UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE |
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010
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: 333-125121
VESTIN REALTY MORTGAGE II, INC. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
MARYLAND | | 61-1502451 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of | | (I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization) | | Identification No.) |
8880 W SUNSET ROAD, SUITE 200, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89148
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number: 702.227.0965
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] 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 (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ ] | Accelerated filer [ ] |
Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company [X] |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [ ] No [X]
As of August 10, 2010, there were 13,512,688 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding.
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |
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ASSETS | |
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| | June 30, 2010 | | | December 31, 2009 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | |
Assets | | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 9,628,000 | | | $ | 1,444,000 | |
Investment in marketable securities - related party | | | 539,000 | | | | 651,000 | |
Interest and other receivables, net of allowance of $225,000 at June 30, 2010 and $124,000 at December 31, 2009 | | | 3,265,000 | | | | 1,100,000 | |
Notes receivable, net of allowance of $9,163,000 at June 30, 2010 and $10,334,000 at December 31, 2009 | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Real estate held for sale | | | 18,012,000 | | | | 22,094,000 | |
Investment in real estate loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $47,129,000 at June 30, 2010 and $58,916,000 at December 31, 2009 | | | 38,278,000 | | | | 53,209,000 | |
Due from related parties | | | 51,000 | | | | 317,000 | |
Assets under secured borrowings | | | 8,370,000 | | | | 8,370,000 | |
Deferred financing costs | | | -- | | | | 175,000 | |
Other assets | | | 319,000 | | | | 99,000 | |
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Total assets | | $ | 78,462,000 | | | $ | 87,459,000 | |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |
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Liabilities | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 4,107,000 | | | $ | 4,311,000 | |
Secured borrowings | | | 7,910,000 | | | | 7,910,000 | |
Note payable | | | 191,000 | | | | 28,000 | |
Unearned revenue | | | 57,000 | | | | -- | |
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Total liabilities | | | 12,265,000 | | | | 12,249,000 | |
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Commitments and contingencies | | | | | | | | |
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Stockholders' equity | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,484,675 shares at June 30, 2010 and 1,381,137 at December 31, 2009 | | | (6,347,000 | ) | | | (6,152,000 | ) |
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 14,997,363 shares issued and 13,512,688 outstanding at June 30, 2010 and 14,997,363 shares issued and 13,616,226 outstanding at December 31, 2009 | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,000 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 278,550,000 | | | | 278,550,000 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (205,343,000 | ) | | | (196,637,000 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | (664,000 | ) | | | (552,000 | ) |
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Total stockholders' equity | | | 66,197,000 | | | | 75,210,000 | |
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | | $ | 78,462,000 | | | $ | 87,459,000 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
VESTIN REALTY MORTGAGE II, INC. | |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |
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(UNAUDITED) | |
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| | For The Three Months Ended | | | For The Six Months Ended | |
| | 6/30/2010 | | | 6/30/2009 | | | 6/30/2010 | | | 6/30/2009 | |
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Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income from investment in real estate loans | | $ | 597,000 | | | $ | 2,166,000 | | | $ | 1,273,000 | | | $ | 4,301,000 | |
Gain related to pay off of real estate loan, including recovery of allowance for loan loss | | | -- | | | | 110,000 | | | | -- | | | | 110,000 | |
Other income | | | 93,000 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 195,000 | | | | 113,000 | |
Total revenues | | | 690,000 | | | | 2,376,000 | | | | 1,468,000 | | | | 4,524,000 | |
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Operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Management fees - related party | | | 275,000 | | | | 275,000 | | | | 549,000 | | | | 549,000 | |
Provision for loan loss | | | 3,048,000 | | | | 15,330,000 | | | | 3,048,000 | | | | 16,604,000 | |
Interest expense | | | 290,000 | | | | 1,427,000 | | | | 613,000 | | | | 3,076,000 | |
Professional fees | | | 867,000 | | | | 1,217,000 | | | | 2,784,000 | | | | 3,273,000 | |
Professional fees - related party | | | 128,000 | | | | 123,000 | | | | 287,000 | | | | 256,000 | |
Loan fees | | | -- | | | | 947,000 | | | | -- | | | | 947,000 | |
Other | | | 242,000 | | | | 199,000 | | | | 666,000 | | | | 626,000 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 4,850,000 | | | | 19,518,000 | | | | 7,947,000 | | | | 25,331,000 | |
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Loss from operations | | | (4,160,000 | ) | | | (17,142,000 | ) | | | (6,479,000 | ) | | | (20,807,000 | ) |
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Non-operating income (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on purchase of debt | | | -- | | | | 9,683,000 | | | | -- | | | | 9,683,000 | |
Interest income from banking institutions | | | -- | | | | 3,000 | | | | -- | | | | 22,000 | |
Settlement expense | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (47,000 | ) | | | (76,000 | ) |
Total non-operating income (loss), net | | | -- | | | | 9,686,000 | | | | (47,000 | ) | | | 9,629,000 | |
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Income (loss) from real estate held for sale | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue related to real estate held for sale | | | -- | | | | 4,000 | | | | -- | | | | 55,000 | |
Net gain (loss) on sale of real estate held for sale | | | 285,000 | | | | (228,000 | ) | | | 381,000 | | | | (228,000 | ) |
Expenses related to real estate held for sale | | | (264,000 | ) | | | (401,000 | ) | | | (528,000 | ) | | | (659,000 | ) |
Write-downs on real estate held for sale | | | (2,033,000 | ) | | | (6,439,000 | ) | | | (2,033,000 | ) | | | (8,917,000 | ) |
Total loss from real estate held for sale | | | (2,012,000 | ) | | | (7,064,000 | ) | | | (2,180,000 | ) | | | (9,749,000 | ) |
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Loss before provision for income taxes | | | (6,172,000 | ) | | | (14,520,000 | ) | | | (8,706,000 | ) | | | (20,927,000 | ) |
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Provision for income taxes | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
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NET LOSS | | $ | (6,172,000 | ) | | $ | (14,520,000 | ) | | $ | (8,706,000 | ) | | $ | (20,927,000 | ) |
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Basic and diluted loss per weighted average common share | | $ | (0.45 | ) | | $ | (1.05 | ) | | $ | (0.64 | ) | | $ | (1.52 | ) |
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Dividends declared per common share | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
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Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | 13,578,453 | | | | 13,785,040 | | | | 13,597,235 | | | | 13,786,939 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | |
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FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 | |
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(UNAUDITED) | |
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| | Treasury Stock | | | Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Shares | | | Amount | | | Number of Shares | | | Amount | | | Additional Paid-in-Capital | | | Accumulated deficit | | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | | Total | |
Stockholders' Equity at December 31, 2009 | | | 1,381,137 | | | $ | (6,152,000 | ) | | | 13,616,226 | | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 278,550,000 | | | $ | (196,637,000 | ) | | $ | (552,000 | ) | | $ | 75,210,000 | |
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Comprehensive Loss: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Net Loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8,706,000 | ) | | | | | | | (8,706,000 | ) |
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Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities - Related Party | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (112,000 | ) | | | (112,000 | ) |
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Comprehensive Loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8,818,000 | ) |
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Purchase of Treasury Stock | | | 103,538 | | | | (195,000 | ) | | | (103,538 | ) | | | -- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (195,000 | ) |
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Stockholders' Equity at June 30, 2010 (Unaudited) | | | 1,484,675 | | | $ | (6,347,000 | ) | | | 13,512,688 | | | $ | 1,000 | | | $ | 278,550,000 | | | $ | (205,343,000 | ) | | $ | (664,000 | ) | | $ | 66,197,000 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |
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(UNAUDITED) | |
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| | For The Six Months Ended | |
| | 6/30/2010 | | | 6/30/2009 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (8,706,000 | ) | | $ | (20,927,000 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Provision for doubtful accounts related to receivable included in other expense | | | 133,000 | | | | 39,000 | |
Write-downs on real estate held for sale | | | 2,033,000 | | | | 8,917,000 | |
Gain on sale of real estate held for sale | | | (381,000 | ) | | | (243,000 | ) |
Loss on sale of real estate held for sale | | | -- | | | | 471,000 | |
Gain on purchase of debt | | | -- | | | | (9,683,000 | ) |
Recovery of allowance for doubtful notes receivable included in other income | | | (90,000 | ) | | | (91,000 | ) |
Provision for loan loss | | | 3,048,000 | | | | 16,604,000 | |
Prepaid interest income - unearned revenue | | | 62,000 | | | | -- | |
Amortized interest income | | | (5,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Amortized financing costs, included in interest expense | | | 175,000 | | | | (44,000 | ) |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Interest and other receivables | | | (341,000 | ) | | | (111,000 | ) |
Due to/from related parties | | | 266,000 | | | | (1,369,000 | ) |
Other assets | | | 24,000 | | | | 113,000 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (204,000 | ) | | | 1,775,000 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (3,986,000 | ) | | | (4,549,000 | ) |
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Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Investments in real estate loans | | | (621,000 | ) | | | (17,385,000 | ) |
Purchase of investments in real estate loans from: | | | | | | | | |
Fund III | | | (200,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Proceeds from loan payoffs | | | 9,095,000 | | | | 3,179,000 | |
Sale of investments in real estate loans to: | | | | | | | | |
VRM I | | | -- | | | | 500,000 | |
Fund III | | | -- | | | | 500,000 | |
Third parties | | | -- | | | | 6,379,000 | |
Proceeds related to real estate held for sale | | | 3,822,000 | | | | 13,024,000 | |
Proceeds from note receivable | | | 90,000 | | | | 91,000 | |
Deposit liability | | | 260,000 | | | | -- | |
Changes in restricted cash | | | -- | | | | 5,000,000 | |
Net cash provided by investing activities | | | 12,446,000 | | | | 11,288,000 | |
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Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Principal payments on notes payable | | | (81,000 | ) | | | (3,079,000 | ) |
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable | | | -- | | | | 4,023,000 | |
Purchase of debt | | | -- | | | | (10,000,000 | ) |
Purchase of treasury stock at cost | | | (195,000 | ) | | | (42,000 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (276,000 | ) | | | (9,098,000 | ) |
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NET CHANGE IN CASH | | | 8,184,000 | | | | (2,359,000 | ) |
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Cash, beginning of period | | | 1,444,000 | | | | 8,026,000 | |
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Cash, end of period | | $ | 9,628,000 | | | $ | 5,667,000 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
VESTIN REALTY MORTGAGE II, INC. | |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) | |
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(UNAUDITED) | |
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| | For The Six Months Ended | |
| | 6/30/2010 | | | 6/30/2009 | |
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Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information: | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | 438,000 | | | $ | 3,076,000 | |
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Non-cash investing and financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Deferred gain on sale of real estate where we provided the financing | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | -- | |
Adjustment to allowance for loan losses related to sale and payment of investment in real estate loan | | $ | -- | | | $ | 16,993,000 | |
Impairment on restructured loan reclassified to allowance for loan loss | | $ | -- | | | $ | 799,000 | |
Note payable relating to prepaid D & O insurance | | $ | 244,000 | | | $ | 251,000 | |
Account receivable related to sale of loan collateral, held in escrow account | | $ | 1,957,000 | | | $ | -- | |
Real estate held for sale acquired through foreclosure, net of prior allowance | | $ | 5,152,000 | | | $ | 19,533,000 | |
Loan rewritten with same or similar collateral | | $ | -- | | | $ | 9,171,000 | |
Adjustment of equity investment related to the repurchase of junior subordinated notes payable | | $ | -- | | | $ | (40,000 | ) |
Elimination of accrued liability related to purchase of junior subordinated notes payable | | $ | -- | | | $ | 317,000 | |
Write-off of interest receivable and related allowance | | $ | 235,000 | | | $ | 221,000 | |
Sale of real estate held for sale where we provided the financing | | $ | 3,496,000 | | | $ | -- | |
Seller financed real estate held for sale reclassified loan | | $ | (3,500,000 | ) | | $ | | |
Adjustment to note receivable and related allowance | | $ | 1,081,000 | | | $ | -- | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities - related party | | $ | (112,000 | ) | | $ | 6,000 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2010
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE A — ORGANIZATION
Vestin Fund II, LLC (“Fund II”) was organized in December 2000 as a Nevada limited liability company for the purpose of investing in commercial real estate loans (hereafter referred to as “real estate loans”). Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. (“VRM II”) was organized in January 2006 as a Maryland corporation for the sole purpose of effecting a merger with Fund II. On March 31, 2006, Fund II merged into VRM II and the members of Fund II received one share of VRM II’s common stock for each membership unit of Fund II. References in this report to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Fund II with respect to the period prior to April 1, 2006 and to VRM II with respect to the period commencing on April 1, 2006. 60; Because we were a limited liability company (“LLC”) during the prior periods reflected in this report, we make reference to Fund II’s “members” rather than “stockholders” in reporting our financial results.
We invest in loans secured by real estate through deeds of trust or mortgages (hereafter referred to collectively as “deeds of trust” and as defined in our management agreement (“Management Agreement”) as “Mortgage Assets”). We commenced operations in June 2001.
We operate as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”). We are not a mutual fund or an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor are we subject to any regulation thereunder. As a REIT, we are required to have a December 31 fiscal year end.
Vestin Group, Inc. (“Vestin Group”), a Delaware corporation, owns a significant majority of our manager Vestin Mortgage, Inc. (the “manager” or “Vestin Mortgage”). Michael Shustek, the CEO and director of our manager and CEO interim CFO, President and a director of us, wholly owns Vestin Group, which is engaged in asset management, real estate lending and other financial services through its subsidiaries. Our manager, prior to June 30, 2006, also operated as a licensed Nevada mortgage broker and was generally engaged in the business of brokerage, placement and servicing of commercial loans secured by real property. On July 1, 2006, a mortgage broker license was issued to an affiliated company, Vestin Originations, Inc. (“Vestin Originations”) that has cont inued the business of brokerage, placement and servicing of real estate loans. In addition, Vestin Group owns a significant majority of Vestin Originations. On September 1, 2007, the servicing of real estate loans was assumed by our manager for us.
Pursuant to a management agreement, our manager is responsible for managing our operations and implementing our business strategies on a day-to-day basis. Consequently, our operating results are dependent to a significant extent upon our manager’s ability and performance in managing our operations and servicing our assets.
Vestin Mortgage is also the manager of Vestin Realty Mortgage I, Inc. (“VRM I”), as the successor by merger to Vestin Fund I, LLC (“Fund I”) and Vestin Fund III, LLC (“Fund III”). These entities were formed to invest in real estate loans. VRM I has investment objectives similar to ours, and Fund III has commenced an orderly liquidation of its assets.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of us and our wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary, Vestin TRS II, Inc (“TRS II”). All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
During April 2009, we entered into an accounting services agreement with Strategix Solutions, LLC (“Strategix Solutions”), a Nevada limited liability company, for the provision of accounting and financial reporting services to us, VRM I and Fund III. Our former Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and the Controller of our manager became employees of Strategix Solutions. Strategix Solutions is managed by LL Bradford and Company, LLC (“LL Bradford”), a certified public accounting firm that has provided non-audit accounting services to us. The principal manager of LL Bradford was a former officer of our manager from April 1999 through January 1, 2005. Strategix Solutions is owned by certain partners of LL Bradford. None of the owners of Strategix Soluti ons have served or are currently serving as officers of the Company or our manager. Our agreement with Strategix Solutions may be terminated with or without cause by our manager or our Board of Directors upon 30 days prior written notice. Strategix Solutions may terminate the contract, with or without cause, upon 60 days prior written notice.
Our former CFO, Rocio. Revollo, was replaced, effective May 21, 2010, as part of the Company’s efforts to reduce general and administrative expenses. Pursuant to the terms of our agreement with Strategix Solutions, they will designate, subject to the approval of our Board of Directors, a new CFO for the Company. Strategix Solutions is currently looking for a new CFO; however, Ms. Revollo’s replacement has not yet been identified. Our current CEO, Michael Shustek, is acting as interim CFO.
NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management has included all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to give a fair presentation of operating results for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with information included in the 2009 annual report filed on Form 10-K.
Management Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing bank deposits, money market accounts, short-term certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less, and short-term instruments with a liquidation provision of one month or less.
Revenue Recognition
Interest is recognized as revenue on performing loans when earned according to the terms of the loans, using the effective interest method. We do not accrue interest income on loans once they are determined to be non-performing. A loan is non-performing when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or when the payment of interest is 90 days past due. Cash receipts will be allocated to interest income, except when such payments are specifically designated by the terms of the loan as principal reduction. Interest is recognized on impaired loans on the cash basis method.
Investments in Real Estate Loans
We may, from time to time, acquire or sell investments in real estate loans from or to our manager or other related parties pursuant to the terms of our Management Agreement without a premium. The primary purpose is to either free up capital to provide liquidity for various reasons, such as loan diversification, or place excess capital in investments to maximize the use of our capital. Selling or buying loans allows us to diversify our loan portfolio within these parameters. Due to the short-term nature of the loans we make and the similarity of interest rates in loans we normally would invest in, the fair value of a loan typically approximates its carrying value. Accordingly, discounts or premiums typically do not apply upon sales of loans and therefore, generally no gain or loss is recorded on these transactions, regardless of whether to a related or unrelated party.
Investments in real estate loans are secured by deeds of trust or mortgages. Generally, our real estate loans require interest only payments with a balloon payment of the principal at maturity. We have both the intent and ability to hold real estate loans until maturity and therefore, real estate loans are classified and accounted for as held for investment and are carried at amortized cost. Loans sold to or purchased from affiliates are accounted for at the principal balance and no gain or loss is recognized by us or any affiliate. Loan-to-value ratios are initially based on appraisals obtained at the time of loan origination and are updated, when new appraisals are received or when management’s assessment of the value has changed, to reflect subsequent changes in value estimates. ; Such appraisals are generally dated within 12 months of the date of loan origination and may be commissioned by the borrower.
The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company’s impaired loans include troubled debt restructuring, and performing and non-performing loans in which full payment of principal or interest is not expected. The Company calculates an allowance required for impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of its collateral.
Loans that have been modified from their original terms are evaluated to determine if the loan meets the definition of a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) as defined by ASC 310-40. When the Company modifies the terms of an existing loan that is considered a TDR, it is considered performing as long as it is in compliance with the modified terms of the loan agreement. If the modification calls for deferred interest, it is recorded as interest income as cash is collected.
Allowance for Loan Losses
We maintain an allowance for loan losses on our investments in real estate loans for estimated credit impairment. Our manager’s estimate of losses is based on a number of factors including the types and dollar amounts of loans in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, prevailing economic conditions and the underlying collateral securing the loan. Additions to the allowance are provided through a charge to earnings and are based on an assessment of certain factors, which may indicate estimated losses on the loans. Actual losses on loans are recorded as a charge-off or a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. Generally, subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged off are added back to the allowance and included as income.
Estimating allowances for loan losses requires significant judgment about the underlying collateral, including liquidation value, condition of the collateral, competency and cooperation of the related borrower and specific legal issues that affect loan collections or taking possession of the property. As a commercial real estate lender willing to invest in loans to borrowers who may not meet the credit standards of other financial institutional lenders, the default rate on our loans could be higher than those generally experienced in the real estate lending industry. We and our manager generally approve loans more quickly than other real estate lenders and, due to our expedited underwriting process; there is a risk that the credit inquiry we perform will not reveal all material facts pertaining to a borrower and t he security.
Additional facts and circumstances may be discovered as we continue our efforts in the collection and foreclosure processes. This additional information often causes management to reassess its estimates. In recent years, we have revised estimates of our allowance for loan losses. Circumstances that have and may continue to cause significant changes in our estimated allowance include, but are not limited to:
| · | Declines in real estate market conditions, which can cause a decrease in expected market value; |
| · | Discovery of undisclosed liens for community improvement bonds, easements and delinquent property taxes; |
| · | Lack of progress on real estate developments after we advance funds. We customarily utilize disbursement agents to monitor the progress of real estate developments and approve loan advances. After further inspection of the related property, progress on construction occasionally does not substantiate an increase in value to support the related loan advances; |
| · | Unanticipated legal or business issues that may arise subsequent to loan origination or upon the sale of foreclosed property; and |
| · | Appraisals, which are only opinions of value at the time of the appraisal, may not accurately reflect the value of the property. |
Real Estate Held for Sale
Real estate held for sale (“REO”) includes real estate acquired through foreclosure and will be carried at the lower of the recorded amount, inclusive of any senior indebtedness, or the property's estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions. While pursuing foreclosure actions, we seek to identify potential purchasers of such property. It is not our intent to invest in or to own real estate as a long-term investment. We generally seek to sell properties acquired through foreclosure as quickly as circumstances permit. The carrying values of REO are assessed on a regular basis from updated appraisals, comparable sales values or purchase offers.
Management classifies REO when the following criteria are met:
| · | Management commits to a plan to sell the properties; |
| · | The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary; |
| · | An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete a sale have been initiated; |
| · | The sale of the property is probable; |
| · | The property is being actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price; and |
| · | Withdrawal or significant modification of the sale is not likely. |
Real Estate Held For Sale – Seller-Financed
We occasionally finance sales of foreclosed properties (“seller-financed REO”) to independent third parties. In order to record a sale of real estate when the seller is providing continued financing and the buyer of the real estate is required to make minimum initial and continuing investments. Minimum initial investments range from 10% to 25% based on the type of real estate sold. In addition, there are limits on commitments and contingent obligations incurred by a seller in order to record a sale.
Because we occasionally foreclose on loans with raw land or developments in progress, available financing for such properties is often limited and we frequently provide financing up to 100% of the selling price on these properties. In addition, we may make additional loans to the buyer to continue development of a property. Although sale agreements are consummated at closing, they lack adequate initial investment by the buyer to qualify as a sales transaction. These sale agreements are not recorded as a sale until the minimum requirements are met.
These sale agreements are recorded under the deposit method or cost recovery method. Under the deposit method, no profit is recognized and any cash received from the buyer is reported as a deposit liability on the balance sheet. Under the cost recovery method, no profit is recognized until payments by the buyer exceed the carrying basis of the property sold. Principal payments received will reduce the related receivable, and interest collections will be recorded as unrecognized gross profit on the balance sheet. The carrying values of these properties are included in real estate held for sale – seller financed on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
In cases where the investment by the buyer is significant (generally 20% or more) and the buyer has an adequate continuing investment, the purchase money debt is not subject to future subordination, and a full transfer of risks and rewards has occurred, we will use the full accrual method. Under the full accrual method, a sale is recorded and the balance remaining to be paid is recorded as a normal note. Interest is recorded as income when received.
Classification of Operating Results from Real Estate Held for Sale
Generally, operating results and cash flows from long-lived assets held for sale are to be classified as discontinued operations as a separately stated component of net income. Our operations related to REO are separately identified in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Secured Borrowings
Secured borrowings provide an additional source of capital for our lending activity. Secured borrowings allow us to increase the diversification of our loan portfolio and to invest in loans that we might not otherwise invest in. We do not receive any fees for entering into secured borrowing arrangements; however, we may receive revenue for any differential of the interest spread, if applicable. Loans in which unaffiliated investors have participated through inter-creditor agreements (“Inter-creditor Agreements”) are accounted for as secured borrowings.
The Inter-creditor Agreements provide us additional funding sources for real estate loans whereby an unaffiliated investor (the “Investor”) may participate on a non-pari passu basis in certain real estate loans with us and/or VRM I and/or Fund III (collectively, the “Lead Lenders”). In the event of borrower non-performance, the Inter-creditor Agreements generally provide that the Lead Lenders must repay the Investor’s loan amount either by (i) continuing to remit to the Investor the interest due on the participated loan amount; (ii) substituting an alternative loan acceptable to the Investor; or (iii) repurchasing the participation from the Investor for the outstanding balance plus accrued interest.
Additionally, an Investor may participate in certain loans with the Lead Lenders through Participation Agreements. In the event of borrower non-performance, the Participation Agreement may allow the Investor to be repaid up to the amount of the Investor’s investment prior to the Lead Lender being repaid. Real estate loan financing under the Participation Agreements are also accounted for as a secured borrowing. We do not receive any revenues for entering into secured borrowing arrangements.
Investment in Marketable Securities – Related Party
Investment in marketable securities – related party consists of stock in VRM I. The securities are stated at fair value as determined by the closing market price as of June 30, 2010. All securities are classified as available-for-sale.
We are required to evaluate our available-for-sale investment for other-than-temporary impairment charges. We will determine when an investment is considered impaired (i.e., decline in fair value below its amortized cost), and evaluate whether the impairment is other than temporary (i.e., investment value will not be recovered over its remaining life). If the impairment is considered other than temporary, we will recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between the investment’s basis and its fair value.
According to the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin, Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting, M - Other Than Temporary Impairment of Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, there are numerous factors to be considered in such an evaluation and their relative significance will vary from case to case. The following are a few examples of the factors that individually or in combination, indicate that a decline is other than temporary and that a write-down of the carrying value is required:
| · | The length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost; |
| · | The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer such as changes in technology that may impair the earnings potential of the investment or the discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential; or |
| · | The intent and ability of the holder to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. |
Fair Value Disclosures
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. “the exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches, including quoted market prices and discounted cash flows. The established hierarchy for inputs used, in measuring fair value, maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect a company’s ju dgment concerning the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
| · | Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company is able to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. |
| · | Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for instruments that are similar, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar instruments, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. |
| · | Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, which utilize the Company’s estimates and assumptions. |
If the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased, we will still evaluate our fair value estimate as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. In addition, since we are a publicly traded company, we are required to make our fair value disclosures for interim reporting periods.
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been exercised. We had no outstanding common share equivalents during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009. The following is a computation of the EPS data for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:
| | For the Three Months Ended June 30, | | | For the Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (6,172,000 | ) | | $ | (14,520,000 | ) | | $ | (8,706,000 | ) | | $ | (20,927,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period | | | 13,578,453 | | | | 13,785,040 | | | | 13,597,235 | | | | 13,786,939 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per weighted average common share outstanding | | $ | (0.45 | ) | | $ | (1.05 | ) | | $ | (0.64 | ) | | $ | (1.52 | ) |
Common Stock Dividends
During June 2008, our Board of Directors decided to suspend the payment of dividends. We will continue to comply with the REIT requirements and will distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of our REIT taxable income. Our Board of Directors will closely monitor our operating results in order to determine when dividends should be reinstated; however, we do not expect them to be reinstating dividends in the foreseeable future.
Treasury Stock
On March 21, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million worth of our common stock. Depending upon market conditions, shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices through open market or privately negotiated transactions. We are not obligated to purchase any shares. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts, as our management deems appropriate. The share repurchase program may be discontinued or terminated at any time and we have not established a date for completion of the share repurchase program. The repurchases will be funded from our available cash. As of June 30, 2010, we had purchased 1,470,925 shares as treasury stock through the repurchase program not ed above. These shares are carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.3 million. In addition, as part of a settlement agreement, we repurchased 13,750 shares of stock during January 2009, and classified them as treasury stock and incurred $76,000 in settlement expenses. These shares are carried on our books at cost totaling $42,000 and are not part of the repurchase program. As of June 30, 2010, we had a total of 1,484,675 shares of treasury stock carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.3 million. As of December 31, 2009, we had a total of 1,381,137 shares of treasury stock carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.2 million.
Segments
We operate as one business segment.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include, on a consolidated basis, our accounts, and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Income Taxes
We are organized and conduct our operations to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 to 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code with respect thereto. A REIT is generally not subject to federal income tax on that portion of its REIT taxable income (“Taxable Income”) which is distributed to its stockholders, provided that at least 90% of Taxable Income is distributed and provided that certain other requirements are met. Our Taxable Income may substantially exceed or be less than our net income as determined based on GAAP, because, differences in GAAP and taxable net income consist primarily of allowances for loan losses or doubtful accounts, write-downs on REO, amortization of deferred financing cost, capi tal gains and losses, and deferred income. Certain assets of ours are held in a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). The income of a TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes.
A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation process, based on the technical merits. Based on our evaluation, we have concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition on our financial statements. The net income tax provision for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 was approximately zero.
NOTE C — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments with concentration of credit and market risk include cash, marketable securities related party and loans secured by deeds of trust.
We maintain cash deposit accounts and certificates of deposit which, at times, may exceed federally-insured limits. To date, we have not experienced any losses. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had approximately $9.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in excess of the federally-insured limits.
As of June 30, 2010, 34%, 20%, 20% and 15% of our loans were in Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona and Texas, respectively, compared to 39%, 15%, 15% and 11%, at December 31, 2009, respectively. As a result of this geographical concentration of our real estate loans, the downturn in the local real estate markets in these states has had a material adverse effect on us.
At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of loans to our three largest borrowers represented approximately 35% and 27%, respectively, of our total investment in real estate loans. These real estate loans consisted of commercial loans, located in Arizona and Hawaii, with first lien positions on the Hawaii loans and a second lien position on the Arizona loan. Their interest rates are at 14% and 15%, and an aggregate outstanding balance of approximately $29.9 million. As of June 30, 2010, our three largest loans were considered non-performing. See Note D – Investments in Real Estate Loans. We have a significant concentration of credit risk with our largest borrowers. During the six months end ed June 30, 2010, two of our performing loans totaling approximately $19.6 million, of which our portion was approximately $10.3 million, accounted for approximately 54% of our interest income. During June 2010, one of these loans was paid in full, totaling $15.0 million, of which our portion was approximately $7.9 million. There was no such concentration of interest income during the six months ended June 30, 2009. Any additional defaults in our loan portfolio will have a material adverse effect on us.
The success of a borrower’s ability to repay its real estate loan obligation in a large lump-sum payment may be dependent upon the borrower’s ability to refinance the obligation or otherwise raise a substantial amount of cash. With the weakened economy, credit continues to be difficult to obtain and as such, many of our borrowers who develop and sell commercial real estate projects have been unable to complete their projects, obtain takeout financing or have been otherwise adversely impacted. In addition, an increase in interest rates over the loan rate applicable at origination of the loan may have an adverse effect on our borrower’s ability to refinance.
Common Guarantors
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, four loans totaling approximately $19.8 million, representing approximately 23.2% and 17.6%, respectively, of our portfolio’s total value, had a common guarantor. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, all four loans were fully impaired and two of the four loans were considered performing. The two non-performing loans totaled approximately $15.9 million.
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, four and three loans, respectively, totaling approximately $9.0 million and $6.3 million, respectively, had a common guarantor. These loans represented approximately 10.6% and 5.6% of our portfolio’s total value as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. Two of the loans as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, were related to our secured borrowings of approximately $8.4 million, including approximately $0.5 million in interest reserves. One loan is secured by a second lien position and had a balance of approximately $1.6 million as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The fourth loan originated as a seller-finance loan on real estate held for sale during February 2010 and totaled approximately $3.5 million. During June 2010, the borrower on this loan paid an additional $0.8 million towards the principal of the loan balance which met the minimum equity and continued investment requirements which allowed us to no longer classify this loan as seller-financed REO. As a result of this principal payment, we recognized the unrealized gain of $264,000 on the sale or our REO. All of these loans were considered performing as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
For additional information regarding the above non-performing loans see “Non-Performing Loans” in Note D – Investments In Real Estate Loans.
NOTE D — INVESTMENTS IN REAL ESTATE LOANS
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, all of our loans provided for interest only payments with a “balloon” payment of principal payable and any accrued interest payable in full at the end of the term.
In addition, we may invest in real estate loans that require borrowers to maintain interest reserves funded from the principal amount of the loan for a period of time. At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had no investments in real estate loans that had interest reserves. As of June 30, 2010, one loan totaling approximately $1.1 million, of which our portion was $1.0 million, had prepaid their interest for one year as part of a one year extension agreement. The prepaid interest totaled $62,000, of which our portion was $57,000. Interest income will be recognized as it is earned.
Loan Portfolio
As of June 30, 2010, we had five available real estate loan products consisting of commercial, construction, acquisition and development, land and residential. The effective interest rates on all product categories range from 0% to 15%, as a result of troubled debt restructuring whereby, the total interest on two performing loans is now being fully accrued as of June 30, 2010 and payable at maturity. Revenue by product will fluctuate based upon relative balances during the period.
During the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Trustee in a Bankruptcy case, regarding one of our non-performing commercial loans in California, sold the assets of the Borrower to an unrelated third party for an aggregate amount of $4.1 million. The proceeds, net of all court costs, closing costs, trustee’s fees, real estate taxes and security guard services, total approximately $3.4 million. The amount due to us from this Borrower was $11.6 million; however, another lender is claiming an interest in the proceeds of the bankruptcy sale, purportedly based on loans of approximately $0.9 million, secured by some of the equipment located at the property. A motion to determine secured interest has been filed with the Bankruptcy Court on our behalf, the Court has not yet ruled on our motion. 0;Management believes the amount we will recover from the proceeds of the bankruptcy sale will be approximately $2.0 million and an account receivable in such amount has been recorded on our balance sheet.
Investments in real estate loans as of June 30, 2010, were as follows:
Loan Type | | Number of Loans | | | Balance * | | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | | Portfolio Percentage | | | Current Weighted Average Loan-To-Value, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 15 | | | $ | 58,474,000 | | | | 10.88% | | | | 68.47% | | | | 70.06% | |
Construction | | | 4 | | | | 13,510,000 | | | | 7.83% | | | | 15.82% | | | | 72.72% | |
Land | | | 4 | | | | 13,423,000 | | | | 1.77% | | | | 15.71% | | | | 73.64% | |
Total | | | 23 | | | $ | 85,407,000 | | | | 8.97% | | | | 100.00% | | | | 71.50% | |
Investments in real estate loans as of December 31, 2009, were as follows:
Loan Type | | Number of Loans | | | Balance * | | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | | Portfolio Percentage | | | Current Weighted Average Loan-To-Value, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 17 | | | $ | 77,285,000 | | | | 12.64% | | | | 68.93% | | | | 63.05% | |
Construction | | | 4 | | | | 13,738,000 | | | | 7.91% | | | | 12.25% | | | | 84.66% | |
Land | | | 5 | | | | 21,102,000 | | | | 9.64% | | | | 18.82% | | | | 78.83% | |
Total | | | 26 | | | $ | 112,125,000 | | | | 11.50% | | | | 100.00% | | | | 69.95% | |
* | Please see Balance Sheet Reconciliation below. |
The “Weighted Average Interest Rate” as shown above is based on the contractual terms of the loans for the entire portfolio including non-performing loans. The weighted average interest rate on performing loans only, as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, was 3.40% and 9.26%, respectively. Please see “Non-Performing Loans” and “Asset Quality and Loan Reserves” below for further information regarding performing and non-performing loans.
Loan-to-value ratios are generally based on the most recent appraisals and may not reflect subsequent changes in value and include allowances for loan losses. Recognition of allowance for loan losses will result in a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 100% per loan.
The following is a schedule of priority of real estate loans as of June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009:
Loan Type | | Number of Loans | | | June 30, 2010 Balance* | | | Portfolio Percentage | | | Number of Loans | | | December 31, 2009 Balance* | | | Portfolio Percentage | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First deeds of trust | | | 15 | | | $ | 49,886,000 | | | | 58.41% | | | | 18 | | | $ | 76,571,000 | | | | 68.29% | |
Second deeds of trust | | | 8 | | | | 35,521,000 | | | | 41.59% | | | | 8 | | | | 35,554,000 | | | | 31.71% | |
Total | | | 23 | | | $ | 85,407,000 | | | | 100.00% | | | | 26 | | | $ | 112,125,000 | | | | 100.00% | |
* | Please see Balance Sheet Reconciliation below. |
The following is a schedule of contractual maturities of investments in real estate loans as of June 30, 2010:
Non-performing and past due loans (a) | | $ | 49,646,000 | |
July 2010 – September 2010 (b) | | | 2,125,000 | |
October 2010 – December 2010 | | | 4,508,000 | |
January 2011 – March 2011 | | | 17,423,000 | |
April 2011 – June 2011 | | | 1,036,000 | |
July 2011 – September 2011 | | | -- | |
October 2011 – December 2011 | | | 10,669,000 | |
Thereafter | | | -- | |
| | | | |
Total | | $ | 85,407,000 | |
| (a) | Amounts include the balance of non-performing loans and loans that have been extended subsequent to June 30, 2010. |
| (b) | Some of these loans have been or are in the process of being extended subsequent to August 10, 2010. |
The following is a schedule by geographic location of investments in real estate loans as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
| | June 30, 2010 Balance * | | | Portfolio Percentage | | | December 31, 2009 Balance * | | | Portfolio Percentage | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Arizona | | $ | 17,052,000 | | | | 19.97% | | | $ | 17,052,000 | | | | 15.21% | |
California | | | 9,633,000 | | | | 11.28% | | | | 21,267,000 | | | | 18.97% | |
Hawaii | | | 17,291,000 | | | | 20.24% | | | | 17,291,000 | | | | 15.42% | |
Nevada | | | 28,697,000 | | | | 33.60% | | | | 43,781,000 | | | | 39.05% | |
Oregon | | | 46,000 | | | | 0.05% | | | | 46,000 | | | | 0.04% | |
Texas | | | 12,688,000 | | | | 14.86% | | | | 12,688,000 | | | | 11.31% | |
Total | | $ | 85,407,000 | | | | 100.00% | | | $ | 112,125,000 | | | | 100.00% | |
* | Please see Balance Sheet Reconciliation below. |
Balance Sheet Reconciliation
The following table reconciles the balance of the loan portfolio to the amount shown on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
| | June 30, 2010 Balance | | | December 31, 2009 Balance | |
Balance per loan portfolio | | $ | 85,407,000 | | | $ | 112,125,000 | |
Less: | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for loan losses (a) | | | (47,129,000 | ) | | | (58,916,000 | ) |
Balance per consolidated balance sheets | | $ | 38,278,000 | | | $ | 53,209,000 | |
| (a) | Please refer to Specific Reserve Allowance below. |
Non-Performing Loans
As of June 30, 2010, we had nine loans considered non-performing (i.e., based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or when the payment of interest is 90 days past due).
These loans are currently carried on our books at a value of approximately $13.0 million, net of allowance for loan losses of approximately $33.4 million, which does not include the allowances of approximately $13.7 million relating to performing loans as of June 30, 2010. Except as otherwise provided below, these loans have been placed on non-accrual of interest status and may be the subject of pending foreclosure proceedings. At June 30, 2010, the following loan types were non-performing:
Loan Type | | Number Of Non-Performing Loans | | | Balance at June 30, 2010 | | | Allowance for Loan Losses | | | Net Balance at June 30, 2010 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 7 | | | $ | 38,369,000 | | | $ | (29,298,000 | ) | | $ | 9,071,000 | |
Construction | | | 1 | | | | 5,800,000 | | | | (4,109,000 | ) | | | 1,691,000 | |
Land | | | 1 | | | | 2,190,000 | | | | -- | | | | 2,190,000 | |
Total | | | 9 | | | $ | 46,359,000 | | | $ | (33,407,000 | ) | | $ | 12,952,000 | |
| · | Commercial – As of June 30, 2010, seven of our 15 commercial loans were considered non-performing. The outstanding balance on the seven non-performing loans was approximately $57.6 million, of which our portion was approximately $38.4. As of June 30, 2010, these loans have been non-performing from 10 months to 6 years. Our manager has commenced foreclosure proceedings on a majority of these loans, and has proceeded with legal action to enforce the personal guarantees as our manager deems appropriate. As of June 30, 2010, based on our manager’s evaluations and updated appraisals, our manager has provided a specific allowance to these commercial loans of approximately $38.9 million, of which our portion is approximately $29.3 million. Two of these loans are the RightStar, Inc. (Part I & Pa rt II) loans, which are secured by a lien on the business and virtually all of the property of RightStar, which includes 4 cemeteries and 8 mortuaries in Hawaii with an outstanding balance of approximately $32.3 million of which our portion is approximately $17.3 million ($8.2 million for Part I and $9.1 million for Part II). On July 13, 2010 we and VRM I completed our foreclosure of these properties and classified them as REO. See Specific Reserve Allowances below and Note O – Legal Matters Involving the Company for further information regarding the RightStar loans. In addition, three of our six non-performing loans totaling approximately $18.0 million have been fully impaired and are secured by second deeds of trust. As of August 10, 2010, these loan balances have not been charged off. |
| · | Construction – As of June 30, 2010, one of our four construction loans was considered non-performing. The outstanding balance on the loan is $6.0 million, of which our portion is $5.8 million. As of June 30, 2010, this loan has been considered non-performing for the last 25 months. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the borrower defaulted upon a settlement agreement, which was negotiated on November 17, 2008. During April 2010, we and VRM I commenced foreclosure proceedings on this property. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, based on our manager’s evaluation of completion costs for the project and an updated appraisal obtained by our manager, our manager has provided an additional specific allowance of approximately $2.6 million, of which our portion is approximately $2.5 million. On August 5, 2010, we and VRM I completed our foreclosure of this property and classified it as REO. |
| · | Land – On April 19, 2010, we foreclosed on two properties with a total balance of approximately $5.2 million net of allowance for loan loss of approximately $5.2 million, located in Nevada and classified them as REO. As of June 30, 2010, one of our four land loans was considered non-performing. The loan is secured by a first lien on the property, and is guaranteed by principals of the borrower. During April 2010, this non-performing loan, totaling approximately $3.2 million, of which our portion is approximately $2.2 million, complied with the terms of its loan agreement and was considered a performing loan; however, in May 2010 this loan became non-performing again due to failure to comply with its loan agreement. Our manager has commenced foreclosure proceedings on this loan. As of June 30, 2010 , based on current estimates with respect to the value of the underlying collateral, our manager believes that such collateral is sufficient to protect us against further losses of principal. |
Asset Quality and Loan Reserves
Losses may occur from investing in real estate loans. The amount of losses will vary as the loan portfolio is affected by changing economic conditions and the financial condition of borrowers.
The conclusion that a real estate loan is uncollectible or that collectability is doubtful is a matter of judgment. On a quarterly basis, our manager evaluates our real estate loan portfolio for impairment. The fact that a loan is temporarily past due does not necessarily mean that the loan is non-performing. Rather, all relevant circumstances are considered by our manager to determine impairment and the need for specific reserves. Such evaluation, which includes a review of all loans on which full collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers among other matters:
| · | Prevailing economic conditions; |
| · | The nature and volume of the loan portfolio; |
| · | The borrowers’ financial condition and adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay; |
| · | Evaluation of industry trends; and |
| · | Estimated net realizable value of any underlying collateral in relation to the loan amount. |
Based upon this evaluation, a determination is made as to whether the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover any potential losses on an individual loan basis; we do not have a general allowance for loan losses. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by charges to the provision for loan loss. Our ratio of total allowance for loan losses to total loans with an allowance for loan loss is 68%. The following is a breakdown of allowance for loan losses related to performing loans and non-performing loans as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
| | As of June 30, 2010 | |
| | Balance | | | Allowance for loan losses ** | | | Balance, net of allowance | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Non-performing loans – no related allowance | | $ | 2,190,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 2,190,000 | |
Non-performing loans – related allowance | | | 44,169,000 | | | | (33,407,000 | ) | | | 10,762,000 | |
Subtotal non-performing loans | | | 46,359,000 | | | | (33,407,000 | ) | | | 12,952,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Performing loans – no related allowance | | | 13,851,000 | | | | -- | | | | 13,851,000 | |
Performing loans – related allowance | | | 25,197,000 | | | | (13,722,000 | ) | | | 11,475,000 | |
Subtotal performing loans | | | 39,048,000 | | | | (13,722,000 | ) | | | 25,326,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 85,407,000 | | | $ | (47,129,000 | ) | | $ | 38,278,000 | |
| | As of December 31, 2009 | |
| | Balance | | | Allowance for loan losses ** | | | Balance, net of allowance | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Non-performing loans – no related allowance | | $ | 2,190,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 2,190,000 | |
Non-performing loans – related allowance | | | 66,148,000 | | | | (45,194,000 | ) | | | 20,954,000 | |
Subtotal non-performing loans | | | 68,338,000 | | | | (45,194,000 | ) | | | 23,144,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Performing loans – no related allowance | | | 18,362,000 | | | | -- | | | | 18,362,000 | |
Performing loans – related allowance | | | 25,425,000 | | | | (13,722,000 | ) | | | 11,703,000 | |
Subtotal performing loans | | | 43,787,000 | | | | (13,722,000 | ) | | | 30,065,000 | |
| �� | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 112,125,000 | | | $ | (58,916,000 | ) | | $ | 53,209,000 | |
** | Please refer to Specific Reserve Allowances below. |
Our manager evaluated our loans and, based on current estimates with respect to the value of the underlying collateral, believes that such collateral is sufficient to protect us against further losses of principal. However, such estimates could change or the value of the underlying real estate could decline. Our manager will continue to evaluate our loans in order to determine if any other allowance for loan losses should be recorded.
| Specific Reserve Allowances |
RightStar Loan Allowance – RightStar, Inc. (“RightStar”) defaulted on our commercial loans in the fall of 2004. The lenders commenced a judicial foreclosure on the loans, part I and part II, which are secured by a lien on the business and virtually all of the property of RightStar, which includes four cemeteries and eight mortuaries in Hawaii. The current book value of the RightStar properties, net of allowance for loan losses and including interest receivable, is approximately $14.1 million, of which our portion is approximately $8.5 million. On July 13, 2010 we and VRM I completed our foreclosure of these properties and classified them as REO.
We have evaluated the estimated value of the underlying collateral and the expected cost and length of litigation. Based on this estimate we have maintained our total specific reserve allowance for loss. We will continue to evaluate our position in the RightStar loan. See Note O – Legal Matters Involving the Company for further information regarding the RightStar loans.
As of June 30, 2010, we have provided a specific reserve allowance for eight non-performing loans and eight performing loans based on updated appraisals of the underlying collateral and/or our evaluation of the borrower. The following table is a roll-forward of the allowance for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 by loan type.
Loan Type | | Balance at 12/31/2009 | | | Specific Reserve Allocation | | | Sales | | | Loan Pay Downs | | | Transfers to REO | | | Balance at 06/30/2010 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A / D | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
Commercial | | | 45,362,000 | | | | 580,000 | | | | (9,642,000 | ) | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 36,300,000 | |
Construction | | | 8,361,000 | | | | 2,468,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 10,829,000 | |
Land | | | 5,193,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (5,193,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Total | | $ | 58,916,000 | | | $ | 3,048,000 | | | $ | (9,642,000 | ) | | $ | -- | | | $ | (5,193,000 | ) | | $ | 47,129,000 | |
Loan Type | | Balance at 12/31/2008 | | | Specific Reserve Allocation * | | | Sales | | | Loan Pay Downs | | | Transfers to REO | | | Balance at 06/30/2009 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
A / D | | $ | 6,836,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | (6,836,000 | ) | | $ | -- | |
Commercial | | | 42,365,000 | | | | 8,424,000 | | | | (4,656,000 | ) | | | -- | | | | (5,284,000 | ) | | | 40,849,000 | |
Construction | | | 5,326,000 | | | | 7,367,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (628,000 | ) | | | 12,065,000 | |
Land | | | 23,681,000 | | | | 1,613,000 | | | | (12,337,000 | ) | | | -- | | | | (3,821,000 | ) | | | 9,136,000 | |
Total | | $ | 78,208,000 | | | $ | 17,404,000 | | | $ | (16,993,000 | ) | | $ | -- | | | $ | (16,569,000 | ) | | $ | 62,050,000 | |
* The difference between the specific reserve allocation of $17,404,000 shown above and the $16,604,000 on the statement of operations is $800,000. As of December 31, 2008, a commercial loan and a land loan included an impairment reserve, applied to the loan balance, of $292,000 and $508,000, respectively. During March 2009, the impairment reserves for these two loans were reclassified to their existing allowance for loan losses.
| · | Commercial – As of June 30, 2010, 12 of our 15 commercial loans had a specific reserve allowance totaling approximately $47.2 million, of which our portion is approximately $36.3 million. The outstanding balance on these 12 loans was approximately $77.6 million, of which our portion was $55.9 million. As of June 30, 2010, six commercial loans had a specific reserve allowance for the full amount of the loan. These loans totaled approximately $23.2 million and are second deeds of trust. Of the six fully impaired loans, three of them were non-performing and totaled approximately $18.0 million. As of June 30, 2010, none of the three fully impaired non-performing loans had been charged off. We will continue to evaluate our position in these loans. |
| · | Construction – As of June 30, 2010, all of our four construction loans had a specific reserve allowance totaling approximately $11.3 million, of which our portion was approximately $10.8 million. The outstanding balance on these four loans was approximately $25.0 million, of which our portion is $13.5 million. We will continue to evaluate our position in these loans. |
| · | Land – As of June 30, 2010, none of our four land loans had a specific reserve allowance. We will continue to evaluate our position in these loans. |
Troubled Debt Restructuring
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had six and seven loans, respectively, totaling approximately $27.8 million and $30.3 million, respectively, that met the definition of TDR. When the Company modifies the terms of an existing loan that is considered a TDR, it is considered performing as long as it is in compliance with the modified terms of the loan agreement. If the modification calls for deferred interest, it is recorded as interest income as cash is collected. Impairment on these loans is generally determined by the lesser of the value of the underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows. The following is a breakdown of our TDR loans that were considered performing and non-performing as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
As of June 30, 2010 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total | | | Performing | | | Non-Performing | |
Loan Type | | Number of Loans | | | Fund Balance | | | Number of Loans | | | Fund Balance | | | Number of Loans | | | Fund Balance | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 3 | | | $ | 15,530,000 | | | | 2 | | | $ | 12,280,000 | | | | 1 | | | $ | 3,250,000 | |
Construction | | | 2 | | | | 4,813,000 | | | | 2 | | | | 4,813,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Land | | | 1 | | | | 7,450,000 | | | | 1 | | | | 7,450,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Total | | | 6 | | | $ | 27,793,000 | | | | 5 | | | $ | 24,543,000 | | | | 1 | | | $ | 3,250,000 | |
As of December 31, 2009 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Total | | | Performing | | | Non-Performing | |
Loan Type | | Number of Loans | | | Fund Balance | | | Number of Loans | | | Fund Balance | | | Number of Loans | | | Fund Balance | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commercial | | | 3 | | | $ | 15,530,000 | | | | 2 | | | $ | 12,280,000 | | | | 1 | | | $ | 3,250,000 | |
Construction | | | 2 | | | | 4,722,000 | | | | 2 | | | | 4,722,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Land | | | 2 | | | | 10,344,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | 2 | | | | 10,344,000 | |
Total | | | 7 | | | $ | 30,596,000 | | | | 4 | | | $ | 17,002,000 | | | | 3 | | | $ | 13,594,000 | |
| · | Commercial – As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 we had 15 and 17 Commercial loans, respectively, three of which, at each date, were modified pursuant to TDR. These loans were second deeds of trust and two of the three loans were considered performing prior to their restructuring. The two performing loans had their interest rates reduced. One loan’s interest rate was reduced from 15% payable monthly to 8% accrued and payable at maturity, which was extended from April 30, 2010 to December 31, 2011. As a result of this reduction in interest rate we recorded an impairment of $1.7 million, as an allowance for loan loss, based on the reduction of the present value of future cash flows. The other loan’s interest rate was reduced from 10.5% payable monthly to 8% of which 3% is payable m onthly and 5% is accrued and payable at maturity. As of August 10, 2010, these two loans continue to perform as required by the loan modification. The remaining non-performing loan had its maturity date extended from September 30, 2009 to December 17, 2009, and then extended again to March 17, 2010 and June 12, 2010, to postpone our foreclosure of the property to determine our exposure in relation to the first trust deed. As of August 10, 2010, this loan remains non-performing. |
| · | Construction – As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, two of our four Construction loans were modified pursuant to TDR. During July 2009, our manager negotiated with a guarantor of four of our performing loans. As part of the negotiations, two of the loans were paid off for approximately the loan amount net of allowance for loan losses plus accrued interest and two 60-month promissory notes were executed by the borrower and guaranteed by the main principal, totaling approximately $2.7 million, of which our portion was approximately $2.5 million. In addition, our manager modified the remaining loans whereby interest payments are payable monthly at 3.0%, beginning July 2009, and accrue at 5.0% payable at the maturity of the loan. Interest on these loans will be recorded as interest income when cash is coll ected. As of August 10, 2010, the two remaining loans continue to perform as required by the loan modification. |
| · | Land – As of June 30, 2010, one of our four Land loans was modified pursuant to TDR. During March 2010, upon maturity, this performing loan was extended for one year and had its interest rate modified. The original interest rate of 11% payable monthly was adjusted from April 2010 to September 2010, all interest will be accrued and due upon maturity in March 2011. From October 2010 to March 2011, 6% interest will be payable monthly and 5% will be accrued and due upon maturity. As of August 10, 2010, this loan continues to perform as required by the loan modification. |
As of December 31, 2009, two of our five Land loans, totaling approximately $10.3 million, were modified pursuant to TDR. During September 2009, these loans, which had common guarantors, were modified whereby the loans’ interest rates were reduced from 13.0% payable monthly to 9.0% of which 5.0% is payable monthly and 4.0% is accrued and payable at maturity on December 19, 2009. These loans failed to make their December payments and were classified as non-performing as of December 31, 2009. In addition, during December 2009 our manager provided an additional allowance for loan loss on these two loans totaling $745,000, based on updated appraisals and our manager’s evaluation of the underlying collateral. During April 2010, we completed foreclosure proceeding on both of these loan s and classified them as REO totaling approximately $5.2 million, net of prior allowance for loan losses.
As of June 30, 2010, our manager had granted extensions on 15 loans, totaling approximately $69.6 million, of which our portion was approximately $46.7 million, pursuant to the terms of the original loan agreements, which permit extensions by mutual consent, or as part of a TDR. Such extensions are generally provided on loans where the original term was 12 months or less and where a borrower requires additional time to complete a construction project or negotiate take-out financing. Our manager generally grants extensions when a borrower is in compliance with the material terms of the loan, including, but not limited to the borrower’s obligation to make interest payments on the loan. In addition, if circumstances warrant, our manager may extend a loan that is in default as part of a work out plan to collect interest and/or principal. Subsequent to their extension, two of the 15 loans had become non-performing. The loans, which became non-performing after their extension, had a total principal amount at June 30, 2010, of $9.0 million, of which our portion is $8.8 million. Our manager extended one non-performing loan secured by a second trust deed, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, to postpone our foreclosure of the property to determine our exposure in relation to the first trust deed. This loan continues to remain non-performing as of August 10, 2010.
NOTE E — INVESTMENT IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES – RELATED PARTY
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010, we owned 533,675 shares of VRM I’s common stock, representing approximately 8.22% and 8.21%, respectively, of their total outstanding common stock. The closing price of VRM I’s common stock on June 30, 2010, was $1.01 per share.
We evaluated our investment in VRM I’s common stock and determined there was an other-than-temporary impairment as of September 30, 2008. Based on this evaluation we impaired our investment to its fair value, as of September 30, 2008, to $2.25 per share.
As of June 30, 2010, our manager evaluated the near-term prospects of VRM I in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss since September 30, 2008. Based on that evaluation and our ability and intent to hold this investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, we do not consider our investment in VRM I to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2010. Since September 30, 2008, the trading price for VRM I’s common stock ranged from $0.25 to $3.20 per share. We will continue to evaluate our investment in marketable securities on a quarterly basis.
NOTE F — REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE
At June 30, 2010, we held nine properties with a total carrying value of approximately $18.0 million, which were acquired through foreclosure and recorded as investments in REO. Expenses incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2010, related to our REO, totaled $0.5 million and write-downs on our REOs totaled approximately $2.0 million. Our REO properties are accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions. It is not our intent to invest in or to own real estate as a long-term investment. We seek to sell properties acquired through foreclosure as quickly as circumstances permit taking into account current economic conditions. Set forth below is a roll-forward of REO during the six months ended June 30, 2010:
Description | | Balance at 12/31/2009 | | | Acquisitions Through Foreclosure | | | Write Downs | | | Cash Reductions | | | Seller-Financed Loan | | | Net Cash Proceeds on Sales | | | Net Gain on Sale of Real Estate | | | Balance at 06/30/2010 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Land | | $ | 19,959,000 | | | $ | 5,152,000 | | | $ | (2,033,000 | ) | | $ | (8,000 | ) | | $ | (3,500,000 | ) | | $ | (2,870,000 | ) | | $ | 264,000 | | | $ | 16,964,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Residential Building(s) | | | 2,135,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | (1,204,000 | ) | | | 117,000 | | | | 1,048,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 22,094,000 | | | $ | 5,152,000 | | | $ | (2,033,000 | ) | | $ | (8,000 | ) | | $ | (3,500,000 | ) | | $ | (4,074,000 | ) | | $ | 381,000 | | | $ | 18,012,000 | |
Land
As of June 30, 2010, we held eight REO properties, classified as Land, totaling approximately $17.0 million. These properties were acquired between December 2006 and April 2010 and consist of commercial land and residential land. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, our manager continually evaluated the carrying value of these properties and based on its estimates and updated appraisals these properties were written down approximately $2.0 million. Our manager is currently working with prospective buyers to sell these properties; however, no assurance can be given that these sales will take place.
| · | Golf Course – A partially completed golf course located in Texas was foreclosed upon by us in August 2004. On February 12, 2010, this property was sold to an unrelated third party for its book value of approximately $0.6 million. No gain or loss was associated with this transaction. |
| · | Commercial Land – On February 12, 2010, we sold commercial land REO in Nevada for approximately $4.0 million, to an unrelated third party. See Note G – Real Estate Held for Sale – Seller Financed below. As part of this transaction, we paid our manager and Vestin Originations a total of $160,000 in administrative fees. On April 27, 2010, we, VRM I and Fund III sold our commercial land REO property located in Texas to an unrelated third party for approximately $0.6 million, of which our portion was approximately $0.3 million. No gain or loss was associated with this transaction. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, our manager continually evaluated the carrying value of our commercial land REO and based on its estimates and updated appraisals three of these properties were written down a total of approximately $1.5 million. As of June 30, 2010, we held two properties located in Arizona and Nevada totaling approximately $2.4 million. |
| · | Residential Land – On January 15, 2010, four properties located in Nevada were sold to an unrelated third party for their approximate book value of a combined $2.1 million, of which our portion was approximately $1.7 million. No gain or loss was associated with these transactions. In addition, during April 2010, we acquired through foreclosure two properties located in Nevada with a net book value of approximately $5.2 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, our manager continually evaluated the carrying value of our residential land REO and based on its estimates and updated appraisals three of these properties were written down a total of approximately $0.5 million. As of June 30, 2010, we held six properties located in Arizona, California and Nevada totaling approximately $14.6 million. During July 2010, one property located in Nevada was sold to an unrelated third party for approximately $3.7 million, resulting in a gain of $73,000. In addition, during July 2010, we, had entered into a purchase agreement with an unrelated third party for the sale of one property located in Nevada for approximately $1.1 million, which would result in no gain or loss on the sale; however, there can be no assurance that the sale will be completed. |
Residential Building(s)
As of June 30, 2010, we held one REO property, classified as a Residential Building, totaling approximately $1.0 million. This property was acquired during August 2009 and is classified as residential apartment/condo. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, our manager continually evaluated the carrying value of our Residential Building REO properties, and based on its estimates and updated appraisals, no write-downs were deemed necessary. Our manager is currently working with prospective buyers to sell these properties; however, no assurance can be given that these sales will take place.
| · | Single Family Residence Properties – During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we and VRM I sold all the units on our Washington property for a total of approximately $1.0 million, of which our portion was approximately $0.8 million. These transactions resulted in a net gain for us of $96,000. During April and May 2010, we, VRM I and Fund III sold the two remaining units on our REO property located in California to an unrelated third party for a total of $325,000, of which our portion was $278,000. These transactions resulted in a net gain for us of $21,000. As of June 30, 2010, we had no single family residence properties. |
| · | Residential Apartment/Condo – On April 23, 2010, we, VRM I and Fund III sold the remaining unit on one REO property located in Nevada to an unrelated third party for its approximate book value of $81,000, of which our portion was $78,000. There was approximately no gain or loss associated with this transaction. As of June 30, 2010, we held one property located in Nevada that totaled approximately $1.0 million. On August 5, 2010, we and VRM I completed our foreclosure of a property secured by a non-performing construction loan in Nevada and classified it as residential apartment/condo REO totaling approximately $1.75 million, of which our portion was approximately $1.69 million, net of prior allowance for loan loss. |
NOTE G — REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE – SELLER-FINANCED
At June 30, 2010, we held no seller-financed REO properties which had been sold in a transaction where we provided the financing to the purchaser. GAAP requires us to include these properties in REO until the borrower has met and maintained certain requirements. Until borrowers have met the minimum equity ownership requirement to allow us to record a sale, we will record payments received under the deposit method. We may share ownership of such properties with VRM I, our manager, or other related and/or unrelated parties. The seller-financed REO, below, was accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions. The following is a ro ll-forward of our seller-financed REO for the six months ended June 30, 2010:
Description | | Balance at 12/31/09 | | | Seller-financed REO | | | Additions to Principal | | | Principal Payments | | | Balance Recognized as Loan | | | Balance at 06/30/10 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Land | | $ | -- | | | $ | 3,496,000 | | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | (752,000 | ) | | $ | (2,748,000 | ) | | $ | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | -- | | | $ | 3,496,000 | | | $ | 4,000 | | | $ | (752,000 | ) | | $ | (2,748,000 | ) | | $ | -- | |
| · | Commercial Land – On March 30, 2009, we acquired through foreclosure proceedings commercial land located in Nevada and classified it as REO. On February 12, 2010, we sold the commercial land REO to an unrelated third party for approximately $4.0 million. As part of the sale we received a cash payment, net of expenses, of approximately $0.3 million, financed the remaining balance of $3.5 million, with accrued interest of 12.0% maturing on February 12, 2011, to the purchaser, and classified it as seller-financed REO. This transaction resulted in an unrealized gain of approximately $0.3 million. During June 2010, the borrower on this loan paid an additional $0.8 million towards the principal of the loan balance which met the minimum equity and contin ued investment requirements which allowed us to no longer classify this loan as seller-financed REO. As a result of this principal payment, we recognized the unrealized gain of $264,000 on the sale or our REO. |
NOTE H — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
From time to time, we may acquire or sell investments in real estate loans from/to our manager or other related parties. Pursuant to the terms of our Management Agreement, such acquisitions and sales are made without any mark up or mark down. No gain or loss is recorded on these transactions, as it is not our intent to make a profit on the purchase or sale of such investments. The purpose is generally to diversify our portfolio by syndicating loans, thereby providing us with additional capital to make additional loans.
Transactions with the Manager
Our manager is entitled to receive from us an annual management fee of up to 0.25% of our aggregate capital contributions received by us and Fund II from the sale of shares or membership units, paid monthly. The amount of management fees paid to our manager for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, were approximately $275,000 and $549,000, respectively for each period.
As of June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, our manager owned 92,699 of our common shares, representing approximately 0.69% and 0.68%, respectively, of our total outstanding common stock.
On March 6, 2009, we, VRM I, and Fund III completed the sale of 105 of the 106 units in a residential apartment /condo property in Nevada, to an unrelated third party; the remaining unit was sold on April 23, 2010 for no gain or loss. In accordance with our Management Agreement, during the six months ended June 30, 2009, we, VRM I, and Fund III paid our manager an administrative fee of $282,000, shared pro-rata among us, VRM I, and Fund III. There were no similar transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2010.
On February 12, 2010, we sold commercial land REO to an unrelated third party and provide the financing, which included administrative fees related to the sale of $120,000 and $40,000 paid to Vestin Mortgage and Vestin Originations, respectively. See Note G – Real Estate Held for Sale – Seller Financed.
On April 1, 2010, we funded a borrower’s extension fee of approximately $0.5 million, which was paid to our manager. The amount was added to the loan balance, which was paid in full during June 2010.
As of June 30, 2010, we did not owe or have a receivable from our manager. As of December 31, 2009, we had receivables from our manager of $3,000.
Transactions with Other Related Parties
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we owned 533,675 common shares of VRM I, representing approximately 8.22% and 8.21%, respectively, of their total outstanding common stock.
As of June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, VRM I owned 225,134 of our common shares, representing approximately 1.67% and 1.65%, respectively, of our total outstanding common stock.
As of June 30, 2010, we had receivables from VRM I of $90,000, primarily related to legal fees. As of December 31, 2009, we had receivables from VRM I of approximately $0.3 million, primarily related to legal fees.
During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we sold approximately $0.5 million in real estate loans to VRM I. No gain or loss resulted from these transactions. There were no similar transactions during the six months ended June 30, 2010.
As of June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, Fund III owned 114,117 of our common shares, representing approximately 0.84%, respectively, of our total outstanding common stock.
As of June 30, 2010, we had receivables from Fund III of $5,000. As of December 31, 2009, we had receivables from Fund III of $33,000
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we purchased a $0.2 million portion of a performing loan from Fund III. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we sold approximately $0.5 million in real estate loans to Fund III. No gain or loss resulted from these transactions.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, we incurred $128,000 and $287,000, respectively, for legal fees to the law firm of Levine, Garfinkel & Katz in which the Secretary of Vestin Group has an equity ownership interest in the law firm. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, we incurred $123,000 and $256,000, respectively, for legal fees to the law firm of Levine, Garfinkel & Katz.
On March 23, 2009, our Board of Directors authorized us to enter into a consulting agreement with the former COO of the Manager to assist us in the repurchase of the Junior Subordinated Notes. The consulting fees paid were up to three and half percent of the discounted amount of the repurchase. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the outstanding balance of consulting fees to our former COO totaling $375,000, were paid in full.
NOTE I — NOTES RECEIVABLE
During October 2004, we and VRM I sold the Castaways Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada of which our portion of the net cash proceeds was approximately $5.8 million. We originally sold this property under a 100% seller financing arrangement. The borrowers then sold the property to an unrelated third party that resulted in a payoff of the note and also allowed us to record the sale and remove the asset from seller-financed REO. In addition, during September 2004, we received a promissory note from the guarantors of the loan in the amount of $440,000 in exchange for a release of their personal guarantees. Since payments on the note did not begin for 18 months from the date of the note, we discounted the face value of the note to $328,000, which is based on a discount rate of 8% as of that date.& #160; As of June 30, 2010, we have received $104,000 in principal payments. However, due to the current financial position of the guarantor, our Manager has determined that we would not be able to recover any of the remaining $336,000 due. As of June 30, 2010, the note was fully charged off.
During March 2005, we and VRM I sold the 126 unit hotel in Mesquite, Nevada for approximately $5.5 million of which our share of the proceeds were approximately $3.8 million, which resulted in a loss of approximately $0.8 million. In addition, during June 2005, we and VRM I entered into a settlement agreement with the guarantors of the loan in the amount of $2.0 million in exchange for a release of their personal guarantees, of which our share was approximately $1.4 million. The balance is secured by a second deed of trust, with a first installment of $100,000 due in July 2005 and monthly interest only payments of 5% on $1.1 million from July 2005 through July 2008, at which time the entire balance was due. As of June 30, 2010, we have received $616,000 in principal payments. However, due to the current financial position of the guarantor, our Manager has determined that we would not be able to recover any of the remaining $745,000 due. As of June 30, 2010, the note was fully charged off.
During December 2006, we and VRM I entered into a settlement agreement in the amount of $1.5 million with the guarantors of a loan collateralized by a 126 unit (207 bed) assisted living facility in Phoenix, AZ, which we had foreclosed on. Our portion was approximately $1.3 million. The promissory note is payable in seven annual installments of $100,000 with an accruing interest rate of 7%, with the remaining note balance due in April 2013. As of June 30, 2010, we had received $184,000 in principal payments. Payments will be recognized as income when received. The balance of approximately $1.1 million was fully reserved as of June 30, 2010.
During July 2009, we, VRM I, and Fund III entered into a promissory note, totaling approximately $1.4 million, of which our portion is approximately $1.3 million, with the borrowers on a construction loan, as part of the repayment terms of the loan. In addition, we received a principal pay off on the loan of approximately $3.9 million, which reflected our book value of the loan, net of allowance for loan loss of approximately $2.4 million. The promissory note accrues interest over a 60-month period with an interest rate of 7%, with the first monthly payment due on the 37th month. The remaining note balance and accrued interest will be due at maturity. Payments will be recognized as income when received. The balance of approximately $1.3 million was fully reserved as of June 30, 2010.
During July 2009, we, VRM I, and Fund III entered into a promissory note, totaling approximately $1.3 million, of which our portion is approximately $1.2 million, with the borrowers on a construction loan, as part of the repayment terms of the loan. In addition, we received a principal pay off on the loan of approximately $1.6 million, which reflected our book value of the loan, net of allowance for loan loss of approximately $2.8 million. The promissory note accrues interest over a 60-month period with an interest rate of 7%, with the first monthly payment due on the 37th month. The remaining note balance and accrued interest will be due at maturity. Payments will be recognized as income when received. The balance of approximately $1.2 million was fully reserved as of June 30, 2010.
During December 2009, we and VRM I entered into a promissory note with the borrowers of a land loan, totaling approximately $6.1 million, of which our portion is approximately $5.6 million, as part of the sale of the land collateralizing the loan. In addition, we and VRM I received a principal pay off of $2.0 million, of which our portion was approximately $1.8 million, on the land loan. The remaining balance of approximately $1.2 million, of which our portion is approximately $1.1 million, was refinanced as a loan to the new owners of property. The promissory note is for a 60-month period, with an interest rate of 6.0%, with the first monthly payment due on December 10, 2014. Payments will be recognized as income when they are received. The balance of approximately $5.6 million wa s fully reserved as of June 30, 2010.
NOTE J — SECURED BORROWINGS
Secured borrowings provide an additional source of capital for our lending activity. Secured borrowings allow us to increase the diversification of our loan portfolio and to invest in loans that we might not otherwise invest in. We do not receive any fees for entering into secured borrowing arrangements; however, we may receive revenue in any differential of the interest spread, if applicable. Loans in which unaffiliated investors have participated through inter-creditor agreements (“Inter-creditor Agreements”) are accounted for as secured borrowings. The Inter-creditor Agreements provide us additional funding sources for real estate loans whereby an unaffiliated investor (the “Investor”) may participate on a non-pari passu basis in certain real estate loans with us an d/or VRM I and/or Fund III (collectively, the “Lead Lenders”). In the event of borrower non-performance, the Inter-creditor Agreements generally provide that the Lead Lenders must repay the Investor’s loan amount either by (i) continuing to remit to the Investor the interest due on the participated loan amount; (ii) substituting an alternative loan acceptable to the Investor; or (iii) repurchasing the participation from the Investor for the outstanding balance plus accrued interest.
Additionally, an Investor may participate in certain loans with the Lead Lenders through Participation Agreements. In the event of borrower non-performance, the Participation Agreement may allow the Investor to be repaid up to the amount of the Investor’s investment prior to the Lead Lender being repaid. Real estate loan financing under the Participation Agreements are also accounted for as a secured borrowing. We do not receive any revenues for entering into secured borrowings arrangements.
During June 2008, we, our manager, and Vestin Originations entered into an intercreditor agreement with an unrelated third party related to the funding of six real estate loans. (See exhibit 10.5 Intercreditor Agreement under the Exhibit Index included in Part II, Item 6 – Exhibits of this Quarterly Report Form 10-Q). The participation interest is at 11% on the outstanding balance. We incurred approximately $0.9 million in finance costs related to the secured borrowings, these costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the agreements. As of June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, we had approximately $8.4 million in funds, including approximately $0.5 million in interest reserves, used under Inter-cred itor agreements.
NOTE K — NOTES PAYABLE
In April 2009, we financed a 12-month insurance policy for Directors and Officers liability, with an annual interest rate of 4.9%. The agreement required a down payment of $45,000 and nine monthly payments of $28,000 beginning on May 27, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the outstanding balance of the note was paid in full. In April 2010, we financed a 12-month insurance policy for Directors and Officers liability, with an annual interest rate of 6.5%. The agreement required a down payment of $82,000 and nine monthly payments of $28,000 beginning on May 27, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, the outstanding balance of the note was $191,000.
NOTE L — FAIR VALUE
As of June 30, 2010, financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs included investment in marketable securities - related party. We had no assets or liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs, and assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs included investments in real estate loans, secured borrowings and Junior Subordinated Notes payable.
To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, our degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an asset or liability will be classified in its entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value.
Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, our own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation, such as the recent illiquidity in the auction rate securities market. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition may cause our financial instruments to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 3 and/or vice versa.
Our valuation techniques will be consistent with at least one of the three possible approaches: the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach. Our Level 1 inputs are based on the market approach and consist primarily of quoted prices for identical items on active securities exchanges. Our Level 2 inputs are primarily based on the market approach of quoted prices in active markets or current transactions in inactive markets for the same or similar collateral that do not require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs. Our Level 3 inputs are primarily based on the income and cost approaches, specifically, discounted cash flow analyses, which utilize significant inputs based on our estimates and assumptions.
The following table presents the valuation of our financial assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2010, measured at fair value on a recurring basis by input levels:
| | Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using | | | | |
| | Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) | | | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Balance at 06/30/2010 | | | Carrying Value on Balance Sheet at 06/30/2010 | |
Assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment in marketable securities - related party | | $ | 539,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 539,000 | | | $ | 539,000 | |
Investment in real estate loans | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 36,273,000 | | | $ | 36,273,000 | | | $ | 38,278,000 | |
Assets under secured borrowings | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 8,370,000 | | | $ | 8,370,000 | | | $ | 8,370,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Secured borrowings | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | 7,910,000 | | | $ | 7,910,000 | | | $ | 7,910,000 | |
The following table presents the changes in our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) from December 31, 2009 to June 30, 2010:
| | Assets | |
| | Investment in real estate loans | | | Assets under secured borrowings | |
| | | | | | |
Balance on December 31, 2009 | | $ | 52,460,000 | | | $ | 8,370,000 | |
Change in temporary valuation adjustment included in net loss | | | | | | | | |
Increase in allowance for loan losses | | | (3,048,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Purchase and additions of assets | | | | | | | | |
Transfer of real estate loans to REO | | | (10,344,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Transfer of allowance on real estate loans to REO | | | 5,192,000 | | | | -- | |
New mortgage loans and mortgage loans bought | | | 4,321,000 | | | | -- | |
Contra on seller-financed REO | | | (3,500,000 | ) | | | | |
Reduction of contra on seller-financed REO | | | 3,500,000 | | | | | |
Sales, pay downs and reduction of assets | | | | | | | | |
Collections of principal and sales of investment in real estate loans | | | (20,695,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Reduction of allowance for loan losses related to sales and payments of investment in real estate loans | | | 9,643,000 | | | | -- | |
Temporary change in estimated fair value based on future cash flows | | | (1,256,000 | ) | | | -- | |
Transfer to Level 1 | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Transfer to Level 2 | | | -- | | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | |
Balance on June 30, 2010, net of temporary valuation adjustment | | $ | 36,273,000 | | | $ | 8,370,000 | |
| | Liabilities | |
| | Secured borrowings | |
| | | |
Balance on December 31, 2009 | | $ | 7,910,000 | |
Transfer to Level 1 | | | -- | |
Transfer to Level 2 | | | -- | |
| | | | |
Balance on June 30, 2010, net of temporary valuation adjustment | | $ | 7,910,000 | |
NOTE M — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06 regarding fair value measurements and disclosures and improvement in the disclosure about fair value measurements. This ASU requires additional disclosures regarding significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 of fair value measurements, including a description of the reasons for the transfers. Further, this ASU requires additional disclosures for the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, requiring presentation of information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation for fair value measurements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU; however, we do not expect the a doption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-18 regarding improving comparability by eliminating diversity in practice about the treatment of modifications of loans accounted for within pools under Subtopic 310-30 – Receivable – Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“Subtopic 310-30”). Furthermore, the amendments clarify guidance about maintaining the integrity of a pool as the unit of accounting for acquired loans with credit deterioration. Loans accounted for individually under Subtopic 310-30 continue to be subject to the troubled debt restructuring accounting provisions within Subtopic 310-40, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. The amendments in this Update are effective for modifications of loans accounted for within po ols under Subtopic 310-30 occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU; however, we do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. The ASU amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 310, Receivables, to improve the disclosures that an entity provides about the credit quality of its financing receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. As a result of these amendments, an entity is required to disaggregate, by portfolio segment or class of financing receivables, certain existing disclosures and provide certain new disclosures about its financing receivables and related allowance for credit losses. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this stand ard may require additional disclosures, but we do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
NOTE N — LEGAL MATTERS INVOLVING THE MANAGER
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), conducted an investigation of certain matters related to us, our manager, Vestin Capital, VRM I, and Fund III. We fully cooperated during the course of the investigation. On September 27, 2006, the investigation was resolved through the entry of an Administrative Order by the Commission (the “Order”). Our manager, Vestin Mortgage and its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Shustek, as well as Vestin Capital (collectively, the “Respondents”), consented to the entry of the Order without admitting or denying the findings therein.
In the Order, the Commission found that the Respondents violated Sections 17(a)(2) and 17(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 through the use of certain slide presentations in connection with the sale of units in Fund III and in our predecessor, Vestin Fund II, LLC. The Respondents consented to the entry of a cease and desist order, the payment by Mr. Shustek of a fine of $100,000 and Mr. Shustek’s suspension from association with any broker or dealer for a period of six months, which expired in March 2007. In addition, the Respondents agreed to implement certain undertakings with respect to future sales of securities. We are not a party to the Order.
On November 21, 2005, Desert Land filed a complaint in the state District Court of Nevada against Vestin Group, Vestin Mortgage and Del Mar Mortgage, Inc. which complaint is substantially similar to a complaint previously filed by Desert Land in the United States District Court, which complaint was dismissed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which dismissal was upheld when the United States Supreme Court denied Desert Land’s Writ of Certiorari. The action was based upon allegations that Del Mar Mortgage, Inc. and/or Vestin Mortgage charged unlawful fees on various loans arranged by them in 1999, prior to the formation of Fund II. On March 6, 2006, Desert Land amended the state court complaint to name VRM I. Desert Land alleged that one or more of the defendants had trans ferred assets to other entities without receiving reasonable value therefore; alleged plaintiffs are informed and believe that defendants have made such transfers with the actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud Desert Land; that such transfers made the transferor insolvent and that sometime between February 27 and April 1, 2003, Vestin Group transferred $1.6 million to VRM I for that purpose.
The state court complaint further alleged that Desert Land was entitled to void such transfers and that pursuant to NRS 112.20, Desert Land is entitled to an injunction to enjoin defendants from further disposition of assets. Additionally, Del Mar Mortgage, Inc. has indemnified Vestin Group and Vestin Mortgage for any losses and expenses in connection with the action, and Mr. Shustek has guaranteed the indemnification. In December 2008, this lawsuit was settled. The settlement had no effect on us.
VRM I, Vestin Mortgage, Inc. and Michael V. Shustek (“Defendants”) are defendants in a civil action filed by approximately 25 separate plaintiffs (“Plaintiffs”) in District Court for Clark County, Nevada. The Plaintiffs allege, among other things, that Defendants: breached certain alleged contractual obligations owed to Plaintiffs; breached fiduciary duties supposedly owed to Plaintiffs; and misrepresented or omitted material facts regarding the conversion of Fund I into VRM I. The action seeks monetary and punitive damages. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on September 7, 2010. The Defendants believe that the allegations are without merit and that they have adequate defenses. The Defendants intend to undertake a vigorous defense. The ter ms of VRM I’s management agreement and Fund I’s operating agreement contain indemnity provisions whereby Vestin Mortgage and Michael V. Shustek may be eligible for indemnification by VRM I with respect to the above actions.
In addition to the matters described above, our manager is involved in a number of other legal proceedings concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of its business activities. Our manager believes it has meritorious defenses to each of these actions and intends to defend them vigorously. Other than the matters described in Note O – Legal Matters Involving The Company below, our manager believes that it is not a party to any pending legal or arbitration proceedings that would have a material adverse effect on our manager’s financial condition or results of operations or cash flows, although it is possible that the outcome of any such proceedings could have a material impact on our manager’s net income in any particular perio d.
NOTE O — LEGAL MATTERS INVOLVING THE COMPANY
In April 2006, the lenders of the loans made to RightStar, Inc. (“RightStar”) filed suit against the State of Hawaii listing 26 causes of action, including allegations that the State of Hawaii has illegally blocked the lender’s right to foreclose and take title to its collateral by inappropriately attaching conditions to the granting of licenses needed to operate the business, the pre-need trust funds and the perpetual care trust funds and that the State of Hawaii has attempted to force the lenders to accept liability for any statutory trust fund deficits while no such lender liability exists under the laws of the State of Hawaii. The State of Hawaii responded by filing allegations against Vestin Mortgage and us alleging that these Vestin entities improperly influenced the former RightStar trustees to trans fer trust funds to us.
On May 9, 2007, we, VRM I, Vestin Mortgage, the State of Hawaii and Comerica Incorporated (“Comerica”) announced that an arrangement had been reached to auction the RightStar assets. The auction was not successful. On June 12, 2007, the court approved the resolution agreement, which provides that the proceeds of the foreclosure sale would be allocated in part to VRM I, Vestin Mortgage and us and in part to fund the trust’s statutory minimum balances. We, VRM I, Vestin Mortgage, the State of Hawaii and Comerica have pledged to cooperate to recover additional amounts owed to the trusts and the creditors from others, while mutually releasing each other and RightStar from all claims. The Vestin entities and the State of Hawaii signed a new agreement that would permit the foreclo sure to proceed. On October 12, 2009, the State Court approved the agreement permitting the foreclosure to proceed. On January 25, 2010, the Circuit Court of the First Circuit for the State of Hawaii confirmed the right of us, VRM I and Vestin Mortgage, to acquire through foreclosure the RightStar assets. On June 29, 2010 the First Circuit for the State of Hawaii issued its final order allowing the foreclosure. On July 13, 2010 we and VRM I completed our foreclosure of these properties and classified them as REO.
We, VRM I and Vestin Mortgage, Inc. (“Defendants”) were defendants in a breach of contract class action filed in San Diego Superior Court by certain plaintiffs who alleged, among other things, that they were wrongfully denied roll-up rights in connection with the merger of Fund I into VRM I and Fund II into VRM II. The court certified a class of all former Fund I unit holders and Fund II unit holders who voted against the mergers of Fund I into VRM I and Fund II into VRM II. The trial began in December 2009 and concluded in January 2010. On February 11, 2010, the Defendants were notified of a Tentative Statement of Decision, in their favor issued by the Superior Court for the State of California in San Diego following a trial. In the Tentative Statement, the Court found that there was no roll-up and therefore no breach of contract. The Court entered final judgment for the Defendants on March 18, 2010. Defendants and Plaintiffs have agreed to a post-judgment settlement by which Plaintiffs agreed not appeal the pending judgment in consideration of a waiver by the Defendants of any claim to recover actual court costs from the Plaintiffs. The Court has granted final approval of this settlement of post-judgment rights on July 9, 2010.
We, Vestin Mortgage, Inc. and Michael V. Shustek (“Defendants”) are defendants in a civil action filed by 88 sets of plaintiffs representing approximately 138 individuals (“Plaintiffs”), in District Court for Clark County, Nevada (the “Nevada lawsuit”). The Plaintiffs allege, among other things, that Defendants: breached certain alleged contractual obligations owed to Plaintiffs; breached fiduciary duties supposedly owed to Plaintiffs; and misrepresented or omitted material facts regarding the conversion of Fund II into VRM II. The action seeks monetary and punitive damages. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on September 7, 2010. The Defendants believe that the allegati ons are without merit and that they have adequate defenses. The Defendants intend to undertake a vigorous defense. The terms of our Management Agreement and Fund II’s operating agreement contain indemnity provisions whereby Vestin Mortgage and Michael V. Shustek may be eligible for indemnification by us with respect to the above actions. We, Vestin Mortgage, Inc. and Michael Shustek have entered into confidential settlement agreements with individual plaintiffs. In addition, individual plaintiffs have voluntarily withdrawn their claims against us, Vestin Mortgage, Inc. and Michael Shustek with prejudice. Of the approximately 138 plaintiffs that initially filed this lawsuit, approximately 121 still remain plaintiffs to this action.
In addition to the matters described above, we are involved in a number of other legal proceedings concerning matters arising in the ordinary course of our business activities. We believe we have meritorious defenses to each of these actions and intend to defend them vigorously. Other than the matters described above, we believe that we are not a party to any pending legal or arbitration proceedings that would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations or cash flows, although it is possible that the outcome of any such proceedings could have a material impact on our operations in any particular period.
NOTE P — DIVIDEND REQUIREMENT
To maintain our status as a REIT, we are required to declare dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders each year in an amount at least equal to (1) the sum of (a) 90% of our taxable income, computed without regards to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain, and (b) 90% of the net income, after tax, from foreclosure property, minus (2) the sum of certain specified items of non-cash income over 5% of our REIT taxable income. All dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, both tax and GAAP, financial condition, maintenance of REIT status and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.
Our Board of Directors decided to suspend the payment of dividends during June 2008. We will continue to comply with the REIT requirements and will distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of our REIT taxable income. Our Board of Directors will closely monitor our operating results in order to determine when dividends should be reinstated; however, we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
NOTE Q — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The following subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of this filing with the SEC.
On June 29, 2010 the First Circuit for the State of Hawaii issued its final order allowing the foreclosure on the RightStar properties. On July 13, 2010 we and VRM I completed our foreclosure of these properties and classified them as REO.
During July 2010 one REO property located in Nevada, classified as residential land, was sold to an unrelated third party for its approximate book value of $1.1 million. No gain or loss was associated with this transaction.
During July 2010, one REO property located in Nevada, classified as residential land, was sold to an unrelated third party for approximately $3.7 million, resulting in a gain of $73,000.
During July 2010, we, had entered into a purchase agreement with an unrelated third party for the sale of a REO property, classified as residential land, located in Nevada for approximately $1.1 million, which would result in no gain or loss on the sale; however, there can be no assurance that the sale will be completed.
On August 5, 2010, we and VRM I completed our foreclosure of a property secured by a non-performing construction loan in Nevada and classified it as residential apartment/condo REO totaling approximately $1.75 million, of which our portion was approximately $1.69 million, net of prior allowance for loan loss.
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following is a financial review and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other detailed information regarding us appearing elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q and our report on Form 10-K, Part II, Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and our quarterly report filed on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this report, including, without limitation, matters discussed under this Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes, and other detailed information included elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q. We are including this cautionary statement to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expect s,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “estimates,” “assumes,” “may,” “should,” “will,” or other similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from future results, performance or achievements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, intentions and expectations. These statements are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those factors, risks and uncertainties described in Part II Item 1A Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q an d in our other securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Our estimates of the value of collateral securing our loans may change, or the value of the underlying property could decline subsequent to the date of our evaluation. As a result, such estimates are not guarantees of the future value of the collateral. The forward-looking statements contained in this report are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Our primary business objective is to generate income while preserving principal by investing in real estate loans. We believe there is a significant market opportunity to make real estate loans to owners and developers of real property whose financing needs are not met by other real estate lenders. The loan underwriting standards utilized by our manager and Vestin Originations are less strict than those used by many institutional real estate lenders. In addition, one of our competitive advantages is our ability to approve loan applications more quickly than many institutional lenders. As a result we may make real estate loans that are riskier than real estate loans made by many institutional lenders such as commercial banks. However, in return, we seek a higher interest rate and ou r manager takes steps to mitigate the lending risks such as imposing a lower loan-to-value ratio. While we may assume more risk than many institutional real estate lenders, in return, we seek to generate higher yields from our real estate loans.
Our operating results are affected primarily by: (i) the amount of capital we have to invest in real estate loans, (ii) the level of real estate lending activity in the markets we service, (iii) our ability to identify and work with suitable borrowers, (iv) the interest rates we are able to charge on our loans and (v) the level of non-performing assets, foreclosures and related loan losses which we may experience.
Our recent operating results have been adversely affected by increases in allowances for loan losses and increases in non-performing assets. This negative trend accelerated sharply during the year ended December 31, 2008 and continues to affect our operations. As of June 30, 2010, we had nine loans considered non-performing (i.e., based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or when the payment of interest is 90 days past due). These loans are currently carried on our books at a value of approximately $13.0 million, net of allowance for loan losses of approximately $33.4 million. These loans have been placed on non-accrual of interest status and may be the subject of pending f oreclosure proceedings.
Non-performing assets, net of allowance for loan losses, totaled approximately $31.0 million or 39% of our total assets as of June 30, 2010, as compared to approximately $45.2 million or 52% of our total assets as of December 31, 2009. At June 30, 2010, non-performing assets consisted of approximately $18.0 million of real estate held for sale (“REO”) and approximately $13.0 million of non-performing loans, net of allowance for loan losses. See Note F – Real Estate Held for Sale and Note D – Investments In Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
We believe that the significant increase in the level of our non-performing assets is a direct result of the deterioration of the economy and credit markets. As the economy weakened and credit became more difficult to obtain, many of our borrowers who develop and sell commercial real estate projects have been unable to complete their projects, obtain takeout financing or have been otherwise adversely impacted. Our exposure to the negative developments in the credit markets and general economy has likely been increased by our business strategy, which entails more lenient underwriting standards and expedited loan approval procedures. Moreover, real estate values in the principal markets in which we operate declined dramatically, which in many cases eroded the current value of the security underlying our l oans.
The deterioration of the economy and credit markets coupled with our increase in non-performing assets has led to the reduction of new loans funded by us and the reduction of investments in real estate loans. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we funded six loans totaling approximately $22.2 million, compared to the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, when we funded 12 and 25 loans totaling approximately $49.3 million and $134.2 million, respectively. Out of the six loans funded during the year ended December 31, 2009, five of the loans, totaling approximately $21.1 million, were funded during the first five months of the year. We expect this trend in reduction of new loan activity to continue in the near future. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we provided seller-financin g on one loan totaling $3.5 million that was classified as seller-financed REO. During June 2010, the borrower on this loan paid an addition $0.8 million towards the principal of the loan balance which met the minimum equity and continued investment requirements which allowed us to no longer classify this loan as seller-financed REO. As a result of this principal payment, we recognized the unrealized gain of $264,000 on the sale or our REO. There was no other lending activity during the six months ended June 30, 2010.
We expect that the weakness in the credit markets and the weakness in lending will continue to have an adverse impact upon our markets for the foreseeable future. This may result in a further increase in defaults on our loans and we might be required to record additional reserves based on decreases in market values or we may be required to restructure additional loans. This increase in loan defaults has materially affected our operating results and led to the suspension of dividends to our stockholders. For additional information regarding our non-performing loans see “Non-Performing Loans” in Note D – Investments In Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Fi nancial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
As of June 30, 2010, our loan-to-value ratio was 71.50%, net of allowances for loan losses, on a weighted average basis, generally using updated appraisals. Additional significant increases in loan defaults accompanied by additional declines in real estate values, as evidenced by updated appraisals generally prepared on an “as-is-basis,” will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. The current loan-to-value ratio has been affected by declining real estate values, which have eroded the market value of our collateral.
As of June 30, 2010, we have provided a specific reserve allowance for eight non-performing loans and eight performing loans based on updated appraisals of the underlying collateral and our evaluation of the borrower for these loans, obtained by our manager. For further information regarding allowance for loan losses, refer to Note D – Investments in Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our capital, subject to a 3% reserve, will constitute the bulk of the funds we have available for investment in real estate loans.
As of June 30, 2010, our loans were in the following states: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Texas.
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
| | For the Three Months Ended June 30, | | | For the Six Months Ended June 30, | |
| | 2010 | | | 2009 | | | 2010 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | $ | 690,000 | | | $ | 2,376,000 | | | $ | 1,468,000 | | | $ | 4,524,000 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 4,850,000 | | | | 19,518,000 | | | | 7,947,000 | | | | 25,331,000 | |
Non-operating income (loss) | | | -- | | | | 9,686,000 | | | | (47,000 | ) | | | 9,629,000 | |
Loss from real estate held for sale | | | (2,012,000 | ) | | | (7,064,000 | ) | | | (2,180,000 | ) | | | (9,749,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss before provision for income taxes | | | (6,172,000 | ) | | | (14,520,000 | ) | | | (8,706,000 | ) | | | (20,927,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for income taxes | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (6,172,000 | ) | | $ | (14,520,000 | ) | | $ | (8,706,000 | ) | | $ | (20,927,000 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted loss per common share | | $ | (0.45 | ) | | $ | (1.05 | ) | | $ | (0.64 | ) | | $ | (1.52 | ) |
Dividends declared per common share | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
Weighted average common shares | | | 13,578,453 | | | | 13,785,040 | | | | 13,597,235 | | | | 13,786,939 | |
Weighted average term of outstanding loans, including extensions | | 22 months | | | 23 months | | | 22 months | | | 23 months | |
Comparison of Operating Results for the three months ended June 30, 2010, to the three months ended June 30, 2009.
Total Revenues: For the three months ended June 30, 2010, total revenues were approximately $0.7 million compared to approximately $2.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2009, a decrease of approximately $1.7 million or 71%. Revenues were primarily affected by the following factor:
| · | Interest income from investments in real estate loans decreased approximately $1.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2010, from approximately $2.2 million in 2009 to approximately $0.6 million in 2010. This decrease in interest income is mainly due to the decrease in our portfolio of performing real estate loans which went from 21 loans totaling approximately $81.9 million as of June 30, 2009, to 14 loans totaling approximately $39.0 million as of June 30, 2010. Our revenue is dependent upon the balance of our performing loans and the interest earned on these loans. In addition, the weighted average interest rate on our performing loans has decreased from 11.66% as of June 30, 2009 to 3.40% as of June 30, 2010. This decline is a result of current market conditions in the lending industry, the level of non-performing assets in our portfolio and the reductio n of interest rates on outstanding loans through TDR. For additional information see Note D – Investments in Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
Total Operating Expenses: For the three months ended June 30, 2010, total operating expenses were approximately $4.9 million compared to approximately $19.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2009, a decrease of approximately $14.6 million or 75%. Expenses were primarily affected by the following factors:
| · | During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we recognized a provision for loan loss totaling approximately $3.0 million, compared to provision for loan losses during the three months ended June 30, 2009 totaling approximately $15.3 million. This decrease is in part due to the fact we have less loans in our loan portfolio as of June 30, 2010 compared to June 30, 2009. As of June 30, 2009, the ratio of total allowance for loan loss to total loans was 34%. As of June 30, 2010, the ratio of total allowance for loan loss to total loans was 55%. As of June 30, 2009, three loans totaling approximately $8.7 million were fully impaired and not charged off, compared to six loans totaling approximately $23.2 million as of June 30, 2010. Even though our provision for loan losses for the three months ended June 30, 2010 has gone down compared to the same period in 2009, the ratio of total allowance for loan losses to total loans has gone up. It is premature at this time for us to determine whether or not the increase in this ratio is indicative of a trend or whether it will decrease in the future. See “Specific Loan Allowance” in Note D – Investments in Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
| · | We recognized approximately $1.0 million of interest expense during the three months ended June 30, 2009 related to the Junior Subordinated Notes issued during June 2007, in connection with the trust preferred financing. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we exchanged $56.4 million of the Junior Subordinated notes for certain replacement securities, which we acquired for approximately $28.2 million. We had no similar expense during the three months ended June 30, 2010. In addition, for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we recognized approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of interest expense related to secured borrowings. The decrease in interest expense is directly related to the decrease in our assets under secured borrowings of approximately $2.2 million from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2010. |
| · | Professional fees decreased approximately $0.3 million, from approximately $1.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to approximately $1.0 million during the same period in 2010. During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we recognized, subject to a reservation of rights, a payment of approximately $1.4 million from our Directors and Officers insurance carrier in respect of legal fees incurred in the defense of such actions. There were no similar payments received during the same period in 2009. No assurance can be made regarding future reimbursement of legal fees. Notwithstanding our victory following a trial in San Diego in a class action initiated in relation to our conversion into a REIT, we expect to continue to incur significant legal fees this year as we defend the Nevada lawsuit. See Note O – Legal Matters Involving The Company of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
Total Non-Operating Income (Loss): For the three months ended June 30, 2010, we had no non-operating income or loss compared to total non-operating income of $9.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2009. The decrease in non-operating income from 2009 to 2010 is due to the recognition of a gain of approximately $9.7 million, relating to the retirement of $20 million of Junior Subordinated Notes at a discount during the three months ended June 30, 2009. There was no similar income during the three months ended June 30, 2010.
Total Loss from Real Estate Held for Sale: For the three months ended June 30, 2010, total losses from REO were approximately $2.0 million compared to approximately $7.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2009, a decrease of approximately $5.1 million or 72%. The decrease is mainly due to the fact that write-downs on REO during the three months ended June 30, 2010 total approximately $2.0 million on four properties, compared to write-downs on seven REO properties of approximately $6.4 million, during the three months ended June 30, 2009. In addition, we recorded a net gain of approximately $0.3 million from the sales of REO properties during the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to a net loss of approximately $0.2 million duri ng the three months ended June 30, 2009. For additional information see Note F–Real Estate Held For Sale of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Comparison of Operating Results for the six months ended June 30, 2010, to the six months ended June 30, 2009.
Total Revenues: For the six months ended June 30, 2010, total revenues were approximately $1.5 million compared to approximately $4.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009, a decrease of approximately $3.0 million or 68%. Revenues were primarily affected by the following factor:
| · | Interest income from investments in real estate loans decreased from approximately $4.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009, to approximately $1.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010, primarily due to the same factors discussed above in Total Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010. For additional information see Note D – Investments in Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 Consolidated Financial Statements of this Interim Report Form 10-Q. |
Total Operating Expenses: For the six months ended June 30, 2010, total operating expenses were approximately $7.9 million compared to approximately $25.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009, a decrease of approximately $17.4 million or 69%. Expenses were primarily affected by the following factors in addition to the factors discussed above in Total Operating Expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2010:
| · | During the six months ended June 30, 2009, we recognized a provision for loan loss totaling approximately $16.6 million, compared to approximately $3.0 million for the same period in 2010. See “Specific Loan Allowance” in Note D – Investments in Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
| · | We recognized approximately $2.2 million of interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2009 related to the junior subordinated notes issued in connection with the trust preferred financing, compared to no interest expense on junior subordinated notes during the same period in 2010. |
| · | During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recognized approximately $0.6 million of interest expenses related to secured borrowings held during the period compared to approximately $0.7 million for the same period in 2009. |
| · | Professional fees decreased approximately $0.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. See Note O – Legal Matters Involving The Company of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
Total Non-Operating Income (Loss): For the six months ended June 30, 2010, total non-operating loss was $47,000 compared to income of approximately $9.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009, a change of approximately $9.7 million or 100.5%. This change is mainly due to the factors discussed above in Total Non-Operating Income (Loss) for the three months ended June 30, 2010.
Total Loss from Real Estate Held for Sale: For the six months ended June 30, 2010, total losses from real estate held for sale were approximately $2.2 million compared to approximately $9.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009, a decrease of approximately $7.5 million or 78%. The loss from real estate held for sale is mainly due to the write-down on nine of our REO properties totaling approximately $8.9 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and approximately $2.0 million on four REO properties during the six months ended June 30, 2010. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded a gain of approximately $0.4 million on the sale of our REO properties, compared to a loss on sale of our REO properties of approximately $0.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2009. For additional information see Note F–Real Estate Held For Sale of the Notes to the Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Dividends to Stockholders; Reliance on Non-GAAP Financial Measurements: To maintain our status as a REIT, we are required to declare dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders each year in an amount at least equal to (1) the sum of (a) 90% of our taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain, and (b) 90% of the net income, after tax, from foreclosure property, minus (2) the sum of certain specified items of noncash income over 5% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid and our net capital gain. Because we expect to declare dividends based on these requirements, and not based on our earnings computed in accordance with GAAP, we expect that our dividen ds may at times be more or less than our reported earnings as computed in accordance with GAAP. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we did not declare any cash dividends.
Total taxable income and REIT taxable income are non-GAAP financial measurements, and do not purport to be an alternative to reported net income or cash flows from operations determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of operating performance. Our total taxable income represents the aggregate amount of taxable income generated by us and our wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary, TRS II, Inc. REIT taxable income is calculated under U.S. federal tax laws in a manner that, in certain respects, differs from the calculation of net income pursuant to GAAP. REIT taxable income excludes the undistributed taxable income of TRS II, Inc., which is not included in REIT taxable income until distributed to us. Subject to certain TRS value limitations, there is no requirement that the TRS II, Inc. distr ibute their earnings to us. Since we are structured as a REIT and the Internal Revenue Code requires that we distribute substantially all of our net taxable income in the form of dividends to our stockholders, we believe that presenting investors with the information management uses to calculate our taxable income is useful to investors in understanding the amount of the minimum dividends that we must declare to our stockholders so as to comply with the rules set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. Because not all companies have identical calculations, this presentation of total taxable income and REIT taxable income may not be comparable to those reported by other companies.
The table below reconciles the differences between reported net loss and total estimated taxable loss and estimated REIT taxable loss for the six months ended June 30, 2010:
| | For the Six Months Ended | |
| | June 30, 2010 | |
Net loss, as reported | | $ | (8,706,000 | ) |
Add (deduct): | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | | 3,048,000 | |
Write down on real estate held for sale | | | 2,033,000 | |
Net book gain on sale of real estate held for sale | | | (381,000 | ) |
Net tax loss on sale of real estate held for sale | | | (38,941,000 | ) |
Net tax loss on sale of real estate held for sale-seller finance | | | (2,100,000 | ) |
Tax loss on foreclosure of mortgages | | | (4,744,000 | ) |
Provision for doubtful accounts related to receivable | | | 133,000 | |
Principal payment received on fully allowed loan included in other income | | | (178,000 | ) |
Tax loss on note receivable deemed worthless which was fully reserved for | | | (1,081,000 | ) |
Total estimated taxable loss | | | (50,917,000 | ) |
Add : Estimated taxable loss attributable to TRS II, Inc. | | | 35,000 | |
| | | | |
Estimated REIT taxable loss | | $ | (50,882,000 | ) |
CAPITAL AND LIQUIDITY
Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to fund lending activities and general operating purposes. Subject to a 3% reserve, we generally seek to use all of our available funds to invest in real estate loans. Distributable cash flow generated from such loans is paid out to our stockholders, in the form of a dividend. We do not anticipate the need for hiring any employees, acquiring fixed assets such as office equipment or furniture, or incurring material office expenses during the next twelve months. We may pay our manager an annual management fee of up to 0.25% of our aggregate capital received by us and Fund II from the sale of shares or membership units.
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, net cash flows used in operating activities approximated $4.0 million. Operating cash flows were adversely impacted by professional fees of approximately $3.1 million and the decrease in interest income of approximately $3.0 million, related to the decrease in our performing real estate loans, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. Cash flows related to investing activities consisted of cash provided by loan payoffs, sales of real estate loans and proceeds for sales of REO of approximately $12.9 million. Cash used for new investments in real estate loans totaled $621,000. Cash flows from financing activities consisted of payment on notes payable of $81,000 and purchases of stock, held as treasury stock, totali ng $195,000.
We, Vestin Mortgage, Inc. and Michael V. Shustek (“Defendants”) are defendants in a civil action filed by 88 sets of plaintiffs representing approximately 138 individuals (“Plaintiffs”), in District Court for Clark County, Nevada. The Plaintiffs allege, among other things, that Defendants: breached certain alleged contractual obligations owed to Plaintiffs; breached fiduciary duties supposedly owed to Plaintiffs; and misrepresented or omitted material facts regarding the conversion of Fund II into VRM II. The action seeks monetary and punitive damages. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on September 7, 2010. The Defendants believe that the allegations are without merit and that they have adequate defenses. Nonetheless, the outcome of the Nevada lawsuit cannot be predicted at this time, nor can a meaningful evaluation be made of the potential impact upon us if the plaintiffs were to prevail in their claims. The resulting uncertainty may depress the price of our stock. Moreover, concerns about the costs of defense and the potential diversion of our manager’s time to deal with these lawsuits may have an adverse effect on our operating results and cash flows.
During the fourth quarter of 2009, our accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased dramatically as a result of the incurrence of substantial legal fees. These fees were incurred in connection with the breach of contract action filed against us in San Diego Superior Court relating to the REIT conversion. The San Diego case was tried in December 2009 and judgment was subsequently entered in our favor. We are also defendants in a civil action in Clark County, Nevada relating to the REIT conversion. The trial in the Nevada case is scheduled to begin on September 7, 2010. The defense of this case may result in our accounts payable and accrued liabilities remaining at an elevated level throughout 2010.
During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recognized, subject to a reservation of rights, payments totaling approximately $1.4 million, from our Directors and Officers insurance carrier in respect of legal fees incurred in the defense of the foregoing legal actions. As of June 30, 2010, reimbursements from our Directors and Officers insurance carrier totaled approximately $6.2 million. No assurance can be made regarding future reimbursement of legal fees.
During the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Trustee in a Bankruptcy case, regarding one of our non-performing commercial loans in California, sold the assets of the Borrower to an unrelated third party for an aggregate amount of $4.1 million. The proceeds, net of all court costs, closing costs, trustee’s fees, real estate taxes and security guard services, total approximately $3.4 million. The amount due to us from this Borrower was $11.6 million; however, another lender is claiming an interest in the proceeds of the bankruptcy sale, purportedly based on loans of approximately $0.9 million, secured by some of the equipment located at the property. A motion to determine secured interest has been filed with the Bankruptcy Court on our behalf, the Court has not yet ruled on our motion. 0;Management believes the amount we will recover from the proceeds of the bankruptcy sale will be approximately $2.0 million and an account receivable in such amount has been recorded on our balance sheet.
At June 30, 2010, we had approximately $9.6 million in cash, $0.5 million in marketable securities – related party and approximately $78.5 million in total assets. We intend to meet short-term working capital needs through a combination of proceeds from loan payoffs, loan sales, sales of REO and/or borrowings. We believe we have sufficient working capital to meet our operating needs during the next 12 months.
Since we comply with the REIT requirements and distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of our annual taxable income, our sources of liquidity include: repayments of outstanding loans, dividend reinvestments by our stockholders, arrangements with third parties to participate in our loans and proceeds from issuance of note payable and secured borrowings. We rely primarily upon repayment of outstanding loans and proceeds from sales of REO to provide capital for investment in new loans. The significant level of defaults on outstanding loans has reduced the funds we have available for investment in new loans. Resulting foreclosure proceedings may not generate full repayment of our loans and may result in significant delays in the return of invested funds. This has diminished our capital resources and impaired our ability to invest in new loans. During June 2008, our Board of Directors decided to suspend the payment of dividends. Our Board of Directors will closely monitor our operating results in order to determine when dividends should be reinstated; however, we do not expect them to be reinstating dividends in the foreseeable future. We will continue to comply with the REIT requirements and will distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of our REIT taxable income.
We have no current plans to sell any new shares. Although a small percentage of our shareholders have elected to reinvest their dividends, we suspended payment of dividends in June 2008 and at this time are not able to predict when dividend payments will resume. Accordingly, we do not expect to issue any new shares through our dividend reinvestment program in the foreseeable future.
We are considering various options to enhance the Company’s capital resources. We have from time to time raised funds through the issuance of promissory notes secured by certain of our real estate owned properties. However, we do not currently have any arrangements in place to increase our capital resources.
There may be cost savings and operating synergies that could be achieved through a combination with VRM I. Our manager has evaluated issues relevant to a possible combination. No final decision has been made with respect to whether a combination will be pursued, or with respect to the possible form of any such combination. Since our manager owes a duty to the investors in each of these entities, it could face a conflict of interest in considering such a possible combination. Any decision with respect to a proposed combination with VRM I would most likely be subject to the approval of the independent directors and stockholders of VRM I as well as the approval of our Board of Directors and stockholders.
On March 21, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million worth of our common stock. Depending upon market conditions, shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices through open market or privately negotiated transactions. We are not obligated to purchase any shares. Subject to applicable securities laws repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts, as our management deems appropriate. The share repurchase program may be discontinued or terminated at any time and we have not established a date for completion of the share repurchase program. The repurchases will be funded from our available cash. As of June 30, 2010, we had purchased 1,470,925 shares as treasury stock through the repurchase program note d above. These shares are carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.3 million. In addition, as part of a settlement agreement, we repurchased 13,750 shares of stock during January 2009, and classified them as treasury stock and incurred $76,000 in settlement expenses. These shares are carried on our books at cost totaling $42,000 and are not part of the repurchase program. As of June 30, 2010, we had a total of 1,484,675 shares of treasury stock carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.3 million. As of December 31, 2009, we had a total of 1,381,137 shares of treasury stock carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.2 million.
We maintain working capital reserves of approximately 3% in cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposits and short-term investments or liquid marketable securities. This reserve is available to pay expenses in excess of revenues, satisfy obligations of underlying properties, expend money to satisfy our unforeseen obligations and for other permitted uses of working capital. As of August 10, 2010, we have met our 3% reserve requirement.
When economic conditions permit, we may seek to expand our capital resources through borrowings from institutional lenders or through securitization of our loan portfolio or similar arrangements. No assurance can be given that, if we should seek to borrow additional funds or to securitize our assets we would be able to do so on commercially attractive terms. Our ability to expand our capital resources in this manner is subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the state of the economy, the state of the capital markets and the perceived quality of our loan portfolio.
Investments in Real Estate Loans Secured by Real Estate Portfolio
We offer five real estate loan products consisting of commercial property, construction, acquisition and development, land, and residential loans. The effective interest rates on all product categories range from 0% to 15%, as a result of troubled debt restructuring whereby, the total interest on two performing loans is now being fully accrued as of June 30, 2010 and payable at maturity. Revenue by product will fluctuate based upon relative balances during the period. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had investments in 23 and 26 real estate loans with a balance of approximately $85.4 million and $112.1 million, respectively.
As of June 30, 2010, we had nine loans considered non-performing (i.e., based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or when the payment of interest is 90 days past due). These loans are currently carried on our books at a value of approximately $13.0 million, net of allowance for loan losses of approximately $33.4 million, which does not include the allowances of approximately $13.7 million relating to the decrease in the property value for performing loans as of June 30, 2010. These loans have been placed on non-accrual of interest status and may be the subject of pending foreclosure proceedings. Our manager has evaluated these loans and, based on current estimates, believes that the v alue of the underlying collateral is sufficient to protect us from loss of principal. However, such estimates may change, or the value of the underlying collateral may deteriorate, in which case further losses may be incurred.
Our manager periodically reviews and makes a determination as to whether the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover any potential losses. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by charges to the provision for loan loss. Recoveries of previously charged off amounts are credited to the allowance for loan losses or included as income when the asset is disposed. As of June 30, 2010, we have provided a specific reserve related to eight non-performing loans and eight performing loans, based on updated appraisals and evaluation of the borrower obtained by our manager, totaling approximately $47.1 million. Our manager evaluated these loans and concluded that the remaining underlying collateral was sufficient to protect us against further losses of principal or interest. 0;Our manager will continue to evaluate these loans in order to determine if any other allowance for loan losses should be recorded. As of August 10, 2010, we believe continuing declines in real estate values will adversely affect the value of the collateral securing our real estate loans as well as the market value of our REO.
For additional information on our investments in real estate loans, refer to Note D – Investments In Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Asset Quality and Loan Reserves
Losses may occur from investing in real estate loans. The amounts of losses will vary as the loan portfolio is affected by changing economic conditions and the financial condition of borrowers.
The conclusion that a real estate loan is uncollectible or that collectability is doubtful is a matter of judgment. On a quarterly basis, our manager evaluates our real estate loan portfolio for impairment. The fact that a loan is temporarily past due does not necessarily mean that the loan is non-performing. Rather, all relevant circumstances are considered by our manager to determine impairment and the need for specific reserves. Such evaluation, which includes a review of all loans on which full collectability may not be reasonably assured, considers among other matters:
| · | Prevailing economic conditions; |
| · | The nature and volume of the loan portfolio; |
| · | The borrowers’ financial condition and adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay; |
| · | Evaluation of industry trends; and |
| · | Estimated net realizable value of any underlying collateral in relation to the real estate loan amount. |
Non-performing assets included loans in non-accrual status, net of allowance for loan losses, and REO totaling approximately $13.0 million and $18.0 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2010, compared to approximately $22.1 million and $23.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. It is possible that no earnings will be recognized from these assets until they are disposed of, or that no earnings will be recognized at all, and the time it will take to dispose of these assets cannot be predicted. Our manager believes that these non-performing assets have increased in significant part as a result of conditions in the real estate and credit markets. We believe that the continued weakness in real estate markets may result in additional losses on our REO.
As a commercial real estate lender willing to invest in riskier loans, rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and our losses on our loans could be higher than those generally experienced in the commercial mortgage lending industry during this period of economic slowdown and recession. Problems in the sub-prime residential mortgage market have adversely affected the general economy and the availability of funds for commercial real estate developers. We believe this lack of available funds has led to an increase in defaults on our loans. Furthermore, problems experienced in U.S. credit markets since the summer of 2007 have reduced the availability of credit for many prospective borrowers. These problems have made it more difficult for our borrowers to obtain the anticipated re-financing necessary in many cases to pay back our loans. Thus, we have had to work with some of our borrowers to either modify, restructure and/or extend their loans in order to keep or restore the loans to performing status. Our manager will continue to evaluate our loan portfolio in order to minimize risk associated with current market conditions.
Based upon this evaluation, a determination is made as to whether the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover any potential losses. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by charges to the provision for loan loss. Recoveries of previously charged off amounts are credited to the allowance for loan losses. For additional information regarding the roll-forward of the allowance for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2010, refer to Note D – Investments In Real Estate Loans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Real Estate Held for Sale
At June 30, 2010, we held nine properties with a total carrying value of approximately $18.0 million, which were acquired through foreclosure and recorded as investments in REO. Our investments in REO are accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions. It is not our intent to invest in or to own real estate as a long-term investment. We seek to sell properties acquired through foreclosure as quickly as circumstances permit taking into account current economic conditions. For additional information on our investments in REO, refer to Note F – Real Estate Held for Sale of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Pa rt I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Real Estate Held For Sale – Seller-Financed
At June 30, 2010, we had no properties which had been sold in a transaction where we provided the financing to the purchaser. GAAP requires us to include these properties in REO until the borrower has met and maintained certain requirements. We may share ownership of such properties with VRM I, Fund III, our manager, or other related and/or unrelated parties. For additional information on our investments in REO – seller-financed, refer to Note G – Real Estate Held for Sale – Seller-Financed of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
As of June 30, 2010, we do not have any interests in off-balance sheet special purpose entities nor do we have any interests in non-exchange traded commodity contracts.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following summarizes our contractual obligations at June 30, 2010:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Contractual Obligation | | Total | | | Less Than 1 Year | | | 1-3 Years | | | 3-5 Years | | | More Than 5 Years | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Secured borrowings (1) | | $ | 7,910,000 | | | | 7,910,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Notes payable (2) | | | 191,000 | | | | 191,000 | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | |
Total | | $ | 8,101,000 | | | $ | 8,101,000 | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | | | $ | -- | |
| (1) | See Note J – Secured Borrowings of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
| (2) | See Note K – Notes Payable of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
From time to time, we may acquire or sell investments in real estate loans from/to our manager or other related parties pursuant to the terms of our Management Agreement without a premium. No gain or loss is recorded on these transactions, as it is not our intent to make a profit on the purchase or sale of such investments. The purpose is generally to diversify our portfolio by syndicating loans, thereby providing us with additional capital to make additional loans. For further information regarding related party transactions, refer to Note H – Related Party Transactions of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Revenue Recognition
Interest income on loans is accrued by the effective interest method. We do not accrue interest income from loans once they are determined to be non-performing. A loan is considered non-performing when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or when the payment of interest is 90 days past due.
The following table presents a sensitivity analysis, averaging the balance of our loan portfolio at the end of the last six quarters, to show the impact on our financial condition at June 30, 2010, from fluctuations in weighted average interest rate charged on loans as a percentage of the loan portfolio:
Changed Assumption | | Increase (Decrease) in Interest Income | |
Weighted average interest rate assumption increased by 1.0% or 100 basis points | | $ | 1,378,000 | |
Weighted average interest rate assumption increased by 5.0% or 500 basis points | | $ | 6,891,000 | |
Weighted average interest rate assumption increased by 10.0% or 1,000 basis points | | $ | 13,783,000 | |
Weighted average interest rate assumption decreased by 1.0% or 100 basis points | | $ | (1,378,000 | ) |
Weighted average interest rate assumption decreased by 5.0% or 500 basis points | | $ | (6,891,000 | ) |
Weighted average interest rate assumption decreased by 10.0% or 1,000 basis points | | $ | (13,783,000 | ) |
The purpose of this analysis is to provide an indication of the impact that the weighted average interest rate fluctuations would have on our financial results. It is not intended to imply our expectation of future revenues or to estimate earnings. We believe that the assumptions used above are appropriate to illustrate the possible material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Allowance for Loan Losses
We maintain an allowance for loan losses on our investments in real estate loans for estimated credit impairment in our investment in real estate loans portfolio. Our manager’s estimate of losses is based on a number of factors including the types and dollar amounts of loans in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, prevailing economic conditions and the underlying collateral securing the loan. Additions to the allowance are provided through a charge to earnings and are based on an assessment of certain factors, which may indicate estimated losses on the loans. Actual losses on loans are recorded as a charge-off or a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged off are added back to the allowance or included as income.
The following table presents a sensitivity analysis to show the impact on our financial condition at June 30, 2010, from increases and decreases to our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of the loan portfolio:
Changed Assumption | | Increase (Decrease) in Allowance for Loan Losses | |
Allowance for loan losses assumption increased by 1.0% of loan portfolio | | $ | 854,000 | |
Allowance for loan losses assumption increased by 5.0% of loan portfolio | | $ | 4,270,000 | |
Allowance for loan losses assumption increased by 10.0% of loan portfolio | | $ | 8,541,000 | |
Allowance for loan losses assumption decreased by 1.0% of loan portfolio | | $ | (854,000 | ) |
Allowance for loan losses assumption decreased by 5.0% of loan portfolio | | $ | (4,270,000 | ) |
Allowance for loan losses assumption decreased by 10.0% of loan portfolio | | $ | (8,541,000 | ) |
Estimating allowances for loan losses requires significant judgment about the underlying collateral, including liquidation value, condition of the collateral, competency and cooperation of the related borrower and specific legal issues that affect loan collections or taking possession of the property. As a commercial real estate lender willing to invest in loans to borrowers who may not meet the credit standards of other financial institutional lenders, the default rate on our loans could be higher than those generally experienced in the mortgage lending industry. We, our manager and Vestin Originations generally approve loans more quickly than other real estate lenders and, due to our expedited underwriting process, there is a risk that the credit inquiry we perform will not reveal all material facts pertaining t o a borrower and the security.
We may discover additional facts and circumstances as we continue our efforts in the collection and foreclosure processes. This additional information often causes management to reassess its estimates. In recent years, we have revised estimates of our allowance for loan losses. Circumstances that may cause significant changes in our estimated allowance include, but are not limited to:
| · | Declines in real estate market conditions that can cause a decrease in expected market value; |
| · | Discovery of undisclosed liens for community improvement bonds, easements and delinquent property taxes; |
| · | Lack of progress on real estate developments after we advance funds. We customarily utilize disbursement agents to monitor the progress of real estate developments and approve loan advances. After further inspection of the related property, progress on construction occasionally does not substantiate an increase in value to support the related loan advances; |
| · | Unanticipated legal or business issues that may arise subsequent to loan origination or upon the sale of foreclosed upon property; and |
| · | Appraisals, which are only opinions of value at the time of the appraisal, may not accurately reflect the value of the property. |
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06 regarding fair value measurements and disclosures and improvement in the disclosure about fair value measurements. This ASU requires additional disclosures regarding significant transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 of fair value measurements, including a description of the reasons for the transfers. Further, this ASU requires additional disclosures for the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, requiring presentation of information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation for fair value measurements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU; however, we do not expect the a doption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-18 regarding improving comparability by eliminating diversity in practice about the treatment of modifications of loans accounted for within pools under Subtopic 310-30 – Receivable – Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“Subtopic 310-30”). Furthermore, the amendments clarify guidance about maintaining the integrity of a pool as the unit of accounting for acquired loans with credit deterioration. Loans accounted for individually under Subtopic 310-30 continue to be subject to the troubled debt restructuring accounting provisions within Subtopic 310-40, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. The amendments in this Update are effective for modifications of loans accounted for within po ols under Subtopic 310-30 occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU; however, we do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. The ASU amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 310, Receivables, to improve the disclosures that an entity provides about the credit quality of its financing receivables and the related allowance for credit losses. As a result of these amendments, an entity is required to disaggregate, by portfolio segment or class of financing receivables, certain existing disclosures and provide certain new disclosures about its financing receivables and related allowance for credit losses. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this standard may require additional disclosures, but we do not expect the adoption to have a material effect on our co nsolidated financial statements.
Pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K (§ 229.305(e)), the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item because it is a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1).
See Item 4T below.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. In connection with the preparation of this Report on Form 10-Q, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the CEO and CFO, as of June 30, 2010, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon our evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of June 30, 2010, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues within our company have been or will be detected. Even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Furthermore, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our controls and procedures will prevent all errors.
The certifications of our CEO and CFO required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, our management, including our CEO and our CFO, has evaluated our internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the second fiscal quarter of 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, management has identified changes to improve its control environment that are reasonable likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting. In particular, the Company has made personnel changes in the accounting, finance and administrative areas. As part of an effort to reduce general and administrative expenses, Rocio Revollo was replaced as the Chief Financial Officer on May 21, 2010. At that time, M ichael V. Shustek became the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Strategix Solutions, LLC immediately identified two additional personnel to complete many of Ms. Revollo’s responsibilities. With the availability of additional personnel, internal controls over financial reporting have been further enhanced by the segregation of duties. Management plans to continue to review and make changes to the overall design of its control environment, including the roles and responsibilities within the organization and reporting structure, as well as policies and procedures to enhance the overall internal control over financial reporting.
Please refer to Note N – Legal Matters Involving the Manager and Note O – Legal Matters Involving the Company of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for information regarding our legal proceedings, which are incorporated herein by reference.
In considering our future performance and any forward-looking statements made in this report, the material risks described below should be considered carefully. These factors should be considered in conjunction with the other information included elsewhere in this report.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Current economic conditions have increased the risk of defaults on our loans. Defaults on our real estate loans have reduced our revenues and may continue to do so in the future.
We are in the business of investing in real estate loans and, as such, we are subject to risk of defaults by borrowers. Our performance has been and will continue to be directly impacted by any defaults on the loans in our portfolio. As a commercial real estate lender willing to invest in loans to borrowers who may not meet the credit standards of other financial institutional lenders, the rate of default on our loans could be higher than those generally experienced in the real estate lending industry. The sustained period of increased defaults suffered during the past two years has adversely affected our business, financial condition, liquidity and the results of our operations and may continue to do so in the future.
As of June 30, 2010, our non-performing assets were approximately $31.0 million, representing approximately 47%and 39% of our stockholders’ equity and total assets, respectively. Non-performing assets included approximately $13.0 million in non-performing loans, net of allowance for non-performing loan losses of approximately $33.4 million and approximately $18.0 million of REO. We believe that the level of non-performing assets is largely attributable to difficulties in the real estate and credit markets. Our exposure to the negative developments in the credit markets and general economy has likely been increased by our business strategy, which entails more lenient underwriting standards and expedited loan approval procedures. At this time, we are not able to predict how long such diff icult economic conditions will continue.
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had approximately $47.1 million and $58.9 million, respectively, in allowances for loan losses resulting in net weighted average loan-to-value ratios of 71.50% and 69.95%, respectively. Not including allowance for loan losses, our weighted average loan-to-value ratio, as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, was 177.10% and 137.37%, respectively, primarily as a result of declines in real estate values that have eroded the market value of our collateral. As a result, we may not be able to recover the full amount of our loans if the borrower defaults. Moreover, any failure of a borrower to pay interest on loans will reduce our revenues, the dividends we pay to stockholders and, most likely, the value of our stock. Similarly, any failure of a borro wer to repay loans when due may reduce the capital we have available to make new loans, thereby adversely affecting our operating results.
The current recession and constraints in the credit markets are adversely affecting our operating results and financial condition.
As a commercial real estate lender willing to invest in riskier loans, rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on our loans could be higher than those generally experienced in the commercial mortgage lending industry during periods of economic slowdown or recession. Problems in the sub-prime residential mortgage market have adversely affected the general economy and the availability of funds for commercial real estate developers. We believe this lack of available funds has led to an increase in defaults on our loans. Furthermore, problems experienced in the U.S. credit markets since the summer of 2007 have reduced the availability of credit for many prospective borrowers. These problems have made it more difficult for our borrowers to obtain the anticipated re-financing necessary in m any cases to pay back our loans. Thus, an extended period of illiquidity in the credit markets has resulted in a material increase in the number of our loans that are not paid back on time. A continuation of increased delinquencies, defaults or foreclosures will have an adverse affect upon our ability to originate, purchase and securitize loans, which could significantly harm our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Although there may be some signs of the general economy improving, our business has not experienced the same improvement.
In addition, the recession has slowed economic activity, resulting in a decline in new lending. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we provided the financing for one loan as part of a sale of an REO property totaling $3.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we funded six loans in an aggregate amount of approximately $22.2 million as compared to 12 loans aggregating $49.3 million and 25 loans aggregating $134.2 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Continuation of the recession may result in our continuing to fund fewer loans, thereby reducing our opportunities to generate interest income.
We have suspended payment of dividends and we cannot predict if and when dividends will be reinstated.
We have not paid any dividends since June 2008 and we do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. Dividends were suspended as a result of our operating losses. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, our net losses were approximately $55.0 million and $130.2 million, respectively. We expect that the current economic conditions will make it difficult for us to attain profitability in the near to mid-term. We are obligated to distribute not less than 90% or our REIT taxable income. However, at this time, we cannot predict when or if we will generate taxable income and dividends will be reinstated. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, our net losses were approximately $8.7 million.
Our loan portfolio is concentrated in states that are suffering disproportionately in the current recession. Lack of geographical diversification increases our vulnerability to market downturns in the Western states.
As of June 30, 2010, approximately 65% of our loans were in Nevada, Arizona and California. Each of these states has suffered significantly during the current recession, with declining real estate values and high rates of default on real estate loans. We also have loans in Hawaii, Oregon and Texas. Our loan concentration in these Western states has increased our vulnerability to the troubled real estate markets in such states. Real estate markets vary greatly from location to location and our manager has limited experience outside of the Western and Southwestern United States. Any effort to expand into new geographical regions could be complicated by our manager’s lack of experience in such regions.
An increased percentage of our loan portfolio consists of second deeds of trust, which generally entail a higher degree of risk than first deeds of trust.
We invest in second deeds of trust and, in rare instances, wraparound, or all-inclusive, real estate loans. Our board is required to approve our investing more than 10% of our assets in second deeds of trust. During September 2008, the board authorized us to allow loans secured by second deeds of trust to constitute up to 15% of our loans, due to loan restructuring and business opportunities. In a second deed of trust, our rights as a lender, including our rights to receive payment on foreclosure, will be subject to the rights of the first deed of trust. In a wraparound real estate loan, our rights will be similarly subject to the rights of a first deed of trust, but the aggregate indebtedness evidenced by our loan documentation will be the first deed of trust plus the new funds we invest. 60; We would receive all payments from the borrower and forward to the senior lender its portion of the payments we receive. Because both of these types of loans are subject to the first deed of trust’s right to payment on foreclosure, we incur a greater risk when we invest in each of these types of loans that we will not be able to collect the full amount of our loan and may provide an allowance for the full amount of the loan. If we are unable to collect the amounts secured by second deeds of trust, our operating results will suffer and we will have less funds available to distribute to shareholders. As of June 30, 2010, approximately 42% of our loans were secured by a second deed of trust. When funded, such loans constituted less than 15% of our loans. The percentage of our loans in second deeds of trust has increased primarily due to a decline in loans secured by first deeds of trust through sales, foreclosures and modifications. 0;As of June 30, 2010, three of our eight loans secured by second deeds of trust were considered non-performing. These non-performing loans totaled approximately $22.0 million, of which our portion is approximately $18.0 million, and had an allowance for loan loss equal to the full loan amount. All eight of these second position loans had an allowance for loan loss of approximately $30.3 million, of which our portion is approximately $25.0 million.
The terms of our indebtedness increase our operating risk and may reduce the amount we have available to distribute to stockholders.
We may borrow up to 70% of the fair market value of our outstanding real estate loans at any time. During June 2008, we, our manager, and Vestin Originations entered into an intercreditor agreement with an unrelated third party related to the funding of six real estate loans. (See exhibit 10.5 Intercreditor Agreement under the Exhibit Index included in Part II, Item 6 – Exhibits of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). The participation interest is at 11% on the outstanding balance. We incurred approximately $0.9 million in finance costs related to the secured borrowings, and these costs are being amortized to interest expense over the terms of the agreements. As June 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, we had $8 .4 million, respectively, in funds, including approximately $0.5 million, respectively, in interest reserves, used under Inter-creditor Agreements.
The terms of any additional indebtedness we incur may vary. However, some lenders may require as a condition of making a loan to us that the lender will receive a priority on loan repayments received by us. As a result, if we do not collect 100% on our investments, the first dollars may go to our lenders and we may incur a loss that will result in a decrease of the amount available for distribution. In addition, we may enter into securitization arrangements in order to raise additional funds. Such arrangements could increase our leverage and adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to declare dividends.
Legal actions seeking damages and roll-up rights has and may continue to harm our operating results and financial condition.
We are a party in a legal action in Clark County Nevada, seeking damages and roll-up rights in connection with the REIT conversion. See Note N – Legal Matters Involving The Manager and Note O – Legal Matters Involving The Company of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item I Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. While we believe this action is without merit, the defense of such action has materially increased our legal costs and may require the substantial attention of our management. The increased legal costs may continue to adversely impact our operating results. As of June 30, 2010, we have incurr ed legal expenses of approximately $13.4 million related to such actions and have received reimbursement, subject to a reservation of rights, of approximately $6.2 million of such fees from our Directors and Officers insurance carrier. No assurance can be made regarding future reimbursement of legal fees. Moreover, any adverse outcome in such actions could result in our having to pay substantial damages, which would reduce our cash resources and harm our financial condition. On February 11, 2010, the Defendants were notified of a Tentative Statement of Decision, in their favor issued by the Superior Court for the State of California in San Diego following a trial. In the Tentative Statement, the Court found that there was no roll-up and therefore no breach of contract. The Court entered final judgment for the Defendants on March 18, 2010. Defendants and Plaintiffs have agreed to a post-judgment settlement by which Plaintiffs agreed not appeal the pending judgment in consideration of a waiver by the Defendants of any claim to recover actual court costs from the Plaintiffs. The Court has granted final approval of this settlement of post-judgment rights on July 9, 2010.
MANAGEMENT AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST RISKS
Our manager may face conflicts of interest in considering a possible combination of the Company with VRM I.
VRM I is a company that engages in making mortgage loans similar to the loans that we make and is managed by our manager. There may be cost savings and operating synergies that could be achieved by our combination with VRM I. Our management has evaluated issues relevant to a possible combination and at this time, no decision has been made with respect to whether a combination will be pursued, or with respect to the possible form of any such combination. Since our manager owes a duty to the investors in each of these entities, it could face a conflict of interest in considering such a possible combination. Any decision with respect to a proposed combination with VRM I will most likely be subject to the approval of the independent directors and stockholders of VRM I as well as the approval of o ur Board of Directors and stockholders.
On March 21, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million worth of our common stock. Depending upon market conditions, shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices through open market or privately negotiated transactions.
We are not obligated to purchase any shares. Subject to applicable securities laws, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts, as our manager deems appropriate. The share repurchase program may be discontinued or terminated at any time and we have not established a date for completion of the share repurchase program. The repurchases will be funded from our available cash. As of June 30, 2010, we had purchased 1,470,925 shares as treasury stock through the repurchase program noted above. These shares are carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.3 million. In addition, as part of a settlement agreement, we repurchased 13,750 shares of stock during January 2009, and classified them as treasury stock and incurred $76,000 in settlement expenses.& #160; These shares are carried on our books at cost totaling $42,000 and are not part of the repurchase program. As of June 30, 2010, we had a total of 1,484,675 shares of treasury stock carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.3 million. As of December 31, 2009, we had a total of 1,381,137 shares of treasury stock carried on our books at cost totaling approximately $6.2 million.
The following is a summary of our stock purchases during the three months ended June 30, 2010, as required by Regulation S-K, Item 703.
Period | | (a) Total Number of Shares Purchased | | | (b) Average Price Paid per Share | | | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | | | (d) Maximum Number of (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchase Under the Plans or Programs | |
April 1 – April 30, 2010 | | | -- | | | $ | -- | | | | -- | | | $ | 3,890,000 | |
May 1 – May 31, 2010 | | | 47,117 | | | | 1.90 | | | | 47,117 | | | | 3,801,000 | |
June 1 – June 30, 2010 | | | 56,421 | | | | 1.88 | | | | 56,421 | | | | 3,695,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 103,538 | | | $ | 1.89 | | | | 103,538 | | | $ | 3,695,000 | |
None.
None.
Exhibit No. | | Description of Exhibits |
2.1 (2) | | Agreement and Plan of Merger between Vestin Fund II, LLC and the Registrant |
3.1 (1) | | Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant |
3.2 (1) | | Bylaws of the Registrant |
3.3 (1) | | Form of Articles Supplementary of the Registrant |
3.4 (5) | | Amendment to Vestin Realty Mortgage II’s Articles of Incorporation, effective December 31, 2007. |
3.6 (6) | | Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant |
4.1 (1) | | Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 |
4.2 (2) | | Specimen Common Stock Certificate |
4.3 (1) | | Form of Rights Certificate |
4.4 (4) | | Junior Subordinated Indenture |
4.5 (8) | | Letter Agreement dated November 7, 2008 pertaining to Junior Subordinated Indenture |
4.6 (9) | | First Supplemental Indenture dated of February 3, 2009 pertaining to Junior Subordinated Indenture |
4.7 (9) | | Letter Agreement dated March 25, 2009 pertaining to Junior Subordinated Indenture |
10.1 (1) | | Form of Management Agreement between Vestin Mortgage, Inc. and the Registrant |
10.2 (1) | | Form of Rights Agreement between the Registrant and the rights agent |
10.3 (4) | | Form of Purchase Agreement |
10.4 (4) | | Amended and Restated Trust Agreement |
10.5 (7) | | Intercreditor Agreement, dated June 16, 2008, by and between Vestin Originations, Inc., Vestin Mortgage, Inc., Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc., and Owens Mortgage Investment Fund |
10.6 (10) | | Agreement between Strategix Solutions, LLC and Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. for accounting services. |
10.7 (11) | | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 27, 2009 pertaining to Junior Subordinated Indenture |
10.8 (11) | | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2009 |
21.1 (2) | | List of subsidiaries of the Registrant |
| | |
| | |
| | |
99.2R (3) | | Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics |
(1) | | Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to our Form S-4 Registration Statement filed on January 4, 2006 (File No. 333-125121) |
(2) | | Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to our Form S-4 Registration Statement filed on January 13, 2006 (File No. 333-125121) |
(3) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Transition Report on Form 10-K for the nine month transition period ended March 31, 2006 filed on September 7, 2006 (File No. 000-51892) |
(4) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2007 (File No. 000-51892) |
(5) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2008 (File No. 000-51892) |
(6) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 14, 2008 (File No. 000-51892) |
(7) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2008 (File No. 000-51892) |
(8) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2008 (File No. 000-51892) |
(9) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 26, 2009 (File No. 000-51892) |
(10) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2009 (File No. 000-51892) |
(11) | | Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 10, 2009 (File No. 000-51892) |
| | |
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.
| Vestin Realty Mortgage II, Inc. |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Michael V. Shustek |
| | Michael V. Shustek |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Date: | August 13, 2010 |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Michael V. Shustek |
| | Michael V. Shustek |
| | Interim Chief Financial Officer |
| Date: | August 13, 2010 |