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

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2016
or
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number 001-35624

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

North Dakota
 
45-0311232
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1400 31st Avenue SW, Suite 60
Post Office Box 1988
Minot, ND 58702-1988
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(701) 837-4738
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last 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 the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.

 
Yes ☑
No ☐

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

 
Yes ☑
No ☐

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

 
Large accelerated filer ☑
Accelerated filer ☐
 
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller Reporting Company ☐

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

 
Yes ☐
No ☑

The number of common shares of beneficial interest outstanding as of March 3, 2016, was 121,054,247.
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
Part I. Financial Information
 
3
3
4
5
6
8
29
50 
51 
 
Part II. Other Information
52
52
52
52
53
53
53
55
 
2

PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - THIRD QUARTER - FISCAL 2016
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

   
(in thousands, except share data)
 
   
January 31, 2016
   
April 30, 2015
 
ASSETS
           
Real estate investments
           
Property owned
 
$
1,801,019
   
$
1,546,367
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(346,895
)
   
(313,308
)
     
1,454,124
     
1,233,059
 
Development in progress
   
78,341
     
153,994
 
Unimproved land
   
22,304
     
25,827
 
Total real estate investments
   
1,554,769
     
1,412,880
 
Assets held for sale
   
22,064
     
463,103
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
47,117
     
48,970
 
Other investments
   
50
     
329
 
Receivable arising from straight-lining of rents, net of allowance of $766 and $718, respectively
   
16,778
     
15,617
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $163 and $438, respectively
   
5,118
     
2,865
 
Real estate deposits
   
1,250
     
2,489
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
3,943
     
3,174
 
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $21,214 and $19,610, respectively
   
23,913
     
26,213
 
Tax, insurance, and other escrow
   
7,834
     
10,073
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,116 and $1,464, respectively
   
1,442
     
1,542
 
Goodwill
   
1,715
     
1,718
 
Deferred charges and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $9,078 and $8,077, respectively
   
9,816
     
8,864
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
1,695,809
   
$
1,997,837
 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY
               
LIABILITIES
               
Liabilities held for sale
 
$
11,449
   
$
321,393
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
48,778
     
56,399
 
Revolving line of credit
   
17,500
     
60,500
 
Mortgages payable
   
761,645
     
668,112
 
Construction debt and other
   
140,264
     
144,111
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
   
979,636
     
1,250,515
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 6)
               
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS – CONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES
   
7,244
     
6,368
 
EQUITY
               
Investors Real Estate Trust shareholders’ equity
               
Series A Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (Cumulative redeemable preferred shares, no par value, 1,150,000 shares issued and outstanding at January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, aggregate liquidation preference of $28,750,000)
   
27,317
     
27,317
 
Series B Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (Cumulative redeemable preferred shares, no par value, 4,600,000 shares issued and outstanding at January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, aggregate liquidation preference of $115,000,000)
   
111,357
     
111,357
 
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest (Unlimited authorization, no par value, 121,033,647 shares issued and outstanding at January 31, 2016, and 124,455,624 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2015)
   
924,658
     
951,868
 
Accumulated distributions in excess of net income
   
(434,388
)
   
(438,432
)
Total Investors Real Estate Trust shareholders’ equity
   
628,944
     
652,110
 
Noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership (13,863,575 units at January 31, 2016 and 13,999,725 units at April 30, 2015)
   
58,254
     
58,325
 
Noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities
   
21,731
     
30,519
 
Total equity
   
708,929
     
740,954
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY
 
$
1,695,809
   
$
1,997,837
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
3

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
January 31
   
Nine Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
REVENUE
                       
Real estate rentals
 
$
50,277
   
$
46,753
   
$
142,526
   
$
135,621
 
Tenant reimbursement
   
4,492
     
5,223
     
13,466
     
15,122
 
TRS senior housing revenue
   
1,003
     
963
     
3,006
     
2,599
 
TOTAL REVENUE
   
55,772
     
52,939
     
158,998
     
153,342
 
EXPENSES
                               
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments
   
14,789
     
12,627
     
42,522
     
37,700
 
Utilities
   
3,427
     
3,564
     
9,757
     
9,533
 
Maintenance
   
5,821
     
5,033
     
16,979
     
15,081
 
Real estate taxes
   
5,029
     
5,284
     
14,948
     
15,052
 
Insurance
   
1,214
     
1,215
     
3,558
     
3,745
 
Property management expenses
   
4,676
     
3,825
     
13,182
     
10,970
 
Other property expenses
   
169
     
197
     
344
     
753
 
TRS senior housing expenses
   
912
     
825
     
2,493
     
2,243
 
Administrative expenses
   
2,929
     
2,754
     
8,316
     
9,308
 
Other expenses
   
86
     
488
     
1,714
     
1,678
 
Amortization related to non-real estate investments
   
130
     
210
     
470
     
647
 
Impairment of real estate investments
   
162
     
540
     
3,320
     
4,663
 
TOTAL EXPENSES
   
39,344
     
36,562
     
117,603
     
111,373
 
Operating income
   
16,428
     
16,377
     
41,395
     
41,969
 
Interest expense
   
(10,540
)
   
(10,009
)
   
(29,867
)
   
(29,710
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
0
     
0
     
(106
)
   
0
 
Interest income
   
566
     
561
     
1,687
     
1,681
 
Other income
   
135
     
109
     
286
     
371
 
Income before gain (loss) on sale of real estate and other investments and income from discontinued operations
   
6,589
     
7,038
     
13,395
     
14,311
 
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate and other investments
   
1,446
     
951
     
1,271
     
(811
)
Income from continuing operations
   
8,035
     
7,989
     
14,666
     
13,500
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
35,408
     
1,162
     
50,181
     
1,322
 
NET INCOME
   
43,443
     
9,151
     
64,847
     
14,822
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership
   
(4,227
)
   
(657
)
   
(5,940
)
   
(618
)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities
   
581
     
(123
)
   
2,096
     
(870
)
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust
   
39,797
     
8,371
     
61,003
     
13,334
 
Dividends to preferred shareholders
   
(2,879
)
   
(2,879
)
   
(8,636
)
   
(8,636
)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
 
$
36,918
   
$
5,492
   
$
52,367
   
$
4,698
 
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted
 
$
.04
   
$
.04
   
$
.06
   
$
.03
 
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted
   
.26
     
.01
     
.36
     
.01
 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC AND DILUTED
 
$
.30
   
$
.05
   
$
.42
   
$
.04
 
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE
 
$
.13
   
$
.13
   
$
.39
   
$
.39
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
4

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (unaudited)
for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

   
(in thousands)
 
   
NUMBER
OF
PREFERRED
SHARES
   
PREFERRED
SHARES
   
NUMBER
OF COMMON
SHARES
   
COMMON
SHARES
   
ACCUMULATED
DISTRIBUTIONS
IN EXCESS OF
NET INCOME
   
NONREDEEMABLE
NONCONTROLLING
INTERESTS
   
TOTAL
EQUITY
 
Balance April 30, 2014
   
5,750
   
$
138,674
     
109,019
   
$
843,268
   
$
(389,758
)
 
$
128,362
   
$
720,546
 
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust and nonredeemable  noncontrolling interests
                                   
13,334
     
1,351
     
14,685
 
Distributions – common shares and units
                                   
(45,222
)
   
(6,753
)
   
(51,975
)
Distributions – Series A preferred shares
                                   
(1,779
)
           
(1,779
)
Distributions – Series B preferred shares
                                   
(6,857
)
           
(6,857
)
Distribution reinvestment and share purchase plan
                   
6,205
     
50,875
                     
50,875
 
Share-based compensation
                   
204
     
2,632
                     
2,632
 
Partnership units issued
                                           
100
     
100
 
Redemption of units for common shares
                   
6,706
     
38,512
             
(38,512
)
   
0
 
Contributions from nonredeemable noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities
                                           
8,540
     
8,540
 
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests
                                           
(555
)
   
(555
)
Balance January 31, 2015
   
5,750
   
$
138,674
     
122,134
   
$
935,287
   
$
(430,282
)
 
$
92,533
   
$
736,212
 
                                                         
                                                         
Balance April 30, 2015
   
5,750
   
$
138,674
     
124,455
   
$
951,868
   
$
(438,432
)
 
$
88,844
   
$
740,954
 
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust and nonredeemable  noncontrolling interests
                                   
61,003
     
4,087
     
65,090
 
Distributions – common shares and units
                                   
(48,323
)
   
(5,431
)
   
(53,754
)
Distributions – Series A preferred shares
                                   
(1,779
)
           
(1,779
)
Distributions – Series B preferred shares
                                   
(6,857
)
           
(6,857
)
Distribution reinvestment and share purchase plan
                   
821
     
5,619
                     
5,619
 
Share-based compensation
                   
220
     
1,191
                     
1,191
 
Partnership units issued
                                           
400
     
400
 
Redemption of units for common shares
                   
181
     
980
             
(980
)
   
0
 
Shares repurchased
                   
(4,643
)
   
(35,000
)
                   
(35,000
)
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests
                                           
(6,935
)
   
(6,935
)
Balance January 31, 2016
   
5,750
   
$
138,674
     
121,034
   
$
924,658
   
$
(434,388
)
 
$
79,985
   
$
708,929
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
5

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
 
$
64,847
   
$
14,822
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
43,811
     
39,198
 
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations
   
5,425
     
14,385
 
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate, land, other investments and discontinued operations
   
(25,512
)
   
811
 
Gain on extinguishment of debt
   
(35,552
)
   
0
 
Share-based compensation expense
   
1,391
     
1,935
 
Impairment of real estate investments
   
3,760
     
6,105
 
Bad debt expense
   
392
     
840
 
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
               
Receivable arising from straight-lining of rents
   
(104
)
   
(244
)
Accounts receivable
   
301
     
2,217
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
(265
)
   
(1,140
)
Tax, insurance and other escrow
   
(193
)
   
(548
)
Deferred charges and leasing costs
   
(999
)
   
(2,716
)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities
   
(10,363
)
   
5,109
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
46,939
     
80,774
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from real estate deposits
   
3,725
     
575
 
Payments for real estate deposits
   
(2,486
)
   
(7,924
)
Decrease in other investments
   
279
     
0
 
Decrease in lender holdbacks for improvements
   
3,906
     
11,063
 
Increase in lender holdbacks for improvements
   
(862
)
   
(913
)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
   
366,125
     
0
 
Proceeds from sale of real estate and other investments
   
8,580
     
26,758
 
Insurance proceeds received
   
1,035
     
2,537
 
Payments for acquisitions of real estate assets
   
(71,381
)
   
(24,404
)
Payments for development and re-development of real estate assets
   
(106,306
)
   
(143,256
)
Payments for improvements of real estate assets
   
(20,692
)
   
(18,203
)
Payments for improvements of real estate assets from discontinued operations
   
(5,182
)
   
(6,478
)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
   
176,741
     
(160,245
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from mortgages payable
   
95,602
     
78,875
 
Principal payments on mortgages payable
   
(218,264
)
   
(83,198
)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit
   
43,000
     
45,000
 
Principal payments on revolving line of credit and other debt
   
(110,554
)
   
(17,000
)
Proceeds from construction debt
   
62,268
     
69,051
 
Proceeds from sale of common shares under distribution reinvestment and share purchase program
   
1,493
     
38,819
 
Proceeds from noncontrolling partner – consolidated real estate entities
   
1,120
     
1,916
 
Repurchase of common shares
   
(35,000
)
   
0
 
Distributions paid to common shareholders
   
(44,326
)
   
(33,672
)
Distributions paid to preferred shareholders
   
(8,636
)
   
(8,636
)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests – Unitholders of the Operating Partnership
   
(5,301
)
   
(6,247
)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities
   
(6,935
)
   
(556
)
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities
   
(225,533
)
   
84,352
 
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
(1,853
)
   
4,881
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
48,970
     
47,267
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
47,117
   
$
52,148
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
6

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited, continued)
for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2016
   
2015
 
SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD
           
Distribution reinvestment plan – shares issued
 
$
3,997
   
$
11,550
 
Operating partnership distribution reinvestment plan – shares issued
   
130
     
506
 
Operating partnership units converted to shares
   
980
     
38,512
 
Real estate assets acquired through the issuance of operating partnership units
   
400
     
100
 
Real estate assets acquired through assumption of indebtedness and accrued costs
   
0
     
12,169
 
(Decrease) increase to accounts payable included within real estate investments
   
(4,991
)
   
6,384
 
Real estate assets contributed by noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities
   
0
     
6,624
 
Construction debt reclassified to mortgages payable
   
41,649
     
0
 
Decrease in real estate assets in connection with transfer of real estate assets in settlement of debt
   
87,213
     
0
 
Decrease in debt in connection with transfer of real estate assets in settlement of debt
   
122,610
     
0
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
               
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized of $4,396 and $3,628, respectively
 
$
28,990
   
$
39,073
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
7

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

NOTE 1 • ORGANIZATION

Investors Real Estate Trust (“IRET”, “we” or “us”) is a self-advised real estate investment trust engaged in acquiring, owning and leasing multifamily residential and commercial real estate. We have elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a REIT, we are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute 90% of ordinary taxable income to shareholders, and, generally, are not subject to federal income tax on net income, except for taxes on undistributed REIT taxable income and taxes on the income generated by our taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). Our TRS is subject to corporate federal and state income tax on its taxable income at regular statutory rates. We have considered estimated future taxable income and have determined that there were no material income tax provisions or material net deferred income tax items for our TRS for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015. Our multifamily properties and commercial properties are located mainly in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, but also in the states of Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. As of January 31, 2016, we held for investment 94 multifamily properties with 12,401 apartment units and 83 commercial properties, consisting of healthcare, industrial and other, totaling 4.5 million net rentable square feet. We held for sale 8 multifamily properties, 1 commercial property and 1 parcel of land as of January 31, 2016. We conduct a majority of our business activities through our consolidated operating partnership, IRET Properties, a North Dakota Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), as well as through a number of other consolidated subsidiary entities.
 
All references to IRET, we or us refer to Investors Real Estate Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries.

NOTE 2 • BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of all our subsidiaries in which we maintain a controlling interest, including the Operating Partnership. All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Our fiscal year ends April 30th.

Our interest in the Operating Partnership was 89.7% of the limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership (“Units”) as of January 31, 2016 and 89.9% as of April 30, 2015. Under the terms of the Operating Partnership’s Agreement of Limited Partnership, limited partners have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem their Units for cash any time following the first anniversary of the date they acquired such Units (“Exchange Right”). When a limited partner exercises the Exchange Right, we have the right, in our sole discretion, to acquire such Units by either making a cash payment or exchanging the Units for our common shares of beneficial interest (“Common Shares”), on a one-for-one basis. The Exchange Right is subject to certain conditions and limitations, including the limited partner may not exercise the Exchange Right more than two times during a calendar year and the limited partner may not exercise for less than 1,000 Units, or, if such limited partner holds less than 1,000 Units, for less than all of the Units held by such limited partner. The Operating Partnership and some limited partners have contractually agreed to a holding period of greater than one year, a greater number of redemptions during a calendar year or other limitations to their Exchange Right.

The condensed consolidated financial statements also reflect the ownership by the Operating Partnership of certain joint venture entities in which the Operating Partnership has a general partner or controlling interest. These entities are consolidated into our other operations, with noncontrolling interests reflecting the noncontrolling partners’ share of ownership and income and expenses.

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, certain disclosures accompanying annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP are omitted. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods have been included.
 
8

The current period’s results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results which ultimately may be achieved for the year. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015, as filed with the SEC on June 29, 2015.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The standard will eliminate the transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 does not apply to lease contracts accounted for under ASC 840, Leases. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect adoption of this update to have a material impact on our operating results or financial position.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments: (i) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affect the consolidated analysis of reporting entities that are involved with variable interest entities, and (iv) provide a scope exception for certain entities.  The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect adoption of this update to have a material impact on our operating results or financial position.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability to which they relate, consistent with debt discounts, as opposed to being presented as assets. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect adoption of this update to have a material impact on our operating results or financial position.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. Under ASU 2015-05, if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect adoption of this update to have a material impact on our operating results or financial position.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including the requirement to measure certain equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect adoption of this update to have a material impact on our operating results or financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 amends existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including by requiring lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet and making certain changes to lessor accounting. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact the new standard may have on our consolidated financial statements.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets, including investments in real estate, for impairment indicators. The impairment evaluation is performed on assets by property such that assets for a property form an asset group. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions, expected holding period of each asset group and legal and environmental concerns. If indicators exist, we compare the expected future undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived asset group against the carrying amount of that asset group. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying amount of the asset group. If our anticipated holding period for properties, the estimated fair value of properties or other factors change based on market conditions or otherwise, our evaluation of impairment charges may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is subjective and is based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses.
 
9

During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, we incurred a loss of approximately $3.8 million due to impairment of one office property, two parcels of land and eight multifamily properties. We recognized impairments of approximately $440,000 on an office property in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; $1.3 million on a parcel of land in Grand Chute, Wisconsin; $1.9 million on eight multifamily properties in St. Cloud, Minnesota; and $162,000 on a parcel of land in River Falls, Wisconsin. These properties were written-down to estimated fair value during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal year 2016 based on receipt of individual market offers to purchase and our intent to dispose of the properties or, in the case of the Grand Chute, Wisconsin, the sale listing price and our intent to dispose of the property. The impairment loss of the Eden Prairie, Minnesota property for the first quarter of fiscal year 2016 is reported in discontinued operations. See Note 7 for additional information.

During the nine months ended January 31, 2015, we incurred a loss of $6.1 million due to impairment of four commercial properties and two parcels of unimproved land. We recognized impairments of approximately $2.1 million on a retail property in Kalispell, Montana; $183,000 on an office property in Golden Valley, Minnesota; $1.8 million on an office property in Minneapolis, Minnesota; $1.4 million on an office property in Boise, Idaho; $98,000 on unimproved land in Eagan, Minnesota; and $442,000 on unimproved land in Weston, Wisconsin. These properties were written-down to estimated fair value during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal year 2015 based on receipt of individual market offers to purchase and our intent to dispose of the properties or, in the case of the Boise, Idaho and Weston, Wisconsin properties, an independent appraisal. The Kalispell and Golden Valley properties were sold in the second quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Weston property was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Minneapolis property was sold in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, and the Boise property was sold in the second quarter of fiscal year 2016.

HELD FOR SALE

We classify properties as held for sale when they meet the U.S. GAAP criteria, which include: (a) management commits to and initiates a plan to sell the asset (disposal group), (b) the sale is probable and expected to be completed within one year under terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets (disposal groups), and (c) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less disposal costs. Depreciation is not recorded on assets classified as held for sale. Liabilities classified as held for sale consist of liabilities to be included in the transaction and liabilities directly associated with assets that will be transferred in the transaction. At January 31, 2016, we had 8 multifamily properties, one healthcare property and one parcel of land classified as held for sale with assets of $22.1 million and liabilities of $11.4 million. At April 30, 2015, we had 49 office properties, 17 retail properties and two healthcare properties classified as held for sale with assets of $463.1 million and liabilities of $321.4 million.

COMPENSATING BALANCES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS; HOLDBACKS

We maintain compensating balances, not restricted as to withdrawal, with several financial institutions in connection with financing received from those institutions and/or to ensure future credit availability. At January 31, 2016, our compensating balances totaled $13.2 million and consisted of the following:

Financial Institution
     
First International Bank, Watford City, ND
 
$
6,000,000
 
Associated Bank, Green Bay, WI
   
3,000,000
 
The PrivateBank, Minneapolis, MN
   
2,000,000
 
Bremer Bank, Saint Paul, MN
   
1,285,000
 
Dacotah Bank, Minot, ND
   
350,000
 
Peoples State Bank, Velva, ND
   
225,000
 
American National Bank, Omaha, NE
   
200,000
 
Commerce Bank a Minnesota Banking Corporation
   
100,000
 
Total
 
$
13,160,000
 

A portion of the deposit at Dacotah Bank is held as a certificate of deposit and comprises the approximately $50,000 in other investments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The certificate of deposit has a remaining term of less than six months and we intend to hold it to maturity.

We have a number of mortgage loans under which the lender retains a portion of the loan proceeds or requires a deposit for the payment of construction costs or tenant improvements. The decrease of $3.9 million in holdbacks for improvements reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 is due primarily to the release of loan proceeds to us upon completion of construction and tenant improvement projects, while the increase of approximately $862,000 represents additional amounts retained by lenders for new projects.
 
10

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AND GOODWILL

Upon acquisition of real estate, we record the intangible assets and liabilities acquired (for example, if the leases in place for the real estate property acquired carry rents above the market rent, the difference is classified as an intangible asset) at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill. We amortize identified intangible assets and liabilities that are determined to have finite lives based on the period over which the assets and liabilities are expected to affect, directly or indirectly, the future cash flows of the real estate property acquired (generally the life of the lease). In the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, we added approximately $1.3 million and $365,000 of new intangible assets and approximately $101,000 and $0 of new intangible liabilities. The weighted average lives of the intangible assets acquired in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015 are 0.8 years and 0.5 years, respectively. Amortization of intangibles related to above or below-market leases is recorded in real estate rentals in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amortization of other intangibles is recorded in depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.

Our identified intangible assets and intangible liabilities at January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015 were as follows:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
January 31, 2016
   
April 30, 2015
 
Identified intangible assets (included in intangible assets):
           
Gross carrying amount
 
$
45,127
   
$
45,823
 
Accumulated amortization
   
(21,214
)
   
(19,610
)
Net carrying amount
 
$
23,913
   
$
26,213
 
                 
Identified intangible liabilities (included in other liabilities):
               
Gross carrying amount
 
$
159
   
$
82
 
Accumulated amortization
   
(49
)
   
(61
)
Net carrying amount
 
$
110
   
$
21
 

The amortization of acquired below-market leases and acquired above-market leases reduced rental income by approximately $3,000 and $7,000 for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and approximately $14,000 and $18,000 for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated annual amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases, for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

Year Ended April 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
$
3
 
2018
   
(11
)
2019
   
(20
)
2020
   
(16
)
2021
   
(13
)

Amortization of all other identified intangible assets (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was $1.4 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $3.6 million and $4.0 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated annual amortization of all other identified intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

Year Ended April 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2017
 
$
3,835
 
2018
   
3,605
 
2019
   
3,507
 
2020
   
3,440
 
2021
   
3,312
 
 
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The excess of the cost of an acquired property over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Our goodwill has an indeterminate life and is not amortized, but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The book value of goodwill as of January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015 was $1.7 million. The annual review at April 30, 2015 indicated no impairment to goodwill and there was no indication of impairment at January 31, 2016.  During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, we disposed of eight commercial properties to which goodwill had been assigned, and as a result, approximately $196,000 of goodwill was derecognized. During the nine months ended January 31, 2015, we recognized approximately $852,000 of goodwill from the acquisition of the Homestead Garden multifamily property and disposed of one multifamily property to which goodwill had been assigned, and as a result, approximately $11,000 of goodwill was derecognized.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation.  On the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, we reclassified certain expenses from general and administrative expenses to administrative expenses and other expenses. On the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, we reclassified assets and liabilities related to properties classified as held for sale.

We report, in discontinued operations, the results of operations and the related gains or losses of properties that have either been disposed of or classified as held for sale and for which the disposition represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. As the result of discontinued operations, retroactive reclassifications that change prior period numbers have been made. See Note 7 for additional information. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we classified as discontinued operations 48 office properties, 17 retail properties and 1 healthcare property.

PROCEEDS FROM FINANCING LIABILITY

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, we sold a non-core assisted living property in exchange for $7.9 million in cash and a $29.0 million contract for deed. The buyer leased the property back to us, and also granted us an option to repurchase the property at a specified price at or prior to July 31, 2018. We accounted for the transaction as a financing liability due to our continuing involvement with the property and recorded the $7.9 million in sales proceeds within other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The balance of the liability as of January 31, 2016 was $7.9 million.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY

On November 27, 2012, we entered into a joint venture operating agreement with a real estate development company to construct an apartment project in Minot, North Dakota as IRET – Minot Apartments, LLC, with approximately 69% of the project financed with third-party debt and approximately 7% financed with debt from us to the joint venture entity. The two-phase project was substantially completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015. As of January 31, 2016, we are the approximately 51.0% owner of the joint venture and have management and leasing responsibilities and the real estate development company owns approximately 49.0% of the joint venture and was responsible for the development and construction of the property. We have determined that the joint venture is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), primarily based on the fact that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. We have also determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE due to the fact that we are providing more than 50% of the equity contributions, the subordinated debt and a guarantee on the third party debt and have the power to direct the most significant activities that impact the entity’s economic performance.
 
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On June 12, 2014 we entered into a joint venture operating agreement with a real estate development company and two other partners to construct a three-phase apartment project in Edina, Minnesota as IRET – 71 France, LLC. We estimate total costs for the project at $73.3 million, with approximately 69% of the project financed with third-party debt and approximately 7% financed with debt from us to the joint venture entity. The first phase of the project was substantially completed in the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, the second phase of the project was substantially completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016 and construction of the third phase is expected to be completed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2017. See Development, Expansion and Renovation Projects in Note 6 for additional information. As of January 31, 2016, we are the approximately 52.6% owner of the joint venture and will have management and leasing responsibilities after the project has been in service for 24 months and the real estate development company and the other two partners own approximately 47.4% of the joint venture and are responsible for the development, construction and initial leasing of the property. We have determined that the joint venture is a VIE, primarily based on the fact that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. We have also determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE due to the fact that we are providing more than 50% of the equity contributions, the subordinated debt and a guarantee on the third party debt and have the power to direct the most significant activities that impact the entity’s economic performance.

NOTE 3 • EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. We have no outstanding options, warrants, convertible stock or other contractual obligations requiring issuance of additional shares that would result in dilution of earnings. Units can be exchanged for shares on a one-for-one basis after a minimum holding period of one year. The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015:

   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months Ended
January 31
   
Nine Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
NUMERATOR
                       
Income from continuing operations – Investors Real Estate Trust
 
$
8,028
   
$
7,334
   
$
15,938
   
$
12,195
 
Income from discontinued operations – Investors Real Estate Trust
   
31,769
     
1,037
     
45,065
     
1,139
 
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust
   
39,797
     
8,371
     
61,003
     
13,334
 
Dividends to preferred shareholders
   
(2,879
)
   
(2,879
)
   
(8,636
)
   
(8,636
)
Numerator for basic earnings per share – net income available to common shareholders
   
36,918
     
5,492
     
52,367
     
4,698
 
Noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership
   
4,227
     
657
     
5,940
     
618
 
Numerator for diluted earnings per share
 
$
41,145
   
$
6,149
   
$
58,307
   
$
5,316
 
DENOMINATOR
                               
Denominator for basic earnings per share weighted average shares
   
121,864
     
120,855
     
123,793
     
116,303
 
Effect of convertible operating partnership units
   
13,877
     
14,461
     
13,913
     
17,334
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
   
135,741
     
135,316
     
137,706
     
133,637
 
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted
 
$
.04
   
$
.04
   
$
.06
   
$
.03
 
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted
   
.26
     
.01
     
.36
     
.01
 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC & DILUTED
 
$
.30
   
$
.05
   
$
.42
   
$
.04
 

NOTE 4 • EQUITY
 
ATM. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, we and our Operating Partnership entered into an At the Market sales agreement (“ATM”) with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated as sales agent, pursuant to which we may from time to time sell our Common Shares having an aggregate offering price of up to $75 million. The shares would be issued pursuant to our currently-effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR. To date, we have not issued any shares under the ATM.

Equity Awards. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we issued approximately 220,000 Common Shares, net of withholding, with a total grant-date value of approximately $1.6 million, under our 2008 Incentive Award Plan, for executive officer and trustee share-based compensation for fiscal year 2015 performance. Of these shares, approximately 108,000 are restricted, and will vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date (i.e., on April 30, 2016), provided the recipient is still employed with us, and subject to the terms and conditions of our long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”). During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, we issued approximately 204,000 Common Shares, with a total grant-date value of approximately $1.9 million, under the our 2008 Incentive Award Plan, for executive officer and trustee share-based compensation for fiscal year 2014 performance.
 
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Share Repurchase Program. In August 2015, we publicly announced the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Trustees to repurchase up to $50 million of our Common Shares over a one year period.  During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, we repurchased and retired approximately 1.8 million Common Shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $13.1 million, including commissions, at an average price per share of $7.30. During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, we repurchased and retired approximately 4.6 million Common Shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $35.0 million, including commissions, at an average price per share of $7.54.

DRIP. We have implemented a Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (“DRIP”), which provides our common shareholders and the unitholders of the Operating Partnership an opportunity to invest their cash distributions in Common Shares and to purchase additional Common Shares through voluntary cash contributions. A DRIP participant cannot purchase additional Common Shares in excess of $10,000 per month, unless waived by us. We did not issue any waivers during the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015. We did not issue any waivers during the nine months ended January 31, 2016. During the nine months ended January 31, 2015, DRIP participants purchased approximately 926,000 additional Common Shares at an average price of $8.64 per share pursuant to waivers granted by us, for total net proceeds of $8.0 million.

As permitted under the DRIP, starting on October 1, 2015, we changed the source from which Common Shares will be purchased under the DRIP to open market transactions, which are not eligible for purchase price discounts. During the three months ended January 31, 2016, no shares were issued under the DRIP. During the three months ended January 31, 2015, 2.0 million Common Shares with a total value included in equity of $16.1 million, and an average price per share after applicable discounts of $8.06, were issued under the DRIP. During the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 821,000 and 6.2 million Common Shares with a total value included in equity of $5.6 million and $50.9 million, and an average price per share after applicable discounts of $6.85 and $8.20, respectively, were issued under the DRIP.

Exchange Rights. Pursuant to Exchange Rights, during the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, approximately 26,800 Units and 333,000 Units were exchanged for Common Shares, with a total value of approximately $125,000 and $811,000 included in equity. During the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, approximately 180,600 Units and 6.7 million Units were exchanged for Common Shares, with a total value of approximately $981,000 and $38.5 million included in equity.

NOTE 5 • SEGMENT REPORTING

We report our results in three reportable segments, which are aggregations of similar properties: multifamily, healthcare (including senior housing) and industrial properties.  Prior to the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we had reported our results in five reportable segments, which included the office and retail segments. However, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we classified the majority of the properties in the office and retail segments as held for sale and discontinued operations, and the remaining properties under these segments fell below the quantitative thresholds for reporting as separate reportable segments and are included in “all other.”

We measure the performance of our segments based on net operating income (“NOI”), which we define as total real estate revenues and gain on involuntary conversion less real estate expenses (which consist of utilities, maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance, property management expenses and other property expenses). We believe that NOI is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT’s operating real estate because it provides a measure of core operations that is unaffected by depreciation, amortization, financing and general and administrative expense. NOI does not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with US GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net income, net income available for common shareholders or cash flow from operating activities as a measure of financial performance.

The revenues and NOI for these reportable segments are summarized as follows for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, along with reconciliations to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Segment assets are also reconciled to total assets as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
14

 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended January 31, 2016
 
Multifamily
   
Healthcare
   
Industrial
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Real estate revenue
 
$
33,296
   
$
18,350
   
$
1,650
   
$
1,473
   
$
54,769
 
Real estate expenses
   
15,460
     
4,208
     
453
     
215
     
20,336
 
Net operating income
 
$
17,836
   
$
14,142
   
$
1,197
   
$
1,258
     
34,433
 
TRS senior housing revenue, net of expenses
                                   
91
 
Depreciation/amortization
                                   
(14,919
)
Administrative expenses
                                   
(2,929
)
Other expenses
                                   
(86
)
Impairment of real estate investments
                                   
(162
)
Interest expense
                                   
(10,540
)
Interest and other income
                                   
701
 
Income before gain on sale of real estate and other investments and income from discontinued operations
     
6,589
 
Gain on sale of real estate and other investments
     
1,446
 
Income from continuing operations
     
8,035
 
Income from discontinued operations
     
35,408
 
Net income
   
$
43,443
 

 
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended January 31, 2015
 
Multifamily
   
Healthcare
   
Industrial
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Real estate revenue
 
$
30,256
   
$
17,491
   
$
1,741
   
$
2,488
   
$
51,976
 
Real estate expenses
   
13,318
     
4,260
     
501
     
1,039
     
19,118
 
Net operating income
 
$
16,938
   
$
13,231
   
$
1,240
   
$
1,449
     
32,858
 
TRS senior housing revenue, net of expenses
                                   
138
 
Depreciation/amortization
                                   
(12,837
)
Administrative expenses
                                   
(2,754
)
Other expenses
                                   
(488
)
Impairment of real estate investments
                                   
(540
)
Interest expense
                                   
(10,009
)
Interest and other income
                                   
670
 
Income before gain on sale of real estate and other investments and income from discontinued operations
     
7,038
 
Gain on sale of real estate and other investments
     
951
 
Income from continuing operations
     
7,989
 
Income from discontinued operations
     
1,162
 
Net income
   
$
9,151
 

 
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016
 
Multifamily
   
Healthcare
   
Industrial
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Real estate revenue
 
$
96,782
   
$
50,435
   
$
4,913
   
$
3,862
   
$
155,992
 
Real estate expenses
   
44,602
     
12,202
     
1,138
     
826
     
58,768
 
Net operating income
 
$
52,180
   
$
38,233
   
$
3,775
   
$
3,036
     
97,224
 
TRS senior housing revenue, net of expenses
                                   
513
 
Depreciation/amortization
                                   
(42,992
)
Administrative expenses
                                   
(8,316
)
Other expenses
                                   
(1,714
)
Impairment of real estate investments
                                   
(3,320
)
Interest expense
                                   
(29,867
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
                                   
(106
)
Interest and other income
                                   
1,973
 
Income before gain on sale of real estate and other investments and income from discontinued operations
     
13,395
 
Gain on sale of real estate and other investments
     
1,271
 
Income from continuing operations
     
14,666
 
Income from discontinued operations
     
50,181
 
Net income
   
$
64,847
 
 
15

 
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015
 
Multifamily
   
Healthcare
   
Industrial
   
All Other
   
Total
 
Real estate revenue
 
$
87,576
   
$
50,024
   
$
4,904
   
$
8,239
   
$
150,743
 
Real estate expenses
   
37,700
     
12,726
     
1,223
     
3,485
     
55,134
 
Net operating income
 
$
49,876
   
$
37,298
   
$
3,681
   
$
4,754
     
95,609
 
TRS senior housing revenue, net of expenses
                                   
356
 
Depreciation/amortization
                                   
(38,347
)
Administrative expenses
                                   
(9,308
)
Other expenses
                                   
(1,678
)
Impairment of real estate investments
                                   
(4,663
)
Interest expense
                                   
(29,710
)
Interest and other income
                                   
2,052
 
Income before loss on sale of real estate and other investments and income from discontinued operations
     
14,311
 
Loss on sale of real estate and other investments
     
(811
)
Income from continuing operations
     
13,500
 
Income from discontinued operations
     
1,322
 
Net income
   
$
14,822
 

Segment Assets and Accumulated Depreciation

Segment assets are summarized as follows as of January 31, 2016, and April 30, 2015, along with reconciliations to the condensed consolidated financial statements:

 
(in thousands)
 
As of January 31, 2016
 
Multifamily
   
Healthcare
   
Industrial
   
All Other
   
Total
 
                               
Segment Assets
                             
Property owned
 
$
1,133,560
   
$
559,997
   
$
61,238
   
$
46,224
   
$
1,801,019
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(200,363
)
   
(123,992
)
   
(12,494
)
   
(10,046
)
   
(346,895
)
Net property owned
 
$
933,197
   
$
436,005
   
$
48,744
   
$
36,178
     
1,454,124
 
Assets held for sale
                                   
22,064
 
Cash and cash equivalents
                                   
47,117
 
Other investments
                                   
50
 
Receivables and other assets
                                   
71,809
 
Development in progress
                                   
78,341
 
Unimproved land
                                   
22,304
 
Total assets
   
$
1,695,809
 

 
(in thousands)
 
As of April 31, 2015
 
Multifamily
   
Healthcare
   
Industrial
   
All Other
   
Total
 
                               
Segment Assets
                             
Property owned
 
$
946,520
   
$
495,021
   
$
60,611
   
$
44,215
   
$
1,546,367
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(180,414
)
   
(112,515
)
   
(11,256
)
   
(9,123
)
   
(313,308
)
Net property owned
 
$
766,106
   
$
382,506
   
$
49,355
   
$
35,092
     
1,233,059
 
Assets held for sale
                                   
463,103
 
Cash and cash equivalents
                                   
48,970
 
Other investments
                                   
329
 
Receivables and other assets
                                   
72,555
 
Development in progress
                                   
153,994
 
Unimproved land
                                   
25,827
 
Total assets
   
$
1,997,837
 
 
16

NOTE 6 • COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation.  We are not a party to any legal proceedings which are expected to have a material effect on our liquidity, financial position, cash flows or results of operations. We are subject to a variety of legal actions for personal injury or property damage arising in the ordinary course of our business, most of which are covered by liability insurance. Various claims of resident discrimination are also periodically brought, most of which also are covered by insurance. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final outcome of such legal proceedings and claims will not have a material effect on our liquidity, financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

Insurance.  We carry insurance coverage on our properties in amounts and types that we believe are customarily obtained by owners of similar properties and are sufficient to achieve our risk management objectives.

Purchase Options.  We have granted options to purchase certain of our properties to tenants under lease agreements. In general, the options grant the tenant the right to purchase the property at the greater of such property’s appraised value or an annual compounded increase of a specified percentage of our initial cost for the property. As of January 31, 2016, our total property cost for the 15 properties subject to purchase options was $117.6 million, and the total gross rental revenue from these properties was $6.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2016.  The tenant in the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital property has exercised its option to purchase the property, which accounts for $16.0 million of the total property cost and $1.3 million of the total gross rental revenue subject to purchase options. However, we can give no assurance if or when such sale of the property will be completed.

Environmental Matters.  Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal of, or remediation of, certain hazardous or toxic substances in, on, around or under the property. While we currently have no knowledge of any material violation of environmental laws, ordinances or regulations at any of our properties, there can be no assurance that areas of contamination will not be identified at any of our properties, or that changes in environmental laws, regulations or cleanup requirements would not result in material costs to us.

Restrictions on Taxable Dispositions.  Approximately 78 of our properties, consisting of 2.7 million square feet of our combined commercial properties and 5,372 apartment units, are subject to restrictions on our ability to resell in taxable transactions. These restrictions are contained in agreements we entered into with some of the sellers or contributors of the properties, and are effective for varying periods. The real estate investment amount of these properties (net of accumulated depreciation) was $670.6 million at January 31, 2016. We do not believe that these restrictions materially affect the conduct of our business or decisions whether to dispose of these properties during the restriction periods because we generally hold properties for investment purposes, rather than for sale. Historically, however, where we have deemed it to be in the shareholders’ best interests to dispose of restricted properties, we have done so through tax-deferred transactions under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Exchange Value of Units.  Whenever limited partners of the Operating Partnership exercise their Exchange Rights, we have the right, but not the obligation, to acquire such Units in exchange for either cash or our Common Shares on a one-for-one basis. If Units are exchanged for cash, the amount of cash per Unit is equal to the average of the daily market price of a Common Share for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of valuation of the Unit.  As of January 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate exchange value of the then-outstanding Units of the Operating Partnership owned by limited partners was approximately $89.4 million and $122.0 million, respectively. All Units receive the same cash distributions as those paid on our Common Shares.

Joint Venture Buy/Sell Options.  Several of our joint venture agreements contain buy/sell options in which each party under certain circumstances has the option to acquire the interest of the other party, but do not generally require that we buy our partners’ interests. However, from time to time, we have entered into joint venture agreements which contain options compelling us to acquire the interest of the other parties. We currently have one such joint venture, our Southgate apartment project in Minot, North Dakota, in which our joint venture partner can, for the four-year period from February 6, 2016 through February 5, 2020, compel us to acquire the partner’s interest for a price to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the joint venture agreement.  The joint venture partner’s interest is reflected as a redeemable noncontrolling interest on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Tenant Improvements. In entering into leases with tenants, we may commit to fund improvements or build-outs of the rented space to suit tenant requirements. These tenant improvements are typically funded at the beginning of the lease term, and we are accordingly exposed to some risk of loss if a tenant defaults prior to the expiration of the lease term, and the rental income that was expected to cover the cost of the tenant improvements is not received. As of January 31, 2016, we are committed to fund $4.5 million in tenant improvements within approximately the next 12 months.
 
17

Development, Expansion and Renovation Projects.  As of January 31, 2016, we had several development, expansion and renovation projects underway or placed in service during the quarter, the costs for which have been capitalized, as follows:

               
(in thousands)
   
(in fiscal years)
 
Project Name and Location
 
Planned Segment
   
Rentable
Square Feet
or Number of Units
   
Anticipated
Total Cost(1)
   
Costs as of
January 31,
2016(1)
   
Anticipated
Construction
Completion
 
Deer Ridge - Jamestown, ND
 
Multifamily
   
163 units
     
24,874
     
24,874
   
4Q 2016
 
Cardinal Point - Grand Forks, ND(2)
 
Multifamily
   
251 units
     
48,242
     
48,242
   
4Q 2016
 
71 France - Edina, MN(3)
 
Multifamily
   
241 units
     
73,290
     
69,105
   
1Q 2017
 
Monticello Crossings - Monticello, MN
 
Multifamily
   
202 units
     
31,784
     
11,210
   
2Q 2017
 
Other
   
n/a
     
n/a
 
   
n/a
 
   
3,524
     
n/a
 
                   
$
178,190
   
$
156,955
         

(1) Includes costs related to development projects that are placed in service in phases (Deer Ridge - $14.3 million, 71 France - $41.3 million, Cardinal Point - $23.0 million).
(2) Anticipated total cost as of January 31, 2016 includes incremental cost increase due to the replacement of the project’s original general contractor. There may be additional costs for this project as it nears completion in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016.
(3) The project is being constructed in three phases by a joint venture entity in which we currently have an approximately 52.6% interest. The anticipated total cost amount given in the table above is the total cost to the joint venture entity. The anticipated total cost includes approximately 21,772 square feet of retail space.

These development projects are subject to various contingencies, and no assurances can be given that they will be completed within the time frames or on the terms currently expected.

Construction interest capitalized for the three month periods ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, was $1.0 million and $1.4 million for development projects completed and in progress. Construction interest capitalized for the nine month periods ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, was $4.4 million and $3.6 million for development projects completed and in progress.

Pending Acquisitions. We currently have signed purchase agreements for the acquisition of the following properties. These pending acquisitions are subject to various closing conditions and contingencies, and no assurances can be given that the transactions will be completed on the terms currently proposed, or at all:

four multifamily properties with 393 units in Rochester, Minnesota, for a purchase price of $72.5 million, of which approximately $47.5 million is to be paid in cash with the remainder in Units of the Operating Partnership valued at approximately $25.0 million.

Pending Dispositions. We currently have signed sales agreements for the disposition of the following properties. These pending dispositions are subject to various closing conditions and contingencies, and no assurances can be given that the transactions will be completed on the terms currently proposed, or at all:

a healthcare property in Omaha, Nebraska for a sales price of $24.4 million, pursuant to the tenant exercising its purchase option;
 
eight multifamily properties in St. Cloud, Minnesota for a sales price of $5.6 million; and
 
a parcel of unimproved land in River Falls, Wisconsin for a sales price of $20,000.

NOTE 7 • DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

We report in discontinued operations the results of operations and any gain or loss on sale of a property or group of properties that has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and for which the disposition represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we determined that our strategic plan to exit the office and retail segments met the criteria for discontinued operations. Accordingly, 48 office properties, 17 retail properties and 1 healthcare property were classified as held for sale and discontinued operations at July 31, 2015.  We sold these properties during the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2016.
 
18

The following information shows the effect on net income and the gains or losses from the sales of properties classified as discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Three Months Ended
January 31
   
Nine Months Ended
January 31
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
REVENUE
                       
Real estate rentals
 
$
3,576
   
$
13,687
   
$
21,966
   
$
40,780
 
Tenant reimbursement
   
718
     
6,290
     
8,268
     
18,309
 
TOTAL REVENUE
   
4,294
     
19,977
     
30,234
     
59,089
 
EXPENSES
                               
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments
   
0
     
4,207
     
4,239
     
12,146
 
Utilities
   
416
     
1,803
     
3,016
     
5,608
 
Maintenance
   
588
     
2,766
     
4,784
     
8,310
 
Real estate taxes
   
756
     
3,532
     
5,341
     
10,531
 
Insurance
   
58
     
264
     
462
     
815
 
Property management expenses
   
468
     
921
     
1,941
     
2,761
 
Other property expenses
   
0
     
30
     
0
     
30
 
Amortization related to non-real estate investments
   
105
     
706
     
1,002
     
1,981
 
Impairment of real estate investments
   
0
     
0
     
440
     
1,442
 
TOTAL EXPENSES
   
2,391
     
14,229
     
21,225
     
43,624
 
Operating income
   
1,903
     
5,748
     
9,009
     
15,465
 
Interest expense(1)
   
(3,436
)
   
(4,586
)
   
(12,832
)
   
(14,148
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt(1)
   
36,456
     
0
     
29,336
     
0
 
Other income
   
154
     
0
     
427
     
5
 
Income from discontinued operations before gain on sale
   
35,077
     
1,162
     
25,940
     
1,322
 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
   
331
     
0
     
24,241
     
0
 
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS(2)
 
$
35,408
   
$
1,162
   
$
50,181
   
$
1,322
 

(1) Interest expense includes $1.6 million and $4.7 million for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016, respectively, of default interest related to a $122.6 million non-recourse loan by one of our subsidiaries.  Gain on extinguishment of debt in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016, respectively, includes $36.5 million of gain on extinguishment of debt recognized in connection with our transfer of ownership to the mortgage lender of the nine properties serving as collateral for the $122.6 million non-recourse loan and the removal of the debt obligation and accrued interest from our balance sheet.
(2) Discontinued operations for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015 includes a noncontrolling interest for our Mendota joint venture entity.  Income from discontinued operations attributable to us was $51.4 million and $1.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
19

The following information reconciles the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations to assets and liabilities held for sale that are presented separately on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
 
January 31, 2016
   
April 30, 2015
 
Carrying amounts of major classes of assets included as part of discontinued operations
           
Property owned and intangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
$
0
   
$
417,045
 
Receivable arising from straight-lining of rents
   
0
     
10,078
 
Accounts receivable
   
0
     
566
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
0
     
699
 
Tax, insurance and other escrow
   
0
     
1,176
 
Goodwill
   
0
     
193
 
Deferred charges and leasing costs
   
0
     
9,606
 
Total major classes of assets of the discontinued operations
   
0
     
439,363
 
Other assets included in the disposal group classified as held for sale
   
22,064
     
23,740
 
Total assets of the disposal group classified as held for sale on the balance sheet
 
$
22,064
   
$
463,103
 
                 
Carrying amounts of major classes of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
0
   
$
13,952
 
Mortgages payable
   
0
     
295,677
 
Other
   
0
     
4
 
Total major classes of liabilities of the discontinued operations
   
0
     
309,633
 
Other liabilities included in the disposal group classified as held for sale
   
11,449
     
11,760
 
Total liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale on the balance sheet
 
$
11,449
   
$
321,393
 

NOTE 8 • ACQUISITIONS, DEVELOPMENTS PLACED IN SERVICE AND DISPOSITIONS
 
PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS

We added $71.8 million of new real estate properties to our portfolio through property acquisitions during the nine months ended January 31, 2016, compared to $41.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2015. We expensed approximately $162,000 and $104,000 of transaction costs related to the acquisitions in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our acquisitions during the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015 are detailed below.

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016

         
(in thousands)
 
         
Total
Acquisition
Cost
   
Form of Consideration
   
Investment Allocation
 
Acquisitions
 
Date Acquired
   
Cash
   
Units(1)
   
Land
   
Building
   
Intangible
Assets
 
                                           
Multifamily
                                         
74 unit - Gardens - Grand Forks, ND
   
2015-09-10
   
$
9,250
   
$
8,850
   
$
400
   
$
518
   
$
8,672
   
$
60
 
276 unit - GrandeVille at Cascade Lake - Rochester, MN
   
2015-10-29
     
56,000
     
56,000
     
0
     
5,003
     
50,363
     
634
 
             
65,250
     
64,850
     
400
     
5,521
     
59,035
     
694
 
                                                         
Healthcare
                                                       
27,819 sq ft Lakeside Medical Plaza - Omaha, NE
   
2015-08-20
     
6,500
     
6,500
     
0
     
903
     
5,109
     
488
 
                                                         
Total Property Acquisitions
         
$
71,750
   
$
71,350
   
$
400
   
$
6,424
   
$
64,144
   
$
1,182
 

(1) Value of Units of the Operating Partnership at the acquisition date.
 
20

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015

         
(in thousands)
 
         
Total
Acquisition
Cost
   
Form of Consideration
   
Investment Allocation
 
Acquisitions
 
Date Acquired
   
Cash
   
Units(1)
   
Other(2)
   
Land
   
Building
   
Intangible
Assets
 
                                                 
Multi-Family
                                               
152 unit - Homestead Garden - Rapid City, SD(3)
   
2014-06-02
   
$
15,000
   
$
5,092
   
$
0
   
$
9,908
   
$
655
   
$
14,139
   
$
206
 
52 unit - Silver Springs - Rapid City, SD
   
2014-06-02
     
3,280
     
1,019
     
0
     
2,261
     
215
     
3,006
     
59
 
68 unit - Northridge - Bismarck, ND
   
2014-09-12
     
8,500
     
8,400
     
100
     
0
     
884
     
7,516
     
100
 
             
26,780
     
14,511
     
100
     
12,169
     
1,754
     
24,661
     
365
 
                                                                 
Unimproved Land
                                                               
Creekside Crossing - Bismarck, ND
   
2014-05-22
     
4,269
     
4,269
     
0
     
0
     
4,269
     
0
     
0
 
PrairieCare Medical - Brooklyn Park, MN
   
2014-06-05
     
2,616
     
2,616
     
0
     
0
     
2,616
     
0
     
0
 
71 France Phase I - Edina, MN(4)
   
2014-06-12
     
1,413
     
0
     
0
     
1,413
     
1,413
     
0
     
0
 
Monticello 7th Addition - Monticello, MN
   
2014-10-09
     
1,660
     
1,660
     
0
     
0
     
1,660
     
0
     
0
 
71 France Phase II & III - Edina, MN(4)
   
2014-11-04
     
3,309
     
0
     
0
     
3,309
     
3,309
     
0
     
0
 
Minot 1525 24th Ave SW - Minot, ND
   
2014-12-23
     
1,250
     
1,250
     
0
     
0
     
1,250
     
0
     
0
 
             
14,517
     
9,795
     
0
     
4,722
     
14,517
     
0
     
0
 
                                                                 
Total Property Acquisitions
         
$
41,297
   
$
24,306
   
$
100
   
$
16,891
   
$
16,271
   
$
24,661
   
$
365
 

(1) Value of Units of the Operating Partnership at the acquisition date.
(2) Consists of assumed debt (Homestead Garden I: $9.9 million, Silver Springs: $2.3 million) and value of land contributed by the joint venture partner (71 France: $4.7 million).
(3) At acquisition, we adjusted the assumed debt to fair value and recognized approximately $852,000 of goodwill.
(4) Land was contributed to a joint venture in which we currently have an approximately 52.6% interest. The joint venture is consolidated in our financial statements.

Acquisitions in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015 are immaterial to our real estate portfolio both individually and in the aggregate, and consequently no proforma information is presented. The results of operations from acquired properties are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as of their acquisition date. The revenue and net income of our acquisitions in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are detailed below.

   
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended January 31,
 
2016
   
2015
 
Total revenue
 
$
1,969
   
$
1,756
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(62
)
 
$
(27
)
 
21

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PLACED IN SERVICE

The Operating Partnership placed $136.8 million and $113.6 million of development projects in service during the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, as detailed below.

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016

         
(in thousands)
 
Development Projects Placed in Service (1)
 
Date Placed in
Service
   
Land
   
Building
   
Development
Cost
 
                         
Multifamily
                       
72 unit – Chateau II - Minot, ND(2)
   
2015-06-01
   
$
240
   
$
14,401
   
$
14,641
 
288 unit – Renaissance Heights - Williston, ND(3)
   
2015-07-27
     
3,080
     
59,371
     
62,451
 
             
3,320
     
73,772
     
77,092
 
                                 
Healthcare
                               
57,624 sq ft Edina 6565 France SMC III - Edina, MN(4)
   
2015-06-01
     
0
     
32,725
     
32,725
 
70,756 sq ft PrairieCare Medical – Brooklyn Park, MN(5)
   
2015-09-08
     
2,610
     
21,748
     
24,358
 
             
2,610
     
54,473
     
57,083
 
                                 
Other
                               
7,963 sq ft Minot Southgate Retail - Minot, ND(6)
   
2015-10-01
     
889
     
1,734
     
2,623
 
                                 
Total Development Projects Placed in Service
         
$
6,819
   
$
129,979
   
$
136,798
 

(1) Development projects that are placed in service in phases are excluded from this table until the entire project has been placed in service. See Note 6 for additional information on the Deer Ridge, 71 France, and Cardinal Point projects, which were partially placed in service during the nine months ended January 31, 2016.
(2) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $12.3 million. Additional costs incurred in fiscal year 2016 totaled $2.3 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2016 of $14.6 million.
(3) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $57.7 million. Additional costs incurred in fiscal year 2016 totaled $4.8 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2016 of $62.5 million. The project is owned by a joint venture entity in which we currently have an approximately 70.0% interest. The joint venture is consolidated in our financial statements.
(4) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $20.8 million. Additional costs incurred in fiscal year 2016 totaled $11.9 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2016 of $32.7 million.
(5) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $17.3 million. Additional costs incurred in fiscal year 2016 totaled $7.1 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2016 of $24.4 million.
(6) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $2.1 million. Additional costs incurred in fiscal year 2016 totaled approximately $500,000, for a total project cost at January 31, 2016 of $2.6 million.
 
22

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015

         
(in thousands)
 
Development Projects Placed in Service
 
Date Placed in
Service
   
Land
   
Building
   
Development
Cost
 
                         
Multifamily
                       
44 unit - Dakota Commons - Williston, ND(1)
   
2014-07-15
   
$
823
   
$
9,596
   
$
10,419
 
130 unit - Red 20 - Minneapolis, MN(2)
   
2014-11-21
     
1,900
     
26,430
     
28,330
 
233 unit - Commons at Southgate - Minot, ND(3)
   
2014-12-09
     
3,691
     
30,921
     
34,612
 
64 unit - Cypress Court II - St. Cloud, MN(4)
   
2015-01-01
     
447
     
6,191
     
6,638
 
165 unit - Arcata - Golden Valley, MN(5)
   
2015-01-01
     
2,088
     
28,296
     
30,384
 
             
8,949
     
101,434
     
110,383
 
                                 
Other
                               
4,998 sq ft Minot Wells Fargo Bank - Minot, ND(6)
   
2014-11-10
     
992
     
2,193
     
3,185
 
                                 
Total Development Projects Placed in Service
         
$
9,941
   
$
103,627
   
$
113,568
 

(1) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $8.1 million. Additional costs paid in fiscal year 2015 totaled $2.3 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2015 of $10.4 million.
(2) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $12.2 million. Additional costs paid in fiscal year 2015 totaled $16.1 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2015 of $28.3 million. The project is owned by a joint venture entity in which we currently have an approximately 58.6% interest. The joint venture is consolidated in our financial statements.
(3) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $26.5 million. Additional costs paid in fiscal year 2015 totaled $8.1 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2015 of $34.6 million. The project is owned by a joint venture entity in which we have an approximately 52.9% interest. The joint venture is consolidated in our financial statements.
(4) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $1.2 million. Additional costs paid in fiscal year 2015 totaled $5.5 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2015 of $6.6 million. The project is owned by a joint venture entity in which we currently have an approximately 86.1% interest. The joint venture is consolidated in our financial statements.
(5) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $11.3 million. Additional costs paid in fiscal year 2015 totaled $19.1 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2015 of $30.4 million.
(6) Costs paid in prior fiscal years totaled $1.0 million. Additional costs paid in fiscal year 2015 totaled $2.2 million, for a total project cost at January 31, 2015 of $3.2 million.
 
23

PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, we sold 3 retail properties for a total sales price of $3.5 million and transferred ownership of nine office properties pursuant to a deed in lieu transaction. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2015, we sold one office property and one retail property for a total sales price of $10.0 million. The following table details our dispositions during the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015:

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016

         
(in thousands)
 
Dispositions
 
Date Disposed
   
Sales Price
   
Book Value
and Sales Cost
   
Gain/(Loss)
 
                         
Other
                       
117,144 sq ft Thresher Square – Minneapolis, MN
   
2015-05-18
   
$
7,000
   
$
7,175
   
$
(175
)
2,549,222 sq ft Office Sale Portfolio(1)
   
2015-08-03
     
250,000
     
231,537
     
18,463
 
420,216 sq ft Mendota Office Center Portfolio – Mendota Heights, MN(2)
   
2015-08-12
     
40,000
     
41,574
     
(1,574
)
1,027,208 sq ft Retail Sale Portfolio(3)
   
2015-09-30
     
78,960
     
71,913
     
7,047
 
48,700 sq ft Eden Prairie 6101 Blue Circle Drive – Eden Prairie, MN
   
2015-10-19
     
2,900
     
2,928
     
(28
)
8,526 sq ft Burnsville I Strip Center – Burnsville, MN
   
2015-12-23
     
1,300
     
913
     
387
 
4,800 sq ft Pine City C-Store – Pine City, MN
   
2016-01-08
     
300
     
355
     
(55
)
11,003 sq ft Minot Plaza – Minot, ND
   
2016-01-19
     
1,854
     
393
     
1,461
 
937,518 sq ft 9-Building Office Portfolio(4)(5)
   
2016-01-29
     
122,600
(5) 
   
86,144
(5) 
   
36,456
(5) 
                                 
Total Property Dispositions
         
$
504,914
   
$
442,932
   
$
61,982
 

(1) The properties included in this portfolio disposition are: 610 Business Center, 7800 West Brown Deer Road, Ameritrade, Barry Pointe Office Park, Benton Business Park, Brenwood, Brook Valley I, Crosstown Centre, Golden Hills Office Center, Granite Corporate Center, Great Plains, Highlands Ranch I, Highlands Ranch II, Interlachen Corporate Center, Intertech Building, Minnesota National Bank, Northpark Corporate Center, Omaha 10802 Farnam Dr, Plaza VII, Plymouth 5095 Nathan Lane, Prairie Oak Business Center, Rapid City 900 Concourse Drive, Spring Valley IV, Spring Valley V, Spring Valley X, Spring Valley XI, Superior Office Building, TCA Building, Three Paramount Plaza, UHC Office, US Bank Financial Center, Wells Fargo Center, West River Business Park and Westgate.
(2) The properties included in this portfolio disposition are: Mendota Office Center I, Mendota Office Center II, Mendota Office Center III, Mendota Office Center IV and American Corporate Center.
(3) The properties included in this portfolio disposition  are: Champlin South Pond, Chan West Village, Duluth 4615 Grand, Duluth Denfeld Retail, Forest Lake Auto, Forest Lake Westlake Center, Grand Forks Medpark Mall, Jamestown Buffalo Mall, Jamestown Business Center, Lakeville Strip Center, Monticello C Store & vacant land, Omaha Barnes & Noble, Pine City Evergreen Square, Rochester Maplewood Square and St. Cloud Westgate.
(4) The properties included in this portfolio disposition are:  Corporate Center West, Farnam Executive Center, Flagship Corporate Center, Gateway Corporate Center, Miracle Hills One, Pacific Hills, Riverport, Timberlands, and Woodlands Plaza IV.
(5) On January 29, 2016, we transferred ownership of nine properties to the mortgage lender on a $122.6 million non-recourse loan and removed the debt obligation and accrued interest from our balance sheet. The properties had an estimated fair value of $89.3 million on the transfer date. Upon completion of this transfer, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of  $36.5 million, representing the difference between the loan and accrued interest payable extinguished over the carrying value of the properties, cash, accounts payable and accounts receivable transferred as of the transfer date and related closing costs.
 
24

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015

         
(in thousands)
 
Dispositions
 
Date Disposed
   
Sales Price
   
Book Value
and Sales Cost
   
Gain/(Loss)
 
                         
Multi-Family
                       
83 unit - Lancaster - St. Cloud, MN
   
2014-09-22
   
$
4,451
   
$
3,033
   
$
1,418
 
                                 
Industrial
                               
198,600 sq ft Eagan 2785 & 2795 - Eagan, MN
   
2014-07-15
     
3,600
     
5,393
     
(1,793
)
                                 
Other
                               
73,338 sq ft Dewey Hill - Edina, MN
   
2014-05-19
     
3,100
     
3,124
     
(24
)
25,644 sq ft Weston Retail - Weston, WI
   
2014-07-28
     
n/
a
   
1,176
     
(1,176
)
74,568 sq ft Wirth Corporate Center - Golden Valley, MN
   
2014-08-29
     
4,525
     
4,695
     
(170
)
52,000 sq ft Kalispell Retail - Kalispell, MT
   
2014-10-15
     
1,230
     
1,229
     
1
 
34,226 sq ft Fargo Express Center & SC Pad - Fargo, ND
   
2014-11-18
     
2,843
     
2,211
     
632
 
79,297 sq ft Northgate I – Maple Grove, MN
   
2014-12-01
     
7,200
     
6,881
     
319
 
             
18,898
     
19,316
     
(418
)
                                 
Unimproved Land
                               
Kalispell Unimproved - Kalispell, MT
   
2014-10-15
     
670
     
670
     
0
 
                                 
Total Property Dispositions
         
$
27,619
   
$
28,412
   
$
(793
)

NOTE 9 • MORTGAGES PAYABLE AND LINE OF CREDIT

Most of the properties we own serve as collateral for separate mortgage loans on single properties or groups of properties. The majority of these mortgages payable are non-recourse to us, other than for standard carve-out obligations such as fraud, waste, failure to insure, environmental conditions and failure to pay real estate taxes. Interest rates on mortgages payable range from 2.73% to 7.94%, and the mortgages have varying maturity dates from the current fiscal year through July 1, 2036. As of January 31, 2016, our management believes there are no defaults or material compliance issues in regard to any mortgages payable.

Of the mortgages payable, the balances of fixed rate mortgages totalled $671.6 million at January 31, 2016 and $629.8 million at April 30, 2015. The balances of variable rate mortgages totalled $90.0 million and $38.3 million as of January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, respectively. We do not utilize derivative financial instruments to mitigate our exposure to changes in market interest rates. Most of the fixed rate mortgages have substantial pre-payment penalties. As of January 31, 2016, the weighted average rate of interest on our mortgage debt, excluding mortgages on properties held for sale, was 4.80%, compared to 4.95% on April 30, 2015. The aggregate amount of required future principal payments on mortgages payable as of January 31, 2016, excluding $10.7 million in outstanding mortgage indebtedness related to assets held for sale, is as follows:

Fiscal year ended April 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2016 (remainder)
 
$
46,710
 
2017
   
43,543
 
2018
   
41,229
 
2019
   
116,598
 
2020
   
111,490
 
Thereafter
   
402,075
 
Total payments
 
$
761,645
 
 
25

In addition to the individual first mortgage loans comprising our $761.6 million of mortgage indebtedness, we also have a revolving, multi-bank line of credit with First International Bank and Trust, Watford City, North Dakota, as lead bank, which had, as of January 31, 2016, lending commitments of $100.0 million. This line of credit is not included in our mortgage indebtedness total. As of January 31, 2016, the line of credit was secured by mortgages on 17 properties. Under the terms of the line of credit, properties may be added and removed from the collateral pool with the agreement of the lenders. Participants in this credit facility as of January 31, 2016 included, in addition to First International Bank, the following financial institutions: The Bank of North Dakota, First Western Bank and Trust, Dacotah Bank, Highland Bank, American State Bank & Trust Company, Town & Country Credit Union, WoodTrust Bank, and United Community Bank. As of January 31, 2016, the line of credit had an interest rate of 4.75% and a minimum outstanding principal balance requirement of $17.5 million. As of January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, we had borrowed $17.5 million and $60.5 million, respectively. The line of credit includes covenants and restrictions requiring us to achieve on a fiscal and calendar quarter basis a debt service coverage ratio on borrowing base collateral of 1.25x in the aggregate and 1.00x on individual assets in the collateral pool. We are also required to maintain minimum depository account(s) totaling $6.0 million with First International Bank, of which $1.5 million is to be held in a non-interest bearing account. As of January 31, 2016, we believe we were in compliance with the line of credit’s covenants.

NOTE 10 • FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures defines and establishes a framework for measuring fair value.  The objective of fair value is to determine the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels, as follows:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs

Fair value estimates may be different than the amounts that may ultimately be realized upon sale or disposition of the assets and liabilities.
 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis

We had no assets or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015.

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

Non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at January 31, 2016 consisted of real estate held for sale that was written-down to estimated fair value during the nine months ended January 31, 2016. Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at April 30, 2015 consisted of real estate held for sale that was written-down to estimated fair value during fiscal year 2015. See Note 2 for additional information on impairment losses recognized during fiscal years 2016 and 2015. The aggregate fair value of these assets by their levels in the fair value hierarchy is as follows:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
January 31, 2016
                       
Real estate held for sale
 
$
20
   
$
0
   
$
0
   
$
20
 
                                 
April 30, 2015
                               
Real estate held for sale
   
7,100
     
0
     
0
     
7,100
 

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial assets and liabilities. The fair values of our financial instruments approximate their carrying amount in the consolidated financial statements except for debt.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity.

Other Investments. The carrying amount, or cost plus accrued interest, of the certificates of deposit approximates fair value.

Other Debt. For variable rate loans that re-price frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loans using relevant treasury interest rates plus credit spreads (Level 2).

Line of Credit.  The carrying amount approximates fair value because the variable rate debt re-prices frequently.
 
26

Mortgages Payable. For variable rate loans that re-price frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loans using relevant treasury interest rates plus credit spreads (Level 2).

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, are as follows:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
January 31, 2016
   
April 30, 2015
 
   
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying Amount
   
Fair Value
 
FINANCIAL ASSETS
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
47,117
   
$
47,117
   
$
48,970
   
$
48,970
 
Other investments
   
50
     
50
     
329
     
329
 
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
                               
Other debt
   
140,155
     
139,658
     
144,090
     
143,749
 
Line of credit
   
17,500
     
17,500
     
60,500
     
60,500
 
Mortgages payable
   
761,645
     
803,479
     
668,112
     
749,604
 
Mortgages payable related to assets held for sale
   
10,661
     
12,757
     
306,716
     
374,818
 

NOTE 11 • REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Redeemable noncontrolling interests on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets represent the noncontrolling interest in joint ventures in which our unaffiliated partner, at its election, could require us to buy its interest at a purchase price to be determined by an appraisal conducted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, or at a negotiated price. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the value from period to period are charged to Common Shares on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We currently have one joint venture, the Southgate apartment project in Minot, North Dakota, in which our joint venture partner can, for the four-year period from February 6, 2016 through February 5, 2020, compel us to acquire the partner’s interest for a price to be determined in accordance with the provisions of the joint venture agreement.

As of January 31, 2016, the estimated redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests was $7.2 million. Below is a table reflecting the activity of the redeemable noncontrolling interests.

   
(in thousands)
 
Balance at April 30, 2015
 
$
6,368
 
Contributions
   
1,120
 
Net loss
   
(244
)
Balance at January 31, 2016
 
$
7,244
 

NOTE 12 • SHARE BASED COMPENSATION

Share based awards are provided to officers, non-officer employees and trustees under our 2015 Incentive Plan approved by shareholders on September 15, 2015, which allows for awards in the form of cash and unrestricted and restricted Common Shares, up to an aggregate of 4,250,000 shares, over the ten year period in which the plan will be in effect. Through January 31, 2016, awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan consisted of restricted and unrestricted Common Shares.

Prior to the approval of our 2015 Incentive Plan, share based awards were provided to officers, non-officer employees and trustees under the our 2008 Incentive Award Plan, which was approved by shareholders on September 16, 2008, which allowed for awards in the form of cash and unrestricted and restricted Common Shares, up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares, over the period in which the plan will be in effect. Through January 31, 2016, awards under the 2008 Incentive Award Plan consisted of cash and restricted and unrestricted Common Shares.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Under the 2008 Incentive Award Plan, our officers and non-officer employees could earn share awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) adopted pursuant to the plan, which was a backward-looking program that measured performance over a one-year performance period beginning on the first day of each fiscal year. Such awards were payable to the extent deemed earned in shares, 50% of which vested on the last day of the performance period and 50% of which vested on the first anniversary of the end of the performance period. Such awards utilized the sole performance metric of the three-year average of the annual absolute total shareholder return (“TSR”).
 
27

Under the 2015 Incentive Plan, our officers and non-officer employees may earn share awards under a revised long-term incentive plan, a forward-looking program that measures long-term performance over the stated performance period. Such awards are payable to the extent deemed earned in shares, 50% of which will vest at the conclusion of the performance period and 50% of which will vest on the first anniversary of the end of the performance period. To accommodate the transition from the 2008 Incentive Award Plan to the 2015 Incentive Plan, performance periods for such awards granted on September 16, 2015 (“2016 LTIP Awards”) included one-year, two-year and three-year periods beginning on May 1, 2015. Going forward, it is anticipated that LTIP awards will be issued with a three-year performance period. The 2016 LTIP Awards utilize the performance metrics of relative TSR for 67% of the award and absolute TSR for 33% of the award. The 2016 LTIP Awards for performance periods of one, two and three years were 380,498; 353,535 and 353,535 shares, respectively.

In connection with the LTIP awards, we recognize compensation expense ratably (over 31.5 months for the 50% unrestricted shares and over 43.5 months for the 50% restricted shares) based on the grant date fair value, as determined using a binomial model employing the Monte Carlo simulation, and regardless of whether the market conditions are achieved and the LTIP awards ultimately vest.  The market conditions utilized for the 2016 LTIP Awards are absolute TSR (1/3 weighting) and relative TSR measured against the MSCI US REIT Index (2/3 weighting). The model evaluates the LTIP awards for changing TSR over the vesting periods, and uses random simulations that are based on past share characteristics as well as distribution growth and other factors. The assumptions used to value the LTIP awards were an expected volatility of 16.6%, a risk-free interest rate of 1.13% and an expected life of 3 years.  We based the expected volatility on the historical volatility of our daily closing share price. The share price at the grant date, September 16, 2015, was $7.13.  We based the risk-free interest rate on the interest rates on U.S. treasury bonds with a maturity equal to the remaining performance period of the LTIP award. We based the expected term on the performance period of the LTIP award.

The calculated grant date fair value as a percentage of the officers’ base salary for the 2016 LTIP Awards with a three-year performance period beginning on May 1, 2015 ranged from approximately 42% to 85% for the portion of the awards based on relative TSR and from 5% to 10% for the portion of the awards based on absolute TSR. For the transition 2016 LTIP Awards with a one-year performance period beginning on May 1, 2015, the calculated grant date fair value as a percentage of the officers’ base salary ranged from approximately 46% to 96% for the portion of the awards based on relative TSR and from 5% to 10% for the portion of the awards based on absolute TSR. For the transition 2016 LTIP Awards with a two-year performance period beginning on May 1, 2015, the calculated grant date fair value as a percentage of the officers’ base salary ranged from approximately 43% to 86% for the portion of the awards based on relative TSR and from 5% to 10% for the portion of the awards based on absolute TSR.

Total Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements for all outstanding share based awards was approximately $787,000 and $260,000 for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $1.4 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Restricted Share Awards

No share awards vested during the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015.  The total unvested restricted share awards at January 31, 2016 was 107,536 shares, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $7.17 per share.
 
As of January 31, 2016, the total compensation cost related to non-vested share awards not yet recognized was approximately $96,000, which we expect to recognize during the remainder of fiscal year 2016.

NOTE 13 • SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Common and Preferred Share Distributions. On March 8, 2016, our Board of Trustees declared the following distributions:

Class of shares/units
 
Quarterly Amount
per Share or Unit
 
Record Date
Payment Date
Common shares and limited partnership units
 
$
0.1300
 
March 21, 2016
April 1, 2016
Preferred shares:
             
Series A
 
$
0.5156
 
March 21, 2016
March 31, 2016
Series B
 
$
0.4968
 
March 21, 2016
March 31, 2016
 
28

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report, as well as our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015, which are included in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 29, 2015.

Forward Looking Statements. Certain matters included in this discussion are forward looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the following statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that the expectations expressed will actually be achieved. Many factors may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations, including general economic conditions, local real estate conditions, the general level of interest rates and the availability of financing and various other economic risks inherent in the business of owning and operating investment real estate.

Overview

We are a self-advised equity REIT engaged in owning and operating income-producing real estate properties. Our investments include multifamily residential properties and commercial properties located primarily in the upper Midwest states of Minnesota and North Dakota.  As of January 31, 2016, we held for investment 94 multifamily properties containing 12,401 apartment units and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $933.2 million, and 83 commercial properties containing approximately 4.5 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $520.9 million. We held for sale 8 multifamily properties, 1 commercial property and 1 parcel of land as of January 31, 2016.

Our primary source of income and cash is rents associated with multifamily and commercial leases. Our business objective is to increase shareholder value by employing a disciplined investment strategy. This strategy is implemented by growing income-producing assets in desired geographical markets in real estate classes we believe will provide a consistent return on investment for our shareholders. We have paid quarterly distributions continuously since our first distribution in 1971.

Critical Accounting Policies

In preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A summary of our critical accounting policies is included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2015, filed with the SEC on June 29, 2015, under the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” There have been no significant changes to those policies during the three months ended January 31, 2016.

Third Quarter Activities

Summarized below are transactions that occurred during the third quarter of our fiscal year 2016:

· As part of our strategic plan to sell our commercial office and retail portfolios, we disposed of three retail properties for sales prices totaling $3.5 million.

· We disposed of nine office properties that secured a $122.6 million non-recourse mortgage loan. Ownership in these properties was transferred to the mortgage lender, and we removed the debt obligation and accrued interest from our balance sheet.

· We repurchased 1.8 million Common Shares, at an average price of $7.30 per share, under our share repurchase program.
 
29

Market Conditions and Outlook

The demand for investment and institutional quality real estate in our markets is strong.  Investors have abundant equity and access to debt to facilitate acquisitions.  Prices and sales volumes are up over last year.  Fundamentals are also favorable with flat vacancies and rising rents in most of our markets.  The exception for us is in the Bakken Oil impacted markets of Williston and Minot, North Dakota where we are experiencing rising apartment vacancies and concessions to attract residents.

We experienced generally stable trends across most of our apartment investments during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2016. Same-store net operating income decreased approximately $2.4 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year and occupancy increased slightly from 94.5 to 94.9% from one year ago on same-store properties.  According to AXIOMetrics Inc., the national apartment occupancy rate is just 2 basis points higher than one year ago, at 94.6%. Our ability to maintain occupancy levels and raise rents remains dependent on continued healthy employment and wage growth. We have continued to observe considerable multifamily development activity in our markets, and as this new construction is completed and leased, we will experience increased competition for residents. However, based on information available to us, apartment developers in our markets are currently seeing increases in construction costs for potential new apartment developments, which may slow new developments in our markets.  The U.S. economic outlook through 2017 is forecasted to be good according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Moody’s Analytics.  Businesses are adding jobs and for the first time in this phase of the economic cycle we are seeing meaningful wage growth.  There is an attitudinal shift also occurring toward renting by professional millennials and to lesser, although growing degree, by baby boomers.  These trends are beneficial to apartment owners.

Our healthcare segment consists of medical office properties and senior housing facilities. The medical office component remains stable with high occupancy at 95.8% (same-store) and modest rent increases.

The industrial property market continues to improve as vacancies have come down across the country and in our principal market of Minneapolis.  Our industrial properties are located primarily in the Minneapolis market, and same-store occupancy remained at 100%. We have placed into service one newly redeveloped industrial property of 220,557 square feet, located in Roseville, Minnesota, which is 83.6% leased. The demand for bulk warehouse and manufacturing space in our markets is healthy, with rents generally rising. The Minneapolis metro vacancy rate was 8.1% as of the fourth quarter calendar year 2015, according to Colliers International.

Same-store and Non-same-store Properties
 
Throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have provided certain information on a same-store and non-same-store properties basis. Information provided on a same-store properties basis includes the results of properties that we have owned and operated for the entirety of both periods being compared (except for properties for which significant redevelopment or expansion occurred during either of the periods being compared, and properties sold or classified as held for sale), and which, in the case of development or re-development properties, have achieved a target level of occupancy of 90% for multifamily properties and 85% for healthcare, industrial and other properties.

For the comparison of the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, all or a portion of 52 properties were non-same-store, of which 16 were redevelopment or in-service development properties.

While there are judgments to be made regarding changes in designation, we typically remove properties from same-store to non-same-store when redevelopment has or is expected to have a significant impact on property net operating income within the fiscal year. Acquisitions are moved to same-store once we have owned the property for the entirety of comparable periods and the property is not under significant redevelopment or expansion. Our development projects in progress are not included in our non-same-store properties category until they are placed in-service, which occurs upon the substantial completion for a commercial development property and upon receipt of a certificate of occupancy for a multifamily development project. They are then subsequently moved from non-same-store to same-store when the property has been in-service for the entirety of both periods being compared and has reached the target level of occupancy specified above.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Consolidated Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016 and 2015
 
The discussion that follows is based on our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
   
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
January 31
   
2016 vs 2015
   
January 31
   
2016 vs 2015
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Real estate rentals
 
$
50,277
   
$
46,753
   
$
3,524
     
7.5
%
 
$
142,526
   
$
135,621
   
$
6,905
     
5.1
%
Tenant reimbursement
   
4,492
     
5,223
     
(731
)
   
(14.0
)%
   
13,466
     
15,122
     
(1,656
)
   
(11.0
)%
TRS senior housing revenue
   
1,003
     
963
     
40
     
4.2
%
   
3,006
     
2,599
     
407
     
15.7
%
TOTAL REVENUE
   
55,772
     
52,939
     
2,833
     
5.4
%
   
158,998
     
153,342
     
5,656
     
3.7
%
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments
   
14,789
     
12,627
     
2,162
     
17.1
%
   
42,522
     
37,700
     
4,822
     
12.8
%
Utilities
   
3,427
     
3,564
     
(137
)
   
(3.8
)%
   
9,757
     
9,533
     
224
     
2.3
%
Maintenance
   
5,821
     
5,033
     
788
     
15.7
%
   
16,979
     
15,081
     
1,898
     
12.6
%
Real estate taxes
   
5,029
     
5,284
     
(255
)
   
(4.8
)%
   
14,948
     
15,052
     
(104
)
   
(0.7
)%
Insurance
   
1,214
     
1,215
     
(1
)
   
(0.1
)%
   
3,558
     
3,745
     
(187
)
   
(5.0
)%
Property management expenses
   
4,676
     
3,825
     
851
     
22.2
%
   
13,182
     
10,970
     
2,212
     
20.2
%
Other property expenses
   
169
     
197
     
(28
)
   
(14.2
)%
   
344
     
753
     
(409
)
   
(54.3
)%
TRS senior housing expenses
   
912
     
825
     
87
     
10.5
%
   
2,493
     
2,243
     
250
     
11.1
%
Administrative expenses
   
2,929
     
2,754
     
175
     
6.4
%
   
8,316
     
9,308
     
(992
)
   
(10.7
)%
Other expenses
   
86
     
488
     
(402
)
   
(82.4
)%
   
1,714
     
1,678
     
36
     
2.1
%
Amortization related to non-real estate investments
   
130
     
210
     
(80
)
   
(38.1
)%
   
470
     
647
     
(177
)
   
(27.4
)%
Impairment of real estate investments
   
162
     
540
     
(378
)
   
(70.0
)%
   
3,320
     
4,663
     
(1,343
)
   
(28.8
)%
TOTAL EXPENSES
   
39,344
     
36,562
     
2,782
     
7.6
%
   
117,603
     
111,373
     
6,230
     
5.6
%
Operating income
   
16,428
     
16,377
     
51
     
0.3
%
   
41,395
     
41,969
     
(574
)
   
(1.4
)%
Interest expense
   
(10,540
)
   
(10,009
)
   
(531
)
   
5.3
%
   
(29,867
)
   
(29,710
)
   
(157
)
   
0.5
%
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
n/a
     
(106
)
   
0
     
(106
)
   
n/a
Interest income
   
566
     
561
     
5
     
0.9
%
   
1,687
     
1,681
     
6
     
0.4
%
Other income
   
135
     
109
     
26
     
23.9
%
   
286
     
371
     
(85
)
   
(22.9
)%
Income before gain (loss) on sale of real estate and other investments and income from discontinued operations
   
6,589
     
7,038
     
(449
)
   
(6.4
)%
   
13,395
     
14,311
     
(916
)
   
(6.4
)%
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate and other investments
   
1,446
     
951
     
495
     
52.1
%
   
1,271
     
(811
)
   
2,082
     
(256.7
)%
Income from continuing operations
   
8,035
     
7,989
     
46
     
0.6
%
   
14,666
     
13,500
     
1,166
     
8.6
%
Income from discontinued operations
   
35,408
     
1,162
     
34,246
     
2,947.2
%
   
50,181
     
1,322
     
48,859
     
3,695.8
%
NET INCOME
   
43,443
     
9,151
     
34,292
     
374.7
%
   
64,847
     
14,822
     
50,025
     
337.5
%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership
   
(4,227
)
   
(657
)
   
(3,570
)
   
543.4
%
   
(5,940
)
   
(618
)
   
(5,322
)
   
861.2
%
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities
   
581
     
(123
)
   
704
     
(572.4
)%
   
2,096
     
(870
)
   
2,966
     
(340.9
)%
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust
   
39,797
     
8,371
     
31,426
     
375.4
%
   
61,003
     
13,334
     
47,669
     
357.5
%
Dividends to preferred shareholders
   
(2,879
)
   
(2,879
)
   
0
     
0.0
%
   
(8,636
)
   
(8,636
)
   
0
     
0.0
%
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
 
$
36,918
   
$
5,492
     
31,426
     
572.2
%
 
$
52,367
   
$
4,698
     
47,669
     
1,014.7
%
 
Revenues.  Revenues for the three months ended January 31, 2016 were $55.8 million compared to $52.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2015, an increase of $2.8 million or 5.4%. The increase in revenue for the three months ended January 31, 2016 resulted primarily from properties acquired and development projects placed in service in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, as shown in the table below.
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Increase in Total
Revenue
Three Months
ended January 31, 2016
 
Revenue primarily from properties acquired and development projects placed in service in Fiscal 2016
 
$
3,496
 
Increase in revenue primarily from properties acquired and development projects placed in service in Fiscal 2015
   
1,227
 
Decrease in revenue on same-store properties, excluding straight line rent(1)
   
(188
)
Net change in straight line rent on same-store properties(1)
   
(16
)
Decrease in revenue from properties sold or classified as held for sale in Fiscal 2016 and 2015
   
(1,726
)
Increase in TRS senior housing revenue(2)
   
40
 
Net increase in total revenue
 
$
2,833
 

(1) See analysis of NOI by segment below for additional information.
(2) See discussion in TRS Senior Housing Expenses paragraph below.

Revenues for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 were $159.0 million compared to $153.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2015, an increase of $5.7 million or 3.7%. The increase in revenue for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 resulted primarily from properties acquired and development projects placed in service in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, as shown in the table below.
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Increase in Total
Revenue
Nine Months
ended January 31, 2016
 
Revenue primarily from properties acquired and development projects placed in service in Fiscal 2016
 
$
4,575
 
Increase in revenue primarily from properties acquired and development projects placed in service in Fiscal 2015
   
7,196
 
Increase in revenue on same-store properties, excluding straight line rent(1)
   
87
 
Net change in straight line rent on same-store properties(1)
   
(553
)
Decrease in revenue from properties sold or classified as held for sale in Fiscal 2016 and 2015
   
(6,056
)
Increase in TRS senior housing revenue(2)
   
407
 
Net increase in total revenue
 
$
5,656
 

(1) See analysis of NOI by segment below for additional information.
(2) See discussion in TRS Senior Housing Expenses paragraph below.

Depreciation/Amortization Related to Real Estate Investments. Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments increased by 17.1% to $14.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared to $12.6 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  This increase was primarily due to depreciation on new developments placed in service and acquisitions.

Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments increased by 12.8% to $42.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016, compared to $37.7 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to depreciation on new developments placed in service and acquisitions.

Utilities.  Utilities decreased by 3.8% to $3.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared to $3.6 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Same-store properties realized a decrease of $276,000 due to decreased heating costs resulting from a milder winter.  This decrease was offset by an increase of $139,000 attributable to non-same-store properties.

Utilities increased by 2.3% to $9.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to $9.5 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Same-store properties realized a decrease of $65,000 while an increase of $289,000 was attributable to non-same-store properties.
 
Maintenance.  Maintenance expenses increased by 15.7% to $5.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared to $5.0 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  An increase of $323,000 was attributable to same-store properties primarily due to an increase in labor and benefit costs as a result of tight labor markets.  Non-same-store properties realized an increase of $465,000.

Maintenance expenses increased by 12.6% to $17.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to $15.1 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year.  An increase of $1.1 million was attributable to same-store properties primarily due to an increase in labor and benefit costs as a result of tight labor markets.  Non-same-store properties realized an increase of $779,000.

Real Estate Taxes.  Real estate taxes decreased by 4.8% to $5.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared to $5.3 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. A decrease of $351,000 was attributable to same-store properties primarily due to decreased assessments in our North Dakota markets.  An increase of $96,000 was attributable to non-same-store properties

Real estate taxes decreased by 0.7% to $14.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to $15.1 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. A decrease of $116,000 was attributable to same-store properties primarily due to decreased assessments in our North Dakota markets. An increase of $12,000 was attributable to non-same-store properties.

Insurance. Insurance expense decreased by 5.0% to $3.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to $3.7 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Deductibles paid on insurance claims at same-store properties decreased by $308,000 when compared to the prior year while insurance premiums at same-store properties decreased by $74,000.  These decreases were offset by an increase of $195,000 which was attributable to non-same-store properties. The change in insurance expense between the quarters ending January 31, 2016 and 2015 was immaterial.

Property Management Expenses.  Property management expenses increased by 22.2% to $4.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared to $3.8 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. An increase of $346,000 was attributable primarily to an increase in labor and benefit costs at same-store properties while an increase of $505,000 was realized at non-same-store properties.

Property management expenses increased by 20.2% to $13.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to $11.0 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. An increase of $851,000 was attributable primarily to increases in marketing costs, property management costs and labor and benefits costs at same-store properties while an increase of $1.4 million was realized at non-same-store properties.

Other Property Expenses.  Other property expense, consisting primarily of bad debt provision expense, decreased to approximately $344,000 in the nine months ended January 31, 2016, compared to approximately $753,000 in the same period of the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a decrease in the provision for bad debt. The change in other property expenses between the quarters ending January 31, 2016 and 2016 was immaterial.

TRS Senior Housing Expenses.  We have one TRS which is the tenant in the Legends at Heritage Place senior housing facility. Property management expenses for the Heritage Place property are paid by the TRS, as the tenant in the property, and revenue from the Heritage Place facility is shown as TRS senior housing revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. TRS senior housing expense for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 increased $250,000 compared to the same period of the prior year. The change in TRS senior housing expenses between the quarters ending January 31, 2016 and 2016 was immaterial.

Administrative Expenses.  Administrative expenses decreased by 10.7% to $8.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016, compared to $9.3 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. This change was primarily due to decreases of approximately $864,000 in short term incentive plan expense and $617,000 in share-based compensation expense, offset by increases in salary and bonus expenses. The change in other administrative expenses between the quarters ending January 31, 2016 and 2016 was immaterial.

Other Expenses.  Other expenses decreased 82.4% to approximately $86,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease for the quarter was primarily due to a post-sale reduction in property expenses. The change in other expenses between the nine months ending January 31, 2016 and 2016 was immaterial.

Impairment of Real Estate Investments.  We recognized approximately $162,000 and $540,000 of impairment in continuing operations during the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively and $3.3 million and $4.7 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for additional information.
 
Interest Expense.  Components of interest expense in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows.

 
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   January 31      
2016 vs 2015
 
January 31
 
2016 vs 2015
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Mortgage debt
 
$
9,407
   
$
8,902
   
$
505
     
5.7
%
 
$
26,950
   
$
26,811
   
$
139
     
0.5
%
Line of credit
   
212
     
494
     
(282
)
   
(57.1
%)
   
1,367
     
1,363
     
4
     
0.3
%
Other
   
921
     
613
     
308
     
50.2
%
   
1,550
     
1,536
     
14
     
0.9
%
Total interest expense
 
$
10,540
   
$
10,009
   
$
531
     
5.3
%
 
$
29,867
   
$
29,710
   
$
157
     
0.5
%

Mortgage interest increased by 5.7% to $9.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared to $8.9 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Mortgages on non-same-store properties added approximately $1.0 million  and $2.0 million to our mortgage interest expense in the three months and nine months ended January 31, 2016, respectively, while mortgage interest on same-store properties decreased approximately $301,000 and $913,000 compared to the three and nine months ended January 31, 2015, respectively, primarily due to loan payoffs and refinancings.

Interest expense on our line of credit decreased to approximately $212,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016, compared to approximately $494,000 in the same period of the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a lower average outstanding balance during the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. The change in interest expense on our line of credit between the nine months ending January 31, 2016 and 2016 was immaterial.

Other interest consists of interest on construction loans, a financing liability, security deposits and special assessments, as well as amortization of loan costs, offset by capitalized construction interest. Other interest increased to approximately $921,000 in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared to approximately $613,000 in the same period of the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a decrease in capitalized construction interest. The change in other interest between the nine months ending January 31, 2016 and 2016 was immaterial.

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Real Estate and Other Investments. We recorded in continuing operations a net gain of $1.4 million and approximately $951,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We recorded in continuing operations a net gain of $1.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016, compared to a net loss of approximately $811,000 in the same period of the prior year. Properties sold in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015 are detailed below in the section captioned “Property Acquisitions and Dispositions.”

Income from Discontinued Operations.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, we determined that our strategic plan to exit the office and retail segments met the criteria for discontinued operations. Accordingly, 48 office properties, 17 retail properties and 1 healthcare property were classified as held for sale and discontinued operations at July 31, 2015.  We sold these properties during the second and third quarters of fiscal year 2016. We recorded income from discontinued operations of $35.4 million and $1.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded income from discontinued operations of $50.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for further information on discontinued operations.

Occupancy

Occupancy as of January 31, 2016 compared to January 31, 2015 increased in our multifamily segment and remained stable in our healthcare and industrial segments on a same-store basis. In November 2015, a new 89-month lease was executed for 143,956 square feet at the Roseville 3075 Long Lake Road property, a newly redeveloped industrial property located in Roseville, Minnesota. The lease accounts for approximately 11.8% of the rentable square footage for our industrial segment and will commence upon completion of the leasehold improvements, currently estimated to be mid-April 2016. Occupancy represents the actual number of units or square footage leased divided by the total number of units or square footage at the end of the period.

Occupancy Levels on a Same-Store Property and All Property Basis:

   
Same-Store Properties
   
All Properties
 
   
As of January 31,
   
As of January 31,
 
Segments
 
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Multifamily
   
94.9
%
   
94.5
%
   
91.1
%
   
91.3
%
Healthcare
   
95.8
%
   
95.8
%
   
94.7
%
   
95.9
%
Industrial
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
85.3
%
   
100.0
%
 
Net Operating Income

Net Operating Income (“NOI”) is a non-US GAAP measure which we define as total real estate revenues and gain on involuntary conversion less real estate expenses (which consist of utilities, maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance, property management expenses and other property expenses). We believe that NOI is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT’s operating real estate because it provides a measure of core operations that is unaffected by depreciation, amortization, financing and general and administrative expense.  NOI does not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with US GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net income, net income available for common shareholders or cash flow from operating activities as a measure of financial performance.

The following tables show real estate revenues, real estate operating expenses, gain on involuntary conversion and NOI by reportable operating segment for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015.  For a reconciliation of NOI of reportable segments to net income as reported, see Note 5 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

The tables also show NOI by reportable operating segment on a same-store property and non-same-store property basis. This comparison allows us to evaluate the performance of existing properties and their contribution to net income. Management believes that measuring performance on a same-store property basis is useful to investors because it enables evaluation of how our properties are performing year over year.  Management uses this measure to assess whether or not it has been successful in increasing NOI, renewing the leases of existing tenants, controlling operating costs and appropriately handling capital improvements. The discussion below focuses on the main factors affecting real estate revenue and real estate expenses from same-store properties. Since changes from one fiscal year to another in real estate revenue and expenses from non-same-store properties are due to the addition of those properties to our real estate portfolio, such information is less useful for evaluating the ongoing operational performance of our real estate portfolio.
 
All Segments

The following table of selected operating data reconciles NOI to net income and provides the basis for our discussion of NOI by segment in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015.

   
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
   
Three Months Ended January 31
   
Nine Months Ended January 31
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
All Segments
                                               
                                                 
Real estate revenue
                                               
Same-store
 
$
44,928
   
$
45,132
   
$
(204
)
   
(0.5
)%
 
$
132,534
   
$
133,000
   
$
(466
)
   
(0.4
)%
Non-same-store(1)
   
9,841
     
6,844
     
2,997
     
43.8
%
   
23,458
     
17,743
     
5,715
     
32.2
%
Total
 
$
54,769
   
$
51,976
   
$
2,793
     
5.4
%
 
$
155,992
   
$
150,743
   
$
5,249
     
3.5
%
                                                                 
Real estate expenses
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
16,328
   
$
16,447
   
$
(119
)
   
(0.7
)%
 
$
48,916
   
$
48,109
   
$
807
     
1.7
%
Non-same-store(1)
   
4,008
     
2,671
     
1,337
     
50.1
%
   
9,852
     
7,025
     
2,827
     
40.2
%
Total
 
$
20,336
   
$
19,118
   
$
1,218
     
6.4
%
 
$
58,768
   
$
55,134
   
$
3,634
     
6.6
%
                                                                 
Net operating income
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
28,600
   
$
28,685
   
$
(85
)
   
(0.3
)%
 
$
83,618
   
$
84,891
   
$
(1,273
)
   
(1.5
)%
Non-same-store(1)
   
5,833
     
4,173
     
1,660
     
39.8
%
   
13,606
     
10,718
     
2,888
     
26.9
%
Total
 
$
34,433
   
$
32,858
   
$
1,575
     
4.8
%
 
$
97,224
   
$
95,609
   
$
1,615
     
1.7
%
TRS senior housing revenue, net of expenses
   
91
     
138
                     
513
     
356
                 
Depreciation/amortization
   
(14,919
)
   
(12,837
)
                   
(42,992
)
   
(38,347
)
               
Administrative expenses
   
(2,929
)
   
(2,754
)
                   
(8,316
)
   
(9,308
)
               
Other expenses
   
(86
)
   
(488
)
                   
(1,714
)
   
(1,678
)
               
Impairment of real estate investments
   
(162
)
   
(540
)
                   
(3,320
)
   
(4,663
)
               
Interest expense
   
(10,540
)
   
(10,009
)
                   
(29,867
)
   
(29,710
)
               
Loss on extinguishment of debt
   
0
     
0
                     
(106
)
   
0
                 
Interest and other income
   
701
     
670
                     
1,973
     
2,052
                 
Income before gain (loss) on sale of real estate and other investments and income from discontinued operations
   
6,589
     
7,038
                     
13,395
     
14,311
                 
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate and other investments
   
1,446
     
951
                     
1,271
     
(811
)
               
Income from continuing operations
   
8,035
     
7,989
                     
14,666
     
13,500
                 
Income from discontinued operations(2)
   
35,408
     
1,162
                     
50,181
     
1,322
                 
Net income
 
$
43,443
   
$
9,151
                   
$
64,847
   
$
14,822
                 

(1)
Non-same-store properties consist of the following properties (re-development and in-service development properties are listed in bold type):
   
Held for Investment -
Multifamily -
71 France, Edina, MN; Arcata, Golden Valley, MN; Cardinal Point, Grand Forks, ND; Chateau II, Minot, ND; Colonial Villa, Burnsville, MN; Commons at Southgate, Minot, ND; Cypress Court I and II, St. Cloud, MNDakota Commons, Williston, ND; Deer Ridge, Jamestown, ND; Gardens, Grand Forks, ND; GrandeVille at Cascade Lake, Rochester, MN; Homestead Garden, Rapid City, SD;  Legacy Heights, Bismarck, ND; Northridge, Bismarck, ND;  Red 20, Minneapolis, MN; Renaissance Heights, Williston, ND and Silver Springs, Rapid City, SD.
Total number of units, 2,392.
 
Healthcare -
Edina 6565 France SMC III, Edina, MN; Lakeside Medical Plaza, Omaha, NE and PrairieCare Medical, Brooklyn Park, MN.
Total rentable square footage, 156,199.
 
Industrial -
 Roseville 3075 Long Lake Road, Roseville, MN.
Total rentable square footage, 220,557.
 
Other -
 Minot Southgate Retail, Minot, ND and Minot Southgate Wells Fargo Bank, Minot, ND.
Total rentable square footage, 12,961.

Held for Sale -
Multifamily -
Campus Center, St. Cloud, MN; Campus Heights, St. Cloud, MN; Campus Knoll, St. Cloud, MN; Campus Plaza, St. Cloud, MN; Campus Side, St. Cloud, MN; Campus View, St. Cloud, MN; Cornerstone, St. Cloud, MN and University Park Place, St. Cloud, MN.
Total number of units, 391.
 
Healthcare -
Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital, Omaha, NE.
Total rentable square footage, 61,758.
 
Total NOI for held for sale properties for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $630 and $594.
Total NOI for held for sale properties for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $1,735 and $1,642.
 
Sold -
Multifamily -
Lancaster, St. Cloud, MN.
 
Healthcare -
Jamestown Medical Office Building, Jamestown, ND.
 
Industrial -
Eagan 2785 & 2795 Hwy 55, Eagan, MN.
 
Other -
2030 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN; Burnsville Bluffs II, Burnsville, MN; Dewey Hill Business Center, Edina, MN; Fargo Express Community, Fargo, ND; Kalispell Retail Center, Kalispell, MT; Minot Plaza, Minot, ND; Northgate I, Maple Grove, MN; Northgate II, Maple Grove, MN; Plymouth I, Plymouth, MN; Plymouth II, Plymouth, MN; Plymouth III, Plymouth, MN; Plymouth IV-V, Plymouth, MN; Southeast Tech, Eagan, MN; Thresher Square, Minneapolis, MN; Weston Retail, Weston, WI; Whitewater Plaza, Minnetonka, MN and Wirth Corporate Center, Golden Valley, MN.
 
Total NOI for sold properties for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $53 and $1,047.
Total NOI for sold properties for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, $149 and $3,454.

(2)
Discontinued operations include gain on disposals and income from operations for:
 
2016 Dispositions – 610 Business Center, 7800 West Brown Deer Road, American Corporate Center, Ameritrade, Barry Pointe Office Park, Benton Business Park, Brenwood, Brook Valley I, Burnsville Strip Center, Champlin South Pond, Chan West Village, Corporate Center West, Crosstown Centre, Duluth 4615 Grand, Duluth Denfeld Retail, Eden Prairie 6101 Blue Circle Drive, Farnam Executive Center, Flagship Corporate Center, Forest Lake Auto, Forest Lake Westlake Center, Gateway Corporate Center, Golden Hills Office Center, Grand Forks Medpark Mall, Granite Corporate Center, Great Plains, Highlands Ranch I and II, Interlachen Corporate Center, Intertech Building, Jamestown Buffalo Mall, Jamestown Business Center, Lakeville Strip Center, Mendota Office Center I-IV, Minnesota National Bank, Miracle Hills One,  Monticello C-Store, Northpark Corporate Center, Omaha 10802 Farnam Dr, Omaha Barnes & Noble, Pacific Hills, Pine City C-Store, Pine City Evergreen Square, Plaza VII, Plymouth 5095 Nathan Lane, Prairie Oak Business Center, Rapid City 900 Concourse Drive, Riverport, Rochester Maplewood Square, Spring Valley IV, V, X and XI, St. Cloud Westgate, Superior Office Building, TCA Building, Three Paramount Plaza, Timberlands, UHC Office, US Bank Financial Center, Wells Fargo Center, West River Business Park, Westgate and Woodlands Plaza IV.

An analysis of NOI by segment follows.

Multifamily

Real estate revenue from same-store properties in our multifamily segment decreased by 1.3% or $336,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. A decrease in revenue of $364,000 was realized due to an increase in vacancy of $241,000 and an increase in tenant concessions of $123,000.  Other real estate revenue combined increased by $28,000. The overall decrease of 1.3% in total revenue was primarily due to the operating results in our Minot and Williston, North Dakota markets. The balance of our portfolio in our ten other markets realized an increase in revenue of $706,000 or 3.2%.

Real estate expenses at same-store properties increased by 3.4% or $389,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The primary factors were increased property management expenses of $492,000 and increased maintenance expenses of $390,000.  The increase in property management expenses was primarily attributable to increases in property management and labor and benefits costs while the increase in maintenance costs was primarily attributable to increases in labor, benefits and snow removal costs.  These increases were offset by decreases in utilities of $287,000, real estate taxes of $172,000 and all other real estate expenses combined of $34,000.

Real estate revenue from same-store properties in our multifamily segment decreased by 0.3% or $258,000 in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. A decrease in revenue of $1.2 million was realized due to an increase in vacancy of $898,000 and an increase in tenant concessions of $321,000.  This decrease in revenue was offset by an increase in rental rates of $975,000 while all other real estate revenue combined decreased by $14,000. The overall decrease of 0.3% in total revenue was primarily due to the operating results in our Minot and Williston, North Dakota markets. The balance of our portfolio in our ten other markets realized an increase in revenue of $1.9 million or 2.8%.

Real estate expenses at same-store properties increased by 6.4% or $2.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The primary factors were increased maintenance expenses of $1.1 million and increased property management expenses of $1.1 million. The increase in maintenance expenses was primarily attributable to increases in labor, benefits and snow removal costs. The increase in property management expenses was primarily due to increases in internal property management and marketing costs. All other real estate expenses combined decreased by $37,000.
 
   
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
   
Three Months Ended January 31,
   
Nine Months Ended January 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Multifamily
                                               
                                                 
Real estate revenue
                                               
Same-store
 
$
25,513
   
$
25,849
   
$
(336
)
   
(1.3
)%
 
$
77,402
   
$
77,660
   
$
(258
)
   
(0.3
)%
Non-same-store
   
7,783
     
4,407
     
3,376
     
76.6
%
   
19,380
     
9,916
     
9,464
     
95.4
%
Total
 
$
33,296
   
$
30,256
   
$
3,040
     
10.0
%
 
$
96,782
   
$
87,576
   
$
9,206
     
10.5
%
                                                                 
Real estate expenses
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
11,910
   
$
11,521
   
$
389
     
3.4
%
 
$
35,708
   
$
33,557
   
$
2,151
     
6.4
%
Non-same-store
   
3,550
     
1,797
     
1,753
     
97.6
%
   
8,894
     
4,143
     
4,751
     
114.7
%
Total
 
$
15,460
   
$
13,318
   
$
2,142
     
16.1
%
 
$
44,602
   
$
37,700
   
$
6,902
     
18.3
%
                                                                 
Net operating income
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
13,603
   
$
14,328
   
$
(725
)
   
(5.1
)%
 
$
41,694
   
$
44,103
   
$
(2,409
)
   
(5.5
)%
Non-same-store
   
4,233
     
2,610
     
1,623
     
62.2
%
   
10,486
     
5,773
     
4,713
     
81.6
%
Total
 
$
17,836
   
$
16,938
   
$
898
     
5.3
%
 
$
52,180
   
$
49,876
   
$
2,304
     
4.6
%

Occupancy
 
2016
   
2015
 
Same-store
   
94.9
%
   
94.5
%
Non-same-store
   
78.1
%
   
74.5
%
Total
   
91.1
%
   
91.3
%

Number of Units
 
2016
   
2015
 
Same-store
   
9,877
     
9,878
 
Non-same-store
   
2,915
     
1,887
 
Total
   
12,792
     
11,765
 
 
Healthcare

Real estate revenue from same-store properties in our healthcare segment decreased by 0.6% or $103,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in revenue was attributable to a decrease in tenant reimbursements of $134,000 resulting from decreased recoverable operating expenses.  All other real estate revenues combined increased by $31,000.

Real estate expenses from same-store properties decreased by 4.7% or $192,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The primary factor was decreased property management expenses due to a decrease in property management costs of $141,000.  All other real estate expenses combined decreased by $51,000.

Real estate revenue from same-store properties in our healthcare segment decreased by 1.2% or $553,000 in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in revenue was attributable to a decrease in the straight-line receivable of $698,000.  This decrease was offset by an increase in rental rates of $130,000 and all other real estate revenues combined of $15,000.

Real estate expenses from same-store properties decreased by 6.1% or $745,000 in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. The primary factors were decreases in real estate taxes of $372,000, other property expenses of $318,000 and property management expenses of $216,000. The decrease in other property expenses, consisting of bad debt provision expenses, was due to a decrease in the estimated uncollectible accounts receivable while the decrease in property management expenses was due to a decrease in property management costs. All other real estate expenses combined increased by $161,000.

   
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
   
Three Months Ended January 31,
   
Nine Months Ended January 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Healthcare
                                               
                                                 
Real estate revenue
                                               
Same-store
 
$
16,490
   
$
16,593
   
$
(103
)
   
(0.6
)%
 
$
46,920
   
$
47,473
   
$
(553
)
   
(1.2
)%
Non-same-store
   
1,860
     
898
     
962
     
107.1
%
   
3,515
     
2,551
     
964
     
37.8
%
Total
 
$
18,350
   
$
17,491
   
$
859
     
4.9
%
 
$
50,435
   
$
50,024
   
$
411
     
0.8
%
                                                                 
Real estate expenses
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
3,908
   
$
4,100
   
$
(192
)
   
(4.7
)%
 
$
11,537
   
$
12,282
   
$
(745
)
   
(6.1
)%
Non-same-store
   
300
     
160
     
140
     
87.5
%
   
665
     
444
     
221
     
49.8
%
Total
 
$
4,208
   
$
4,260
   
$
(52
)
   
(1.2
)%
 
$
12,202
   
$
12,726
   
$
(524
)
   
(4.1
)%
                                                                 
Net operating income
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
12,582
   
$
12,493
   
$
89
     
0.7
%
 
$
35,383
   
$
35,191
   
$
192
     
0.5
%
Non-same-store
   
1,560
     
738
     
822
     
111.4
%
   
2,850
     
2,107
     
743
     
35.3
%
Total
 
$
14,142
   
$
13,231
   
$
911
     
6.9
%
 
$
38,233
   
$
37,298
   
$
935
     
2.5
%

Occupancy
 
2016
   
2015
 
Same-store
   
95.8
%
   
95.8
%
Non-same-store
   
80.0
%
   
96.5
%
Total
   
94.7
%
   
95.9
%

Rentable Square Footage
 
2016
   
2015
 
Same-store
   
2,870,087
     
2,870,116
 
Non-same-store
   
217,957
     
106,980
 
Total
   
3,088,044
     
2,977,096
 
 
Industrial

Real estate revenue from same-store properties in our industrial segment decreased by 7.7% or $131,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. Tenant reimbursements decreased by $144,000 resulting from a decrease in recoverable operating expenses while all other revenue items combined increased by $13,000.

Real estate expenses from same-store properties decreased by 30.3% or $139,000 in the three months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The primary factors were decreases in maintenance expenses of $100,000 and real estate taxes of $33,000.   The decrease in maintenance expenses was due to fewer general maintenance items being completed during the quarter.  All other real estate expenses combined decreased by $6,000.

Real estate revenue from same-store properties in our industrial segment decreased by 0.7% or $32,000 in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. Tenant reimbursements decreased by $43,000 resulting from a decrease in recoverable operating expenses while all other revenue items combined increased by $11,000.

Real estate expenses from same-store properties decreased by 16.8% or $186,000 in the nine months ended January 31, 2016 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The primary factors were decreases in maintenance expenses of $125,000 and property management expenses of $23,000.  The decrease in maintenance expenses was due to fewer general maintenance items being completed during the period while the decrease in property management expenses was due to decreased property management costs.  All other real estate expenses items combined decreased by $38,000.

   
(in thousands, except percentages)
 
   
Three Months Ended January 31,
   
Nine Months Ended January 31,
 
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
2016
   
2015
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Industrial
                                               
                                                 
Real estate revenue
                                               
Same-store
 
$
1,574
   
$
1,705
   
$
(131
)
   
(7.7
)%
 
$
4,726
   
$
4,758
   
$
(32
)
   
(0.7
)%
Non-same-store
   
76
     
36
     
40
     
111.1
%
   
187
     
146
     
41
     
28.1
%
Total
 
$
1,650
   
$
1,741
   
$
(91
)
   
(5.2
)%
 
$
4,913
   
$
4,904
   
$
9
     
0.2
%
                                                                 
Real estate expenses
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
319
   
$
458
   
$
(139
)
   
(30.3
)%
 
$
919
   
$
1,105
   
$
(186
)
   
(16.8
)%
Non-same-store
   
134
     
43
     
91
     
211.6
%
   
219
     
118
     
101
     
85.6
%
Total
 
$
453
   
$
501
   
$
(48
)
   
(9.6
)%
 
$
1,138
   
$
1,223
   
$
(85
)
   
(7.0
)%
                                                                 
Net operating income
                                                               
Same-store
 
$
1,255
   
$
1,247
   
$
8
     
0.6
%
 
$
3,807
   
$
3,653
   
$
154
     
4.2
%
Non-same-store
   
(58
)
   
(7
)
   
(51
)
   
(728.6
)%
   
(32
)
   
28
     
(60
)
   
(214.3
)%
Total
 
$
1,197
   
$
1,240
   
$
(43
)
   
(3.5
)%
 
$
3,775
   
$
3,681
   
$
94
     
2.6
%

Occupancy
 
2016
   
2015
 
Same-store
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Non-same-store
   
18.4
%
   
100.0
%
Total
   
85.3
%
   
100.0
%

Rentable Square Footage
 
2016
   
2015
 
Same-store
   
1,002,361
     
1,002,361
 
Non-same-store
   
220,557
     
17,750
 
Total
   
1,222,918
     
1,020,111
 
 
Analysis of Commercial Segments’ Credit Risk and Leases

Credit Risk

The following table lists our top ten commercial tenants on January 31, 2016, for all commercial properties owned by us, including those held for sale, measured by percentage of total commercial segments’ minimum rents as of January 1, 2016.  Our results of operations are dependent on, among other factors, the economic health of our tenants. We attempt to mitigate tenant credit risk by working to secure creditworthy tenants that meet our underwriting criteria and monitoring our portfolio to identify potential problem tenants. We believe that our credit risk is also mitigated by the fact that no individual tenant accounts for more than 10% of our total real estate rentals, although affiliated entities of Edgewood Vista together accounted for approximately 30.2% of our total commercial segments’ minimum rents as of January 1, 2016, and they accounted for approximately 9.3% of our total real estate rentals as of January 31, 2016.

As of January 31, 2016, 50 of our properties held for investment, including all 20 of our Edgewood Vista properties, all eight of our Idaho Spring Creek senior housing properties, and all five of our Wyoming senior housing properties, and one of our properties held for sale were leased under triple net leases under which the tenant pays a monthly lump sum base rent as well as all costs associated with the property, including property taxes, insurance, replacement, repair or restoration, in addition to maintenance. The failure by any of our triple net tenants to effectively conduct their operations or to maintain and improve our properties in accordance with the terms of their respective triple net leases could adversely affect their business reputations and ability to attract and retain residents and customers to our properties, which could have an indirect adverse effect on us.

We regularly monitor the relative credit risk of our significant tenants, including our triple net tenants. The metrics we use to evaluate a significant tenant’s liquidity and creditworthiness depend on facts and circumstances specific to that tenant and to the industry in which it operates, and include the tenant’s credit history and economic conditions related to the tenant, its operations and the markets in which it operates. These factors may change over time. Prior to signing a lease with a tenant, we generally assesses the prospective tenant’s credit quality through review of its financial statements and tax returns, and the result of that review is a factor in establishing the rent to be charged (e.g., higher risk tenants will be charged higher rent). Over the course of a lease, our property management and asset management personnel have regular contact with tenants and tenant employees, and, where the terms of the lease permit, receive tenant financial information for periodic review or review publicly-available financial statements in the case of public company tenants or non-profit entities, such as hospital systems, whose financial statements are required to be filed with state agencies. Through these means we monitor tenant credit quality.

Lessee
 
% of Total Commercial
Segments’ Minimum Rents
as of January 1, 2016
 
Affiliates of Edgewood Vista
   
30.2
%
Fairview Health Services
   
7.7
%
St. Luke’s Hospital of Duluth, Inc.
   
7.1
%
PrairieCare Medical LLC
   
4.6
%
HealthEast Care System
   
3.6
%
Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital(1)
   
2.8
%
Quality Manufacturing Corp
   
2.1
%
Westrock CP LLC
   
1.9
%
Allina Health
   
1.7
%
Children’s Hospitals & Clinics
   
1.7
%
All Others
   
36.6
%
Total Monthly Commercial Rent as of January 1, 2016
   
100.0
%

(1) The tenant in the Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital property has exercised its option to purchase the property. However, we can give no assurance if or when the sale of the property will be completed.
 
Commercial Leasing Activity

During fiscal year 2016, we have executed new and renewal commercial leases for our same-store rental properties on 57,206 square feet for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and 376,605 square feet for the nine months ended January 31, 2016.  Due to our leasing efforts, occupancy in our same-store healthcare and industrial portfolios has remained strong at 96.9% as of January 31, 2016, compared to 97.0% as of January 31, 2015.

The total leasing activity for our same-store healthcare and industrial properties, expressed in square feet of leases signed during the period, and the resulting occupancy levels, are as follows:

Three Months Ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

   
Square Feet of
New Leases(1)
   
Square Feet of
Leases Renewed(1)
   
Total
Square Feet of
Leases Executed(1)
   
Occupancy
 
Segments
 
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Healthcare
   
40,630
     
6,400
     
16,576
     
7,703
     
57,206
     
14,103
     
95.8
%
   
95.8
%
Industrial
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
29,995
     
0
     
29,995
     
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Total
   
40,630
     
6,400
     
16,576
     
37,698
     
57,206
     
44,098
     
96.9
%
   
97.0
%

(1) The leasing activity presented is based on leases signed or executed for our same-store rental properties during the period and is not intended to coincide with the commencement of rental revenue in accordance with US GAAP.  Prior periods reflect amounts previously reported and exclude retroactive adjustments for properties reclassified to discontinued operations or non-same-store in the current period.

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

   
Square Feet of
New Leases(1)
   
Square Feet of
Leases Renewed(1)
   
Total
Square Feet of
Leases Executed(1)
   
Occupancy
 
Segments
 
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
   
2016
   
2015
 
Healthcare
   
45,085
     
17,979
     
123,119
     
108,391
     
168,204
     
126,370
     
95.8
%
   
95.8
%
Industrial
   
0
     
0
     
208,401
     
29,995
     
208,401
     
29,995
     
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
Total
   
45,085
     
17,979
     
331,520
     
138,386
     
376,605
     
156,365
     
96.9
%
   
97.0
%

(1) The leasing activity presented is based on leases signed or executed for our same-store rental properties during the period and is not intended to coincide with the commencement of rental revenue in accordance with US GAAP.  Prior periods reflect amounts previously reported and exclude retroactive adjustments for properties reclassified to discontinued operations or non-same-store in the current period.

New Leases

The following table sets forth the average effective rents and the estimated costs of tenant improvements and leasing commissions, on a per square foot basis, that we are obligated to fulfill under the new leases signed for our same-store healthcare and industrial properties:

Three Months Ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

Square Feet of
New Leases(1)
 
Average Term
in Years
 
Average
Effective Rent(2)
 
Estimated Tenant
Improvement Cost per
Square Foot(1)
   Leasing
Commissions per
Square Foot(1)
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Healthcare
   
40,630
     
6,400
     
7.1
     
7.5
   
$
19.86
   
$
18.51
   
$
11.45
   
$
59.06
   
$
3.09
   
$
6.50
 
Industrial
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
 
Total
   
40,630
     
6,400
     
7.1
     
7.5
   
$
19.86
   
$
18.51
   
$
11.45
   
$
59.06
   
$
3.09
   
$
6.50
 

(1) The leasing activity presented is based on leases signed or executed for our same-store rental properties during the period and is not intended to coincide with the commencement of rental revenue in accordance with US GAAP.  Prior periods reflect amounts previously reported and exclude retroactive adjustments for properties reclassified to discontinued operations or non-same-store in the current period. Tenant improvements and leasing commissions presented are based on square feet leased during the period.
(2) Effective rents represent average annual base rental payments, on a straight-line basis for the term of each lease, excluding operating expense reimbursements. The underlying leases contain various expense structures including gross, modified gross, net and triple net.
 
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

 
Square Feet of
New Leases(1)
 
Average Term
in Years
 
Average
Effective Rent(2)
 
Estimated Tenant
Improvement  Cost per
Square Foot(1)
  Leasing
Commissions per
Square Foot(1)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Healthcare
   
45,085
     
17,979
     
7.1
     
6.1
   
19.97
   
$
20.00
   
$
13.10
   
37.16
   
$
3.27
   
$
6.84
 
Industrial
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
     
0
 
Total
   
45,085
     
17,979
     
7.1
     
6.1
   
$
19.97
   
$
20.00
   
$
13.10
   
$
37.16
   
$
3.27
   
$
6.84
 

(1) The leasing activity presented is based on leases signed or executed for our same-store rental properties during the period and is not intended to coincide with the commencement of rental revenue in accordance with US GAAP.  Prior periods reflect amounts previously reported and exclude retroactive adjustments for properties reclassified to discontinued operations or non-same-store in the current period. Tenant improvements and leasing commissions presented are based on square feet leased during the period.
(2) Effective rents represent average annual base rental payments, on a straight-line basis for the term of each lease, excluding operating expense reimbursements. The underlying leases contain various expense structures including gross, modified gross, net and triple net.

Lease Renewals

The following table summarizes our lease renewal activity within our same-store healthcare and industrial segments (square feet data in thousands):

Three Months Ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

 
Square Feet of Leases
Renewed(1)
 
Percent of Expiring
Leases Renewed(2)
 
Average Term
in Years
 
Weighted Average
Growth (Decline)
in Effective Rents(3)
 
Estimated
Tenant Improvement
 Cost per Square
Foot(1)
 
Leasing
 Commissions per
Square Foot(1)
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Healthcare
   
16,576
     
7,703
     
93.8
%
   
84.5
%
   
0.4
     
16.8
     
4.3
%
   
1.3
%
 
$
0
   
$
35.00
   
$
0
   
$
7.80
 
Industrial
   
0
     
29,995
     
100.0
%
   
0
%
   
0
     
3.0
     
0
     
(4.5
%)
   
0
     
0
     
0
     
1.21
 
Total
   
16,576
     
37,698
     
98.2
%
   
84.5
%
   
0.4
     
9.9
     
4.3
%
   
(2.3
%)
 
$
0
   
$
7.15
   
$
0
   
$
2.56
 

(1) The leasing activity presented is based on leases signed or executed for our same-store rental properties during the period and is not intended to coincide with the commencement of rental revenue in accordance with US GAAP.  Prior periods reflect amounts previously reported and exclude retroactive adjustments for properties reclassified to discontinued operations or non-same-store in the current period. Tenant improvements and leasing commissions are based on square feet leased during the period.
(2) Renewal percentage of expiring leases is based on square footage of renewed leases and not the number of leases renewed. The category of renewed leases does not include leases that have become month-to-month leases, as the month-to-month leases are considered lease amendments.
(3) Represents the percentage change in effective rent between the original leases and the renewal leases. Effective rents represent average annual base rental payments, on a straight-line basis for the term of each lease, excluding operating expense reimbursements. The underlying leases contain various expense structures including gross, modified gross, net and triple net.

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016 and 2015

 
Square Feet of Leases
 Renewed(1)
 
Percent of Expiring
Leases Renewed(2)
 
Average Term
in Years
 
Weighted Average
 Growth (Decline)
in Effective Rents(3)
 
Estimated
Tenant Improvement
Cost per Square
Foot(1)
 
Leasing
Commissions per
Square Foot(1)
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
Healthcare
   
123,119
     
108,391
     
91.5
%
   
73.2
%
   
4.9
     
6.3
     
5.8
%
   
(3.5
%)
 
$
9.19
   
$
10.99
   
$
2.84
   
$
1.54
 
Industrial
   
208,401
     
29,995
     
100.0
%
   
0
%
   
5.0
     
3.0
     
18.1
%
   
(4.5
%)
   
0.59
     
0
     
0.07
     
1.21
 
Total
   
331,520
     
138,386
     
97.2
%
   
73.2
%
   
4.9
     
6.1
     
9.7
%
   
(3.6
%)
 
$
3.78
   
$
8.61
   
$
1.10
   
$
1.47
 

(1) The leasing activity presented is based on leases signed or executed for our same-store rental properties during the period and is not intended to coincide with the commencement of rental revenue in accordance with US GAAP.  Prior periods reflect amounts previously reported and exclude retroactive adjustments for properties reclassified to discontinued operations or non-same-store in the current period. Tenant improvements and leasing commissions are based on square feet leased during the period.
(2) Renewal percentage of expiring leases is based on square footage of renewed leases and not the number of leases renewed. The category of renewed leases does not include leases that have become month-to-month leases, as the month-to-month leases are considered lease amendments.
(3) Represents the percentage change in effective rent between the original leases and the renewal leases. Effective rents represent average annual base rental payments, on a straight-line basis for the term of each lease, excluding operating expense reimbursements. The underlying leases contain various expense structures including gross, modified gross, net and triple net.
 
Our ability to maintain or increase occupancy rates is a principal driver of maintaining and increasing the average effective rents in our commercial segments.  The increase in the average growth in effective rents for the industrial segment for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 when compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year is due to a 195,075 square foot lease renewal executed at our Stone Container property in Fargo, North Dakota.  This lease was renewed at a 19.2% increase in effective rent primarily due to improved market conditions in the property location.

Lease Expirations

Our ability to maintain and improve occupancy rates, and base rents, primarily depends upon our continuing ability to re-lease expiring space. The following table reflects the in-service portfolio lease expiration schedule of our consolidated healthcare and industrial properties, including square footage and annualized base rent for expiring leases, as of January 31, 2016.

Fiscal Year of Lease Expiration
 
# of Leases
   
Square Footage of
Expiring Leases(2)
   
Percentage of Total
Commercial Segments
Leased Square Footage
   
Annualized Base
Rent of Expiring
Leases at Expiration(3)
   
Percentage of Total
Commercial
Segments
Annualized Base Rent
 
2016 (remainder)(1)
   
29
     
359,418
     
9.1
%
 
$
4,498,347
     
8.1
%
2017
   
28
     
195,819
     
4.9
%
   
2,975,306
     
5.4
%
2018
   
21
     
190,145
     
4.8
%
   
4,432,353
     
8.0
%
2019
   
23
     
363,803
     
9.2
%
   
5,012,211
     
9.0
%
2020
   
14
     
170,080
     
4.3
%
   
2,024,020
     
3.6
%
2021
   
21
     
305,801
     
7.7
%
   
3,361,298
     
6.0
%
2022
   
39
     
1,296,621
     
32.7
%
   
17,019,770
     
30.6
%
2023
   
12
     
480,309
     
12.1
%
   
2,314,783
     
4.2
%
2024
   
26
     
206,209
     
5.2
%
   
4,053,182
     
7.3
%
2025
   
11
     
136,393
     
3.4
%
   
2,738,609
     
4.9
%
Thereafter
   
13
     
260,954
     
6.6
%
   
7,160,363
     
12.9
%
Totals
   
237
     
3,965,552
     
100.0
%
 
$
55,590,242
     
100.0
%
 
(1) Includes month-to-month leases. As of January 31, 2016, month-to-month leases accounted for 307,706 square feet of which 286,854 square feet were located in five senior housing facilities in Wyoming.
(2) Assuming that none of the tenants exercise renewal or termination options, and including leases renewed prior to expiration. Also excludes 99,535 square feet of space occupied by us.
(3) Annualized Base Rent is monthly scheduled rent as of January 1, 2016, multiplied by 12.

Because of the different property types in our commercial portfolio and the dispersed locations of a substantial portion of the portfolio’s properties in secondary and tertiary markets, information on current market rents is difficult to obtain, is highly subjective, and is often not directly comparable between properties. As a result, we believe that the increase or decrease in effective rent on our recent leases is the most objective and meaningful information available regarding rent trends and the relationship between rents on leases expiring in the near term and current market rents across our markets. We believe that rents on our new and renewed leases generally approximate market rents.

PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, we had no acquisitions.
 
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, we sold 3 retail properties for a total sales price of $3.5 million and transferred ownership of nine office properties pursuant to a deed in lieu transaction. See Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for a table detailing our acquisitions and dispositions during the nine month periods ended January 31, 2016 and 2015.

Development and Re-Development Projects

The following tables provide additional detail, as of January 31, 2016, on our in-service (completed) development and re-development projects and development and re-development projects in progress. All of these projects are excluded from the same-store pool. We measure initial yield on our development projects upon completion and achievement of target lease-up levels by measuring net operating income from the development against the cost of the project. Estimated initial yields on the projects in progress listed below range from an estimated approximate 5.9% to an estimated approximate 6.3% initial yield.
 
Projects Placed in Service in the Nine Months Ended January 31, 2016

             
(in thousands)
       
(in fiscal years)
Project Name and Location
Segment
Rentable
Square Feet
or Number of
Units
 
Percentage
Leased
 or Committed
   
Anticipated
Total Cost(1)
   
Costs as of
January 31, 2016(1)
   
Cost per
Square Foot
or Unit(1)
 
 
Date Placed  
 in Service
Anticipated
Same-Store
 Date
Chateau II - Minot, ND
Multifamily
72 units
   
79.2
%
 
$
14,711
   
$
14,641
   
$
204,319
 
1Q 2016
1Q 2019
Edina 6565 France SMC III - Edina, MN(2)
Healthcare
57,624 sq ft
   
24.5
%
   
37,763
     
32,725
     
655
 
1Q 2016
1Q 2019
Renaissance Heights - Williston, ND(3)
Multifamily
288 units
   
46.2
%
   
62,451
     
62,451
     
216,844
 
1Q 2016
1Q 2019
Minot Southgate Retail - Minot, ND
Other
7,963 sq ft
   
0
%
   
2,923
     
2,623
     
367
 
2Q 2016
1Q 2019
PrairieCare Medical - Brooklyn Park, MN
Healthcare
70,756 sq ft
   
100
%
   
24,435
     
24,358
     
345
 
2Q 2016
1Q 2018
               
$
142,283
   
$
136,798
                

(1) Excludes tenant improvements and leasing commissions.
(2) Anticipated total cost includes estimated tenant improvement costs that have not been incurred as of January 31, 2016.
(3) We are currently an approximately 70.0% partner in the joint venture entity constructing this project. The anticipated total cost amount given is the total cost to the joint venture entity.

Projects in Progress at January 31, 2016

                     
(in thousands)
   
(in fiscal years)
 
Project Name and Location
 
Planned Segment
   
Rentable
Square Feet
or Number of
Units
   
Percentage
Leased
or Committed
   
Anticipated
Total Cost(1)
   
Costs as of
January 31, 2016(1)
   
Anticipated
Construction
 Completion
 
Deer Ridge - Jamestown, ND
 
Multifamily
   
163 units
     
35.0
%
 
$
24,874
   
$
24,874
   
4Q 2016
 
Cardinal Point - Grand Forks, ND(2)
 
Multifamily
   
251 units
     
35.5
%
   
48,242
     
48,242
   
4Q 2016
 
71 France - Edina, MN(3)
 
Multifamily
   
241 units
     
34.9
%
   
73,290
     
69,105
   
1Q 2017
 
Monticello Crossings - Monticello, MN
 
Multifamily
   
202 units
     
0
%
   
31,784
     
11,210
   
2Q 2017
 
Other
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
   
n/a
 
   
n/a
   
3,524
     
n/a
                           
$
178,190
   
$
156,955
         

(1) Includes costs related to development projects that are placed in service in phases (Deer Ridge - $14.3 million, 71 France - $41.3 million, Cardinal Point - $23.0 million).
(2) Anticipated total cost as of January 31, 2016 includes incremental cost increase due to the replacement of the project’s original general contractor. There may be additional costs for this project as it nears completion in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016.
(3) The project is being constructed in three phases by a joint venture entity in which we currently have an approximately 52.6% interest. The anticipated total cost amount given is the total cost to the joint venture entity. The anticipated total cost includes approximately 21,772 square feet of retail space.

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

We consider Funds from Operations (“FFO”) a useful measure of performance for an equity REIT. We use the definition of FFO adopted by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”). NAREIT defines FFO to mean “net income (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures will be calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis.” In addition, in October 2011, NAREIT clarified its computation of FFO to exclude impairment charges for all periods presented. Because of limitations of the FFO definition adopted by NAREIT, we have made certain interpretations in applying the definition. We believe all such interpretations not specifically provided for in the NAREIT definition are consistent with the definition.

Management considers that FFO, by excluding depreciation costs, impairment write-downs, the gains or losses from the sale of operating real estate properties and extraordinary items as defined by US GAAP, is useful to investors in providing an additional perspective on our operating results. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with US GAAP assumes, through depreciation, that the value of real estate assets decreases predictably over time. However, real estate asset values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions. NAREIT’s definition of FFO, by excluding depreciation costs, reflects the fact that real estate, as an asset class, generally appreciates over time and that depreciation charges required by US GAAP may not reflect underlying economic realities. Additionally, the exclusion in NAREIT’s definition of FFO of impairment write-downs and gains and losses from the sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, assists our management and investors in identifying the operating results of the long-term assets that form the core of our investments, and assists in comparing those operating results between periods. FFO is used by our management and investors to identify trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs.
 
While FFO is widely used by us as a primary performance metric, not all real estate companies use the same definition of FFO or calculate FFO in the same way. Accordingly, FFO presented here is not necessarily comparable to FFO presented by other real estate companies. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income as determined in accordance with US GAAP as a measure of our performance, but rather should be considered as an additional, supplemental measure, and should be viewed in conjunction with net income as presented in the consolidated financial statements included in this report. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with US GAAP, and is not necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of our needs or our ability to service indebtedness or make distributions.

FFO applicable to Common Shares and Units for the three months ended January 31, 2016 increased to $54.5 million compared to $23.4 million for the comparable period ended January 31, 2015, an increase of 132.5%.  FFO applicable to Common Shares and Units for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 increased by 31.0% to $84.7 million, compared to $64.6 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST TO FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended January 31,
 
2016
   
2015
 
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Avg Shares
and Units(1)
   
Per
Share
And
Unit(2)
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Avg Shares
and Units(1)
   
Per
Share
And
Unit(2)
 
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust
 
$
39,797
               
$
8,371
             
Less dividends to preferred shareholders
   
(2,879
)
               
(2,879
)
           
Net income available to common shareholders
   
36,918
     
121,864
   
$
0.30
     
5,492
     
120,855
   
$
0.05
 
Adjustments:
                                               
Noncontrolling interest – Operating Partnership
   
4,227
     
13,877
             
657
     
14,461
         
Depreciation and amortization of real property
   
14,975
                     
17,706
                 
Impairment of real estate investments
   
162
                     
540
                 
Gain on depreciable property sales
   
(1,777
)
                   
(951
)
               
FFO applicable to Common Shares and Units(1)(3)
 
$
54,505
     
135,741
   
$
0.40
   
$
23,444
     
135,316
   
$
0.17
 

 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Nine Months Ended January 31,
 
2016
   
2015
 
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Avg Shares
and Units(1)
   
Per
Share
And
Unit(2)
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Avg Shares
and Units(1)
   
Per
Share
And
Unit(2)
 
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust
 
$
61,003
               
$
13,334
             
Less dividends to preferred shareholders
   
(8,636
)
               
(8,636
)
           
Net income available to common shareholders
   
52,367
     
123,793
   
$
0.42
     
4,698
     
116,303
   
$
0.04
 
Adjustments:
                                               
Noncontrolling interest – Operating Partnership
   
5,940
     
13,913
             
618
     
17,334
         
Depreciation and amortization of real property
   
48,095
                     
52,367
                 
Impairment of real estate investments
   
3,760
                     
6,105
                 
(Gain) loss on depreciable property sales
   
(25,512
)
                   
811
                 
FFO applicable to Common Shares and Units(1)(3)
 
$
84,650
     
137,706
   
$
0.61
   
$
64,599
     
133,637
   
$
0.48
 

(1) Units of the Operating Partnership are exchangeable for cash, or, at our discretion, for Common Shares on a one-for-one basis.
(2) Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust is calculated on a per Common Share basis. FFO is calculated on a per Common Share and Unit basis.
(3) Excluding gain or loss on extinguishment of debt and default interest, FFO would have been $19.6 million and $0.14 per Common Share and Unit for the three months ended January 31, 2016 and $60.1 million and $0.44 per Common Share and Unit for the nine months ended January 31, 2016.
 
DISTRIBUTIONS

The following distributions per Common Share and Unit were paid during the nine months ended January 31 of fiscal years 2016 and 2015:

Month
 
Fiscal Year 2016
   
Fiscal Year 2015
 
July
 
$
.1300
   
$
.1300
 
October
   
.1300
     
.1300
 
January
   
.1300
     
.1300
 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
OVERVIEW

Our principal liquidity demands are maintaining distributions to the holders of Common Shares, preferred shares and Units; capital improvements and repairs and maintenance to properties; acquisition of additional properties; property development; tenant improvements; and debt service and repayments.

We have historically met our short-term liquidity requirements through net cash flows provided by our operating activities, and, from time to time, through draws on secured and unsecured lines of credit. As of January 31, 2016, we had one multi-bank line of credit with a total commitment capacity of $100.0 million, secured by mortgages on 17 properties. Management considers our ability to generate cash from property operating activities, cash-out refinancing of existing properties and, from time to time, draws on our line of credit to be adequate to meet all operating requirements and to make distributions to our shareholders in accordance with the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Budgeted expenditures for ongoing maintenance and capital improvements and renovations to our real estate portfolio are also generally expected to be funded from existing cash on hand, cash flow generated from property operations, cash-out refinancing of existing properties, and/or new borrowings. However, the real estate market continues to be subject to various market factors that can result in reduced tenant demand, occupancies and rental rates. In the event of deterioration in property operating results, or absent our ability to successfully continue cash-out refinancing of existing properties and/or new borrowings, we may need to consider additional cash preservation alternatives, including scaling back development activities, capital improvements and renovations and reducing the level of distributions to shareholders.

To the extent we do not satisfy our long-term liquidity requirements, which consist primarily of maturities under long-term debt, construction and development activities and potential acquisition opportunities, through net cash flows provided by operating activities and our credit facilities, we intend to satisfy such requirements through a combination of funding sources which we believe will be available to us, including the issuance of Units, additional common or preferred equity, proceeds from the sale of properties, and additional long-term secured or short-term unsecured indebtedness.

SOURCES AND USES OF CASH

Credit markets continue to be stable, with credit availability relatively unconstrained and benchmark interest rates remaining at or near historic lows.  While to date there has been no material negative impact on our ability to borrow in our multifamily segment, we continue to monitor the roles of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) in financing multifamily properties and their general capacity to lend given allocations set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. We consider that one of the consequences of a modification in the agencies’ roles in recent years could potentially lead to a narrowing of their lending focus away from the smaller secondary or tertiary markets which we generally target, to multifamily properties in major metropolitan markets. We have historically obtained a significant portion of our multifamily debt from Freddie Mac, and we continue to plan to refinance portions of our maturing multifamily debt with these two entities, so any change in their ability or willingness to lend going forward could result in higher loan costs and/or more constricted availability of financing for us. Underwriting on commercial real estate continues to be more conservative compared to the underwriting standards employed prior to the recessionary period and we continue to find recourse security more frequently required, lower amounts of proceeds available and lenders limiting the amount of financing available in an effort to manage capital allocations and credit risk.  While we continue to expect to be able to refinance our debt maturing in the next twelve months without significant issues, we also expect lenders to continue to employ conservative underwriting regarding asset quality, occupancy levels and tenant creditworthiness. Accordingly, we remain cautious regarding our ability to rely on cash-out refinancing at levels we had achieved in recent years to provide funds for investment opportunities and other corporate purposes.
 
As of January 31, 2016 approximately 16.6%, or $8.3 million, of our mortgage debt maturing in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 and first quarter of fiscal year 2017 is debt placed on multifamily assets, and approximately 83.4%, or approximately $41.7 million, is debt placed on properties in our commercial segments. Of this $50.0 million, we expect to pay off $8.5 million and renew $41.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 and first quarter of fiscal year 2017.  As of January 31, 2016, approximately 15.7%, or $8.3 million, of our mortgage debt maturing in the next twelve months is debt placed on multifamily assets, and approximately 84.3%, or $44.7 million, is debt placed on properties in our commercial segments.

Our revolving, multi-bank line of credit with First International Bank as lead bank had, as of January 31, 2016, lending commitments of $100.0 million at an interest rate of 4.75%. As of January 31, 2016, the line of credit was secured by mortgages on 17 properties and had a minimum outstanding principal balance requirement of $17.5 million. As of January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, we had borrowed $17.5 million and $60.5 million, respectively.

We maintain compensating balances, not restricted as to withdrawal, with several financial institutions in connection with financing received from those institutions and/or to ensure future credit availability. At January 31, 2016, our compensating balances totaled $13.2 million and consisted of the following:

Financial Institution
     
First International Bank, Watford City, ND
 
$
6,000,000
 
Associated Bank, Green Bay, WI
   
3,000,000
 
The Private Bank, Minneapolis, MN
   
2,000,000
 
Bremer Bank, Saint Paul, MN
   
1,285,000
 
Dacotah Bank, Minot, ND
   
350,000
 
Peoples State Bank, Velva, ND
   
225,000
 
American National Bank, Omaha, NE
   
200,000
 
Commerce Bank a Minnesota Banking Corporation
   
100,000
 
Total
 
$
13,160,000
 

Current anticipated total project costs for development projects in progress at January 31, 2016 total approximately $178.2 million (including costs incurred by project joint venture entities), of which approximately $157.0 million has been incurred as of January 31, 2016. As of January 31, 2016, the Operating Partnership (or the project joint venture entities) had entered into construction loans totaling approximately $109.3 million for development projects in progress. In addition to current planned expenditures for development projects in progress, as of January 31, 2016, we are committed to fund $4.5 million in tenant improvements within approximately the next 12 months.

The issuance of Units for property acquisitions continues to be an expected source of capital for us. There were no Units issued in the three months ended January 31, 2016.  In the nine months ended January 31, 2016, approximately 44,000 Units, valued at issuance at $400,000 were issued in connection with our acquisition of property.  There were no Units issued in the three months ended January 31, 2015.  During the nine months ended January 31, 2015, approximately 11,000 Units, valued at issuance at $100,000 were issued in connection with our acquisition of property.

Under our DRIP, common shareholders and Unitholders have an opportunity to use their cash distributions to purchase additional Common Shares, and to purchase additional shares through voluntary cash contributions. During the nine months ended January 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 821,000 and 6.2 million Common Shares with a total value included in equity of $5.6 million and $50.9 million, and an average price per share after applicable discounts of $6.85 and $8.20, respectively, were issued under the DRIP plan.
 
Cash and cash equivalents at January 31, 2016 totaled $47.1 million, compared to $52.1 million at January 31, 2015, a decrease of $5.0 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 decreased by $33.8 million compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2015, primarily due to a decrease in accounts payable and a decrease in net income adjusted for depreciation, gain on sale of discontinued operations and gain on debt extinguishment.  Net cash provided by investing activities was $176.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2016, compared to net cash used of $160.2 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015. This change was primarily due to an increase in proceeds from sale of discontinued operations net of an increase in payments for acquisitions of real estate. Net cash used by financing activities for the nine months ended January 31, 2016 was $225.5 million, compared to net cash provided of $84.4 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015. This change was primarily due to an increase in payments on mortgage debt and payments on the revolving line of credit and other debt, an increase in the repurchase of common shares and a decrease in proceeds from sale of common shares.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION

Mortgage Loan Indebtedness. Mortgage loan indebtedness increased by approximately $93.5 million as of January 31, 2016, compared to April 30, 2015, due to new loans. As of January 31, 2016, approximately 88.2% of our $761.6 million of mortgage debt is at fixed rates of interest, with staggered maturities. This limits our exposure to changes in interest rates, which minimizes the effect of interest rate fluctuations on our results of operations and cash flows. As of January 31, 2016, the weighted average rate of interest on our mortgage debt was 4.83%, compared to 4.95% on April 30, 2015.

Property Owned. Property owned was $1.8 billion at January 31, 2016 compared to $1.5 billion at April 30, 2015. During the nine months ended January 31, 2016, we had three new acquisitions and disposed of 67 properties, as described above in the “Property Acquisitions and Dispositions” subsection of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents on hand on January 31, 2016 were $47.1 million, compared to $49.0 million on April 30, 2015.

Other Investments. Other investments, consisting of certificates of deposit held primarily for compensating balances, totaled approximately $50,000 and $329,000 on January 31, 2016 and on April 30, 2015, respectively.

Operating Partnership Units. Outstanding Units in the Operating Partnership decreased to 13.9 million Units at January 31, 2016 compared to 14.0 million Units outstanding at April 30, 2015. The decrease resulted primarily from Unitholders exercising their Exchange Right, receiving in exchange an equal number of Common Shares.

Common and Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest. Common Shares outstanding on January 31, 2016 totaled 120.9 million, compared to 124.5 million outstanding on April 30, 2015. We issued Common Shares pursuant to our DRIP, consisting of approximately 821,000 Common Shares issued during the nine months ended January 31, 2016, for a total value of $5.6 million. Exchanges of approximately 181,000 Units for Common Shares, for a total of approximately $981,000 in shareholders’ equity, also increased the number of Common Shares outstanding during the nine months ended January 31, 2016. We issued approximately 220,000 Common Shares, net of withholding, with a total grant-date value of approximately $1.6 million, under our 2008 Incentive Award Plan for executive officer and trustee share-based compensation for fiscal year 2015 performance. During the nine months ended January 31, 2016 of fiscal year 2016, we repurchased and retired approximately 4.6 million Common Shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $35.0 million, including commissions.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our exposure to market risk is limited primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates on our current and future fixed and variable rate debt obligations.

Approximately 88.2% and 92.8% of our mortgage debt, excluding mortgage debt related to held for sale assets, as of January 31, 2016 and April 30, 2015, respectively, is at fixed interest rates. Therefore, we have little exposure to interest rate fluctuation risk on our existing mortgage debt. Accordingly, interest rate fluctuations during the third quarter of fiscal year 2016 did not have a material effect on us. Even though our goal is to maintain a fairly low exposure to interest rate risk, we may become vulnerable to significant fluctuations in interest rates on any future repricing or refinancing of our fixed or variable rate debt and on future debt.

We primarily use long-term (more than nine years) and medium term (five to seven years) debt as a source of capital. We do not currently use derivative securities, interest rate swaps or any other type of hedging activity to manage our interest rate risk.  As of January 31, 2016, we had the following amounts of future principal and interest payments due on mortgages, including mortgages held for sale, secured by our real estate:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Future Principal Payments
 
Mortgages
 
Remaining
Fiscal 2016
   
Fiscal 2017
   
Fiscal 2018
   
Fiscal 2019
   
Fiscal 2020
   
Thereafter
   
Total
   
Fair Value
 
Fixed Rate
 
$
46,209
   
$
34,003
   
$
39,110
   
$
86,187
   
$
64,067
   
$
402,075
   
$
671,651
   
$
713,485
 
Avg Fixed Interest Rate(1)
   
4.83
%
   
4.92
%
   
4.95
%
   
4.74
%
   
4.58
%
                       
                                                                 
Variable Rate
 
$
501
   
$
9,540
   
$
2,119
   
$
30,411
   
$
47,423
   
$
0
   
$
89,994
   
$
89,994
 
Avg Variable Interest Rate(1)
   
4.08
%
   
4.04
%
   
4.17
%
   
4.69
%
   
4.82
%
                       
                                                                 
Held for Sale
 
$
131
   
$
541
   
$
576
   
$
9,413
   
$
0
   
$
0
     
10,661
     
12,757
 
Avg Fixed Interest Rate(1)
   
6.26
%
   
6.14
%%
   
6.13
%
   
6.10
%
   
0
%
                       
                                                   
$
772,306
   
$
816,236
 

 
(in thousands)
 
 
Future Interest Payments
 
Mortgages
Remaining
Fiscal 2016
 
Fiscal 2017
 
Fiscal 2018
 
Fiscal 2019
 
Fiscal 2020
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fixed Rate
 
$
8,103
   
$
30,747
   
$
28,734
   
$
25,760
   
$
20,988
   
$
43,097
   
$
157,429
 
Variable Rate
   
917
     
3,622
     
3,331
     
2,581
     
1,472
     
0
     
11,923
 
Held for Sale
   
168
     
647
     
612
     
574
     
0
     
0
     
2,001
 
                                                   
$
171,353
 

(1) Interest rate given is for the entire year.

The weighted average interest rate on our fixed rate and variable rate debt, excluding mortgages related to assets held for sale, as of January 31, 2016, was 4.80%. Any fluctuations in variable interest rates could increase or decrease our interest expenses. For example, an increase of one percent per annum on our $90.0 million of variable rate mortgage indebtedness would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $900,000.

Exposure to interest rate fluctuation risk on our $100.0 million secured line of credit is limited by a cap on the interest rate of 8.65% with a floor of 4.75%. The line of credit has an interest rate equal to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus 1.25%, matures in September 2017 and had an outstanding balance of $17.5 million at January 31, 2016.
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of January 31, 2016, such disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
                                                    
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The level of oil and gas drilling in the Bakken Shale Formation has declined substantially and has adversely impacted our apartments in western North Dakota.  This condition could persist for an extended period of time.  We have ownership interests in three apartment projects totaling 477 units in Williston, ND, the heart of the Bakken Shale Formation.  The economy of Williston is significantly dependent on the oil and gas industry.  To date we have experienced significant increased vacancy and a material decrease in our rents.  We also have ownership interests in 1,039 units in Minot, ND that to a lesser extent have experienced declines in occupancy and rent rates.  Oil drilling and production are impacted by factors beyond our control, including:  the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas; environmental regulation and enforcement; producers’ finding and development costs of reserves; producers’ desire and ability to obtain necessary permits in a timely and economic manner; oil and natural gas field characteristics and production performance; and transportation and capacity constraints on natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids pipelines from the producing areas. Oil field activity could decline further in North Dakota as a result of any or all of these factors, which could have a material adverse effect on our western North Dakota properties.

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

Sales of Securities

During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, we issued an aggregate of 2,756 unregistered Common Shares to limited partners of the Operating Partnership, upon exercise of their Exchange Rights regarding an equal number of Units. All such issuances of Common Shares were exempt from registration as private placements under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, including Regulation D promulgated thereunder. We have registered the re-sale of such Common Shares under the Securities Act.

Share Repurchase Program

Our Board of Trustees has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $50.0 million worth of our Common Shares over a one year period. Effective September 14, 2015 and December 15, 2015, as part of the implementation of the program, we established written trading plans (“Plans”) that provide for share repurchases in open market transactions that are intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The extent to which shares are repurchased and the timing of such repurchases will depend upon a variety of factors, including prevailing market conditions, regulatory requirements and other factors. The program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific number of shares and may be suspended at any time in our discretion. The following is a summary of the Common Shares repurchased under the Plans during the third quarter of fiscal year 2016:
 
The following is a summary of the Common Shares repurchased under the Plans during the third quarter of fiscal year 2016:

Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Average Price
 Paid per
Share
   
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
 Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs1
   
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased Under
 the Plans or Programs
 
Beginning Balance
                   
$
28,068,572
 
November 1 – 30, 2015
   
376,872
   
$
8.14
     
376,872
     
25,000,302
 
December 1 – 31, 2015
   
759,011
     
7.15
     
759,011
     
19,574,309
 
January 1 – 31, 2016
   
654,742
     
6.99
     
654,742
     
15,000,334
 
Total
   
1,790,625
   
$
7.30
     
1,790,625
   
$
15,000,334
 

(1) On August 8, 2015, we publicly announced the share repurchase program to repurchase up to $50.0 million worth of our Common Shares over a one year period.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

Item 5. Other Information

None

Item 6. Exhibits
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
Description
   
Section 302 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Section 302 Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
Section 906 Certifications of President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Section 906 Certifications of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
101*
The following materials from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 31, 2016 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

* Filed herewith
 
Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST
(Registrant)

/s/ Timothy P. Mihalick
 
Timothy P. Mihalick
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
   
/s/ Ted E. Holmes
 
Ted E. Holmes
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
   
Date: March 10, 2016
 
 
 
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