic and diluted) compared to net income of $957,000 ($0.14 per share basic and diluted) for Fiscal 2019. Adjusted net loss/income is a non-GAAP measure, which management believes is a useful and meaningful gauge to investors of our operating performance, since it excludes the impact of unusual and infrequent items specifically: a gain on deconsolidation of the Pierre Towers property in Fiscal 2020; a tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19 in Fiscal 2020; and a gain related to the sale of the property in Patchogue, New York in Fiscal 2019.

The adjusted net loss for Fiscal 2020 was primarily driven by the following: (a) an increase in third party transaction costs incurred in Fiscal 2020 of approximately $3.2 million; (b) a reduction in total revenue, excluding the impact of the conversion of the Pierre property to a TIC, in the amount of approximately $2.8 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $1.5 million) as explained above; (c) an increase in G&A expenses of approximately $1.2 million primarily driven by an increase in legal costs of approximately $1 million attributed to the legal proceeding between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC and an increase of approximately $0.3 million in lender and legal fees related to the conversion of the Pierre Towers partnership to a TIC in Fiscal 2020; (d) an increase in expense for the reserve of uncollectible rents of approximately $0.4 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.3 million) primarily resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic impact on certain commercial non-essential tenants due to mandated shut downs and imposed restrictions; (e) an increase in leasing costs due to the Cobb Theatres’ rejection of its lease in the amount of approximately $0.2 million; offset by (f) a decrease in financing costs of approximately $2.7 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $1.8 million), (excluding the impact of the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers from FREIT Maryland’s operating results of approximately $1.3 million in interest expense), primarily attributed to the decline in interest rates on variable mortgage loans; and (g) a decline in repairs and maintenance expense of approximately $1.1 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.8 million) due to the deferral of non-essential

33 

maintenance projects across all properties in Fiscal 2020 in an effort to keep such costs lower while the Company has experienced a loss of revenues at the commercial properties and to adjust to the difficulty in hiring contractors due to imposed COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details on the deconsolidation of the Pierre Towers property to a TIC. (Refer to the segment disclosure below for a more detailed discussion of the financial performance of FREIT Maryland’s commercial and residential segments.)

 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following table sets forth comparative net operating income ("NOI") data for FREIT Maryland’s real estate segments and reconciles the NOI to consolidated net income-common equity for Fiscal 2020, as compared to Fiscal 2019 (See below for definition of NOI):

 

    Commercial     Residential     Combined  
    Years Ended                 Years Ended                 Years Ended  
    October 31,     Increase (Decrease)     October 31,     Increase (Decrease)     October 31,  
    2020     2019     $     %     2020     2019     $     %     2020     2019  
    (In Thousands)           (In Thousands)           (In Thousands)  
Rental income   $ 18,769     $ 20,324     $ (1,555 )     -7.7%     $ 27,812     $ 32,592     $ (4,780 )     -14.7%     $ 46,581     $ 52,916  
Reimbursements     5,690       6,295       (605 )     -9.6%       150       134       16       11.9%       5,840       6,429  
Other     27       73       (46 )     -63.0%       676       449       227       50.6%       703       522  
Total revenue     24,486       26,692       (2,206 )     -8.3%       28,638       33,175       (4,537 )     -13.7%       53,124       59,867  
                                                                                 
Operating expenses     11,334       11,694       (360 )     -3.1%       11,588       14,368       (2,780 )     -19.3%       22,922       26,062  
Net operating income   $ 13,152     $ 14,998     $ (1,846 )     -12.3%     $ 17,050     $ 18,807     $ (1,757 )     -9.3%       30,202       33,805  
Gain on sale of property   $     $ 836     $ (836 )     -100.0%     $     $     $       0.0%             836  
                                                                                 
Average Occupancy %     79.7%       81.5% *           -1.8%       94.0% **     95.6% **             -1.6%                  
                                                                                 

 

  Reconciliation to consolidated net income-common equity:            
  Deferred rents - straight lining     (397 )     410  
  Investment income     204       360  
  Unrealized loss on interest rate cap contract           (160 )
  Third party transaction costs     (4,606 )     (1,416 )
  Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary     27,680        
  Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common     (202 )      
  General and administrative expenses     (3,821 )     (2,633 )
  Depreciation     (10,341 )     (11,339 )
  Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19     (7,277 )      
  Financing costs     (14,122 )     (18,070 )
             Net income     17,320       1,793  
  Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries     3,233       (6 )
             Net income attributable to common equity   $ 20,553     $ 1,787  

 

*Average occupancy rate excludes the Patchogue, New York property as the property was sold in February 2019.

**Average occupancy rate excludes the Pierre Towers property  from all periods presented as the property was deconsolidated and converted to a TIC effective February 28, 2020.

 

NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation, financing costs and other items. FREIT Maryland assesses and measures segment operating results based on NOI.

Same Property NOI: FREIT Maryland considers same property net operating income (“Same Property NOI”) to be a useful supplemental non-GAAP measure of its operating performance. FREIT Maryland defines same property within both the commercial and residential segments to be those properties that FREIT Maryland has owned and operated for both the current and prior periods presented, excluding those properties that FREIT Maryland acquired or redeveloped during those periods. Any newly acquired property that has been in operation for less than a year, any property that is undergoing a major redevelopment but may still be in operation at less than full capacity, and/or any property that has been sold or deconsolidated is not considered same property.

NOI and Same Property NOI are non-GAAP financial measures and are not measures of operating results or cash flow as measured by GAAP, and are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

 

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT

The commercial segment contains eight (8) separate properties. Seven of these properties are multi-tenanted retail or office centers, and one is single tenanted on land located in Rockaway, New Jersey owned by FREIT Maryland from which it receives monthly rental income from a tenant who has built and operates a bank branch on the land. On February 8, 2019, FREIT Maryland sold a commercial building, formerly occupied as a Pathmark supermarket in Patchogue, New York for a sales price of $7.5 million. The sale of this property, which had a carrying value of approximately $6.2 million, resulted in a gain of

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approximately $0.8 million net of sales fees and commissions. Net cash proceeds of approximately $2 million were realized after paying off the related mortgage on this property in the amount of approximately $5.2 million. The sale of this property eliminated an operating loss of approximately $0.8 million ($0.12 per share) incurred, annually, since Pathmark vacated the building in December 2015 (see Note 2 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details).

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT Maryland’s commercial segment for Fiscal 2020 decreased by 8.3% and 12.3%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2019. The decline in revenue for Fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a reduction in revenue as compared to Fiscal 2019 resulting from Cobb Theatre’s rejection of its lease due to the Cobb Theatre bankruptcy filing as of June 30, 2020 at the Rotunda retail property in the amount of approximately $0.7 million (excluding the straight-line rent receivable write-off of approximately $0.4 million); (b) a reduction in total revenue in the amount of approximately $1.2 million (excluding the straight-line rent receivable write-off of approximately $0.2 million) as compared to Fiscal 2019 due to rental revenue being deemed uncollectible and classified as a reduction in rental revenue primarily attributed to commercial tenants suffering adverse financial consequences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; (c) a decrease in revenue of approximately $0.2 million attributed to commercial rent abatements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) the remainder of the decline of approximately $0.1 million attributed to the 1.8% decrease in the average annual occupancy rate in Fiscal 2020 as compared to Fiscal 2019. The decline in NOI for Fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a decrease in revenue of approximately $2.2 million as explained above; (b) an increase in expense for the reserve of uncollectible rents of approximately $0.3 million primarily resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic impact; (c) a write-off of unamortized leasing costs related to Cobb Theatres’ rejection of its lease in the amount of approximately $0.2 million; offset by (d) a decline in repairs and maintenance expense of approximately $0.7 million due to the deferral of non-essential maintenance projects across all properties in Fiscal 2020 in an effort to keep such costs lower while the Company has experienced a loss of revenues at the commercial properties and to adjust to the difficulty in hiring contractors due to imposed COVID-19 restrictions and mandates.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT Maryland’s commercial segment currently contains eight (8) same properties. (See definition of same property under Segment Information above.) The Patchogue property was excluded from same property results for Fiscal 2020 and 2019 because this property was sold in February 2019. Same property revenue and NOI for Fiscal 2020 decreased by 8.3% and 12.9%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2019. The changes resulted from the factors discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph.

Leasing: The following tables reflect leasing activity at FREIT Maryland’s commercial properties for comparable leases (leases executed for spaces in which there was a tenant at some point during the previous twelve-month period) and non-comparable leases for Fiscal 2020.

 

RETAIL:   Number of
Leases
    Lease Area
(Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average Prior
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    % Increase
(Decrease)
    Tenant
Improvement
Allowance
(per Sq. Ft.)
(a)
    Lease
Commissions
(per Sq. Ft.)
(a)
 
                                           
Comparable leases (b)     10       20,619     $ 27.75     $ 32.07       -13.5%     $     $ 0.36  
                                                         
Non-comparable leases     1       1,730     $ 14.63        N/A         N/A      $     $ 0.80  
                                                         
Total leasing activity     11       22,349                                          
                                                         

 

OFFICE:   Number of
Leases
    Lease Area
(Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    Weighted
Average Prior
Lease Rate
(per Sq. Ft.)
    % Increase
(Decrease)
    Tenant
Improvement
Allowance
(per Sq. Ft.) 
(a)
    Lease
Commissions
(per Sq. Ft.) 
(a)
 
                                           
Comparable leases (b)     1       444     $ 35.87     $ 32.08       11.8%     $     $ 0.68  
                                                         
Non-comparable leases               $        N/A         N/A      $     $  
                                                         
Total leasing activity     1       444                                          

 

(a) These leasing costs are presented as annualized costs per square foot and are allocated uniformly over the lease term.

(b) This includes new tenant leases and/or modifications/extensions/renewals of existing tenant leases.        

 

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT

FREIT Maryland currently operates seven (7) multi-family apartment buildings or complexes totaling 1,171 apartment units. On February 28, 2020, FREIT Maryland reorganized its subsidiary S and A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S&A”) from a partnership into a TIC. Prior to this reorganization, FREIT Maryland owned a 65% partnership interest in S&A, which owned 100% of the Pierre Towers property located in Hackensack, New Jersey through its 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC. Accordingly, FREIT Maryland consolidated the financial statements of S&A and its subsidiary to include 100% of the subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows with the interest not owned by FREIT Maryland reflected as

35 

“noncontrolling interests in subsidiary” and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.

Pursuant to the TIC agreement, FREIT Maryland ultimately acquired a 65% undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property which was formerly owned by S&A. Based on the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification 810, “Consolidation”, FREIT Maryland’s investment in the TIC is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. While FREIT Maryland’s effective ownership percentage interest in the Pierre Towers property remains unchanged after the reorganization to a TIC, FREIT Maryland no longer has a controlling interest as the TIC is now under joint control. Since FREIT Maryland retained a noncontrolling financial interest in the TIC, and the deconsolidation (as of February 28, 2020) of the subsidiary is not the result of a nonreciprocal transfer to owners, a gain on deconsolidation in the amount of approximately $27.7 million was recognized in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the year ended October 31, 2020. This gain was measured at the date of deconsolidation as the difference between the fair value of the investment in the TIC at the date the entity was deconsolidated and the carrying amount of the former subsidiary’s assets and liabilities. (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.)

As indicated in the table above under the caption Segment Information, total revenue and NOI from FREIT Maryland’s residential segment for Fiscal 2020 decreased by 13.7% and 9.3%, respectively, as compared to Fiscal 2019. The decline in revenue for Fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to the following: (a) a decline in revenue of approximately $5 million resulting from the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results due to the conversion to a TIC as of February 28, 2020; offset by (b) insurance reimbursements received in Fiscal 2020 of approximately $0.3 million; and (c) a slight increase in base rents at most properties of approximately $0.2 million as compared to Fiscal 2019. The decline in NOI for Fiscal 2020 is primarily attributed the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results resulting in a decrease of approximately $2.2 million in NOI as compared to Fiscal 2019 offset by a decline in repairs and maintenance expense of approximately $0.4 million due to the deferral of non-essential maintenance projects across all properties in Fiscal 2020 in an effort to keep such costs lower while the Company has experienced a loss of revenues at the commercial properties and to adjust to the difficulty in hiring contractors due to imposed COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. Average occupancy for all residential properties for Fiscal 2020 decreased by approximately 1.6% over Fiscal 2019. The decline in the average occupancy rate is primarily driven by the decline in the average occupancy rate at the Icon to an average occupancy rate of 91.5% for Fiscal 2020 as compared to 95.1% for Fiscal 2019. This decline in occupancy rate is primarily attributed to tenants attending the Johns Hopkins University, which is in close proximity to the Icon and represents approximately 30% of our tenants at this property. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Johns Hopkins University only offered online classes for the fall semester which resulted in a loss of these tenants at our property.

Same Property Operating Results: FREIT Maryland’s residential segment currently contains seven (7) same properties. (See definition of same property under Segment Information above.) The Pierre Towers property was excluded from same property results for both fiscal years since this property was deconsolidated and converted to a TIC as of February 28, 2020. Same property revenue and NOI increased by 0.9% and 1.7%, respectively, from Fiscal 2019. The changes resulted from the factors discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph.

FREIT Maryland’s residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a factor of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. Monthly average residential rents at the end of Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019 were $1,953 and $1,914, respectively. For comparability purposes, the average residential rent for Fiscal 2019 has been restated to include the impact of Station Place and exclude the impact of the Pierre Towers due to the deconsolidation and conversion to a TIC in Fiscal 2020. A 1% decline in annual average occupancy, or a 1% decline in average rents from current levels, results in an annual revenue decline of approximately $274,000 and $258,000, respectively.

Capital expenditures: Since all of FREIT Maryland’s apartment communities, with the exception of the Boulders, Regency, Icon and Station Place properties, were constructed more than 25 years ago, FREIT Maryland tends to spend more in any given year on maintenance and capital improvements than may be spent on newer properties. As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, only capital improvements deemed essential are being made at this time. Funds for these capital projects will be available from cash flow from the property's operations and cash reserves.

 

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FINANCING COSTS

 

    Years Ended October 31,  
    2020     2019  
    (In Thousands of Dollars)  
Fixed rate mortgages (a):                
    1st Mortgages                
    Existing   $ 7,401     $ 8,763  
    New           190  
Variable rate mortgages:                
    1st Mortgages                
    Existing     5,211       7,384  
    New     92        
Other     329       594  
Total financing costs, gross     13,033       16,931  
     Amortization of mortgage costs     1,089       1,139  
Total financing costs, net   $ 14,122     $ 18,070  
                 
(a) Includes the effect of interest rate swap contracts which effectively convert the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate over the term of the loan.

 

Total net financing costs for Fiscal 2020 decreased by approximately $3,948,000 or 21.8%, compared to Fiscal 2019 which is attributable to the following: (a) a decline in interest on variable mortgage loans of approximately $2,081,000 resulting from lower interest rates; (b) the deconsolidation of the Pierre Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results due to the conversion to a TIC as of February 28, 2020 resulting in a decrease in net financing costs of approximately $1,289,000; (c) a decline in other interest expense of approximately $265,000 primarily resulting from the $5 million payment of deferred Trustee fees to two retired Trustees earlier in Fiscal 2020 and a decline in the ten (10)-year Treasury Bond interest rate as compared to Fiscal 2019; and (d) the remainder of the decrease of approximately $313,000 resulted from the decline in interest on fixed interest rate mortgages due to another year of loan amortization. (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details on the deconsolidation of the Pierre Towers property.)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income for Fiscal 2020 was $204,000 as compared to $360,000 for Fiscal 2019. Investment income is principally derived from interest earned from cash on deposit in institutional money market funds and interest earned from secured loans receivable (loans made to Hekemian & Co. employees, including Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of FREIT Maryland, David B. Hekemian, a Director of FREIT Maryland, Allan Tubin, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland and certain other members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT Maryland’s former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and consultant of FREIT Maryland) for their equity investments (through Rotunda 100, LLC) in Grande Rotunda, LLC, a limited liability company in which FREIT Maryland owns a 60% equity interest. (See Note 8 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

G&A expense for Fiscal 2020 was $3,821,000 as compared to $2,633,000 for Fiscal 2019. The primary components of G&A are accounting/auditing fees, legal and professional fees, Trustees’ and consultant fees and corporate expenses. The increase in G&A costs for Fiscal 2020 was primarily driven by an increase in legal costs of approximately $960,000 resulting from the legal proceeding between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC and an increase of approximately $300,000 in lender and legal fees related to the conversion of the Pierre Towers partnership to a TIC in Fiscal 2020. (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

 

THIRD PARTY TRANSACTION COSTS

The Special Committee incurred on behalf of the Company third party transaction costs for advisory, legal and other expenses primarily related to the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the Plan of Liquidation (See Notes 14 and 15 for additional details) in the amount of approximately $4,606,000 for Fiscal 2020 as compared to approximately $1,416,000 for Fiscal 2020. On April 30, 2020, the Sellers delivered written notice to the Purchaser of the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement (See Note 14 for details) and on May 7, 2020, the Board approved the elimination of the Special Committee. No further transaction costs were incurred thereafter.

 

DEPRECIATION

Depreciation expense from operations for Fiscal 2020 was $10,341,000 as compared to $11,339,000 for Fiscal 2019. The decline in depreciation expense for Fiscal 2020 was primarily attributable to the deconsolidation of the operating results of the Pierre

37 

Towers property from FREIT Maryland’s operating results as of February 28, 2020. (See Note 3 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details.)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities was $12.2 million for Fiscal 2021 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $3.9 million for Fiscal 2020. FREIT Maryland expects that cash provided by operating activities, including cash received from property sales subsequent to October 31, 2021 (see Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements) and cash reserves will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments (including payments of interest, but excluding balloon payments which are expected to be refinanced and/or extended), real estate taxes, recurring capital improvements at its properties and other needs to maintain its status as a REIT for at least a period of one year from the date of filing of this Form 10-K.

As at October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaling $39 million, compared to $39.5 million at October 31, 2020. The decrease in cash in Fiscal 2021 is primarily attributable to $10.9 million in net cash used in financing activities, $1.8 million in net cash used in investing activities including capital expenditures offset by $12.2 million in net cash provided by operating activities.

On February 8, 2019, FREIT Maryland sold a commercial building, formerly occupied as a Pathmark supermarket in Patchogue, New York for a sales price of $7.5 million. The sale of this property, which had a carrying value of approximately $6.2 million, resulted in a gain of approximately $0.8 million net of sales fees and commissions. Net cash proceeds of approximately $2 million were realized after paying off the related mortgage on this property in the amount of approximately $5.2 million. In connection with and in anticipation of the closing of the sale of the Patchogue property, FREIT Maryland declared a one-time special dividend of $0.10 per share in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. The sale of this property eliminated an operating loss of approximately $0.8 million ($0.12 per share) incurred, annually, since Pathmark vacated the building in December 2015. (See Note 2 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements.)

In Fiscal 2017, Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande Rotunda”) incurred substantial expenditures at the Rotunda property related to retail tenant improvements, leasing costs and operating expenditures which, in the aggregate, exceeded revenues as the property was still in the rent up phase and the construction loan previously held with Wells Fargo was at its maximum level resulting in no additional funding available to draw. Accordingly, during Fiscal 2017 the equity owners in Grande Rotunda (FREIT Maryland with a 60% ownership and Rotunda 100, LLC (Rotunda 100) with a 40% ownership) contributed their respective pro-rata share of any cash needs through loans to Grande Rotunda. In Fiscal 2021, Grande Rotunda repaid $7 million to the equity owners in Grande Rotunda based on their respective pro-rata share resulting in a loan repayment to Rotunda 100 of approximately $2.8 million. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, Rotunda 100 has funded Grande Rotunda with approximately $3.3 million and $5.9 million (including accrued interest), respectively, which is included in “Due to affiliate” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Credit Line: FREIT Maryland’s revolving line of credit provided by Provident Bank was renewed for a three-year term ending on October 31, 2023. Draws against the credit line can be used for working capital needs and standby letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT Maryland’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and retail space in Glen Rock, New Jersey. The total line of credit is $13 million and the interest rate on the amount outstanding is based on a floating interest rate of prime minus 25 basis points with a floor of 3.75%. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, there was no amount outstanding and $13 million was available under the line of credit. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

Dividend: After careful consideration of FREIT Maryland’s Fiscal 2021 results and projected operating results and cash needs, the FREIT Maryland Board of Directors (“Board”) declared a fourth quarter dividend of $0.10 per share which was paid on December 15, 2021 to stockholders of record on December 1, 2021. The Board will continue to evaluate the dividend on a quarterly basis.

 

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As of October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $301.3 million, which bears a weighted average interest rate of 3.56% and an average life of approximately 2.44 years. FREIT Maryland’s fixed rate mortgages are subject to amortization schedules that are longer than the terms of the mortgages. As such, balloon payments (unpaid principal amounts at mortgage due date) for all mortgage debt will be required as follows:

                   
Fiscal Year   2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
($ in millions)                   
Mortgage "Balloon" Payments      $199.5 (A) $34.8 (B) $9.0 $13.9 $0.0 $0.0 $10.5 $26.0
                   
  (A) Includes the following:
    (1) A loan on the Rotunda property located in Baltimore, Maryland in the amount of approximately $116.5 million which would have matured on February 6, 2022. On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 
     
    (2) A loan on the Westridge Square Shopping Center located in Frederick, Maryland in the amount of approximately $21.1 million which has a maturity date of January 31, 2021. On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.)
     
    (3) A loan on the Boulders property, which is a residential property located in Rockaway, New Jersey in the amount of approximately $14.5 million which had a maturity date of February 1, 2022. The loan was refinanced on December 30, 2021 in the amount of $7.5 million with additional funding available of up to another $7.5 million and has a maturity date of January 1, 2024. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 
     
    (4) A loan on the Preakness Shopping Center located in Wayne, New Jersey in the amount of approximately $22.6 million. Although the Company continues to make its required debt service payments in accordance with the loan agreement, it is unable to comply with this covenant.  As such, the bank could exercise its remedies under the loan agreement including, among other things, requiring a partial or full repayment of the loan.   (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 
                   
  (B)   Includes a loan on the Damascus property located in Damascus, Maryland in the amount of approximately $18.2 million. On January 10, 2022, the property owned by Damascus was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 

The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of FREIT Maryland’s long-term debt, net at October 31, 2021 and 2020: 

 

($ in Millions)   October 31, 2021   October 31, 2020
         
Fair Value   $301.6   $311.4
         
Carrying Value, Net $299.9   $305.4

Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at the end of each fiscal year and on a discounted cash flow analysis. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect these fair value estimates. The fair value is based on observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance).

FREIT Maryland expects to refinance the individual mortgages with new mortgages or exercise extension options when their terms expire. To this extent FREIT Maryland has exposure to interest rate risk. If interest rates, at the time any individual mortgage note is due, are higher than the current fixed interest rate, higher debt service may be required, and/or refinancing proceeds may be less than the amount of mortgage debt being retired. For example, at October 31, 2021, a 1% interest rate increase would reduce the fair value of FREIT Maryland’s debt by $4.4 million, and a 1% decrease would increase the fair value by $4.6 million.

FREIT Maryland continually reviews its debt levels to determine if additional debt can prudently be utilized for property acquisitions for its real estate portfolio that will increase income and cash flow to stockholders.

On February 7, 2018, Grande Rotunda refinanced its construction loan with a new loan held by Aareal Capital Corporation in the amount of approximately $118.5 million with additional funding which was available through February 6, 2021 for retail tenant improvements and leasing costs in the amount of $3,380,000. This loan bears a floating interest rate at 285 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate and had a maturity date of February 6, 2021 with two one-year options of Grande Rotunda to

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extend the maturity of this loan, subject to certain requirements as provided for in the loan agreement. Grande Rotunda had purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR for the full amount that could have been drawn on this loan of $121.9 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for the first two years of this loan which matured on March 5, 2020. On February 28, 2020, Grande Rotunda had purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2020, for the full amount that could have been drawn on this loan of $121.9 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year, maturing on March 5, 2021. Effective February 6, 2021, Grande Rotunda exercised the first extension option on this loan with a balance in the amount of approximately $118.5 million, extending the loan one year with a new maturity date of February 6, 2022. Principal payments in the amount of $500,000 were required upon exercise of the first loan extension option and per calendar quarter thereafter. Additionally, Grande Rotunda purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2021, for the loan amount of approximately $118.5 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year expiring on February 6, 2022. At October 31, 2021, the total amount outstanding on this loan was approximately $116.5 million and the interest rate was approximately 2.93%. (See Notes 5 and 6 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details). On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

On September 30, 2020, Westwood Hills, LLC (“Westwood Hills”), a consolidated subsidiary, refinanced its $19.2 million loan (which would have matured on November 1, 2020) with a new loan held by ConnectOne Bank in the amount of $25,000,000, with additional funding available in the amount of $250,000 for legal fees potentially incurred by the lender related to the lis pendens on this property. (See Note 14 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details in regards to the lis pendens.) This loan, secured by an apartment building in Westwood, New Jersey, is interest-only based on a floating rate at 400 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate with a floor of 4.15% and has a maturity date of October 1, 2022 with the option of Westwood Hills to extend for two (2) additional six (6)-month periods from the maturity date, subject to certain provisions of the loan agreement. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a change in the annual interest rate from a fixed rate of 4.62% to a variable rate with a floor of 4.15% and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately $5.6 million that were distributed to the partners in Westwood Hills with FREIT Maryland receiving approximately $2.2 million based on its 40% membership interest in Westwood Hills. As of October 31, 2021, $25,000,000 of this loan was drawn and outstanding and the interest rate was based on the floor of 4.15%. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

On August 26, 2019, Berdan Court, LLC (“Berdan Court”), (owned 100% by FREIT Maryland), refinanced its $17 million loan (which matured on September 1, 2019) with the lender in the amount of $28,815,000. This loan, secured by an apartment building located in Wayne, New Jersey, has a term of ten years and bears a fixed interest rate equal to 3.54%. Interest-only payments are required each month for the first five years of the term and thereafter, principal payments plus accrued interest will be required each month through maturity. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a reduction in the annual interest rate from a fixed rate of 6.09% to a fixed rate of 3.54% and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately $11.6 million which can be used for capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

On April 3, 2019, WestFREIT, Corp. exercised its option to extend its loan secured by the Westridge Square shopping center in Frederick, Maryland, held by M&T Bank, with a then outstanding balance of approximately $22.5 million, for twelve months. Effective beginning on June 1, 2019, the extension of this loan required monthly principal payments of $47,250 plus interest based on a floating interest rate equal to 240 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and had a maturity date of May 1, 2020. This loan was extended to November 1, 2020 and further extended to January 31, 2021 under the same terms and conditions of the existing agreement. WestFREIT, Corp. entered into a loan extension and modification agreement with M&T Bank, effective beginning on February 1, 2021, which requires monthly principal payments of $49,250 plus interest based on a floating interest rate equal to 255 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and has a maturity date of January 31, 2022, with the option of WestFREIT, Corp. to extend for an additional one-year period through January 31, 2023, subject to certain requirements as provided for in the loan agreement including the lease-up of certain space. As of October 31, 2021, approximately $21.2 million of this loan was outstanding and the interest rate was approximately 2.68%. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.) On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

Interest rate swap contracts: To reduce interest rate volatility, FREIT Maryland uses a “pay fixed, receive floating” interest rate swap to convert floating interest rates to fixed interest rates over the term of a certain loan. FREIT Maryland enters into these swap contracts with a counterparty that is usually a high-quality commercial bank. In essence, FREIT Maryland agrees to pay its counterparties a fixed rate of interest on a dollar amount of notional principal (which generally corresponds to FREIT Maryland’s mortgage debt) over a term equal to the term of the mortgage notes. FREIT Maryland’s counterparties, in return, agree to pay FREIT Maryland a short-term rate of interest - generally LIBOR - on that same notional amount over the same term as the mortgage notes.

FREIT Maryland has variable interest rate loans secured by its Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus Centre”), Wayne PSC, LLC (“Wayne PSC”), FREIT Regency, LLC (“Regency”) and Station Place on Monmouth, LLC (“Station Place”) properties. To reduce interest rate fluctuations, FREIT Maryland entered into interest rate swap contracts for each of these loans. These interest

40 

rate swap contracts effectively converted variable interest rate payments to fixed interest rate payments. The contracts were based on a notional amount of approximately $22,320,000 ($18,320,000 at October 31, 2021) for the Damascus Centre swaps, a notional amount of approximately $16,200,000 ($14,921,000 at October 31, 2021) for the Regency swap, a notional amount of approximately $25,800,000 ($22,333,000 at October 31, 2021) for the Wayne PSC swap and a notional amount of approximately $12,350,000 ($11,971,000 at October 31, 2021) for the Station Place swap.

Interest rate cap contract: To limit exposure on interest rate volatility, FREIT Maryland uses an interest rate cap contract to cap a floating interest rate at a set pre-determined rate. FREIT Maryland enters into cap contracts with a counterparty that is usually a high-quality commercial bank. In essence, so long as the floating interest rate is below the cap rate, FREIT Maryland agrees to pay its counterparties a variable rate of interest on a dollar amount of notional principal (which generally corresponds to FREIT Maryland’s mortgage debt). Once the floating interest rate rises above the cap rate, FREIT Maryland’s counterparties, in return, agree to pay FREIT Maryland a short-term rate of interest above the cap on that same notional amount.

FREIT Maryland has a variable interest rate loan secured by its Rotunda property. As part of the refinancing of Grande Rotunda’s construction loan with a new loan from Aareal Capital Corporation, Grande Rotunda had purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR for the full amount that could have been drawn on this loan of $121.9 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for the first two years of this loan which matured on March 5, 2020. On February 28, 2020, Grande Rotunda had purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2020, for the full amount that could have been drawn on this loan of $121.9 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year, maturing on March 5, 2021. Effective February 6, 2021, Grande Rotunda exercised the first extension option on this loan with a balance in the amount of approximately $118.5 million, extending the loan one year with a new maturity date of February 6, 2022. Additionally, Grande Rotunda purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2021, for the loan amount of approximately $118.5 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year expiring on February 6, 2022. The cap contract was based on a notional amount of approximately $118,520,000 ($118,520,000 at October 31, 2021). On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

In accordance with ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815")” which was adopted by FREIT Maryland in the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 (see Note 1 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for further details), FREIT Maryland marks-to-market its interest rate swap and cap contracts. As the floating interest rate varies from time-to-time over the term of the contract, the value of the contract will change upward or downward. If the floating rate is higher than the fixed rate, the value of the contract goes up and there is a gain and an asset. If the floating rate is less than the fixed rate, there is a loss and a liability. The interest rate swaps and cap are accounted for as cash flow hedges with the corresponding gains or losses on these contracts not affecting FREIT Maryland’s consolidated statement of income; changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges will be reported in other comprehensive income and appear in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. This gain or loss represents the economic consequence of liquidating fixed rate swaps or the cap contract and replacing them with like-duration funding at current market rates, something we would likely never do. Periodic cash settlements of these contracts will be accounted for as an adjustment to interest expense. In Fiscal 2019, prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-12, the Grande Rotunda interest rate cap which matured on March 5, 2020 was, for accounting purposes, deemed to be an ineffective cash flow hedge with a corresponding gain or loss being recorded in FREIT Maryland’s consolidated statement of income.

FREIT Maryland has the following derivative-related risks with its swap and cap contracts (“contract”): 1) early termination risk, and 2) counterparty credit risk.

Early Termination Risk: If FREIT Maryland wants to terminate its contract before maturity, it would be bought out or terminated at market value; i.e., the difference in the present value of the anticipated net cash flows from each of the contract’s parties. If current variable interest rates are significantly below FREIT Maryland’s fixed interest rate payments, this could be costly. Conversely, if interest rates rise above FREIT Maryland’s fixed interest payments and FREIT Maryland elected early termination, FREIT Maryland would realize a gain on termination. At October 31, 2021, the swap contracts for Damascus Centre, Regency, Station Place and Wayne PSC were in the counterparties’ favor. If FREIT Maryland had terminated these contracts at that date it would have realized losses of approximately $0 for the Grande Rotunda cap, $278,000 for the Damascus Centre swaps, $750,000 for the Regency swap, $932,000 for the Station Place swap and $348,000 for the Wayne PSC swap, all of which have been included as a liability in FREIT Maryland’s consolidated balance sheet as at October 31, 2021. The change in the fair value for the contract (gain or loss) during such period has been included in comprehensive income and for the year ended October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland recorded an unrealized gain of approximately $2,616,000 in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. For the year ended October 31 2020, FREIT Maryland recorded an unrealized loss of $2,798,000 in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income representing the change in fair value of the swaps during such period.

Counterparty Credit Risk: Each party to a contract bears the risk that its counterparty will default on its obligation to make a periodic payment. FREIT Maryland reduces this risk by entering into a contract only with major financial institutions that are experienced market makers in the derivatives market.

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FREIT Maryland’s total contractual obligations under its line of credit and mortgage loans in place as of October 31, 2021 are as follows:  

                               
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS-PRINCIPAL
(in thousands of dollars)
    Within     2 - 3     4 - 5     After 5  
    Total     One Year     Years     Years     Years  
Long-Term Debt                                        
Annual Amortization   $ 7,550     $ 2,133     $ 1,753     $ 1,659     $ 2,005  
Balloon Payments     293,726       199,547 (A)     43,824 (B)     13,892       36,463  
Total Long-Term Debt *   $ 301,276     $ 201,680     $ 45,577     $ 15,551     $ 38,468  

 

* Includes deferred interest in the amount of approximately $358,000.  See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financials for additional details.
                 
(A)  Includes the following:              
  (1) A loan on the Rotunda property located in Baltimore, Maryland in the amount of approximately $116.5 million which would have matured on February 6, 2022. On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 
   
  (2) A loan on the Westridge Square Shopping Center located in Frederick, Maryland in the amount of approximately $21.1 million which has a maturity date of January 31, 2021.  On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan.  (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 
   
  (3) A loan on the Preakness Shopping Center located in Wayne, New Jersey in the amount of approximately $22.6 million. Although the Company continues to make its required debt service payments in accordance with the loan agreement, it is unable to comply with this covenant. As such, the bank could exercise its remedies under the loan agreement including, among other things, requiring a partial or full repayment of the loan. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.)
   
  (4)A loan on the Boulders property, which is a residential property located in Rockaway, New Jersey in the amount of approximately $14.5 million which had a maturity date of February 1, 2022. The loan was refinanced on December 30, 2021 in the amount of $7.5 million with additional funding available of up to another $7.5 million and has a maturity date of January 1, 2024. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 
                 
(B)  Includes a loan on the Damascus property located in Damascus, Maryland in the amount of approximately $18.2 million. On January 10, 2022, the property owned by Damascus was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

 

FREIT Maryland’s annual estimated cash requirements related to interest on its line of credit and mortgage loans in place as of October 31, 2021 are as follows:

 

INTEREST OBLIGATIONS                              
(in thousands of dollars)                              
    Within     2 - 3     4 - 5     After 5  
    Total     One Year     Years     Years     Years  
                               
Interest on Fixed Rate Debt*   $ 18,216     $ 4,170 (A)   $ 6,481       $ 4,164     $ 3,401  
Interest on Variable Rate Debt **     1,649       1,649 (B)                  
Total Interest Obligations   $ 19,865     $ 5,819     $ 6,481     $ 4,164     $ 3,401  
                   
Includes interest on the loan for Preakness Shopping Center located in Wayne, New Jersey in the amount of approximately $22.6 million through the maturity date of October 1, 2026 which has been included in the column "within one year" on the Contractual Obligations - Principal table above.   
                   
**  Interest based on rates as of October 31, 2021              
                   
(A)  Includes interest on the loan on the Damascus property through the date of sale of January 10, 2022. The proceeds from the sale were used to pay off the then outstanding loan balance. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 
                   
(B)  Includes interest on the loan on the Rotunda and WestFREIT property through the date of sale of December 30, 2021 and January 7, 2022, respectively. The proceeds from each of these sales were used to pay off the then outstanding loan balance. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland's consolidated financial statements for additional details.) 

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ADJUSTED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

Funds From Operations (“FFO”) is a non-GAAP measure defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”). FREIT Maryland does not include sources or distributions from equity/debt sources in its computation of FFO. Although many consider FFO as the standard measurement of a REIT’s performance, FREIT Maryland modified the NAREIT computation of FFO to include other adjustments to GAAP net income that are not considered by management to be the primary drivers of its decision making process. These adjustments to GAAP net income are straight-line rents and recurring capital improvements on FREIT Maryland’s residential apartments. The modified FFO computation is referred to as Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”). FREIT Maryland believes that AFFO is a superior measure of its operating performance. FREIT Maryland computes FFO and AFFO as follows:

 

    Years Ended October 31,  
    2021     2020     2019  
    (In Thousands, Except Per Share)  
Funds From Operations ("FFO") (a)                        
Net income   $ 1,047     $ 17,320     $ 1,793  
Depreciation of consolidated properties     9,300       10,341       11,339  
Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19           7,277        
Amortization of deferred leasing costs     544       730       611  
Distributions to non-controlling interests     (1,350 )     (583 )(b)     (686 )
Adjustment to loss in investment in tenancy-in-common for depreciation     1,408       933        
Gain on sale of property                 (836 )
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary           (27,680 )      
                         
FFO   $ 10,949     $ 8,338     $ 12,221  
                         
 Per Share - Basic and Diluted   $ 1.56     $ 1.19     $ 1.76  
                         
(a) As prescribed by NAREIT.
(b) FFO excludes the distribution of proceeds to non-controlling interests in the amount of approximately $3.3 million related to the refinancing of the loan for the Westwood Hills property. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
                         
Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO")                        
FFO   $ 10,949     $ 8,338     $ 12,221  
Deferred rents (Straight lining)     230       397       (410 )
Capital Improvements - Apartments     (625 )     (347 )     (685 )
AFFO   $ 10,554     $ 8,388     $ 11,126  
                         
 Per Share - Basic and Diluted   $ 1.50     $ 1.20     $ 1.60  
                         
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:                        
 Basic     7,019       6,992       6,940  
 Diluted     7,022       6,994       6,940  

 

FFO and AFFO do not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP, and therefore should not be considered a substitute for net income as a measure of results of operations or for cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, the application and calculation of FFO and AFFO by certain other REITs may vary materially from that of FREIT Maryland, and therefore FREIT Maryland’s FFO and AFFO may not be directly comparable to those of other REITs.

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DISTRIBUTIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS

Since its inception in 1961, FREIT Maryland has elected to be treated as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. In order to qualify as a REIT, FREIT Maryland must satisfy a number of highly technical and complex operational requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, including a requirement that FREIT Maryland must distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income. Although cash used to make distributions reduces amounts available for capital investment, FREIT Maryland generally intends to distribute not less than the minimum of REIT taxable income necessary to satisfy the applicable REIT requirement as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. With respect to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the reduction of the tax rate on dividends does not apply to FREIT Maryland dividends other than capital gains dividends, which are subject to capital gains rates. FREIT Maryland’s policy is to pass on at least 90% of its ordinary taxable income to stockholders. FREIT Maryland’s taxable income is untaxed at FREIT Maryland level to the extent distributed to stockholders. FREIT Maryland’s dividends of ordinary taxable income will be taxed as ordinary income to its stockholders and FREIT Maryland’s capital gains dividends will be taxed as capital gains to its stockholders. FREIT Maryland’s Board evaluates the dividend to be declared/paid (if any) on a quarterly basis.

The following tables list the quarterly dividends declared for the three most recent fiscal years and the dividends as a percentage of taxable income for those periods.

 

    Fiscal Years Ended October 31,  
    2021     2020     2019  
First Quarter   $ 0.05     $     $ 0.150  
Second Quarter   $ 0.05     $     $ 0.125  
Third Quarter   $ 0.05     $     $ 0.125  
Fourth Quarter   $ 0.10     $     $ 0.200  
Total For Year   $ 0.25     $     $ 0.600  

 

          (in thousands of dollars)     Dividends  
Fiscal   Per     Total     Ordinary     Capital Gain     Taxable     as a % of  
Year   Share     Dividends     Income-Tax Basis     Income-Tax Basis     Income     Taxable Income  
2021   $ 0.25     $ 1,755     $ 1,774 *   $     $ 1,774 *     98.9%  
2020   $     $     $     $     $       0.0%  
2019   $ 0.60     $ 4,173     $ 4,073     $ 100     $ 3,877       107.6%  
     *Estimated                                                

INFLATION

Inflation can impact the financial performance of FREIT Maryland in various ways. FREIT Maryland’s commercial tenant leases normally provide that the tenants bear all or a portion of most operating expenses, which can reduce the impact of inflationary increases on FREIT Maryland. Apartment leases are generally for a one-year term, which may allow FREIT Maryland to seek increased rents as leases renew or when new tenants are obtained, subject to prevailing market conditions.

 

ITEM 7A

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Segment Information” in Item 7 above. 

 

ITEM 8

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data of FREIT Maryland are submitted as a separate section of this Form 10-K. See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements" on page 67 of this Form 10-K.

 

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

None.

 

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ITEM 9A

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of FREIT Maryland’s disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with participation of FREIT Maryland’s management, including FREIT Maryland’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who concluded that FREIT Maryland’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of October 31, 2021. There have been no significant changes in FREIT Maryland’s internal controls or in other factors which could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date we carried out our evaluation.

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in FREIT Maryland’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in FREIT Maryland’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including FREIT Maryland’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — FREIT Maryland’s management, under the supervision of FREIT Maryland’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management evaluated the effectiveness of FREIT Maryland’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that FREIT Maryland’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2021.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — FREIT Maryland’s management, with the participation of FREIT Maryland’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated whether any change in FREIT Maryland’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that there has been no change in FREIT Maryland’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, FREIT Maryland’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

ITEM 9C DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

ITEM 10

 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Executive Officers and Directors

The executive officers and directors of FREIT Maryland are as follows:

Name Age Position(s)
Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. 62 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
Ronald J. Artinian 73 Chairman of the Board and Director
David F. McBride, Esq. 74 Director
John A. Aiello, Esq. 72 Secretary and Director
Justin F. Meng 43 Director
David B. Hekemian 55 Director
Richard J. Aslanian 61 Director
Allan Tubin 83 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

There are no family relationships among the members of the FREIT Maryland Board of Directors (the “Board”) and the executive officers, except that Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland, and David B. Hekemian, a director, are siblings and the sons of the late Robert S. Hekemian, FREIT Maryland’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian & Co., Inc., FREIT Maryland’s managing agent (“Hekemian & Co.”). During the past five years, none of the directors or executive officers of FREIT Maryland have served as directors of any company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any company registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, except Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., who was a director of Oritani Financial Corp. (ORIT), the holding company for Oritani Bank, of which he was also a director, until Oritani Financial Corp. merged into Valley National Bancorp in December 2019, and Ronald J. Artinian, who served as a director of CommonWealth REIT (now known as Equity Commonwealth) during 2014, and The Reserve, The Reserve Primary Fund in Liquidation and The Reserve Yield Plus Fund in Liquidation, which are registered investment companies, from 2006 to 2016.

Each of the executive officers of FREIT Maryland serves in his office(s) until such time as his successor is elected and qualified.

Biographical Information

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. has served as a director since 2007, and he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland in April 2018 following the retirement of the late Robert S. Hekemian as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland. Mr. Hekemian was additionally appointed to the office of President of FREIT Maryland in February 2019. Mr. Hekemian’s current term as a member of the Board is scheduled to expire in April 2023 and his term as President and Chief Executive Officer will expire at such time as his successor qualifies and is appointed. Mr. Hekemian has been involved in a variety of real estate activities for over 40 years, including property management, leasing, mortgage financing, construction and acquisitions of multifamily, residential and commercial properties located throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian & Co. since 2021. From 2004 to 2020, Mr. Hekemian served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Hekemian & Co. From 1983 to 2003, Mr. Hekemian served as Executive Vice President of Hekemian & Co. Mr. Hekemian is principally responsible for identifying real estate acquisitions and evaluating the performance of the real estate properties managed by Hekemian & Co. with a view toward strategic decision making. Mr. Hekemian formerly served on the Board of Oritani Bank and was Chair of the Loan Committee. Mr. Hekemian is a member of the Board of Governors of Hackensack University Medical Center and a former director of the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. He formerly served on the Board of the New York Philharmonic and was the former Chairman of the Bergen County Community College Foundation. Mr. Hekemian is a Board Member of the Oritani Charitable Foundation. Mr. Hekemian was appointed Condemnation Commissioner by the State of New Jersey and has served on various corporate and charitable committees. He is a Board Member of the Meridian School of Medicine and Chairs the Student Affairs Committee. Mr. Hekemian earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American University and graduated as a MIT Sloan Fellow from the MIT Sloan School with a Master of Science in Management.

Ronald J. Artinian has served as a director since 1992, and he was appointed as Chairman of FREIT Maryland in April 2018 following the retirement of the late Robert S. Hekemian as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland. Mr.

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Artinian’s current term as a member of the Board is scheduled to expire at the 2022 annual meeting of FREIT Maryland’s stockholders and his term as Chairman will expire at such time as his successor is appointed and qualifies. Mr. Artinian worked in the financial services industry for 26 years, including with Smith Barney, Inc. from 1989 to 1998, where Mr. Artinian held positions as an Executive Vice President, Managing Director and National Sales Manager. Mr. Artinian retired from Smith Barney in January 1998 in order to pursue other business interests as a private investor. Mr. Artinian joined the board of The Reserve, a money market fund, in 2007 and served as lead independent director from March 2009 through December 2016. Mr. Artinian earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School.

David F. McBride, Esq. has served as a director since 2007. His current term as a member of the Board is scheduled to expire in April 2023. Mr. McBride has over 45 years of diversified real estate experience. He is the Chief Executive Officer of McBride Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned real estate company started in 1898. Mr. McBride was responsible for the development of numerous office and industrial properties, as well as residential projects in Northern New Jersey. He also oversaw the operations of his family’s general construction company, the Alpert P. Schmidt Construction Company, civil engineering firm, Urban Planning and Engineering Company, and commercial brokerage firm, McBride Corporate Real Estate. Mr. McBride was also instrumental in forming the Keystone Property Trust (NYSE) in 1998 and served as Chairman of its board until its sale to ProLogis (NYSE) in 2004. Mr. McBride has also been a Partner in and is presently Of Counsel to the law firm of Harwood Lloyd, LLC, specializing in real estate matters. Since 1998, Mr. McBride has also served as the Chairman and President of the Mountain Club Inc., t/a The High Mountain Golf Club. Mr. McBride also served on the Advisory Board of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University from 2008 to 2018. Mr. McBride earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law School.

John A. Aiello, Esq. has served as the Secretary of FREIT Maryland since 2003 and as a member of the Board since December 2015. His current term as a member of the Board is scheduled to expire in April 2024. Mr. Aiello is an officer and shareholder of the law firm of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C., where he has practiced law for 47 years. He is Chairman of the law firm’s Corporate and Securities practice group and concentrates his practice on corporate and securities law matters, including mergers and acquisitions and various corporate finance transactions. See the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions; Director Independence”. Mr. Aiello is an emeritus member and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Business Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, a non-profit organization of professionals and business leaders in the middle market mergers and acquisitions space. Mr. Aiello is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Leon Hess School of Business of Monmouth University. Mr. Aiello graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School and earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Georgetown University Law School.

Justin F. Meng has served as a director since February 2016.  His current term as a member of the Board is scheduled to expire at the 2022 annual meeting of FREIT Maryland’s stockholders. Mr. Meng is a Managing Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager at V3 Capital Management L.P., an investment firm focused on publicly-traded real estate securities that he co-founded in 2011.  Previously, he was Partner and Head of REIT Research for High Rise Capital Management, L.P., where he worked from 2005 to 2011.  From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Meng served as an Associate at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in the Real Estate Investment Group, where he worked both in the acquisitions and asset management departments.  From 2000 to 2002, he served as an Analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in their Fixed Income Group. Mr. Meng earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brown University and a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from New York University. Mr. Meng is a CFA charterholder.

David B. Hekemian has served as a director since April 2018. His current term as a member of the Board is scheduled to expire in April 2024. Mr. Hekemian has served as a commercial real estate executive at Hekemian & Co. for over 30 years, holding positions of increasing responsibilities throughout his tenure at the company with a focus on strategic business and investment planning, retail development and leasing, asset profitability management and lender negotiations. From 1988 to 1992, he served as Property Manager, and from 1992 to 1996, he served as Vice President-Salesperson. Since 1996 Mr. Hekemian has served as Principal/Broker-Salesperson, Director of Commercial Brokerage and as a member of Hekemian & Co.’s Executive Committee. Mr. Hekemian is a member of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, where he served as Assistant Treasurer and a member of the Budget and Finance Committee from 1998 to 2007 and as Co-Chairman of the Investment Committee from 1996 to 2009, which included oversight and management of a $100 million equity and fixed income portfolio. Mr. Hekemian is also a member of the Council for the Borough of Saddle River, NJ. Mr. Hekemian earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston College.

Richard J. Aslanian has served as a director since April 2018. His current term as a member of the Board is scheduled to expire in April 2024. Mr. Aslanian is the Co-Founder of Welcome Home Brands, LLC, a distributor of imported paper and plastic bakeware products that services cruise lines, hotels, casinos and food service companies founded in 2010. From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Aslanian was the Chief Executive Officer, sole Managing Member and founder of Blue Ram Capital Management, LLC, which managed an investment partnership of public equities in developed markets. In 2006, Mr. Aslanian retired from Goldman

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Sachs & Co. as a Managing Director after having been with the firm since 1991, during which time he was co-head of one of the most prominent wealth management teams of the firm. From 1985 to 1991, Mr. Aslanian was an attorney at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP where he concentrated his practice on corporate and tax matters and public and private mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Aslanian established the Richard J. Aslanian Scholarship Fund, an endowed scholarship, at the University of Pennsylvania, and has served on the boards of several charitable organizations, including the Partnership for Inner-City Education, the Harrison Educational Foundation and the Armenian Church Endowment Fund. Mr. Aslanian graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from the Columbia University School of Law with honors as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar in each of the three years of law school.

Allan Tubin was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland in February 2019. Mr. Tubin is the Chief Financial Officer of Hekemian & Co., FREIT Maryland’s managing agent. As Chief Financial Officer of Hekemian & Co., Mr. Tubin is responsible for corporate and project finance, budgeting and tax planning, accounting, and SEC compliance for FREIT Maryland. He is a member of Hekemian & Co.’s Acquisitions and Development Due Diligence Team, where he is responsible for financial forecasting and modeling. Mr. Tubin has over 25 years’ experience in real estate finance. Prior to joining Hekemian & Co. in 1996, he served as the Chief Financial Officer for the international real estate activities of the investment bank Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, and served as a certified public accountant with Ernst & Young. Mr. Tubin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires FREIT Maryland’s executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Shares, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Executive officers, directors and stockholders holding more than 10% of the Shares are required by SEC regulation to furnish FREIT Maryland with copies of all Forms 3, 4 and 5 they file. Based solely on FREIT Maryland’s review of the copies of such forms it has received, FREIT Maryland believes that all of its directors, executive officers and stockholders holding more than 10% complied with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to reports required to be filed by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during fiscal 2021.

Code of Ethics

FREIT Maryland has adopted a Code of Ethics that is applicable to all directors, executive officers and management employees of FREIT Maryland, including, without limitation, FREIT Maryland’s principal executive and senior financial officers (the “Code of Ethics”). The Audit Committee is charged with administering and interpreting the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is available on FREIT Maryland’s website at www.freitnj.com under the “About FREIT” and “Corporate Governance” tabs.

Audit Committee

The current members of the Audit Committee of the Board are Ronald J. Artinian, David F. McBride and Richard J. Aslanian. Ronald J. Artinian serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the audit committee qualifications under the NASDAQ Listing Rules and is independent, as independence for audit committee members is defined in the NASDAQ Listing Rules, and each meets the independence requirements of Exchange Act Rule 10A-3(b)(1).

The Audit Committee held four meetings during fiscal 2021. The Audit Committee selects the independent registered public accounting firm (the “Independent Registered Public Accountants”) to audit the books and accounts of FREIT Maryland. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves the scope and costs of all services (including non-audit services) provided by the Independent Registered Public Accountants. The Audit Committee also monitors the effectiveness of the audit effort and financial reporting and inquiries into the adequacy of FREIT Maryland’s financial and operating controls.

Based on its review of the criteria of an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” under the rules of the SEC, the Board does not believe that any of the members of FREIT Maryland’s Audit Committee qualify as an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Each of Ronald J. Artinian, David F. McBride and Richard J. Aslanian has made significant contributions and provided valuable service to FREIT Maryland and its stockholders as members of the Audit Committee. The Board believes that each of Mr. Artinian, Mr. McBride and Mr. Aslanian has demonstrated that he is capable of (i) understanding accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), (ii) assessing the general application of GAAP principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves, (iii) understanding financial statements and analyzing and evaluating FREIT Maryland’s financial statements, (iv) understanding internal controls and procedures for financial reporting, and (v) understanding audit committee functions, all of which are attributes of an Audit Committee Financial Expert under the rules of the SEC. Given the business experience and acumen of Mr. Artinian, Mr. McBride and Mr. Aslanian, the Board believes that each of them is qualified to carry out all duties and responsibilities of FREIT Maryland’s Audit Committee. However, Mr. Artinian, Mr. McBride and Mr. Aslanian have not acquired these attributes through the specific experience that is required for

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qualification as an Audit Committee Financial Expert under the rules of the SEC, such as experience serving as, or experience actively supervising, a principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller, public accountant or auditor, or experience overseeing or assessing the performance of companies or public accountants with respect to the preparation, auditing or evaluation of financial statements. Therefore, the Board does not believe that any of its current members meets all of the requirements under the SEC rules for qualification as an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Board believes that Allan Tubin, FREIT Maryland’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, meets all of the requirements under the rules of the SEC for qualification as an Audit Committee Financial Expert. However, Mr. Tubin is not a director of FREIT Maryland and would not meet the requirements for qualification as an “independent director” under the NASDAQ Listing Rules due to the fact that Mr. Tubin is an executive officer of FREIT Maryland and an executive officer of Hekemian & Co. As Chief Financial Officer of FREIT Maryland, Mr. Tubin will make the certifications required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules adopted by the SEC with respect to (i) FREIT Maryland’s financial statements and other financial information included in periodic reports filed with the SEC, (ii) FREIT Maryland’s disclosure controls and procedures regarding the disclosure to the certifying officers of material information relating to FREIT Maryland, and (iii) FREIT Maryland’s internal controls and the adequacy of the design and operation of such internal controls. As a certifying officer of FREIT Maryland, Mr. Tubin will meet with and make reports to the Audit Committee with respect to the items which are the subject matter of his certifications.

Based on the foregoing, the Board believes that the Audit Committee functions effectively and properly performs and discharges its duties, and the Board does not believe that it is necessary at this time to actively search for an outside person to serve on the Board who would qualify as an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

ITEM 11

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

FREIT Maryland is externally managed by Hekemian & Co. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland, and David B. Hekemian, a director of FREIT Maryland, each holds a 33.3% equity interest in Hekemian & Co. The balance of the equity interests in Hekemian & Co. is held by other members of the Hekemian family. As compensation for its management services, FREIT Maryland pays Hekemian & Co. management and other fees pursuant to a Management Agreement between FREIT Maryland and Hekemian & Co. In addition, as an incentive to the employees of Hekemian & Co. (including members of the Hekemian family) to identify and provide real estate investment opportunities for FREIT Maryland, FREIT Maryland has advanced to such employees who are investors in certain joint venture projects, a portion of the equity capital required to be contributed by them to such joint ventures. The Management Agreement and these other incentives are more particularly described in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions; Director Independence” below.

In view of FREIT Maryland’s external management structure, FREIT Maryland does not employ executive officers on a full-time basis. The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis presents information regarding FREIT Maryland’s compensation policies and programs and the compensation of FREIT Maryland’s executive officers.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Overview

FREIT Maryland’s compensation program is designed to properly compensate the executive officers commensurate with the duties and services that they are employed to perform for FREIT Maryland, to reward their dedication, hard work and success and align their interests with the long-term interests of FREIT Maryland. The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation paid to the executive officers in consideration of these objectives and makes recommendations to the Board regarding its determinations. The various factors considered by the Compensation Committee in reaching its determinations concerning the compensation of the executive officers are discussed under “Fiscal 2021 Compensation” below.

Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation

The Board has adopted a policy that provides that, in the event that FREIT Maryland is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to FREIT Maryland’s material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement, FREIT Maryland will require the reimbursement, cancellation or forfeiture, as the case may be and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, of any incentive-based compensation paid to any current or former executive officer during the three-year period preceding such restatement that was based on the erroneous data and that was paid in excess of the compensation that would have been paid to the executive officer based on the accounting restatement. FREIT Maryland will disclose any incentive-based compensation paid to any executive officer that is based on any measure of financial performance or any other financial information in FREIT Maryland’s proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders and as required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.

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As discussed under “Elements of Executive Compensation” below, FREIT Maryland did not pay any incentive-based compensation to any of the executive officers during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

Hedging Policy

It is the policy of FREIT Maryland that no employee or director of FREIT Maryland may purchase any financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of FREIT Maryland’s Shares that (i) were previously awarded, or acquired pursuant to the exercise of any option granted, to an employee or director by FREIT Maryland as part of the compensation of such employee or director or (ii) otherwise held, directly or indirectly, by an employee or director, which financial instruments will include, without limitation, puts, calls, straddles, equity swaps and any other derivative security that is directly linked to the Shares. 

Elements of Executive Compensation

There are three elements to the compensation of the executive officers of FREIT Maryland: (1) base salary; (2) the Equity Incentive Plan; and (3) the Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan (the “Deferred Fee Plan”). The Compensation Committee and the Board believe that these elements allow FREIT Maryland to accomplish its objectives of properly compensating the executive officers for their services to FREIT Maryland, rewarding the dedication, hard work and success of executive officers and aligning the interests of executive officers with the long-term interests of FREIT Maryland.

Except for base salary, benefits under the Equity Incentive Plan and Deferred Fee Plan, and fees paid to the executive officers for their service as directors, FREIT Maryland does not pay any other compensation or benefits to its executive officers, whether it be in the form of bonus, long-term incentive compensation, perquisites, rights, warrants, convertible securities, performance units, performance shares or other similar instruments. The Equity Incentive Plan and the Deferred Fee Plan are the only employee benefit plans maintained by FREIT Maryland. There are no employment contracts between FREIT Maryland and any of the executive officers, nor is there any compensatory plan or arrangement between FREIT Maryland and any of the executive officers pursuant to which an executive officer would receive payments as the result of his resignation or retirement as an executive officer, or any other event resulting in the termination of his relationship with FREIT Maryland as an executive officer, or as a result of a change in control of FREIT Maryland. FREIT Maryland’s Deferred Fee Plan, discussed below, provides that a participant may receive Shares with respect to amounts credited to such participant’s account under the Deferred Fee Plan, including amounts deferred thereunder and accrued interest, upon such participant’s attainment of the retirement age specified in the participant’s deferral election, such participant’s actual retirement, such participant’s cessation of services prior to retirement, or the occurrence of a change in control of FREIT Maryland as defined under the Deferred Fee Plan. FREIT Maryland’s Equity Incentive Plan provides that in the event of (i) a Change in Control (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan), or (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of FREIT Maryland, other than a sale of assets to a subsidiary or other affiliated entity of FREIT Maryland, all outstanding options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan will become exercisable (to the extent not already exercisable) immediately before or contemporaneously with the occurrence of such change in control or sale, and each outstanding restricted share award granted under the Equity Incentive Plan shall immediately become free of all restrictions, conditions and forfeiture provisions.

As of October 31, 2021, there were 202,400 unexercised options collectively held by the executive officers and directors of FREIT Maryland that were outstanding. Additional information with respect to outstanding stock options is set forth in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” table below.

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland, is the Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian & Co. David B. Hekemian, a director of FREIT Maryland, is the President of Hekemian & Co. Robert S. Hekemian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland, served as a consultant to FREIT Maryland and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian & Co. prior to his death in December 2019. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement between Hekemian & Co. and FREIT Maryland, Hekemian & Co. is entitled to receive a termination fee from FREIT Maryland under certain circumstances, including the non-renewal of the Management Agreement by FREIT Maryland, termination of the Management Agreement by FREIT Maryland without cause, or termination of the Management Agreement by FREIT Maryland following an acquisition of FREIT Maryland. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions; Director Independence” below.

Equity Incentive Plan

FREIT Maryland originally adopted the Equity Incentive Plan in 1999 upon the approval of the Board and the stockholders. In 2007, the Board and stockholders approved amendments to the Equity Incentive Plan to (a) increase the number of Shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 300,000 Shares and (b) extend the term of the Equity Incentive Plan from September 10, 2008 to September 10, 2018. In 2018, the Board and stockholders approved further amendments to the Equity Incentive Plan to

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(a) increase the number of Shares reserved for issuance thereunder by an additional 300,000 Shares and (b) further extend the term of the Equity Incentive Plan from September 10, 2018 to September 10, 2028. 

The purpose of the Equity Incentive Plan is to allow FREIT Maryland to retain the services of individuals who have made, and/or who are expected to make, significant contributions to the business of FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries, to align such persons’ interests with the long-term interests of FREIT Maryland, and to reward hard work, dedication and success by providing such individuals with an opportunity to acquire Shares of FREIT Maryland or receive other Share-based awards. Eligible participants include executive officers, directors and consultants of FREIT Maryland, including employees of Hekemian & Co., FREIT Maryland’s managing agent.

The Board administers the Equity Incentive Plan, with the full and exclusive power to interpret the plan, to adopt rules, regulations and guidelines relating to the plan, to grant waivers of restrictions under the plan and to make all of the determinations necessary for the administration of the plan. The Board’s authority to administer the Equity Incentive Plan includes the authority, within the limits set forth in the plan, to determine the persons to whom awards may be granted, determine the number of Shares to be covered by each award, establish the terms, conditions and provisions of the awards to be granted, and establish restrictions on the awards or subsequently waive any such restriction or permit any such restriction to lapse.

The exercise price of options granted under the Equity Incentive Plan will be equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan) of the Shares on the date of the grant of the options. For any other form of award, the consideration, if any, to be paid in exchange for the award will be determined by the Board, but in no event will such consideration be greater than the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. The term of awards will be determined by the Board, but will not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. Awards will vest in accordance with terms fixed by the Board, and vesting of awards may accelerate upon the occurrence of certain events, including a Change in Control (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan), sale of all or substantially all of FREIT Maryland’s assets, or the death, Retirement (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan), or the disability of the participant.

The Board may terminate, modify or amend the Equity Incentive Plan at any time, provided that any modification or amendment that increases the number of Shares reserved for issuance thereunder is subject to the approval of FREIT Maryland’s stockholders, and any termination, modification or amendment that adversely affects the terms of any outstanding awards is subject to the consent of the holders thereof.

The Board has charged the Compensation Committee with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Board with respect to grants of awards under the Equity Incentive Plan to eligible participants. While the Equity Incentive Plan provides that options to acquire Shares will be the principal form of award under the plan, the plan also provides for grants of restricted Share awards and other Share-based awards.

The Compensation Committee did not recommend, and the Board did not make, any grants of stock options or other equity-based awards under the Equity Incentive Plan during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan

Effective November 1, 2000, the Board adopted the Deferred Fee Plan, which is intended to provide a benefit to executive officers and directors who have made, and/or who are expected to continue to make, significant contributions to the long-term success of FREIT Maryland. An election to defer compensation is required to be made prior to the calendar year for which it will be effective, and is irrevocable with respect to the calendar year to which it applies.  The Deferred Fee Plan was amended and restated effective December 31, 2008, and further amended and restated effective November 1, 2014.

The original purpose of the Deferred Fee Plan was to provide executive officers and directors with a long-term savings opportunity. Prior to the amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan that went into effect as of November 1, 2014, the Deferred Fee Plan permitted any executive officer or director to elect to defer receipt of any compensation, including executive officer salary, director annual retainer fees, meeting attendance fees, and property site inspection fees, and the rate of interest payable on any amounts deferred was fixed at 9% per annum, compounded quarterly.

The amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan that went into effect as of November 1, 2014 shifted the purpose of the Deferred Fee Plan from a long-term savings vehicle for eligible participants to an opportunity for eligible participants to increase their equity position in FREIT Maryland. As amended and restated effective November 1, 2014, the Deferred Fee Plan no longer permits directors who are also executive officers of FREIT Maryland to defer amounts payable to them as salary for their services as executive officers. Participants in the Deferred Fee Plan are only permitted to defer amounts payable to them for their service as directors. In addition, from and after November 1, 2014, amounts deferred, together with the interest accrued on a participant’s entire balance, will be converted on the last day of each calendar quarter into share units that are equivalent to Shares (“Share Units”), and credited to the participant’s account. Amounts deferred under the Deferred Fee Plan are converted into Share Units

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on a quarterly basis, on the last day of each calendar quarter. The number of Share Units to be credited with respect to amounts deferred during a calendar quarter will be determined by the closing price of the Shares on the trading day immediately preceding the last day of such calendar quarter. The participants’ existing balances as of October 31, 2014 will be preserved in the form of cash and will not be converted into Share Units, although the interest that accrues on such existing balances from and after November 1, 2014 will be converted into Share Units. As of November 1, 2014, the interest rate on participants’ cash balances under the Deferred Fee Plan was changed from 9% per annum to the average interest rate on ten-year Treasury bonds plus 150 basis points. In the event that any cash dividend is paid by FREIT Maryland with respect to the Shares, each participant will be credited with a number of Share Units equal to (x) the amount of the cash dividend paid with respect to one Share, (y) multiplied by the total number of Share Units credited to a participant’s account as of the record date for the dividend, (z) divided by the fair market value of one Share on the trading day immediately preceding the payment date of the dividend. In the event that any dividend is paid with respect to the Shares in Shares, each participant will be credited with a number of Share Units equal to the number of full Shares that such participant would have received had the participant been the owner, on the record date for the dividend, of a number of Shares equal to the number of Share Units credited to the participant’s account.

A participant’s deferred benefits under the Deferred Fee Plan will be paid to the participant at either: (i) the retirement age specified by the participant in the deferral election; (ii) actual retirement of the participant; (iii) upon the earlier cessation of duties as a director of FREIT Maryland prior to retirement; or (iv) upon a change in control of FREIT Maryland (as defined in the Deferred Fee Plan).  On the payment date, FREIT Maryland will issue to the participant a number of Shares equal to the number of Share Units credited to the participant’s account, and will pay to the participant amounts maintained in the participant’s account as of October 31, 2014 as cash, in either a lump sum or in a number of substantially equal annual installments over a period not to exceed 10 years, at the election of the participant, except if a participant elects to receive payment upon the occurrence of a change in control, in which case all such amounts will be payable in a lump sum.  FREIT Maryland has not created and will not create a cash sinking fund for amounts deferred pursuant to the Deferred Fee Plan that are not payable in Shares.  As a result, any participant who elects to participate in the Deferred Fee Plan is an unsecured creditor of FREIT Maryland with respect to any amounts deferred thereunder.  The Deferred Fee Plan may be amended, suspended or terminated by resolution of the Board at any time and from time to time; provided, that no amendment, suspension or termination will operate to adversely affect the plan benefits accrued or available for any participant.  

On November 4, 2021 (the “Adoption Date”), the Board approved the termination of the Deferred Fee Plan resulting in the termination of the deferral of fees on December 31, 2021 with any subsequent fees earned by a participant being paid in cash. Consistent with the termination of the Deferred Fee Plan, payment related to each participant’s cash account (in the form of a cash lump sum payment) and share unit account (in the form of the issuance of common shares) must be made to each participant no earlier than twelve (12) months and one day after, and no later than twenty-four (24) months after, the Adoption Date. Any interest earned on the participant’s cash account along with dividends (if any) earned on share units, will continue to accrue in share units on each participant’s account until final payment is made.

As of October 31, 2021, an aggregate amount of approximately $2,475,000 has been deferred and earned as cash under the Deferred Fee Plan, which represents an aggregate of $1,454,000 of deferred fees and $1,021,000 of accrued deferred interest, which amounts will be maintained as cash in the participants’ accounts under the Deferred Fee Plan and will not be converted into Share Units as described above. As of October 31, 2021, there is an aggregate amount of 175,923 vested FREIT Maryland Share Units based on the conversion of deferred fees, interest and dividends earned, since November 1, 2014.

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, participants deferred a total of approximately $488,000 under the Deferred Fee Plan, consisting of approximately $375,000 of deferred director fees, $71,000 of accrued deferred interest and $42,000 representing dividends payable in respect of Share Units. Pursuant to the amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan that became effective on November 1, 2014, the aggregate amount of $488,000 deferred by all participants converted into an aggregate of 27,176 Share Units during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, which were credited to the participants’ accounts. Additional information regarding the participants’ deferral of fees and the conversion of deferred amounts into Share Units credited to their accounts is set forth under “Fiscal 2021 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” and “Fiscal 2021 Director Compensation” below.

Fiscal 2021 Compensation

With respect to compensation for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the base salary paid to Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. for his service as Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland be increased to $400,000 per year from $300,000 per year, and that there be no adjustments to the compensation paid to Allan Tubin as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland, Ronald J. Artinian as Chairman of the Board of FREIT Maryland, or John A. Aiello as Secretary of FREIT Maryland, and the Board approved the Compensation Committee’s recommendations.

With respect to compensation for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the base salary paid to Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. for his service as Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland

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be maintained at $400,000 per year, and that there be no adjustments to the compensation paid to Allan Tubin as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland, Ronald J. Artinian as the Chairman of the Board of FREIT Maryland or John A. Aiello as Secretary of FREIT Maryland. In an effort to further preserve FREIT Maryland’s cash flow, in May 2020, the Board reduced all fees, salaries and retainers’ payable to our executive officers and members of the Board by up to 30% from May 1, 2020 through the end of Fiscal 2020.

The Compensation Committee considers the following factors, among other things, in the course of its review of the compensation for the executive officers: (a) compensation paid by other real estate investment trusts, both as a component of operating expenses and to ensure that FREIT Maryland’s compensation levels are competitive in the industry; (b) the duties and responsibilities of the executive officers and the value of the services provided by them; (c) FREIT Maryland’s operating results and financial condition, as well as the condition and prospects of the residential and commercial real estate markets; and (d) the results of the most recent stockholder advisory vote to approve the compensation of the executive officers, which was conducted at the special meeting in lieu of annual meeting of the stockholders held in April 2020. For the fiscal year ending October 31, 2020, the Compensation Committee also considered the roles of the executive officers with FREIT Maryland’s evaluation and pursuit of the strategic alternatives pursued by FREIT Maryland, including the Purchase and Sale Agreement and Plan of Liquidation.

The Compensation Committee reviews compensation paid by other real estate investment trusts in the most general way in view of the fact that unlike many other real estate investment trusts, FREIT Maryland is externally managed. Therefore, FREIT Maryland does not retain the services of its executive officers on a full-time, exclusive basis, and the executive officers do not spend full time in their respective positions or devote all of their business activities to FREIT Maryland. The Compensation Committee and the Board take these considerations into account when determining the compensation to be paid to FREIT Maryland’s executive officers, and the compensation paid to the executive officers reflects what the Compensation Committee and the Board believe to be fair and reasonable compensation for the services that the executive officers provide to FREIT Maryland and their commitment to serve as executive officers of FREIT Maryland under these circumstances. The Compensation Committee and the Board also consider the size and scope of FREIT Maryland’s business and operations as reflected on its balance sheet and income statement in relationship to other real estate investment trusts.

As required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, at the special meeting in lieu of annual meeting of stockholders held on April 21, 2020, the stockholders were asked to approve an advisory resolution approving the compensation of the executive officers as disclosed and described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and the compensation tables and narratives contained in FREIT’s proxy statement used in connection with the special meeting. The advisory resolution received the approval of approximately 89.5% of the votes cast on this proposal. The Compensation Committee and the Board concluded from the strong approval of the advisory resolution that the stockholders believe that FREIT Maryland’s compensation policies and the compensation paid to the executive officers are appropriate and reflective of FREIT Maryland’s objectives of aligning the interests of the executive officers with the long-term interests of FREIT Maryland. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC, and based on the results of the vote by the stockholders at the special meeting in lieu of annual meeting of stockholders held in April 2020 on the frequency of such vote, the advisory vote by the stockholders to approve the compensation of the executive officers will occur again at the 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.

Risk Management

The Compensation Committee does not believe that FREIT Maryland’s executive compensation program gives rise to any risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on FREIT Maryland. Executive officers are compensated on a fixed salary basis and have not been awarded any bonuses or other compensation that might encourage the taking of unnecessary or excessive risks that threaten the long-term value of FREIT Maryland. In addition, the Compensation Committee and the Board have utilized, the Equity Incentive Plan to align the interests of the directors and executive officers with the long-term interests of FREIT Maryland and the stockholders through grants of stock options and other equity-based awards, thereby giving the directors and executive officers additional incentives to protect the long-term value of FREIT Maryland.

Executive Compensation and Financial Performance

As discussed above, the executive officers of FREIT Maryland are compensated primarily on a fixed salary basis and have not been awarded any incentive-based cash bonuses, and the compensation paid to the executive officers is not specifically dependent upon any particular measure of financial performance. However, the Compensation Committee considers, in general terms, both the overall financial performance and condition of FREIT Maryland and FREIT Maryland’s long-term prospects in the Committee’s determination of appropriate levels of executive salary, among other factors and considerations discussed under “Fiscal 2021 Compensation” above.

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Chief Executive Officer Compensation and Employee Compensation

The table below sets forth comparative information regarding (A) the total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, (B) the median of the total compensation of all other employees of FREIT Maryland, not including the Chief Executive Officer, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, and (C) the ratio of the Chief Executive Officer’s total compensation to the median of the total compensation of all other employees (other than the Chief Executive Officer). As of October 31, 2021, excluding the Chief Executive Officer, FREIT Maryland had twenty-eight (28) employees, including twenty-three (23) full-time employees, two (2) part-time and seasonal employees, and three (3) executive officers.

Chief Executive Officer compensation (A)   $468,758
Median compensation of all employees (not including Chief Executive Officer) (B)   $60,837
Ratio of (A) to (B)   7.71

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, David F. McBride, Justin F. Meng and Richard J. Aslanian served on the Compensation Committee of the Board, with Mr. McBride serving as the Chairman of the Committee. None of the members of the Compensation Committee served as an executive officer or employee of FREIT Maryland at any time during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, nor have any of them ever served as an executive officer of FREIT Maryland in any prior year.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has discussed and reviewed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based upon this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Form 10K report.

Submitted by: David F. McBride, Chairman
  Justin F. Meng
  Richard J. Aslanian

 

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of all of the named executive officers of FREIT Maryland (the “Executive Officers”) as of October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 for services in all capacities to FREIT Maryland for the 2021, 2020 and 2019 fiscal years, respectively. With respect to all compensation, the term “paid” will mean actually paid or deferred.

Name and
Principal
Position (1)
Year Salary ($)(2) Bonus
($)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
All Other
Compensation
($)
Total ($)
Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer 2021 $400,000 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $68,758 (3) $468,758
2020 $350,000 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $58,022 (3) $408,022
2019 $400,000 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $81,190 (3) $481,190
Allan Tubin, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (4) 2021 $30,000 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $ — $30,000
2020 $25,500 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $ — $25,500
2019 $21,863 (5) $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $ — $21,863

Donald W. Barney,

Former President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (6)

2021 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $  —
2020 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $  —
2019 $20,342 (7) $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $87,211 (8) $107,553

John A. Aiello, Esq.,

Secretary

2021 $40,000 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $75,000 (9) $115,000 (10)
2020 $34,000 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $72,750 (9) $106,750 (10)
2019 $40,000 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $76,000 (9) $116,000 (10)

 

  (1) Represents the positions held by each Executive Officer for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and  2019.

 

  (2) Represents payment to the Executive Officers for their services as Executive Officers of FREIT Maryland.

 

  (3) Of these amounts: $7,531, $6,772 and $9,840 represent accrued interest earned in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, on amounts previously deferred by Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Fee Plan, pursuant to which payment of accrued interest is deferred until such time that the deferred fees are paid to Mr. Hekemian; $55,000, $51,250 and $61,000 represent annual retainer fees, meeting fees and other fees paid to Mr. Hekemian in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as consideration for his service on the Board and, if applicable, its committees, but deferred pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Fee Plan; and $6,227, $0 and $10,350 represent dividends earned related to accrued interest and fees in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Pursuant to the amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan that became effective on November 1, 2014, the aggregate amount of $68,758 deferred (including dividends earned on deferral) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 converted into an aggregate of 3,820 Share Units, $58,022 deferred for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 converted into an aggregate of 3,328 Share Units, and the aggregate amount of $81,190 deferred (including dividends earned on deferral) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 converted into an aggregate of 4,927 Share Units. See “Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan” above.

 

  (4) Allan Tubin was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland effective February 7, 2019.

 

  (5) Based on an annual base salary of $30,000 pro-rated for the period beginning on the date of Mr. Tubin’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on February 7, 2019 through the remainder of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

 

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  (6) Donald W. Barney retired as President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and a director of FREIT Maryland effective February 7, 2019.

 

  (7) Based on an annual base salary of $75,000 prorated for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 through the date of Mr. Barney’s retirement as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer on February 7, 2019.

 

  (8) Of this amount: $57,081 represents accrued interest earned in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 on amounts previously deferred by Donald W. Barney for service as an Executive Officer pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Fee Plan, pursuant to which payment of accrued interest is deferred until such time that the deferred executive officer fees are paid to Mr. Barney; $13,938 represents annual retainer fees, meeting fees and other fees paid to Mr. Barney in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 as consideration for his service on the Board and, if applicable, its committees, but deferred pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Fee Plan; and $16,192 represents dividends earned related to accrued interest and fees in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019. Pursuant to the amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan that became effective on November 1, 2014, the aggregate amount of $87,211 deferred (including dividends earned on deferral) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 converted into an aggregate of 5,363 Share Units. See “Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan” above.

 

  (9) During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Executive Secretary was entitled to receive: (i) meeting attendance fees in the amount of $1,500 for each meeting of the Board and its committees attended, $1,000 for each meeting participated in by teleconference; and (ii) property site inspection fees in the amount of $1,000 for each site inspection attended and reimbursement of all reasonable and verified out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the site visit.

 

  (10) Mr. Aiello is an officer and shareholder in the law firm of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Mr. Aiello paid to the law firm the retainer and meeting fees which he received in connection with his services as Secretary of FREIT Maryland during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

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The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the Executive Officers that was deferred pursuant to the Deferred Fee Plan, described under “Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan” above, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021:

FISCAL 2021 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Name (1)

(a)

Executive
Contributions

in Last FY (2)

($)

(b)

Registrant
Contributions

in Last FY (2)

($)

 

Aggregate
Earnings

in Last FY

($)

Aggregate
Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

Aggregate
Balance

at Last
FYE (2)

($)

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. $55,000 $    — $13,758 $    — $731,974
Allan Tubin $    — $    — $    — $    — $    —
John A. Aiello, Esq. $    — $    — $    — $    — $    —
(1) Effective November 1, 2000, the Board adopted the Deferred Fee Plan for its executive officers and its directors. The Deferred Fee Plan was amended and restated on December 30, 2008, effective as of December 31, 2008, and further amended and restated on September 4, 2014, effective beginning November 1, 2014. Prior to the amendments that went into effect beginning November 1, 2014, the Deferred Fee Plan permitted any executive officer or director to elect to defer receipt of any executive officer, director retainer, meeting attendance, or property site inspection fee. As a result of the amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan that went into effect on November 1, 2014, participants in the Deferred Fee Plan who are also Executive Officers of FREIT Maryland are only permitted to defer amounts paid to them in their capacities as directors, and are not permitted to defer amounts paid to them in their capacities as Executive Officers. Please see the full discussion of the Deferred Fee Plan under “Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan” above.
(2) All amounts reported in columns (a) and (b) are reported as compensation to the named executive officers in their capacities as members of the Board in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 in the “Summary Compensation Table” above.

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the conversion into Share Units of deferred fees, accrued deferred interest and dividends payable with respect to credited Share Units under the Deferred Fee Plan during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, and the aggregate number of credited Share Units, for each executive officer individually.

Participant Aggregate
Deferred Fees
for FY 2021
Accrued
Deferred
Interest for FY
2021
Dividends
Payable on
Credited Share
Units for FY
2021
Share Units
Credited for
FY 2021
Aggregate
Share Units
Credited
Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. $55,000 $7,531 $6,227 3,820 26,173
Allan Tubin $    — $    — $    —
John A. Aiello, Esq. $    — $    — $    —

 

See “Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan” above for more information concerning the terms and provisions of the Deferred Fee Plan and the information set forth in these tables. 

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Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The number of stock options outstanding under the Equity Incentive Plan, the weighted-average exercise price of the outstanding options and the number of securities remaining available for issuance, as of October 31, 2021 were as follows:

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN TABLE

Plan Category

Number of securities
to be Issued upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

(a)

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights

(b)

Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in
Column (a))

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders (1) 310,740 $18.35 442,060
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders     —    —    —
Total 310,740 $18.35 442,060
(1) FREIT Maryland currently has no equity compensation plans other than the Equity Incentive Plan described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
Option
Expiration
Date
Number
of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
Market
Value of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unexercised
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested
($)
Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. 19,000 $18.45 (1) 9/3/2024
4,000 $18.45 (1) 9/3/2024
Allan Tubin 6,000 $18.45 (1) 9/3/2024
John A. Aiello, Esq. 19,000 $21.00 (1) 11/9/2026

 

(1) The exercise price of this option is equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant (as defined in the Equity Incentive Plan), which is described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above.

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Fiscal 2021 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

There were no exercises of stock options or vesting of stock held by Executive Officers in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

Director Compensation

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, each director was entitled to receive (a) an annual retainer fee of $35,000 per year; (b) a per meeting attendance fee of $1,500 per meeting of the Board and each committee of which a director is a member; (c) a $1,000 per meeting fee for telephonic meetings of the Board and each committee; and (d) a site inspection fee of $1,000 per site inspection. The Chairman of the Board was entitled to receive an additional annual retainer in the amount of $30,000 and a per meeting attendance fee of $1,800 per meeting of the Board, and the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee were entitled to receive per meeting attendance fees of $1,800 per meeting of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee were entitled to receive an additional annual retainer fee of $10,000 and $7,500, respectively.

The directors are entitled to defer all or any part of their retainer, meeting and property site inspection fees pursuant to the terms of the Deferred Fee Plan. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, directors (including the directors who were also Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021) elected to defer an aggregate amount of approximately $488,000 of annual retainer fees, meeting attendance fees, site inspection fees and accrued interest payable to them for their services to the Board and its committees, which amount was converted into an aggregate of 24,919 Share Units during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. In addition, the directors (including the directors who were also Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021) were credited with an aggregate of 2,257 Share Units during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 from the conversion of dividends paid with respect to the Share Units credited to their accounts. See “Elements of Executive Compensation – Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan” under “Executive Compensation - Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland paid an aggregate of $55,000 of annual retainer fees, meeting attendance fees and site inspection fees to the directors in cash for their services to the Board and its committees.

FISCAL 2021 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION (1)

Name

Deferred Fees
Earned

($)

Stock Awards

($)

Option
Awards

($)

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)(2)

All Other
Compensation  ($)

Total

($)

Ronald J. Artinian $140,372 (3) $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $140,372
David F. McBride $85,921 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $85,921
Justin F. Meng $61,691 $  — $  — $  — $  — $  — $61,691
David B. Hekemian $57,086 $  — $  -- $  — $  — $  — $57,086
Richard J. Aslanian $65,629 $  — $  -- $  — $  — $  — $65,629
(1) See the Summary Compensation Table above for information regarding compensation paid to each of Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and John A. Aiello during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 in connection with their positions as directors.
(2) Effective November 1, 2014, the Deferred Fee Plan was amended to provide that the interest rate was equal to the average interest rate on ten-year Treasury bonds plus 150 basis points. The Deferred Fee Plan was also amended to provide that accrued deferred interest from and after November 1, 2014 would be converted into Share Units equivalent to Shares on a monthly basis. See “Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan” above for a description of the amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan.
(3) Includes base salary of $30,000 paid in cash in capacity as Chairman of the Board.

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The following table sets forth information concerning the conversion of deferred fees and accrued deferred interest into Share Units under the Deferred Fee Plan during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 for each director who participated in the Deferred Fee Plan during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, except that the information concerning the participation of Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and John A. Aiello, Esq., in the Deferred Fee Plan in their capacities as directors is set forth under “Executive Compensation” above.

Participant Aggregate
Deferred Fees
for FY 2021
Accrued
Deferred
Interest for
FY 2021
Dividends Paid on
Credited Share
Units for FY 2021
Share Units
Credited for
FY 2021
Aggregate Share
Units Credited
Ronald J. Artinian $75,800 $23,762 $10,810 6,153 45,287
David F. McBride $70,300 $7,460 $8,161 4,782 34,196
Justin F. Meng $56,500 $  — $5,191 3,430 21,866
David B. Hekemian $55,000 $  — $2,086 3,163 9,340
Richard J. Aslanian $62,500 $  — $3,129 3,653 13,645
Totals $320,100 $31,222 $29,377 21,181 124,334

 

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ITEM 12

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Shares for (i) each person who is a beneficial owner of 5% or more of FREIT Maryland’s outstanding Shares, (ii) each of FREIT Maryland’s directors and executive officers and (iii) all of FREIT Maryland’s directors and executive officers as a group, each as of January 28, 2022 unless otherwise indicated in the table below.

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership

Name of Beneficial Owner (1)  

(A)

Aggregate

Number of Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)

 

(B)

Number of Shares
Acquirable within

60 Days

   

(C)

Aggregate

Number of Shares

Deemed to be

Beneficially

Owned

(Column A plus

Column B)

 

(D)

Percent

of Class (3)

 
Ronald J. Artinian (4)     443,492  (6)     25,400 (5)       468,892  (6)     6.8%  
David F. McBride, Esq. (4)     5,000  (7)     19,000 (5)       24,000  (7)     *  
Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. (4)(8)     300,148  (9)     23,000 (5)       323,148  (9)     4.7%  
John A. Aiello, Esq. (4)(8)     5,000       19,000 (5)       24,000       *  
Justin F. Meng (4)     15,000  (10)     19,000 (5)       34,000  (10)     *  
David B. Hekemian (4)     405,546  (11)     26,400 (5)       431,946  (11)     6.3%  
Richard J. Aslanian (4)     10,200       11,400 (5)       21,600       *  
Allan Tubin (8)     7,662       6,000 (5)       13,662       *  
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) (6)(7)(9)(10)(11)(12)     1,089,832  (12)     149,200 (5)       1,239,032  (12)     18.1%  

* Shares beneficially owned do not exceed 1% of FREIT Maryland’s issued and outstanding Shares.

  (1) All directors and executive officers listed in this table, with the exception of John A. Aiello, maintain a mailing address at 505 Main Street, P.O. Box 667, Hackensack, New Jersey 07602. John A. Aiello maintains a mailing address at 125 Half Mile Road, Suite 300, Red Bank, New Jersey 07701.

  (2) Except as otherwise indicated, all of the Shares are held beneficially and of record.
  (3) Based on 6,860,048 Shares outstanding as of January 28, 2022.
  (4) A director of FREIT Maryland.
  (5) Vested options to acquire Shares that are currently exercisable, or options that vest and become exercisable within 60 days after January 28, 2022.
  (6) Includes 52,504 Shares held in Individual Retirement Accounts for the benefit of Mr. Artinian. Also includes 4,350 Shares which are held by Mr. Artinian’s son, with respect to which Mr. Artinian disclaims beneficial ownership.
  (7) Includes 4,000 Shares held by Mr. McBride’s wife.
  (8) An executive officer of FREIT Maryland.
  (9) Includes (i) an aggregate of 102,216 Shares which are held by certain partnerships and limited liability companies in which Mr. Hekemian is a partner or member, (ii) 9,238 Shares which are held in trust by Mr. Hekemian for the benefit of his children, and (iii) an aggregate of 11,000 Shares which are held in certain trusts for the benefit of Mr.

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    Hekemian’s nephews and of which Mr. Hekemian is trustee. Also includes 25,458 Shares held in a trust of which Mr. Hekemian is a beneficiary. Mr. Hekemian disclaims beneficial ownership of the foregoing Shares held in partnerships, limited liability companies and trusts except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such partnerships, limited liability companies and trusts.
  (10) Includes 2,400 Shares held by Mr. Meng’s wife, with respect to which Mr. Meng disclaims beneficial ownership.
  (11) Includes (i) an aggregate of 102,216 Shares which are held by certain partnerships and limited liability companies in which Mr. Hekemian is a partner or member, (ii) an aggregate of 17,638 Shares which are held in certain trusts for the benefit of Mr. Hekemian’s nephews and niece and of which Mr. Hekemian is a trustee, (iii) 25,458 Shares held in a trust of which Mr. Hekemian is a beneficiary, (iv) an aggregate of 88,940 Shares held by the Robert and Mary Jane Hekemian Foundation, Inc. of which Mr. Hekemian is the Vice President/Treasurer, and (v) 6,000 Shares held in trust by Mr. Hekemian for the benefit of his children. Mr. Hekemian disclaims beneficial ownership of the foregoing Shares held in partnerships, limited liability companies and trusts except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such partnerships, limited liability companies and trusts. Also includes 1,600 Shares held by Mr. Hekemian’s wife, with respect to which Mr. Hekemian disclaims beneficial ownership.
  (12) Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and David B. Hekemian are both deemed to be the beneficial owner of 102,216 Shares held by certain partnerships and limited liability companies in which each of them is a partner or member. Therefore, the total number of Shares beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors as a group, which includes both Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and David B. Hekemian, is not merely the aggregate of the beneficial ownership of each executive officer and director, since calculating the aggregate number of Shares beneficially owned by all executive officers and directors as a group on that basis would result in the 102,216 Shares of which both Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and David B. Hekemian are deemed the beneficial owner being double-counted. As disclosed above, Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and David B. Hekemian disclaim beneficial ownership of the 102,216 Shares except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interests in the partnerships and limited liability companies that hold such Shares.

ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS; DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Of the seven members of the Board, Ronald J. Artinian, David F. McBride, Justin F. Meng and Richard J. Aslanian qualify as “independent directors” in accordance with the applicable NASDAQ Listing Rules and SEC rules. Each of the directors serving on committees of the Board: (Nominating Committee-Ronald J. Artinian, Justin F. Meng and David F. McBride); (Compensation Committee-David F. McBride, Justin F. Meng and Richard J. Aslanian); and (Audit Committee-Ronald J. Artinian, David F. McBride and Richard J. Aslanian) qualifies as an “independent director” in accordance with the applicable NASDAQ Listing Rules and SEC rules.

The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee (see “Audit Committee” under Item 10 above) whereby the Audit Committee oversees and evaluates all related party transactions proposed to be entered into by FREIT Maryland. Further, FREIT Maryland has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all directors, executive officers and management employees of FREIT Maryland (see “Code of Ethics” under Item 10 above), which Code of Ethics promotes the honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships.

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland and a director, and David B. Hekemian, a director, are shareholders of Hekemian & Co. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and David B. Hekemian each holds a 33.3% equity interest in Hekemian & Co. The balance of the equity interest in Hekemian & Co. is held by other members of the Hekemian family, including Bryan S. Hekemian. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian & Co.; David B. Hekemian serves as the President of Hekemian & Co.; and Bryan S. Hekemian serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Hekemian & Co.

On April 10, 2002, FREIT Maryland and Hekemian & Co. entered into a Management Agreement replacing the Management Agreement dated December 20, 1961, as extended. The term of the Management Agreement automatically renews for periods of two years unless either party gives at least six months prior notice to the other of non-renewal. The term of the Management Agreement was renewed for a two-year term, which will expire on October 31, 2023. FREIT Maryland may terminate the Management Agreement (i) without cause upon one year’s prior written notice, (ii) for cause if Hekemian & Co. has not cured an event of default within 30 days of receipt of notice of termination from FREIT Maryland, or (iii) in the event of an acquisition of FREIT Maryland where FREIT Maryland ceases to effectively exist as an operating entity. The Management Agreement provides for a termination fee in the event of a termination by FREIT Maryland without cause or following a merger or acquisition of FREIT Maryland.

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Under the Management Agreement, Hekemian & Co. serves as managing agent for FREIT Maryland and FREIT Maryland’s properties which FREIT Maryland owned on November 1, 2001. FREIT Maryland may retain Hekemian & Co. or other managing agents to manage its properties acquired after November 1, 2001 and to perform various other duties such as sales, acquisitions, and development with respect to any or all of FREIT Maryland’s properties. However, Hekemian & Co. currently manages all properties owned by FREIT Maryland and all subsidiaries and affiliates of FREIT Maryland, except for the commercial office space of the Rotunda, a mixed use (office, retail and residential) property located in Baltimore, Maryland that was acquired in July 2005 by Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande Rotunda”), a limited liability company in which FREIT Maryland owns a 60% equity interest. An unaffiliated third party management company manages the commercial office space at the Rotunda. Hekemian & Co. is not the exclusive advisor for FREIT Maryland to locate and recommend investments deemed suitable for FREIT Maryland, and it is not required to offer potential acquisition properties exclusively to FREIT Maryland before acquiring those properties for Hekemian & Co.’s own account or for others, including shareholders and employees of Hekemian & Co. On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

FREIT Maryland retained Hekemian & Co. to manage the Preakness Shopping Center, which was acquired on November 1, 2002 by Wayne PSC, LLC (“Wayne PSC”), a limited liability company in which FREIT Maryland owns a 40% membership interest, and the Damascus Shopping Center, which was acquired on July 31, 2003 by Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus Centre”), a limited liability company in which FREIT Maryland owns a 70% equity interest. On January 10, 2022, the property owned by Damascus Centre was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.) In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004, FREIT Maryland retained Hekemian & Co. to manage The Pierre Towers, an apartment complex acquired on April 15, 2004. This property was formerly owned by S And A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S&A”), which was reorganized by FREIT Maryland on February 28, 2020 from a partnership into a tenancy-in-common (“TIC”), in which FREIT Maryland ultimately acquired a 65% undivided ownership interest. In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, FREIT Maryland retained Hekemian & Co. to provide supervisory and management services to Grande Rotunda, although FREIT Maryland did not retain Hekemian & Co. to manage the commercial office space at the Rotunda.

Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, FREIT Maryland pays Hekemian & Co. certain basic management fees, mortgage origination fees, administrative fees, other miscellaneous fees and leasing commissions as compensation for its services. The Management Agreement includes a detailed schedule of such fees and commissions for those services which the managing agent may be called upon to perform. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland incurred to Hekemian & Co. and Hekemian Development Resources, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hekemian & Co. (“Hekemian Resources”), management and other fees in the approximate aggregate amount of $2,911,000, which includes the management fees of approximately $2,127,000 described in more detail below, and mortgage, leasing and other fees in the approximate amount of $784,000. Included in other fees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 are commissions payable to Hekemian & Co. for the following: $150,000 for the extension of the Grande Rotunda loan; $54,000 for the extension and modification of the WestFREIT, Corp. loan; $32,500 for the renewal of FREIT Maryland’s line of credit.

FREIT Maryland also uses the resources of Hekemian & Co.’s insurance department to secure insurance coverage for its properties and subsidiaries. Hekemian & Co. is paid a commission for these services, which amounted to approximately $209,000 in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

From time to time, FREIT Maryland engages Hekemian & Co., or certain affiliates of Hekemian & Co., to provide certain additional services, such as consulting services related to development and financing activities of FREIT Maryland. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between FREIT Maryland and Hekemian & Co. with respect to such services. FREIT Maryland also reimburses Hekemian & Co. certain operating expenses, such as payroll and insurance costs, incurred on behalf of FREIT Maryland.

FREIT Maryland’s real estate investments may be in the form of wholly owned fee interests or, if the circumstances warrant, joint venture interests or as tenants-in-common. FREIT Maryland will make certain real estate investments through joint ventures with other parties from time to time in order to diversify risk. FREIT Maryland will also consider investing in real estate that requires development or that involves particular risk through joint ventures in order to meet FREIT Maryland’s investment objectives. In furtherance of these objectives, FREIT Maryland has invested in joint ventures with employees and affiliates of Hekemian & Co. and with directors of FREIT Maryland, as described below.

FREIT Maryland owns a 60% equity interest in, and is the managing member of, Grande Rotunda, which owns the Rotunda property. Rotunda 100, LLC (“Rotunda 100”), owns a 40% equity interest in Grande Rotunda. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; David B. Hekemian, a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; Allan Tubin, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland and an officer of Hekemian & Co.; certain other members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of and consultant to FREIT Maryland and a

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former shareholder and former officer of Hekemian & Co. and other employees of Hekemian & Co. have majority managing control of Rotunda 100. In July 2005, Grande Rotunda completed the acquisition of the Rotunda for a purchase price of approximately $31 million (inclusive of transaction costs), which was financed, in part, from an acquisition loan in the amount of $22.5 million, and the balance of which was contributed in cash by the members of Grande Rotunda in proportion to their membership interests. As an incentive to the employees of Hekemian & Co. to identify and provide real estate investment opportunities for FREIT Maryland, FREIT Maryland advanced to the employees of Hekemian & Co. who are members of Rotunda 100 (including Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., David B. Hekemian, Allan Tubin and certain other members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian), 50% of the amount of the equity capital required to be contributed by them to Rotunda 100 in connection with the acquisition and operation of the Rotunda. FREIT Maryland initially loaned an aggregate amount of approximately $1,900,000 to those Hekemian & Co. employees (including approximately $1,800,000 to Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., David B. Hekemian and Allan Tubin) and certain other members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian with respect to their equity capital contributions (the “Rotunda Notes”). On May 8, 2008, the Board approved amendments to the loan agreements to increase the aggregate amount of the loans to $4,000,000 (which increased the aggregate amount loaned to Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., David B. Hekemian, Allan Tubin and certain other members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian in connection with the Rotunda Notes to $3,800,000 from the initial aggregate amount of $1,800,000). These loans bear interest that floats at 225 basis points over the 90-day London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), as adjusted each November 1, February 1, May 1 and August 1, and the loans are secured by such employees’ membership interests in Rotunda 100. The Rotunda Notes originally provided for payments of accrued interest on a quarterly basis, with no principal payments required during the term of the Rotunda Notes, except that the borrowers were required to pay to FREIT Maryland all refinancing proceeds and other cash flow they received from their interests in Grande Rotunda. The Rotunda Notes were originally scheduled to mature at the earlier of (a) 10 years after issue, on June 19, 2015 and (b) at the election of FREIT Maryland, 90 days after the borrower terminates employment with Hekemian & Co., at which time all outstanding unpaid amounts would be due. On June 4, 2015, the Board approved an extension of the terms of each of the Rotunda Notes to the earlier to occur of (a) June 19, 2018 and (b) the day that is 5 days after Grande Rotunda closes on a permanent mortgage loan secured by the Rotunda property. On December 7, 2017, the Board approved amendments to the Rotunda Notes to further extend the term of each of the Rotunda Notes to the date or dates upon which Grande Rotunda makes distributions of cash to its members as a result of either a refinancing of Grande Rotunda’s indebtedness or a sale of Grande Rotunda or all or a portion of the real property owned by it; provided, that the Rotunda Notes will mature only to the extent of such distributions to the maker of the Rotunda Notes. Pursuant to the December 7, 2017 amendments, distributions of cash as a result of events other than a refinancing of the indebtedness of Grande Rotunda or sale of the Rotunda property will not result in the maturation of the Rotunda Notes. At October 31, 2021, the outstanding principal balance on the Rotunda Notes was $4,000,000, and the accrued but unpaid interest on the Rotunda Notes was $1,292,000. On December 30, 2021 the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

Grande Rotunda paid Hekemian & Co. approximately $604,000 in management fees during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, which is included in the $2,127,000 of management fees paid by FREIT Maryland to Hekemian & Co. during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 mentioned above. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, Grande Rotunda paid Hekemian & Co. leasing commissions in the aggregate amount of approximately $25,000, which is included in the $784,000 of mortgage, leasing and other fees paid to Hekemian & Co. mentioned above during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

Prior to the refinancing of the Wells Fargo construction loan for the Rotunda property with a new loan from Aareal Capital Corporation, FREIT Maryland and Rotunda 100, as the 60% and 40% owners of Grande Rotunda, respectively, had been contributing their respective pro-rata share of Grande Rotunda’s cash needs through loans to Grande Rotunda. In Fiscal 2021, Grande Rotunda repaid $7 million to the equity owners in Grande Rotunda based on their respective pro-rata share resulting in a loan repayment to Rotunda 100 of approximately $2.8 million. As of October 31, 2021, Rotunda 100 had funded Grande Rotunda with approximately $3.3 million (including accrued interest), which is included in “Due to affiliate” on FREIT Maryland’s consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2021 and is characterized as a demand loan that Rotunda 100 can require to be repaid at any time.

FREIT Maryland owns a 70% equity interest in, and is the managing member of, Damascus Centre, which is the owner of the 144,000 square foot shopping center located in Damascus, Maryland. Damascus 100, LLC (“Damascus 100”), owns a 30% equity interest in Damascus Centre. Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; David B. Hekemian, a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; Allan Tubin, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland and an officer of Hekemian & Co.; certain other members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of and consultant to FREIT Maryland and a former shareholder and former officer of Hekemian & Co. and other employees of Hekemian & Co. have majority managing control of Damascus 100. Damascus Centre paid Hekemian & Co. approximately $146,000 in management fees during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, which is included in $2,127,000 of management fees paid by FREIT Maryland to Hekemian & Co. during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 mentioned above. There were no leasing commission paid by Damascus Centre to Hekemian & Co. during the fiscal year ended

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October 31, 2021. On January 10, 2022 the property owned by Damascus Centre was sold. (See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.)

FREIT Maryland owns a 40% membership interest in Westwood Hills, LLC (“Westwood Hills”), which is the owner of a 210-unit residential apartment complex in Westwood, New Jersey. In addition, an aggregate of 35% of the membership interests in Westwood Hills is beneficially owned by: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; Ronald J. Artinian, the Chairman and a director of FREIT Maryland; David B. Hekemian, a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; the Estate of Robert S. Hekemian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of and consultant to FREIT Maryland and a former shareholder and former officer of Hekemian & Co.; members of Hekemian family; and two former directors of FREIT Maryland. Pursuant to the terms of an operating agreement, FREIT Maryland is the managing member of Westwood Hills. Hekemian & Co. currently serves as the managing agent for Westwood Hills. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, Westwood Hills paid Hekemian & Co. approximately $228,000 in management fees, which is included in the $2,127,000 of management fees paid by FREIT Maryland to Hekemian & Co. and Hekemian Resources during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 mentioned above.

FREIT Maryland owns a 40% equity interest in Wayne PSC. H-TPKE, LLC (“H-TPKE”), owns a 60% equity interest in Wayne PSC. In addition, an aggregate of approximately 73% of the membership interests in H-TPKE is controlled by: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; David B. Hekemian, a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; the late Robert S. Hekemian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and consultant to FREIT Maryland and a former shareholder and former officer of Hekemian & Co.; members of the families of Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., David B. Hekemian and the late Robert S. Hekemian; and other employees of Hekemian & Co. FREIT Maryland is the managing member of Wayne PSC. Wayne PSC owns a 322,000 square foot shopping center located in Wayne, New Jersey, known as the Preakness Shopping Center. Hekemian & Co. is the managing agent for the Preakness Shopping Center. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, Wayne PSC paid Hekemian & Co. approximately $142,000 in management fees, which is included in the $2,127,000 of management fees paid by FREIT Maryland to Hekemian & Co. and Hekemian Resources during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 mentioned above. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement, Wayne PSC paid Hekemian & Co. leasing commissions in the aggregate amount of approximately $10,000 with respect to leasing activity at the Preakness Shopping Center, which is included in the $784,000 of mortgage, leasing and other fees paid to Hekemian & Co. mentioned above.

On February 28, 2020, FREIT Maryland reorganized S&A from a partnership into a TIC. Prior to this reorganization, FREIT Maryland owned a 65% partnership interest in S&A, which owned 100% of the Pierre Towers property located in Hackensack, New Jersey through its 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC. Accordingly, FREIT Maryland consolidated the financial statements of S&A and its subsidiary to include 100% of the subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows with the interest not owned by FREIT Maryland reflected as “noncontrolling interests in subsidiary” and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.

Pursuant to the TIC agreement, FREIT Maryland ultimately acquired a 65% undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property which was formerly owned by S&A. Based on the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification 810, “Consolidation”, FREIT Maryland’s investment in the TIC is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. While FREIT Maryland’s effective ownership percentage interest in the Pierre Towers property remains unchanged after the reorganization to a TIC, FREIT Maryland no longer has a controlling interest as the TIC is now under joint control. The remaining 35% undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property is owned by Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; David B. Hekemian, a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co.; Allan Tubin, the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland and an officer of Hekemian & Co.; and certain members of the immediate family of the late Robert S. Hekemian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and consultant to FREIT Maryland and a former shareholder and former officer of Hekemian & Co. In February 2005, and in accordance with its investment policy regarding risk diversification, FREIT Maryland allowed the minority owners of the former S&A partnership to make a cash contribution to the former S&A partnership of approximately $1.3 million to increase their ownership interest in the former S&A partnership from approximately 25% to 35%, which approximated market value at the time of the investment. On April 15, 2004, the former S&A partnership purchased The Pierre Towers, a residential apartment complex located in Hackensack, New Jersey. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Pierre Towers TIC paid Hekemian & Co. approximately $375,000 in management fees. Additionally, the Pierre Towers TIC also uses the resources of the Hekemian & Co. insurance department to secure various insurance coverages for the Pierre Towers property. The Pierre Towers TIC paid approximately $51,000 for such insurance services for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of FREIT Maryland and a shareholder and officer of Hekemian & Co., was a director of Oritani Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Oritani Bank, until Oritani Financial was merged into Valley National Bancorp in December 2019. FREIT Maryland is a party to a commercial mortgage loan with Valley National Bancorp. The mortgage loan is in the original principal amount of $22,750,000 with an interest rate of 4.75% per

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annum, which is secured by FREIT Maryland’s Westwood Plaza property and matures on January 13, 2023. This mortgage loan was negotiated at arm’s length and was on standard terms. Another mortgage loan with Oritani Bank in the original principal amount of $6,000,000 was repaid by FREIT Maryland in February 2019.

FREIT Maryland retained the law firm of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 to furnish legal services. John A. Aiello, a director and Secretary of FREIT Maryland, is an officer and shareholder in the law firm. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. received $355,682 in fees from FREIT Maryland and its affiliates for its services. In addition, Mr. Aiello paid to the law firm the amount of $60,000, representing retainer and meeting fees, which Mr. Aiello received in connection with his services as the Secretary of FREIT Maryland during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

Effective upon the late Robert S. Hekemian’s retirement as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and as a director on April 5, 2018, FREIT Maryland entered into a Consulting Agreement with Mr. Hekemian, pursuant to which Mr. Hekemian provided consulting services to FREIT Maryland through December 2019. Under the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Hekemian was obliged to provide advice and consultation with respect to matters pertaining to FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries, affiliates, assets and business, for no fewer than 30 hours per month during the term of the agreement. FREIT Maryland paid Mr. Hekemian a consulting fee of $5,000 per month during the term of the Consulting Agreement, which was payable in the form of Shares on a quarterly basis (i.e. in quarterly installments of $15,000). The number of Shares issued for each quarterly installment of the consulting fee was determined by dividing the dollar amount of the consulting fee by the closing price of one Share on the OTC Pink Open Market as of the close of trading on the last trading day of the calendar quarter with respect to which such consulting fee was payable. There were no consulting fees paid to Robert S. Hekemian for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.

 

ITEM 14

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Audit Fees

Audit fees billed by EisnerAmper LLP to FREIT Maryland totaled $410,000 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 for professional services rendered in connection with the audits of FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements and reviews of the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. Audit fees billed by EisnerAmper LLP to FREIT Maryland totaled $431,000 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 for professional services rendered in connection with the audits of FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements and reviews of the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020.

Audit-Related Fees

Audit-related fees billed in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $0 and $43,000, respectively, in connection with matters related to the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Tax Fees

In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, EisnerAmper LLP billed FREIT Maryland $37,500 for the preparation of FREIT Maryland’s 2020 tax return. In the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, EisnerAmper LLP billed FREIT Maryland $32,500 for the preparation of FREIT Maryland’s 2019 tax return and $8,735 in connection with an analysis relating to the payment of dividends and return of capital. In addition, EisnerAmper LLP billed FREIT Maryland $40,000 in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 for tax-related matters and consultations in connection with the Sale Agreement.

All Other Fees

EisnerAmper LLP did not bill FREIT Maryland for any other services during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020.

Policy on Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services

All audit and non-audit services provided by FREIT Maryland’s independent registered public accounting firm and the fees associated therewith are pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the written charter of the Audit Committee adopted by the Board. The Audit Committee gives due consideration to the potential impact of all non-audit services on auditor independence. The engagement of EisnerAmper LLP, which was pre-approved by the Audit Committee, did not make use of the de minimis exception for pre-approval contained in the rules of the SEC that permit limited engagements for non-audit services involving amounts under a specified threshold.

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

 

(a) Financial Statements: Page
   
(i) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 69
   
(ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 71
   
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 72
   
(iv) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 73
   
(v) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019   74
   
(vi) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 75
   
(vii) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 76
   
(b) Financial Statement Schedule:  
   
(i) III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 95/96
   
 (c) Exhibits:  
   
See Index to Exhibits. 97

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, FREIT Maryland has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

   

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc.

 

 
Dated: January 28, 2022    By:  /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.                
   

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

     By:  /s/ Allan Tubin                        
   

Allan Tubin

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial/Accounting Officer)

 

 

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. and Allan Tubin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates stated.


Signatures
Title Date

/s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.

President, Chief Executive Officer January 28, 2022
            Robert S. Hekemian, Jr. (Principal Executive Officer) and
Director
 

/s/ Allan Tubin

Chief Financial Officer and January 28, 2022
            Allan Tubin Treasurer (Principal Financial /
Accounting Officer)
 

/s/ Ronald J. Artinian

Chairman of the Board and Director January 28, 2022
            Ronald J. Artinian    

/s/ David F. McBride

Director January 28, 2022
            David F. McBride    

/s/ John A. Aiello

Director January 28, 2022
            John A. Aiello    

/s/ Justin F. Meng

Director January 28, 2022
            Justin F. Meng    

/s/ David B. Hekemian

Director January 28, 2022
            David B. Hekemian    

/s/ Richard J. Aslanian

Director January 28, 2022
            Richard J. Aslanian    

 

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Table of Contents 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2021, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule identified in Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Impairment Evaluation of Real Estate

As of October 31, 2021, the Company had real estate, net of accumulated depreciation, of approximately $270.6 million. As more fully described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company evaluates its real estate for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than their carrying value and, accordingly, all or a portion of such carrying value may not be recoverable. When it is determined that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is then calculated by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount. Estimates of undiscounted cash flows or fair value are sensitive to changes in assumptions and judgements, the outcome of which could vary significantly.

We identified the impairment evaluation as a critical audit matter due to significant judgment by management in identifying indicators of impairment and in the estimated recoverability of a particular property. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor

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judgment, subjectivity, and audit effort in performing procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management's significant estimates and assumptions related to future operating income, holding periods, capitalization rates and residual values.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence, in connection with forming our overall opinion on the financial statements. We obtained an understanding and evaluated the design of controls over the Company’s impairment evaluation. Our procedures included, among others, assessing the methodologies applied, identifying the existence of any triggering events, comparing the recoverability analysis to the carrying value by property and evaluating the reasonableness of significant estimates and assumptions including future operating income, holding periods, capitalization rates and residual values, and considered if they were reasonable considering the past and current performance of the property and if consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. We tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by management in its evaluation. We held discussions with management about the current status of certain properties to understand how management’s significant estimates and assumptions are developed considering potential future market conditions. In addition, we evaluated the mathematical accuracy of the calculations included in the Company’s evaluation.

 

 

/s/ EisnerAmper LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.

EISNERAMPER LLP

Iselin, New Jersey

January 28, 2022

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

October 31,

October 31,

2021

2020

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

ASSETS

 

Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation

$

270,634

$

278,150

Construction in progress

665

566

Cash and cash equivalents

35,891

36,860

Investment in tenancy-in-common

19,383

20,101

Tenants' security accounts

1,340

1,408

Receivables arising from straight-lining of rents

3,747

3,977

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $966 and

$804 as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively

1,622

1,811

Secured loans receivable (related party)

5,292

5,194

Prepaid expenses and other assets

5,493

4,985

Deferred charges, net

2,038

2,163

Total Assets

$

346,105

$

355,215

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

Liabilities:

Mortgages payable, including deferred interest of $358 and $360 as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively

$

301,276

$

307,240

Less unamortized debt issuance costs

1,400

1,810

Mortgages payable, net

299,876

305,430

 

Due to affiliate

3,252

5,921

Deferred director compensation payable

2,475

2,633

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

2,375

2,277

Dividends payable

686

-

Tenants' security deposits

2,039

2,124

Deferred revenue

1,143

1,043

Interest rate cap and swap contracts

2,308

4,924

Total Liabilities

314,154

324,352

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

Common Equity:

Shares of beneficial interest without par value:

0 shares authorized and issued at October 31, 2021; 8,000,000 shares authorized

-

27,960

and 6,993,152 shares issued plus 152,144 vested share units granted to Directors

at October 31, 2020

Treasury stock, at cost: 0 and 136,501 shares at October 31, 2021

-

(2,863

)

and 2020, respectively

Preferred stock with par value of $0.01 per share:

-

-

5,000,000 and 0 shares authorized and issued, respectively, at October 31, 2021;

0 shares authorized and issued, respectively, at October 31, 2020

Common stock with par value of $0.01 per share:

71

-

20,000,000 and 0 shares authorized at October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively;

6,860,048 and 0 shares issued plus 175,923 and 0 vested share units granted to Directors

at October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively

Additional Paid-In-Capital

25,556

-

Retained earnings

12,963

13,791

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(2,017

)

(3,986

)

Total Common Equity

36,573

34,902

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

(4,622

)

(4,039

)

Total Equity

31,951

30,863

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

346,105

$

355,215

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Years Ended October 31,

2021

2020

2019

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

Revenue:

Rental income

$

44,160

$

46,184

$

53,326

Reimbursements

5,468

5,840

6,429

Sundry income

663

703

522

Total revenue

50,291

52,727

60,277

 

Expenses:

Operating expenses

17,249

15,805

16,501

Third party transaction costs (See Note 14)

-

4,606

1,416

Management fees

2,178

2,251

2,603

Real estate taxes

8,062

8,687

9,591

Depreciation

9,300

10,341

11,339

Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19

-

7,277

-

Total expenses

36,789

48,967

41,450

 

Operating income

13,502

3,760

18,827

 

Investment income

116

204

360

Unrealized loss on interest rate cap contract

-

-

(160

)

Gain on sale of property

-

-

836

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

-

27,680

-

Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common

(295

)

(202

)

-

Interest expense including amortization

 of deferred financing costs

(12,276

)

(14,122

)

(18,070

)

Net income

1,047

17,320

1,793

 

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling

 interests in subsidiaries

(120

)

3,233

(6

)

 

Net income attributable to common equity

$

927

$

20,553

$

1,787

 

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

$

0.13

$

2.94

$

0.26

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

7,019

6,992

6,940

Diluted

7,022

6,994

6,940

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Years Ended October 31,

2021

2020

2019

(In Thousands of Dollars)

 

Net income

$

1,047

$

17,320

$

1,793

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate cap and swap contracts

before reclassifications

1,360

(3,553

)

(6,081

)

Amount reclassified from accumulated other

comprehensive loss to interest expense

1,256

755

(319

)

Net unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate cap and swap contracts

2,616

(2,798

)

(6,400

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

3,663

14,522

(4,607

)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

(120

)

3,233

(6

)

Other comprehensive (income) loss :

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate cap and swap contracts

attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

(647

)

852

1,843

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

(767

)

4,085

1,837

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common equity

$

2,896

$

18,607

$

(2,770

)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

Common Equity

Beneficial Interest

Treasury Shares at Cost

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Additional Paid in Capital

Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total Common Equity Stock

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries

Total Equity

(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

 

Balance at October 31, 2018

7,150

$

28,288

235

$

(4,941)

-

$

-

$

-

(4,376)

$

2,517

$

21,488

$

2,856

$

24,344

 

Stock based compensation expense  

124

124

124

 

Vested share units granted to Directors and consultant, including $106 in dividends declared payable in share units ($0.60 per share)

64

1,046

1,046

1,046

 

Vested share units issued to consultant and retired Directors*  

(29)

(611)

(29)

611

-

-

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries  

-

(686)

(686)

 

Net income

1,787

1,787

6

1,793

 

Dividends declared, including $106 payable in share units ($0.60 per share)

(4,173)

(4,173)

(4,173)

 

Net unrealized loss on interest rate swap contracts  

(4,557)

(4,557)

(1,843)

(6,400)

 

Balance at October 31, 2019

7,185

28,847

206

(4,330)

-

-

-

(6,762)

(2,040)

15,715

333

16,048

 

Stock based compensation expense  

46

46

46

 

Vested share units granted to Directors and consultant  

29

534

534

534

 

Vested share units issued to consultant and retired Directors*  

(69)

(1,467)

(69)

1,467

-

-

 

Deconsolidation of subsidiary

-

3,596

3,596

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries  

-

(3,883)

(3,883)

 

Net income (loss)

20,553

20,553

(3,233)

17,320

 

Net unrealized loss on interest rate cap and swap contracts

(1,946)

(1,946)

(852)

(2,798)

 

Balance at October 31, 2020

7,145

27,960

137

(2,863)

-

-

-

13,791

(3,986)

34,902

(4,039)

30,863

 

Stock based compensation expense  

31

11

42

42

 

Vested share units granted to Directors, including $42 in dividends declared payable in share units ($0.25 per share)

14

231

14

1

256

488

488

 

Vested share units issued to retired Director*

(4)

(72)

(4)

72

-

-

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries  

-

(1,350)

(1,350)

 

Net income

927

927

120

1,047

 

Dividends declared, including $42 payable in share units ($0.25 per share)

(1,755)

(1,755)

(1,755)

 

Reincorporation of FREIT with and into FREIT Maryland (See Note 1)

(7,155)

(28,150)

(133)

2,791

7,022

70

25,289

 

Net unrealized gain on interest rate cap and swap contracts

1,969

1,969

647

2,616

 

Balance at October 31, 2021

-

$

-

-

$

-

7,036

$

71

$

25,556

$

12,963

$

(2,017)

$

36,573

$

(4,622)

$

31,951

* Represents the issuance of treasury shares to consultant and retired Director(s) for share units earned.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended October 31,

2021

2020

2019

(In Thousands of Dollars)

Operating activities:

Net income

$

1,047

$

17,320

$

1,793

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation

9,300

10,341

11,339

Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19

-

7,277

-

Amortization

1,653

1,819

1,750

Unrealized loss on interest rate cap contract

-

-

160

Stock based compensation expense

42

46

124

Director fees, consultant fee and related interest paid in stock units

446

534

940

Gain on sale of property

-

-

(836

)

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

-

(27,680

)

-

Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common

295

202

-

Deferred rents - straight line rent

230

397

(410

)

Bad debt expense

361

619

263

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Tenants' security accounts

(75

)

(285

)

149

Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets

(363

)

(1,527

)

(968

)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred director compensation payable

(7

)

(5,452

)

64

Deferred revenue

100

(300

)

21

Due to affiliate - accrued interest

(808

)

216

288

Deferred interest on mortgages

(2

)

360

-

Net cash provided by operating activities

12,219

3,887

14,677

Investing activities:

Proceeds from sale of commercial property, net

-

-

7,060

Capital improvements - existing properties

(1,936

)

(2,048

)

(3,087

)

Deferred leasing costs

(279

)

(250

)

(569

)

Distribution from investment in tenancy-in-common

423

455

-

Deconsolidation of subsidiary cash and cash equivalents

-

(1,383

)

-

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

(1,792

)

(3,226

)

3,404

Financing activities:

Repayment of mortgages

(5,962

)

(22,910

)

(26,529

)

Proceeds from mortgage loan refinancings

(-

)

25,000

28,815

Deferred financing costs

(699

)

(482

)

(539

)

Due to affiliate - loan repayment

(1,861

)

-

-

Dividends paid

(1,027

)

(1,357

)

(3,048

)

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

(1,350

)

(3,883

)

(686

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(10,899

)

(3,632

)

(1,987

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(472

)

(2,971

)

16,094

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year

39,517

42,488

26,394

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year

$

39,045

$

39,517

$

42,488

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow data:

Interest paid

$

10,965

$

12,365

$

16,337

Supplemental schedule of non cash activities:

Operating activities:

Commercial tenant security deposits applied to accounts receivable

$

10

$

387

$

-

Investing activities:

Accrued capital expenditures, construction costs and pre-development costs

$

125

$

179

$

157

Financing activities:

Retirement of treasury stock

$

2,791

$

-

$

-

Dividends declared but not paid

$

686

$

-

$

1,357

Dividends paid in share units

$

42

$

-

$

106

Vested share units issued to consultant and retired director

$

72

$

1,467

$

611

 

Deconsolidation of subsidiary:

Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation

$

-

$

(36,225

)

$

-

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

-

(55

)

-

Prepaid expenses and other assets

-

(315

)

-

Mortgage payable

-

48,000

-

Unamortized debt issuance costs

-

(489

)

-

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

-

353

-

Tenants' security deposits

-

585

-

Deferred revenue

-

47

-

Deconsolidation of subsidiary cash and cash equivalents

-

(1,383

)

-

Net carrying value of assets and liabilities deconsolidated

$

-

$

10,518

$

-

 

Recognition of retained investment in tenancy-in-common at fair value

$

-

$

20,758

$

-

Derecognition of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary

$

-

$

(3,596

)

$

-

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

35,891

 

 

$

36,860

 

 

$

38,075

 

Tenants' security accounts

 

 

1,340

 

 

1,408

 

2,278

 

Mortgage escrows (included in prepaid expenses and other assets)

1,814

1,249

2,135

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

39,045

$

39,517

$

42,488

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 -  Organization and significant accounting policies:

Organization:

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) was organized on November 1, 1961 as a New Jersey Business Trust. On July 1, 2021, FREIT completed the change of its form of organization from a New Jersey real estate investment trust to a Maryland corporation (the “Reincorporation”) which was approved by its stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on May 6, 2021. The Reincorporation changes the law applicable to FREIT’s affairs from New Jersey law to Maryland law and was accomplished by the merger of FREIT with and into its wholly owned subsidiary, First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (“FREIT Maryland”, “Trust”, “us”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation. As a result of the Reincorporation, the separate existence of FREIT has ceased and FREIT Maryland has succeeded to all the business, properties, assets and liabilities of FREIT. Holders of shares of beneficial interest in FREIT have received one newly issued share of common stock of FREIT Maryland for each share of FREIT that they own, without any action of stockholders required and all treasury stock held by FREIT was retired.

FREIT Maryland is engaged in owning residential and commercial income producing properties located primarily in New Jersey, Maryland and New York. FREIT Maryland has elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust under the provisions of Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Accordingly, FREIT Maryland does not pay federal income tax on income whenever income distributed to stockholders is equal to at least 90% of real estate investment trust taxable income. Further, FREIT Maryland pays no federal income tax on capital gains distributed to stockholders. FREIT Maryland is subject to federal income tax on undistributed taxable income and capital gains. FREIT Maryland may make an annual election under Section 858 of the Internal Revenue Code to apply part of the regular dividends paid in each respective subsequent year as a distribution for the immediately preceding year.

Recently issued accounting standards:

In March 2020 and January 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04 “Reference Rate Reform (ASC 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”, and ASU 2021-01 “Reference Rate Reform (ASC 848): Scope” which provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform in contracts and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01 are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We currently do not anticipate the need to modify our existing debt agreements as a result of reference rate reform in the current year, however if any modification is executed as a result of reference rate reform, the Company will elect the optional expedient available under ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2021-01, which allows entities to account for the modification as if the modification was not substantial. We will disclose the nature of and reason for electing the optional expedient in each interim and annual financial statement period if and when applicable through December 31, 2022.

Principles of consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FREIT Maryland and the following subsidiaries in which FREIT Maryland has a controlling financial interest, including two LLCs in which FREIT Maryland is the managing member with a 40% ownership interest:

Subsidiary

Owning Entity

% Ownership

Year Acquired/Organized

 

Westwood Hills, LLC

FREIT Maryland

40%

1994

Wayne PSC, LLC

FREIT Maryland

40%

2002

Damascus Centre, LLC

FREIT Maryland

70%

2003

Grande Rotunda, LLC

FREIT Maryland

60%

2005

WestFREIT, Corp

FREIT Maryland

100%

2007

FREIT Regency, LLC

FREIT Maryland

100%

2014

Station Place on Monmouth, LLC

FREIT Maryland

100%

2017

Berdan Court, LLC

FREIT Maryland

100%

2019

The consolidated financial statements include 100% of each subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows, with the interests not owned by FREIT Maryland reflected as "noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries”. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investment in tenancy-in-common:

On February 28, 2020, FREIT Maryland reorganized its subsidiary S and A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S&A”) from a partnership into a tenancy-in-common form of ownership (“TIC”). Prior to this reorganization, FREIT Maryland owned a 65% partnership interest in S&A, which owned 100% of the Pierre Towers property located in Hackensack, New Jersey through its 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC. Accordingly, FREIT Maryland consolidated the financial statements of S&A and its subsidiary to include 100% of the subsidiary’s assets,

liabilities, operations and cash flows with the interest not owned by FREIT Maryland reflected as “noncontrolling interests in subsidiary” and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.

Pursuant to the TIC agreement, FREIT Maryland ultimately acquired a 65% undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property which was formerly owned by S&A. Based on the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, “Consolidation”, FREIT Maryland’s investment in the TIC is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. While FREIT Maryland’s effective ownership percentage interest in the Pierre Towers property remained unchanged after the reorganization to a TIC, FREIT Maryland no longer had a controlling interest as the TIC is now under joint control. (See Note 3)

Reclassification:

Certain prior year cash flow line items have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Use of estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents:

Financial instruments that potentially subject FREIT Maryland to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. FREIT Maryland considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. FREIT Maryland maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank and other accounts, the balances of which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.

Real estate development costs:

It is FREIT Maryland’s policy to capitalize pre-development costs, which generally include legal and other professional fees and other directly related third-party costs. Real estate taxes and interest costs incurred during the development and construction phases are also capitalized. FREIT Maryland ceases capitalization of these costs when the project or portion thereof becomes operational, or when construction has been postponed. In the event of a postponement, capitalization of these costs will recommence once construction on the project resumes.

Depreciation:

Real estate and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line method by annual charges to operations calculated to absorb costs of assets over their estimated useful lives.

Impairment of long-lived assets:

Impairment losses on long-lived assets, such as real estate and equipment, are recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than their carrying value and, accordingly, all or a portion of such carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are then measured by comparing the fair value of assets to their carrying amounts. There were no impairments of long-lived assets for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. In Fiscal 2020, Cobb Theatre, an anchor tenant movie theatre at the Rotunda retail property filed for bankruptcy and rejected its lease at the Rotunda property as of June 30, 2020. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020, management determined that it would be unable to re-let the space on similar terms and as such tenant improvements in the amount of approximately $7.3 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $4.4 million) related to Cobb Theatre were deemed impaired and written off. (See Note 16) For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 there were no impairments of long-lived assets.

Deferred charges:

Deferred charges consist primarily of leasing commissions which are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the applicable leases.

Debt issuance costs:

Debt issuance costs are amortized on the straight-line method by annual charges to income over the terms of the mortgages. Amortization of such costs is included in interest expense and approximated $1,109,000, $1,089,000 and $1,139,000 in Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Unamortized debt issuance costs are a direct deduction from mortgages payable on the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue recognition:

Income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis regardless of when payment is due. Lease agreements between FREIT Maryland and commercial tenants generally provide for additional rentals and reimbursements for their proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance charges and may include percentage of tenants' sales in excess of specified volumes. Percentage rents are generally included in income when reported to FREIT Maryland when earned, or ratably over the appropriate period.

Interest rate cap and swap contracts:

FREIT Maryland utilizes derivative financial instruments to reduce interest rate risk. FREIT Maryland does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. FREIT Maryland recognizes all derivatives as either

assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in fair value of those instruments, which qualify as cash flow hedges, are reported in other comprehensive income. (See Note 6)

Advertising:

FREIT Maryland expenses the cost of advertising and promotions as incurred. Advertising costs charged to operations amounted to approximately $421,000, $297,000 and $281,000 in Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Stock-based compensation:

FREIT Maryland has a stock-based compensation plan that was approved by FREIT Maryland’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), and ratified by FREIT Maryland’s stockholders. Stock based awards are accounted for based on their grant-date fair value (see Note 10).

Note 2 -  Property disposition:

On February 8, 2019, FREIT Maryland sold a commercial building, formerly occupied as a Pathmark supermarket in Patchogue, New York for a sales price of $7.5 million. The sale of this property, which had a carrying value of approximately $6.2 million, resulted in a gain of approximately $0.8 million net of sales fees and commissions. Net cash proceeds of approximately $2 million were realized after paying off the related mortgage on this property in the amount of approximately $5.2 million. FREIT Maryland distributed and paid approximately $676,000 of this gain by way of a one-time special dividend in connection with and in anticipation of the closing of the sale of the Patchogue property of $0.10 per share. The sale of this property eliminated an operating loss of approximately $0.8 million ($0.12 per share) incurred, annually, since Pathmark vacated the building in December 2015.

As the disposal of this property did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major impact on FREIT Maryland’s operations or financial results, the property’s operations were not reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 -  Investment in tenancy-in-common:

On February 28, 2020, FREIT Maryland reorganized S&A from a partnership into a TIC. Prior to this reorganization, FREIT Maryland owned a 65% partnership interest in S&A, which owned 100% of the Pierre Towers property located in Hackensack, New Jersey through its 100% interest in Pierre Towers, LLC. Accordingly, FREIT Maryland consolidated the financial statements of S&A and its subsidiary to include 100% of the subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows with the interest not owned by FREIT Maryland reflected as “noncontrolling interests in subsidiary” and all significant intercompany accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.

Pursuant to the TIC agreement, FREIT Maryland ultimately acquired a 65% undivided interest in the Pierre Towers property which was formerly owned by S&A. Based on the guidance of ASC 810, “Consolidation”, FREIT Maryland’s investment in the TIC is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. While FREIT Maryland’s effective ownership percentage interest in the Pierre Towers property remained unchanged after the reorganization to a TIC, FREIT Maryland no longer had a controlling interest as the TIC is now under joint control. Since FREIT Maryland retained a noncontrolling financial interest in the TIC, and the deconsolidation of the subsidiary (as of February 28, 2020) was not the result of a nonreciprocal transfer to owners, FREIT Maryland recognized a gain on deconsolidation in the amount of approximately $27.7 million in the accompanying consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. This gain was measured at the date of deconsolidation as the difference between the fair value of the investment in the TIC at the date the entity was deconsolidated and the carrying amount of the former subsidiary’s assets and liabilities.

FREIT Maryland’s investment in the TIC was approximately $19.4 million and $20.1 million at October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, with a loss on investment of approximately $295,000 and $202,000, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian & Co.”) manages the Pierre Towers property based on a management agreement between the owners of the TIC and Hekemian & Co. dated as of February 28, 2020 and is automatically renewed for successive periods of one year unless either party gives not less than sixty (60) days prior notice of non-renewal. The term of the management agreement was renewed for a one-year term which will expire on February 28, 2023. The management agreement requires the payment of management fees equal to 5% of rents collected. Management fees, charged to operations, were approximately $375,000 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and $241,000 for the period from February 28, 2020 through October 31, 2020. Hekemian & Co. management fees outstanding at October 31, 2021 and 2020 were approximately $32,500 and $32,000, respectively. The Pierre Towers property also uses the resources of the Hekemian & Co. insurance department to secure various insurance coverages for its property. Hekemian & Co. is paid a commission for these services. Such commissions were charged to operations and amounted to approximately $51,000 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and $26,000 for the period from February 28, 2020 through October 31, 2020.

The following table summarizes the balance sheets of the Pierre Towers property as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 accounted for by the equity method:

October 31,

October 31,

2021

2020

(In Thousands of Dollars)

 

Real estate, net

$

78,023

$

80,041

Cash and cash equivalents

1,338

754

Tenants' security accounts

484

523

Receivables and other assets

510

468

Total assets

$

80,355

$

81,786

 

Mortgages payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs

$

49,691

$

49,956

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

261

314

Tenants' security deposits

484

535

Deferred revenue

99

56

Equity

29,820

30,925

Total liabilities & equity

$

80,355

$

81,786

 

FREIT Maryland's investment in TIC (65% interest)

$

19,383

$

20,101

 

The following table summarizes the statements of operations of the Pierre Towers property for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and for the period from February 28, 2020 through October 31, 2020, accounted for by the equity method:

Year Ended October 31, 2021

For the period from February 28, 2020 through October 31, 2020

(In Thousands of Dollars)

 

Revenues

$

7,627

$

4,981

Operating expenses

4,311

2,786

Depreciation

2,166

1,435

Operating income

1,150

760

 

Interest expense including amortization of deferred financing costs

1,604

1,070

 

Net loss

$

(454

)

$

(310

)

 

FREIT Maryland's loss on investment in TIC (65% interest)

$

(295

)

$

(202

)

Note 4 -  Real estate:

Real estate consists of the following:

Range of

Estimated

October 31,

Useful Lives

2021

2020

(In Thousands of Dollars)

Land

$

75,688

$

75,688

Unimproved land

405

405

Apartment buildings

7-40 years

156,408

155,923

Commercial buildings/shopping centers

5-40 years

151,598

151,293

Equipment/Furniture

5-15 years

2,156

1,978

Total real estate, gross

386,255

385,287

Less: accumulated depreciation

115,621

107,137

Total real estate, net

$

270,634

$

278,150

Note 5 -  Mortgages payable and credit line:

October 31, 2021

October 31, 2020

Principal (Including Deferred Interest)

Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs

Principal (Including Deferred Interest)

Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs

(In Thousands of Dollars)

(In Thousands of Dollars)

Rockaway, NJ (A)

$

14,453

$

50

$

15,050

$

23

Westwood, NJ (B)

18,001

39

18,695

71

Wayne, NJ (C)

28,815

379

28,815

427

River Edge, NJ (D)

9,545

36

9,789

53

Red Bank, NJ (E)

11,971

93

12,181

108

Wayne, NJ (F)

22,588

172

23,336

205

Damascus, MD (G)

18,274

101

18,824

166

Middletown, NY (H)

14,921

104

15,255

137

Total fixed rate

138,568

974

141,945

1,190

Westwood, NJ (I)

25,000

220

25,000

460

Frederick, MD (J)

21,188

30

21,775

-

Baltimore, MD (K)

116,520

105

118,520

160

Line of credit - Provident Bank (L)

-

71

-

-

Total variable rate

162,708

426

165,295

620

Total

$

301,276

$

1,400

$

307,240

$

1,810

(A)Payable in monthly installments of $115,850 including interest at 5.37% through February 2022 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a residential building in Rockaway, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $14,532,000 as of October 31, 2021. On December 30, 2021, this loan was refinanced with a new loan in the amount of $7.5 million. (See Note 17 for additional details)

(B)On January 14, 2013, FREIT Maryland refinanced its Westwood Plaza mortgage loan in the amount of $8.0 million, with a new mortgage loan in the amount of $22,750,000, which is payable in monthly installments of $129,702 including interest at 4.75% through February 1, 2023 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Westwood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $7,051,000 as of October 31, 2021.

As a result of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this property, FREIT Maryland was granted debt payment relief from the lender in the form of deferral of principal and interest payments for a three-month period which ended June 30, 2020, resulting in total deferred payments of approximately $390,000, of which approximately $222,000 related to deferred interest. These deferred payments are included in the mortgages payable on the consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 and are due at the maturity of this loan.

(C)On August 26, 2019, Berdan Court, LLC (“Berdan Court”), refinanced its $17 million loan (which matured on September 1, 2019) with the lender in the amount of $28,815,000. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a reduction in the annual interest rate from a fixed rate of 6.09% to a fixed rate of 3.54% and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately $11.6 million which can be used for capital expenditures and general corporate purposes.

The loan is interest-only for the first five years of the term with monthly installments of approximately $85,004 each month through September 1, 2024. Thereafter, monthly installments of principal plus interest totaling approximately $130,036 will be required each month until September 1, 2029 at which time the unpaid balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Wayne, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $1,490,000 as of October 31, 2021.

(D)On November 19, 2013, FREIT Maryland refinanced mortgage loans scheduled to mature on December 1, 2013 with a new mortgage loan in the amount of $11,200,000 payable in monthly installments of $57,456 including interest at 4.54% through December 1, 2023 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in River Edge, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $679,000 as of October 31, 2021.

(E)On December 7, 2017, Station Place on Monmouth, LLC (“Station Place”) closed on a mortgage loan in the amount of $12,350,000 held by Provident Bank to purchase the Station Place property in Red Bank, New Jersey. Interest-only payments were required each month for the first two years of the term and thereafter, principal payments plus accrued interest were required each month through maturity. The loan bears a floating interest rate equal to 180 basis points over the one-month BBA LIBOR with a maturity date of December 15, 2027. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of the loan, Station Place entered into an interest rate swap agreement that, in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 4.35% over the term of the loan. (See Note 6 for additional information relating to the interest rate swap.) The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Red Bank, New Jersey having

a net book value of approximately $18,514,000 as of October 31, 2021.

(F)On September 29, 2016, Wayne PSC, LLC (“Wayne PSC”) refinanced its $24,200,000 mortgage loan held by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, with a new mortgage loan from People’s United Bank in the amount of $25,800,000. The new loan bears a floating interest rate equal to 220 basis points over the one-month BBA LIBOR with a maturity date of October 1, 2026. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of the loan, Wayne PSC, entered into an interest rate swap agreement that, in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.625% over the term of the loan. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a reduction in interest rate from 6.04% to 3.625% and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately $1 million that were distributed to the partners in Wayne PSC with FREIT Maryland receiving approximately $0.4 million based on it 40% membership interest in Wayne PSC. (See Note 6 for additional information relating to the interest rate swap.) The mortgage is secured by a shopping center in Wayne, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $23,408,000 as of October 31, 2021 including approximately $0.7 million classified as construction in progress.

As a result of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this property, we were granted debt payment relief from the lender in the form of deferral of principal and interest payments for a three-month period which ended November 1, 2020, resulting in total deferred payments of approximately $319,000, of which approximately $138,000 related to deferred interest. These deferred payments are included in the mortgages payable on the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 and are due at the maturity of this loan. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic rent losses and the planning for a potential redevelopment of its shopping center, as of October 31, 2021, Wayne PSC was not, and currently is not, in compliance with a look back debt service coverage ratio loan covenant contained in the mortgage loan agreement held by People’s United Bank in the amount of approximately $22.6 million as of October 31, 2021. Although the Company continues to make its required debt service payments in accordance with the loan agreement, it is unable to comply with this covenant. As such, the bank could exercise its remedies under the loan agreement including, among other things, requiring a partial or full repayment of the loan. The Company is currently working with the lender to remediate this covenant default. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10K report, the bank has not declared this loan to be in default. Until such time as a definitive agreement is entered into, there can be no assurance the loan covenant will be amended and the bank will not declare this loan to be in default.

(G)On December 26, 2012, Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus Centre”) refinanced its construction loan with long-term financing provided by People’s United Bank and the first tranche of the new loan was taken down in the amount of $20 million. Based on leasing and net operating income at the shopping center, People’s United Bank agreed to a takedown of the second tranche of this loan on April 22, 2016 in the amount of $2,320,000, of which approximately $470,000 was readily available and the remaining $1,850,000 was held in escrow. In July 2018, these funds totaling $1,850,000 were released from escrow by the bank and became readily available to Damascus Centre. Damascus Centre distributed amounts due to FREIT Maryland and certain members of Damascus 100.

The loan has a maturity date of January 3, 2023 and bears a floating interest rate equal to 210 points over the one-month BBA LIBOR. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of this loan, Damascus Centre, LLC entered into an interest rate swap agreement that, in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate on each tranche of this loan, resulting in a fixed rate of 3.81% over the term of the first tranche of this loan and a fixed rate of 3.53% over the term of the second tranche of this loan. (See Note 6 for additional information relating to the interest rate swaps.) The shopping center securing the loan has a net book value of approximately $24,700,000 as of October 31, 2021.

On January 10, 2022, the property owned by Damascus Centre was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the approximately $18.2 million then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 for additional details.)

(H)On December 29, 2014, FREIT Regency, LLC (“Regency”) closed on a $16.2 million mortgage loan with Provident Bank. The loan bears a floating interest rate equal to 125 basis points over the one-month BBA LIBOR and will mature on December 15, 2024. Interest-only payments had been required each month through December 15, 2017 and thereafter, principal payments of $27,807 (plus accrued interest) are required each month through maturity. In order to minimize interest rate volatility during the term of the loan, Regency entered into an interest rate swap agreement that, in effect, converted the floating interest rate to a fixed interest rate of 3.75% over the term of the loan. (See Note 6 for additional information relating to the interest rate swap.) The mortgage is secured by an apartment complex in Middletown, New York having a net book value of $17,935,000 as of October 31, 2021.

(I)On September 30, 2020, Westwood Hills, LLC (“Westwood Hills”) refinanced its $19.2 million loan (which would have matured on November 1, 2020) with a new loan held by ConnectOne Bank in the amount of $25,000,000, with additional funding available in the amount of $250,000 for legal fees potentially incurred by the lender related to the lis pendens on this property. (See Note 14 for additional details in regards to the lis pendens.) This loan, is interest-only based on a floating rate at 400 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate with a floor of 4.15% and has a maturity date of October 1, 2022 with the option of Westwood Hills to extend for two (2) additional six (6)-month periods from the maturity date, subject to certain provisions of the loan agreement. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a change in the annual interest rate from a fixed rate of 4.62% to a variable rate with a floor of 4.15% and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately

$5.6 million that were distributed to the partners in Westwood Hills with FREIT Maryland receiving approximately $2.2 million based on its 40% membership interest in Westwood Hills. As of October 31, 2021, $25,000,000 of this loan was drawn and outstanding and the interest rate was based on the floor of 4.15%. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Westwood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $8,207,000 as of October 31, 2021.

(J)On April 28, 2017, WestFREIT, Corp. refinanced its $22 million mortgage loan held by Wells Fargo Bank, with a new mortgage loan from Manufacturer’s and Traders Trust Company (“M&T Bank”) in the amount of $23.5 million. The new loan had a floating interest rate equal to 275 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and had a maturity date of April 28, 2019 with the option to extend for 12 months. This refinancing resulted in: (i) a reduction in the annual interest rate from a fixed rate of 5.55% to a variable rate and (ii) net refinancing proceeds of approximately $1.1 million which have been used for general corporate purposes. The loan was payable in monthly installments of interest (as defined above) plus principal of $43,250 through May 2018 and principal of $45,250 from June 2018 through May 2019 at which time the outstanding balance became due.

On April 3, 2019, WestFREIT, Corp. exercised its option to extend this loan, with a then outstanding balance of approximately $22.5 million, for twelve months. Effective beginning on June 1, 2019, the extension of this loan required monthly principal payments of $47,250 plus interest based on a floating interest rate equal to 240 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and had a maturity date of May 1, 2020. This loan was extended to November 1, 2020 and further extended to January 31, 2021 under the same terms and conditions of the previous agreement. WestFREIT, Corp. entered into a loan extension and modification agreement with M&T Bank, effective beginning on February 1, 2021, which requires monthly principal payments of $49,250 plus interest based on a floating interest rate equal to 255 basis points over the one-month LIBOR and has a maturity date of January 31, 2022, with the option of WestFREIT, Corp. to extend for an additional one-year period through January 31, 2023, subject to certain requirements as provided for in the loan agreement including the lease-up of certain space. As of October 31, 2021, approximately $21.2 million of this loan was outstanding and the interest rate was approximately 2.68%. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Frederick, Maryland having a net book value of approximately $11,626,000 as of October 31, 2021.

As a result of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this property, FREIT Maryland was granted debt payment relief from the lender in the form of deferral of principal and interest payments for a three-month period which ended June 30, 2020, resulting in total deferred payments of approximately $303,800, of which approximately $162,100 related to deferred interest was repaid as of October 31, 2020. The remaining deferred balance due of approximately $141,700 is included in the mortgages payable on the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 and is due at the maturity of this loan.

On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 for additional details.)

(K)On February 7, 2018, Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande Rotunda”) refinanced its $115.3 million construction loan held by Wells Fargo with a new loan held by Aareal Capital Corporation in the amount of approximately $118.5 million with additional funding which was available through February 6, 2021 for retail tenant improvements and leasing costs in the amount of $3,380,000. This loan bears a floating interest rate at 285 basis points over the one-month LIBOR rate and had a maturity date of February 6, 2021, with two one-year options to extend the maturity of this loan, subject to certain requirements as provided for in the loan agreement. Grande Rotunda had purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR for the full amount that could have been drawn on this loan of $121.9 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for the first two years of this loan which matured on March 5, 2020. On February 28, 2020, Grande Rotunda purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2020, for the full amount that could have been drawn on this loan of $121.9 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year, which matured on March 5, 2021.

Effective February 6, 2021, Grande Rotunda exercised the first extension option on this loan with a balance in the amount of approximately $118.5 million, extending the loan one year with a new maturity date of February 6, 2022. Principal payments in the amount of $500,000 were required upon exercise of the first loan extension option and per calendar quarter thereafter. Additionally, Grande Rotunda purchased an interest rate cap on LIBOR, with an effective date of March 5, 2021, for the loan amount of approximately $118.5 million, capping the one-month LIBOR rate at 3% for one year expiring on February 6, 2022. As of October 31, 2021, the total amount outstanding on this loan was approximately $116.5 million and the interest rate was approximately 2.93%. The loan is secured by the Rotunda property, which has a net book value of approximately $136,623,000 as of October 31, 2021.

On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 for additional details.)

(L)FREIT Maryland’s revolving line of credit provided by Provident Bank was renewed for a three-year term ending on October 31, 2023. Draws against the credit line can be used for working capital needs and standby letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT Maryland’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and retail space in Glen Rock, New Jersey. The total line of credit is $13 million and the interest rate on the amount outstanding is based on a floating interest rate of prime minus 25 basis points with a floor of 3.75%. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, there was no amount outstanding and $13 million was available under the line of credit.

Certain of the Company’s mortgage loans and the line of credit contain financial covenants. Except as was noted in Note 5F above, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants as of October 31, 2021. The lis pendens filed in connection with the legal proceeding between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC may adversely affect FREIT Maryland’s ability to refinance certain of its residential properties. (See Note 14 for additional details.)

Fair value of long-term debt:

The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of FREIT Maryland’s long-term debt, net at October 31, 2021 and 2020:

October 31,

October 31,

($ in Millions)

2021

2020

Fair Value

$301.6

$311.4

 

Carrying Value, Net

$299.9

$305.4

Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at the end of each fiscal year and on a discounted cash flow analysis. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect these fair value estimates. The fair value is based on observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance).

Principal amounts (in thousands of dollars) due under the above obligations in each of the five years subsequent to October 31, 2021 are as follows:

Year Ending October 31,

Amount

 

2022

$

201,680

(a)(b)(c)(d)

2023

$

35,914

(e)

2024

$

9,663

2025

$

14,734

2026

$

817

 

(a)

Includes a loan on Rotunda property located in Baltimore, Maryland in the amount of approximately $116.5 million which would have matured on February 6, 2022. (See Note 5(K)) On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the $116.5 million then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17)

 

(b)

Includes a loan on Westridge Square Shopping Center located in Frederick, Maryland in the amount of approximately $21.1 million which has a maturity date of January 31, 2021. (See Note 5(J)) On January 7, 2022, the property owned by WestFREIT was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Note 17 for additional details.)

(c)

Includes a loan on Boulders, which is a residential property located in Rockaway, New Jersey in the amount of approximately $14.5 million which had a maturity date of February 1, 2022. The loan was refinanced on December 30, 2021 in the amount of $7.5 million with additional funding available of up to another $7.5 million and has a maturity date of January 1, 2024. (See Note 17)

(d)

Includes a loan on the Preakness Shopping Center located in Wayne, New Jersey in the amount of approximately $22.6 million. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic rent losses and the planning for a potential redevelopment of its shopping center, as of October 31, 2021, Wayne PSC was not, and currently is not, in compliance with a look back debt service coverage ratio loan covenant contained in the mortgage loan agreement held by People’s United Bank in the amount of approximately $22.6 million as of October 31, 2021. Although the Company continues to make its required debt service payments in accordance with the loan agreement, it is unable to comply with this covenant. As such, the bank could exercise its remedies under the loan agreement including, among other things, requiring a partial or full repayment of the loan. The Company is currently working with the lender to remediate this covenant default. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10K report, the bank has not declared this loan to be in default. Until such time as a definitive agreement is entered into, there can be no assurance the loan covenant will be amended and the bank will not declare this loan to be in default. (See Note 5(F))

(e)

Includes a loan on the Damascus property located in Damascus, Maryland in the amount of approximately $18.2 million. On January 10, 2022, the property owned by Damascus was sold and a portion of the proceeds was used to pay off the then outstanding balance of this loan. (See Notes 5(G) and 17)

Note 6 -  Interest rate cap and swap contracts:

In accordance with “Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815")”, FREIT Maryland is accounting for the Damascus Centre, Regency, Wayne PSC and Station Place interest rate swaps and the Grande Rotunda interest rate cap as cash flow hedges marking these contracts to market, taking into account present interest rates compared to the contracted fixed rate over the life of the contract and recording the unrealized gain or loss on the swaps and cap in comprehensive income. For the year ended October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland recorded an unrealized gain of approximately $2,616,000 in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income representing the change in the fair value of these cash flow hedges during such period. As of October 31, 2021, there was a liability of approximately $278,000 for the Damascus Centre swaps, $348,000 for the Wayne PSC swap, $750,000 for the Regency swap, $932,000 for the Station Place swap and $0 for the Grande Rotunda interest rate cap. For the year ended October 31, 2020, FREIT Maryland recorded an unrealized loss of approximately $2,798,000 in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income representing the change in the fair value of these cash flow hedges during such period. As of October 31, 2020, there was a liability of approximately $610,000 for the Damascus Centre swaps, $1,260,000 for the Wayne PSC swap, $1,385,000 for the Regency swap, $1,669,000 for the Station Place swap and $0 for the Grande Rotunda interest rate cap.

In Fiscal 2019, FREIT Maryland was accounting for its interest rate swaps and cap contract in accordance with ASC 815. For the year ended October 31, 2019, FREIT Maryland recorded an unrealized loss of approximately $6,400,000 in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss representing the change in the fair value of these cash flow hedges during such period. For the year ended October 31, 2019, FREIT Maryland recorded an unrealized loss in the consolidated statement of income of approximately $160,000 for the Grande Rotunda interest rate cap representing the change in the fair value of this ineffective cash flow hedge during such period.

The fair values are based on observable inputs (level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance).

Note 7 -  Commitments and contingencies:

Leases

Commercial tenants:

FREIT Maryland leases commercial space having a net book value of approximately $127.8 million at October 31, 2021 to tenants for periods of up to twenty-five years. Most of the leases contain clauses for reimbursement of real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties. Fixed lease income under our commercial operating leases generally includes fixed minimum lease consideration which is accrued on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. Variable lease income includes consideration based on sales, as well as reimbursements for real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties.

Minimum fixed lease consideration (in thousands of dollars) under non-cancellable tenant operating leases for each of the next five years and thereafter, excluding variable lease consideration, rents from tenants for which collectability is deemed to be constrained and rents from the Rotunda property, WestFREIT property and Damascus property sold on December 30, 2021, January 7, 2022 and January 10, 2022, respectively, subsequent to October 31, 2021, is as follows:

Year Ending October 31,

Amount

2022

$

5,719

2023

5,083

2024

3,970

2025

3,298

2026

2,550

Thereafter

3,313

Total

$

23,933

The above amounts assume that all leases which expire are not renewed and, accordingly, neither month-to-month nor rentals from replacement tenants are included.

Minimum future rentals do not include contingent rentals, which may be received under certain leases on the basis of percentage of reported tenants' sales volume. Rental income that is contingent on future events is not included in income until the contingency is resolved. Contingent rentals included in income for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2021 were not material.

Residential tenants:

Lease terms for residential tenants are usually one to two years.

Environmental concerns

The Westwood Plaza Shopping Center property is in a Flood Hazard Zone. FREIT Maryland maintains flood insurance in the amount of $500,000 for the subject property, which is the maximum available under the Flood Program for the property. Any reconstruction of that portion of the property situated in the flood hazard zone is subject to regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("NJDEP"), which could require extraordinary construction methods. FREIT Maryland acquired the Westwood Plaza property in 1988, and the property has not experienced any flooding that gave rise to any claims under FREIT Maryland’s flood insurance in this time period.

Note 8 -  Management agreement, fees and transactions with related party:

On April 10, 2002, FREIT Maryland and Hekemian & Co. executed a management agreement dated as of November 1, 2001 (“Management Agreement”) whereby Hekemian & Co. would continue as the managing agent for FREIT Maryland. The term of the Management Agreement was renewed for a two-year term which will expire on October 31, 2023. The Management Agreement is automatically renewed for successive periods of two years unless either party gives not less than six (6) months prior notice of non-renewal.

Hekemian & Co. currently manages all of the properties owned by FREIT Maryland and its affiliates, except for the office building at The Rotunda located in Baltimore, Maryland, which is managed by an independent third party management company. However, FREIT Maryland may retain other managing agents to manage properties acquired after April 10, 2002 and to perform various other duties such as sales, acquisitions, and development with respect to any or all properties. Hekemian & Co. does not serve as the exclusive property acquisition advisor to FREIT Maryland and is not required to offer potential acquisition properties exclusively to FREIT Maryland before acquiring those properties for its own account. The Management Agreement includes a detailed schedule of fees for those services, which Hekemian & Co. may be called upon to perform. The Management Agreement provides for a termination fee in the event of a termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement under certain circumstances.

The Management Agreement requires the payment of management fees equal to 4% to 5% of rents collected. Such fees, charged to operations, were approximately $2,127,000, $2,201,000, and $2,549,000 in Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, the Management Agreement provides for the payment to Hekemian & Co. of leasing commissions, as well as the reimbursement of certain operating expenses, such as payroll and insurance costs, incurred on behalf of FREIT Maryland. Such commissions and reimbursements amounted to approximately $548,000, $982,000 and $762,000 in Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Total Hekemian & Co. management fees outstanding at October 31, 2021 and 2020 were approximately $185,000 and $182,000, respectively, and included in accounts payable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. FREIT Maryland also uses the resources of the Hekemian & Co. insurance department to secure various insurance coverages for its properties and subsidiaries. Hekemian & Co. is paid a commission for these services. Such commissions were charged to operations and amounted to approximately $209,000, $190,000 and $196,000 in Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Grande Rotunda owns and operates the Rotunda property. FREIT Maryland owns a 60% equity interest in Grande Rotunda and Rotunda 100, LLC (“Rotunda 100”) owns a 40% equity interest in Grande Rotunda. The equity owners of Rotunda 100 are principally employees of Hekemian & Co. To incentivize the employees of Hekemian & Co, FREIT Maryland advanced, only to employees of Hekemian & Co., up to 50% of the amount of the equity contributions that the Hekemian & Co. employees were required to invest in Rotunda 100. These advances were in the form of secured loans that bear interest at rates that float at 225 basis points over the ninety (90) day LIBOR, as adjusted each November 1, February 1, May 1 and August 1. These loans are secured by the Hekemian & Co. employees’ interests in Rotunda 100 and are full recourse loans. Interest only payments are required to be made when billed.

No principal payments are required during the term of the notes, except that the borrowers are required to pay to FREIT Maryland all refinancing proceeds and other cash flow they receive from their interest in Grande Rotunda. These payments shall be applied first to accrued and unpaid interest and then any outstanding principal. The notes originally had maturity dates at the earlier of (a) ten (10) years after issue, which was June 19, 2015, or, (b) at the election of FREIT Maryland, ninety (90) days after the borrower terminates employment with Hekemian & Co., at which time all outstanding unpaid principal and interest is due. On May 8, 2008, the Board approved amendments to the existing loan agreements with the Hekemian & Co. employees, relative to their interests in Rotunda 100, to increase the aggregate amount that FREIT Maryland may advance to such employees from $2 million to $4 million. On June 4, 2015, the Board approved an extension of the maturity date of the secured loans to occur the earlier of (a) June 19, 2018 or (b) five days after the closing of a permanent mortgage loan secured by the Rotunda property. On December 7, 2017, the Board approved a further extension of the maturity dates of these loans to the date or dates upon which distributions of

cash are made by Grande Rotunda to its members as a result of a refinancing or sale of Grande Rotunda or the Rotunda property.

The aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Rotunda 100 notes was $4,000,000 at both October 31, 2021 and 2020. The accrued but unpaid interest related to these notes as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 amounted to approximately $1,292,000 and $1,194,000, respectively, and is included in secured loans receivable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In Fiscal 2017, Grande Rotunda incurred substantial expenditures at the Rotunda property related to retail tenant improvements, leasing costs and operating expenditures which, in the aggregate, exceeded revenues as the property was still in the rent up phase and the construction loan held with Wells Fargo at that time was at its maximum level, with no additional funding available to draw. Accordingly, during Fiscal 2017 the equity owners in Grande Rotunda contributed their respective pro-rata share of any cash needs through loans to Grande Rotunda. In Fiscal 2021, Grande Rotunda repaid $7 million to the equity owners in Grande Rotunda based on their respective pro-rata share resulting in a loan repayment to Rotunda 100 of approximately $2.8 million. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, Rotunda 100 has funded Grande Rotunda with approximately $3.3 million and $5.9 million (including accrued interest), respectively, which is included in due to affiliate on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

From time to time, FREIT Maryland engages Hekemian & Co., or certain affiliates of Hekemian & Co., to provide additional services, such as consulting services related to development, property sales and financing activities of FREIT Maryland. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between Hekemian & Co. and FREIT Maryland with respect to such additional services. Such fees incurred during Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $236,500, $125,000 and $275,000, respectively. Fees incurred during Fiscal 2021 related to commissions to Hekemian & Co. for the following: $150,000 for the extension of the Grande Rotunda loan; $54,000 for the extension and modification of the WestFREIT, Corp. loan; $32,500 for the renewal of FREIT Maryland’s line of credit. Fees incurred during Fiscal 2020 related to commissions to Hekemian & Co. for the refinancing of the Westwood Hills loan. Fees incurred during Fiscal 2019 related to commissions to Hekemian & Co. for the following: $131,250 for the sale of the Patchogue property; $144,075 for the refinancing of the Berdan Court loan.

Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director of FREIT Maryland, is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Hekemian & Co. David B. Hekemian, a Director of FREIT Maryland, is the Principal/Broker – Salesperson and Director of Commercial Brokerage of Hekemian & Co. Robert S. Hekemian, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FREIT Maryland, served as a consultant to FREIT Maryland and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian & Co. prior to his death in December 2019. Allan Tubin, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of FREIT Maryland, is the Chief Financial Officer of Hekemian & Co.

Director fee expense and/or executive compensation (including interest and dividends) incurred by FREIT Maryland for Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $0, $21,000 and $214,000, respectively, for Robert S. Hekemian, $469,000, $508,000 (including a $100,000 adjustment in Fiscal 2020 related to the final approved Fiscal 2019 compensation), and $381,000, respectively, for Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., $30,000, $26,000 and $22,000, respectively, for Allan Tubin and $57,000, $50,000 and $56,000, respectively, for David Hekemian. (See Note 11 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements). Such costs are included within operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Effective upon the late Robert S. Hekemian’s retirement as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and as a Director on April 5, 2018, FREIT Maryland entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Hekemian, pursuant to which Mr. Hekemian provided consulting services to FREIT Maryland through December 2019. The consulting agreement obliged Mr. Hekemian to provide advice and consultation with respect to matters pertaining to FREIT Maryland and its subsidiaries, affiliates, assets and business for no fewer than 30 hours per month during the term of the agreement. FREIT Maryland paid Mr. Hekemian a consulting fee of $5,000 per month during the term of the consulting agreement, which was payable in the form of shares on a quarterly basis (i.e. in quarterly installments of $15,000). The number of shares to be issued for each quarterly installment of the consulting fee was determined by dividing the dollar amount of the consulting fee by the closing price of one share on the OTC Pink Open Market as of the close of trading on the last trading day of the calendar quarter with respect to which such consulting fee was payable. For Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, consulting fee expense for Robert S. Hekemian was approximately $0, $8,000 and $60,000, respectively.

Note 9 -  Income taxes:

FREIT Maryland has elected to be treated as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and has distributed 99% of its ordinary taxable income to its stockholders as dividends for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. There was no ordinary taxable income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 and no dividends were made/declared for Fiscal 2020. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state income taxes related to such ordinary taxable income was recorded in FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020.

FREIT Maryland distributed 100% of its ordinary taxable income and 100% of its capital gain from the sale of the Patchogue, New York property to its stockholders as dividends for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019. Accordingly, no provision for federal or state income taxes related to such ordinary taxable income and such gain was recorded in FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

As of October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland had no material uncertain income tax positions. The tax years subsequent to and including the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions.

Note 10 - Equity Incentive Plan:

On September 10, 1998, the Board approved FREIT Maryland's Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") which was ratified by FREIT Maryland's stockholders on April 7, 1999, whereby up to 920,000 of FREIT Maryland's shares (adjusted for stock splits) may be granted to key personnel in the form of stock options, restricted share awards and other share-based awards. In connection therewith, the Board approved an increase of 920,000 shares in FREIT Maryland's number of authorized shares. Key personnel eligible for these awards include directors, executive officers and other persons or entities including, without limitation, employees, consultants and employees of consultants, who are in a position to make significant contributions to the success of FREIT Maryland. Under the Plan, the exercise price of all options will be the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The consideration to be paid for restricted share and other share-based awards shall be determined by the Board, with the amount not to exceed the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The maximum term of any award granted may not exceed ten years. The Board will determine the actual terms of each award.

On April 4, 2007, FREIT Maryland stockholders approved amendments to the Plan as follows: (a) reserving an additional 300,000 shares for issuance under the Plan; and (b) extending the term of the Plan until September 10, 2018. On April 5, 2018, FREIT Maryland stockholders approved amendments to the Plan to (a) increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by an additional 300,000 shares and (b) further extend the term of the Plan from September 10, 2018 to September 10, 2028. As of October 31, 2021, 442,060 shares are available for issuance under the Plan. There was no impact to the Plan or options previously granted as a result of the Reincorporation of FREIT with and into FREIT Maryland as discussed in Note 1.

On March 4, 2019, the Board approved the grant of an aggregate of 5,000 non-qualified share options under the Plan to the Chairman of the Board. The options have an exercise price of $15.00 per share, will vest in equal annual installments over a 5-year period and will expire 10 years from the date of grant, which will be March 3, 2029.

The following table summarizes stock option activity for Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019:

Year Ended October 31,

Year Ended October 31,

Year Ended October 31,

2021

2020

2019

No. of

Options

Exercise

No. of

Options

Exercise

No. of

Options

Exercise

Outstanding

Price

Outstanding

Price

Outstanding

Price

Options outstanding at beginning of year

310,740

$

18.35

310,740

$

18.35

305,780

$

18.40

Options granted during year

-

-

-

-

5,000

15.00

Options forfeited/cancelled during year

-

-

-

-

(40

)

18.45

Options outstanding at end of year

310,740

$

18.35

310,740

$

18.35

310,740

$

18.35

Options vested and expected to vest

309,450

308,310

308,310

Options exercisable at end of year

292,540

276,340

260,140

The estimated fair value of options granted during Fiscal 2019 was $2.43 per option. Such value was estimated on the grant date using a binomial lattice option pricing model using the following assumptions:

Expected volatility – 27.69%

Risk-free interest rate – 2.72%

Imputed option life – 6.3 years

Expected dividend yield – 3.82%

The expected volatility over the options’ expected life was based on the historical volatility of the weekly closing price of the Company’s stock over a five (5) year period. The risk-free interest rate was based on the annual yield on the grant date of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Bond, the maturity of which equals the option’s expected life. The imputed option life was based on the simplified expected term calculation permitted by the SEC, which defines the expected life as the average of the contractual term of the options and the weighted-average vesting period for all option tranches. The expected dividend yield was based on the Company’s historical dividend yield, exclusive of capital gain dividends. The fair value is based on unobservable inputs (level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as provided by authoritative guidance).

For Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, compensation expense related to stock options granted amounted to approximately $42,000, $46,000 and $124,000, respectively. At October 31, 2021, there was approximately $30,000 of unrecognized compensation cost relating to outstanding non-vested stock options to be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of approximately 1.6 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest and options exercisable at October 31, 2021 was approximately $410,000 and $341,000, respectively.

Note 11 - Deferred fee plan:

During Fiscal 2001, the Board adopted a deferred fee plan for its officers and directors, which was amended and restated in Fiscal 2009 to make the deferred fee plan compliant with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Deferred Fee Plan"). Pursuant to the Deferred Fee Plan, any officer or director might elect to defer receipt of any fees that would be due to them. These fees included annual retainer and meeting attendance fees as determined by the Board. Prior to the amendments to the Deferred Fee Plan that went into effect November 1, 2014 (described in the following paragraph), amounts deferred under the Deferred Fee Plan accrued interest at a rate of 9% per annum, compounded quarterly. Any such deferred fee was to be paid to the participants at the later of: (i) the retirement age specified in the deferral election; (ii) actual retirement; or (iii) upon cessation of a participant's duties as an officer or director.

On September 4, 2014, the Board approved amendments, effective November 1, 2014, to the FREIT Maryland Deferred Fee Plan for its executive officers and directors, one of which provided for the issuance of share units payable in FREIT Maryland shares in respect of (i) deferred amounts of all director fees on a prospective basis; (ii) interest on director fees deferred prior to November 1, 2014 (payable at a floating rate, adjusted quarterly, based on the average 10-year Treasury Bond interest rate plus 150 basis points); and (iii) dividends payable in respect of share units allocated to participants in the Deferred Fee Plan as a result of deferrals described above. The number of share units credited to a participant’s account was determined by the closing price of FREIT Maryland shares on the date as set forth in the Deferred Fee Plan.

All fees payable to directors for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were deferred under the Deferred Fee Plan except for fees payable to one director, who elected to receive such fees in cash. As a result of the amendment to the Deferred Fee Plan described above, for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate amounts of deferred director fees together with related interest and dividends were approximately $488,000 and $526,000, respectively, which have been paid through the issuance of 27,176 and 29,134, vested FREIT Maryland share units, respectively, based on the closing price of FREIT Maryland shares on the dates as set forth in the Deferred Fee Plan.

For the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, FREIT Maryland has charged as expense approximately $446,000 and $526,000, respectively, representing deferred director fees and interest, and the balance of approximately $42,000 and $0, respectively, representing dividends payable in respect of share units allocated to Plan participants, has been charged to equity.

The Deferred Fee Plan, as amended, provided that cumulative fees together with accrued interest deferred as of November 1, 2014 was paid in a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not to exceed 10 years, at the election of the participant. In connection with the termination of Robert S. Hekemian’s service to FREIT Maryland under the consulting agreement between Mr. Hekemian and FREIT Maryland in December 2019, Mr. Hekemian’s accrued plan benefits under the Deferred Fee Plan became payable to him and were paid in a single lump sum in the amount of approximately $4.8 million in Fiscal 2020. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately $1,454,000 and $1,542,000, respectively, of fees has been deferred together with accrued interest of approximately $1,021,000 and $1,091,000, respectively.

On November 4, 2021 (the “Adoption Date”), the Board approved the termination of the Deferred Fee Plan resulting in the termination of the deferral of fees on December 31, 2021 with any subsequent fees earned by a participant being paid in cash. Consistent with the termination of the Deferred Fee Plan, payment related to each participant’s cash account (in the form of a cash lump sum payment) and share unit account (in the form of the issuance of common shares) must be made to each participant no earlier than twelve (12) months and one day after, and no later than twenty-four (24) months, after the Adoption Date. Any interest earned on the participant’s cash account along with dividends (if any) earned on share units, will continue to accrue in share units on each participant’s account until final payment is made.

Note 12 - Dividends and earnings per share:

FREIT Maryland declared dividends of approximately $1,755,000 ($0.25 per share), $0 and $4,173,000 ($0.60 per share), respectively, to stockholders of record during Fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common equity (numerator) by the weighted average number of shares and vested share units (See Note 11) outstanding during each period (denominator). The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator

is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive shares, such as those issuable upon the exercise of stock options, were issued during the period using the Treasury Stock method. Under the Treasury Stock method, the assumption is that the proceeds received upon exercise of the options, including the unrecognized stock option compensation expense attributable to future services, are used to repurchase FREIT Maryland’s stock at the average market price during the period, thereby increasing the number of shares to be added in computing diluted earnings per share.

For Fiscal 2021 and 2020, the outstanding stock options increased the average dilutive shares outstanding by approximately 3,000 and 1,500 shares, respectively, with no impact on earnings per share. For Fiscal 2019, the outstanding stock options were anti-dilutive with no impact on diluted earnings per share.

There were approximately 268,000, 268,000 and 306,000, respectively, anti-dilutive shares for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. Anti-dilutive shares consist of out-of-the money stock options under the Plan.

Note 13 - Segment information:

ASC 280-10, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", establishes standards for reporting financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial reports and provides for a "management approach" in identifying the reportable segments. FREIT Maryland has determined that it has two reportable segments: commercial properties and residential properties. These reportable segments offer different types of space, have different types of tenants, and are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies and management expertise.

The commercial segment is comprised of eight (8) properties, excluding the land and building formerly occupied as a Pathmark supermarket in Patchogue, New York, which was sold on February 8, 2019 (see Note 2), during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. The residential segment is comprised of seven (7) properties, excluding the Pierre Towers property which was converted into a tenancy-in-common and deconsolidated from FREIT Maryland’s operating results as of February 28, 2020 (see Note 3), during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020. The residential segment was comprised of eight (8) properties during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1. The chief operating and decision-making group responsible for oversight and strategic decisions of FREIT Maryland's commercial segment, residential segment and corporate/other is comprised of FREIT Maryland’s Board.

FREIT Maryland through its chief operating and decision making group, assesses and measures segment operating results based on net operating income ("NOI"). NOI, a standard used by real estate professionals, is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes: deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation, financing costs and other items. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flows from operating activities as measured by GAAP, and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

Real estate rental revenue, operating expenses, NOI and recurring capital improvements for the reportable segments are summarized below and reconciled to consolidated net income attributable to common equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2021. Asset information is not reported since FREIT Maryland does not use this measure to assess performance.

Years Ended October 31,

2021

2020

2019

(In Thousands of Dollars)

Real estate rental revenue:

Commercial

$

23,547

$

24,486

$

26,692

Residential

26,974

28,638

33,175

Total real estate rental revenue

50,521

53,124

59,867

 

Real estate operating expenses:

Commercial

11,223

11,334

11,694

Residential

11,071

11,588

14,368

Total real estate operating expenses

22,294

22,922

26,062

 

Net operating income:

Commercial

12,324

13,152

14,998

Residential

15,903

17,050

18,807

Total net operating income

$

28,227

$

30,202

$

33,805

 

 

Recurring capital improvements - residential

$

(625

)

$

(347

)

$

(685

)

 

 

Reconciliation to consolidated net income attributable to common equity:  

Segment NOI

$

28,227

$

30,202

$

33,805

Deferred rents - straight lining

(230

)

(397

)

410

Investment income

116

204

360

Unrealized loss on interest rate cap contract

-

-

(160

)

Third party transaction costs

-

(4,606

)

(1,416

)

Gain on sale of property

-

-

836

Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary

-

27,680

-

Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common

(295

)

(202

)

-

General and administrative expenses

(5,195

)

(3,821

)

(2,633

)

Depreciation

(9,300

)

(10,341

)

(11,339

)

Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19

-

(7,277

)

-

Financing costs

(12,276

)

(14,122

)

(18,070

)

Net income

1,047

17,320

1,793

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries  

(120

)

3,233

(6

)

Net income attributable to common equity

$

927

$

20,553

$

1,787

Note 14 - Termination of Purchase and Sale Agreement:

On January 14, 2020, FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Sellers”), entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (as subsequently amended, the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with Sinatra Properties LLC (the “Purchaser”), which provided for the sale by the Sellers to the Purchaser of 100% of the Sellers’ ownership interests in six real properties held by the Sellers in exchange for the purchase price described therein, subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. On April 30, 2020, the Sellers delivered written notice to the Purchaser of the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with its terms due to the occurrence of a “Purchaser Default” thereunder, based on the Purchaser’s failure to perform its obligations under the Purchase and Sale Agreement and close the transactions contemplated therein.

Upon the execution of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Purchaser delivered into escrow a deposit in the amount of $15 million (the “Deposit”), in the form of an unconditional, irrevocable letter of credit in such amount (the “Letter of Credit”). The Purchase and Sale Agreement provides that the Sellers’ exclusive remedy, in the event of a “Purchaser Default” and the termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, is the forfeiture of the Deposit to the Sellers as liquidated damages. Accordingly, contemporaneously with the Sellers’ delivery of the termination notice to the Purchaser, the Sellers delivered written notice to the escrow agent requesting that the escrow agent release the Letter of Credit from escrow and deliver same to the Sellers.

On May 6, 2020, the Purchaser filed a complaint (the “Complaint”) against the Sellers in the Superior Court of New Jersey, in which, among other things, the Purchaser alleges breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing against the Sellers in connection with the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The Purchaser seeks (a) a judgment of specific performance compelling the Sellers to convey the properties under the Purchase and Sale Agreement to the Purchaser; (b) declaratory judgment from the court that (i) the Purchase and Sale Agreement is not terminated, (ii) the Purchaser is not in default under the Purchase and Sale

Agreement, and (iii) the Sellers are in default under the Purchase and Sale Agreement, subject to a right to cure; (c) an order for injunctive relief compelling the Sellers to perform the Purchase and Sale Agreement; (d) in the event that the court does not order specific performance, a judgment directing that the Purchaser’s $15 million deposit under the Purchase and Sale Agreement be returned to the Purchaser, and compensatory, consequential and incidental damages in an amount to be determined at trial; and (e) attorneys’ fees and costs.

The Purchaser has filed lis pendens with respect to each of the six properties that were subject to the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The lis pendens provides notice to the public of the Complaint. Pending the resolution of this litigation, the filing of the lis pendens will adversely affect the future sale or financing of those properties.

On June 17, 2020, the Sellers filed their answer, separate defenses, and counterclaims (the “Answer”) in response to the Complaint, in which, among other things, the Sellers (a) deny the Purchaser’s claim that the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement was wrongful, and assert that there was no contractual basis in the Purchase and Sale Agreement to relieve the Purchaser from its obligation to perform thereunder, or to defer or postpone the Purchaser’s obligation to perform, (b) assert certain defenses to the allegations set forth in the Complaint without admitting any liability, and (c) request relief from the Court in the form of (i) judgment in the Sellers’ favor dismissing all of the Purchaser’s claims against them with prejudice and denying all of the Purchaser’s requests for relief, (ii) reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and (iii) such other and further relief as the Court deems just.

In addition, the Answer asserts counterclaims by the Sellers against the Purchaser for breach of contract due to the Purchaser’s failure to close the Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with its terms, and the Sellers seek a declaratory judgment from the Court that the Sellers properly terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement in accordance with its terms due to the Purchaser’s default and an order from the Court that the Purchaser authorize the escrow agent to release the $15 million deposit under the Purchase and Sale Agreement to the Sellers. On April 28, 2021, the Sellers amended the Answer to include (1) counterclaims against the Purchaser for breach of contract due to the Purchaser’s breach of confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations contained in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, and (2) third-party claims against Purchaser’s affiliate Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC for breach of its confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations contained in the non-disclosure agreement entered into by the parties in connection with the negotiation of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase and Sale Agreement, based on the conduct of the Purchaser and its affiliates after the Sellers terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

In connection with these counterclaims and third-party claims, the Answer seeks the following relief from the Court: (a) liquidated damages in the amount of $15 million, as provided in the Purchase and Sale Agreement; (b) in the alternative to the liquidated damages provided for in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, money damages in an amount to be determined at trial; (c) interest, attorneys’ fees and costs associated with the defense of the Purchaser’s claims and the prosecution of the Sellers’ counterclaims against the Purchaser, as provided for in the Purchase and Sale Agreement; (d) judgment declaring that the Sellers properly terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement due to the Purchaser’s default thereunder; (e) judgment declaring that the Purchaser must authorize the escrow agent to release the $15 million deposit to the Sellers; (f) an order enjoining the Purchaser and its affiliates from engaging in further breaches of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and non-disclosure agreement, and compelling the Purchaser and its affiliates to return the Sellers’ confidential information and materials and to use best efforts to ensure the return of the Sellers’ confidential information and materials from third parties to whom the Purchaser and/or its affiliates provided such materials; and (g) such other relief as the Court deems just and equitable.

In the Answer filed by the Purchaser on September 15, 2020 and the Answer and Affirmative Defenses filed by the Purchaser and Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC on June 7, 2021, the Purchaser and Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC have generally denied the claims, counterclaims and allegations contained in the Sellers’ original and amended Answer, and asserted affirmative defenses to the Sellers’ claims and counterclaims.

The Sellers believe that the allegations set forth in the Complaint and Answer filed by the Purchaser and in the Answer and Affirmative Defenses filed by the Purchaser and Kushner Realty Acquisition LLC are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the action and enforce the Sellers’ rights and remedies under the Purchase and Sale Agreement in connection with the “Purchaser Default” thereunder, including the Purchaser’s forfeiture of its $15 million deposit to the Sellers as liquidated damages as provided in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. As of the year ended October 31, 2021, the $15 million deposit has not been included in income in the accompanying consolidated statement of income.

During the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Special Committee of the Board (“Special Committee”) incurred on behalf of the Company third party transaction costs for advisory, legal and other expenses primarily related to the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the Plan of Liquidation discussed in Note 15 in the amount of approximately $0, $4,606,000 and $1,416,000, respectively. On April 30, 2020, the Sellers delivered written notice to the Purchaser of the Sellers’ termination of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and on May 7, 2020 the Board approved the elimination of the Special Committee. No further transaction costs were incurred thereafter. Legal costs attributed to the legal proceeding between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC have been incurred in the amount of approximately $2,282,000 and $957,000 for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Note 15 - Termination of Plan of Liquidation:

On January 14, 2020, the Trust’s Board adopted a Plan of Voluntary Liquidation with respect to the Trust (the “Plan of Liquidation”), which provided for the voluntary dissolution, termination and liquidation of the Trust by the sale,

conveyance, transfer or delivery of all of the Trust’s remaining assets in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan of Liquidation and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury regulations thereunder. The Plan of Liquidation provided that it would become effective upon (i) approval by a majority of the votes cast by Trust’s stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at a duly called meeting of the Trust’s stockholders at which a quorum is present and (ii) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

While the Plan of Liquidation received stockholder approval, the Plan of Liquidation did not become effective as the Sellers terminated the Purchase and Sale Agreement by written notice delivered to the Purchaser on April 30, 2020, and the transactions contemplated thereby were not consummated. Accordingly, the Trust did not proceed with the sale, conveyance, transfer or delivery of all of the Trust’s remaining assets as contemplated by the Plan of Liquidation that was adopted by the Board on January 14, 2020.

Note 16 - COVID-19 Pandemic:

The international spread of COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The extent to which this pandemic could continue to affect our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations is difficult to predict and depends on evolving factors, including: duration, scope, government actions, and other social responses. Beginning in March 2020 and throughout most of 2020, many states in the U.S., including New Jersey, New York and Maryland, where our properties are located, implemented stay-at-home and shut down orders for all "non-essential" business and activity in an aggressive effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These orders have continued to evolve resulting in the lifting of these restrictions over the past year. Vaccinations for the COVID-19 virus have been widely distributed among the general U.S. population which has resulted in loosened restrictions previously mandated on our tenants identified as nonessential. However, the potential emergence of vaccine-resistant variants of COVID-19 could trigger restrictions to be put back in place. Such restrictions may include mandatory business shut-downs, reduced business operations and social distancing requirements. As the impact of the pandemic evolves, it continues to cause uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets. The COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by individuals, businesses and government authorities to reduce its spread have caused substantial lost business revenue, changes in consumer behavior and large reductions in liquidity and fair value of many assets.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and preventive measures taken to mitigate the spread, our residential properties have continued to generate cash flow. At our commercial properties, with the exception of grocery stores and other "essential" businesses, many of our retail tenants have been adversely affected by the previously mandated shut downs and the continued lingering impact to consumer sentiment and preferences for safety amid the reemergence of other COVID-19 variants. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2021, Pet Valu, Inc., a pet store tenant, vacated several stores located in shopping centers owned by FREIT Maryland affiliates (Wayne PSC, Damascus Centre and Grande Rotunda) and terminated the related leases early paying an aggregate lease termination fee in the amount of approximately $260,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $140,000). The properties owned by Grande Rotunda and Damascus Centre were sold on December 30, 2021 and January 10, 2022, respectively. See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details. The Company is closely monitoring changes in the collectability assessment of its tenant receivables as a result of certain tenants suffering adverse financial consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, rental revenue deemed uncollectible of approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.8 million and $0.9 million), respectively, was classified as a reduction in rental revenue based on our assessment of the probability of collecting substantially all of the remaining rents for certain tenants. During the period beginning March 2020 through October 31, 2021, FREIT Maryland has applied, net of amounts subsequently paid back by tenants, an aggregate of approximately $397,000 of security deposits from its commercial tenants to outstanding receivables due. On a case by case basis, FREIT has offered some commercial tenants deferrals of rent over a specified time period totaling approximately $132,000 and $206,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $81,000 and $192,000) and rent abatements totaling approximately $239,000 and $238,000 (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $158,000 and $156,000) for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. FREIT Maryland currently remains in active discussions and negotiations with these impacted retail tenants.

Cobb Theatre, an anchor tenant movie theatre at the Rotunda retail property filed for bankruptcy and rejected its lease at the Rotunda property as of June 30, 2020. As a result of the rejection of this lease, uncollected rents in the amount of approximately $0.3 million and a straight-line rent receivable of approximately $0.4 million were reversed against revenue, and unamortized leasing commissions in the amount of approximately $0.2 million were written off and fully expensed in Fiscal 2020 resulting in a net impact to net income of approximately $0.9 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $0.5 million) for the year ended October 31, 2020. Tenant improvements related to the Cobb Theatre with a net book value of approximately $7.3 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT Maryland of approximately $4.4 million) as of October 31, 2020 were deemed to be impaired, written off and charged to operations in the consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. On December 30, 2021, the property owned by Grande Rotunda was sold. (See Note 17 for additional details.)

As a result of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at our commercial properties, in Fiscal 2020 we were granted debt payment relief from certain of our lenders on such properties in the form of deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a three-month period, resulting in total deferred payments of approximately $1,013,000 which will become due at the maturity of the loans. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately $162,000 of this amount has been repaid, there will be no further deferrals of principal and/or interest payments on these loans and the balance due has been included in mortgages payable on the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2021 and 2020. (See Note 5 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details).

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, we have experienced a positive cash flow from operations with cash provided by operations of approximately $12.2 million. This could change based on the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain. We believe that our cash balance as of October 31, 2021 of approximately $35.9 million coupled with a $13 million available line of credit (available through October 31, 2023, see Note 5) and the additional $7.5 million in funds available to draw on the Boulders loan (See Note 17 for additional details) will provide us with sufficient liquidity for at least the next twelve months from the filing of this Form 10-K.

The extent of the effects of COVID-19 on our business, results of operations, cash flows, value of our real estate assets and growth prospects is highly uncertain and will ultimately depend on future developments, none of which can be predicted with any certainty.

Note 17 -Subsequent events:

Boulders Refinancing

On December 30, 2021, FREIT Maryland refinanced its $14.4 million loan (which would have matured on February 1, 2022) on its Boulders property located in Rockaway, New Jersey with a new loan held by ConnectOne Bank in the amount of $7,500,000, with additional funding available to be drawn in the amount of $7,500,000 for corporate needs inclusive of $250,000 for legal fees potentially incurred by the lender related to the lis pendens on this property resulting from the legal proceedings between FREIT Maryland and certain of its affiliates and Sinatra Properties, LLC (See Note 14). This loan is interest-only and has a maturity date of January 1, 2024 with the option of FREIT Maryland to extend for one year from the maturity date, subject to certain provisions of the loan agreement. This refinancing will provide annual debt service savings of approximately $1,173,000 as result of the reduction in the principal amount and a reduction in the annual interest rate from a fixed rate of 5.37% to a fixed rate of 2.85% and interest-only payments being required under this new loan.

Purchase and Sale Agreement

On November 22, 2021, certain affiliates (the “Sellers”) of FREIT Maryland entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Maryland Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with MCB Acquisition Company, LLC (the “Purchaser”), a third party, pursuant to which the Sellers agreed to sell three properties to the Purchaser. The properties consisted of retail and office space and a residential apartment community owned by Grande Rotunda, LLC (the “Rotunda Property”), a shopping center owned by Damascus Centre, LLC (the “Damascus Property”), and a shopping center owned by WestFREIT Corp. (the “Westridge Square Property”). FREIT Maryland owns 100% of its subsidiary, WestFREIT Corp. (“WestFREIT”), a 60% interest in Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande Rotunda”), the joint venture that owned the Rotunda Property, and a 70% interest in Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus Centre”), the joint venture that owned the Damascus Property.

The original purchase price for the Rotunda Property, the Damascus Property and the Westridge Square Property (collectively the “Properties”) under the Maryland Purchase and Sale Agreement was reduced by $2,723,000 from $267,000,000 to $248,750,269, after giving effect to the $15,526,731 escrow deposit described below. This reduction in the sales price was to account for improvements and repairs to the Properties and miscellaneous items identified by the Purchaser in the course of its due diligence inspection. Additionally, the Purchaser was obligated under the Purchase and Sale Agreement to deposit a total of $15,526,731 in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Properties where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of the Sellers under certain leases remain unpaid. Although there can be no assurance, a portion of the $15,526,731 escrow deposit (the “Purchaser Escrow Payment”) may be paid to the Sellers depending upon the outcome of construction and leasing activities at the Properties.

On December 30, 2021, the sale of the Rotunda Property was consummated by Grande Rotunda and the Purchaser for a purchase price of $191,080,598. Grande Rotunda received net proceeds from the sale of approximately $68.7 million, after payment of related mortgage debt in the amount of $116.5 million and certain transactional expenses and transfer taxes, and not including loans (including interest) from each of the partners in Grande Rotunda (FREIT Maryland and Rotunda 100, LLC), totaling approximately $30.9 million which will be repaid with proceeds from the sale. In addition, the Purchaser deposited a total of $14,026,401 of the Purchaser Escrow Payment in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Rotunda Property where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of Grande Rotunda under certain leases remain unpaid. The sale of the Rotunda Property resulted in a net gain of approximately

$52 million which includes approximately $8.2 million of proceeds anticipated to be released from the $14,026,401 held in escrow.

On January 7, 2022, the sale of the Westridge Square Property was consummated by WestFREIT and the Purchaser for a purchase price of $20,984,604. WestFREIT paid net cash outlays from the sale of approximately $0.7 million, after payment of related mortgage debt in the amount of approximately $21.1 million and certain transactional expenses and transfer taxes. In addition, the Purchaser deposited a total of $1,015,396 of the Purchaser Escrow Payment in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Westridge Square Property where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of WestFREIT under certain leases remain unpaid. The sale of the Westridge Square Property resulted in a net gain of approximately $8.7 million which includes approximately $0.7 million of proceeds anticipated to be released from the $1,015,396 held in escrow.

On January 10, 2022, the sale of the Damascus Property was consummated by Damascus Centre and the Purchaser for a purchase price of $36,685,067. Damascus Centre received net proceeds from the sale of approximately $16.9 million, after payment of related mortgage debt in the amount of approximately $18.2 million and certain transactional expenses and transfer taxes. In addition, the Purchaser deposited a total of $484,934 of the Purchaser Escrow Payment in escrow with respect to certain leases at the Damascus Property where the rent commencement date has not occurred or economic obligations of Damascus Centre under certain leases remain unpaid. The sale of the Damascus Property resulted in a net gain of approximately $10.1 million which includes approximately $0.4 million of proceeds anticipated to be released from the $484,934 held in escrow.

Note 18 - Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited):

The following summary represents the results of operations for each quarter for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

2021:

Quarter Ended

Year Ended

January 31,

April 30,

July 31,

October 31,

October 31,

 

Revenue

$

12,754

$

12,804

$

12,542

$

12,191

(d)

$

50,291

Expenses, net

11,975

12,867

12,226

12,176

49,244

Net income (loss)

779

(63

)

316

15

1,047

 

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

(221

)

72

(107

)

136

(120

)

Net income attributable to common equity  

$

558

$

9

$

209

$

151

$

927

 

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

$

0.08

$

-

$

0.03

$

0.02

$

0.13

Dividends declared per share

$

0.05

$

0.05

$

0.05

$

0.10

$

0.25

 

 

2020:

Quarter Ended

Year Ended

January 31,

April 30,

July 31,

October 31,

October 31,

 

Revenue

$

15,593

$

13,688

$

12,149

(b)

$

11,297

$

52,727

Expenses, net

17,614

(13,448

)(a)

12,469

(b)

18,772

(c)

35,407

Net (loss) income

(2,021

)

27,136

(320

)

(7,475

)

17,320

 

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries

(241

)

84

139

3,251

3,233

Net (loss) income attributable to common equity  

$

(2,262

)

$

27,220

$

(181

)

$

(4,224

)

$

20,553

 

(Loss) Earnings per share - basic and diluted

$

(0.32

)

$

3.88

(a)

$

(0.02

)(b)

$

(0.60

)(c)

$

2.94

Dividends declared per share

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

 

 

(a) Includes $27.7 million gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary related to the Pierre Towers property which was deconsolidated from FREIT's operating results due to the conversion to a tenancy-in-common form of ownership on February 28, 2020. ($3.96 per share)

 

(b) Includes impact of the rejection of the lease for Cobb Theatre at the Rotunda retail property as of June 30, 2020 resulting in the reversal against revenue of uncollected rents in the amount of approximately $0.3 million and a straight-line rent receivable of approximately $0.4 million and the write-off of unamortized leasing commissions in the amount of approximately $0.2 million resulting in a net impact of approximately $0.9 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT of approximately $0.5 million). ($0.07 per share)

 

(c) Includes write-off of Cobb Theatre's tenant improvements of approximately $7.3 million (with a consolidated impact to FREIT of approximately $4.4 million) at the Rotunda retail property due to COVID-19. ($0.62 per share)

 

(d) Includes settle-ups of Common Area Maintenance with commercial tenants of approximately $0.7 million for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2021, of which approximately $0.4 million related to Fiscal 2020 and approximately $0.3 million related to prior quarters in Fiscal 2021.

 

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

OCTOBER 31, 2021

(In Thousands of Dollars)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

Column F

Column G

Column H

Column I

Initial Cost

Costs Capitalized

Gross Amount at Which

to Company

Subsequent to Acquisition

Carried at Close of Period

 

Life on

Buildings

Buildings

Which

Encum-

and

Improve-

Carrying

and

Accumulated

Date of

Date

Depreciation

Description

brances

Land

Improvements

Land

ments

Costs

Land

Improvements

Total (1)

Depreciation

Construction

Acquired

is Computed

 

Residential Properties:

Steuben Arms, River Edge, NJ

$ 9,545

$ 364

$ 1,773

$ -

$ 1,531

$ 364

$ 3,304

$ 3,668

$ 2,989

1966

1975

7-40 years

Berdan Court, Wayne, NJ

28,815

250

2,206

-

4,991

250

7,197

7,447

5,957

1964

1965

7-40 years

Westwood Hills, Westwood, NJ

25,000

3,849

11,546

-

2,919

3,849

14,465

18,314

10,107

1965-70

1994

7-39 years

Boulders - Rockaway, NJ

14,453

1,632

-

3,386

16,091

5,018

16,091

21,109

6,628

2005-2006

1963/1964

7-40 years

Regency Club - Middletown, NY

14,921

2,833

17,792

-

973

2,833

18,765

21,598

3,663

2003

2014

7-40 years

Icon - Baltimore, MD (2)

64,086

5,871

-

-

87,884

5,871

87,884

93,755

11,563

2016

2005

7-40 years

Station Place - Red Bank, NJ

11,971

8,793

10,757

-

19

8,793

10,776

19,569

1,055

2015

2017

7-40 years

 

Commercial Properties:

Damascus Shopping Center,

Damascus, MD (2)

18,274

2,950

6,987

6,296

17,232

9,246

24,219

33,465

8,765

1960's

2003

5-39.5 years

Franklin Crossing, Franklin Lakes,

  NJ

-

29

-

3,382

7,438

3,411

7,438

10,849

4,545

1963/75/97

1966

5-39.5 years

Glen Rock, NJ

-

12

36

-

164

12

200

212

164

1940

1962

5-25 years

Westridge Square S/C, Frederick,

  MD (2)

21,188

9,135

19,159

(1)

4,796

9,134

23,955

33,089

21,463

1986

1992

5-31.5 years

Westwood Plaza, Westwood, NJ

18,001

6,889

6,416

-

2,389

6,889

8,805

15,694

8,643

1981

1988

5-31.5 years

Preakness S/C, Wayne, NJ

22,588

9,280

24,217

-

2,799

9,280

27,016

36,296

13,174

1955/89/00

2002

5-39.5 years

The Rotunda, Baltimore, MD (2)

52,434

10,392

14,634

232

46,078

10,624

60,712

71,336

16,905

1920/2016

2005

5-40 years

 

Land Leased:

Rockaway, NJ

-

114

-

-

-

114

-

114

-

1963/1964

Vacant Land:

 

`

Franklin Lakes, NJ

-

224

-

(156)

-

68

-

68

-

1966/93

Wayne, NJ

-

286

-

-

-

286

-

286

-

2002

Rockaway, NJ

-

51

-

-

-

51

-

51

-

1963/1964

$ 310,276

$ 62,954

$ 115,523

$ 13,139

$ 195,304

$ -

$ 76,093

$ 310,827

$ 386,920

$ 115,621

 

(1) Total cost for each property is the same for federal income tax purposes, with the exception of the Regency Club, Station Place and the Rotunda properties (Icon and The Rotunda) whose cost for federal income tax purposes is approximately $13.5 million, $4.2 million and $163.2 million, respectively.

(2) The properties owned by Grande Rotunda, WestFREIT and Damascus Centre were sold on December 30, 2021, January 7, 2022 and January 10, 2022, respectively. See Note 17 to FREIT Maryland’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

(In Thousands of Dollars)

Reconciliation of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation:

2021

2020

2019

 

Real estate:

Balance, Beginning of year

$

385,853

$

448,866

$

456,658

 

Additions - Buildings and improvements

1,883

2,055

3,386

 

Disposals - Buildings and improvements

(816

)

(585

)

(240

)

 

Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19

-

(8,910

)

-

 

 

Sale of property

-

-

(10,938

)

 

Deconsolidation of subsidiary

-

(55,573

)

-

 

Balance, end of year

$

386,920

$

385,853

$

448,866

 

Accumulated depreciation:

Balance, beginning of year

$

107,137

$

118,363

$

111,967

 

Additions - Charged to operating expenses

9,300

10,341

11,339

 

Tenant improvement write-off due to COVID-19 - Charged to operating expenses

-

(1,637

)

-

 

Disposals - Buildings and improvements

(816

)

(583

)

(217

)

 

Sale of property

-

-

(4,726

)

 

Deconsolidation of subsidiary

-

(19,347

)

-

 

Balance, end of year

$

115,621

$

107,137

$

118,363

96


 

Table of Contents

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, INC. (“FREIT Maryland”)

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

   
3.1   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to FREIT’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2008)
3.2   Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated May 31, 1994. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2014.)
3.3   Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated September 10, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2014.)
3.4   Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated January 21, 2004. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2014.)
3.5   Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated May 15, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2014.)
3.6   Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated March 4, 2008. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2014.)
3.7   Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated December 4, 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2014.)
3.8   Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated December 7, 2017. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to FREIT’s 8-K dated December 7, 2017 and filed with the SEC on December 11, 2017)
3.9   Articles of Incorporation of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to FREIT’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 11, 2021.)
3.10   Articles of Amendment and Restatement of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to FREIT’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on March 26, 2021.)
3.11   Bylaws of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to FREIT’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on March 26, 2021.)
4   Form of Specimen Share Certificate, Beneficial Interest in FREIT Maryland.
10.1   Management Agreement dated April 10, 2002, by and between FREIT Maryland and Hekemian & Co., Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2010)
10.2   Indemnification Agreements by Damascus 100, LLC and Rotunda 100, LLC to FREIT. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to FREIT’s 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 and filed with the SEC on June 9, 2008)  
10.3   Notes to Hekemian employees relative to their investments in each of Grande Rotunda, LLC and Damascus Centre, LLC and the related documents (pledge and security agreements and amendments).  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, 10.3.4, 10.3.5, 10.3.6, 10.3.7, 10.3.8, 10.3.9, 10.3.10, 10.3.11, 10.3.12, 10.3.13, 10.3.14, 10.3.15, 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, 10.4.4, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, 10.4.7, 10.4.8, 10.4.9 and 10.4.10, respectively, to FREIT’s 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 and filed with the SEC on June 9, 2008)
10.4   Agency Agreement dated August 13, 2008 between Damascus Centre, LLC and Hekemian Development Resources, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to FREIT’s 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2008 and filed with the SEC on September 9, 2008)
10.5   Agency Agreement dated November 10, 2009 between Grande Rotunda, LLC and Hekemian Development Resources, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to FREIT’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2010 and filed with the SEC on June 9, 2010)

 

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10.6   Amendment No. 1 to Agency Agreement dated as of July 24, 2012 between Grande Rotunda, LLC and Hekemian Resources Development, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2014)
10.7   Line of Credit Note in the principal amount of $18 million executed by FREIT as Borrower, and delivered to The Provident Bank, as Lender, in connection with the Credit Facility provided by The Provident Bank to FREIT. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2010.)
10.8   Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan, adopted as of October 31, 2014. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2014 and filed with the SEC on January 14, 2015)
10.9   Amendment No.2 to Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan, adopted May 7, 2015. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to FREIT’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2015 and filed with the SEC on September 9, 2015)
10.10   Property Management Agreement dated February 28, 2020 between Pierre Towers LLC and Hekemian & Co. Inc.(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to FREIT’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 and filed with the SEC on January 29, 2021).
10.11   Line of Credit Note in the principal amount of $13 million executed by FREIT Maryland as Borrower, and delivered to Provident Bank, as Lender, in connection with the Credit Facility provided by Provident Bank to FREIT Maryland.
10.12   Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 22, 2021 by and among WestFREIT Corp., Damascus Centre, LLC and Grande Rotunda, LLC as Sellers and MCB Acquisition Company LLC as Purchaser.
10.13   First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 22, 2021 by and among WestFREIT Corp., Damascus Centre, LLC and Grande Rotunda, LLC as Sellers and MCB Acquisition Company LLC as Purchaser.
10.14   Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 23, 2021 by and among WestFREIT Corp., Damascus Centre, LLC and Grande Rotunda, LLC as Sellers and MCB Acquisition Company LLC as Purchaser.
10.15   Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 28, 2021 by and among WestFREIT Corp., Damascus Centre, LLC and Grande Rotunda, LLC as Sellers and MCB Acquisition Company LLC as Purchaser.
10.16   Fourth Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 30, 2021 by and among WestFREIT Corp., Damascus Centre, LLC and Grande Rotunda, LLC as Sellers and MCB Acquisition Company LLC as Purchaser.
10.17   Fifth Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated January 7, 2022 by and among WestFREIT Corp., Damascus Centre, LLC and Grande Rotunda, LLC as Sellers and MCB Acquisition Company LLC as Purchaser.
21   Subsidiaries of FREIT Maryland
23.1   Consent of EisnerAmper LLP
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1   Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2   Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
101  

The following materials from FREIT Maryland’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”): (i) consolidated balance sheets; (ii) consolidated statements of income; (iii) consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss); (iv) consolidated statements of equity; (v) consolidated statements of cash flows; and (vi) notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

* FREIT Maryland will furnish a copy of any exhibit not included herewith upon request and upon payment of FREIT Maryland’s reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibit.

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 EXHIBIT 10.11

 

LOAN AGREEMENT dated as of October 27, 2017 (together with all extensions, renewals, modifications, substitutions and amendments thereof, this "Agreement"), between FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, a real estate investment trust formed and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey, having an address at 505 Main Street, P.O. Box 667, Hackensack, New Jersey 07602 (the "Borrower"), and PROVIDENT BANK, having an office at 100 Wood Avenue South, P.O. Box 1001, Iselin, New Jersey 08830-1001 (the "Bank").

 

The Borrower and the Bank hereby agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1. THE LOAN.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Bank shall make the following credit facilities available to the Borrower:

 

1.01. Credit Facilities.

 

(a) Revolving Commercial Line of Credit.

 

(i)       Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and provided there exists no Event of Default (as defined in Section 6.01 hereof) or event which, with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would become an Event of Default hereunder, under a commercial revolving line of credit (the "Revolving Line" or the "Loan") and upon the Borrower's prior written request, the Bank shall make advances (each, an "Advance" and collectively, the "Advances") to the Borrower, from time to time, from the date hereof until October 27, 2020 (the "Conversion Date" or the "Termination Date", as applicable), in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not exceeding $13,000,000.00 (the "Maximum Revolving Line Amount"). The Revolving Line shall terminate on the Termination Date, unless the Revolving Line is renewed in the sole and absolute discretion of the Bank, which shall be contingent in part upon the Bank's satisfactory review of current financial information pertaining to the Borrower, together with such other requested information and/or documents as the Bank may determine necessary. Any election to renew the Revolving Line shall be solely at the Bank's discretion and effective only upon the Bank's mailing written notice of such election to the Borrower. If the Revolving Line is not renewed, the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Line shall convert to a term loan maturing on October 31, 2022 (the "Maturity Date"), when all unpaid fees, principal, interest and fees shall be due and payable in full.

 

Advances under the Revolving Line shall be by way of direct borrowings to fund the working capital needs of the Borrower or may be in the form of standby and commercial letters of credit issued by the Bank for the account of the Borrower (the "Letters of Credit"). Within such limits, and subject to the terms hereof, the Borrower may repay in whole or in part and, in integral multiples of $10,000.00, borrow and re-borrow on a revolving basis amounts up to the Maximum Revolving Line Amount, provided, that the face amount of any letter of credit issued under the Revolving Line shall reduce the amount available to be borrowed under the Revolving Line. The Borrower shall give the Bank at least one (1) business day's prior written notice of any proposed borrowing. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Bank to honor written, telecopied or telephonic requests for an Advance.

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If aggregate outstanding Advances under the Revolving Line exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00), or for any single Advance in excess of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00), the Borrower shall provide the Bank a written certification as to the use of the proceeds, the source of repayment, the expected timeframe of repayment and such further documents as the Bank may reasonably require. The Bank has the right to withhold payment should any such documents requested not comply with the foregoing, in its sole reasonable discretion. The Bank will, upon request, deposit the amount of each Advance in the Borrower's demand deposit account or otherwise make such funds available to the Borrower.

(ii)       At the closing of the Revolving Line, the Borrower shall execute and deliver a promissory note to the Bank for the Maximum Revolving Line Amount (together with all extensions, renewals, modifications, substitutions and amendments thereof, the "Note"). The Note shall evidence the Borrower's unconditional obligation to repay the Bank for all Advances made under the Revolving Line, with interest as therein provided. Each Advance under the Revolving Line shall be deemed evidenced by the Note, which is deemed incorporated herein by reference and made part hereof. The Note shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank.

 

(b) Letters of Credit.

 

(i)       As a part of the Revolving Line and subject to its terms and conditions, the Bank shall make available to the Borrower Letters of Credit which shall not exceed, in the aggregate at any one time outstanding, the sum of $4,000,000.00 (the "L/C Commitment"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Letters of Credit shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Bank. No Letter of Credit shall be issued with an expiry date later than (i) three hundred sixty five (365) days from the date of issuance for a stand-by letter of credit, or (ii) ten (10) Business Days prior to the Termination Date. The Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Bank all documents required by the Bank to evidence and/or secure the Letters of Credit (together with all extensions, renewals, modifications, substitutions and amendments thereof, the "Letter of Credit Documents"). Each Letter of Credit shall comply with the Letter of Credit Documents.

(ii)       (a)      Each Letter of Credit issued from time to time under the Revolving Line which remains undrawn (and the amounts of draws on Letters of Credit prior to payment as hereinafter set forth) shall reduce, dollar for dollar, the amount available to be borrowed by the Borrower under the Revolving Line.

 

(b)       Each Letter of Credit issued from time to time by the Bank shall be secured by all of the Collateral (as hereafter defined).

 

(c)       The Borrower shall pay to the Bank a nonrefundable annual fee of one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the face amount of any Letter of Credit issued by the Bank.

 

(d)       Each Letter of Credit shall be issued for a period of one (1) year and may be automatically extended for successive one (1)-year periods. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bank shall not be required to extend any Letter of

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Credit after the earlier to occur of an Event of Default and the Termination Date; provided, that a Letter of Credit shall not be revoked or terminated on the Termination Date, and shall remain in effect for the entirety of any outstanding one-year period.

 

(e)       Following the Termination Date and until such time as all amounts drawn under any outstanding Letters of Credit have been repaid in full to the Bank or all Letters of Credit issued by the Bank have been returned to the Bank, such Letter(s) of Credit shall remain fully secured by the Collateral. The Collateral will not be released until such time that any amounts drawn under any Letters of Credit have been repaid, all outstanding Letters of Credit issued by the Bank have been returned to the Bank and cancelled, and the Loan, and all of the Borrower's obligations and liabilities thereunder, have been repaid in full. For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower's obligation for outstanding Letters of Credit shall survive the Termination Date if not paid in full and returned to the Bank.

(iii)       In the event of any request for drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Borrower shall immediately reimburse the Bank on the day when such drawing is honored, by either a cash payment by the Borrower or, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, in the absence of such payment by the Borrower, and in the case of the latter, by the Bank automatically making or having been deemed to have made (without further request or approval of Borrower) a cash Advance under the Revolving Line on such date to reimburse the Bank. The Borrower's reimbursement obligation for draws under Letters of Credit along with the obligation to pay any and all fees associated with the issuance, amendment, extension and/or cancellation of the Letters of Credit (the "L/C Fees") shall herein be referred to collectively as Borrower's "Reimbursement Obligations." All of the Borrower's Reimbursement Obligations hereunder with respect to Letters of Credit shall apply unconditionally and absolutely to Letters of Credit issued hereunder on behalf of the Borrower.

 

(iv)       The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Bank for drawings made (or for cash Advances made to cover drawings made) under the Letters of Credit shall be unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances including, without limitation, the following circumstances:

 

(a)       any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit;

 

(b)       the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrower or any other person or entity may have at any time against a beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any persons or entities for whom any such beneficiary or transferee may be acting), the Bank or any other person or entity, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction;

 

(c)       any draft, demand, certificate or any other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

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(d)       payment by the Bank under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit unless the Bank shall have acted with willful misconduct or gross negligence in issuing such payment;

 

(e)       any other circumstances or happening whatsoever that is similar to any of the foregoing; or

 

(f)       the fact that an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(v)       If by reason of (i) any change in any federal, state and/or local laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances or guidelines, or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by any federal, state or local government or political subdivision, or any agency, authority, bureau, central bank, commission, department or instrumentality of either, or any court, tribunal, grand jury, or arbitration (each a "Governmental Authority") or (ii) compliance by the Bank with any direction, reasonable request or requirement (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental or monetary authority including, without limitation, Regulation D:

 

(a)       the Bank shall be subject to any tax or other levy or charge of any nature or to any variation thereof (except for changes in the rate of any tax on the net income of the Bank or its applicable lending office) or to any penalty with respect to the maintenance or fulfillment of its obligations under this Section 1.0l(b), whether directly or by such being imposed on or suffered by the Bank;

 

(b)       any reserve, deposit or similar requirement is or shall be applicable, imposed or modified in respect of any Letter of Credit issued by the Bank; or

 

(c)       there shall be imposed on the Bank any other condition regarding this Section 1.0l(b) or any Letter of Credit; and the result of the foregoing is to directly or indirectly increase the cost to the Bank of issuing, creating, making or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount receivable in respect thereof by the Bank, then and in any such case, the Bank shall, after the additional cost is incurred or the amount received is reduced, notify the Borrower and the Borrower shall pay on demand such amounts as may be necessary to compensate the Bank for such additional cost or reduced receipt, together with interest on such amount from the date demanded until payment in full thereof at a rate per annum equal at all times to the applicable interest rate under the Revolving Line. A certificate signed by an officer of the Bank as to the amount of such increased cost or reduced receipt showing in reasonable detail the basis for the calculation thereof, submitted to the Borrower by the Bank shall, except for manifest error and absent written notice from the Borrower to the Bank within ten (10) days from submission, be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes.

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(vi)       (a)       In addition to amounts payable as elsewhere provided in this Section 1.01(b), without duplication, the Borrower hereby agrees to protect, indemnify, pay and save the Bank harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) which the Bank may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of (A) the issuance of the Letters of Credit or (b) the failure of the Bank to honor a drawing under any Letter of Credit as a result of any such act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de facto government or Governmental Authority (all such acts or omissions herein called "Government Acts") in each case except for claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses arising solely from acts or conduct of the Bank constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(b)       As between the Borrower and the Bank, the Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of or misuse of the Letters of Credit issued by the Bank by the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Bank shall not be responsible: (A) for the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effects of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance if such Letters of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (B) for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, that may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason, so long as the requirements set forth in the Letter of Credit have been complied with by a beneficiary for any draw submitted to the Bank; (C) for errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they are in cipher, unless any of the foregoing are caused by the Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct; (D) for errors in interpretation of technical terms; (E) for any loss or delay in the transmission of any document or required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof, unless caused by the Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct; (F) for the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; and (G) for any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of Issuer, including, without limitation, any Government Acts. None of the above shall affect, impair or prevent the vesting of any of the Bank's rights or powers hereunder.

(c)       In furtherance and extension and not in limitation of the specific provisions hereinabove set forth, any action taken or omitted by the Bank in connection with the Letters of Credit issued by it or the related certificates, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall not create any liability on the part of the Bank to the Borrower.

 

1.02.       Interest Rate. The Borrower shall pay interest to the Bank on the unpaid principal amount due under the Revolving Line at the interest rate set forth in the Note. Interest on the Revolving Line shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days.

 

1.03.       Payments. The Borrower shall make monthly payments to the Bank under the Revolving Line in the amounts and in the manner set forth in the Note. Payments shall be made

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in the discretion of the Bank, either by payment of immediately available funds or by charge to the Borrower's operating account with the Bank.

 

1.04.       Default Rate. Upon default, whether or not Bank has accelerated payment of the Note, or after maturity or after judgment has been rendered on the Note, the unpaid principal of all Advances under such Note shall, at the option of Bank, bear interest at a rate which is five percent (5.00%) per annum greater than that which would otherwise be applicable.

 

1.05.       Late Charge. If the entire amount of any required principal and/or interest is not paid in full within ten (10) days after the same is due, the Borrower shall pay to Bank a late fee equal to five percent (5.00%) of the required payment. Any such late charge accrued is immediately due and payable.

 

1.06.       Prepayment. The Borrower may prepay the Revolving Line in whole or in part, at any time, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Note. In addition, the Borrower shall also pay to the Bank any accrued and unpaid interest and all other sums due under the terms of the Revolving Line at the time of such payment.

 

1.07.       Use of Proceeds. The extensions of credit under and proceeds of the Revolving Line shall be used to repay and retire an existing line of credit (Loan # 7021722100) from the Bank to the Borrower and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

1.08.       Collateral. Repayment of the Loan, and all of the Borrower's obligations and liabilities thereunder, shall be secured by, among other things, (i) a mortgage and security agreement (together with all extensions, renewals, modifications, substitutions and amendments thereof, the "Mortgage") on the real property and improvements located at (A) Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, 814-860 Franklin Avenue (Block 1513, Lot 2, Block 1410, Lot 1 and Block 1400, Lot 1.01) in the Borough of Franklin Lakes, Bergen County, New Jersey and (B) 206-208 Rock Road (Block 115, Lot 19) in the Borough of Glen Rock, Bergen County, New Jersey (collectively, the "Property") and (ii) an absolute assignment of all leases on the Property (together with all extensions, renewals, modifications, substitutions and amendments thereof, the "Assignment of Leases"). The foregoing property securing the Loan shall collectively be referred to herein as the "Collateral."

 

1.09.       Continuing Perfection. The Borrower will perform any and all steps requested by Bank to create and maintain in the Bank's favor a valid lien on or security interest in the Collateral including, without limitation, the execution and/or delivery of financing statements and continuation statements, supplemental mortgages, notes and any other documents necessary, in the opinion of the Bank, to protect its interest in the Collateral, the Bank having the responsibility to file any such financing statements and continuation statements. The Bank and its designated officer are hereby appointed the Borrower's attorney-in-fact to do all acts and things which the Bank may deem necessary to perfect and preserve the security interests and liens provided for in this Agreement, including, but not limited to, preparing and filing financing statements on behalf of the Borrower if Borrower fails to do so upon the request of the Bank.

 

1.10.       Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Bank a non-refundable commitment fee in the amount of $65,000.00, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by the Bank.

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1.11.       Capital Adequacy. If any present or future law, governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline, directive or similar requirement (whether or not having the force of law) imposes, modifies, or deems applicable any capital adequacy, capital maintenance or similar requirement which affects the manner in which the Bank allocates capital resources to its commitments (including any commitments hereunder), and as a result thereof, the Bank reasonably determines the rate of return on the Bank's capital with regard to the Loan (and other similar credit facilities made by Bank to its other borrowers) is reduced to a level below that which the Bank could have achieved but for such circumstances, then in such case and upon notice from the Bank to the Borrower, from time to time, the Borrower shall pay the Bank such additional amount or amounts as shall compensate the Bank for such reduction in the Bank's rate of return. Such notice shall contain a detailed calculation and good faith certification of the Bank with regard to any such amount or amounts which shall, in the absence of manifest error, be binding upon the Borrower. In determining such amount, the Bank may use any reasonable method of averaging and attribution that it deems applicable. Any rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, directives or similar requirements adopted, promulgated or implemented in connection with (a) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and (b) the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or any United States Governmental Authority, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in all events be deemed to have been imposed, introduced and adopted after the date of this Agreement. As used herein, the term "United States Governmental Authority" shall mean any federal government or political subdivision, or any agency, authority, bureau, central bank, commission, department or instrumentality of either, or any court, tribunal, grand jury, or arbitration.

ARTICLE 2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Bank that:

 

2.01 Organization. Borrower is a real estate investment trust duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey, in good standing therein and duly qualified to transact business in all places where such qualification is necessary or advisable.

 

2.02.       Authorization, No Conflict. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Agreement, the Note, the Mortgage, the Assignment of Leases, and all other documents contemplated hereunder to which the Borrower is a party (this Agreement, the Note, the Mortgage, the Assignment of Leases, and such other documents hereinafter called, the "Loan Documents"), and the performance of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, are within Borrower's powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary action and do not and will not violate any provision of law or of Borrower's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended, or result in the breach of, or constitute a default or require any consent under any indenture or other agreement or instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or its property may be bound or affected, or cause any of such property to become subject to any lien, claim or encumbrance. Each of the Loan Documents constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable on its terms.

2.03.       Financial Condition. The financial statements of the Borrower heretofore furnished to the Bank (together, the "Financial Statements"), are complete and correct, were

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prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and accurately present the financial condition of the Borrower as of the dates of such statements and the results of its operations for the periods then ended. Since the date of the Financial Statements, there has been no material adverse change in the Borrower's business, condition or prospects, financial or otherwise.

 

2.04.       Litigation. There are no judgments or orders outstanding against the Borrower and there are no suits, investigations or proceedings pending, or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, against or affecting the Borrower which, if adversely determined, would by itself or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, business or properties of the Borrower.

 

2.05.       Purpose. No part of the proceeds of the Loan will be used to purchase or carry margin stock as such terms are defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock, and the use of such proceeds shall not result in any violation of Regulations G, T, U or X of said Board.

 

2.06.       Properties. The Borrower has good and marketable title to the Collateral, free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances, and security interests (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code), except as permitted hereunder.

 

2.07.       Taxes. The Borrower has filed all tax returns required to be filed and paid all taxes due or assessed, including interest and penalties, except as specifically disclosed to the Bank, in writing, with respect to taxes being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, provided adequate reserves have been made.

 

2.08.       Consents. No consent or approval from, or notice to or filing with, any federal, state or other regulatory authority is required in connection with the execution of, or performance under, the Loan Documents by the Borrower.

 

2.09.       ERISA. Each employee pension benefit plan ("Plan"), as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, including its rules and regulations ("ERISA"), is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended, from time to time) and any other applicable Federal or state law, and no event or condition is occurring or exists with respect to any such Plan concerning which the Borrower would be under an obligation to furnish a report to the Bank in accordance with Article 4 hereof.

2.10.       Trademarks, Patents, Licenses, Etc. The Borrower possesses all trademarks, patents, licenses, permits, trade names, copyrights, proprietary rights and approvals required to conduct its business as now constituted without conflict with the rights or claimed rights of others.

 

2.11.       No Misrepresentations or Material Nondisclosure. The Borrower has not made and will not make to the Bank, in this Agreement or otherwise, an untrue statement of a material fact, nor have omitted to state a material fact necessary to make any statement made not misleading.

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2.12.       Permits. The Borrower represents that it has, and will continue to have, all necessary federal, state, and local licenses, certificates, and permits relating to the Borrower and its facilities, business, operations, premises, and leaseholds, and it is in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations relating to air emissions, water discharges, noise emissions, solid or liquid storage disposal, hazardous or toxic waste or substances and other environmental, health, and safety matters.

 

ARTICLE 3. CONDITIONS OF LENDING.

 

3.01.       Preconditions to the Loan. The Bank shall not be obligated to make the Loan hereunder unless all legal matters incident to the transactions hereby contemplated shall be satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel, and it shall have received properly executed, as of the closing date (unless otherwise indicated herein), and in a form it deems satisfactory, the following:

 

(a)       This Agreement;

 

(b)       The Note;

 

(c)       A copy of the Borrower's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, and any and all amendments thereto, along with a current Certificate of Good Standing for the Borrower from the New Jersey Department of Treasury and other applicable governmental office, if applicable;

 

(d)       All resolutions or other documents confirming the authority of members, officers or agents of the Borrower to execute documents and otherwise to effect the transactions contemplated thereby, as deemed necessary by the Bank and/or its counsel;

 

(e)       The Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and UCC-1 Financing Statements in favor of the Bank with respect to the Property;

 

(f)       A loan policy of title insurance in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel, insuring the valid first lien security interest of the Mortgage in favor of the Bank;

 

(g)       An opinion of counsel to the Borrower in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank and its counsel;

 

(h)       A certificate of a reliable insurance company, licensed to conduct business in New Jersey, of appropriate insurance under Section 4.02 hereunder; and

 

(i)      Such additional documents as the Bank and/or its counsel may reasonably request.

 

ARTICLE 4. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

 

The Borrower agrees that, while any amount is outstanding hereunder, it shall comply with the following covenants:

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4.01.       Financial Statements, Tax Returns and Other Reports. The Borrower shall comply, or cause others to comply, with the following reporting requirements:

 

(a)       Within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the Borrower shall supply the Bank with annual financial statements of the Borrower (including, without limitation, a balance sheet, statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows) as of the last day of and for such fiscal year, prepared by an independent certified public accountant;

 

(b)       Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, the Borrower shall supply the Bank with (i) quarterly financial statements of the Borrower (including, without limitation, a balance sheet, statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows) as of the last day of and for such quarterly period, prepared internally, all in reasonable detail and certified by Borrower's chief financial officer (or if Borrower has no chief financial officer, another authorized officer of the Borrower) to have been prepared from the books and records of the Borrower, and (ii) a current certified rent roll in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank with respect to the Property, along with a true and complete copy of all new and/or renewed or extended leases affecting the Property, or any portion thereof; and

(c)       Promptly upon the Bank's written request, the Borrower shall supply the Bank with such further information regarding the business affairs and/or financial condition of the Borrower as the Bank may reasonably require.

 

4.02.       Insurance. The Borrower shall keep, or cause others to keep, the insurance in effect as required by the Mortgage.

 

4.03.       Maintain Business. The Borrower shall continue to engage in the same type of business as it is presently engaged in, and shall preserve its existence and good standing and all the material rights, privileges, franchises and other properties necessary and desirable in the normal conduct of its business. The Borrower will not change its name without furnishing the Bank with at least thirty (30) days prior written notice thereof. The Borrower will notify the Bank in writing prior to utilizing any trade name not previously submitted to the Bank.

4.04.       Taxes and Obligations. The Borrower shall pay and discharge (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed on them or their income or profits or any of their properties prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto and (b) all lawful obligations and claims which, if unpaid, might cause a lien or charge to be created against any of their properties, except any such tax, assessment, charge or levy, the payment of which is being contested in good faith by proper proceedings, provided escrows, satisfactory to the Bank, have been established by the Borrower.

 

4.05.       Compliance with Laws. The Borrower shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and orders of any governmental authority.

 

4.06.       Notices. The Borrower shall furnish to the Bank, promptly after it learns thereof and in no event more than thirty (30) days after it learns thereof:

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(a)       Written notice of (i) any violations from any regulatory agencies concerning it or its properties or assets, (ii) any threatened or pending litigation or governmental or administrative proceeding concerning it or its properties or assets, (iii) any default under any other agreement to which the Borrower is a party, (iv) any default or Event of Default hereunder together with a statement by a responsible officer of the Borrower describing the action, if any, which the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto, and/or (v) any material adverse change in its business, prospects or financial condition;

 

(b)       Written notice of any "reportable event" or "prohibited transaction" (as such terms are defined in ERISA), in connection with any Plan, and a statement of the action, if any, which the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto, and when known, any action taken by the Internal Revenue Service or Department of Labor with respect thereto. In addition, the Borrower shall provide the Bank promptly after filing or receiving thereof, with copies of all reports and notices which the Borrower files under ERISA with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC") or the United States Department of Labor or which the Borrower receives from them;

(c)       Any notice of (i) the happening of any event involving the use, spill, discharge, or cleanup of any hazardous or toxic substance or waste or any oil, petroleum distillate or pesticide on any property owned or operated by the Borrower (a "Hazardous Discharge"); or (ii) any complaint, order, citation, or notice with regard to air emissions, water discharges, noise emissions, or any other environmental, health, or safety matter affecting the Borrower (an "Environmental Complaint") from any person or entity, including, without limitation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, any similar governmental agency of any other state or the United States Environmental Protection Agency, then the Borrower agrees to give oral and written notice of same to the Bank within twenty-four (24) hours of its receipt of such notice;

 

(d)        Any change in the name or trade name of the Borrower;

 

(e)       Any material adverse change with respect to the business or financial condition of the Borrower;

 

(f)        Any default under this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

 

(g)        Any material change in the condition of the Collateral; and

 

(h)        Promptly, such additional notices as the Bank may request.

 

4.07.       Account Requirement. The Borrower shall maintain its primary operating and reserve accounts for the Property with the Bank during the term of the Loan. Furthermore, the Borrower and associated entities acceptable to the Bank shall maintain an aggregate deposit relationship at the Bank of at least $2,000,000.00. Such accounts may be interest bearing. In the event the required and/or deposits therein are not maintained at the Bank, at the Bank's option, the Bank may increase the interest rate payable on the Loan by 25 basis points (0.25%) for the remainder of the term of the Loan or until such accounts and/or deposits are established or re established with the Bank.

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4.08.       Compliance with Environmental Laws. The Borrower shall, and shall cause others to, carry on the business and operations on all property owned or operated by the Borrower so as to comply and remain in compliance with all environmental provisions and requirements set forth in the Mortgage.

 

4.09       Minimum Debt Yield Requirement. The Borrower shall maintain, at all times, a minimum Debt Yield of at least 10% for the Property. As used herein, the term "Debt Yield" shall mean (i) Net Operating Income divided by (ii) (a) the outstanding principal amount due on the Loan plus (b) the amount of the current Advance request. "Net Operating Income" will be based on the Property's most recent fiscal quarter on an annualized basis and will include (A) actual rental income from tenants at the Property in occupancy that are paying rent in accordance with their lease terms (excluding rent from tenants in default, in bankruptcy or having given notice to vacate), (B) rental income from tenants at the Property in occupancy that are scheduled to commence rental payments within thirty (30) days, and (C) actual other income of the Property, less actual expenses of the Property, including a management fee equal to the greater of the actual management fee or three percent (3%) of the gross rents per annum, a vacancy rate equal to the greater of actual vacancy or five percent (5%) and $0.20 per square foot for replacement reserve. Compliance with this Debt Yield covenant will be determined by the Bank on an annual basis beginning with the Borrower's fiscal year end 10/31/2017, and shall be calculated and satisfied at the time of each Advance.

 

4.10       Minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio Requirement. The Borrower shall maintain, at all times, a minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 on all other real estate holdings of Borrower, which excludes (i) the Property, and (ii) any other property (a) that has construction financing in place with a funded interest reserve to pay debt service, and that has not been stabilized, and (b) owned by Borrower that is not stabilized. For the purposes hereof, Debt Service Coverage Ratio shall be based on Borrower's actual net operating income on the Borrower's year-end annual financial statements divided by actual debt service on such real estate holdings. If any "interest only" financing on such real estate holdings is converted to a permanent loan within twelve (12) months prior to the date of testing, then the permanent loan amount will be utilized for the purposes of this calculation. Compliance with this Debt Service Coverage Ratio covenant will be determined by the Bank on an annual basis beginning with the Borrower's fiscal year end 10/31/2017.

 

4.11       Minimum Unencumbered/Unrestricted Liquidity Requirement. The Borrower shall maintain, at all times, a minimum Unencumbered/Unrestricted Liquidity of Three Million Five Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($3,520,000.00). Compliance with this Unencumbered/Unrestricted Liquidity covenant will be determined by the Bank on a semi annual basis beginning with the Borrower's fiscal year end 10/31/2017.

 

4.12       Inspection of Books and Records. The Borrower shall permit any of Bank's officers or other representatives to visit and inspect upon reasonable notice during business hours any of the locations of Borrower, to examine and audit all of Borrower's books of account, records, reports and other papers, to make copies and extracts therefrom and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its officers, employees and independent certified public accountants all at Borrower's expense at the standard rates charged by the Bank for such activities.

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ARTICLE 5. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

 

5.01       Certain Negative Covenants. The Borrower agrees that while any amount is outstanding under the Note, or for so long as any commitment exists to extend credit hereunder, the Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of the Bank:

 

(a)       Intentionally Omitted;

 

(b)       Enter into any transaction of merger, consolidation or amalgamation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or a substantial part of its business or assets, except that: (i) any subsidiary of the Borrower may be merged or consolidated into such Borrower; and (ii) any subsidiary may be merged or consolidated into any other subsidiary;

 

(c)       Create or suffer, or permit any lien, or security interest on the Property, except: (i) liens existing on the date hereof and reflected in the financial statements and/or tax returns referred to in Section 4.01 hereof; (ii) liens for taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings if adequate escrows, satisfactory to the Bank, have been established by the Borrower; or (iii) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', or materialmen's, repairmen's or other like liens arising as a matter of law in the ordinary course of business securing amounts which are not due for a period of more than thirty (30) days;

 

(d)       Intentionally Omitted; or

 

(e)       Create or suffer, any: (i) additional indebtedness for borrowed money secured by the Property; (ii) intentionally omitted; or (iii) unfunded vested benefits under plans maintained for employees of the Borrower covered by ERISA.

 

ARTICLE 6. DEFAULT.

 

6.01.       Events of Default. Each of the following 1s an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Agreement:

 

(a)       The failure to make any payment required under this Agreement, the Note or any other Loan Document within ten (10) days its due date;

 

(b)       Any breach by the Borrower of any term, covenant or agreement contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents, or an Event of Default as defined in any Loan Document shall occur, which default is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice by the Bank of such default; provided, however, that if any such default or Event of Default cannot be cured within such thirty (30) day period, the Borrower shall be afforded up to an additional forty-five (45) days to cure such default so long as such time to cure does not require an extension of the Maturity Date and provided the Borrower shall have commenced such cure within such initial thirty (30) day period and shall thereafter diligently continue to cure such default;

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(c)       The default of the Borrower under any other obligation to the Bank, or any third party, now existing or hereafter arising;

 

(d)       Any representation, warranty or disclosure made to the Bank by the Borrower proves to be materially false or misleading as of the date when made, whether or not such representation or disclosure appears in the Loan Documents;

 

(e)       The institution of proceedings by or against the Borrower under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any law for the benefit of creditors or relief of debtors, (provided, however, the institution of involuntary proceedings against the Borrower shall not be an event of default if such proceedings shall be discharged or dismissed within ninety (90) days after the commencement date thereof), or a custodianship, trusteeship, receivership or assignment for the benefit of creditors shall be imposed upon the Borrower or the Collateral (or a substantial part thereof) or sought by the Borrower or by any other person or a petition for debtor's relief under any state or federal bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency law, shall be filed against or by the Borrower or by such other person;

(f)       There shall have occurred an event or circumstance, or a condition or fact shall exist, that, in the exercise of the Bank's reasonable commercial judgment, materially adversely affects: (i) the ability of the Borrower to perform any of the obligations thereof under the Loan Documents taken as a whole; (ii) the business or financial condition of the Borrower as such condition is reflected in the applicable financial statements and other documents submitted to the Bank prior to the date hereof; or (iii) the condition, operations or value of the Property or other collateral (exclusive of amounts that are fully covered by insurance, if any) or the Bank's security interest therein;

(g)       The transfer of title to any portion of, or interest in, the Property or any other Collateral securing repayment of the Loan;

(h)       The dissolution, liquidation or termination of the Borrower;

 

(i)       The existence of any financing, mortgage or other lien on or security interest in the Property or any other Collateral, other than liens and security interests in favor of the Bank;

 

(i)        Any change whatsoever in the ownership or control of the Borrower, without the Bank's prior written consent;

 

(k) The Borrower or any of its assets, become subject to any judgment, lien, attachment or execution, which has not been stayed, bonded, insured or discharged within thirty (30) days after its entry or levy;

 

(1)       An event or condition occurs or exists with respect to any Plan concerning which the Borrower is under any obligation to furnish a report to the Bank in accordance with Section 4.06 hereof or as a result thereof the Borrower has incurred or in the opinion of the Bank is reasonably likely to incur a liability to a Plan and/or the PBGC which is material in relation to the Borrower's financial condition;

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(m)       The loss of any governmental license or permit needed for the use and/or occupancy of any significant portion of the Property;

 

(n)       The Borrower shall fail to maintain any insurance required under this Agreement, the Mortgage or any other Loan Document, or otherwise breaches its obligations with respect thereto;

 

(o)       Any of the Loan Documents shall cease to be legal, valid and binding agreements enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with the respective terms thereof or shall in any way be terminated (except in accordance with their terms) or become or be declared ineffective or inoperative or shall in any way be challenged or contested as being illegal, invalid, or not binding agreements enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with the respective terms thereof or cease to give or provide the respective liens, security interests, rights, titles, interests, remedies, powers or privileges intended to be created thereby;

 

(p)       The Property ceases to be managed by Hekemian & Co., Inc., without the prior written consent of the Bank; or

 

(q)       The failure to observe or comply with any of the terms, provisions and/or conditions of the term sheet from the Bank to the Borrower dated June 21, 2017.

 

6.02.       Remedies. If there is an Event of Default, the Bank may, without presentment, demand, protest, notice or other formality (all of which are waived by the Borrower):

 

(a)       Declare the full unpaid principal amount outstanding hereunder and accrued interest thereon to be immediately due and payable, whereupon such amounts shall be immediately due and payable; or

 

(b)       Foreclose or exercise any of its rights with respect to any Collateral without waiving its rights to proceed against any other Collateral or other entities or individuals directly or indirectly responsible for payment of the Loan; or

 

(c)       Exercise any other remedies under applicable law, or under this Agreement, the Mortgage or any other Loan Document, including but not limited to proceeding to enforce its right by suit in equity, action at law or other appropriate proceeding, whether for payment or the specific performance of the covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

All remedies of the Bank provided for herein are cumulative and shall be in addition to all other rights or remedies of the Bank. The Borrower shall be liable for all costs, charges and expenses, and other sums incurred or advanced by the Bank (including reasonable attorney's fees and disbursements) to preserve the Collateral, collect on the Loan, protect the Bank's interests in or realize on the Collateral or to enforce the Bank's rights against the Borrower.

 

6.03       Right of Set-Off; Security Interest. The Borrower hereby grants to Bank, a continuing lien, security interest and right of setoff as security for all liabilities and obligations to

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Bank, whether now existing or hereafter arising, upon and against all deposits, credits, collateral and property, now or hereafter in the possession, custody, safekeeping or control of Bank or any entity under the control of the Bank and the successors and assigns or in transit to any of them, other than deposits or funds held by the Borrower as tenant security accounts, trust accounts, or in trust for another. At any time, after an Event of Default, without demand or notice (any such notice being expressly waived by Borrower), Bank may setoff the same or any part thereof and apply the same to any liability or obligation of Borrower even though unmatured and regardless of the adequacy of any other collateral securing the Loan. ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO REQUIRE BANK TO EXERCISE ITS RIGHTS OR REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER COLLATERAL WHICH SECURES THE LOAN, PRIOR TO EXERCISING ITS RIGHT OF SETOFF WITH RESPECT TO SUCH DEPOSITS, CREDITS OR OTHER PROPERTY OF BORROWER, ARE HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVED.

 

ARTICLE 7. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

7.01.       Intentionally Omitted.

 

7.02.       Indemnification. At all times the Borrower shall defend and indemnify and hold the Bank (which for the purposes of this paragraph shall include the present or future shareholder, officers, directors, employees, representatives, agents, licensees and assigns of the Bank) harmless from and against any and all liabilities, claims, demands, suits, proceedings, actions, causes of action, losses, damages, settlements, judgments, recoveries, costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and actual disbursements of counsel) resulting from any breach of the representations, warranties, agreements or covenants made by the Borrower in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, arising from or connected with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the rights and properties assigned or pledged to the Bank, except to the extent arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Bank.

 

7.03.       Amendments, Waivers, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision in the Loan Documents or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Bank, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given. No failure by the Bank to exercise in whole or part, and no delay in so exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof or preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

 

7.04.       Survival. All representations and warranties made herein or pursuant hereto shall survive the making of the Loan hereunder.

 

7.05.       Usury. If, at any time, the rate of interest, together with all amounts which constitute interest and which are reserved, charged or taken by the Bank as compensation for fees, services or expenses incidental to the making, negotiating or collection of any Loan evidenced hereby, shall be deemed by any competent court of law, governmental agency or tribunal to exceed the maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged by the Bank to the

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Borrower under applicable law, then, during such time as such rate of interest would be deemed excessive, that portion of each sum paid attributable to that portion of such interest rate that exceeds the maximum rate of interest so permitted shall be deemed a voluntary prepayment of principal. As used herein, the term "applicable law" shall mean the law in effect as of the date hereof; provided, however, that in the event there is a change in the law which results in a higher permissible rate of interest, then this Agreement shall be governed by such new law as of its effective date.

 

7.06.       Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall pay on demand all expenses of the Bank in connection with the preparation, administration, default, collection, waiver or amendment of loan terms, or in connection with the Bank's exercise, preservation or enforcement of any of its rights, remedies or options hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable fees of outside legal counsel or the allocated costs of in-house legal counsel, accounting, consulting, brokerage or other similar professional fees or expenses, and any fees or expenses associated with travel or other costs relating to any appraisals or examinations conducted in connection with any Loan or Collateral therefor, and the amount of all such expenses shall, until paid, bear interest at the rate applicable to principal hereunder (including any default rate) and be an obligation secured by any Collateral.

7.07.       Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made under, governed by and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law); provided that the foregoing is not intended to limit the maximum rate of interest which may be charged or collected by the Bank hereunder if, under the laws applicable to it, the Bank may charge or collect such interest at a higher rate than is permissible under the laws of said State.

7.08.       Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of. the Borrower, the Bank and their respective successors and assigns except that the Borrower may not assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder.

 

7.09.       Notices. Notices under this Agreement shall be delivered personally or by registered or certified mail to the Bank at its address stated on the first page hereof, Attention: George P. Menakis, Vice President, and to the Borrower at the address shown on the first page hereof. Notice personally delivered shall be effective as of delivery or, if sent by registered or certified mail, on the date of mailing.

 

7.10.       Intentionally Omitted.

 

7.11.       Captions. The captions and headings hereunder are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

 

7.12.       Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable; if any provision shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part the determination shall not affect the remaining provisions of the Agreement in any manner.

 

7.13.       Replacement of Note/Security Document. Upon receipt of an affidavit of an officer of Bank as to the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note or any other security document which is not of public record, and, in the case of any such loss, theft, destruction or

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mutilation, upon cancellation of such Note or other security document, Borrower will issue, in lieu thereof, a replacement note or other security document in the same principal amount thereof and otherwise of like tenor.

 

7.14.       WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY. BORROWER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES THE RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY CIVIL LITIGATION BASED HEREIN, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE NOTE OR ANY AGREEMENT CONTEMPLATED TO BE EXECUTED IN CONJUNCTION HEREWITH, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE BANK TO ACCEPT THE NOTE AND MAKE THE LOAN TO THE BORROWER.

 

7.15       Assignments and Participations. The Bank may sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or grant participations to other financial institutions in all or part of the obligations of the Borrower outstanding under the Loan Documents, provided that any such sale, assignment, transfer, negotiation or participation shall be in compliance with the applicable federal and state securities laws.

 

7.16       Disclosure. The Bank is hereby authorized to disclose any financial or other information it may have about the Borrower to any present or future participant or prospective participant, any regulatory body or agency having jurisdiction over the Bank, or to any successor to all or any part of the Bank's interest herein.

 

7.17       Patriot Act Compliance. The Bank hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act and the Bank's policies and practices, the Bank is required to obtain, verify and record certain information and documentation that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and such other information that will allow the Bank to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act. The Borrower represents and covenants that it is not and will not become a person (individually, a "Prohibited Person" and collectively "Prohibited Persons") listed on the OFAC List or otherwise subject to any other prohibitions or restriction imposed by any laws administered by OFAC (collectively the "OFAC Rules"). The Borrower represents and covenants that it also (a) is not and will not become owned or controlled by a Prohibited Person, (b) is not acting and will not act for or on behalf of a Prohibited Person, (c) is not otherwise associated with and will not become associated with a Prohibited Person, (d) is not providing and will not provide any material, financial or technological support for or financial or other service to or in support of acts of terrorism or a Prohibited Person. The Borrower will not enter into any Lease or any other transaction or undertake any activities related to the Loan in violation of the Anti-Money Laundering laws. The Borrower shall (A) not use or permit the use of any proceeds of the Loan in any way that will violate either the OFAC Rules or any anti-money laundering laws or antiterrorism laws, (B) comply and cause all of its subsidiaries to comply with applicable OFAC Rules, anti-terrorism laws and anti-money laundering laws, (C) provide information as the Bank may require from time to time to permit the Bank to satisfy its obligations under the OFAC Rules, anti-terrorism laws and/or the anti-money laundering laws and (D) not engage in or conspire to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or

 

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avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the foregoing. The Borrower shall immediately notify the Bank if any tenant becomes a Prohibited Person or (1) is convicted of, (2) pleads nolo contendere to, (3) is indicted on, or (4) is arraigned and held over on charges involving money laundering or predicate crimes to money laundering.

 

7.18       Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which is an original but all of which together shall constitute one document.

 

[NO FURTHER TEXT ON THIS PAGE. SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

Witness/Attest:   FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY, a real estate investment trust formed and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian
Print Name:     Robert S. Hekemian
      Chairman of the Board of Trustees
       
       
Witness/Attest   PROVIDENT BANK
       
       
    By: /s/ George P. Menakis
Print Name:     George P. Menakis, Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Signature Page to Loan Agreement)

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.12

 

Execution Version

 

 

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

 

among

 

WestFREIT Corp.,

a Maryland corporation

 

Damascus Centre, LLC,

a New Jersey limited liability company

 

and

 

Grande Rotunda, LLC,

a Maryland limited liability company

 

and

 

MCB Acquisition Company LLC,

a Maryland limited liability company

 

Dated as of November __, 2021

 

 

Westridge Square, 1053 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21703

Damascus Center, 9805-9815 Main Street, Damascus, MD 20872

The Rotunda, 711 W. 40th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211

 

 

 

 

Execution Version

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article I SALE OF PROPERTIES; PROPERTY INTERESTS 1
1.1   Sale of Property 1
Article II PURCHASE PRICE; PAYMENT; POST-CLOSING LEASE ESCROW 2
2.1   Purchase Price 2
2.2   Post-Closing Lease Escrow 4
Article III CLOSING 5
3.1   Closing Date 5
3.2   Conditions Precedent to Purchaser’s Obligations 5
3.3   Conditions Precedent to Seller’s Obligations 6
Article IV DUE DILIGENCE 7
4.1   Due Diligence 7
Article V TITLE 10
5.1   Status of Title 10
5.2   Title Commitments and Surveys 11
5.3   Objections to Title 11
5.4   Required Removal Exceptions 11
Article VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 12
6.1   Representations and Warranties of the Seller 12
6.2   Representations and Warranties of Purchaser 16
6.3   Update of Representations and Warranties at Closing 17
6.4   Survival of Representations and Warranties 17
6.5   Disclaimer of Warranties; “AS IS”, “WHERE IS” 17
Article VII COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS 17
7.1   No Liens or Encumbrances 17
7.2   Legal Requirements 18
7.3   Maintenance of Properties 18
7.4   Notices 18
7.5   Service Contracts 18
7.6   Insurance 18
7.7   Lease Transactions 18
7.8   Alterations & Improvements 19
7.9   Tenant Estoppel Certificates and SNDAs 19
7.10   Property Agreements Certificates 20
7.11   Assumption of Service Contracts 21
Article VIII APPORTIONMENTS 21
8.1   Apportionments. 21
8.2   Transfer Taxes, Recording and other Fees 24
8.3   Settlement Statement 24

 

 

 

Article IX DELIVERIES 24
9.1   Seller Documents to be Delivered 24
9.2   Purchaser Documents to be Delivered 26
9.3   Joint Documents to be Delivered 26
9.4   Possession. 26
Article X DEFAULTS 27
10.1   Seller’s Default 27
10.2   Purchaser’s Default 29
Article XI CASUALTY AND CONDEMNATION 29
11.1   Casualty 29
11.2   Condemnation 30
Article XII MISCELLANEOUS 31
12.1   OFAC 31
12.2   Notices 31
12.3   Expenses of Transaction 32
12.4   Broker 32
12.5   Waiver of Trial by Jury 33
12.6   Drafting Ambiguities; Interpretation; Captions 33
12.7   Business Days 33
12.8   Counterparts; Electronic Signature 33
12.9   Governing Law; Venue 33
12.10   Severability 34
12.11   Entire Agreement; Modifications 34
12.12   Confidentiality 34
12.13   Timing 34
12.14   Invalidity and Waiver 34
12.15   Further Assurances 34
12.16   Assignment 35
12.17   Several Obligations 35
12.18   Section 1031 Exchange 35
12.19   Attorneys’ Fees 35
12.20   No Personal Liability 35
12.21   Required State and County Disclosures 36

 

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Execution Version

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

This PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this ___ day of November, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), by and among WestFREIT Corp., a Maryland corporation (“Westridge Owner”), Damascus Centre, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Damascus Owner”), and Grande Rotunda, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Rotunda Owner”; each also individually “Seller,” and collectively, “Seller”), having an address at c/o Hekemian & Co., Inc., 505 Main Street, P.O. Box 667, Hackensack, NJ 07602; and MCB ACQUISITION COMPANY LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, having an address at 2701 N. Charles Street, Suite 404, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 (“Purchaser”, which term shall also be deemed to include its permissible successors, assigns and designees), and, solely for purposes of Section 10.1(b), First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Guarantor”), each having an address at c/o Hekemian & Co., Inc., 505 Main Street, P.O. Box 667, Hackensack, NJ 07602.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Westridge Owner is the owner of Westridge Square located as described on the cover page of this Agreement (the “Westridge Property”); Damascus Owner is the owner of Damascus Center located as described on the cover page of this Agreement (the “Damascus Property”), and Rotunda Owner is the owner of The Rotunda located as described on the cover page of this Agreement (the “Rotunda Property”).

WHEREAS, Each Seller desires to sell and convey to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to purchase from each Seller, the aforesaid property on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Seller and Purchaser, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:

Article I
SALE OF PROPERTIES; PROPERTY INTERESTS

1.1          Sale of Property. Seller agrees to sell and convey to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from Seller, for the Purchase Price (as defined in Section 2.1 hereof), and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, all of Seller’s right, title and interest in those certain properties, consisting of:

(a)       Land. Those certain tracts of land described in Exhibit 1.1(a) attached hereto (the “Land”), together with any and all interest of Seller in and to all rights, easements and interests appurtenant thereto.

(b)       Improvements. All buildings, improvements, fixtures and structures presently located on the Land (the “Improvements”, together with the Land, the “Premises”).

(c)       Leases. Seller’s interest as landlord under any leases or occupancy agreements for the Improvements (including any related guarantees or agreements) (each, a “Lease”, and collectively, the “Leases”).

 

 

(d)       Personal Property. All personal property presently located on the Land or in the Improvements and used solely in connection with the operation of the Premises other than personal property owned by Tenants (as defined in Section 6.1(b)(iv) and the items listed on Exhibit 6.1(d) attached hereto (the “Personal Property”).

(e)       Intangible Property. All use, occupancy, building and operating permits, licenses and approvals relating to the Premises or any part thereof (collectively, the “Permits”); all right, title and interest of Seller, if any, in all existing surveys, construction drawings, plans and specifications (including, without limitation, structural, HVAC, mechanical and plumbing plans and specifications); any Service Contracts (as defined in Section 6.1(c)) assumed by Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.11; the common names of the Properties; and any marketing materials, tradenames, trademarks, websites or other similar intellectual property related solely to the marketing of the Properties (collectively, and together with the Permits, the “Intangible Property”).

(f)       Appurtenances. All right, title and interest of Seller, if any, in privileges, easements and appurtenances relating to the Premises, including, right, title and interest in and to any land lying in the bed of any street or road opened or proposed, abutting or adjacent to the Land, to the center line thereof, permits, licenses, certificates of occupancy, special exceptions, variances, approvals, governmental approvals, utility rights (including water, sanitary sewer, and drainage), and similar rights related to the rights to develop and operate the Land, whether granted by governmental authorities or private persons, or other authorizations issued or granted by any governmental authority (collectively, the “Appurtenances”).

The Premises, the Leases, the Personal Property, the Intangible Property and the Appurtenances are sometimes hereafter referred to individually as a “Property” and collectively, as the “Properties”; provided that the same may also make reference to a group of two or more, but less than all, of the Properties, if so indicated by the context.

Article II
PURCHASE PRICE; PAYMENT; POST-CLOSING LEASE ESCROW

Purchase Price. (a) The purchase price for the Properties (the “Purchase Price”) shall be Two Hundred Sixty-Seven Million and 00/100 Dollars ($267,000,000.00) which shall be allocated among the Properties as follows:

Westridge Property   $22,000,000.00
Damascus Property   $37,500,000.00
Rotunda Property   $207,500,000.00

(b)        Within three (3) Business Days after the Effective Date, Purchaser shall deposit with Chicago Title Insurance Company, 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Suite 201, Washington D. C. 20036, Attention: Matt Barlow, National Commercial Counsel (“Escrow Agent” and “Title Company”), by (i) electronic wire transfer of immediately available federal funds pursuant to wiring instructions to be given by the Escrow Agent, or (ii) irrevocable letter of credit issued by a regional or national bank and in a form reasonably acceptable to Seller and

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Purchaser (the “Letter of Credit”), the sum of Three Million and 00/100 Dollars ($3,000,000.00) earnest money (together with all interest earned thereon, if any, collectively, the “Initial Deposit”).

(c)       If Purchaser elects or is deemed to have elected to proceed to Closing (as defined in Section 3.1), then within three (3) Business Days after the expiration of the Due Diligence Period (as defined in Section 4.1), Purchaser shall deposit with the Title Company, by electronic wire transfer of immediately available federal funds pursuant to wiring instructions to be given by the Escrow Agent, or a replacement Letter of Credit, an additional deposit of Seven Million and 00/100 Dollars ($7,000,000.00) earnest money (together with all interest earned thereon, if any, the “Additional Deposit”, together with the Initial Deposit, the “Deposit”), which Additional Deposit shall be non-refundable to Purchaser, except as provided in the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In any case in which the Deposit is provided herein to be returned to Purchaser, then nevertheless One Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($100.00) thereof shall be paid to or retained by Seller and deducted from the amount due Purchaser; such amount shall belong to Seller in any and all events and shall in effect constitute option money, making this Agreement binding even if any conditions or provisions herein are entirely with the discretion or control of Purchaser.

(d)       The balance of the Purchase Price, being a sum equal to the difference between the Purchase Price, less the Deposit, if in cash, as otherwise adjusted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, shall be paid by Purchaser to the Escrow Agent at Closing, by electronic wire transfer of immediately available federal funds pursuant to wiring instructions to be given by the Escrow Agent, except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement. In the event all or any portion of the Deposit is in the form of a Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit shall be returned to Purchaser concurrently with Closing.

(e)       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, but subject to the balance of this sentence, prior to the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, the escrow established with respect to the Deposit shall be a “sole order” escrow for the benefit of Purchaser (meaning that, subject to the balance of this sentence, the Title Company shall act solely in accordance with the instructions of Purchaser if given on or prior to the expiration of the Due Diligence Period), except Seller shall have the right to deliver a notice to the Title Company (with a concurrent copy to Purchaser) in the event Seller is entitled to make a claim against Purchaser pursuant to Sections 2.1(c), 4.1(d), or 4.1(g). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if on or prior to the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, Purchaser delivers to Seller a notice stating that it has elected to terminate this Agreement, then, unless Seller has delivered a prior notice regarding a claim pursuant to Sections 2.1(c), 4.1(d) or 4.1(g), Purchaser shall have the right to deliver to the Title Company (with a concurrent copy to Seller) a notice that includes a copy of the notice of termination delivered to Seller, and, upon delivery of such notice, the Title Company shall refund to Purchaser the Deposit without any requirement that the Title Company first notify or obtain any approval or consent of Seller. Subject to the foregoing, in the event Purchaser so instructs the Title Company on or prior to the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, Seller agrees that the Title Company shall not be permitted to, and shall not, follow any conflicting instructions given by Seller or any third party as to the disposition of the Deposit but shall instead follow only the instructions of Purchaser in connection therewith. From and after the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, the Title Company shall only disburse the Deposit upon receipt of a joint, written instruction by Seller and Purchaser or pursuant to court order.

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(f)       Upon execution of this Agreement, the parties shall deliver a fully executed copy of this Agreement to the Title Company to serve as the instructions to the Title Company as the escrow holder for consummation of the transaction contemplated herein. Upon the request of the Title Company the parties shall execute the Title Company’s standard form of escrow agreement which shall comport with the escrow terms of this Agreement with such changes as the parties may reasonably request.

2.2          Post-Closing Lease Escrow.

(a)       At the Closing, a portion of the Purchase Price shall be held in escrow (the “Post-Closing Lease Escrow”) by the Escrow Agent with respect to (i) those lease transactions listed on Exhibit 2.2(a)(i) (to be updated as of Closing) that have not been executed as of Closing (the “Pending Leases”); and (ii) those Leases listed on Exhibit 2.2(a)(ii) which have been fully executed but the rent commencement date under the Lease has not yet occurred as of Closing, and/or there are amounts remaining, as of Closing, to be paid to the Tenant (as defined in Section 6.1(b)(iii)) or third parties pursuant to the applicable Lease (collectively, the “Post-Closing Lease Obligations”). The Post-Closing Lease Escrow shall be comprised of two (2) separate escrow accounts, one in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the fixed rent and projected pro rata share of taxes, insurance and operating costs (“Rent”) under any Pending Leases or such Leases for a five (5) year period (the “Rent Escrow”, and such five (5) year period, the “Escrow Period”), and a second separate escrow account in an amount equal to one hundred and twenty-five percent (125%) of the projected cost during the Escrow Period of any landlord work for tenant improvements, tenant allowances, lease buyout payments, legal fees not to exceed Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars for each Pending Lease or such Lease, architectural fees and leasing commissions relating only to the initial term of the Lease (and not with respect to any commission related to any renewal term or other option granted thereunder) (the “Post-Closing Lease Obligations Escrow”). Rent due under each such Lease or Pending Lease (regardless of whether such Pending Lease is ever executed) shall be released from the Rent Escrow as follows: (x) prior to the rent commencement date of such Lease or Pending Lease, monthly installments of Rent shall be released on a monthly basis to Purchaser based on the rents set forth in such Pending Lease or Lease as of Closing, and (y) after the rent commencement date of such Lease or Pending Lease, or any lease or other occupancy agreement with respect to the space that is the subject of such Lease or Pending Lease, the balance of the Rent escrowed with respect to such Lease or Pending Lease shall be released to Seller. Amounts shall be released from the Post-Closing Lease Obligations Escrow upon submission of invoices for the payment of such sums, and any amounts remaining in the Post-Closing Lease Obligations Escrow at the end of the Escrow Period shall be promptly released to Seller upon the expiration of the Escrow Period. The Rent Escrow and the Post-Closing Lease Obligations Escrow shall otherwise be subject to the terms of an escrow agreement(s) to be agreed upon and executed by Seller, Purchaser and Escrow Agent by the end of the Due Diligence Period in their reasonable discretion (the “Tenant Escrow Agreement”). Seller shall prepare and submit to Purchaser at least five (5) Business Days prior to Closing, Seller’s calculation of the Rent Escrow and the Post-Closing Lease Obligation Escrow amounts, which shall be mutually agreed to by Seller and Purchaser at Closing in their reasonable discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, reimbursements of portions of, or all of, amounts in the Rent Escrow and Post-Closing Lease Obligations Escrow may be released to Seller according to the terms above pursuant to leases which are obtained in replacement of any Pending Leases or Leases for which there are Post-Closing Lease Obligations as set forth on the Exhibits 2.2(a)(i) or (ii), and

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which are terminated before Closing or during the Escrow Period, subject to Purchaser’s approval of such replacement leases and the corresponding tenants thereunder and provided that any such right of replacement shall not supersede any lease agreements entered into by Purchaser and shall be subject to Purchaser’s lease efforts in all respects. Seller shall keep Purchaser apprised on a regular basis of any such leasing efforts on the part of Seller.

(b)       Seller agrees that with respect to any Pending Lease, Purchaser shall be the primary and sole party to communicate and negotiate with the applicable Tenants after Closing, provided that Purchaser hereby acknowledges receipt of, and hereby approves, the form and terms of each Pending Lease. Purchaser shall not, without the prior written approval of Seller, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, (i) discontinue or terminate the negotiation of any Pending Lease (unless the amount escrowed for such Pending Lease is disbursed to Seller), (ii) terminate any Lease for which there are Post-Closing Lease Obligations (unless the amount escrowed for such Lease is disbursed to Seller); (iii) reduce the Rent payable under any Pending Lease or Lease for which there are Post-Closing Lease Obligations (unless the difference between the amount escrowed for such Rent and the reduced amount of Rent is disbursed to Seller), (iii) lengthen any free rent period or extend the rent commencement date under any Pending Lease or Lease for which there are Post-Closing Lease Obligations, or (iv) lengthen or extend the time in which to complete any landlord work under any Pending Lease or Lease for which there are Post-Closing Lease Obligations (unless such change does not affect the rent commencement date under the applicable Pending Lease or Lease). After Closing, Purchaser agrees to provide regular updates to Christopher Bell at Chris@hekemian.com or such other representative of Seller as is identified in a written notice to Seller (“Seller’s Leasing Representative”) of the status of the Pending Leases, and Seller’s Representative shall have the right to participate in the weekly leasing status meetings conducted by Purchaser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller shall have no approval rights over the final terms of the Pending Leases after Closing. Purchaser agrees to use good faith commercially reasonable efforts to reach a final agreement with prospective tenants with respect to the Pending Leases.

Article III
CLOSING

3.1          Closing Date. Subject to the adjournments expressly allowed elsewhere in this Agreement, and to the remaining provisions of this Agreement, the closing of the conveyance of title to the Properties (the “Closing”) shall take place on a date that is mutually agreeable to the parties, but in no event later than December 30, 2021, by escrow delivery of documents and funds to the Escrow Agent (the date upon which the Closing shall occur being herein referred to as the “Closing Date”).

3.2         Conditions Precedent to Purchaser’s Obligations. The obligation of Purchaser to cause the transaction contemplated herein to be consummated is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions on or prior to the Closing Date:

(a)       Continuation of Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement shall be true, correct and complete in all material respects as of: (i) the Effective Date; and (ii) the Closing Date subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below.

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(b)       Seller’s Compliance with Covenants, Etc. Seller shall perform, in all material respects, all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed on its part prior to or as of Closing hereunder, including, without limitation, the delivery of all documents and other items to be delivered under this Agreement, and shall not otherwise be in material default of its obligations under this Agreement beyond any applicable notice and cure period.

(c)       Title. The Title Company shall be prepared to issue to Purchaser, at standard rates, an owner’s title insurance policy in the amount of the Purchase Price with extended coverage, issued by the Title Company as of the date and time of Closing insuring that the fee simple estate to the Properties is vested in Purchaser subject only to Permitted Exceptions (as defined in Section 5.03).

(d)       Purpose of Conditions Precedent. The obligation of Purchaser to close the transaction contemplated herein is subject to the express conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.2 above, each of which is for the sole benefit of Purchaser and may be waived at any time by written notice thereof from Purchaser to Seller. The waiver of any particular condition precedent shall not constitute the waiver of any other. In the event of the failure of a condition precedent as of the Closing Date, Purchaser shall deliver written notice of such failure and the Closing shall be extended, subject to Seller’s right to extend the Closing pursuant to Section 7.9, to the earlier of (x) the day that is five (5) Business Days after the applicable condition precedent is satisfied or (y) the date that is thirty (30) days after the then-scheduled Closing Date. If such condition precedent is not satisfied by Closing, as extended, Purchaser may elect, in its sole discretion, to terminate this Agreement as to all of the Properties, in which event the Deposit (or the applicable portion thereof as set forth in Sections 11.1 or 11.2, as applicable) shall be refunded to Purchaser, and after Purchaser’s receipt of the Deposit, neither party shall have any further rights, obligations or liabilities hereunder with respect to the applicable Properties other than those obligations which expressly survive the termination of this Agreement.

3.3          Conditions Precedent to Seller’s Obligations. The obligation of Seller to cause the transaction contemplated herein to be consummated is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions on or prior to the Closing Date:

(a)       Delivery of Purchase Price. Purchaser shall deliver the Purchase Price pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

(b)       Continuation of Representations and Warranties. All of the representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true, correct and complete in all material respects as of: (i) the Effective Date; and (ii) the Closing Date subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below.

(c)       Purchaser’s Compliance with Covenants, etc. Purchaser shall have performed, observed and complied with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, observed and complied with on its part prior to or as of Closing hereunder, including, without limitation, the delivery of all documents and other items to be delivered under this Agreement.

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(d)       Purpose of Conditions Precedent. The obligation of Seller to close the transaction contemplated herein is subject to the express conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.2, each of which is for the sole benefit of Seller and may be waived at any time by written notice thereof from Seller to Purchaser. The waiver of any particular condition precedent shall not constitute the waiver of any other. In the event of the failure of a condition precedent on the Closing Date which remains uncured for five (5) days after written notice of such failure from Seller, Seller may elect, in its sole discretion, to (i) terminate this Agreement or (ii) extend the Closing Date for purposes of allowing such condition to be satisfied; provided, however, in the event Purchaser is in default of its obligation to close hereunder when otherwise obligated to do so pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, then Seller may exercise its rights under Section 10.2.

Article IV
DUE DILIGENCE

4.1          Due Diligence. (a) Due Diligence Period. Purchaser will have the right, during the period commencing on the Effective Date and expiring at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 22, 2021 (the “Due Diligence Period”), and thereafter while the Agreement remains in effect, to inspect the Properties and to investigate all matters relating thereto that Purchaser deems relevant to its decision to purchase the Properties. Purchaser will have the right, in its sole discretion, for any reason or no reason, to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Seller delivered prior to the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, following which the Initial Deposit (together with any interest earned thereon) shall be promptly delivered to Purchaser and thereafter the parties shall have no further right or obligations hereunder, except those expressly surviving the termination of this Agreement. If Purchaser does not terminate the Agreement by the end of the expiration of the Due Diligence Period as set forth in the previous sentence, Purchaser shall have no further right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to this Section.

(b)       Purchaser’s Inspections. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Purchaser shall have the right to perform investigations and/or due diligence with respect to the Properties during the Due Diligence Period and thereafter while this Agreement remains in effect. Purchaser’s investigations may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following: a review of the Leases and Service Contracts and structural and engineering inspections, and a Phase I environmental site assessment. In no event shall Purchaser have the right to conduct invasive or subsurface testing or drilling on a Property or a Phase II environmental site assessment without the prior written consent of Seller. In addition, Purchaser shall have the right, but not the obligation, to conduct reviews of zoning, building code and other applicable ordinances to determine whether the Properties are in compliance, and in connection therewith, subject to the following proviso, to communicate with municipal officials and to request from governmental authorities copies of customary documents and information regarding the zoning of the Properties, the existence of permits and certificates of occupancy and written evidence in the records of governmental authorities of any violations by the Properties of applicable law; provided, however, that in no event shall such contact with any governmental authority include requests for additional inspections or investigation by governmental authorities of the Properties and Purchaser shall not report or otherwise disclose any discovered conditions or violations except to the extent required by law, court order or other legal process, and then only after providing Seller with at least ten (10) days advance notice of the need to make such report or disclosure (or such shorter period as required by law for Purchaser to comply with its reporting or disclosure obligations). All such inspections

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and reviews shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Purchaser and shall be subject to the provisions of this Article IV. Purchaser’s inspections of the Properties pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall be referred to herein as the “Inspections”. Purchaser further agrees not to contact or communicate with any (i) employees of Seller and that all communications with any employee regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the prior written (including by email to Chris Bell at Chris@hekemian.com) consent of Seller; and (ii) Tenants without prior consent of Seller and without affording Seller a reasonable opportunity to review written communications in advance or accompany Purchaser on visits to Tenants (as the case may be); provided Purchaser shall not be required to delay any communications or visits if Seller does not respond within one (1) Business Day to Purchaser’s requests for review or to accompany Purchaser on visits to Tenants.

(c)       Right of Entry. Seller shall provide Purchaser and its representatives, employees and agents reasonable and customary access to the Properties during regular business hours (unless otherwise agreed), and upon at least one (1) Business Day’s prior notice to Seller via telephone call or electronic mail (as specifically provided by Seller for such purposes), for the purpose of inspecting the Properties and undertaking tests and studies, which shall be conducted at the sole expense of Purchaser. Seller shall have the right to have a representative present during any entry by Purchaser or its representatives, employees or agents upon the Properties for conducting said inspections; provided, however, Seller may not unreasonably delay any inspections (including any delay that would increase the cost thereof). Purchaser’s inspection rights shall be subject to the rights of the Tenants and Purchaser, its representatives, employees, contractors or agents shall perform such inspections in a manner as to minimize any unreasonable interference with such Tenants. Purchaser shall not cause or permit any mechanics’ liens or other liens to be filed against the Properties as a result of the inspections.

(d)       Damage and Restoration. In the event that any of the Properties are damaged in any way as a result of Purchaser’s or its agents’ entry upon or activities performed at the Properties, Purchaser shall promptly restore such Properties to their condition existing prior to the commencement of such activities, excluding the disturbance of any hazardous or dangerous conditions as a result of the discovery thereof. All such remedial activity shall be promptly and diligently performed by Purchaser at its cost and in a commercially reasonable manner. Purchaser shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless from any loss, cost, damage, liability, and/or expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees) (collectively “Losses”) resulting or arising from (i) any remedial activity required pursuant to this clause (d), (ii) any damage that occurs to a Property as the result of the Inspections, (iii) Purchaser’s failure to comply with its obligations set forth in this Section 4.1, (iv) any negligent acts or willful misconduct by Purchaser or any of its agents, representatives or contractors with respect to performing the Inspections pursuant to this Section 4.1, or (v) and injury suffered or caused by Purchaser or any of its agents, representatives or contractors in the performance of the Inspections. Purchaser’s obligations under this Section 4.1(d) will survive any termination of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser shall not be responsible for and the indemnification set forth above shall not apply to any Losses to the extent solely caused by Seller, its agents, employees, tenants or contractors, the mere discovery of hazardous or dangerous conditions existing at the Properties prior to Purchaser or its agents entering on the Properties, or for any consequential, speculative or punitive damages or lost profits, but shall cover any actual loss of rents to the extent not covered by Seller’s rent loss insurance.

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(e)       Insurance. If Purchaser desires to conduct any Inspections of the Properties, either Purchaser, or any representatives Purchaser retains to conduct such inspections, shall provide Seller, prior to any Inspections, with evidence that it maintains commercial general liability insurance as set forth in this clause (e). The commercial general liability insurance shall include insurance against assumed or contractual liability under this Agreement, with respect to all of Purchaser’s representatives’ activities in, on or about the Properties. The commercial general liability insurance policy shall provide limits for bodily injury and property damage of not less than Two Million and 00/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) per occurrence in any combination of primary and excess/umbrella coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Purchaser shall also maintain, if applicable, automobile liability coverage for all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles with a combined single limit of not less than One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage and workers’ compensation insurance with limits which fully comply with applicable state law.

In addition to the above coverages, if Purchaser or its agents performs invasive environmental services/surveys, such party must also maintain Environmental Impairment or Pollution Liability Insurance, including clean-up costs, with limits of not less than One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence and Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($5,000,00.00) in the aggregate annually, which coverage shall include third party liability, costs of clean-up, remediation, and removal of hazardous substances as well as transport and disposal of hazardous substances and for the defense of any related legal action. Any coverage will be provided on an occurrence basis and the renewal policies shall have a retroactive date of the contract date or earlier and shall be maintained through the applicable statute of repose in the applicable state.

The umbrella and excess limits and commercial general liability limits shall be follow form to employer’s liability insurance and automobile liability insurance. Umbrella policy shall also be in excess of the limits of the employer’s liability insurance. All such insurance shall be issued by companies authorized to do business in the state where the Sites are located, and shall be rated A-/VII or better in the most current edition of Best’s Insurance Reports published by A.M. Best. Prior to entry upon any of the Properties, Purchaser shall provide the Seller with copies of certificates of insurance evidencing the insurance coverage required hereunder. All such insurance policies, except workers’ compensation and automobile liability insurance shall name applicable Seller (in each case, including their officers, trustees, directors and employees) and Seller’s lender, if such information is provided to Purchaser, as additional insureds on a primary and non-contributory basis, and shall stipulate that such insurance is primary to, and not contributing with, any other insurance carried by, or for the benefit of Seller. All rights of subrogation against the parties identified above as additional insureds are waived.

 

(f)       Due Diligence Materials. Seller has delivered or made available to Purchaser via a diligence website maintained by the Seller (the “Data Room”), copies of the due diligence materials listed on Exhibit 4.1(f) (the “Due Diligence Materials”). Subject only to the express representations and warranties of Seller set forth in Section 6.1, Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Due Diligence Materials are provided simply as an accommodation to Purchaser and except as otherwise expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, Seller makes no representation or warranty with regards to the accuracy and completeness of any document or information, including the Due Diligence Materials, provided by Seller to Purchaser, and any

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reliance by Purchaser on such documents and information shall be at Purchaser’s own risk and expense. In addition, and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Purchaser expressly acknowledges and agrees that Seller shall not be obligated to furnish, nor shall Purchaser be entitled to review or have access to, any confidential, proprietary or privileged documents or information connected with the Properties, including but not limited to opinions, appraisals, audits, internal memoranda or other confidential, proprietary or privileged documents, internal work product or other similar documents, which are in the possession or control of Seller.

notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Seller has not undertaken any independent investigation of, and makes no representation or warranty whatsoever as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of, any materials or information, including but not limited to the Due Diligence Materials and any other materials relating to the PROPERTIES, delivered or made available by OR ON BEHALF OF Seller to Purchaser in connection with the transaction contemplated herein EXCEPT, in each case as otherwise expressly set forth in the REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER SET FORTH IN SECTION 6.1.

(g)       Purchaser agrees to keep all Due Diligence Materials strictly confidential; provided, however, that Due Diligence Materials may be disclosed to Purchaser and its affiliates’ directors, officers, employees, partners, attorneys, lenders, capital sources, architects, general contractors and accountants (all of whom are collectively referred to as the “Related Parties”) who need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating or furthering the consummation of a possible purchase of the Properties, or as otherwise required by law or an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, and Purchaser shall be liable for, and hereby agrees to indemnify Seller and its affiliates against, any actual damages (not consequential, speculative or punitive damages) incurred resulting from such unauthorized disclosure by Purchaser or its Related Parties as if Purchaser had made such unauthorized disclosure. If this Agreement is terminated for any reason, then at the request of Seller, Purchaser will promptly destroy all Due Diligence Materials furnished to it by Seller without retaining copies thereof and certify such destruction to Seller. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Purchaser may retain one (1) copy of any such Due Diligence Materials if required by law or in connection with a prudent, bona fide and customary corporate recordkeeping policy, and Purchaser shall hold such Due Diligence Materials in strict confidence. Purchaser’s obligations under this Section 4.1(f) will survive any termination of this Agreement for a period of one (1) year, except Purchaser’s obligations under the immediately preceding sentence shall survive indefinitely.

Article V
TITLE

5.1         Status of Title. Title to the Premises shall be good and marketable fee simple title, subject to (a) the standard exceptions and provisions contained in the form of owner’s title policy employed by the Title Company which are unable to be removed by standard Seller affidavits and indemnities, (b) any matters that are waived or deemed waived by Purchaser or arise by reason of the actions of Purchaser or its agents, and (c) those exceptions or matters indicated on the Title

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Commitments or Surveys to which Purchaser does not object to or waive pursuant to Section 5.3 (collectively, “Permitted Exceptions”).

5.2        Title Commitments and Surveys. Purchaser may obtain commitments for title insurance (the “Title Commitments”) from the Title Company. Seller has or will provide the Purchaser with copies of any existing title insurance policies (together with copies of the exceptions, if available) and surveys of the Properties (collectively, “Surveys”) in Seller’s possession or control, or reasonably obtainable at no cost to Seller, which Surveys Purchaser may at its sole cost elect to have updated. Purchaser shall deliver to Seller copies of the Title Commitments and any updates to the Surveys promptly upon receipt thereof.

5.3        Objections to Title. No later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, Purchaser shall provide Seller and the Title Company with written notice (the “Title Objection Notice”) of any title and survey conditions, deficiencies or matters to which Purchaser objects (other than the Permitted Exceptions) (“Title Objections”). Seller shall notify Purchaser in writing of Seller’s agreement to cure, at Seller’s sole expense, or Seller’s election not to cure, such Title Objections (“Seller’s Response Notice”) no later than five (5) Business Days after Seller’s receipt of the Title Objection Notice (“Seller’s Response Notice Deadline”). If Seller fails to give Seller’s Response Notice by the Seller’s Response Notice Deadline, Seller shall be deemed to have elected to not cure such Title Objections. If Seller elects, or is deemed to have elected not to cure all Title Objections, Purchaser may, by giving notice to Seller within five (5) Business Days following receipt of Seller’s Response or Seller’s Response Notice Deadline, whichever is earlier, elect to (a) terminate this Agreement, whereupon this Agreement shall terminate and the Deposit (together with any interest earned thereon) shall be returned to Purchaser and the parties shall have no further obligations to each other with respect to this Agreement except those obligations that expressly survive termination of this Agreement, or (b) proceed to Closing and accept title to the Properties subject to the Title Objections (which shall be deemed Permitted Exceptions, without any abatement of the Purchase Price or any liability or obligation on the part of Seller by reason of such Title Objections). If Purchaser fails to timely notify Seller of its election to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clause (a) of the immediately preceding sentence, Purchaser shall be deemed to have elected to proceed in accordance with clause (b) of the immediately preceding sentence. Purchaser shall have the right, prior to Closing, to object to any title exceptions that were not disclosed on the Title Commitments or any previous updates to the Title Commitments (each a “New Objection”) and, if Seller does not agree to cure any such new Title Objections by not later than Closing, to exercise the rights under clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 5.3.

5.4        Required Removal Exceptions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Seller shall, at or prior to Closing, remove from title all of the following (which will automatically, and without requirement that same be specified in the Title Objection Notice, be deemed unpermitted exceptions) (collectively, the “Required Removal Exceptions”): (i) all mortgages, deeds of trust, and related UCC filings and assignments of leases and rents, all tax liens and mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens and any liens or judgments voluntarily created or suffered by Seller, (ii) other monetary liens (other than taxes not yet due and payable), judgments entered against any Property or Seller (and not caused by Purchaser) or other encumbrances that may be removed or cured by the payment of an ascertainable sum (“Other Monetary Liens”), (iii) exceptions (other than Permitted Exceptions) which were created, consented to or permitted by

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Seller or its affiliates, or any of their employees, contractors, agents or representatives, following the date of this Agreement, unless otherwise approved or deemed approved by Purchaser, (iv) any exception to title that Seller has specifically agreed in writing to cure pursuant to the terms of Section 5.3. If Seller is unwilling or unable to remove any Required Removal Exceptions from title at or prior to the Closing with respect to any of the Properties, Purchaser shall at Closing elect as its sole and exclusive remedy to either (x) exercise Purchaser’s rights under Section 10.1, or (y) accept such exceptions to title and the Closing shall occur as herein provided without any reduction of, or credit against, the applicable portion of the Purchase Price; provided, however, that in the case of a Required Removal Exception of the type described in clauses (i) or (ii) above, Purchaser shall receive a credit against the Purchase Price equal to the sum of the amount of such liens or judgments referenced. Seller may use any portion of the Purchase Price to remove or cause to be removed any Required Removal Exception other than the Tenant Escrow Amount or amounts otherwise payable to third parties out of the Purchase Price.

In addition to the foregoing, Seller agrees to provide the Title Company with such factual affidavits as may be reasonably required by the Title Company to remove any exception for, or provide affirmative insurance coverage in the owner’s and lender’s title insurance policy to be obtained by Purchaser at Closing with respect to, the right of first offer contained in that certain Memorandum of Restrictions and Right of First Offer made as of October 2, 2013 (the “Giant ROFO”) by and between Grande Rotunda, LLC and Giant of Maryland, LLC (“Giant”). The Giant ROFO shall be a Permitted Exception and, neither the removal of the Giant ROFO from Purchaser’s or its lender’s title insurance policy nor Purchaser’s receipt from Giant of a waiver of the Giant ROFO, shall be conditions precedent to Purchaser’s obligation to close. The Seller shall make all commercially reasonable efforts to agree with the Title Company upon the forms of any factual affidavits required by this paragraph by not later than the expiration of the Due Diligence Period. In addition, Seller agrees that Purchaser may contact Giant directly to obtain written confirmation from Giant that the Giant ROFO has been complied with or waived, and Purchaser agrees that any and all costs related to or borne from such contact or Giant’s delivery of such written confirmation shall be solely Purchaser’s responsibility.

Article VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

6.1        Representations and Warranties of the Seller. Each Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as to the Property owned by such Seller, as of the Effective Date and the Closing Date:

(a)       (i) Westridge Seller is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of its formation. Damascus Seller is a limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of its formation. Rotunda Seller is a limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of its formation. Seller is entitled to and has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, has taken or will take, as applicable, all corporate and limited liability company actions and received, or will receive, as applicable, all necessary corporate and limited liability company consents and authorizations required for the consummation of the transaction contemplated herein and to perform its obligations under the Agreement. To Seller’s knowledge, except with respect to any contractual third-party consents

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required in order to convey or assign to Purchaser any of the Assumed Contracts (as defined in Section 7.11, or the Intangible Property (collectively, the “Third Party Consents”), the execution, delivery and performance of its obligations under this Agreement by Seller does not require the consent of any third-party. This Agreement is valid and enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms and each instrument to be executed by Seller pursuant to this Agreement or in connection herewith will, when executed and delivered, be valid and enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms.

(ii)       Neither Seller nor any entity comprising Seller has (A) suffered the appointment of a receiver, (B) filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy (or suffered the filing of an involuntary petition by its creditors), (C) made a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (D) admitted in writing its inability to pay its debts as they come due or that it is insolvent, (E) suffered the attachment or other judicial seizure of all, or substantially all, of such party’s assets, (F) or made an offer of settlement, extension or composition to its creditors generally.

(b)         (i) (x) Except for the Parking Agreement with Zipcar dated March 22, 2016 for the use of two (2) parking spaces at the Rotunda Property, the Leases constitute the only leases, licenses, guaranties or other written or oral agreements for the use or occupancy of the Property, (y) there are no other leases, licenses, concessions or other written or oral agreements for the use or occupancy of such Property, and (z) and there are no oral amendments, assignments or other modifications to the Leases, except those contained in the Data Room. No Tenant has delivered written notice to Seller for the purpose of terminating its Lease and to Seller’s knowledge, no Tenant has commenced an action to terminate its Lease. True, correct and complete copies of the Leases (including all amendments guaranties and material side letters) have been delivered or made available to the Purchaser in the Data Room.

(ii)       The rent roll attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1(b)(ii) (the “Rent Roll”) is the Rent Roll used by Seller in Seller’s ordinary course of business, and the portion of the Rent Roll for the Rotunda Property with respect to the residential apartment units is, to Seller’s knowledge, true, complete and correct in all material respects. However, notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, no representation or warranty is made as to subtenancies and Seller does not represent or warrant that any particular Lease will be in force or effect at the Closing or that the tenants under any Leases will have performed their obligations thereunder.

(iii)       All rents (base, additional and percentage) are being paid and are current, except as otherwise set forth on the Rent Roll and to the extent provided in Section 2.2.

(iv)       Except as provided on the Rent Roll, or otherwise provided under the Leases, no tenants under the Leases (each, a “Tenant”, and collectively, the “Tenants”) has paid any rent, fees, or other charges for more than one (1) month in advance.

(v)       Except as set forth in the Rent Roll or listed on Exhibit 6.1(b)(v), no Tenant has any unresolved court contest pending with Seller with respect to any tax, operating cost or escalation payments or occupancy charges, or any other amounts payable under its Lease.

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(vi)       There will be no brokerage or leasing agreements in effect after the Closing Date with respect to the Leases and no brokerage commission or other similar compensation is payable (or will, with the passage of time or occurrence of any event, or both, be payable) with respect to the Leases after Closing by Purchaser, except as set forth on Exhibit 6.1(b)(vi) and to the extent provided in Section 2.2.

(vii)       Except as set forth in Exhibit 6.1(b)(vi) and to the extent provided in Section 2.2, to Seller’s knowledge, all work required to be performed by Seller in connection with the Leases has been completed and fully paid for.

(viii)       Except as set forth in Exhibit 6.1(b)(viii) there are no legal actions or proceedings pending or to Seller’s knowledge threatened in writing against Seller or any Property by Tenants under the Leases or any other third party.

(ix)       Except for the matters and information set forth on the Rent Roll and Exhibit 6.1(b)(v), Seller has not sent out any written notices of default to any Tenant nor, has it received any such written notice with respect to any default that remains uncured. To Seller’s knowledge there is no condition that, with the passage of time, the giving of notice or both, would constitute a default under any of the Leases.

Any representation made by Seller in this Section 6.1(b) that is consistent with any statement contained in any Acceptable Estoppel Certificate (as hereinafter defined) delivered to Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.9 shall, with respect only to the Lease to which such Estoppel Certificate pertains, be (X) superseded by such Acceptable Estoppel Certificate with respect to such statement, (Y) deemed not to have been made by Seller herein, and Purchaser hereby forever discharges and releases Seller and its affiliates from any and all claims that relate or otherwise arise out of this Section 6.1(b) with respect to such Lease, but subject in all respects to Purchaser’s rights under Section 7.9 with respect to any such Estoppel Certificate.

(c)       A true, correct and complete list of all service or maintenance contracts or management agreements to which Seller or its affiliates are a party (the “Service Contracts”) relating to or affecting the Property is set forth in Exhibit 6.1(c) hereto and a copy of each of the Service Contracts has been uploaded to the Data Room. No written notice of default has been sent or received by Seller under any Service Contract with respect to a default that remains uncured. Except for the Service Contracts assumed pursuant to Section 7.11, there are no management, leasing, service or maintenance contracts affecting any of the Properties which will not have been effectively terminated prior to the Closing Date.

(d)       Seller has not given or granted any person any right or option to acquire all or any portion of the Property nor does Seller have knowledge of any such right or option other than as may be set forth in the Leases.

(e)       Except for those persons listed on Exhibit 6.1(e) attached hereto, Seller does not have any employees as of the Effective Date.

(f)       Except for the printer lease with Advance applicable to the Rotunda Property, Seller does not lease any Personal Property located at or used in connection with the Property.

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(g)       The Property is not subject to, or been granted, any abatement from real estate taxes for any period falling after the Effective Date and the Property will not be subject to an added assessment or omitted property taxes on account of improvements or betterments made prior to the Closing Date. There is no pending tax assessment appeal with respect to the Property other than “None”[Insert “None” if none], and Seller will not conclude, settle or initiate any such appeal without Purchaser’s written consent for any period falling after the Closing. As of and after Closing, Purchaser shall have the sole right, but not the obligation, to pursue and conclude any pending tax appeal. Any tax refunds shall be paid to Seller and Purchaser based on the taxes previously paid or required to be paid by such party for the period in question, pro-rated to the period prior to, and after, the Closing, less the actual, out of pocket costs of the assessment appeal.

(h)       To Seller’s knowledge, and except as set forth in the reports provided to Purchaser as part of the Due Diligence Materials (which, to Seller’s knowledge, are all of the reports and other materials in Seller’s possession or control with respect to such matters), as of the Effective Date, (i) there are no Hazardous Materials located at the Property in violation of Environmental Laws, and (ii) there are no underground or above-ground storage tanks located at the Property. “Hazardous Materials” shall mean any flammables, explosives, radioactive materials, hazardous wastes, hazardous and toxic substances or related materials, asbestos or any material containing asbestos (including, without limitation, vinyl asbestos tile), or any other substance or material, defined as a “hazardous substance” or “hazardous material” by any federal, state, or local environmental law, ordinance, rule or regulation, including, without limitation, the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated pursuant to each of the foregoing (collectively, “Environmental Law”).

(i)       Except for the May 2021 notice from the Baltimore Department of Finance with respect to parking fees and tax thereon, to Seller’s knowledge, Seller has not received written notice from a federal or other taxing authority (each, a “Taxing Authority” and collectively, the “Taxing Authorities”) of any tax deficiency, lien, interest or penalty against the Property, or against Seller that would affect Seller’s ability to convey the Property, that has not been paid in full, and to Seller’s knowledge there is no pending audit or inquiry from any Taxing Authority relating to the Property or to Seller that would affect Seller’s ability to convey the Property. For purposes of this section, “tax” shall mean any United States or other federal, state, provincial, local or foreign income, gross receipts, property, sales, goods and services, use, license, excise, franchise, employment, payroll, withholding, alternative or add-on minimum, ad valorem, transfer, or any other tax, custom, duty, governmental fee or other like assessment or charge of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest or penalty, imposed by any Taxing Authority.

(j)       Seller has not received any written notice from any governmental authority of a (i) violation of any governmental requirements on the Property which has not been remedied and (ii) violation of any easement, covenant, condition, restriction or agreement contained in any covenants, conditions or restrictions or similar instruments encumbering or benefiting the Property.  

(k)       To Seller’s knowledge, Seller has not received written notice from any governmental authority regarding any change to the zoning classification, any condemnation

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proceedings or proceedings to widen or realign any street or highway adjacent to the Property or to restrict or change any access or curb cuts which provide access to the Property.

Any reference in this Agreement to “knowledge,” “actual knowledge” or “best of knowledge” of Seller, or the receipt of notices or other communications by Seller, shall be deemed to mean the actual knowledge of, or receipt of notice or communication by, Michael O’Dea, the property manager of each Property, or Chris Bell (collectively, “Seller’s Knowledge Party”), and not any implied, imputed or constructive knowledge of such individual or of Seller, and without any independent investigation or inquiry having been made. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that neither such party(ies) nor any other employee or agent of Seller shall have any duty or obligation under this Agreement or other law to make any affirmative investigation or inquiry of the matters covered by the foregoing provisions in order to determine the accuracy or truthfulness thereof.

6.2          Representations and Warranties of Purchaser. Purchaser represents and warrants to Seller, as of the Effective Date and the Closing Date, as follows:

(a)       Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Seller that Purchaser is duly organized, validly existing and qualified and empowered to conduct its business; has the power and authority to execute, deliver this Agreement and has or will have the power and authority to deliver the Closing deliveries contemplated hereby, has taken or will take all actions and received to Purchaser’s knowledge, all necessary consents and authorizations required for the consummation of the transaction contemplated herein and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.. This Agreement is valid and enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms and each instrument to be executed by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement or in connection herewith will, when executed and delivered, be valid and enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms.

(b)       Purchaser has not (i) suffered the appointment of a receiver, (ii) filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy (or suffered the filing of an involuntary petition by its creditors), (iii) made a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (iv) admitted in writing its inability to pay its debts as they come due or that it is insolvent, (v) suffered the attachment or other judicial seizure of all, or substantially all, of such party’s assets, (vi) or made an offer of settlement, extension or composition to its creditors generally.

(c)       Purchaser is not (i) a plan which is subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), as defined in §3(3) of ERISA, nor a plan as defined in §4975(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (each of the foregoing hereinafter referred to collectively as a “Plan”), (ii) a “governmental plan” as defined in §3(32) of ERISA, or (iii) a “party in interest,” as defined in §3(14) of ERISA, to a Plan, except with respect to plans, if any, maintained by Purchaser, nor do the assets of Purchaser constitute “plan assets” of one or more of such Plans within the meaning of Department of Labor Regulations §2510.3-101. Purchaser is acting on its own behalf and not on account of or for the benefit of any Plan. Purchaser has no present intent to transfer a Property to any entity, person or Plan which will cause a violation of ERISA. Purchaser has not assigned, and shall not assign, its interest under this Agreement to any entity, person or Plan in a manner which will cause a violation of ERISA.

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6.3         Update of Representations and Warranties at Closing. At Closing, each party shall remake the representations made by it in Section 6.1 or Section 6.2, as the case may be, and will update such representations to reflect any change in facts and circumstances as they then exist, it being understood and agreed that the provisions of Section 10.1 shall not apply (and such party shall not be deemed to have breached its representations and warranties) if such updates to the representations disclose facts that (i) would not be material and adverse to the other party, (ii) were a result of events or circumstances outside of the control of such party; or (iii) were otherwise known to the other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.3, Purchaser’s obligation to close hereunder is subject to all of Seller’s representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being true, complete and correct in all material respects as of the Closing Date.

6.4         Survival of Representations and Warranties. Except as otherwise explicitly provided, the representations and warranties set forth herein shall survive the Closing and delivery of the Deed for the Survival Period (as defined in Section 10.1).

6.5         Disclaimer of Warranties; “AS IS”, “WHERE IS”. Purchaser acknowledges that neither Seller, nor any member, manager, director, shareholder, officer, agent, employee, attorney, or representative of Seller has made any statements, agreements, promises, assurances, representations, or warranties, whether express, implied, or otherwise, regarding Seller, the condition of the Properties, the suitability of the Properties for any uses or purposes contemplated by Purchaser, the zoning of the Properties, the right to occupy the Properties, the environmental condition of the Properties, the state of title to the Properties or any other matter pertaining to the Properties or Seller, except as expressly provided in this Agreement or in any of the documents required to be delivered or delivered by Seller pursuant to this Agreement (“Seller’s Closing Documents”). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement or Seller’s Closing Documents, the transaction contemplated under this Agreement is made without statutory, express or implied warranty, representation, agreement, statement or expression of opinion of or with respect to the condition of the Properties or any aspect thereof, including any and all statutory, express or implied representations or warranties related to the suitability for habitation, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose and all other statutory, express or implied representations or warranties of Seller whatsoever. Purchaser agrees that (A) Purchaser shall acquire the Properties in an “AS IS” “WHERE IS” “WITH ALL FAULTS” condition and (B) Purchaser has not relied upon any statement, promise, representation, or warranty, in each case except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or Seller’s Closing Documents.

Article VII
COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS

7.1         No Liens or Encumbrances. Seller shall not knowingly create, suffer or permit to be created, without the prior written consent of Purchaser, to be exercised in Purchaser’s sole and absolute discretion other than as hereinelsewhere provided with respect to the Leases and the Pending Leases, and shall remove or discharge pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, any liens or encumbrances against the Properties arising subsequent to the Effective Date.

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7.2         Legal Requirements. Seller shall, prior to the Closing, continue to operate the Properties in the normal course of business.

7.3         Maintenance of Properties. Seller shall maintain the Properties in substantially the same manner as Seller has heretofore operated the same, provided that Seller shall not be required to make any capital repairs, replacements or other capital expenditures in connection with the Properties. Seller shall promptly inform Purchaser in writing of any written legal notices. Seller shall not initiate or consent to any actions or proceedings which will have the effect of terminating or changing any licenses, permits, approval, entitlements or zoning of the Properties. Between the Effective Date and the Closing, Seller will cause any vacant apartment units at the applicable Property to be “made ready” for reletting and occupancy or provide Purchaser with a credit at Closing for such units as provided in Section 8.1(f).

7.4         Notices. Seller shall promptly deliver notice to the Purchaser of any written notice received by Seller of any: (a) legal actions, suits, claims and other proceedings affecting the Properties, or the use, possession or occupancy thereof; (b) Casualty (as defined in Section 11.1); (c) proposed Taking (as defined in Section 11.2); (d) notice from any governmental authority relating to the condition or use of the Properties, or any portion thereof or any tax assessment notice; (e) notice of any actual or threatened litigation, insurance claim, arbitration or administrative proceeding against Seller or affecting or relating to the Properties, or any portion thereof; or (f) notice of any violations of any Environmental Law or other laws affecting or relating to the Properties, or any portion thereof.

7.5         Service Contracts. Seller shall not enter into contracts or agreements related to the operation or maintenance of the Properties after the Effective Date except in good faith and in the ordinary course of business and which provide that same may be terminated without cost to Purchaser on not more than thirty (30) days’ notice, and Seller shall promptly provide Purchaser with a copy of any such contracts or agreements entered into by Seller.

7.6         Insurance. Seller shall cause the property and liability insurance covering the Properties to be maintained in full force and effect as heretofore maintained.

7.7         Lease Transactions. After the Effective Date, Seller shall not terminate any of the Leases or remove any of the Tenants under the Leases from possession of any portion of the Premises, nor permit the surrender of, or consent to the assignment or subletting under, any existing Lease without Purchaser’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Seller shall perform all of the obligations of landlord under the Leases that, under the terms of the Leases, are required to be performed by the landlord prior to the Closing Date. Between the Effective Date and the Closing Date, Seller shall not enter into any amendment, renewal, modification, extension or termination of the Leases or any new Lease or occupancy agreement without, in each instance, the prior written consent of Purchaser, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Seller shall promptly notify Purchaser in writing of any written notice of default delivered by Seller to any of the Tenants under the Leases. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.7, Seller may enter into new Leases with residential tenants at the Rotunda Property without Purchaser’s consent; provided such Leases are for a term of not more than fifteen (15) months, are at market rental rates, including

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not more than one (1) month of free rent, and are otherwise on terms substantially consistent with the existing residential leases at the Rotunda Property.

7.8         Alterations & Improvements. Seller shall not undertake or commence any material renovations or alterations at the Properties (except those necessary to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Leases, or applicable law) without the prior written approval of Purchaser in each instance, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

7.9         Tenant Estoppel Certificates and SNDAs. (a) Seller shall prepare and submit to each commercial (retail or office) Tenant under the Leases an estoppel certificate in the form required by, or containing such terms as are required by, such Tenant’s Lease, or, if such Tenant’s Lease does not prescribe a form of estoppel certificate or set forth applicable terms, then substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.9 (a) attached hereto with respect to such Tenant’s Lease or on such other form as may be provided by Purchaser’s lender; provided the form shall have been provided to Seller by no later than December 1, 2021 and shall not otherwise unreasonably delay Seller’s ability to obtain the Required Estoppel Certificates on a timely basis. Seller shall use good faith commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the estoppel certificates from all Tenants. Subject to the provisions hereof, Purchaser’s obligation to close the transactions contemplated herein is conditioned upon Seller’s delivery to Purchaser, by not later than two (2) Business Days after receipt thereof, but in any event not later than two (2) Business Days before the Closing Date, of executed estoppel certificates in the form hereinabove provided for each of the Tenants listed on Exhibit 7.9-1 (the “Required Tenants”) and other Tenants who, together with the Required Tenants, lease eighty percent (80%) of the leased rentable square footage of each Property (collectively, the “Remaining Tenant Estoppels”; and collectively with the estoppel certificates from the Required Tenants, the “Required Estoppel Certificates”) (an estoppel certificate meeting the foregoing requirements is hereinafter referred to as an “Acceptable Estoppel Certificate”). An estoppel certificate will not be an Acceptable Estoppel Certificate if such estoppel certificate discloses a default on the part of the landlord or such Tenant or discloses another “Material Matter” which shall mean a (i) material default relating to a Lease which, in each case, cannot be cured by Closing, would materially increase Purchaser’s liability after Closing, or which reduces or attempts to offset the rent, additional rent or other revenue that Purchaser would receive under a Lease after the Closing Date, (ii) a material discrepancy with the information shown in the applicable Lease or the Rent Roll or any representation or warranty made in this Agreement by Seller, (iii) references any conditions to the effectiveness of the Lease not having been satisfied or waived, or (iv) the bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, on the part of the Tenant or any guarantor of the applicable Lease. Seller shall remain obligated to disclose to Purchaser any changes to the information contained in any estoppel certificate after the date thereof of which Seller’s Knowledge Party has actual knowledge. If Seller is unable to deliver to Purchaser Acceptable Estoppel Certificates for the Required Tenant’s as required by this Section 7.9 on or before the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, then Seller shall have the right to extend the Closing Date in order to obtain such estoppel certificates to a date that is the earlier of (x) thirty (30) days after the then-scheduled Closing Date and (y) five (5) Business Days after Seller delivers to Purchaser the Required Tenant Estoppels. Purchaser acknowledges that neither the failure of Seller to obtain Acceptable Estoppel Certificates from the Required Tenants, provided Seller used commercially reasonable efforts (which shall exclude any extraordinary expenditure of funds on the part of Seller, including any amounts requested or demanded by a

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Tenant in consideration or remuneration for delivery of an estoppel certificate unless the fee is set forth in the applicable Lease) to obtain Acceptable Estoppel Certificates, nor the existence of Material Matters in any estoppel certificates received from any Tenants, will be deemed a default by Seller, it being agreed that, without limiting any other remedy Purchaser may have under any other section of this Agreement but subject to Seller’s right to extend the Closing as set forth above, the sole remedy of Purchaser for Seller’s failure to obtain Acceptable Estoppel Certificates from the Required Tenants will be to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Seller and receive back the Deposit (together with interest thereon), following which the parties will have no further rights and obligations hereunder, except for those rights and obligations that expressly survive the termination of this Agreement. Purchaser will have the right, but not the obligation, in its sole and absolute discretion, to waive the requirement that Seller furnish an Acceptable Estoppel Certificate with respect to any particular Required Tenant. The delivery of an executed copy (as opposed to an original) of any Acceptable Estoppel Certificate shall be sufficient for purposes of satisfying the condition under this Section 7.9(b).

(b) Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from each Tenant indicated by Purchaser prior to the Due Diligence Deadline, to the extent such Tenant’s Lease is not self-subordinating by its terms, a subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment agreement (collectively, the “SNDAs”) in the form prescribed by such Lease or, if one is not prescribed, then in a form reasonably agreeable to the Tenant and Purchaser's lender prior to the Closing Date; provided the form shall have been provided to Seller by no later than December 1, 2021. Failure to obtain and/or deliver the SNDAs (provided Seller used all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain same) shall not constitute a default by Seller and provision of the SNDAs shall not be a condition of Closing.

7.10         Property Agreements Certificates. Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to Purchaser executed estoppel certificates, two (2) Business Days before the Closing Date, to the extent required under any reciprocal easement agreements, declarations, or other similar agreements or instruments encumbering the Land and Improvements (collectively, the “Property Agreements”) in the form required by, or containing such terms as are required by, the applicable Property Agreement, or, if the applicable agreement does not prescribe a particular form or terms, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7.10, with such revisions as are reasonably requested by the applicable certifying party, with respect to those Property Agreements (and the parties thereto) identified by Purchaser in writing to Seller no later than December 1, 2021, stating to the knowledge of the certifying party (i) that the Land, Improvements or Seller are not in violation of any of the terms and conditions of the applicable Property Agreement; (ii) that any and all sums required to be paid under the applicable Property Agreement have been paid; and (iii) that the applicable Property Agreement is unmodified and/or amended except as otherwise specifically set forth in such certificate (collectively, the “Property Agreements Certificates”). If Seller is unable to deliver to Purchaser the Property Agreements Certificates as required by this Section 7.10 on or before the Closing Date, then Seller shall have the right to extend the Closing Date in order to obtain such estoppel certificates to a date that is the earlier of (x) thirty (30) days after the then-schedule Closing Date and (y) five (5) Business Days after Seller delivers to Purchaser the Property Agreements Certificates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of Purchaser to obtain (or Seller to provide) any such Property Agreements Certificates (provided Seller shall have used commercially reasonable efforts (which shall exclude any expenditure of funds on the part of Seller) to obtain same) shall not be and shall not be deemed to be a breach of

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or default under this Agreement, nor shall procurement of any Property Agreements Certificate be a condition precedent to Purchaser’s obligation to close the transaction hereunder. The delivery of an executed copy (as opposed to an original) of such Property Agreement Certificate shall be sufficient for purposes of satisfying Seller’s obligations under this Section 7.10.

7.11         Assumption of Service Contracts. By not later than ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Date, Purchaser shall deliver written notice to Seller (the “Service Contracts Notice”) specifying any Service Contracts which Purchaser desires to terminate at Closing (collectively, the remaining contracts, the “Assumed Contracts”), and, subject to the remainder of this Section 7.11, Purchaser shall assume at Closing all Assumed Contracts. Seller shall terminate, at its sole cost and expense subject to the balance of this Section 7.11, all other Service Contracts (the “Terminated Contracts”) by not later than the Closing Date. If Purchaser fails to deliver the Service Contracts Notice on or before the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, then Purchaser shall be deemed to have elected to assume all Service Contracts. To the extent that any Service Contract to be assigned to Purchaser is either (i) assignable but requires the applicable vendor to consent to the assignment and assumption of the Service Contract by Seller to Purchaser, or (ii) is not assignable (either by its terms or applicable law), then, prior to the Closing, Seller shall be responsible for obtaining from each applicable vendor a consent (each a “Required Assignment Consent”) to such assignment and assumption, provided, that shall not be and shall not be deemed to be a breach of or default under this Agreement nor shall termination or assumption of any Service Contract be a condition precedent to Purchaser’s obligation to close the transaction hereunder. Purchaser shall be responsible for the costs under any Service Contract that remains in effect as of Closing in order for any notice period to expire and for all termination fees under any Terminated Contracts. Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, any property management agreement or leasing agreement shall be terminated effective as of the Closing Date, and, notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, such agreements shall not be or be deemed to be Service Contracts.

Article VIII
APPORTIONMENTS

8.1         Apportionments. (a) The following items shall be apportioned as of 11:59 PM of the day immediately preceding the Closing Date as though Purchaser held title to the Properties during the Closing Date.

(i)       Fixed rents, additional rents, percentage rents and all other sums and credits due or payable under the Leases for the month (or, with respect to additional rents, percentage rents and other sums, the applicable period relating thereto) in which the Closing Date occurs shall be apportioned to the extent collected under the Leases, subject to part (b) of this Section 8.1;

(ii)       Real estate taxes and personal property taxes (if any), on the basis of the fiscal year for which the same are levied, imposed or assessed, subject to part (c) of this Section 8.1;

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(iii)       Fees and charges under the Service Contracts that are being assigned to and assumed by Purchaser at the Closing, on the basis of the periods to which such Service Contracts relate; and

(iv)       Charges for water, sewer rents, electricity, steam, and gas, which are not metered or otherwise charged directly to tenants by the provider; provided that if the consumption of any of such utilities is measured by meters, the Seller on the Closing Date shall furnish a current reading of each meter; and provided further, that if there is not a meter or if the current bill for any of such utilities has not been issued prior to the Closing Date, the charges therefor shall be adjusted on the basis of the charges for the prior period for which bills were issued and shall be further adjusted when the bills for the current period are issued.

(b)       If any additional rents, percentage rents or other sums under the Leases (including expense reimbursement payments) (collectively, the “Lease Obligations”) are payable or accruable under the Leases on the basis of estimates or formulae and are subject to adjustment after the Closing Date, such rents shall be apportioned on the Closing Date on the basis of the sums actually paid by the Tenants under the Leases to Seller on account of such rents and/or expenses prior to the Closing Date, and will be subject to reapportionment on the basis of the rents and expenses as finally determined to be owing and collected under the Leases. If Leases contain Lease Obligations payable by Tenants which have accrued as of the Closing Date but are not then due and payable, the amount of such Lease Obligations shall not be prorated as of the Closing Date but shall be allocated and paid as hereinafter provided.  No later than five (5) Business Days before Closing, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser its good faith calculation of the Lease Obligations incurred and collections received for the period prior to the Closing Date (the “Pre-Closing Reconciliation”) and provide such Pre-Closing Reconciliation to Purchaser, including but not limited to an estimated reconciliation of charges for 2021, together with supporting documentation. All prorations and reconciliations shall be subject to Purchaser’s review and approval. Any overpayments shown on the Pre-Closing Reconciliation shall be credited to Purchaser at Closing. Any underpayments shall be remitted to Seller as and when collected by Purchaser as hereinafter provided. In the event the 2021 reconciliations shall not have been finalized as of Closing, Seller shall continue to be responsible for the preparation thereof in accordance with the Leases by not later than ninety (90) days after Closing, and any additional underpayments or overpayments determined based on such final reconciliation shall then be reconciled between Seller and Purchaser as hereinabove and hereinafter provided. All amounts collected by Purchaser or Seller from Tenants after the Closing Date will be applied pursuant to Section 8.1(d).  Either party may inspect, during normal business hours and upon reasonable prior written notice, the other’s records related to the Properties to confirm the calculations contemplated hereby. If the Closing shall occur before the real estate tax rate is fixed, the apportionment of real estate taxes shall be based upon the tax rate for the next preceding year applied to the latest assessed valuation. Final adjustment will be made upon the actual tax amount when determined.

(c)       Any rents or other Lease Obligations collected by the Seller or Purchaser after the Closing Date shall be applied first to the calendar month in which they are collected, then to the rentals due and payable for the calendar month (or, with respect to additional rents, percentage rents and other sums, the applicable period relating thereto) in which the Closing occurs, if unpaid, then to any months (or other applicable periods if past due) subsequent to the month (or other applicable period if past due) in which the Closing Date occurs, and then to any

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rents or other Lease Obligations past due for the calendar months (or other applicable periods) preceding the calendar month (or other applicable period) in which the Closing Date occurs (the “Arrears”). Any rents or other Lease Obligations collected by Purchaser that are to be applied to the Arrears pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be held by the Purchaser for the account of the Seller, and, after deducting therefrom all reasonable third-party expenses incurred in connection with the collection thereof, the Purchaser shall remit the same to the Seller. For a period of one hundred fifty (150) days after the Closing Date, Purchaser shall make good faith efforts to collect any Arrears from the Tenants; provided, however, Purchaser will not be required to institute any proceeding to collect any such Arrears. Seller agrees not to commence any collection action or to terminate any Lease after the Effective Date without Purchaser’s consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, and Seller further agrees not to attempt to collect Arrears from any Tenant with a Lease that remains in effect as of Closing, provided, however, that, the foregoing prohibition shall not apply to Gold’s Gym, Jem Industries and any other Tenant that has vacated or vacates its premises or the Lease for which has expired or been terminated prior to the Closing. Purchaser shall not waive any amounts owing with respect to Arrears owing for the period prior to the Closing nor modify any Lease so as to reduce any base rents or charges owed under such Lease for the period prior to the Closing without first obtaining Seller’s prior written consent.

(d)       All assessments (other than real estate taxes) imposed by any governmental agency for improvements to benefit the Properties (“Assessments”) that are completed or imposed before the Effective Date shall be paid by Seller to the extent allocable to the period prior to Closing. All other Assessments shall be paid by Purchaser.

(e)       Except for those amounts being retained in the Post-Closing Lease Escrow, all leasing commissions, finders’ fees, Tenant allowances and credits shall be paid in full by Seller or credited to Purchaser at Closing to the extent allocable to the period prior to Closing.

(f)       With respect to any residential units that (a) are not in “made-ready” condition on the Closing Date, and (b) have been vacant for more than five (5) Business Days prior to Closing, Purchaser shall receive a credit against the Purchase Price of Five Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($550.00) per unit. For purposes hereof “made-ready” shall mean that vacant apartments have been thoroughly cleaned (including steam cleaning or similar deep cleaning of all carpeted areas, or carpet replacement if replacement would have been performed by Seller in the ordinary course of business prior to Closing if Seller was not selling the Property), walls cleaned or repainted consistent with Seller's past practices and that all apartments contain the following: (1) refrigerator-freezer unit in working condition; (2) dishwasher, garbage disposal, stove, oven, washer and dryer in working condition; (3) plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems, all in good working order; (4) floors fully covered with a combination of tile or linoleum and carpeting; (5) blinds and/or drapes on all windows in good operating condition or better, and (6) there is no material damage to the doors, walls, ceilings, fixtures, floors or windows, such that the apartment unit is in a condition (consistent with the standards of similar units in the Property) for immediate rental and occupancy.

(g)       In addition, if any obvious error in either the calculations or amount of final figures used in any closing adjustment is discovered after Closing, Purchaser and Seller agree to correct such error promptly upon notice from the other party and to use commercially reasonable efforts to correct such adjustment, provided, that, in all events, the parties shall make such

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adjustments, or confirm in writing that no such adjustments are necessary, within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the calendar year in which the closing occurs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party hereto not bringing to the attention of the other party, in writing within the period of one hundred twenty (120) days following the calendar year in which the closing occurs, a potential claim for a re-adjustment in prorations based on error, miscalculation or omission shall be deemed to have automatically waived and relinquished such claim.

(h)       The provisions of this Section 8.1 shall survive Closing for the Survival Period.

8.2         Transfer Taxes, Recording and other Fees  

(a)        Purchaser and Seller shall share equally any escrow fees charged by the Title Company in connection with administering the Closing and all other fees charged by the Escrow Agent. Purchaser shall be responsible for all costs and expenses relating to its inspection of the Properties.

(b)        Purchaser and Seller shall each pay one half (1/2) of all recording costs (other than recording costs for the removal of any title exceptions that Seller is responsible for pursuant to this Agreement, which cost shall be paid by Seller), transfer taxes, documentary stamps or similar fees charged for the conveyance of real property where the Properties are located. Seller and Purchaser shall each execute (and swear to where required) any returns, affidavits and/or statements required in connection with such taxes or fees. Purchaser and Seller shall each pay one half (1/2) of all escrow fees charged by the Title Company in connection with administering the Closing and one half (1/2) of all escrow fees charged by the Escrow Agent to perform its duties under this Agreement.

(c)       All other customary purchase and sale closing costs shall be paid by Seller or Purchaser in accordance with the customs with respect to title closings where the Properties are located.

8.3         Settlement Statement. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to jointly prepare a schedule of prorations (the “Settlement Statement”) not less than five (5) Business Days prior to Closing. The parties shall correct any errors in prorations as soon after the Closing as amounts are finally determined, which obligation shall survive Closing for the Survival Period.

Article IX
DELIVERIES

9.1         Seller Documents to be Delivered. At the Closing, the Seller shall deliver the following for each Property:

(a)       The Required Tenant Estoppels, the Property Agreements Certificates and any SNDAs;

(b)       Originals of the Leases (to the extent the same are in Seller’s possession or control, or reasonably obtainable by Seller);

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(c)       a Special Warranty Deed for each Premises in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 9.1(c) (the “Deed”); provided, if Purchaser obtains an updated legal description of any Premises based on a Survey, Seller shall also provide a quitclaim deed for such Premises quitclaiming to Purchaser all of Seller’s right, title and interest in the Premises;

(d)       a Bill of Sale for the Personal Property in the form of Exhibit 9.1(d);

(e)       The security deposits (by way of a credit to Purchaser, or if any such security deposit is in the form of a letter of credit, by delivery of the letter of credit to Purchaser) under the Leases;

(f)       A Rent Roll and schedule of Arrears each dated as of a date within five (5) days of the Closing Date;

(g)       All maintenance records, operating manuals, guarantees and warranties pertaining to the Properties, to the extent in the possession of or reasonably obtainable by Seller without cost to Seller;

(h)       A certificate, dated the Closing Date, stating that the representations and warranties of Seller contained in Section 6.1 hereof are true, correct and complete in all material respects as of such date (and subject to Section 6.3 above) in the form of Exhibit 9.1(i);

(i)       A FIRPTA Certificate in the form of Exhibit 9.1(j);

(j)       A notice to those utility companies providing services to the Properties in the form of Exhibit 9.1(j);

(k)       To the extent available and not otherwise included in the Due Diligence Materials delivered by Seller, copies of all warranties relating to the construction of the Improvements, together with assignment agreements pertaining to such warranties, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser and Seller;

(l)       Terminations, effective no later than Closing, of Seller’s existing property management and brokerage or leasing agreements for the Properties and Terminated Contracts; provided, however, for Service Contracts which have not been terminated effective as of Closing, then such terminations will be effective not more than thirty (30) days after Closing;

(m)       Evidence to be delivered to the Title Company of the existence, organization and authority of Seller and the authority of the persons executing the Seller’s Closing Documents on behalf of Seller, reasonably satisfactory to the Title Company, and

(n)       One or more affidavits reasonably required by the Title Company sufficient to have the general exceptions set forth in the title commitment deleted, together with a “gap” indemnity in form customarily required by the Title Company and reasonably acceptable to Seller and relating to the acts of Seller.

(o)       Such documents as are reasonably required by the Title Company pursuant to Section 5.4 with respect to the Giant ROFO.

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9.2         Purchaser Documents to be Delivered. At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver the following:

(a)       The reminder of the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2.1 as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.2 and Article VIII;

(b)       A certificate dated the Closing Date, stating that the representations and warranties or Purchaser contained in Section 6.2 hereof (as modified pursuant to Section 6.3) are true, correct and complete in all material respects as of such date, except as noted thereon substantially in the form of Exhibit 9.2(b); and

(c)       Evidence to be delivered to the Title Company of the existence, organization and authority of Purchaser and the authority of the persons executing the Closing documents on behalf of Purchaser, reasonably satisfactory to the Title Company

9.3         Joint Documents to be Delivered. At the Closing, the Seller and Purchaser shall jointly deliver the following for each Property:

(a)       An assignment and assumption of leases and security deposits in the form of Exhibit 9.3(a);

(b)       An assignment and assumption of Service Contracts and other Intangible Property in the form of Exhibit 9.3(b);

(c)       The Tenant Escrow Agreement pursuant to Section 2.2;

(d)       A letter to each of the Tenants advising them of the change in ownership and management of the applicable Property and the transfer of the security deposit, if any, and directing that rentals or other payments thereafter be paid to a payee designated by the Purchaser, and otherwise complying with applicable law in the form of Exhibit 9.3(d);

(e)       All transfer and other tax declarations as may be required by law in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

(f)       The Settlement Statement, pursuant to Section 8.3 above; and

(g)       Such other documents and instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this Agreement.

9.4         Possession. Immediately after the Closing, Seller shall deliver to the offices of Purchaser’s property manager (or the Properties or such other place as is reasonably convenient for Seller), to the extent in Seller’s possession, the keys as well as any security codes for the Properties. Purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the Properties upon the conclusion of Closing, subject to the Leases and the Permitted Exceptions.

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Article X
DEFAULTS

10.1         Seller’s Default.

(a)       Subject to the balance of this Section 10.1, if Seller shall default in performance of its obligations under this Agreement before Closing, or if Seller breaches in any material respect any of Seller’s representations and warranties set forth in Section 6.1, and such default or failure is not cured by Seller within five (5) Business Days after Seller’s receipt of written notice from Purchaser of such default or failure, subject to Seller’s right to extend the Closing pursuant to Section 7.9, then, Purchaser shall have the option, as its sole and exclusive remedy at law or equity to either (a) (i) terminate this Agreement and instruct Escrow Agent to immediately deliver the Deposit (together with any interest earned thereon) to Purchaser, and (ii) receive from Seller reimbursement of Purchaser’s actually incurred reasonable and necessary costs and expenses paid to third parties related to this Agreement and the Inspections, not to exceed Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) (collectively, “Reimbursable Costs”), and after Purchaser has recovered all such amounts, both parties shall be relieved of and released from any further liability hereunder other than those obligations which expressly survive the termination of this Agreement, or (b) seek the equitable remedy of specific performance, but only if such suit for specific performance is filed within sixty (60) days after the then-scheduled Closing Date. Purchaser agrees that it shall not be permitted to file any claim or pursue any cause of action arising from any express obligations of Seller under this Agreement (x) for lis pendens against any Property, (y) until the aggregate amount of all damages exceed One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) (the “Basket”), in which case, Purchaser shall be entitled to recover for all such damages regardless of the Basket, or (z) unless such claim or cause of action is filed not later than the expiration of the period which is nine (9) months after Closing (the “Survival Period”). Purchaser hereby waives all other remedies, including without limitation, any claim against Seller for any other damages of any type or kind including, without limitation, the right to claim any punitive, consequential, or speculative damages, except in the event of fraud or intentional misconduct.

(b)       To the extent that Seller has any obligations or liabilities of any kind after Closing under this Agreement, such liability shall in all events be limited to, and no action may be taken for amounts greater than, an aggregate amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the Purchase Price by one (1) percent (1%) (the “Cap”). Guarantor hereby unconditionally, irrevocably, jointly and severally, guarantees Seller’s payment obligations under this Section 10.1 (the “Guaranteed Obligations”), and Guarantor shall perform, or cause Seller to perform, the Guaranteed Obligations. This guarantee is, subject to the balance of this Section 10.1(b), a continuing guarantee of payment and performance, and not of collection, and will remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed Obligations have been performed and until any applicable appeal periods or statute of limitations with respect to same shall have expired. Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that this guarantee is full and unconditional and is in no way conditioned on or contingent upon (a) any attempt to enforce in whole or in part any Guaranteed Obligations, (b) the existence or continuance of any party hereto as legal entities, (c) the consolidation or merger of any party hereto with or into any other entity, (d) the sale, lease or disposition by any party hereto of all or substantially all of its assets to any other entity, (e) an event of bankruptcy of any party hereto, or (h) the adequacy of any means Purchaser may have of obtaining payment related to the

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Guaranteed Obligations hereunder. Guarantor hereby irrevocably consents to the amendment or modification to the terms of this Agreement and the other documents to be executed or delivered in connection herewith and waives any right to receive notice thereof. No invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations hereby guaranteed shall affect, impair or be a defense to this guaranty. This is a continuing guaranty for which Purchaser and its affiliates receive continuing consideration and all obligations to which it applies or may apply under the terms hereof shall be conclusively presumed to have been created in reliance hereon Guarantor’s obligations hereunder shall remain in effect for the Survival Period, unless a claim is filed against any Seller within the Survival Period, in which event Guarantor’s obligations shall remain in effect until such claim has been resolved, by litigation or otherwise, and all applicable appeal periods have expired. The Guarantor shall maintain cash or cash equivalents equal to the Cap and Guarantor will remain a going concern in good standing in the jurisdiction of its organization during the period of time Guarantor’s obligations hereunder remain in effect, including to the extent applicable, retaining such amounts in reserves or otherwise pursuant to a plan of liquidation or dissolution; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of liquidation or dissolution of Guarantor, the Guarantor shall have the right to deliver an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a regional or national bank and in a form reasonably acceptable to Purchaser and Guarantor, in the full amount of the then unused portion of the Cap. In addition to the foregoing, the following provisions shall apply with respect to the Guaranteed obligations:

(i)       The Guaranteed Obligations are not assignable by Guarantor.

(ii)        Purchaser may proceed and have right of action solely against any Guarantor and may grant relief or indulgence to any other party without such actions being or being deemed to be a release of the Guarantor's liability. 

(iii)       Guarantor shall have no rights of indemnification or subrogation against Seller unless and until the Agreement is performed to the satisfaction of Purchaser.  

(iv)       This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect regardless of whether or not Seller continues to be owned in whole or in part by Guarantor.

(v)       Purchaser shall be entitled to payment of its reasonably and actual attorney’s fees incurred in enforcing the provisions of this Section 10.1(b) and otherwise in seeking to collect payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.

Guarantor hereby joins separately in this Agreement solely to evidence its agreement to be bound by and to comply with the provisions of this Section 10.1(b). The provisions of this Section 10.1(b) shall survive Closing.

 

(c)        In addition, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if any of the representations or warranties of Seller that survive Closing contained in this Agreement or in any of Seller’s Closing Documents is false or inaccurate, or if Seller is in breach or default of any of its obligations under this Agreement that survive Closing, and if such false or inaccurate representations or warranties or such other breach or default was actually known to Purchaser prior to Closing and Purchaser nevertheless closes on the purchase of the Properties, then Purchaser shall be deemed to have accepted and to have waived such breach or default, Seller shall have no

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liability or obligation respecting such false or inaccurate representations or warranties or such other breach or default, and Purchaser shall have no cause of action with respect thereto. The parties agree that Purchaser shall be deemed to have actual knowledge of the information contained in the Diligence Materials listed on Exhibit 4.1(f). Seller shall notify Purchaser in writing of any breach of a representation or warranty set forth in this Agreement of which Seller has actual knowledge. Furthermore, except with respect to any covenants, representations or warranties set forth herein which are expressly to survive Closing hereunder, any and all covenants, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall merge in the deed and the other documents delivered at Closing and shall not survive Closing hereunder.

(d)       The terms and conditions of this Section 10.1 shall survive the Closing.

10.2         Purchaser’s Default. If Purchaser shall fail to close as and when set forth in this Agreement, Seller shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon giving notice to Purchaser, in which event Seller shall be entitled to instruct the Escrow Agent to pay the Deposit (together with any interest earned thereon) to Seller as liquidated damages, and, after Seller has received the Deposit, both parties shall be relieved of and released from any further liability hereunder other than those obligations which expressly survive the termination of this Agreement. Furthermore, Seller agrees that in no event shall it be entitled to, seek or obtain any other damages of any kind, including, without limitation, consequential, speculative or punitive damages. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 10.2 shall not limit Seller’s right and claim against Purchaser for any portion of the total Deposit which is not paid to Seller to the extent Seller is entitled thereto, or if Purchaser shall default in any obligations under this Agreement or be in breach of any indemnity that survives Closing (as opposed to any such breach or default of Purchaser’s obligations before Closing, for which Seller shall have no remedy other than with respect to Purchaser’s failure to close hereunder as set forth above in this Section 10.2). The terms and conditions of this Section 10.2 shall survive the Closing.

The parties agree that the Seller's actual damages would be difficult to ascertain and that the Deposit is the parties' best and good faith estimate of such damages and not a penalty.

Article XI
CASUALTY AND CONDEMNATION

11.1         Casualty. The risk of loss for damage to the Properties by fire or other Casualty (as defined below) shall remain will Seller until Closing. If, prior to the Closing, any Property or any portion thereof shall be damaged by fire or other casualty (a “Casualty”) such that, (i) a Tenant of such Premises shall have the right to terminate its Lease or abate, in full or in part, the payment of rent thereunder, or (ii) in the reasonable opinion of a contractor selected by Purchaser, the costs to repair the Casualty exceed two percent (2%) of the portion of the Purchase Price allocated to the applicable Property pursuant to Section 2.1 or, (iii) the time to restore the applicable Property to its condition as of the Effective Date would exceed one hundred fifty (150) days, or (iv) there is a material reduction in access to or parking for the applicable Property (in any such event, “Material Damage”), then Purchaser may elect, by written notice (such notice, a “Casualty Termination Notice”) to Seller within ten (10) Business Days after written notice from Seller of the occurrence of such Casualty, either to (a) proceed to Closing with respect to the damaged

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Property, in which event, at Closing, Seller shall pay or assign to Purchaser Seller’s rights to all monies received or receivable by Seller, if any, in connection with any insurance maintained by Seller with regard to the damaged Premises as a result of such fire or casualty, and the purchase and sale contemplated by this Agreement shall take place in the manner described herein, with the Purchaser receiving a credit for any deductible or retention related to Seller’s insurance, and the amount of any underinsured or uninsured damage caused by such Casualty, or (b) terminate this Agreement as to the damaged Property only, in which event the Purchase Price payable at Closing shall be decreased by the amount allocated to the damaged Property pursuant to Section 2.1. In the event a Property suffers a Casualty that entitles Purchaser to terminate this Agreement, and Purchaser terminates this Agreement with respect to all Properties, Purchaser shall have the right to instruct the Escrow Agent to return the Deposit (together with any interest thereon) to Purchaser and, after Purchaser’s receipt of the Deposit, neither party shall have any further rights, obligations or liabilities hereunder with respect to the applicable Properties other than those obligations which expressly survive the termination of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 11.1, if Purchaser should elect to terminate this Agreement in the event of Material Damage to one or more but not all of the Properties, then within ten (10) Business Days of Seller’s receipt of a Casualty Termination Notice, Seller may elect by written notice to Purchaser to terminate this Agreement as to the remaining Properties, in which event the Deposit shall be refunded to Purchaser and Seller shall pay to Purchaser the Reimbursable Costs. If Purchaser fails to so provide a Casualty Termination Notice, Purchaser shall conclusively be deemed to have elected to proceed to Closing. If applicable, the Closing Date shall be extended in order to permit Purchaser the full 10-Business Day period in which to elect whether to proceed to Closing or terminate this Agreement. If, prior to the Closing, any Property or any portion thereof shall be damaged by fire or other that does not constitute Material Damage, then the parties shall proceed to Closing, in which event, at Closing, Seller shall pay or assign to Purchaser Seller’s rights to all monies received or receivable by Seller, if any, in connection with any insurance maintained by Seller with regard to the Property as a result of such Casualty, and the purchase and sale contemplated by this Agreement shall take place in the manner described herein, with the Purchaser receiving a credit for any deductible, self-insured, co-insured or underinsured amounts related to Seller’s insurance.

11.2         Condemnation. If, prior to the Closing, a Property or any portion thereof shall be taken by any governmental authority under a power or threat of eminent domain, such that there is a material reduction in access to or parking for the applicable Property, or any Required Tenant would have the right to terminate its Lease, Seller shall promptly notify Purchaser of the same in writing and then Purchaser may elect, by written notice to Seller no later than ten (10) Business Days following Purchaser’s receipt of written notice of such taking or pending action, including notice of any condemnation award payable in connection therewith, either to (a) proceed to Closing, in which event, at Closing, Seller shall assign Seller’s rights to any condemnation award to Purchaser, or (b) terminate this Agreement as to the affected Properties as provided in Section 11.1 above (and Seller shall have the same right to terminate this Agreement and pay to Purchaser the Reimbursable Costs as provided in Section 11.1 above). If Purchaser fails to provide such notice, Purchaser shall conclusively be deemed to have elected to proceed to Closing. If applicable, the Closing Date shall be extended in order to permit Purchaser the full 10-Business Day period in which to elect whether to proceed to Closing or terminate this Agreement.

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Article XII
MISCELLANEOUS

12.1         OFAC. Purchaser represents, warrants and covenants to Seller that neither Purchaser nor to Purchaser’s knowledge, any of its members (including without limitation any (x) assignee of Purchaser under this Agreement, in accordance with its terms and conditions, or (y) members of any party described in (x) or (y) above, respectively) (i) is listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control, Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) pursuant to Executive Order No. 13224, 66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (September 25, 2001) (the “Order”); (ii) is listed on any other list of terrorists or terrorist organizations maintained pursuant to the Order, the rules and regulations of OFAC or any other applicable requirements contained in any enabling legislation or other Executive Orders in respect of the Order (the Order and such other rules, regulations, legislation or orders are collectively called the “Orders”); (iii) is engaged in activities prohibited in the Order; or (iv) has been convicted, pleaded nolo contendere, indicted, arraigned or custodially detained on charges involving money laundering or predicate crimes to money laundering. Seller represents, warrants and covenants to Purchaser that neither Seller nor any of its members (a) is listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List maintained by OFAC pursuant to the Order; (b) is listed on any other list of terrorists or terrorist organizations maintained pursuant to the Order, the rules and regulations of OFAC or any other applicable requirements contained in any enabling legislation or other Executive Orders in respect of the Order or Orders; (c) is engaged in activities prohibited in the Order or Orders; or (d) has been convicted, pleaded nolo contendere, indicted, arraigned or custodially detained on charges involving money laundering or predicate crimes to money laundering.

12.2         Notices. All notices or other communications required or provided to be sent by either party shall be in writing and shall be sent: (i) by United States Postal Service, certified mail, return receipt requested, (ii) by any nationally known overnight delivery service for next day delivery, (iii) by delivery in person, (iv) by e-mail in PDF format or its equivalent. In the event notice is given by e-mail (iv) in the immediately preceding sentence, then notice shall also be given by either (i), (ii) or (iii) in the immediately preceding sentence, except if receipt of such e-mail notice is acknowledged by its recipient by reply e-mail prior to 6:00 PM Eastern Time on the same day such e-mail notice is given. All notices shall be addressed to the parties at the addresses below:

To Purchaser:

MCB Acquisition Company, LLC

2701 N. Charles Street, Suite 404

Baltimore, Maryland 21218

Attn: P. David Bramble

e-mail: dbramble@mcbrealestate.com

 

with a copies to:
 

MCB Acquisition Company, LLC

2701 N. Charles Street, Suite 404

Baltimore, Maryland 21218

Attn: Ryan Bailey

e-mail: RBailey@mcbrealestate.com

 

 

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and to (which shall not constitute notice)

 

Abramoff Neuberger LLP

2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 300

Baltimore, Maryland 21209

Attn: Nancy Haas, Esquire

e-mail: nhaas@abrneu.com

 
To Seller:

c/o Hekemian & Co., Inc.

505 Main Street, P.O. Box 667

Hackensack, NJ 07602

Attn: Christopher Bell

e-mail: chris@hekemian.com

 

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

 

Venable LLP

600 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20001

Attention: Ted Millspaugh

Telephone: (202) 344-4596

e-mail: tmillspaugh@venable.com

   

and to (which shall not constitute notice):

 

 

Giordano Halleran & Cielsa

125 Half Mile Road, Suite 300

Red Bank, NJ 07701-6777

Attention: John A. Aiello

e-mail: jaiello@ghclaw.com

   

All notices sent by mail and overnight delivery shall be deemed effectively given on receipt or if delivery is attempted on a Business Day and refused, on the date of such attempted delivery. In the event notice is given by electronic mail in PDF format or its equivalent, then notice shall be deemed effectively given on the date and time sent provided the original notice is sent in accordance with the additional delivery required pursuant to this Section 12.2. The attorneys for the parties are hereby specifically authorized to give and to receive notice on behalf of their respective client.

12.3          Expenses of Transaction. Each party shall be solely responsible for its own expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.

12.4          Broker. All negotiations relative to this Agreement and the purchase and sale of the Properties as contemplated by and provided for in this Agreement have been conducted by and between Seller and Purchaser without the intervention of any person or other party as agent or

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broker. Seller and Purchaser warrant and represent to each other that there are and will be no broker’s commissions or fees payable in connection with this Agreement or the purchase and sale of the Properties by reason of their respective dealings, negotiations or communications. Seller and Purchaser do each hereby indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other from and against the claims, demands, actions and judgments of any and all brokers, agents, and other intermediaries alleging a commission, fee or other payment to be owing by reason of their claimed agency relationship with the indemnitor and relating to their dealings, negotiations or communications in connection with this Agreement or the purchase and sale of the Properties. The provisions of this section shall survive Closing or the termination of this Agreement.

12.5          Waiver of Trial by Jury. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EACH OF PURCHASER AND SELLER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY DOCUMENT DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CONTRACT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.

12.6          Drafting Ambiguities; Interpretation; Captions. In interpreting any provision of this Agreement, no weight shall be given to, nor shall any construction or interpretation be influenced by, the fact that counsel for one of the parties drafted this Agreement, each party recognizing that it and its counsel have had an opportunity to review this Agreement and have contributed to the final form of same. Unless otherwise specified (a) whenever the singular number is used in this Agreement, the same shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular; (b) the words “consent” or “approve” or words of similar import, mean the prior written consent or approval of the party whose consent is required, (c) the words “include” and “including”, and words of similar import, shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”, and (d) the preamble and recitals to this Agreement, and all exhibits and schedules attached hereto, are incorporated herein by reference. The captions at the beginning of the sections in this Agreement are for convenience in locating the context but are not part of the context.

12.7          Business Days. The term “Business Day” or “business days” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in Maryland are obligated or authorized by law or executive action to be closed to the transaction of normal banking business. Unless otherwise specified, in computing any period of time described herein, the day of the act or event after which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included and the last day of the period so computed is to be included at, unless such last day is not a Business Day, then such date will be extended to the next Business Day.

12.8          Counterparts; Electronic Signature. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Electronic transmission of an original signature shall be deemed an original and shall be binding on the parties.

12.9          Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles. Exclusive venue for any action

33 

 

brought with respect to this Agreement shall lie in the State court for the jurisdiction in which the Property is located, or if applicable, in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

12.10          Severability. In the event any term or provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid, unenforceable or inoperative as a matter of law, the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, but each such term and provision shall be valid and shall remain in full force and effect.

12.11          Entire Agreement; Modifications. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior written or oral agreements or understanding pertaining to such matter to which either of the parties is a party to or beneficiary of. This Agreement may not be amended or modified, nor may any obligation hereunder be waived orally, and no such amendment or modification will be effective for any purpose unless it is in writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement thereof is sought.

12.12          Confidentiality. Purchaser and Seller agree to maintain the confidentiality of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and the transactions contemplated hereunder, and neither shall disclose any such information without the consent of the other party, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or as may be required by applicable law or for those disclosures reasonably necessary to be made to the Title Company, surveyors, investors, attorneys, accountants, lenders, engineers, agents and other consultants reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, or as otherwise required by law. Neither party shall release a press release regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement until Closing shall have occurred, without the prior written consent of the other party. The provisions of this Section 12.12 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

12.13          Timing. Time is of the essence of this Agreement (other than with respect to such extension and cure rights that are expressly stated herein).

12.14          Invalidity and Waiver. If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid or inoperative, then so far as is reasonable and possible the remainder of this Agreement shall be deemed valid and operative, and, to the greatest extent legally possible, effect shall be given to the intent manifested by the portion held invalid or inoperative. The failure by either party to enforce against the other any term or provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such party's right to enforce against the other party by the same or any other such term or provision in the future.

12.15          Further Assurances. The parties hereto will promptly execute and deliver all instruments and documents and take all further action at the requesting party’s expense, as each party may reasonably request from time to time from the other in order to perfect and protect the various agreements and understandings of the respective parties hereto as set forth in this Agreement, and to further enable each party to exercise and enforce their respective rights and remedies as may be available at law or in equity to enforce the provisions of this Agreement and carry out the intent and purposes of the parties hereto. This provision shall survive Closing or any termination of this Agreement.

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12.16          Assignment. Seller shall not directly or indirectly assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement. Purchaser may assign, in whole or in part, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, including the right to purchase any Property, to one or more affiliates, and Purchaser may delegate at the Closing the right to receive the Deed for any Property to one or more of its affiliates, provided. Purchaser shall notify Seller in writing of any proposed assignment or designation and provide a copy of the proposed assignment. Such assignment or designation shall not release Purchaser from its obligations under this Agreement. For purposes of this Section 12.16, “affiliate” shall mean any entity controlled by or under common control with, or which controls Purchaser (the term “control” for these purposes means the ability, whether by the ownership of shares or other equity interests, by contract or otherwise, to elect a majority of the directors of a corporation, to make management decisions on behalf of, or independently to select the managing partner of, a partnership, or otherwise to have the power independently to remove and then select a majority of those individuals exercising managerial authority over an entity, and control shall be conclusively presumed in the case of the ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the equity interests).

12.17          Several Obligations. All such entities comprising the “Seller” described in this Agreement shall have several, and not joint, liability for the obligations of the applicable Seller hereunder.

12.18          Section 1031 Exchange. Either party may consummate the purchase or sale (as applicable) of the Properties as part of a so-called like kind exchange (an “Exchange”) pursuant to § 1031 of the Code, provided that: (a) the Closing shall not be delayed or affected by reason of the Exchange nor shall the consummation or accomplishment of an Exchange be a condition precedent or condition subsequent to the exchanging party’s obligations under this Agreement, (b) the exchanging party shall effect its Exchange through an assignment of this Agreement, or its rights under this Agreement, to a qualified intermediary, (c) neither party shall be required to take an assignment of the purchase agreement for the relinquished or replacement property or be required to acquire or hold title to any real property for purposes of consummating an Exchange desired by the other party; and (d) the exchanging party shall pay any additional costs that would not otherwise have been incurred by the non-exchanging party had the exchanging party not consummated the transaction through an Exchange (such payment obligation shall survive Closing or any termination of this Agreement). Neither party shall by this Agreement or acquiescence to an Exchange desired by the other party have its rights under this Agreement affected or diminished in any manner or be responsible for compliance with or be deemed to have warranted to the exchanging party that its Exchange in fact complies with § 1031 of the Code.

12.19          Attorneys’ Fees. In the event of any litigation between Seller and Purchaser relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the nonprevailing party its actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs at both the trial and appellate level.

12.20          No Personal Liability. No employee, officer, director, trustee, partner, member, shareholder, affiliate or other owner of Seller, or any investment manager or other agent of Seller, or such respective parties’ constituent employees, officers, directors, trustees, partners, members, shareholders, affiliates, investors or other owners, shall be personally liable or responsible for any duties, obligations or liabilities of the Seller hereunder or in any other

35 

 

connection with the Property or this transaction. No employee, officer, director, trustee, partner, member, shareholder, affiliate or other owner of Purchaser, or any investment manager or other agent of Purchaser, or such respective parties’ constituent employees, officers, directors, trustees, partners, members, shareholders, affiliates, investors or other owners, shall be personally liable or responsible for any duties, obligations or liabilities of the Purchaser hereunder or in any other connection with the Property or this transaction. This Section 12.20 shall survive the Closing or the earlier termination of this Agreement.

12.21          Required State and County Disclosures. Purchaser acknowledges the disclosures set forth on Exhibit 12.21 attached hereto.

 

 

 

 

 

[SIGNATURES PAGE FOLLOWS]

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Execution Version

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

  SELLER:
     
  WestFREIT Corp.,
  a Maryland corporation
     
     
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Title: CEO and President
     
     
  Damascus Centre, LLC,
  a New Jersey limited liability company
     
     
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Title: CEO and President
     
     
  Grande Rotunda, LLC,
  a Maryland limited liability company
     
     
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Title: CEO and President

 

 

[Signature Page to Purchase and Sale Agreement]

37 

 

Execution Version

 

  PURCHASER:
     
  MCB Acquisition Company, LLC,
  a Maryland limited liability company
     
     
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble
    P. David Bramble
    Executive Manager

 

[Signature Page to Purchase and Sale Agreement]

38 

 

Execution Version

 

JOINDER

 

 

The undersigned joins for the sole purpose of consenting to and agreeing to be bound by the provisions of Section 10.1(b) of this Agreement.

 

 

  First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc.
  a Maryland corporation
     
     
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.
  Title: CEO and President

 

 

[Signature Page to Purchase and Sale Agreement]

39 

 

Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, all schedules and exhibits have been omitted. The registrant will provide a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

SCHEDULE OF EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibit 1.1(a) Legal Description of the Land
Exhibit 2.2(a)(i) and (a)(ii) Pending Leases
Exhibit 4.1(f) Due Diligence Materials
Exhibit 6.1(b)(ii) Rent Roll
Exhibit 6.1(b)(v) Unresolved Tenant Contests
Exhibit 6.1(b)(vi) Outstanding Lease Obligations (Landlord Work, Outstanding Tenant Improvement Allowances and Brokerage Commissions)
Exhibit 6.1(b)(viii) Pending Litigation and Default Notices
Exhibit 6.1(c) Service Contracts
Exhibit 6.1(d) Excluded Personal Property
Exhibit 6.1(e) List of Employees
Exhibit 7.9(a) Form of Tenant Estoppel Certificate
Exhibit 7.9-1 Required Tenants
Exhibit 7.10 Form of Property Agreements Certificates
Exhibit 9.1(c) Form of Special Warranty Deed
Exhibit 9.1(d) Form of Bill of Sale
Exhibit 9.1(h) Form of Seller’s Closing Certificate
Exhibit 9.1(i) Form of FIRPTA Certificate
Exhibit 9.1(j) Form of Notice to Utility Companies
Exhibit 9.2(b) Form of Purchaser’s Closing Certificate
Exhibit 9.3(a) Form of Assignment and Assumption of Leases and Security Deposits

 

Schedule of Exhibits, Page 1

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Exhibit 9.3(b) Form of Assignment and Assumption of Service Contracts and Intangible Property
Exhibit 9.3(d) Form of Notice to Tenants
Exhibit 12.21 State and County Disclosures

 

 

 Exhibit A, Page 2

Pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, all schedules and exhibits have been omitted. The registrant will provide a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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EXHIBIT 10.13

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), is made as of the 22nd day of December, 2021, by and by and among WestFREIT Corp., a Maryland corporation (“Westridge Owner”), Damascus Centre, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Damascus Owner”), and Grande Rotunda, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Rotunda Owner”; each also individually “Seller,” and collectively, “Seller”), and MCB Acquisition Company LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Purchaser”, which term shall also be deemed to include its permissible successors, assigns and designees).

RECITALS

A.       Seller and Buyer entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 22, 2021 (the “Agreement”) for the purchase of three (3) properties located in Maryland described in the Agreement as the Westridge Property, the Damascus Property and the Rotunda Property, and as more particularly described in the Agreement.

B.       Seller and Buyer have agreed to amend the Agreement as set forth below in this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing recitals, together with other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Purchaser and Seller hereby agree as follows:

1.         Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Amendment.

2.         Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

3.         Due Diligence. The Due Diligence Period set forth in Section 4.1 of the Agreement is hereby extended until 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time on December 23, 2021.

4.         Deposit. Seller and Purchaser agree that notwithstanding the terms of the Agreement, Purchaser shall not be obligated to fund the portion of the Deposit to be funded within three (3) Business Days after the expiration of the Due Diligence Period pursuant to Section 2.1(c) of the Agreement if Purchaser notifies Seller in writing prior to 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time on December 28, 2021 that it has elected to terminate the Agreement. The foregoing shall not be construed to render the Initial Deposit refundable to Purchaser except as expressly set forth in the Agreement.

5.         Full Force and Effect. Except as amended hereby, the Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect.

6.        Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute a single agreement. A signature delivered via facsimile, email, or attachment to email shall be equally as effective as an original signature delivered in-person, via mail, or via any other means.

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first above written.

 

  SELLER:  
       
  WestFREIT Corp.,  
  a Maryland corporation  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Damascus Centre, LLC,  
  a New Jersey limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Grande Rotunda, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  

 

 

[Signature Page to First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement]

 

 

 

  PURCHASER:  
       
  MCB Acquisition Company, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    Executive Manager  

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement]

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.14

SECOND AMENDMENT TO

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), is made as of the 23rd day of December, 2021, by and by and among WestFREIT Corp., a Maryland corporation (“Westridge Owner”), Damascus Centre, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Damascus Owner”), and Grande Rotunda, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Rotunda Owner”; each also individually “Seller,” and collectively, “Seller”), and MCB Acquisition Company LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Purchaser”, which term shall also be deemed to include its permissible successors, assigns and designees).

RECITALS

A.       Seller and Buyer entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 22, 2021 (the “Original Agreement”), as amended by the First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 22, 2021 (the “First Amendment”, and together with the Original Agreement, the “Agreement”) for the purchase of three (3) properties located in Maryland described in the Agreement as the Westridge Property, the Damascus Property and the Rotunda Property, and as more particularly described in the Agreement.

B.       The First Amendment extended the Due Diligence Period to 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time on December 23, 2021.

C.       Seller and Buyer have agreed to further amend the Agreement as set forth below in this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing recitals, together with other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Purchaser and Seller hereby agree as follows:

1.       Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Amendment.

2.       Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.

3.       Due Diligence. The Due Diligence Period set forth in Section 4.1 of the Agreement is hereby extended until 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time on December 28, 2021.

4.       Deposit. Seller and Purchaser agree that notwithstanding the terms of the Agreement, Purchaser shall be obligated to deposit the Additional Deposit with the Title Company on or before to 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time on December 28, 2021.

5.       Full Force and Effect. Except as amended hereby, the Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect.

6.       Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall

 

 

constitute a single agreement. A signature delivered via facsimile, email, or attachment to email shall be equally as effective as an original signature delivered in-person, via mail, or via any other means.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first above written.

  SELLER:  
       
  WestFREIT Corp.,  
  a Maryland corporation  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Damascus Centre, LLC,  
  a New Jersey limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Grande Rotunda, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  

  

 

[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement – MCB/Hekemian]

 

 

  PURCHASER:  
       
  MCB Acquisition Company, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    Executive Manager  

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement – MCB/Hekemian]

 

 

EXBHIBIT 10.15

 

THIRD AMENDMENT

TO

PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

 

 

THIS THIRD AMENDMENT TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), is effective as of December 28, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), by and among WestFREIT Corp., a Maryland corporation (“Westridge Owner”), Damascus Centre, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Damascus Owner”), and Grande Rotunda, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Rotunda Owner”; each also individually “Seller,” and collectively, “Seller”); and MCB Acquisition Company LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (“Purchaser”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

A.       Seller and Purchaser entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 22, 2021 (the “Original Agreement”), as amended by the First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 22, 2021 (the “First Amendment”), and as further amended by the Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 23, 2021 (the Second Amendment”, and together with the Original Agreement and the First Amendment, the “Agreement”) for the purchase of three (3) properties located in Maryland described in the Agreement as the Westridge Property, the Damascus Property and the Rotunda Property, and as more particularly described in the Agreement.

B.       The First Amendment extended the Due Diligence Period to 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time on December 23, 2021, and the Second Amendment further extended the Due Diligence Period to 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time on December 28, 2021.

C.       Seller and Purchaser have agreed to further amend the Agreement as set forth below in this Amendment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants of Seller and Purchaser set forth below and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge, Seller and Purchaser agree as follows:

1.         Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Amendment.

2.        Definitions. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all capitalized terms not expressly defined herein shall have the same meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.

3.       Amendment of Purchase Price. Section 2.1(a) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“2.1 Purchase Price.

(a)       The purchase price for the Properties (the “Purchase Price”) shall be Two Hundred Forty-Eight Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Nine and 40/100 Dollars ($248,750,269.40) which shall be allocated among the Properties as follows:

Westridge Property: $20,984,604.02
Damascus Property: $36,685,066.72

 

 

 

Rotunda Property: $191,080,598.66”

 

4.           Amendment to Closing Date. The Closing Date set forth in Section 3.1 of the Original Agreement is hereby amended to mean the earlier of (a) the date that is five (5) Business Days after Seller’s delivery of the Required Estoppel Certificates pursuant to Section 7.9 of the Original Agreement and (b) January 14, 2021. Any provisions of the Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, Seller shall have no further right to extend the Closing Date beyond January 14, 2021.

5.           Deposit of Funds in the Post-Closing Lease Escrows. Seller and Purchaser agree that the first sentence of Section 2.2(a) of the Original Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “At Closing, a portion of the Purchase Price shall be held in escrow (the “Post-Closing Lease Escrow”) by the Escrow Agent” and substituting in lieu thereof “At Closing Purchaser shall deposit in escrow (the “Post Closing Lease Escrow”) with the Escrow Agent,” such that Purchaser, in lieu of Seller, shall be obligated to deposit in the Post-Closing Lease Escrow the following amounts for each of the Properties:

Westridge Property:   $1,015,395.98
Damascus Property:      $484,933.28
Rotunda Property: $14,026,401.34

In addition, the form of agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby approved and shall serve as the Tenant Escrow Agreement for the Rotunda Property for purposes of the Agreement, and will serve as the basis for the form of Tenant Escrow Agreement for the Westridge Property and the Damascus Property, with all references to, and provisions for the benefit of, the “Lender” deleted.

6.            Expiration of the Due Diligence Period. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that effective as of the Effective Date, the Due Diligence Period, which was extended pursuant to the First Amendment and the Second Amendment, is hereby expired.

7.           Full Force and Effect. Except as amended hereby, the Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect.

8.           Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute a single agreement. A signature delivered via facsimile, email, or attachment to email shall be equally as effective as an original signature delivered in-person, via mail, or via any other means.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

2

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the day and year first above written.

  SELLER:  
       
  WestFREIT Corp.,  
  a Maryland corporation  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Damascus Centre, LLC,  
  a New Jersey limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Grande Rotunda, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signatures Continue on Following Page]

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement – MCB/Hekemian]

 

 

  PURCHASER:  
       
  MCB Acquisition Company, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    Executive Manager  

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement – MCB/Hekemian]

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Form of Post-Closing Escrow Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.16

 

CLOSING AND ESCROW AGREEMENT

 

 

THIS CLOSING AND ESCROW AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is effective as of December 30, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), by and among WestFREIT Corp. (“Westridge Owner”), Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus Owner”), and Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Rotunda Owner”; each also individually and collectively “Seller”; and MCB Acquisition Company LLC (“Purchaser”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

A.       Seller and Purchaser entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 22, 2021 (the “Original Agreement”), as amended by First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 22, 2021 (the “First Amendment”), by Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 23, 2021 (the Second Amendment”), and by Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 28, 2021 (the Third Amendment”) (such Original Agreement, First Amendment, Second Amendment, Third Amendment and this Agreement hereinafter collectively the “Agreement”), pertaining to the purchase and sale of three (3) properties located in Maryland and described in the Agreement as the Westridge Property, the Damascus Property and the Rotunda Property, all as more particularly described in the Agreement.

 

B.       Seller and Purchaser have agreed, among other things, to bifurcate settlement of the transaction into more than one closing and to provide for an escrow of certain funds to address a certain tenant issue at one of the Properties, all as set forth hereinbelow.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants of Seller and Purchaser set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Seller and Purchaser agree as follows:

 

1.       Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement.

 

2.       Definitions. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all capitalized terms not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Agreement.

 

3.       Amendment to Closing Date. The Closing Date, as established in the Original Agreement and amended in the Third Amendment, is hereby further amended to occur (i) with regard to the Rotunda Property and, if mutually agreed by the Seller and Purchaser, the Westridge Property (in either case, the “First Closing Property”), on December 30, 2021 (the “First Closing Date”), and (ii) with regard to the remaining Property beyond the First Closing Property which is not closed on the First Closing Date (the “Second Closing Property”), on that date established as the Closing Date in Section 4 of the Third Amendment (the “Second Closing Date”).

 

4.      Application of the Purchase Price. The portions of the Purchase Price (modified and set forth in Section 3 of the Third Amendment) to apply to the First Closing Property on the First Closing Date, and to apply to the Second Closing Property on the Second Closing Date, shall be in

1 

 

accordance with the allocations of the Purchase Price set forth in such Section 3 of the Third Amendment (amending Section 2.1(a) of the Original Agreement).

 

5.       Application of the Deposit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, the Deposit under the Agreement (posted as contemplated in Section 4 of the Second Amendment) shall not be applied and credited toward the portion of the Purchase Price for the First Closing Property on the First Closing Date, but shall rather remain in escrow in full, according to the terms of the Agreement, to be applied and credited toward the portion of the Purchase Price for the Second Closing Property on the Second Closing Date. All other provisions regarding the application, payment, return and/or forfeiture of the Deposit in the Agreement shall be remain unchanged.

 

6.       Application of Agreement to Closings. All terms, covenants, conditions and liabilities of the Seller and the Purchaser under the Agreement (collectively the “Obligations”) shall apply to all of the Property under the Agreement in the same manner as set forth prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement (and notwithstanding the bifurcation of the Closing Date provided herein). Notwithstanding the foregoing, those portions of the Obligations set forth in the Agreement as applicable after the Closing Date (including but not limited to representations and warranties set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Original Agreement, the apportionments described in Section 8.1 of the Original Agreement, the Survival Period and Cap set forth in Section 10.1 of the Original Agreement, and the like) shall be applied and applicable, with regard to the First Closing Property, after the First Closing Date, and shall be applied and applicable, with regard to the Second Closing Property, after the Second Closing Date.

 

7.      Escrow Funds. The parties acknowledge that a tenant at the Rotunda Property, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (the “Space Telescope Tenant”), under Lease dated 6/1/2015 and amended 7/19/2016, 3/30/2017, 4/23/2019 and 5/31/20 (the “Space Telescope Lease”), has raised a claim for certain reimbursements of space improvement costs that are in dispute by the Rotunda Owner as landlord under the Space Telescope Lease. As security for resolution of such dispute, the Seller has agreed to place in escrow with the Escrow Agent a portion of the proceeds of the Purchase Price in the amount of $90,000.00 (the “STT Escrow Funds”) as security for resolution of such dispute with the Space Telescope Tenant. The parties agree to cooperate together and work in good faith to resolve such dispute, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Seller and the Purchaser, as promptly as possible after closing on the purchase and sale of the Rotunda Property on the First Closing Date. In the event that such dispute is not resolved within sixty (60) days after the First Closing Date, the Purchaser shall be entitled to receipt of such escrowed funds and to apply such funds toward resolution of the dispute. Any such application of any portion of the funds by the Purchaser towards resolution of the dispute shall be subject to the approval of the Seller (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Seller shall be entitled to (i) return of any of the STT Escrow Funds which are ultimately not applied toward final resolution of the dispute which is effectuated with the Space Telescope Tenant, and (ii) in all events, a return of any STT Escrow Funds which remain in escrow with the Escrow Agent one hundred and eighty (180) days after the First Closing Date. The parties agree, promptly after the First Closing Date, to enter into any reasonable separate agreement covering such holding and disbursement of the STT Escrow Funds that may be required by the Escrow Agent.

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8.       Required Estoppels. The parties acknowledge that one or more of the Required Estoppel Certificates from certain Required Tenants may not have been delivered in connection with the First Closing Property on the First Closing Date as required by Section 7.9 of the Original Agreement. In such event, the Seller agrees that (i) the Seller’s Obligations regarding the delivery of such Required Estoppel Certificates (including Seller’s obligation to use good faith and commercially reasonable efforts to obtain them) shall continue after the First Closing Date, and (ii) until actual delivery of such Required Estoppels, the Seller shall be deemed to have made such Required Estoppel Certificates, in the form most recently requested from the applicable Required Tenants, as additional representations and warranties under Section 6.1 of the Original Agreement, but as qualified to the Seller’s knowledge in all respects. For purposes of clarification of the foregoing clause (i) in this provision, the parties acknowledge and agree that an estoppel certificate has been delivered from the Required Tenant known as “Brick Bodies”, but such estoppel certificate has not yet satisfied the requirements of a Required Estoppel Certificate from such Required Tenant. In addition, for purposes of clarification of clause (ii) above in this provision, the representations and warranties of the Seller with regard to the Required Tenant Estoppels shall be treated as Guaranteed Obligations under Section 10.1(b) of the Original Agreement and subject to the Basket, Cap and Survival Period under Section 10.1(a) of the Original Agreement. Upon delivery of the Required Tenant Estoppels as executed by the Required Tenants, and in all events upon expiration of the Survival Period (regardless of whether or not the Required Estoppel Certificates as executed by the Required Tenants have been delivered at such time), the additional representations and warranties created by this provision shall have expired and been extinguished, with any further Obligations of the Seller with respect thereto being deemed waived and released.

 

9.       Full Force and Effect. Except as amended hereby, the Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect, binding on the parties according to its terms.

 

10.       Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute a single agreement. A signature delivered via facsimile, email, or attachment to email shall be equally as effective as an original signature delivered in-person, via mail, or via any other means.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

3 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

  SELLER:  
       
  WestFREIT Corp.,  
  a Maryland corporation  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Damascus Centre, LLC,  
  a New Jersey limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Grande Rotunda, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signatures Continue on Following Page]

 

4 

 

  PURCHASER:  
       
  MCB Acquisition Company, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    Executive Manager  

 

 

5 

 

 

EXHIBIT 10.17

 

CLOSING AGREEMENT

 

THIS CLOSING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is effective as of January 7, 2022 (the “Effective Date”), by and among WestFREIT Corp. (“Westridge Owner”), Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus Owner”), and Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Rotunda Owner”; each also individually and collectively “Seller”; and MCB Acquisition Company LLC (“MCB”), MCB Westridge LLC (“MCB Westridge”), MCB Damascus LLC (“MCB Damascus”), and MCB Rotunda Owner LLC (“MCB Rotunda”; also individually and collectively, “Purchaser”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

A.       Seller and MCB entered into that certain Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 22, 2021 (the “Original Agreement”), as amended by First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 22, 2021 (the “First Amendment”), by Second Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 23, 2021 (the Second Amendment”), by Third Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 28, 2021 (the Third Amendment”), by Closing and Escrow Agreement dated as of December 30, 2021 (the “Closing Agreement”), and as assigned in part to each of MCB Westridge, MCB Rotunda and MCB Westridge pursuant to that certain Assignment of Purchase and Sale Agreement as of December 30, 2021 (the “Assignment”; such Original Agreement, First Amendment, Second Amendment, Third Amendment, Closing Agreement, Assignment and this Agreement hereinafter collectively the “Purchase Agreement”), pertaining to the purchase and sale of three (3) properties located in Maryland and described in the Purchase Agreement as the Westridge Property, the Damascus Property and the Rotunda Property, all as more particularly described in the Purchase Agreement.

 

B.       Seller and Purchaser agreed in the Closing Agreement, among other things, to bifurcate settlement of the transaction into more than one closing.

 

C.       The Closing for the First Closing Property (the Rotunda Property) occurred on December 30, 2021.

 

D.       The parties are contemplating closing on the Westridge Property and possibly the Damascus Property on the Effective Date, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants of Seller and Purchaser set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Seller and Purchaser agree as follows:

 

1.       Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement.

 

2.       Definitions. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all capitalized terms not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

 

3.       Amendment to Closing Date. The Closing Date for the Westridge Property and the

1 

 

Damascus Property shall be the Effective Date; provided, however in the event the Closing for the Damascus Property shall not have occurred on the Effective Date because of the failure to receive a Tenant Estoppel Certificate from Safeway, then the Closing Date for the Damascus Property (the “Third Closing Property” shall be that date as established in Section 4 of the Third Amendment (hereinafter, the “Third Closing Date”).

 

4.       Application of the Purchase Price. The portions of the Purchase Price (modified and set forth in Section 3 of the Third Amendment) to apply to the Second Closing Property on the Second Closing Date, and to apply to the Third Closing Property on the Third Closing Date, shall be in accordance with the allocations of the Purchase Price set forth in such Section 3 of the Third Amendment (amending Section 2.1(a) of the Original Agreement).        

 

5.       Application of the Deposit. In the event the Closing on the Damascus Property is deferred until the Third Closing Date, then an amount equal to $2,500,000 of the Deposit under the Purchase Agreement (posted as contemplated in Section 4 of the Second Amendment) shall continue to be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent to be applied and credited toward the portion of the Purchase Price for the Closing on the Damascus Property. All other provisions regarding the application, payment, return and/or forfeiture of the Deposit in the Agreement shall be remain unchanged.

 

6.       Application of Agreement to Closings. All terms, covenants, conditions and liabilities of the Seller and the Purchaser under the Agreement (collectively the “Obligations”) shall apply to all of the Property under the Agreement in the same manner as set forth prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement (and notwithstanding the bifurcation of the Closing Date provided in the Closing Agreement and herein). Notwithstanding the foregoing, those portions of the Obligations set forth in the Purchase Agreement as applicable after the Closing Date (including but not limited to representations and warranties set forth in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Original Agreement, the apportionments described in Section 8.1 of the Original Agreement, the Survival Period and Cap set forth in Section 10.1 of the Original Agreement, and the like) shall be applied and applicable, with regard to the First Closing Property, after the First Closing Date, with regard to the Second Closing Property, after the Second Closing Date, and with regard to the Third Closing Property after the Third Closing Date.

 

7.       Required Estoppels; CAM, Tax and Insurance Reconciliations. The parties acknowledge that one or more of the Required Estoppel Certificates from certain Required Tenants and the Remaining Estoppel Certificates have not been delivered of the Effective Date as required by Section 7.9 of the Original Agreement. Seller agrees that (i) the Seller’s Obligations regarding the delivery of such Required Estoppel Certificates (including Seller’s obligation to use good faith and commercially reasonable efforts to obtain them) shall continue after the Second Closing Date and/or the Third Closing Date, if applicable, and (ii) until actual delivery of such Required Estoppel Certificates, Seller shall be deemed to have made such Required Estoppel Certificates, in the form most recently requested from the applicable Required Tenants and with respect to the Remaining Estoppel Certificates, as additional representations and warranties under Section 6.1 of the Original Agreement, but as qualified to the Seller’s knowledge in all respects. In addition, for purposes of clarification of clause (ii) above in this provision, the representations and warranties of the Seller with regard to the Required Tenant Estoppel Certificates shall be treated as Guaranteed Obligations

2 

 

under Section 10.1(b) of the Original Agreement and subject to the Basket, Cap and Survival Period under Section 10.1(a) of the Original Agreement. Upon delivery of the Required Tenant Estoppel Certificates as executed by the Required Tenants, and in all events upon expiration of the Survival Period (regardless of whether or not the Required Estoppel Certificates have been delivered at such time), the additional representations and warranties created by this provision shall have expired and been extinguished, with any further Obligations of the Seller with respect thereto being deemed waived and released. Seller further acknowledges and agrees that United Bank shall be entitled to rely on the provisions of this Section 5 with respect to and only to the Damascus Property.

 

For purposes of clarification of the foregoing clause (i) in this provision, the parties acknowledge and agree that an estoppel certificate has been delivered from the Required Tenant known as “Advance Auto Parts” with respect to the Damascus Property, which notes that the 2019 and 2020 common area maintenance, tax and insurance reconciliations remain outstanding. Seller covenants and agrees to provide any and all such reconciliations, together with the 2021 reconciliation, to Advance Auto and all other tenants for all Properties, to the extent the same have not yet been provided, within not more than ninety (90) days from and after the applicable Closing Date for each Property. Seller further covenants and agrees that Seller shall remain responsible for the payment of any overpayments due to any tenant and for any audit costs incurred by Purchaser with respect to such matters, which obligations shall survive Closing.

 

8.       Full Force and Effect. Except as amended hereby, the Purchase Agreement remains unmodified and in full force and effect, binding on the parties according to its terms.

 

9.       Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original instrument, but all such counterparts together shall constitute a single agreement. A signature delivered via facsimile, email, or attachment to email shall be equally as effective as an original signature delivered in-person, via mail, or via any other means.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

3 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

  SELLER:  
       
  WestFREIT Corp.,  
  a Maryland corporation  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Damascus Centre, LLC,  
  a New Jersey limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  
       
       
  Grande Rotunda, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Name: Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
  Title: CEO and President  

 

 

 

 

 

[Signatures Continue on Following Page]

 

4 

 

  PURCHASER:  
       
  MCB Acquisition Company, LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    Executive Manager  
     
       
  MCB Westridge LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    President  
     
       
  MCB Damascus LLC,  
  a Maryland limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    President  
     
       
  MCB Rotunda Owner LLC,  
  a Delaware limited liability company  
       
       
  By: /s/ P. David Bramble  
    P. David Bramble  
    President  

 

 

5 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

 

 

Name   State of Formation and Organization    Trade Name
         
Damascus Centre, LLC   New Jersey   Damascus Center
         
Westwood Hills, LLC   New Jersey   Westwood Hills
         
Wayne PSC, LLC   New Jersey   Preakness S/C
         
Grande Rotunda, LLC   Maryland   The Rotunda/Icon
         
WestFREIT, Corp.   Maryland   Westridge Square
         
FREIT Regency, LLC   New Jersey   Regency Club
         
Station Place on Monmouth, LLC   New Jersey   Station Place
         
Berdan Court, LLC   New Jersey   Berdan Court

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 23.1

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-79555, 333-142675, 333-201922, and 333-224712) of our report dated January 28, 2022, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 31, 2021, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be filed on or about January 28, 2022.

 

 

/s/ EisnerAmper LLP

 

EISNERAMPER LLP

Iselin, New Jersey

January 28, 2022

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., certify that:

1.            I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc.;

2.            Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.            Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.            The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: January 28, 2022   /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.   
    Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Allan Tubin, certify that:

1.              I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc.;

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.              Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.              The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.              The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: January 28, 2022   /s/ Allan Tubin   
    Allan Tubin  
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2021 (the “Report”), I, Robert S. Hekemian, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

 

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78m(a) or 78o(d), and,

 

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: January 28, 2022   /s/ Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.   
    Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2021 (the “Report”), I, Allan Tubin, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

 

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78m(a) or 78o(d), and,

 

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: January 28, 2022   /s/ Allan Tubin   
    Allan Tubin  
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer