ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization and Background

        BRT Realty Trust ("BRT" or the "Trust") is a business trust organized in Massachusetts. BRT originates and holds for investment senior mortgage loans secured by commercial and multi-family real estate property in the United States. Additionally, BRT participates as an equity investor in the purchase of multi-family properties.

        The loans BRT originate generally have relatively high yields and are short-term or bridge loans with a duration ranging from six months to one year. BRT's policy is to lend at a floating rate of interest based on a spread over the prime rate, with a stated minimum rate, though BRT originates fixed rate loans as circumstances dictate. BRT receives an origination fee for the loans it originates.

        The multi-family properties are generally acquired with venture partners where the Trust contributes 80% to 90% of the equity in each transaction.

        BRT conducts its operations to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for Federal income tax purposes.

Principles of Consolidation; Basis of Preparation

        Certain items on the consolidated financial statements for the preceding period have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation.

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of BRT Realty Trust, its wholly owned subsidiaries, and its majority owned or controlled real estate entities and its interests in variable interest entities in which the Trust is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

        RBH-TRB Newark Holdings LLC, referred to herein as the Newark Joint Venture, was determined to be a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") because the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit it to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support by its equity holders. The Trust was determined to be the primary beneficiary of this joint venture because it has a controlling interest in that it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity and the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

        The Trust's consolidated joint ventures that own multi-family properties were determined to be VIE's because the voting rights of some equity investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the entity and their right to receive the expected residual returns. In addition, substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of the investor that has disproportionately few voting rights.

        The Trust was determined to be the primary beneficiary of these joint ventures because it has a controlling interest in that it has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and it has the obligation to absorb losses of the entity and the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

        With respect to its unconsolidated joint ventures, as (i) the Trust is primarily the managing member but does not exercise substantial operating control over these entities or the Trust is not the managing member and (ii) such entities are not VIE's. The Trust has determined that such joint ventures should be accounted for under the equity method of accounting for financial statement purposes.

        The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Income Tax Status

        The Trust qualifies as a real estate investment trust under sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Trustees may, at their option, elect to operate the Trust as a business trust not qualifying as a real estate investment trust.

Income Recognition

        Income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis of accounting for financial reporting purposes. The Trust does not accrue interest on impaired loans where, in the judgment of management, collection of interest according to the contractual terms of the loan documents is considered doubtful. Among the factors the Trust considers in making an evaluation of the amount of interest that is collectable, are the financial condition of the borrower, the status of the underlying collateral and anticipated future events. The Trust accrues interest on performing impaired loans and records cash receipts as a reduction of interest receivable. For impaired non-accrual loans, interest is recognized on a cash basis. The Trust will resume the accrual of interest if it determines the collection of interest according to the contractual terms of the loan is probable.

        Loan commitment, origination and extension fee income on loans held in our portfolio is deferred and recorded as loan fee income over the life of the commitment and loan. Commitment fees are generally non-refundable. When a commitment expires or the Trust no longer has any other obligation to perform, the remaining fee is recognized in income.

        Rental revenue from commercial real estate properties includes the base rent that each tenant is required to pay in accordance with the terms of their respective leases reported on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease.

        Rental revenue from residential properties is recorded when due from residents and is recognized monthly as it is earned. Rental payments are due in advance. Leases on residential properties are generally for terms that do not exceed one year.

        The basis on which cost was determined in computing the realized gain or loss on sales of available-for-sale securities is specific cost.

Allowance for Possible Losses

        A loan is deemed to be impaired when based on current information and events, it is probable, in the judgment of management, that the Trust will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan documents. When making this evaluation various factors are considered, as appropriate, including, market evaluations of the underlying collateral, estimated operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, and estimated sales value which is computed by applying an estimated capitalization rate to the projected stabilized net operating income of the specific property, less selling costs, discounted at market discount rates. If upon completion of the evaluation, the value of the collateral securing the loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, an allowance is created with a corresponding charge to expense. The fair values related to the collateral securing impaired loans based on discounted cash flow models are considered to be level 3 valuations within the fair value hierarchy. When the Trust acquires title to the property, the loan loss allowance is adjusted by charging off all amounts related to the loan and recording the property at its fair value.

Real Estate Properties, Real Estate Properties Held-For-Sale and Loan Held-For-Sale

        Real estate properties are shown net of accumulated depreciation and include real property acquired through acquisition and foreclosure and similar proceedings.

        The Trust assesses the fair value of real estate acquired (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangibles such as above and below market leases and acquired in-place leases, if any) and acquired liabilities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, "Business Combinations," and ASC Topic 350, "intangibles—Goodwill and Other," and allocates the acquisition price based on these assessments. Fixed-rate renewal options have been included in the calculation of the fair value of acquired leases where applicable. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of the tangible asset. Intangible assets (and liabilities) are amortized over the remaining life of the related lease at the time of acquisition. There was no unamortized value of in-place leases at September 30, 2012. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

        When real estate is acquired by foreclosure proceedings, it is recorded at the lower of the recorded investment of the loan or estimated fair value of the property at the time of foreclosure or delivery of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The recorded investment is the face amount of the loan that has been decreased by any deferred fees, loan loss allowances and any valuation adjustments. Costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure of the properties collateralizing the real estate loans are expensed as incurred.

        Real estate and real estate loans are classified as held for sale when management has determined that it has met the appropriate criteria in ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment". Real estate properties which are held for sale are not depreciated and their operations are shown in discontinued operations. Real estate assets and loans that are expected to be disposed of are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or their fair value less costs to sell on an individual asset basis.

        The Trust accounts for the sale of real estate when title passes to the buyer, sufficient equity payments have been received, there is no continuing involvement by the Trust and there is reasonable assurance that the remaining receivable, if any, will be collected.

Real Estate Asset Impairments

        The Trust reviews each real estate asset owned, including investments in real estate ventures, to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If such indicators are present, the Trust determines whether the carrying amount of the asset can be recovered. Recognition of impairment is required if the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the assets are less than the assets' carrying amount. Measurement of impairment is based upon the estimated fair value of the asset. In evaluating a property for impairment, various factors are considered, including estimated current and expected operating cash flow from the property during the projected holding period, costs necessary to extend the life or improve the asset, expected capitalization rates, projected stabilized net operating income, selling costs, and the ability to hold and dispose of such real estate in the ordinary course of business. Valuation adjustments may be necessary in the event that effective interest rates, rent-up periods, future economic conditions, and other relevant factors vary significantly from those assumed in valuing the property. If future evaluations result in a diminution in the value of the property, the reduction will be recognized as an impairment charge. The fair values related to the impaired real estate are considered to be a level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy.

Fixed Asset Capitalization

        A variety of costs may be incurred in the development of the Trust's properties. After a determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific project that is benefited. The costs of land and building under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed when it is available for occupancy, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. We cease capitalization when the project is available for occupancy.

Equity Based Compensation

        The Trust's compensation expense for restricted stock awards is amortized over the vesting period of such awards, based upon the estimated fair value of such restricted stock at the grant date. For accounting purposes, the restricted shares are not included in the outstanding shares shown on the consolidated balance sheets until they vest; however, they are included in the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share as they participate in the earnings of the Trust.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

        The Trust's objective in using derivative financial instruments is to manage interest rate risk. The Trust does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Trust records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Trust has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the period in which the hedge transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized directly in earnings in the period in which they occur.

Per Share Data

        Basic earnings (loss) per share was determined by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders for the applicable year by the weighted average number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding during such year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue shares of beneficial interest were exercised or converted into shares of beneficial interest or resulted in the issuance of shares of beneficial interest that share in the earnings of the Trust. Diluted earnings per share was determined by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders for the applicable year by the total of the weighted average number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding plus the dilutive effect of the Trust's unvested restricted stock and outstanding options and warrants using the treasury stock method.

Cash Equivalents

        Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments, primarily direct United States treasury obligations with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Reporting

        Management has determined that it operates in three reportable segments: a loan and investment segment, a multi-family real estate segment and another real estate segment. The loan and investment segment includes all activities related to the origination and servicing of the Trusts loan portfolio and other investments, the multi-family real estate segment includes the ownership and operation of its multi-family properties and the other real estate segment includes all activities related to the development, operation and disposition of the Trust's real estate assets. These three lines of business require different support infrastructures.

New Accounting Pronouncements

        In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASC") No. 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS." This update provides a uniform framework for fair value measurements and related disclosures between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and requires additional disclosures, including: (i) quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used, and a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the measurements to changes in the unobservable inputs, for Level 3 fair value measurements; (ii) fair value of financial instruments not measured at fair value but for which disclosure of fair value is required, based on their levels in the fair value hierarchy; and (iii) transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. This update was effective for the Trust's interim and annual reporting beginning January 1 2012 and did not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.

        In June 2011, the FASB issued ASC No. 2011-05, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income." This update requires the presentation of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This update was effective for the Trust's interim and annual reporting beginning on January 1, 2012, and did not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.