10-Q 1 v184697_10q.htm Unassociated Document
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 March 31, 2010

or

o
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   000-51868

CORNERSTONE REALTY FUND, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA
 
33-0827161
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
1920 MAIN STREET, SUITE 400, IRVINE, CA
 
92614
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
(ZIP CODE)
 
949-852-1007
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the 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.
 
x Yes    o No

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

o Yes    o No

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

Large accelerated filer o  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o  Smaller Reporting Company x

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

o Yes    x No
 
 
 

 
 
PART I.
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
 
Financial Statements:
   
         
   
Condensed Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (unaudited)
 
3
         
   
Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 (unaudited)
 
4
         
   
Condensed Statement of Members’ Capital for the Three months ended March 31, 2010 (unaudited)
 
5
         
   
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009 (unaudited)
 
6
         
   
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
7
         
Item 2.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
12
         
Item 3.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
13
         
Item 4(T).
 
Controls and Procedures
 
13
         
PART II.
 
OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
Item 6.
 
Exhibits
 
14
         
SIGNATURES
 
15
 
 
2

 
 
CORNERSTONE REALTY FUND, LLC
(a California Limited Liability Company)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
             
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
349,000
   
$
761,000
 
Investments in real estate
               
Land
   
10,088,000
     
10,088,000
 
Buildings and improvements, net
   
15,966,000
     
16,110,000
 
Intangible asset — in-place leases, net
   
2,000
     
9,000
 
Property held for sale, net
   
1,715,000
     
1,726,000
 
     
27,771,000
     
27,933,000
 
 Other assets
               
Non-real estate assets associated with property held for sale
   
74,000
     
74,000
 
Tenant and other receivables, net
   
280,000
     
263,000
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
82,000
     
50,000
 
Leasing commissions, net
   
174,000
     
158,000
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
28,730,000
   
$
29,239,000
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
               
                 
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and prepaid rent
 
$
157,000
   
$
161,000
 
Real estate taxes payable
   
143,000
     
76,000
 
Tenant security deposits
   
197,000
     
194,000
 
Intangible lease liability, net
   
1,000
     
5,000
 
Liabilities associated with property held for sale
   
203,000
     
262,000
 
Total liabilities
   
701,000
     
698,000
 
                 
Members’ capital (100,000 units authorized and issued as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009; 98,670 and 98,814 units outstanding as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively)
   
28,029,000
     
28,541,000
 
                 
Total liabilities and members’ capital
 
$
28,730,000
   
$
29,239,000
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
CORNERSTONE REALTY FUND, LLC
(a California Limited Liability Company)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Revenues
           
Rental revenues
 
$
607,000
   
$
685,000
 
Tenant reimbursements and other income
   
115,000
     
124,000
 
     
722,000
     
809,000
 
Expenses
               
Property operating and maintenance
   
214,000
     
156,000
 
Property taxes
   
111,000
     
107,000
 
General and administrative
   
109,000
     
79,000
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
199,000
     
207,000
 
     
633,000
     
549,000
 
                 
Interest income
   
     
1,000
 
Net income from continuing operations
   
89,000
     
261,000
 
                 
Net income from discontinued operation
   
70,000
     
1,000
 
                 
Net income
 
$
159,000
   
$
262,000
 
                 
Net income allocable to managing member:
               
From continuing operations
 
$
9,000
   
$
26,000
 
From discontinued operation
   
7,000
     
 
   
$
16,000
   
$
26,000
 
Net income allocation to unit holders:
               
From continuing operations
 
$
80,000
   
$
235,000
 
    From discontinued operation
   
63,000
     
1,000
 
   
$
143,000
   
$
236,000
 
Per unit amounts:
               
Basic and diluted income from continuing operations allocable to unit holders
 
$
0.81
   
$
2.37
 
Basic and diluted income from discontinued operation allocable to unit holders
 
$
0.64
   
$
0.01
 
                 
Basic and diluted weighted average units outstanding
   
98,790
     
99,333
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
CORNERSTONE REALTY FUND, LLC
(a California Limited Liability Company)

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF MEMBERS’ CAPITAL
(Unaudited)

Balance, December 31, 2009
 
$
28,541,000
 
         
Cash distributions to unit holders
   
(622,000
)
Units repurchased and retired
   
(49,000
)
Net income
   
159,000
 
         
Balance, March 31, 2010
 
$
28,029,000
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
CORNERSTONE REALTY FUND, LLC
(a California Limited Liability Company)

 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
 
$
159,000
   
$
262,000
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
214,000
     
238,000
 
Provision for bad debt
   
41,000
     
15,000
 
Straight-line rent and amortization of acquired above/below market leases, net
   
(29,000
)
   
1,000
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Other assets, net
   
(112,000
)
   
(84,000
)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and prepaid rent
   
(16,000
)
   
(86,000
)
Real estate taxes payable
   
22,000
     
27,000
 
Tenant security deposits
   
2,000
     
(19,000
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
281,000
     
354,000
 
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Investments in real estate
   
(22,000
)
   
(6,000
)
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(22,000
)
   
(6,000
)
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Cash distributions to unit holders
   
(622,000
)
   
(626,000
)
Cash distributions to managing member
   
     
(81,000
)
Units repurchased and retired
   
(49,000
)
   
(36,000
)
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(671,000
)
   
(743,000
)
                 
Net decrease in cash
   
(412,000
)
   
(395,000
)
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
761,000
     
2,289,000
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
349,000
   
$
1,894,000
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
 
 
6

 

CORNERSTONE REALTY FUND, LLC
(a California Limited Liability Company)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
(Unaudited)

1.
Organization and Business

Cornerstone Realty Fund, LLC, a California limited liability company (the “Fund”), was formed in October of 1998 to invest in multi-tenant business parks catering to small business tenants.  As used in this report, “Fund”, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Cornerstone Realty Fund, LLC except where the context otherwise requires. 
 
Our managing member is Cornerstone Industrial Properties, LLC (“CIP”), a California limited liability company.  Cornerstone Ventures, Inc. is the managing member of CIP.  Cornerstone Ventures, Inc. is an experienced real estate operating company specializing in the acquisition, operation and repositioning of multi-tenant industrial business parks catering to small business tenants.

On August 7, 2001, we commenced a public offering of units of our membership interest pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-11 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933.  On August 18, 2005, we completed a public offering of these units.  As of that date, we had issued 100,000 units to unit holders for gross offering proceeds of $50,000,000, before discounts of $39,780.

Our interim unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission filing requirements for Form 10-Q, the condensed financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.  The condensed financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a presentation in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been included.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.

Each member’s liability is limited pursuant to the provisions of the Beverly-Killea Limited Liability Company Act. 
 
The operating agreement, as amended and restated, provides, among other things, for the following:

 
CIP generally has complete and exclusive discretion in the management and control of our operations; however, unit holders holding the majority of all outstanding and issued units have certain specified voting rights which include the removal and replacement of the Managing Member.

 
Net Cash Flow from Operations, as defined, will be distributed 90% to the unit holders and 10% to the Managing Member until the unit holders have received either an 8% or 12% cumulative, non-compounded annual return on their Invested Capital Contributions, as defined.  The 12% return applies to specified early investors for the twelve-month period subsequent to the date of their Invested Capital Contributions and is in lieu of the 8% return during that period.

 
Net Sales Proceeds, as defined, will be distributed first, 100% to the unit holders in an amount equal to their Invested Capital Contributions; then, 90% to the unit holders and 10% to the Managing Member until the unit holders have received an amount equal to the unpaid balance of their aggregate cumulative, non-compounded annual return on their Invested Capital Contributions; and thereafter, 50% to the unit holders and 50% to the Managing Member.

 
Net Income, as defined, is allocated first, 10% to the Managing Member and 90% to the unit holders until Net Income allocated equals cumulative Net Losses, as defined, previously allocated in such proportions; second, in proportion to and to the extent of Net Cash Flow from Operations and Net Sales Proceeds previously distributed to the members, exclusive of distributions representing a return of Invested Capital Contributions; and then 50% to the Managing Member and 50% to the unit holders.
 
 
7

 

 
Net Loss is allocated first, 50% to the Managing Member and 50% to the unit holders, until Net Loss allocated equals cumulative Net Income previously allocated in such proportions; then remaining Net Loss is allocated 10% to the Managing Member and 90% to the unit holders.

 
All allocations and distributions to the unit holders are to be pro rata in proportion to their ownership shares.

 
Effective February 22, 2007, our operating agreement was amended to permit repurchase of units on such terms and conditions as the Managing Member may determine.

 
Effective June 2, 2009, our operating agreement was amended and the dissolution date in Section 11.1 (a) was extended from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2012.

 
Effective April 27, 2010, our operating agreement was amended and allows the Managing Member to cause us to incur debt financing not to exceed ten percent of the capital contributions of all unit holders to meet the Fund’s operating expenses or to fund cash distributions declared and paid to members.

2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  We base these estimates on various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, and these estimates form the basis for our judgments concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  We periodically evaluate these estimates and judgments based on available information and experience. Actual results could differ from our estimates under different assumptions and conditions.  If actual results significantly differ from our estimates, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially impacted.  For more information regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates please refer to "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.  There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in that report except as discussed below.

Interim Financial Information

The accompanying interim condensed financial statements have been prepared by our management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and in conjunction with the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Certain information and note disclosures required for annual financial statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules and regulations.  Accordingly, the interim condensed financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  The accompanying financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of our management, of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.  Our accompanying interim condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and the notes thereto included on our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In February 2010, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Codification (“ASU”) 2010-09, Subsequent Events: Amendments to Certain recognition and Disclosure Requirements (amendments to ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events).  ASU 2010-09 clarifies that subsequent events should be evaluated through the date the financial statements are issued. In addition, this update no longer requires a filer to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued subsequent to February 24, 2010. We adopted this guidance on February 24, 2010 and it did not have a material impact on our condensed financial statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures - Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (amendments to ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures). ASU 2010-06 amends the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring measurements. The guidance requires new disclosures on the transfer of assets and liabilities between Level 1 (quoted prices in active market for identical assets or liabilities) and Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of the fair value measurement  hierarchy,  including the reasons and the timing of the transfers.  Additionally, the guidance requires a roll forward of activities on purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2010 and it did not have a material impact on our condensed financial statements.

8

 
In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R),” which was primarily codified into Topic 810 – “Consolidation” in the ASC.  The new guidance impacts the consolidation guidance applicable to VIEs and among other things require a qualitative rather than a quantitative analysis to determine the primary beneficiary of a VIE, continuous assessments of whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and enhanced disclosures about a company’s involvement with a VIE. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2010 and it did not have a material impact on our condensed financial statements.

Investments in Real Estate Assets Held-for-Sale

The Fund evaluates the held-for-sale classification of its owned real estate each quarter.  Assets that are classified as held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.  Assets are classified as held-for-sale once management commits to a plan to sell the properties and has initiated an active program to market them for sale.  The results of operations of these real estate properties are reflected as discontinued operations in all periods reported.  During the first quarter of 2010, management committed a plan to sell  Zenith Drive Centre to a third party and classified the property as held-for-sale. See Note 7 for additional information.

3.
Investment in Real Estate

As of March 31, 2010, accumulated depreciation and amortization related to investments in real estate and related lease intangibles were as follows:

   
 
Land
   
Buildings and
Improvements
   
Intangible
Lease Value
   
In-Place
Lease Value
   
Acquired Below-Market Leases
 
Investments in real estate
  $ 10,088,000     $ 18,433,000     $     $ 770,000     $ (154,000 )
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
          (2,467,000 )           (768,000 )     153,000  
Net investments in real estate and related lease intangibles from continuing operations
    10,088,000       15,966,000             2,000       (1,000 )
Net investments in real estate and related lease intangibles held-for-sale
    355,000       1,256,000       104,000              
    $ 10,443,000     $ 17,222,000     $ 104,000     $ 2,000     $ (1,000 )

As of December 31, 2009, accumulated depreciation and amortization related to investments in real estate and related lease intangibles were as follows:

   
 
Land
   
Buildings and
Improvements
   
Intangible
Lease Value
   
In-Place
Lease Value
   
Acquired Below-Market Leases
 
Investments in real estate
  $ 10,088,000     $ 18,411,000     $     $ 770,000     $ (154,000 )
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization from continuing operations
          (2,301,000 )           (761,000 )     149,000  
Net investments in real estate and related lease intangibles from continuing operations
    10,088,000       16,110,000             9,000       (5,000 )
Net investments in real estate and related lease intangibles held-for-sale
    355,000       1,265,000       106,000              
    $ 10,443,000     $ 17,375,000     $ 106,000     $ 9,000     $ (5,000 )

Depreciation and amortization related to investments in real estate, real estate investment held-for-sale and related lease intangibles for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were $177,000 and $189,000, respectively. 

 
9

 

Estimated amortization associated with the intangible lease assets, in-place lease assets and intangible lease liability for April 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 and each of the four subsequent years is as follows:

   
Lease Intangibles
 
April 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010
 
$
1,000
 
2011
   
 
2012
   
 
2013
   
 
2014
   
 
Total
 
$
1,000
 
 
4.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $223,000 and $190,000 as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

5.
Concentration of Credit Risks

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk are primarily cash investments; cash is generally invested in investment-grade short-term instruments. Currently, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, generally insures amounts up to $250,000 per depositor per insured bank. This amount is scheduled to be reduced to $100,000 after December 31, 2013.  As of March 31, 2010, none of our cash accounts were in excess of FDIC insured limits.

As of March 31, 2010, we owned four properties in the state of California, one property in the state of Arizona and one property in the state of Illinois.  Accordingly, there is a geographic concentration of risk subject to fluctuations in the California economy.

6.
Commitments and Contingencies

We monitor our properties for the presence of hazardous or toxic substances.  While there can be no assurance that a material environmental liability does not exist, we are not currently aware of any environmental liability with respect to the properties that would have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  Further, we are not aware of any environmental liability or any unasserted claim or assessment with respect to an environmental liability that we believe would require additional disclosure or the recording of a loss contingency.

Our commitments and contingencies include the usual obligations of real estate owners and operators in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, these matters are not expected to have a material impact on our condensed financial position, cash flows and results of operations.  We are not presently subject to any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, any material litigation threatened against us which if determined unfavorably to us would have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, financial condition or results of operations.

7. 
Discontinued Operations
 
In accordance with FASB ASC 360-10, Property, Plant & Equipment, we report results of operations from real estate assets that meet the definition of a component of an entity that have been sold, or meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale, as discontinued operations. As of March 1, 2010, we determined that the potential sale of Zenith Drive Centre to a third party was probable, and accordingly, classified the property as held for sale.  The decision was based on our evaluation of Chicago real estate market dynamics which we believe indicated that the value of the asset has been maximized. Depreciation and amortization of Zenith Drive was not recorded for the period of March 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010 in accordance with ASC 360-10.  No properties were sold during the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. We included all results of the discontinued operations in a separate component of income on the statements of operations under the heading Income from Discontinued Operations. This treatment resulted in certain reclassifications of 2009 financial statement amounts.
 
The following is a summary of the components of income from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
 
10

 
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2009
 
Total revenues and other income
  $ 176,000     $ 114,000  
Operating expenses and real estate taxes
    91,000       82,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    15,000       31,000  
                 
Net income from discontinued operation
  $ 70,000     $ 1,000  
                 
Net income from discontinued operation allocable to managing member
  $ 7,000     $  
Net income from discontinued operation allocable to unit holders
  $ 63,000     $ 1,000  
 
 
A summary of the property held-for-sale balance sheet information is as follows:

   
March  31,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
 
             
Investments in real estate
               
Land
 
 $
355,000
   
 $
355,000
 
Buildings and improvements, net
   
1,256,000
     
1,265,000
 
Intangible lease assets, net
   
104,000
     
106,000
 
Property held for sale, net
   
1,715,000
     
1,726,000
 
                 
 Other assets
               
Tenant and other receivables, net
   
46,000
     
50,000
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
6,000
     
2,000
 
Leasing commissions, net
   
22,000
     
22,000
 
Non-real estate assets associated with property held for sale
   
74,000
     
74,000
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
1,789,000
   
$
1,800,000
 
                 
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and prepaid rent
 
$
30,000
   
$
42,000
 
Real estate taxes payable
   
112,000
     
157,000
 
Tenant security deposits
   
61,000
     
63,000
 
Liabilities associated with property held for sale
 
 $
203,000
   
 $
262,000
 
 
 
8.
Subsequent Event

On March 5, 2010, we commenced a solicitation of written consent from our unitholders to approve an amendment to our operating agreement, without the necessity of holding a special meeting of the holders.  The purpose of the proposed amendment was to allow the Managing Member to cause the Fund to incur debt not to exceed ten percent of the capital contributions of all unit holders to meet the Fund’s operating expenses or to fund cash distributions declared and paid to members.
 
On April 9, 2010, our Managing Member elected to extend the period for receipt of signed consents from April 9, 2010 to April 23, 2010.  The affirmative consent of a majority of the outstanding percentage interests was required to approve the amendment to the operating agreement. As of April 23, 2010, we had received affirmative consents from holders of a majority of the outstanding percentage interests approving the proposed amendment to our operating agreement and concluded the consent process and we amended our operating agreement effective as of April 27, 2010.
 
 
11

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report.  This section contains forward-looking statements, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based.   These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believes,” “project,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions.    Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.   Forward-looking statements were true at the time made may ultimately prove to be incorrect or false.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward–looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements should be read in light of the risks identified in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the SEC.

Overview
 
Our revenues, which are comprised largely of rental income, include rents reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. Our growth depends, in part, on our ability to (i) increase rental income and other earned income from leases by increasing rental rates and occupancy levels; (ii) maximize tenant recoveries given the underlying lease structures; and (iii) control operating and other expenses. Our operations are impacted by property specific, market specific, general economic and other conditions. 
 
Market Outlook – Real Estate and Real Estate Finance Markets
 
In recent years, both the national and most global economies have experienced substantially increased unemployment and a downturn in economic activity. Despite certain recent positive economic indicators and improved stock market performance, the aforementioned conditions, combined with low consumer confidence, have resulted in an unprecedented global recession and continue to contribute to a challenging economic environment that may delay the implementation of our business strategy or force us to modify it.
 
As a result of the decline in general economic conditions, the U.S. commercial real estate industry has also experienced deteriorating fundamentals across all major property types and most geographic markets. Tenant defaults are on the rise, while demand for commercial real estate space is contracting, resulting in a highly competitive leasing environment, downward pressure on both occupancy and rental rates, and an increase in leasing incentives.  Mortgage delinquencies and defaults have trended upward, with many industry analysts predicting significant credit defaults, foreclosures and principal losses.
 
The market conditions that have and will likely continue to have a significant impact on our real estate investments have also negatively impacted our tenants’ businesses. As a result, our tenants are finding it more difficult to meet current lease obligations and forcing them to negotiate reduced rental rates upon renewal in order for their businesses to remain viable. Lower lease rates and  increased rent concessions have resulted in lower current cash flow as compared to the first quarter of 2009. Additional declines in rental rates, slower or potentially negative net absorption of leased space and additional rental concessions, including free rent, would result in additional future decreases in cash flows.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC other than as described under Note 2 to the accompanying condensed financial statements.

Results of Operations

Results of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 comprise five multi-tenant industrial business park properties in two major metropolitan areas. On March 1, 2010, we determined that the potential sale of Zenith Drive Centre to a third party was probable and classified the property as held for sale.  We have included all operating results of the Zenith Drive Centre in a separate component of income on the Statements of Operations under the heading net income from discontinued operations.

 
12

 

The results of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are discussed below.

Three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

Rental revenues, tenant reimbursements and other income from continuing operations decreased to approximately $722,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from approximately $809,000 for the comparable period of 2009, primarily due to higher vacancy, lower market lease rates and higher concessions to attract and retain tenants as a result of the national economic crisis. These factors were partially offset by rental escalations for existing tenants.

Property operating and maintenance expenses from continuing operations increased to approximately $214,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 from approximately $156,000 for the comparable period of 2009.  The increase is primarily due to increases in uncollectible accounts and in repairs and maintenance.

Property taxes from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were comparable to the corresponding period of 2009. 

General and administrative expenses from continuing operations increased to approximately $109,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from approximately $79,000 for the comparable period of 2009.  The increase is primarily due to increase in accounting and audit fee obligations. 

Depreciation and amortization expenses from continuing operations decreased to approximately $199,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from approximately $207,000 for the comparable period of 2009.  The decrease is due to a real estate impairment loss recognized on December 31, 2009, reducing depreciable basis, and the full amortization of intangible assets at two or our properties.

Interest and other income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were comparable to the corresponding period of 2009. 

Discontinued Operations
 
During the first quarter of 2010, we determined that the potential sale of Zenith Drive Centre to a third party was probable and classified the property as held for sale in accordance with ASC 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment.   Net income from discontinued operations was approximately $70,000 and $1,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of April 30, 2010, we had approximately $0.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. We intend to use the existing cash balance for capital improvements to the properties and to provide for operating reserves. Cash in excess of these needs, if any, will be available for distribution to unit holders and to repurchase units from unit holders.

Effective April 27, 2010, our operating agreement was amended to allow the managing member to cause us to incur debt financing, not to exceed ten percent of the capital contributions of all unit holders, to meet our operating expenses or to fund cash distributions declared and paid to members. To the extent that net cash generated by the properties is not sufficient to meet operating costs and pay cash distributions to our unit holders, we will endeavor to obtain financing or sell selected properties so that we can continue to operate the remaining properties and pay cash distributions.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We invest our cash and cash equivalents in government backed securities and money market accounts, which, by their nature, are subject to interest rate fluctuations. As of March 31, 2010, a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material effect on our interest income.

Item 4(T).          Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports 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 senior management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer at Cornerstone Ventures, Inc., the manager of our Managing Member, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
13

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.
Exhibits

3.1 
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Cornerstone Realty Fund, LLC dated as of June 30, 2003 (as amended on February 22, 200, June 2, 2009 and April 27, 2010).
   
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
14

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized this 13th day of May 2010.

 
CORNERSTONE REALTY FUND, LLC
     
 
By:
CORNERSTONE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES, LLC
   
its Managing Member
     
   
By:
CORNERSTONE VENTURES, INC.
     
its Manager
         
     
By:
/s/ TERRY G. ROUSSEL
       
Terry G. Roussel, President
       
(Principal Executive Officer)
         
     
By:
/s/ SHARON C. KAISER
       
Sharon C. Kaiser,
       
Chief Financial Officer
       
(Principal Financial Officer and
       
Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
15