ARL American Realty Investors Inc

American Realty Investors, Inc. (NYSE:ARL), a Dallas-based real estate investment company, today reported results of operations for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2015. For the three months ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported net loss applicable to common shares of $1.6 million or $0.11 per diluted earnings per share, as compared to net income applicable to common shares of $26.7 million or $1.91 per diluted earnings per share for the same period ended 2014.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, we reported a net loss applicable to common shares of ($3.2) million or ($0.21) per diluted earnings per share, as compared to a net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million or $2.28 per diluted earnings per share for the same year ended 2014. The current year net loss applicable to common shares of ($3.2) million includes gain on land sales of $21.6 million, provision on the impairment of real estate assets of $5.3 million and net income from discontinued operations of $0.9 million, as compared to the prior year net income applicable to common shares of $28.8 million, which includes a gain on land sales of $0.6 million, and net income from discontinued operations of $37.9 million.

Rental and other property revenues were $104.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $24.8 million, as compared to the prior year revenues of $79.4 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $14.7 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $10.1 million. The increase in the apartment and commercial portfolios is mainly due to the acquisition of new properties. Our apartment portfolio continues to excel in the current economic conditions with occupancies averaging over 94% and increasing rental rates. We have been able to surpass expectations due to the high-quality product offered, strength of our management team and our commitment to our tenants. The increase in the commercial segment is also due to a high rise in the occupancy rate of the commercial complexes, in 2015 the average occupancy rate was over 86%. Our commercial portfolio is performing significantly better than in previous periods and we anticipate that it will continue to improve as the Company has been successful in attracting high-quality tenants and expects to continue to see the benefits of those new leases in the future. We continue to work aggressively to attract new tenants and strive for continuous improvement of our properties in order to maintain our existing tenants.

Property operating expenses were $54.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $11.9 million, as compared to the prior year operating expenses of $42.1 million. This change, by segment, is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $7.4 million and an increase in the commercial portfolio of $4.7 million. Within the apartment portfolio, there was an increase of $5.9 million in the acquired properties portfolio, and an increase $1.5 million in the same property portfolio. Within the commercial portfolio, there was an increase of $3.6 million in the acquired properties portfolio and an increase of $1.1 million in the same store properties. The increase in the apartment portfolio was due to the acquisition of new properties throughout the year. The increase in the commercial portfolio was due to an acquisition of a property within the year and an increase in real estate taxes.

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $21.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $3.8 million as compared to prior year depreciation of $17.6 million. Within the apartment and commercial portfolios, the majority of this change is due to the acquisition of new properties and an increase in tenant improvements and repairs projects.

General and administrative expenses were $6.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.4 million, as compared to the prior year general and administrative expenses of $10.3 million. The majority of this change is due to decreases in legal expenses and franchise taxes in the current year.

The provision for impairment of notes receivable, investment in real estate partnerships, and real estate assets was $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. There was no provision for impairment expense in the prior year. For the year ended, the Company provided an impairment of $5.3 million for the golf course and related assets located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This impairment relates to the decision to sell the development parcels in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the resultant decrease in the estimated fair value of the remaining assets.

Net income fee was $0.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.2 million, as compared to the prior year net income fee of $3.7 million. The net income fee paid to Pillar is calculated at 7.5% of net income.

Advisory fees were $9.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $0.9 million, as compared to the prior year advisory fees of $8.9 million. Advisory fees are computed based on a gross asset fee of 0.0625% per month (0.75% per annum) of the average of the gross asset value.

Interest income was $16.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents a decrease of $3.4 million, as compared to the prior year interest income of $20.1 million. The majority of this decrease is due to the recognition of uncollectable interest in the prior year on notes receivable.

Other income was $4.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $2.7 million as compared to the prior year other income of $1.4 million. The increase is primarily due to a property with a negotiated settlement of a debt with the lender.

Mortgage and loan interest expense was $47.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $9.5 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $38.0 million. This change by segment is an increase in the apartment portfolio of $2.0 million, an increase in the commercial portfolio of $0.9 million, and an increase in the other portfolio of $6.6 million. Within the apartment and commercial portfolios, the majority of the increase is due to the acquisition of new properties, offset by loan refinancing at lower rates. Within the other portfolio, the majority of the increase is due to incurring new mezzanine debt obligations.

Loan charges and prepayment penalties were $5.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $2.1 million, as compared to the prior year expense of $2.9 million. This change is mainly due to refinancing and prepayment penalties made on some of our existing loans.

Litigation settlement expenses were $0.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. This represents an increase of $3.9 million, as compared to the prior year credit of $3.6 million. This variance is due to the settlement of a debt resulting in a gain of $3.5 million in the prior year.

Gain on land sales was $21.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. In the current year, we sold approximately 595 acres of land in eleven transactions for a sales price of $107.3 million and recorded a gain of $18.9 million. In addition, we recognized $2.7 million in deferred gain from prior years’ land sales.

About American Realty Investors, Inc.

American Realty Investors, Inc., a Dallas-based real estate investment company, holds a diverse portfolio of equity real estate located across the U.S., including office buildings, apartments, shopping centers, and developed and undeveloped land. The Company invests in real estate through direct ownership, leases and partnerships and invests in mortgage loans on real estate. The Company also holds mortgage receivables. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.americanrealtyinvest.com.

  AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS             For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues: Rental and other property revenues (including $726, $701 and $670 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties) $ 104,188 $ 79,412 $ 80,750   Expenses: Property operating expenses (including $770, $645 and $699 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties) 54,002 42,124 39,318 Depreciation 21,418 17,593 15,954 General and administrative (including $3,855, $3,628 and $3,646 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties) 6,893 10,282 7,919 Provision on impairment of notes receivable and real estate assets 5,300 - 18,980 Net income fee to related party 492 3,669 4,089 Advisory fee to related party   9,775     8,943     10,166   Total operating expenses   97,880     82,611     96,426   Operating income (loss) 6,308 (3,199 ) (15,676 )   Other income (expense): Interest income (including $15,859, $19,029 and $19,110 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties) 16,674 20,054 19,445 Other income 4,106 1,415 10,163 Mortgage and loan interest (including $3,774, $3,660 and $3,927 for the year ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, from related parties) (47,512 ) (37,972 ) (39,110 ) Loan charges and prepayment penalties (4,965 ) (2,854 ) (5,557 ) Loss on the sale of investments (1 ) (92 ) (283 ) Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees 428 347 391 Litigation settlement   (352 )   3,591     (20,313 ) Total other expenses   (31,622 )   (15,511 )   (35,264 ) Loss before gain (loss) on land sales, non-controlling interest, and taxes (25,314 ) (18,710 ) (50,940 ) Gain (loss) on land sales   21,648     561     (455 ) Loss from continuing operations before tax (3,666 ) (18,149 ) (51,395 ) Income tax benefit (expense)   (517 )   20,413     40,513   Net income (loss) from continuing operations   (4,183 )   2,264     (10,882 ) Discontinued operations: Income (loss) from discontinued operations 644 (3,557 ) (2,634 ) Gain on sale of real estate from discontinued operations 735 61,879 98,951 Income tax benefit (expense) from discontinued operations   (483 )   (20,413 )   (33,711 ) Net income (loss) from discontinued operations 896 37,909 62,606 Net income (loss) (3,287 ) 40,173 51,724 Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   1,327     (9,288 )   (10,448 ) Net income (loss) attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc. (1,960 ) 30,885 41,276 Preferred dividend requirement   (1,216 )   (2,043 )   (2,452 ) Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $ (3,176 ) $ 28,842   $ 38,824     Earnings per share - basic Loss from continuing operations $ (0.27 ) $ (0.71 ) $ (2.07 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations   0.06     2.99     5.43   Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $ (0.21 ) $ 2.28   $ 3.36     Earnings per share - diluted Loss from continuing operations $ (0.27 ) $ (0.71 ) $ (2.07 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations   0.06     2.99     5.43   Net income (loss) applicable to common shares $ (0.21 ) $ 2.28   $ 3.36     Weighted average common shares used in computing earnings per share 15,111,107 12,683,956 11,525,389 Weighted average common shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 15,111,107 12,683,956 11,525,389     Amounts attributable to American Realty Investors, Inc. Loss from continuing operations $ (2,856 ) $ (7,024 ) $ (21,330 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations   896     37,909     62,606   Net income (loss) $ (1,960 ) $ 30,885   $ 41,276       AMERICAN REALTY INVESTORS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS             December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 (dollars in thousands, except share and par value amounts) Assets Real estate, at cost $ 954,390 $ 810,214 Real estate subject to sales contracts at cost, net of depreciation ($0 in 2015 and $2,300 in 2014) 49,155 19,026 Less accumulated depreciation   (150,038 )   (129,477 ) Total real estate 853,507 699,763 Notes and interest receivable Performing (including $125,915 in 2015 and $139,466 in 2014 from related parties) 137,280 149,484 Non-performing - 3,161 Less allowance for estimated losses (including $15,537 in 2015 and $15,537 in 2014 from related parties)   (17,037 )   (18,279 ) Total notes and interest receivable 120,243 134,366 Cash and cash equivalents 15,232 12,299 Restricted cash 45,711 49,266 Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees 8,365 4,279 Receivable from related party 28,147 21,414 Other assets   46,163     44,111   Total assets $ 1,117,368   $ 965,498     Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities: Notes and interest payable $ 797,962 $ 638,891 Notes related to assets held for sale 376 1,552 Notes related to assets subject to sales contracts 6,422 18,616 Deferred revenue (including $70,892 in 2015 and $72,564 in 2014 from sales to related parties) 91,336 74,409 Accounts payable and other liabilities (including $7,236 in 2015 and $11,024 in 2014 to related parties)   44,383     52,442   940,479 785,910   Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock, Series A: $2.00 par value, authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 2,000,614 and 2,461,252 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively (liquidation preference $10 per share), including 900,000 shares in 2015 and 2014 held by ARL. 2,205 3,126 Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 15,930,145 and 14,443,404 shares and outstanding 15,514,360 and 14,027,619 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively; including 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) in 2015 and 2014. 156 141 Treasury stock at cost; 415,785 shares in 2015 and 2014, and 140,000 shares held by TCI (consolidated) as of 2015 and 2014. (6,395 ) (6,395 ) Paid-in capital 109,861 108,378 Retained earnings   17,130     19,090   Total American Realty Investors, Inc. shareholders' equity 122,957 124,340 Non-controlling interest   53,932     55,248   Total equity   176,889     179,588   Total liabilities and equity $ 1,117,368   $ 965,498  

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American Realty Investors, Inc.Investor RelationsGene Bertcher, 800-400-6407investor.relations@americanrealtyinvest.com