We have notes receivable in conjunction with properties that are in various stages of development, in lease-up and operating. To date, these investments have been structured as mezzanine loans, and in the future, we may also provide mortgage financing to these types of projects. The notes receivable provide a stated return and required repayment based on a fixed maturity date, generally in relation to the property’s construction loan or mortgage loan maturity. If the property does not repay the notes receivable upon maturity, our income, FFO, CFFO and cash flows could be reduced below the stated returns currently being recognized if the property does not produce sufficient cash flow to pay its operating expenses and debt service, or to refinance its debt obligations. In addition, we have, in certain cases, an option to purchase up to 100% of the common interest which holds an interest in the entity that owns the property. If we were to convert into common ownership, our income, FFO, CFFO and cash flows would be reflective of our pro rata share of the property’s results, which could be a reduction from what our notes receivable currently generate.
We also have preferred membership interests in properties that are in various stages of development, in lease-up and operating. Our preferred equity investments are structured to provide a current preferred return, and in some cases an accrued return, during all phases. Each joint venture in which we own a preferred membership interest is required to redeem our preferred membership interests, plus any accrued but unpaid preferred return, based on a fixed maturity date, generally in relation to the property’s construction loan or mortgage loan maturity. Upon redemption of the preferred membership interests, our income, FFO, CFFO and cash flows could be reduced below the preferred returns currently being recognized. Alternatively, if the joint ventures do not redeem our preferred membership interest when required, our income, FFO, CFFO and cash flows could be reduced if the property does not produce sufficient cash flow to pays its operating expenses, debt service and preferred return obligations. As we evaluate our capital position and capital allocation strategy, we may consider alternative means of financing the loan and preferred equity investment activities at the subsidiary level.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2020, we have off-balance sheet arrangements that may have a material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital resources or capital expenditures. As of September 30, 2020, we own interests in thirteen joint ventures that are accounted for under the equity method as we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, the investee.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
As of September 30, 2020, we owned indirect equity interests in fifty-seven real estate properties, consisting of thirty-five consolidated operating properties and twenty-two through preferred equity, mezzanine loan or ground lease investments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $61.9 million after net income of $31.1 million was adjusted for the following:
●distributions and preferred returns from unconsolidated joint ventures of $10.3 million;
●an increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $12.1 million;
●non-cash items of $17.8 million;
●an increase in due from affiliates of $2.5 million; and
●a decrease in notes and accrued interest receivable of $0.1 million; offset by
●an increase in accounts receivable, prepaids and other assets of $12.0 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, net cash provided by investing activities was $6.1 million, primarily due to the following:
●$194.0 million of proceeds from the sale and redemption of unconsolidated real estate joint ventures; and
●$29.0 million of repayments on notes receivable, partially offset by:
●$144.7 million used in acquiring consolidated real estate investments;
●$56.3 million used in acquiring additional investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and notes receivable;
●$12.3 million used on capital expenditures; and
●$3.7 million used in purchase of interests from noncontrolling interests.