-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, EcI2w6iWWfCDSsWs32tuUyg/pmWTmi2il78TrtFQ+kBLvAKYsXFa4j87o4Ot0wPA 5sPhT0XaU7NR3Lrq/JOVgQ== 0000914317-06-000170.txt : 20060117 0000914317-06-000170.hdr.sgml : 20060116 20060117121921 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000914317-06-000170 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051031 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060117 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060117 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000036840 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 221697095 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NJ FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-25043 FILM NUMBER: 06532139 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 505 MAIN ST STREET 2: P O BOX 667 CITY: HACKENSACK STATE: NJ ZIP: 07602 BUSINESS PHONE: 2014886400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P O BOX 667 STREET 2: 505 MAIN STREET CITY: HACKENSACK STATE: NJ ZIP: 07602 10-K 1 form10k-72916_freit.htm

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2005

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 2-27018

FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            New Jersey 22-1697095

(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
 
505 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601

    (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

201-488-6400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Name of each exchange
Title of each Class on which registered
None Not Applicable

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Shares of Beneficial Interest

(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ¨ No ý

Indicate by Check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes ¨ No ý

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 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 ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K   ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.)  Yes ý No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes ¨ No ý

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s shares of beneficial interest held by non-affiliates was approximately $239 million. Computation is based on the closing sales price of such shares as quoted on the over-the-counter-market on April 29, 2005, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.

As of January 13, 2006, the number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding was 6,509,152.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 13, 2006 are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K

Page No.
PART 1    
Item 1 Business
Item 2 Properties 10 
Item 3 Legal Proceedings 13 
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 14 
Item 4A Executive Officers of FREIT 14 
PART II
Item 5 Market for FREIT’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 15 
Item 6 Selected Financial Data 15 
Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 17 
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 28 
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 28 
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 29 
Item 9A Controls and Procedures 29 
PART III
Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 29 
Item 11 Executive Compensation 30 
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 30 
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 30 
Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 31 
PART IV
Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statements and Schedules 31 
Financial Statements Index 33 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information included in this Annual Report contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The registrant cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to the registrant’s investment policies and objectives; the financial performance of the registrant; the ability of the registrant to service its debt; the competitive conditions which affect the registrant’s business; the ability of the registrant to obtain the necessary governmental approvals for the development, expansion or renovation of its properties, the impact of environmental conditions affecting the registrant’s properties, and the registrant’s liquidity and capital resources, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors, including, without limitation, the registrant’s future financial performance; the availability of capital; general market conditions; national and local economic conditions, particularly long-term interest rates; federal, state and local governmental regulations that affect the registrant; and the competitive environment in which the registrant operates, including, the availability of retail space and residential apartment units in the areas where the registrant’s properties are located. In addition, the registrant’s continued qualification as a real estate investment trust involves the application of highly technical and complex rules of the Internal Revenue Code. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report and the registrant assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those projected in such forward-looking statements.

PART I

ITEM 1 BUSINESS

  (a) GENERAL BUSINESS

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) is an equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) organized in New Jersey in 1961. FREIT acquires, develops and holds real estate properties for long-term investment and not for resale.

FREIT’s long-range investment policy is to review and evaluate potential real estate investment opportunities for acquisition that it believes will (i) complement its existing investment portfolio, (ii) generate increased income and distributions to shareholders, and (iii) increase the overall value of FREIT’s portfolio. FREIT’s investments may take the form of wholly owned fee interests or, if the circumstances warrant, on a joint venture basis, to diversify risk, with other parties including employees and affiliates of Hekemian & Co., Inc. (See Management Agreement), provided FREIT would be able to maintain management control over the property. While FREIT’s general investment policy is to hold and maintain its properties long-term, it may, from time-to-time, sell or trade certain properties in order to (i) obtain capital to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which FREIT has determined or determines are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.

  Fiscal Year 2005 Developments

(i) Financing

(a)     On February 4, 2005, FREIT replaced its $14 million line of credit with an $18 million line of credit. The new line of credit is for three years but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, at each anniversary date. Draws against the credit line can be used for general corporate purposes, for property acquisitions, construction activities, and letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, Franklin Lakes, NJ, retail space in Glen Rock, NJ, Lakewood Apartments, Lakewood, NJ, and Grandview Apartments, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Interest rates on draws will be set at the time of each draw for 30, 60, or 90 day periods, based on out choice of the prime rate or at 175 basis points over the 30, 60, or 90 day LIBOR rates at the time of the draws.

As of October 31, 2005 there were no draws outstanding against this line, except the credit line has been utilized for the issuance of a $2 million Letter of Credit for the benefit of the Township of Rockaway in connection with our construction of 129 garden apartment units.

(b)     On October 21, 2005 FREIT entered into a construction loan with State Farm Bank, F.S.B. (“State Farm”), whereby State Farm will finance, principally, all the construction costs at Boulders (FREIT’s 129 garden apartment project in Rockaway, NJ). Interest on State Farm advances will be payable monthly at 140 basis points above the one-month LIBOR rate in effect from time-to-time. State Farm made an initial advance of $75,000 on October 21, 2005. The Initial Maturity Date for the construction loan is November 1, 2006, and under certain circumstances, this date may be extended to February 1, 2007. On the Initial Maturity Date the

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construction loan will be converted (Conversion Date) to a permanent loan and State Farm will fund additional amounts to bring the permanent loan balance up to $20.7 million. The permanent loan will bear a fixed interest rate of 5.37%, and require fixed monthly interest and principal payments totaling $115,850. The final payment of unpaid principal will be due fifteen (15) years from the conversion date. Until the construction loan is converted in to a permanent loan, the loan is fully guaranteed by FREIT. Upon conversion to a permanent loan, and the achievement of certain occupancy and debt service coverage ratios, the loan becomes a non-recourse loan, and will be secured, principally, by the underlying property.

(c)     In connection with the acquisition of The Rotunda (see below) FREIT entered into an acquisition loan with the Bank of America for $22.5 million. Interest only is payable monthly at the rate of 150 basis points over LIBOR, in effect from time-to-time. The loan is due on July 19, 2008, but may be extended, under certain circumstances, for an additional one year.

(ii) ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION

(a) The Rotunda – Baltimore, MD:
On July 19, 2005 FREIT’s 60% owned affiliate, Grande Rotunda, LLC, completed the acquisition of The Rotunda, a mixed-use property in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rotunda site is approximately 11.5 acres and is in close proximity to Johns Hopkins University. Its current configuration contains about 138,000 sq. ft. of office space, primarily in the four-story main building, and 78,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the main building. The acquisition cost was approximately $31 million (inclusive of transaction costs), which was financed in part from an acquisition loan in the amount of $22.5 million (see above), and the balance in cash. FREIT contributed 60% of the cash required, with the balance contributed by its joint venture partner, Rotunda 100, LLC, whose equity investors are principally employees of Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”). Hekemian is the managing agent for FREIT’s other properties. In order to incentivize the employees of Hekemian to identify and provide real estate investment opportunities for FREIT, FREIT has agreed to advance, only to the employees of Hekemian, up to 50% of the amount of the equity capital required to be contributed by them to Rotunda 100, LLC, for this transaction. FREIT has advanced $1.7 million to the Hekemian employees (certain of whom are members of the family of FREIT’s Chairman of the Board), and these loans will bear a floating rate of interest payable quarterly and will be secured by the Hekemian employees’ membership equity interest in Rotunda 100, LLC.

(b) Rockaway Township, NJ
FREIT owns approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land in Rockaway Township, NJ. In July 2005 construction started on 129 garden apartment units. Development costs are estimated at $13.8 million that we will finance, in part, from construction financing (see above) and, in part, from funds available from our institutional money market investments. Construction is expected to last twelve to eighteen months, with the first buildings available for occupancy in March / April 2006.

Approximately one (1) acre of the Rockaway land has been sub-divided and leased to a bank. Rent under the land lease commenced in December 2003.

  (b) Financial Information about Segments

FREIT has two reportable segments: Commercial Properties and Residential Properties. These reportable segments have different customers and are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies and management expertise. Segment information for the three years ended October 31, 2005 is incorporated by reference to Note 13, “Segment Information” on pages 50 and 51 of the Consolidated Financial Statements

  (c) Narrative Description of Business

FREIT was founded and organized for the principal purpose of acquiring, developing, and owning a portfolio of diverse income producing real estate properties. FREIT’s developed properties include residential apartment communities and commercial properties that consist of multi and single tenanted properties. Our properties are located in New Jersey, Maryland and on Long Island. We also currently own approximately 18.3 acres of land currently being developed and 39.3 acres of unimproved land in New Jersey. See “Item 2 Properties - Portfolio of Investments.”

FREIT elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. FREIT operates in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT in order to take advantage of certain favorable tax aspects of the REIT structure. Generally, a REIT will not be subject to federal income taxes on that portion of its ordinary income or capital gain that is currently distributed to its equity holders.

As an equity REIT, we generally acquire interests in income producing properties to be held as long-term investments. FREIT’s return on such investments is based on the income generated by such properties mainly in the form of rents.

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From time to time, FREIT has sold, and may sell again in the future, certain of its properties in order to (i) obtain capital used or to be used to purchase, develop or renovate other properties which we believe will provide a higher rate of return and increase the value of our investment portfolio, and (ii) divest properties which FREIT has determined or determines are no longer compatible with our growth strategies and investment objectives for our real estate portfolio.

We do not hold any patents, trademarks, or licenses.

  Portfolio of Real Estate Investments

At October 31, 2005, FREIT’s real estate holdings included (i) nine (9) apartment buildings or complexes containing 986 rentable units, (ii) nine (9) commercial properties (retail and office) containing approximately 1,266,000 square feet of leasable space, including one (1) single tenant store, and a one acre parecel subject to a ground lease, (iii) an 17.26 acre land parcel on which 129 garden apartment units are being constructed, and (iiii) four (4) parcels of undeveloped land consisting of approximately 40.2 acres. FREIT and its Affiliates own all such properties in fee simple. See “Item 2 Properties - Portfolio of Investments” of this Annual Report for a description of FREIT’s separate investment properties and certain other pertinent information with respect to such properties that is relevant to FREIT’s business.

  Investment in Affiliates

The consolidated financial statements (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Form 10-K) include the accounts of the following affiliates not wholly owned by FREIT:

Westwood Hills, LLC (“Westwood Hills”): FREIT owns a 40% membership interest in Westwood Hills that owns and operates a 210-unit residential apartment complex in Westwood, NJ.

Wayne PSC, LLC (“WaynePSC”): FREIT owns a 40% membership interest in Wayne PSC, LLC which owns a 323,000 +/- sq. ft. community center in Wayne, NJ.

S And A Commercial Associates Limited Partnership (“S And A”): FREIT owns a 65% partnership interest in S And A which owns a 269-unit residential apartment complex in Hackensack, NJ.

Grande Rotunda, LLC (“Grande”): FREIT owns a 60% membership interest in Grande which owns a 217,000 square foot mixed use property in Baltimore, MD.

  Employees

On October 31, 2005 FREIT and its Affiliates had twenty-three (23) full-time employees and two (2) part-time employees who work solely at the properties owned by FREIT or its Affiliates. The number of part-time employees varies seasonally.

Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Donald W. Barney, President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. John A. Aiello, Esq., Secretary and Executive Secretary, are the executive officers of FREIT. Mr. Hekemian devotes approximately fifty to sixty percent (50% - - 60%) of his business activities to FREIT, Mr. Barney devotes approximately fifteen percent (15%) of his business activities to FREIT, and Mr. Aiello devotes approximately five percent (5%) of his business activities to FREIT. See “Item 4A – Executive Officers of FREIT.” Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”) has been retained by FREIT to manage FREIT’s properties and is responsible for recruiting, on behalf of FREIT, the personnel required to perform all services related to the operation of FREIT’s properties. See “Management Agreement.”

  Management Agreement

On April 10, 2002, FREIT and Hekemian executed a Management Agreement whereby Hekemian would continue as Managing Agent for FREIT. The term of the Management Agreement runs until October 31, 2007 and shall be automatically renewed for periods of two (2) years unless either party gives not less than six (6) months prior notice to the other of non-renewal. A non-renewal notice has not been issued by either party. The April 10, 2002 Management Agreement replaced the Management Agreement dated December 20, 1961 as extended. The salient provisions of the new Management Agreement are as follows: FREIT continues to retain the Managing Agent as the exclusive management and leasing agent for properties which FREIT owned as of April 2002, and for the Preakness Shopping Center acquired on November 1, 2002 by WaynePSC. However, FREIT may retain other managing agents to manage certain other properties hereafter acquired and to perform various other duties such as sales, acquisitions, and development with respect to any or all properties. The Managing Agent is no longer the exclusive advisor for FREIT to locate and recommend to FREIT investments, which the Managing Agent deems suitable for FREIT, and is no longer required to offer potential acquisition properties exclusively to FREIT before acquiring those properties for its own account. The new Management

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Agreement includes a detailed schedule of fees for those services, which the Managing Agent may be called upon to perform. The new Management Agreement provides for a termination fee in the event of a termination or non-renewal of the Management Agreement under certain circumstances.

Pursuant to the terms of the new Management Agreement, FREIT pays Hekemian certain fees and commissions as compensation for its services. From time to time, FREIT engages Hekemian to provide certain additional services, such as consulting services related to development and financing activities of FREIT. Separate fee arrangements are negotiated between Hekemian and FREIT with respect to such additional services. See “First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 8.”

Mr. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a Trustee of FREIT, is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian. Mr. Hekemian owns approximately .2% of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Hekemian.

  Real Estate Financing

FREIT funds acquisition opportunities and the development of its real estate properties largely through debt financing, including mortgage loans against certain of its properties. At October 31, 2005, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $166.9 million with an average interest cost on a weighted average basis of 6.312%. FREIT has mortgage loans against certain properties, which serve as collateral for such loans. See the tables in “Item 2 Properties - Portfolio of Investments” for the outstanding mortgage balances at October 31, 2005 with respect to each of these properties.

FREIT is currently, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, more highly leveraged than it has been in the past. This increased level of indebtedness also presents an increased risk of default on the obligations of FREIT and an increase in debt service requirements that could adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of FREIT. A number of FREIT’s mortgage loans are being amortized over a period that is greater than the terms of such loans; thereby requiring balloon payments at the expiration of the terms of such loans. FREIT has not established a cash reserve sinking fund with respect to such obligations and at this time does not expect to have sufficient funds from operations to make such balloon payments when due under the terms of such loans. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of Item 7.

FREIT is subject to the normal risks associated with debt financing, including the risk that FREIT’s cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; the risk that indebtedness on its properties will not be able to be renewed, repaid or refinanced when due; or that the terms of any renewal or refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of the indebtedness being replaced. If FREIT were unable to refinance its indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, FREIT might be forced to dispose of one or more of its properties on disadvantageous terms which might result in losses to FREIT. These losses could have a material adverse effect on FREIT and its ability to make distributions to shareholders and to pay amounts due on its debt. If a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and FREIT is unable to meet mortgage payments, the mortgagee could foreclose upon the property, appoint a receiver and receive an assignment of rents and leases or pursue other remedies, all with a consequent loss of revenues and asset value to FREIT. Further, payment obligations on FREIT’s mortgage loans will not be reduced if there is a decline in the economic performance of any of FREIT’s properties. If any such decline in economic performance occurs, FREIT’s revenues, earnings, and funds available for distribution to shareholders would be adversely affected.

Neither FREIT’s Declaration of Trust nor any policy statement formally adopted by FREIT’s Board of Trustees limits either the total amount of indebtedness or the specified percentage of indebtedness (based on the total capitalization of FREIT), which may be incurred by FREIT. Accordingly, FREIT may incur in the future additional secured or unsecured indebtedness in furtherance of its business activities, including, if or when necessary, to refinance its existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT could bear interest at rates, which are higher than the rates on FREIT’s existing debt. Future debt incurred by FREIT could also bear interest at a variable rate. Increases in interest rates would increase FREIT’s variable interest costs (to the extent that the related indebtedness was not protected by interest rate protection arrangements), which could have a material adverse effect on FREIT and its ability to make distributions to shareholders and to pay amounts due on its debt or cause FREIT to be in default under its debt. Further, in the future, FREIT may not be able to, or may determine that it is not able to, obtain financing for property acquisitions or for capital expenditures to develop or improve its properties on terms, which are acceptable to FREIT. In such event, FREIT might elect to defer certain projects unless alternative sources of capital were available, such as through an equity or debt offering by FREIT.

  Competitive Conditions

FREIT is subject to normal competition with other investors to acquire real property and to profitably manage such property. Numerous other REIT(s), banks, insurance companies and pension funds, as well as corporate and individual developers and owners of real estate, compete with FREIT in seeking properties for acquisition and for tenants. Many of these competitors have significantly greater financial resources than FREIT.

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In addition, retailers at FREIT’s retail properties face increasing competition from discount shopping centers, outlet malls, sales through catalogue offerings, discount shopping clubs, marketing and shopping through cable and computer sources, particularly over the Internet, and telemarketing. In many markets, the trade areas of FREIT’s retail properties overlap with the trade areas of other shopping centers. Renovations and expansions at those competing shopping centers and malls could negatively affect FREIT’s retail properties by encouraging shoppers to make their purchases at such new, expanded or renovated shopping centers and malls. Increased competition through these various sources could adversely affect the viability of FREIT’s tenants, and any new retail real estate competition developed in the future could potentially have an adverse effect on the revenues of and earnings from FREIT’s retail properties.

  (A) General Factors Affecting Investment in Commercial and Apartment Properties; Effect on Economicand Real Estate Conditions

The revenues and value of FREIT’s commercial and residential apartment properties may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including, without limitation, the national economic climate; the regional economic climate (which may be adversely affected by plant closings, industry slow downs and other local business factors); local real estate conditions (such as an oversupply of retail space or apartment units); perceptions by retailers or shoppers of the security, safety, convenience and attractiveness of a shopping center; perception by residential tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of an apartment building or complex; the proximity and the number of competing shopping centers and apartment complexes; the availability of recreational and other amenities and the willingness and ability of the owner to provide capable management and adequate maintenance. In addition, other factors may adversely affect the fair market value of a retail property or apartment building or complex without necessarily affecting the revenues, including changes in government regulations (such as limitations on development or on hours of operation) changes in tax laws or rates, and potential environmental or other legal liabilities.

  (B) Retail Shopping Center Properties’ Dependence on Anchor Stores and Satellite Tenants

FREIT believes that its revenues and earnings; its ability to meet its debt obligations; and its funds available for distribution to shareholders would be adversely affected if space in FREIT’s multi-store shopping center properties could not be leased or if anchor store tenants or satellite tenants failed to meet their lease obligations.

The success of FREIT’s investment in its shopping center properties is largely dependent upon the success of its tenants. Unfavorable economic, demographic, or competitive conditions may adversely affect the financial condition of tenants and consequently the lease revenues from and the value of FREIT’s investments in its shopping center properties. If the sales of stores operating in FREIT’s shopping center properties were to decline due to deteriorating economic conditions, the tenants may be unable to pay their base rents or meet other lease charges and fees due to FREIT. In addition, any lease provisions providing for additional rent based on a percentage of sales could be rendered moot. In the event of default by a tenant, FREIT could suffer a loss of rent and experience extraordinary delays while incurring additional costs in enforcing its rights under the lease, which may or may not be recaptured by FREIT. As at October 31, 2005 the following table lists the ten largest retail tenants, which account for approximately 46.6% of FREIT’s commercial rental space and 37.9% of fixed retail rents.


                        Tenant           Center    Sq. Ft.

Burlington Coat Factory Westridge Square 85,992 
Kmart Corporation Westwood Plaza 84,254 
Macy’s Federated Department Stores, Inc. Preakness 81,160 
Pathmark Stores Inc. Patchoque 63,932 
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. Preakness 61,020 
Giant Of Maryland Inc. Westridge Square 55,330 
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. Franklin Crossing 48,673 
Safeway Stores Inc. Damascus Center 45,189 
TJ MAXX Westwood Plaza 28,480 
Giant Food of Maryland The Rotunda 35,994 


  (C) Renewal of Leases and Reletting of Space

There is no assurance that we will be able to retain tenants at our commercial properties upon expiration of their leases. Upon expiration or termination of leases for space located in FREIT’s commercial properties, the premises may not be relet or the terms of reletting (including the cost of concessions to tenants) may not be as favorable as lease terms for the terminated lease. If FREIT were

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unable to promptly relet all or a substantial portion of this space or if the rental rates upon such reletting were significantly lower than current or expected rates, FREIT’s revenues and earnings; FREIT’s ability to service its debt; and FREIT’s ability to make expected distributions to its shareholders, could be adversely affected. There were no leases, which FREIT considers material or significant in terms of any single property which expired during the fiscal year 2005. During fiscal 2006, one lease, we consider material, for approximately 9,394 sq. ft. is due to expire, and during fiscal 2007, two leases, we consider material, totaling approximately 22,805 sq. ft. are dut to expire.

  (D) Illiquidity of Real Estate Investments; Possibility that Value of FREIT’s Interests may be less than its Investment

Equity real estate investments are relatively illiquid. Accordingly, the ability of FREIT to vary its portfolio in response to changing economic, market or other conditions is limited. Also, FREIT’s interest in its affiliates, are subject to transfer constraints imposed by the operating agreements, which govern FREIT’s investment in these affiliates. Even without such restrictions on the transfer of its interests, FREIT believes that there would be a limited market for its interests in these affiliates.

If FREIT had to liquidate all or substantially all of its real estate holdings, the value of such assets would likely be diminished if a sale was required to be completed in a limited time frame. The proceeds to FREIT from any such sale of the assets in FREIT’s real estate portfolio might be less than the fair market value of those assets.

  Impact of Governmental Laws and Regulations on Registrant’s Business

FREIT’s properties are subject to various Federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, including those relating to the environment and local rent control and zoning ordinances.

  (A) Environmental Matters

Both Federal and state governments are concerned with the impact of real estate construction and development programs upon the environment. Environmental legislation affects the cost of selling real estate, the cost to develop real estate, and the risks associated with purchasing real estate.

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under such property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property). Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owners knew of, or were responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances. Such liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of any operator of, or tenant at, the property. The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal or property damages and the owner’s liability therefore could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. If FREIT incurred any such liability, it could reduce FREIT’s revenues and ability to make distributions to its shareholders.

A property can also be negatively impacted by either physical contamination or by virtue of an adverse effect upon value attributable to the migration of hazardous or toxic substances, or other contaminants that have or may have emanated from other properties.

At this time, FREIT is aware of the following environmental matters affecting its properties:

  (i) Vacant Land Located in Rockaway Township, NJ

The property located in Rockaway Township contains wetlands. Pursuant to a Letter of Interpretation received from the NJDEP, FREIT has determined that the wetlands and associated transition areas will have no material impact on the future development of the property pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of New Jersey. Under the current zoning ordinance, the property is zoned for multifamily residential use, with a small portion zoned for commercial use. FREIT has received approval from the Township for the construction of 129 garden apartment units, and has started construction on the apartment units (see General Business, Fiscal Year 2005 Developments, Acquisition and Construction)

  (ii) Westwood Plaza Shopping Center, Westwood, NJ

This property is in a HUD Flood Hazard Zone and serves as a local flood retention basin for part of Westwood, New Jersey. FREIT maintains flood insurance in the amount of $500,000 for the subject property, which is the maximum available under the HUD Flood Program for the property. Any reconstruction of that portion of the property situated in the flood hazard zone is subject to

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regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”), which could require extraordinary construction methods.

  (iii) Franklin Crossing, Franklin Lakes, NJ

The redeveloped Franklin Crossing shopping center was completed during the summer of 1997. Also in 1997, a historical discharge of hazardous materials was discovered at Franklin Crossing. The discharge was reported to the NJDEP in accordance with applicable regulations. FREIT completed the remediation required by the NJDEP.

In November 1999, FREIT received a No Further Action Letter from the NJDEP concerning the contaminated soil at Franklin Crossing. Monitoring of the groundwater will continue pursuant to a memorandum of agreement filed with the NJDEP.

  (iv) Preakness Shopping Center, Wayne, NJ

Prior to its purchase by WaynePSC, a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessment of the Preakness shopping center revealed soil and ground water contamination with Percloroethylene (Dry Cleaning Fluid) caused by the mishandling of this chemical by a former Dry Cleaner tenant.

The seller of the center to WaynePSC is in the process of performing the remedial work in accordance with the requirements of the NJDEP. Additionally, the seller has escrowed the estimated cost of the remediation and has purchased a cap-cost insurance policy covering any expenses over and above the estimated cost.

  (v) Other

a)     The State of New Jersey has adopted an underground fuel storage tank law and various regulations with respect to underground storage tanks.

FREIT no longer has underground storage tanks on any of its properties.

FREIT has conducted environmental audits for all of its properties except for its undeveloped land; retail properties in Franklin Lakes (Franklin Crossing) and Glen Rock, New Jersey; and residential apartment properties located in Lakewood, Palisades Park and Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. Except as noted in subparagraph (iii) above, the environmental reports secured by FREIT have not revealed any environmental conditions on its properties, which require remediation pursuant to any applicable Federal or state law or regulation.

b)     FREIT has determined that several of its properties contain lead based paint (“LBP”). FREIT complies with all Federal, state and local requirements as they pertain to LBP.

FREIT does not believe that the environmental conditions described in subparagraphs (i) - (iv) above will have a materially adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, revenues, earnings, financial condition or competitive position of FREIT.

  (B) Rent Control Ordinances

Each of the apartment buildings or complexes owned by FREIT is subject to some form of rent control ordinance which limits the amount by which FREIT can increase the rent for renewed leases, and in some cases, limits the amount of rent which FREIT can charge for vacated units. Westwood Hills is not subject to any rent control law or regulation.

  (C) Zoning Ordinances

Local zoning ordinances may prevent FREIT from renovating, expanding or converting its existing properties, for their highest and best use as determined by FREIT’s Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is not aware of any such zoning impediments to the development of the Rockaway Township and South Brunswick properties described herein (See Item I (a) iii).

  (D) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sale

FREIT does not engage in operations in foreign countries and it does not derive any portion of its revenues from customers in foreign countries.

9


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

        Portfolio of Investments: The following charts set forth certain information relating to each of FREIT’s real estate investments in addition to the specific mortgages encumbering the properties.

Residential Apartment Properties as of October 31, 2005:





Property and Location


Year
Acquired



No. of Units
Average
Annual
Occupancy
Rate

Mortgage
Balance
($000)
Depreciated Cost
of Buildings and
Equipment
($000)

Lakewood Apts       1962     40     89.80%   None (1) $ 106
Lakewood, NJ    
     
Palisades Manor       1962     12     94.90%   None (1) $ 50
Palisades Park, NJ    
     
Grandview Apts       1964     20     96.20%   None (1) $ 134
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ    
     
Height Manor       1971     79     95.20% $ 3,362   $ 568
Spring Lake Heights, NJ    
     
Hammel Gardens       1972     80     95.40% $ 4,904   $ 830
Maywood, NJ    
     
Steuben Arms       1975     100     94.60% $ 6,802   $ 1,314
River Edge, NJ    
     
Berdan Court       1965     176     93.70% $ 13,448   $ 1,479
Wayne, NJ    
     
Pierre Towers (3)       2004     269     91.30% $ 34,125   $ 45,144
Hackensack, NJ    
     
Westwood Hills (2)       1994     210     94.40% $ 17,277   $ 12,810
Westwood, NJ    


(1) Security for draws against FREIT’s Credit Line. As of October 31, 2005 there were no draws outstanding except for the issuance of a $2 million Letter of Credit in connection with construction activities.
(2) FREIT owns a 40% equity interest in Westwood Hills. See Investment in Affiliates.
(3) Pierre Towers is 100% owned by S And A Commercial Associates LP, which is 65% owned by FREIT.

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Commercial Properties as of October 31, 2005:





Property and Location


Year
Acquired

Leaseable Space-
Approximate
Sq. Ft.
Average
Annual
Occupancy
Rate

Mortgage
Balance
($000)
Depreciated Cost
of Buildings and
Equipment
($000)

Franklin Crossing     1966 (2)     87,041     96.80%   None (1)   $ 9,208  
Franklin Lakes, NJ    
     
Westwood Plaza     1988     173,854     100.00% $ 9,593   $ 11,076  
Westwood, NJ    
     
Westridge Square     1992     256,620     88.00% $ 16,457   $ 20,318  
Frederick, MD    
     
Pathmark Super Store     1997     63,962     100.00% $ 6,331   $ 9,166  
Patchogue, NY    
     
Glen Rock, NJ     1962     4,800     100.00%   None (1)   $ 171  
     
Preakness Center (3)     2002     322,136     98.60% $ 32,000   $ 32,366  
Wayne, NJ    
     
Damascus Center     2003     139,878     71.10%   None   $ 9,976  
Damascus, MD    
     
Rockaway, NJ     1964/1963   1+/- Acre Land lease   100.00%   (4) $ 169  
     
The Rotunda    
Baltimore, MD     2005     216,645     83.10% $ 22,500   $ 30,585  

  (1) Security for draws against FREIT’s Credit Line. As at October 31, 2005 there were no draws outstanding except for the issuance of a $2 million Letter of Credit in connection with construction activities.

  (2) The original 33,000 sq. ft. shopping center was replaced with a new 87,041 sq. ft. center that opened in October 1997.

  (3) FREIT owns a 40% equity interest in Wayne PSC that owns the center.

  (4) Security for FREIT’s construction loan in Rockaway, NJ, with an outstanding balance at October 31, 2005 of $75,000.

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Land Under Development and Vacant Land as of October 31, 2005:

Location (1) Acquired Current Use Permitted Use
per Local
Zoning Laws
Acreage
Per
Parcel

Land Under Development:        
Rockaway, NJ (2) 1964/1963 None Multi Family / Retail 17.26
 
Vacant Land:
Franklin Lakes, NJ 1966 None Residential 4.27
 
Rockaway, NJ 1964 None Residential 1
 
Wayne, NJ 2002 None Commercial 2.1
 
So. Brunswick, NJ (3) 1964 Principally leased Industrial 33
  as farmland
qualifying for state
farmland assessment
tax treatment

  (1) All of the above land is unencumbered, except as noted.

  (2) Construction has started on 129 garden apartment units on this land. The land and the construction thereon are security for a construction loan (See Part 1, Item 1(a)(i)(b))

  (3) Site plan approval has been received for the construction of a 563,000 square foot industrial building.

FREIT believes that it has a diversified portfolio of residential and retail properties. FREIT’s business is not materially dependent upon any single tenant or any one of its properties. The following Table lists FREIT’s properties that have contributed 15% or more of FREIT’s total revenue in one (1) or more of the last three (3) fiscal years.

Fiscal Year Ended
October 31,

2005 2004 2003
 
Preakness Center (1)       16.0%   17.2%   15.9%
 
(1)  Center acquired November 2002.

Although FREIT’s general investment policy is to hold properties as long-term investments, FREIT could selectively sell certain properties if it determines that any such sale is in FREIT’s and its shareholders best interests. With respect to FREIT’s future acquisition and development activities, FREIT will evaluate various real estate opportunities which FREIT believes would increase FREIT’s revenues and earnings as well as compliment and increase the overall value of FREIT’s existing investment portfolio.

Except for the Pathmark supermarket super store located in Patchogue, Long Island, all of FREIT’s and its Affiliate’s (WaynePSC) commercial properties have multiple tenants.

FREIT and its Affiliate’s commercial properties have eighteen (18) anchor / major tenants, that account for approximately 60% of the space leased. The balance of the space is leased to two hundred (200) satellite and office tenants. The following table lists the anchor / major tenants at each center and the number of satellite tenants:

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Commercial Property
No. Of
Shopping Center (SC)
Office Building (O)
Net Leaseable
Space
Anchor/Major Tenants Satellite
Tenants

         
Westridge Square 254,970 (SC)  Giant Supermarket 26 
Frederick, MD   Burlington Coat Factory  
 
Franklin Crossing 87,868 (SC)  Stop & Shop 18 
Franklin, Lakes, NJ
 
Westwood Plaza 173,875 (SC)  Kmart Corp 20 
Westwood, NJ   TJMaxx  
 
Preakness Center (1) 322,136 (SC)  Stop & Shop 40 
Wayne, NJ   Macy’s  
  CVS  
  Annie Sez  
  Clearview Theaters  
 
Damascus Center 139,878 (SC)  Safeway Stores 16 
Damascus, MD   Damascus Rd Comm. Church  
 
The Rotunda (2) 138,276 (O)  Clear Channel Broadcasting 68 
Baltimore, MD   US Social Security Office  
  Janus Associates  
 
78,369 (SC)  Giant Food of Maryland 12 
  Rite Aid Corporation  
  Bank of America  

 
(1)     FREIT has a 40% interest in this center.
 
(2)     FREIT has a 60% interest in this property.

With respect to most of FREIT’s commercial properties, lease terms range from five (5) years to twenty-five (25) years with options which if exercised would extend the terms of such leases. The lease agreements generally contain clauses for reimbursement of real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties. During the last three (3) completed fiscal years, FREIT’s commercial properties (excluding The Rotunda, which was acquired in July 2005, and had an average occupancy of 83.9%) averaged a 92.4% occupancy rate with respect to FREIT’s available leasable space

Leases for FREIT’s apartment buildings and complexes are usually one (1) year in duration. Even though the residential units are leased on a short-term basis, FREIT has averaged, during the last three (3) completed fiscal years, a 94.7% occupancy rate with respect to FREIT’s available apartment units.

FREIT does not believe that any seasonal factors materially affect FREIT’s business operations and the leasing of its commercial and apartment properties.

FREIT believes that its properties are covered by adequate fire and property insurance provided by reputable companies and with commercially reasonable deductibles and limits.

ITEM 3   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which FREIT is a party or of which any of its properties is the subject. There is, however, ordinary and routine litigation involving FREIT’s business including various tenancy and related matters. Notwithstanding the environmental conditions disclosed in “Item 1(c) Description of Business - Impact of Governmental Laws and Regulations on

13


Registrant’s Business; Environmental Matters,” there are no legal proceedings concerning environmental issues with respect to any property owned by FREIT.

ITEM 4   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of FREIT’s 2005 fiscal year.

ITEM 4A   EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF FREIT

The executive officers of FREIT as of January 13, 2006 are listed below. Brief summaries of their business experience and certain other information with respect to each of them is set forth in the following table and in the information, which follows the table.

As a result of Hekemian being responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of FREIT’s properties, the executive officers, with the exception of Mr. Robert S. Hekemian, are not required to devote a significant part of their business activities to their duties as executive officers of FREIT. See “Item 1(c) Narrative Description of Business - Management Agreement.” Except for Mr. Aiello, Secretary, and Executive Secretary of FREIT, each of the executive officers is also a Trustee of FREIT.

        The executive officers of FREIT are as follows:

Name Age Position
 
Robert S. Hekemian 74 Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
 
Donald W. Barney 65 President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer
 
John A. Aiello, Esq. 56 Secretary and Executive Secretary

        Robert S. Hekemian has been active in the real estate industry for more than fifty (50) years. Mr. Hekemian has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of FREIT since 1991, and as a Trustee since 1980. From 1981 to 1991, Mr. Hekemian was President of FREIT. Mr. Hekemian directly devotes approximately fifty to sixty percent (50% - 60%) of his time to execute his duties as an executive officer of FREIT. Mr. Hekemian is also the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hekemian. See “Item 1(c) Narrative Description of Business - Management Agreement.” Mr. Hekemian is a director of the Pascack Community Bank. Mr. Hekemian is also a director, partner and officer in numerous private real estate corporations and partnerships.

        Donald W. Barney has served as President of FREIT since 1993, as a Trustee since 1981, and was elected Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in January 2003. Mr. Barney devotes approximately fifteen percent (15%) of his time to execute his duties as an executive officer of FREIT. Mr. Barney was associated with Union Camp Corporation, a diversified manufacturer of paper, packaging products, chemicals, and wood products, from 1969 through December 31, 1998, as Vice President and Treasurer. Mr. Barney was a director of Ramapo Financial Corporation until it was acquired, in May 1999 by another financial institution, and is a partner and director in several other private real estate investment companies, and a director of the Hilltop Community Bank.

        John A. Aiello, Esq., an attorney, was elected to serve as the Executive Secretary of FREIT in August 2002, and as Secretary in January 2003. Mr. Aiello devotes approximately five percent (5%) of his time to execute his duties as an executive officer of FREIT. Beginning in 1974, Mr. Aiello has spent his entire career with the law firm of Giordano Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. (“GH&C”), with offices in Middletown and Trenton, NJ. Mr. Aiello is an officer and shareholder of GH&C. Mr. Aiello is Chairman of GH&C’s Corporate and Securities Department, and his practice focuses on corporate law, corporate finance, securities, mergers, and acquisitions.

14


PART II

ITEM 5   MARKET FOR FREIT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Beneficial interests in FREIT are represented by shares without par value (the “Shares”). The Shares represent FREIT’s only authorized, issued and outstanding class of equity. As of January 13, 2006, there were approximately 500 holders of record of the Shares.

The Shares are traded in the over-the-counter market through use of the OTC Bulletin Board® Service (the “OTC Bulletin Board”) provided by NASD, Inc. FREIT does not believe that an active United States public trading market exists for the Shares since historically only small volumes of the Shares are traded on a sporadic basis. The following table sets forth, at the end of the periods indicated, the Bid and Asked quotations for the Shares on the OTC Bulletin Board and have been adjusted for prior periods to reflect the one-for-one share dividend paid in March 2004.

Bid Asked
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2005            
First Quarter     $ 28.50   $ 29.25  
Second Quarter     $ 38.00   $ 39.00  
Third Quarter     $ 33.85   $ 33.75  
Fourth Quarter     $ 31.00   $ 32.25  
     
Bid Asked
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2004    
First Quarter     $ 19.50   $ 25.00  
Second Quarter     $ 22.75   $ 23.00  
Third Quarter     $ 22.60   $ 23.90  
Fourth Quarter     $ 22.50   $ 23.00  

The bid quotations set forth above for the Shares reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The source of the bid and asked quotations is Janney Montgomery Scott, Inc., members of the New York Stock Exchange and other national securities exchanges.

  Dividends

The holders of Shares are entitled to receive distributions as may be declared by FREIT’s Board of Trustees. Dividends may be declared from time to time by the Board of Trustees and may be paid in cash, property, or Shares. The Board of Trustees’ present policy is to distribute annually at least ninety percent (90%) of FREIT’s REIT taxable income as dividends to the holders of Shares in order to qualify as a REIT for Federal income tax purposes. Distributions are made on a quarterly basis. In fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004, FREIT paid or declared aggregate total dividends of $1.20 and $1.10 per share, respectively, to the holders of Shares. See “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Distributions to Shareholders”.

  Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See table included in “Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters”.

ITEM 6   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated financial data for FREIT for each of the five (5) fiscal years in the period ended October 31, 2005 are derived from financial statements that have been audited and reported upon by J.H. Cohn LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for FREIT and have been restated to include the accounts of Westwood Hills and WaynePSC. This data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report and with FREIT’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report.

15


BALANCE SHEET DATA:
As At October 31, 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
(In thousands Of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
                         
Total Assets     $ 214,998   $ 190,575   $ 155,764   $ 110,485   $ 110,958  
     
Long-Term Obligations     $ 166,874   $ 148,244   $ 126,767   $ 83,188   $ 84,350  
     
Shareholders’ Equity     $ 28,574   $ 31,167   $ 22,140   $ 21,903   $ 21,588  
     
Weighted average shares outstanding:    
   Basic       6,440     6,378     6,268     6,240     6,240  





   Diluted       6,774     6,658     6,522     6,466     6,266  





     
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Year Ended October 31,
Revenue:    
   Revenue from real estate operations     $ 33,667   $ 30,356   $ 25,399   $ 19,571   $ 18,832  
     
Expenses:    
   Real estate operations       13,671     11,459     9,133     6,460     6,566  
     
   General and administrative expenses       1,001     689     592     449     539  
   Depreciation       4,265     3,677     2,839     2,155     2,122  
     
   Minority interest       464     416     374     404     286  





     Totals       19,401     16,241     12,938     9,468     9,513  





Operating income       14,266     14,115     12,461     10,103     9,319  
     
Investment income       229     183     201     249     680  
Interest expense including amortization    
  of deferred financing costs       (10,039 )   (9,046 )   (7,838 )   (5,480 )   (5,543 )





        Income from continuing operations       4,456     5,252     4,824     4,872     4,456  
Discontinued operations:    
Income from discontinued operations,    
   net of Minority Interests *           9,958     741     809     244  





             Net income     $ 4,456   $ 15,210   $ 5,565   $ 5,681   $ 4,700  





     
* Includes gain on disposal of $12,681 and $475    
    in fiscal years 2004 and 2002 respectively    
     
Basic earnings per share:    
   Continuing operations     $ 0.69   $ 0.82   $ 0.77   $ 0.78   $ 0.71  
   Discontinued operations         $ 1.56   $ 0.12   $ 0.13   $ 0.04  





     Net income     $ 0.69   $ 2.38   $ 0.89   $ 0.91   $ 0.75  





     
Diluted earnings per share:    
   Continuing operations     $ 0.66   $ 0.79   $ 0.74   $ 0.75   $ 0.71  
   Discontinued operations         $ 1.50   $ 0.11   $ 0.13   $ 0.04  





     Net income     $ 0.66   $ 2.29   $ 0.85   $ 0.88   $ 0.75  





     
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share     $ 1.20   $ 1.10   $ 0.90   $ 0.86   $ 0.69  






16


ITEM 7   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statement Identifying Important Factors That Could Cause FREIT’s Actual Results to Differ
From Those Projected in Forward Looking Statements.

Readers of this discussion are advised that the discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of FREIT (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain statements in this discussion may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect FREIT’s current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of FREIT, and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. FREIT has tried, wherever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,”“intend, ” “plan,” ” estimate,” or words of similar meaning.

Although FREIT believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic and business conditions, which will, among other things, affect demand for rental space, the availability of prospective tenants, lease rents and the availability of financing; adverse changes in FREIT’s real estate markets, including, among other things, competition with other real estate owners, risks of real estate development and acquisitions; governmental actions and initiatives; and environmental/safety requirements.

Overview

FREIT is an equity real estate investment trust (“FREIT”) that owns a portfolio of residential apartment and retail properties. Our revenues consist primarily of fixed rental income from our residential and retail properties and additional rent in the form of expense reimbursements derived from our income producing retail properties.

Our properties are primarily located in northern New Jersey and Maryland. We acquire existing properties for investment, and we acquire properties, which we feel have redevelopment potential, and develop and construct properties on our vacant land. Our policy is to acquire and develop real property for long-term investment.

Almost all of FREIT’s income and cash flow is derived from the net rental income (revenues after expenses) from our properties. FREIT’s business and financial results are affected by the following fundamental factors:

  • the national and regional economic climate;
  • occupancy rates at the properties;
  • tenant turn-over rates;
  • rental rates;
  • operating expenses;
  • tenant improvement and leasing costs;
  • cost of and availability of capital;
  • new acquisitions and development projects; and
  • governmental regulations.

A negative quality change in the above factors could potentially cause a detrimental effect in FREIT’s revenue, earnings and cash flow.

Effects of recent accounting pronouncements:

In December 2003, the FASB issued revised FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No.51.” (“FIN 46R”). FIN 46R requires the consolidation of an entity in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity (variable interest entities, or “VIEs”). Currently, entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise when it has a controlling financial interest through ownership or a majority voting interest in the entity. FIN 46R is applicable for financial statements of public entities that have interests in VIEs or potential VIEs referred to as special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 31, 2003. Applications by public entities for all other types of entities are required in financial statements for periods ending after March 15, 2004.

In accordance with the definition of related parties as defined in paragraph 16 of FIN 46R and the guidance in paragraph 4h, it is the belief of the management of FREIT that FIN 46R is applicable to Westwood Hills, LLC and Wayne PSC, LLC, both 40% owned by FREIT. Because of this determination, FREIT has consolidated these two entities in addition to its 65% owned subsidiary, S And A and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Damascus Centre, LLC, commencing with the quarter ended April 30, 2004, and has restated the prior periods reported in this Form 10-K. The consolidation of these two entities did not have any impact on FREIT’s equity, net income, or earnings per share.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No.123 (R) “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” SFAS 123 (R) establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. This Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS 123 (R) requires that the fair value of such equity instruments be recognized as an expense in the historical financial statements as services are performed. Prior to SFAS 123 (R), only certain pro forma disclosures of fair value were required. SFAS 123 (R) shall be effective for FREIT as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after

17


December 15, 2005. The adoption of this new accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued SFAS 148, which amends SFAS 123. SFAS 148 provides alternate methods of transition for a voluntary change from the intrinsic value method to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. However, we do not expect to make such a change. In addition, SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123 to require more prominent annual and quarterly disclosures in the financial statements about the effects of using the intrinsic value method rather than the fair value method for stock-based compensation. The adoption of this provision of SFAS 148 did not have a material impact on FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No.149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS 149 did not have a material impact on FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) disclosure guidance for “Critical Accounting Policies,” the SEC defines Critical Accounting Policies as those that require the application of Management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, the preparation of which takes into account estimates based on judgments and assumptions that affect certain amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. The accounting policies and estimates used, which are outlined in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements which is presented elsewhere in this Annual Report, have been applied consistently as at October 31, 2005 and 2004, and for the years ended October 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003. We believe that the following accounting policies or estimates require the application of Management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments:

Revenue Recognition: Base rents, additional rents based on tenants’ sales volume and reimbursement of the tenants’ share of certain operating expenses are generally recognized when due from tenants. The straight-line basis is used to recognize base rents under leases if they provide for varying rents over the lease terms. Straight-line rents represent unbilled rents receivable to the extent straight-line rents exceed current rents billed in accordance with lease agreements. Before FREIT can recognize revenue, it is required to assess, among other things, its collectibility. If we incorrectly determine the collectibility of revenue, our net income and assets could be overstated.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets: We periodically assess the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever we determine that events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. When FREIT determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may be impaired, the measurement of any impairment is based on a projected discounted cash flow method determined by FREIT’s management. While we believe that our discounted cash flow methods are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows may significantly affect the measurement of impairment.

Results of Operations:

In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 requires the reporting of discontinued operations to include components of an entity that have either been disposed of or are classified as held for sale. FREIT has adopted SFAS No. 144. During 2002 and 2004, FREIT sold its Camden, NJ and its Olney, MD properties, respectively. FREIT has reclassified the net income (loss) from the operation of these properties as Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have an impact on net income, but only impacted the presentation of these properties within the consolidated statements of income. The results of this reclassification can be seen in “ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA” above and in the Consolidated Financial Statements of FREIT (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Since we consider net income from continuing operations (which excludes the operations of the Camden and Olney properties) to be the most significant element of net income, all references and comparisons refer to this item unless otherwise stated.All references to per share amounts are on a diluted basis (unless otherwise indicated),and refer to earnings per share from continuing operations and have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-one share dividends paid in October 2001 and March 2004.

18


Results of Operations:
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2005 and 2004

Revenues for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005 (“Fiscal 2005”) increased $3,357,000 or 11.0% over revenues for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 (“Fiscal 2004”). The components of the increase are summarized in this chart:

Year Ended
October 31,

Increase
2005 2004 (Decrease)
                 
Commercial revenues:    
   Same properties (1)     $ 17,184   $ 17,358     ($ 174 )
   New Properties       987           987  



        18,171     17,358     813  



Residential revenues:    
   Same properties (1)       10,082     9,977     105  
   New Properties       5,414     3,021     2,393  



        15,496     12,998     2,498  



     
Total real estate revenues       33,667     30,356     3,311  
     
Investment income    
   and other       229     183     46  



     
   Total Revenues     $ 33,896   $ 30,539   $ 3,357  



 
(1)  Properties operated since the beginning of fiscal 2004.

New Properties, specifically The Rotunda (Commercial) purchased in July 2005, and The Pierre (Residential) purchased in July 2004, generated the major increase in revenues. The Rotunda is a 216,000 sq. ft. mixed use building in Baltimore, MD, and The Pierre is a 269-apartment high-rise residential property in Hackensack, NJ.

Income from continuing operations was $4,456,000 in Fiscal 2005 compared to $5,252,000 in Fiscal 2004, a decrease of 15.2%. The decease in income results primarily from increased expenses. Funds From Operations (“FFO”) increased to $7,698,000 in fiscal 2005 from $6,662,000 in Fiscal 2004 (see below).

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following table sets forth comparative operating data for FREIT’s real estate segments.

19


Commercial
Residential
Combined
Year Ended
October 31,

Increase (Decrease)
Year Ended
October 31,

Increase (Decrease)
Year Ended
October 31,

2005 2004 $ % 2005 2004 $ % 2005 2004
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Rental income     $ 13,696   $ 12,699   $ 997     7.9% $ 15,335   $ 12,843   $ 2,492     19.4% $ 29,031   $ 25,542  
Percentage rent       39     57     (18 )   -3.1.6%             -         39     57  
Reimbursements       4,063     4,229     (166 )   -3.9%             -         4,063     4,229  
Other       23     36     (13 )   -36.1%     161     155     6     3.9%   184     191  










     Total Revenue       17,821     17,021     800     4.7%   15,496     12,998     2,498     19.2%   33,317     30,019  
     
Operating expenses       6,594     5,663     931     16.4%   7,056     5,794     1,262     21.8%   13,650     11,457  










     
Net operating income     $ 11,227   $ 11,358   $ (131 )   -1.2%   $ 8,440   $ 7,204   $ 1,236     17.2%   19,667     18,562  








Average    
Occupancy %       91.1%   92.1%       -1.0%     93.4%   94.4%       -1.0%          







Reconciliation to consolidated net income:            
  Deferred rents - straight lining       329     335  
  Net investment income       229     183  
  General and administrative expenses       (741 )   (689 )
  Sarbanes-Oxley Act Compliance       (260 )    
  Depreciation       (4,265 )   (3,677 )
  Financing costs       (10,039 )   (9,046 )
  Minority interest       (464 )   (416 )


  Income from continuing operations       4,456     5,252  
  Discontinued operations       -     9,958  


                  Net income     $ 4,456   $ 15,210  



The above table details the comparative net operating income (“NOI”) for FREIT’s Commercial and Residential Segments, and reconciles the combined NOI to consolidated Net Income. NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation and financing costs. FREIT assesses and measures segment operating results based on NOI. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flow as measured by generally accepted accounting principles, and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

COMMERCIAL SEGMENT
During Fiscal 2005 revenues increased $800,000 (4.7%) to $17,821,000. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to the operations at The Rotunda, whose operation have been included since its acquisition on July 19, 2005. NOI for Fiscal 2005 was $11,227,000 compared to NOI for Fiscal 2004 of $11,358,000, a decrease of 1.2%. The reduction in NOI results principally from higher expenses  during Fiscal 2005 and the inclusion in Fiscal 2004 of a net $300,000 tenant termination fee. Average occupancy during fiscal 2005 was 92.5%, excluding the Rotunda, which had an occupancy of 83.9%.

On July 19, 2005 FREIT’s 60% owned affiliate, Grande Rotunda, LLC, completed the acquisition of The Rotunda, a mixed-use property in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rotunda site is approximately 11.5 acres and is in close proximity to Johns Hopkins University. Its current configuration contains about 138,000 sq. ft. of office space, primarily in the four-story main building, and 78,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the main building. The acquisition cost was approximately $31 million (inclusive of transaction costs), which was financed in part from an acquisition loan in the amount of $22.5 million (see above), and the balance in cash (see Business, Fiscal Year 2005 Developments, Acquisition and Construction).

We are planning a modernization and expansion of the retail space, as well as the development of residential apartment units as allowed by the current zoning. Final development plans, however, are subject to approval by local governmental authorities.

A modernization and expansion is planned for the Damascus Center, in Damascus, MD. Building plans for Phase I are completed and have been submitted for governmental approvals. It is anticipated that Phase I construction will begin around May 2006. Because of this expansion, current leases for certain tenants are being allowed to expire and are not being renewed. This has caused occupancy to decline, on a temporary basis, during the construction phase.

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT
Residential revenue increased $2,498,000 (19.2%) to $15,496,000 during Fiscal 2005 from $12,998,000 for Fiscal 2004. As indicated above, the principal amount of the increase was attributable to the operations of The Pierre, which has been included in operations for the full Fiscal 2005 year and only for six and one-half months during Fiscal 2004.

20


Revenues at the same properties (properties operated since the start of Fiscal 2004) increased slightly to $10,072,000 during Fiscal 2005 from $9,978,000 during Fiscal 2004. Average occupancy for the same properties decreased to 93.4% during Fiscal 2005 compared to 94.2% for Fiscal 2004. The decrease in occupancy was the result of weakened demand for rental housing in our markets. The slightly higher revenues coupled with slightly lower expenses resulted in NOI at the same properties increasing $157,000 (24.4%) to $5,880,000 for Fiscal 2005 from $5,723,000 for Fiscal 2004. However, NOI for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2005 was reflective of weakened demand, resulting in lower occupancy and concessions, and was $74,000 below NOI for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2004.

We feel the rental housing demand has firmed, as occupancies are picking up and concessions eliminated. We expect fiscal 2006 to show improved operating results in the residential sector.

While demand during Fiscal 2005 was sluggish, average monthly asking rents at our same properties increased 1.8% to $1,213, from $1,192 during Fiscal 2004. Average asking monthly rents including The Pierre were $1,759.

Our residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a factor of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. A 1% decline in annual average occupancy, or a 1% decline in average rents, results in an annual decline of $1,000 and $162,000 respectively.

During Fiscal 2005 we expended $626,000 ($873 per apartment unit), excluding The Pierre, to improve and maintain the competitiveness of our apartments. Since our apartment communities were constructed more than 25 years ago, we tend to spend more in any given year on maintenance and capital improvements than may be spent on newer properties. At The Pierre a major renovation program has been started. We intend to modernize, where required, all apartments and modernize some of the buildings mechanical services. This renovation is expected to take, at least, several years to complete and will be financed from operating cash flow and cash reserves. During fiscal 2005 we expended $676,000 in capital improvements at The Pierre.

Rockaway Township, NJ
FREIT owns approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land in Rockaway Township, NJ. In July 2005 construction started on 129 garden apartment units. Development costs are estimated at $13.8 million that we will finance, in part, from construction financing (see Fiscal Year 2005 Development) and, in part, from funds available from our institutional money market investments. Construction is expected to last twelve to eighteen months, with the first buildings available for occupancy in March / April 2006.

NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Net investment income increased approximately 25% to $229,000 for Fiscal 2005 compared to $183,000 for Fiscal 2004. Net investment income is principally derived from interest earned from our cash on deposit in institutional money market funds, and interest earned from our secured loans receivable (loans made to Hekemian employees for their equity investment in Grande Rotunda– see Fiscal Year 2005 Developments). The amount of earnings is dependent on prevailing interest rates in effect from time-to-time.

FINANCING COSTS
Financing costs are summarized as follows:

Year Ending October 31,
2005 2004
($000)
Fixed rate Mortgages            
   1st Mortgages    
      Existing     $ 7,033   $ 7,264  
       New (1)       2,176     938  
   2nd Mortgages    
      Existing       540     564  
Credit Line             23  
Other       94     61  


        9,843     8,850  
Amortization of    
   Mortgage Costs       196     196  


Financing Costs     $ 10,039   $ 9,046  


(1)  Mortgages not in place at beginning of fiscal 2004

21


Financing costs for Fiscal 2005 increased by $993,000 (11%) compared to Fiscal 2004. The principal reasons for the increase were the new first mortgage loans on FREIT’s acquisitions of The Rotunda in Fiscal 2005, and The Pierre during Fiscal 2004. The decrease in financing costs from existing mortgages is principally attributable to reduced interest costs resulting from lower mortgage balances from normal loan amortization and from the pre-payment of the $2.3 million loan on the Damascus property in January 2005.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Our General and Administrative expenses increased $312,000 (45.3%) to $1,001,000 for Fiscal 2005 from $689,000 for Fiscal 2004. The principal reasons for the increase was the Sarbanes-Oxley Act accounting compliance costs aggregating $260,000 during Fiscal 2005. We estimate an additional $50,000 will be required during Fiscal 2006 to complete the compliance requirements. While most of these costs will not be on going, accounting costs (and related personnel costs) will be higher than experienced historically to continue compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We are trying to leverage these costs to develop more efficient operating procedures.

DEPRECIATION
Depreciation expense in fiscal 2005 increased $588,000 (16%) to $4,265,000 from $3,677,000 for Fiscal 2004. The principal reasons for the increase was the acquisition of The Rotunda during July of Fiscal 2005, and The Pierre during July of Fiscal 2004.


Results of Operations:
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2004 and 2003

Revenues for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 (“Fiscal 2004”) increased $4,939,000 or 19.3% over revenue for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003 (“Fiscal 2003”). The components of the increase are summarized in this chart:

Year Ended
October 31,

Increase
2004 2003 (decrease)
                 
Retail revenues:    
   Same properties (1)     $ 16,105   $ 15,304   $ 801  
   New Properties       1,253     265     988  



        17,358     15,569     1,789  



Residential revenues:    
   Same properties (1)       9,978     9,830     148  
   New Properties       3,020         3,020  



        12,998     9,830     3,168  



     
Total real estate revenues       30,356     25,399     4,957  
     
Investment income    
   and other       183     201     (18 )



     
   Total Revenues     $ 30,539   $ 25,600   $ 4,939  



     
(1) Properties operated since the beginning of fiscal 2003.

New Properties, specifically by The Pierre, generated the major increase in revenues. The Pierre is a 269-apartment high-rise residential property in Hackensack, NJ, that was purchased in July 2004.

Income from continuing operations increased $428,000 (8.9%) to $5,252,000 for fiscal 2004 from Fiscal 2003.

SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following table sets forth comparative operating data for FREIT’s real estate segments.

22


Retail
Residential
Combined
Year Ended
October 31,

Increase (Decrease)
Year Ended
October 31,

Increase (Decrease)
Year Ended
October 31,

2004 2003 $ % 2004 2003 $ % 2005 2004
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Rental income     $ 12,699   $ 11,195   $ 1,504     13.4% $ 12,843   $ 9,737   $ 3,106     31.9% $ 25,542   $ 20,932  
Percentage rent       57     129     (72 )       -     57   129
Reimbursements       4,229     3,943     286     7.3%           -         4,229     3,943  
Other       36     26     10     38.5%   155     93     62     66.7%   191     119  



     Total Revenue       17,021     15,293     1,728     11.3%   12,998     9,830     3,168     32.2%   30,019     25,123  
     
Operating expenses       5,663     5,237     426     8.1%   5,794     3,896     1,898     48.7%   11,457     9,133  



     
Net operating income     $ 11,358   $ 10,056   $ 1,302     12.9% $ 7,204   $ 5,934   $ 1,270     21.4%   18,562     15,990  


Average    
Occupancy %       92.1%   91.5%       0.6%   94.4%   96.2%       -1.8%          







Reconciliation to consolidated net income:            
  Deferred rents - straight lining       335     276  
  Net investment income       183     201  
  General and administrative expenses       (689 )   (592 )
  Depreciation       (3,677 )   (2,839 )
  Financing costs       (9,046 )   (7,838 )
  Minority interest       (416 )   (374 )


        Net income from continuing operations       5,252     4,824  
  Discontinued operations       9,958     741  


                   Net income     $ 15,210   $ 5,565  



The above table details the comparative net operating income (“NOI”) for FREIT’s Retail and Residential Segments, and reconciles the combined NOI to consolidated Net Income. NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation and financing costs. FREIT assesses and measures segment operating results based on NOI. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flow as measured by generally accepted accounting principles, and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

RETAIL SEGMENT
During Fiscal 2004 revenues increased $1,728,000 (11.3%) to $17,021,000 and NOI increased $1,302,000 (12.9%) to $11,358,000. $850,000 of the NOI increase is attributable to the new properties of the Damascus Shopping Center, acquired July 2003, and rent from our land lease in Rockaway Township, NJ, that commenced December 2003. Revenues from same properties increased 5.2% to $16,105,000 and NOI from same properties increased $612,000 (6.2%) to $10,508,000. The reasons for the favorable increases are attributable to higher occupancy for full Fiscal 2004 and higher rents.

RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT
Residential revenue increased $3,168, 000 (32.2%) to $12,998,000 during Fiscal 2004 from $9,830,000 for Fiscal 2003. As indicated above, the principal amount of increase was attributable to the operations of The Pierre, which has been included in operations for the period from April 15, 2004 through October 31, 2004. The Pierre, a 269-apartment unit high rise in Hackensack, NJ, was acquired by S And A, FREIT’s 65% owned subsidiary.

While revenues at the same properties (properties operated since the start of Fiscal 2003) increased slightly to $9,978,000 during Fiscal 2004 from $9.830,000 for Fiscal 2003, average occupancy for the same properties decreased to 94.8% during Fiscal 2004 compared to 96.2% for Fiscal 2003. The decrease in occupancy was the result of weakened demand for rental housing in our markets. This reduced occupancy, coupled with rent concessions, higher advertising, painting and decorating expenses, resulted in the NOI of our same properties falling $210,000 (3.5%) to $5,723,000 for Fiscal 2004 from $5,933,000 for Fiscal 2003.

We feel the rental housing demand has firmed, as occupancies are picking up and concessions eliminated. We expect fiscal 2005 to show improved operating results.

While demand during Fiscal 2004 was sluggish, average monthly asking rents at our same properties increased 2.1% to $1,192, from $1,167 during Fiscal 2003. Average asking monthly rents including The Pierre were $1,529.

Our residential revenue is principally composed of monthly apartment rental income. Total rental income is a factor of occupancy and monthly apartment rents. A 1% decline in annual average occupancy, or a 1% decline in average rents, results in an annual decline of $158,000 and $149,000 respectively.

23


During Fiscal 2004 we expended $416,000 ($580 per apartment unit), excluding The Pierre, to improve and maintain the competitiveness of our apartments. Since our apartment communities were constructed more than 25 years ago, we tend to spend more in any given year on maintenance and capital improvements than may be spent on newer properties. At The Pierre a major renovation program has been started. We intend to modernize, where required, all apartments and modernize some of the buildings mechanical services. This renovation is expected to take, at least, several years to complete and will be financed from operating cash flow and cash reserves.

Rockaway Township, NJ We own approximately 20+/-acres of undeveloped land in Rockaway Township, NJ. Building plan approval has been received from Rockaway Township for the construction of 129 garden apartment units. Development costs are estimated at $13.8 million that we will finance, in part, from construction financing and, in part, from funds available from our institutional money market investments. We have received final water allocation and sewer approval from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. As soon as construction agreements are negotiated and finalized, construction will begin and is expected to last twelve to eighteen months. During fiscal 2005 all construction contracts have been finalized and construction started.

NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Net investment income decreased approximately 9% to $183,000 for Fiscal 2004 compared to $201,000 for Fiscal 2003. Net investment income is principally derived from interest earned from our cash on deposit in institutional money market funds. The amount of earnings is dependent on prevailing interest rates in effect from time-to-time.

FINANCING COSTS
Financing costs are summarized as follows:

Year Ended
October 31,

2004 2003
($000)
Fixed rate Mortgages            
    1st Mortgages    
     Existing     $ 7,040   $ 7,323  
     
      New (1)       1,162     59  
    2nd Mortgages    
     
      New (1)       564     243  
     
Credit Line       23      
     
Other       61     36  


        8,850     7,661  
     
Amortization of    
    Mortgage Costs    
        196     177  


Financing Costs     $ 9,046   $ 7,838  


     
(1)  Mortgages not in place at beginning of Fiscal 2003.

Financing costs for Fiscal 2004 increased by $1,208,000 (15.4%) compared to Fiscal 2003. The principal reasons for the increase were the new first mortgage loans on FREIT’s acquisitions of the Damascus Shopping Center in 2003 and The Pierre during Fiscal 2004; and the result of a full year’s interest expense on the 2nd mortgages placed on several of our residential properties during Fiscal 2003. Additionally, FREIT incurred interest costs for draws against its credit line to purchase The Pierre.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Our General and Administrative expenses increased 16.4% to $689,000 for Fiscal 2004 from $592,000 for Fiscal 2003. The principal reasons for the increase were higher Officer and Trustee’s fees for Fiscal 2003, and increases in legal fees.

DEPRECIATION
Depreciation expense in fiscal 2004 increased $838,000 (29.5%) to $3,677,000 from $2,839,000 for Fiscal 2003. The principal reasons for the increase was the acquisition of The Pierre during Fiscal 2004, and a full year’s depreciation taken on the Damascus Shopping Center, which was purchased during Fiscal 2003.

24


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our financial condition remains strong. Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.7 million for Fiscal 2005 compared to $11.3 million for Fiscal 2004 – the year the Olney Town Center was sold. We expect that cash provided by operating activities will be adequate to cover mandatory debt service payments, recurring capital improvements and dividends necessary to retain qualification as a REIT (90% of taxable income).

As at October 31, 2005, we had cash and marketable securities totaling $5.7 million compared to $18.8 million at October 31, 2004. During Fiscal 2005 we used approximately $2.3 million of our cash reserves to pre-pay the 9.25% mortgage on the Damascus property, $5.1 million for the acquisition of The Rotunda and approximately $4.4 million for development and construction activities.

As described in the segment analysis above, we’ve begun construction of 129 apartment units in Rockaway Township, NJ. Construction costs at Rockaway are estimated at $13.8 million, which will be funded from draws against a construction loan (see Fiscal Year 2005 Developments, Financing). We also are planning the rebuilding of the Damascus Shopping Center, in Damascus, MD, and an expansion and redevelopment of The Rotunda in Baltimore, MD. The total capital required for these projects, if all relevant governmental approvals are received, is estimated at $13 million, and $70 million, respectively. We expect to finance these costs, in part, from construction and mortgage financing and, in part, from funds available in our institutional money market investment. We expect these development projects to add to revenues, income, cash flow, and shareholder value.

At October 31, 2005, FREIT’s aggregate outstanding mortgage debt was $166.9 million. This debt bears a fixed weighted average interest rate of 6.312%, and an average life of approximately 6.5 years. The fixed rate mortgages are subject to repayment (amortization) schedules that are longer than the term of the mortgages. As such, balloon payments for all mortgage debt will be required as follows:

Year $ Millions
2007   $ 15.7  
2008   $ 28.4  
2010   $ 12.3  
2013   $ 8.0  
2014   $ 26.1  
2016   $ 24.7  
2019   $ 28.3  

The following table shows the estimated fair value and carrying value of our long-term debt at October 31, 2005 and 2004:

(In Millions) October 31,
2005
October 31,
2004
     
Fair Value $171.9  $158.1 
Carrying Value $166.9  $148.2 

Fair values are estimated based on market interest rates at the end of each fiscal year and on discounted cash flow analysis. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect these fair value estimates.

FREIT expects to re-finance the individual mortgages with new mortgages when their terms expire. To this extent we have exposure to interest rate risk on our fixed rate debt obligations. If interest rates, at the time any individual mortgage note is due, are higher than the current fixed interest rate, higher debt service may be required, and/or re-financing proceeds may be less than the amount of mortgage debt being retired. For example, a one percent interest rate increase would reduce the fair value of our debt by $5.6 million, and a one percent decrease would increase the fair value by $6.0 million.

25


We believe that the values of our properties will be adequate to command re-financing proceeds equal to, or higher than, the mortgage debt to be re-financed. We continually review our debt levels to determine if additional debt can prudently be utilized for property acquisition additions to our real estate portfolio that will increase income and cash flow to shareholders.

Credit Line:
FREIT’s $14 million line of credit expired on January 21, 2004 (extended date) and has been replaced by an $18 million line of credit. The line of credit is for three years but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, at each anniversary date. Draws against the credit line can be used for general corporate purposes, for property acquisitions, construction activities, and letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, Franklin Lakes, NJ, retail space in Glen Rock, NJ, Lakewood Apartments, Lakewood, NJ, and Grandview Apartments, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Interest rates on draws will be set at the time of each draw for 30, 60, or 90-day periods, based on our choice of the prime rate or at 175 basis points over the 30, 60, or 90-day LIBOR rates at the time of the draws.

As of October 31, 2005 there were no draws outstanding against this line, except the credit line has been utilized for the issuance of a $2 million Letter of Credit for the benefit of the Township of Rockaway in connection with our construction of 129 garden apartment units.

Interest rate swap contract: To reduce interest rate volatility, FREIT uses “pay fixed, receive floating” interest rate swaps to convert floating interest rates to fixed interest rates over the terms of certain loans. We enter into these swap contracts with a counterparty that is usually a high-quality commercial bank.

In essence, we agree to pay our counterparty a fixed rate of interest on a dollar amount of notional principal (which corresponds to our mortgage debt) over a term equal to the terms of the mortgage note. Our Counterparty, in return, agrees to pay us a short-term rate of interest – generally LIBOR – on that same notional amount over the same term as our mortgage note.

FASB 133 requires us to mark-to-market fixed pay interest rate swaps. As the floating interest rate varies from time-to-time over the term of the contract, the value of the contract will change upward or downward. If the floating rate is higher than the fixed rate, the value of the contract goes up and there is a gain and an asset. If the floating rate is less than the fixed rate, there is a loss and a liability. These gains or losses will not affect our income statement. Changes in the fair value of these swap contracts will be reported in earnings of other comprehensive income and appear in the equity section of our balance sheet. This gain or loss represents the economic consequence of liquidating our fixed rate swap contracts and replacing them with like-duration funding at current market rates, something we would likely never do.

FREIT had a variable interest rate mortgage securing its Patchogue, NY property. To reduce interest rate fluctuations FREIT entered into an interest rate swap contract. This rate swap contract effectively converted variable interest rate payments to fixed interest rate payments. The contract was initially based on a notional amount of approximately $6,769,000 ($6,331,000 at October 31, 2005). FREIT has the following derivative-related risks with its swap contract: 1) early termination risk, and 2) Counterparty credit risk.

Early Termination Risk: If FREIT wants to terminate its swap contract before maturity, it would be bought out or terminated at market value; i.e., the difference in the present value of the anticipated net cash flows from each of the swap’s parties. If current variable interest rates are significantly below FREIT’s fixed interest rate payments, this could be costly. Conversely, if interest rates rise above FREIT’s fixed interest payments and FREIT wished early termination, FREIT would realize a gain on termination. At October 31, 2005, FREIT’s swap contract was in-the-money. If FREIT had terminated its contract at that date it would have realized a gain of about $96,000. This amount has been included as an asset in FREIT’s balance sheet as at October 31, 2005, and the change (gain or loss) between reporting periods included in comprehensive income.

Counterparty Credit Risk: Each party to a swap contract bears the risk that its Counterparty will default on its obligation to make a periodic payment. FREIT reduces this risk by entering swap contracts only with major financial institutions that are experienced market makers in the derivatives market.

FREIT’s total capital commitments, including long term-debt, are summarized as follows:

26



CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

Within 2 - 3 4 - 5 After 5

Contractual Obligations Total One Year Years Years Years

Long-Term Debt                        
   Annual Amortization     $ 23,618   $ 2,014   $ 4,141   $ 4,357   $ 13,106  
   Balloon Payments       143,256         44,064     12,284     86,908  






     Total Long-Term Debt       166,874     2,014     48,205     16,641     100,014  





Contracts    
   Construction contracts       8,519     8,519              






Total Capital Commitments     $ 175,393   $ 10,533   $ 48,205   $ 16,641   $ 100,014  







Funds From Operations (“FFO”)

Many consider FFO as the standard measurement of a REIT’s performance. We compute FFO as follows:

Funds From Operations (“FFO”)
Year Ended
October 31,
2005
2004
2003
($000)
Net income     $ 4,456   $ 15,210   $ 5,565  
Depreciation       4,265     3,677     2,839  
Amortization of deferred mortgage Costs       196     177     113  
Deferred rents (Straight lining)       (329 )   (335 )   (276 )
Capital Improvements - Apartments       (626 )   (417 )   (596 )
Discontinued operations           (13,278 )   (998 )
Minority interests:    
   Equity in earnings of affiliates       464     3,736     621  
   Distributions to minority interests       (728 )   (2,108 )   (603 )



   FFO     $ 7,698   $ 6,662   $ 6,665  



        Per Share - Basic     $ 1.20   $ 1.04   $ 1.06  



        Per Share - Diluted     $ 1.14   $ 1.00   $ 1.02  



     
        Weighted Average Shares outstanding:    
                Basic       6,440     6,378     6,268  



                 Diluted       6,774     6,658     6,523  




FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and therefore should not be considered a substitute for net income as a measure of results of operations or for cash flow from operations as a measure of liquidity. Additionally, the application and calculation of FFO by certain other REITs may vary materially from that of FREIT’s, and therefore FREIT’s FFO and the FFO of other REITs may not be directly comparable.

27


Distributions to Shareholders

Since its inception in 1961, FREIT has elected to be treated as a REIT for Federal income tax purposes. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of highly technical and complex operational requirements including that we must distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income. We anticipate making distributions to shareholders from operating cash flows, which are expected to increase from future growth in rental revenues. Although cash used to make distributions reduces amounts available for capital investment, we generally intend to distribute not less than the minimum of REIT taxable income necessary to satisfy the applicable REIT requirement as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. With respect to the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the reduction of the tax rate on dividends does not apply to FREIT dividends. Since it is FREIT’s policy to pass on at lease 90 percent of its taxable income to shareholders, FREIT’s taxable income is untaxed at the Trust level. As a result, FREIT’s dividends will be taxed as ordinary income.

It has been our policy to pay fixed quarterly dividends for the first three quarters of each fiscal year, and a final fourth quarter dividend based on the fiscal year’s net income and taxable income. The Board has decided, to fix the dividend for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 at $.25 per share. The following tables list the quarterly dividends paid or declared for the three most recent fiscal years and the percent the dividends were of taxable income. Per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-one share dividend paid in March 2004


Fiscal Year ended October 31,(1)

2005 2004 2003

First Quarter     $ 0.25   $ 0.20   $ 0.175  
Second Quarter     $ 0.25   $ 0.20   $ 0.175  
Third Quarter     $ 0.25   $ 0.20   $ 0.175  
Fourth Quarter     $ 0.45   $ 0.50   $ 0.375  

Total For Year     $ 1.20   $ 1.10   $ 0.90  

(1) All prior periods adjusted for a one-for-one share dividend paid on March 31, 2004.

($000)
Dividends
Fiscal
Year
Per
Share
Total
Dividends
Taxable
Income
as a % of
Taxable Income

  2005   $ 1.20   $ 7,740   $ 4,778   162.0%
  2004   $ 1.10   $ 7,064   $ 5,337   132.4%
  2003   $ 0.90   $ 5,667   $ 3,881   146.0%


INFLATION
Inflation can impact the financial performance of FREIT in various ways. Our retail tenant leases normally provide that the tenants bear all or a portion of most operating expenses, which can reduce the impact of inflationary increases on FREIT. Apartment leases are normally for a one-year term, which may allow us to seek increased rents as leases renew or when new tenants are obtained.

ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Retail and Residential Segment” above.

ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data of FREIT are submitted as a separate section of this Annual Report. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 33 of this Annual Report.

28


ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Not Applicable.

ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of FREIT’s disclosure controls and procedures. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with participation of FREIT’s management, including FREIT’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, who concluded that FREIT’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in FREIT’s internal controls or in other factors, which could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date we carried out our evaluation.

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in FREIT’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in FREIT’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including FREIT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  — FREIT’s management, under the supervision of FREIT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management evaluated the effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, management has concluded that FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2005.

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2005, has been audited by J.H. Cohn LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included below.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  — FREIT’s management, with the participation of FREIT’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated whether any change in FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that there has been no change in FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees and Shareholders
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”, that First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries (“FREIT”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). FREIT’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that FREIT maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also in our opinion, FREIT maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the related consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, comprehensive income and undistributed earnings and cash flows of FREIT and our report dated January 10, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on these statements.

/s/ J. H. Cohn LLP
Roseland, New Jersey

January 10, 2006


PART III

Certain information required by Part III is incorporated by reference to FREIT’s definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the end of FREIT’s fiscal year covered by this Annual Report. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement that specifically address the items set forth in this Annual Report are incorporated by reference from the Proxy Statement into this Annual Report.

ITEM 10: DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT

The information concerning FREIT’s trustees required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections titled “Election of Trustees” and “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act” in FREIT’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2005.

The information concerning FREIT’s executive officers required by this item is set forth in Item 4A of Part I of this Annual Report under the caption “Executive Officers of FREIT.”

29


ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information pertaining to executive compensation required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Election of Trustees - Executive Compensation” in FREIT’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2006.

ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K to be included as part of this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in FREIT’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2006.

  Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

  The number of stock options outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, and the number of securities remaining available for issuance, as of October 31, 2005, were as follows:

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))

Plan category (a) (b) (c)
Equity
Compensation Plans 512,000 $ 7.50 166,000
approved by
security holders (1)

Equity
Compensation Plans 0 0 0
not approved by
security holders

Total 512,000 $ 7.50 166,000


  (1) FREIT’s equity incentive plan provides for the issuance of awards to officers, trustees, employees and consultants in the form of nonqualified options to acquire shares of beneficial interest, restricted shares and other share based awards.

ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in FREIT’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2006.

30


ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required in response to this Item is incorporated by reference to the information contained in FREIT’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held in April 2006 under the captions “Audit Fees,” “AUDIT Related Fees,” ” Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees.”

PART IV

ITEM 15: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

(a) Financial Statements:

  (i) Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, J.H. Cohn LLP

  (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2005 and 2004

  (iii) Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, and Undistributed Earnings for the years ended October 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

  (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003

  (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  Financial Statement Schedules:

  (i) Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation.

  Exhibits:

  See Index to Exhibits immediately following the Financial Statements.

(b) Exhibits:

  See Index to Exhibits.

(c) Financial Statement Schedules:

  See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.

31


SIGNATURES

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

First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey
 
Dated: January 17, 2006 By: /s/ Robert S. Hekemian
Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
By: /s/ Donald W. Barney
President, Treasurer and Chief FinancialOfficer

32


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (ITEMS 8 AND 14(a))

PAGE
(A) Financial statements:
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 34
 
        Consolidated Balance Sheets
October 31, 2005 and 2004 35
 
Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income
and Undistributed Earnings
     Years ended October 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 36
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
     Years Ended October 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 37
 
Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements 38
 
(B) Financial Statement Schedules:
 
XI - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 54/55
 

Other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.


* * *

33


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees and Shareholders
First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries (“FREIT”) as of October 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and undistributed earnings and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of FREIT’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries as of October 31, 2005 and 2004, and their results of operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the Standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).

Our audits referred to above included the information in Schedule XI, which presents fairly, when read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, the information required to be set forth therein.

/s/ J.H. Cohn LLP

Roseland, New Jersey

January 10, 2006

34


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
OCTOBER 31, 2005 AND 2004

2005 2004
(In Thousands of Dollars)
ASSETS
Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation     $ 188,416   $ 160,044  
Construction in progress       4,770     313  
Cash and cash equivalents       5,672     18,843  
Tenants’ security accounts       1,908     1,777  
Sundry receivables       4,460     3,102  
Secured loans receivable       1,658      
Prepaid expenses and other assets       4,198     3,580  
Deferred charges, net       3,820     2,916  
Interest rate swap contract       96      


                                                 Totals     $ 214,998   $ 190,575  


     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:    
         Mortgages payable     $ 166,874   $ 148,244  
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses       6,288     3,068  
         Dividends payable       2,916     3,212  
         Tenants’ security deposits       2,487     2,210  
         Deferred revenue       274     247  
         Interest rate swap contract             160  


                                            Total liabilities       178,839     157,141  


     
Minority interest       7,585     2,267  


     
Commitments and contingencies    
     
Shareholders’ equity:    
         Shares of beneficial interest without par value:    
         8,000,000 shares authorized;    
               6,481,152 and 6,423,152 shares issued    
         and outstanding       21,129     20,694  
         Undistributed earnings       7,349     10,633  
         Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)       96     (160 )


                                  Total shareholders’ equity       28,574     31,167  


     
                                                 Totals     $ 214,998   $ 190,575  


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

35


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND
UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31 2005, 2004 AND 2003

INCOME 2005
2004
2003
(In Thousands Of Dollars,
Except Per Share Amounts)
Revenue:                
Rental income     $ 29,398   $ 25,937   $ 21,336  
Reimbursements       4,168     4,229     3,945  
Sundry income       101     190     118  



Totals       33,667     30,356     25,399  



     
Expenses:    
Operating expenses       8,200     6,441     4,982  
Management fees       1,524     1,299     1,065  
Real estate taxes       4,948     4,408     3,678  
Depreciation       4,265     3,677     2,839  
Minority interest       464     416     374  



Totals       19,401     16,241     12,938  



     
Operating income       14,266     14,115     12,461  
     
Investment income       229     183     201  
Interest expense including amortization    
  of deferred financing costs       (10,039 )   (9,046 )   (7,838 )



Income from continuing operations       4,456     5,252     4,824  



Discontinued operations:    
    Income from discontinued operations           597     988  
Gain on disposal           12,681      
    Minority interest in discontinued operations           (3,320 )   (247 )



Income from discontinued operations       -     9,958     741  



Net income     $ 4,456   $ 15,210   $ 5,565  



     
Basic earnings per share:    
Continuing operations     $ 0.69   $ 0.82   $ 0.77  
Discontinued operations       -     1.56     0.12  



Net income     $ 0.69   $ 2.38   $ 0.89  



     
Diluted earnings per share:    
Continuing operations     $ 0.66   $ 0.79   $ 0.74  
Discontinued operations       -     1.50     0.11  



Net income     $ 0.66   $ 2.29   $ 0.85  



     
Weighted average shares outstanding:    
Basic       6,440     6,378     6,268  
Diluted       6,774     6,658     6,523  
     
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME    
Net Income     $ 4,456   $ 15,210   $ 5,565  
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest    
   rate swap contract       256     41     (201 )



Comprehensive income     $ 4,712   $ 15,251   $ 5,364  



     
UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS    
Balance, beginning of year     $ 10,633   $ 2,487   $ 2,589  
Net income       4,456     15,210     5,565  
Less dividends       (7,740 )   (7,064 )   (5,667 )



Balance, end of year     $ 7,349   $ 10,633   $ 2,487  



Dividends per share     $ 1.20   $ 1.10   $ 0.90  



     
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    

36


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

2005 2004 2003
(In Thousands of Dollars)
Operating activities:                
      Net income     $ 4,456   $ 15,210   $ 5,565  
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by    
      operating activities (including discontinued operations):    
            Depreciation       4,265     3,928     3,215  
            Amortization       413     405     350  
            Deferred revenue       27     6     (91 )
            Minority interest       464     3,735     621  
           Gain on disposal of discontinued operations           (12,681 ) (a)   -  
           Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
                   Tenants’ security accounts       (131 )   (445 )   (158 )
                   Sundry receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets       (3,293 )   (724 )   (4,313 )
                   Accounts payable and accrued expenses       3,220     1,464     767  
                   Tenants’ security deposits       277     406     291  



                      Net cash provided by operating activities       9,698     11,304     6,247  



Investing activities:    
      Capital expenditures       (6,204 )   (2,409 )   (2,455 )
      Net proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations           16,235 (a)   -  
      Investment in affiliate                   3,600  
      Acquisition of real estate       (8,390 ) (b)   (16,003 ) (c)   (14,007 ) (d)
      Secured loans to minority interest       (1,658 )        



                        Net cash used in investing activities       (16,252 )   (2,177 )   (12,862 )



Financing activities:    
      Repayment of mortgages       (3,945 )   (1,776 )   (1,661 )
      Proceeds from notes and mortgage financing       75     4,542     16,132  
      Proceeds from exercise of stock options       435     840     540  
      Dividends paid       (8,036 )   (6,219 )   (5,390 )
      Distribution to minority interest       (728 )   (2,108 )   (603 )
      Contributions by minority interest       5,582          



                       Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities       (6,617 )   (4,721 )   9,018  



Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents       (13,171 )   4,406     2,403  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year       18,843     14,437     12,034  



Cash and cash equivalents, end of year     $ 5,672   $ 18,843   $ 14,437  



     
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow data:    
      Interest paid     $ 9,844   $ 9,070   $ 8,000  



      Income taxes paid     $ 36   $ 59   $ 18  



Supplemental schedule of non cash investing    
and financing activities:                



      Dividends declared but not paid     $ 2,916   $ 3,212   $ 2,367  




(a) In June 2004, S And A Commercial Associates LP (“S And A”), a then 75% owned subsidiary of FREIT, sold the Olney Town Center in Olney, MD for $28,125,000 that it acquired in April 2000 for approximately $15,500,000. Net proceeds of approximately $16,235,000 were received after the payment of the first mortgage on the property of approximately $11,000,000. For financial statement purposes FREIT recognized a gain of approximately $12,681,000.

(b) In July 2005, Grande Rotunda, LLC, a 60% owned affiliate of FREIT, completed the acquisition of The Rotunda, a 216,000 sq. ft. office and retail building in Baltimore, MD. The acquisition cost of approximately $30,890,000 was paid in part with the proceeds of a $22,500,000 acquisition loan.

(c) In April 2004, S And A completed the acquisition of a 269 unit high rise apartment building in Hackensack, NJ for approximately $45,586,000, in part with the proceeds of a $29,583,000 mortgage.

(d) (i) In November 2002, Wayne PSC, LLC, a 40% owned subsidiary of FREIT, completed the acquisition of a 323,000 sq. ft. shopping center in Wayne, NJ, for approximately $33,282,000, in part with the proceeds of a $26,500,000 mortgage. (ii) In July 2003, Damascus Centre LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary of FREIT, completed the acquisition of a 139,000 Sq. Ft. shopping center in Damascus, MD for approximately $9,833,000, in part by assuming a mortgage in the amount of $2,608,000.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

37


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Organization and significant accounting policies:

  Organization:

  First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) was organized November 1, 1961 as a New Jersey Business Trust. FREIT is engaged in owning residential and commercial income producing properties located primarily in New Jersey, Maryland and New York.

  FREIT has elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust under the provisions of Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Accordingly, FREIT does not pay Federal income tax on income whenever income distributed to shareholders is equal to at least 90% of real estate investment trust taxable income. Further, FREIT pays no Federal income tax on capital gains distributed to shareholders.

  FREIT is subject to Federal income tax on undistributed taxable income and capital gains. FREIT may make an annual election under Section 858 of the Internal Revenue Code to apply part of the regular dividends paid in each respective subsequent year as a distribution for the immediately preceding year. For fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, FREIT made such an election.

  Principles of consolidation:

  In December 2003, the FASB issued revised FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51.” (“FIN 46R”). FIN 46R requires the consolidation of an entity in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity (variable interest entities, or “VIEs”). Currently, entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise when it has a controlling financial interest through ownership or a majority voting interest in the entity. FIN 46R is applicable for financial statements of public entities that have interests in VIEs or potential VIEs referred to as special-purpose entities for periods ending after December 31, 2003. Applications by public entities for all other types of entities are required in financial statements for periods ending after March 15, 2004.

  In accordance with the definition of related parties as defined in paragraph 16 of FIN 46R and the guidance in paragraph 4h, it is the belief of the management of FREIT that FIN 46R is applicable to Westwood Hills, LLC and Wayne PSC, LLC, both 40% owned by FREIT. Because of this determination, FREIT has consolidated these two entities in its consolidated financial statements beginning with the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004, and has restated all prior periods included in this annual report on Form 10-K. The consolidation of these two entities did not have any impact on FREIT’s equity, net income, or earnings per share.

  Accordingly, The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FREITand it’s following subsidiaries:

Subsidiary
Owning
Entity

%
Ownership

Year
Acquired

       
S And A Commercial Associates
  Limited Partnership (“S and A”) FREIT 65 2000
 
Westwood Hills, LLC FREIT 40 1994
 
Damascus Centre, LLC (“Damascus”) FREIT 100 2003
 
Wayne Preakness, LLC FREIT 40 2002
 
Pierre Towers, LLC S and A 100 2004
 
Grande Rotunda, LLC FREIT 60 2005

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  The consolidated financial statements include 100% of each subsidiary’s assets, liabilities, operations and cash flows with the interests not owned by FREIT reflected as “minority interest”. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

  Use of estimates:

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

  Cash and cash equivalents:

  Financial instruments that potentially subject FREIT to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. FREIT considers all highly liquid investments purchased with maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. FREIT maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank and other accounts, the balances of which, at times, may exceed Federally insured limits. At October 31, 2005, such cash and cash equivalent balances exceeded Federally insured limits by approximately $4,602,000. Exposure to credit risk is reduced by placing such deposits with high credit quality financial institutions.

  Depreciation:

  Real estate and equipment are depreciated on the straight-line method by annual charges to operations calculated to absorb costs of assets over their estimated useful lives.

  Impairment of long-lived assets:

  FREIT has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). Under SFAS 144, impairment losses on long-lived assets, such as real estate and equipment, are recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than their carrying value and, accordingly, all or a portion of such carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are then measured by comparing the fair value of assets to their carrying amounts.

  Deferred charges:

  Deferred charges consist of mortgage costs and leasing commissions. Deferred mortgage costs are amortized on the straight-line method by annual charges to operations over the terms of the mortgages. Amortization of such costs is included in interest expense and approximated $195,000, $196,000 and $177,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Deferred leasing commissions are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the applicable leases.

  Revenue recognition:

  Income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis regardless of when payment is due. Lease agreements between FREIT and commercial tenants generally provide for additional rentals based on such factors as percentage of tenants’ sales in excess of specified volumes, increases in real estate taxes, Consumer Price Indices and common area maintenance charges. These additional rentals are generally included in income when reported to FREIT, when billed to tenants or ratably over the appropriate period.

  Interest rate swap contract:

  FREIT utilizes derivative financial instruments to reduce interest rate risk. FREIT does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Effective November 1, 2002, FREIT adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities and amended by statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” As required by SFAS 133, FREIT recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet

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  and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in fair value of those instruments are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. The accounting for gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value of the derivative and the effect on the consolidated financial statements depends on its hedge designation and whether the hedge is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the fair value of cash flows on the assets or liability hedged.

  Advertising:

  FREIT expenses the cost of advertising and promotions as incurred. Advertising costs charged to operations amounted to approximately $151,000, $188,000 and $116,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

  Earnings per share:

  FREIT has presented “basic” and “diluted” earnings per share in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings per Share”(“SFAS 128”).

  Stock-based compensation:

  In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” FREIT will recognize compensation cost as a result of the issuance of stock options to employees, including directors, based on the excess, if any, of the fair value of the underlying shares at the date of grant or award (or at an appropriate subsequent measurement date) over the amount the employees must pay to acquire the shares (the “intrinsic value method”). However, FREIT will not be required to recognize compensation expense as a result of any grants to employees at an exercise price that is equal to or greater than fair value. FREIT will also make proforma disclosures, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”), and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation -Transition and Disclosures” (“SFAS 148”), of net income or loss as if a fair value based method of accounting for stock options had been applied if such amounts differ materially from the historical amounts.

 

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, all other issuances of shares of beneficial interest, options or other equity instruments to employees and nonemployees as the consideration for goods or services received by FREIT are accounted for based on the fair value of the equity instruments issued (unless the fair value of the consideration received can be more reliably measured). The fair value of any options or similar equity instruments issued will be estimated based on the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which meets the criteria set forth in SFAS 123, and the assumption that all of the options or other equity instruments will ultimately vest. Such fair value is measured as of an appropriate date pursuant to EITF Issue No. 96-18 (generally, the earlier of the date the other party becomes committed to provide goods or services or the date performance by the other party is complete) and capitalized or expensed as if FREIT had paid cash for the goods or services.


 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No.123 (R) “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” SFAS 123 (R) establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. This Statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS 123 (R) requires that the fair value of such equity instruments be recognized as an expense in the historical financial statements as services are performed. Prior to SFAS 123 (R), only certain pro forma disclosures of fair value were required. SFAS 123 (R) shall be effective for FREIT as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after December 15, 2005. The adoption of this new accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.


  Recent accounting pronouncements:

  In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued SFAS 148 which amends SFAS 123. SFAS 148 provides alternate methods of transition for a voluntary change from the intrinsic value method to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. However, management of FREIT does not expect to make such a change. In addition, SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123 to require more prominent annual and quarterly disclosures in the financial statements about the effects of using the intrinsic value method rather than the fair value method for stock-based compensation. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS 148 did not have a material impact on FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

  In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”(“SFAS 149”). The adoption of the provisions of SFAS 149 did not have a material impact on FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

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  In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify financial instruments that are within its scope as a liability. Many of those instruments were classified as equity under previous guidance. Most of the guidance in SFAS 150 was effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise was effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS 150 did not have any impact on FREIT’s consolidated financial statements.

  Reclassifications:

  Certain accounts in the 2004 and 2003 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Note 2 – Acquisitions and Discontinued Operations:

  On July 19, 2005, FREIT’s 60% owned affiliate, Grande Rotunda, LLC, completed the acquisition of The Rotunda, a mixed-use property in Baltimore, Maryland. The Rotunda site is approximately 11.5 acres and is in close proximity to John Hopkins University. Its current configuration contains about 138,000 sq. ft. of office space, primarily in the four-story main building, and 78,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the lower level of the main building. A Giant Supermarket anchors the retail space.

  The acquisition cost was approximately $31 million (inclusive of transaction costs), which was financed in part from an acquisition loan in the amount of $22.5 million, and the balance in cash. The acquisition mortgage loan bears interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR and has an initial term of three (3) years, which makes the loan repayment date July 19, 2008. FREIT contributed 60% of the cash required, with the balance contributed by its joint venture partner, Rotunda 100, LLC, whose equity investors are principally employees of Hekemian & Co., Inc. (“Hekemian”). Hekemian is the managing agent for FREIT’s other properties. In order to incentivize the employees of Hekemian to identify and provide real estate investment opportunities for FREIT, FREIT agreed to advance, only to the employees of Hekemian, up to 50% of the amount of the equity capital required to be contributed by them to Rotunda 100, LLC, for this transaction. FREIT has advanced $1.7 million to the Hekemian employees (certain of whom are members of the family of FREIT’s Chairman of the Board), and these loans will bear a floating rate of interest payable quarterly and will be secured by the Hekemian employees’ membership equity interest in Rotunda 100, LLC.

  The acquisition price of The Rotunda has been preliminarily allocated as follows: $14.6 million (47.2%) to the building and $16.3 million (52.8%) to the land. The purchase price allocation is based on an independent appraisal of the fair value of the property components at the acquisition date, with minimal value currently being assigned to the leases. These allocated values are subject to change as more data becomes available and the fair market value of the leases can be more accurately determined. It is FREIT’s policy that initial valuations are finalized, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142, no later than six (6) months from the acquisition date.

  On June 22, 2004, S And A closed on its contract for the sale of the Olney Town Center (“OTC”) in Olney, Maryland. The sale price for the property was $28.2 million. The property was acquired in April 2000 for approximately $15.5 million. Net proceeds received approximated $16.2 million after repayment of the first mortgage on the property of approximately $11 million. The operations of OTC are classified as discontinued operations. For financial statement purposes, S And A recognized a gain of approximately $12.7 from the sale.

  On April 16, 2004, S And A closed on the purchase of The Pierre apartments. The Pierre is a 269-unit luxury high-rise apartment building located in Hackensack, NJ. The contract purchase price for The Pierre was approximately $44 million. This amount, together with estimated transaction costs of approximately $2 million, resulted in total acquisition costs of approximately $46 million. The acquisition costs were financed in part by a mortgage loan in the approximate amount of $30 million and the balance of approximately $16 million in cash. FREIT provided 75% of the cash required with the balance of

41


  approximately $4 million provided by the 25% minority owners of S And A.

  The net proceeds from the OTC sale after the repayment of the first mortgage repaid FREIT and the 25% minority owners for their advances made to acquire The Pierre.

  S And A structured the sale of OTC and the purchase of The Pierre in a manner that would qualify as a like-kind exchange of real estate pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, and resulted in a deferral for income tax purposes of the realization of gain on the sale of OTC. Since it is the intention of FREIT to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust, deferred tax would be minimal.

  In November 2003 Wayne PSC, LLC, a 40% owned affiliate of FREIT acquired the Preakness Shopping Center in Wayne, NJ. The acquisition price of approximately $33 million was financed in part by a $26.5 million first mortgage.

  On July 31, 2003 Damascus Centre, LLC, a newly formed limited liability company, which is wholly owned by FREIT, acquired a 139,000 square foot shopping center in Damascus, Maryland. The total acquisition cost of approximately $9,933,000 was financed in part by the assumption of a $2,610,000 first mortgage.

  The following unaudited pro forma information shows the results of operations for fiscal years ended October 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 for FREIT and Subsidiaries as though The Pierre, Preakness, Damascus, and The Rotunda had been acquired at the beginning of fiscal 2003:

Year Ended October 31,
2005 2004 2003
(In thousands of Dollars,
Except for Per Share Amounts)
Revenues     $ 36,398   $ 36,877   $ 35,411  
Net expenses       (31,859 )   (31,835 )   (30,744 )
Minority Interest       (312 )   (255 )   (141 )



Income before discontinued operations       4,227     4,787     4,526  
Discontinued Operations           9,958     741  



Net Income     $ 4,227   $ 14,745   $ 5,267  



     
Basic Earnings Per Share:    
Continuing operations     $ 0.66   $ 0.75   $ 0.72  
Discontinued operations       -     1.56     0.12  



    Net Income     $ 0.66   $ 2.31   $ 0.84  



     
Diluted earnings per share:    
Continuing operations     $ 0.62   $ 0.72   $ 0.69  
Discontinued operations       -     1.50     0.11  



    Net Income     $ 0.62   $ 2.22   $ 0.80  



The unaudited pro forma results include adjustments for depreciation based on the purchase price and increased interest expense based on the mortgage placed on the property at acquisition date and reduced net investment income related to assets utilized to make the acquisitions, and obligations incurred to complete the transactions.

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The unaudited pro forma results of operations set forth above are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been made at the beginning of fiscal 2003 or of future results of operations of FREIT’s combined properties.

The acquisition price for The Pierre, including closing costs, was approximately $45.6 million. Based on a detailed appraisal of the property, the purchase price was allocated as follows: approximately $37.5 million (82.2%) was allocated to the building and other improvements and approximately $8.1 million (17.8%) was allocated towards land. Value attributable to leases was considered immaterial due to their short-term nature.

The Preakness Shopping Center was acquired for approximately $33 million. Based on a cost allocation study prepared by a third party consultant, approximately $23.7 million was allocated to buildings and improvements and approximately $9.3 million allocated to land. The center, at the time of purchase, was approximately 78% occupied. Management reviewed the existing leases and determined that in the aggregate, the leases approximated market.

The acquisition price for the Damascus shopping center was allocated to land and buildings based on relative fair value of each to the purchase price. It is management’s intention to demolish the center and construct a new center, therefore, no value was allocated to the leases as they are relatively short-term and will be renegotiated for space in the new center.

Note 3 - Real estate and equipment:

  Real estate and equipment consists of the following:

Range of 2005 2004
Estimated
Useful Lives
(In Thousands
of Dollars)
 
Land         $ 66,215   $ 47,301  
Unimproved land           748     3,480  
Apartment buildings     7-40 years     62,187     61,189  
Commercial buildings/shopping centers     15-50 years     91,023     75,732  
Equipment     3-15 years     1,338     1,174  
Pre-construction development costs         4,770     313  


                                                            226,281     189,189  
Less accumulated depreciation         33,095     28,832  


     
        Totals       $ 193,186   $ 160,357  



Note 4 - Mortgages payable:

  Mortgages payable consist of the following:

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2005
2004
(In Thousands
of Dollars)
Northern Life Insurance Cos. - Federick, MD (A)     $ 16,457   $ 16,885  
National Realty Funding L.C - Westwood, NJ (B)       9,593     9,758  
PW Funding, Inc. - Spring Lake, NJ (C)       3,362     3,422  
Bank Of America - Patchogue, NY (D)       6,331     6,553  
PW Funding, Inc. - Wayne, NJ- Apts. (E):    
   First mortgage       10,015     10,191  
   Second mortgage       3,433     3,513  
PW Funding, Inc. - River Edge, NJ (F):    
   First mortgage       4,887     4,974  
   Second mortgage       1,915     1,956  
PW Funding, Inc. - Maywood, NJ (G):    
   First mortgage       3,546     3,608  
   Second mortgage       1,358     1,388  
MetLife - Damascus, MD (H)           2,279  
PW Funding, Inc. - Westwood, NJ (I)    
   First mortgage       14,102     14,349  
   Second mortgage       3,175     3,243  
MetLife - Wayne, NJ- Shopping Center (J)       32,000     32,000  
State Farm Life Insurance Co. - Hackensack, NJ (K)       34,125     34,125  
Bank Of America - Baltimore, MD (L)       22,500      
State Farm Bank, F.S.B. - Rockaway, NJ (M)       75      


      $ 166,874   $ 148,244  


  (A) Payable in monthly installments of $152,153 including interest at 8.31% through June 2007 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Frederick, Maryland having a net book value of approximately $20,318,000.

  (B) Payable in monthly installments of $73,248 including interest at 7.38% through February 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Westwood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $11,076,000.

  (C) Payable in monthly installments of $23,875 including interest at 6.70% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Spring Lake, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $568,000.

  (D) Payable in monthly installments of $17,500 plus interest at the thirty day LIBOR rate plus 200 basis points through January 2008 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a retail building in Patchogue, New York having a net book value of approximately $9,166,000.

  (E) The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $76,023 including interest at 7.29% through July 2010 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $20,878 including interest at 4.92% through July 2010 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in Wayne, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $1,479,000.

  (F) The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $34,862 including interest at 6.75% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $12,318 including interest at 5.53% through December 2013

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  at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in River Edge, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $1,314,000.

  (G) The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $25,295 including interest at 6.75% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $8,739 including interest at 5.53% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in Maywood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $830,000.

  (H) This mortgage bearing interest at 9.25% has been pre-paid. The mortgage was secured by a retail building in Damascus, Maryland having a net book value of approximately $9,776,000.

  (I) The first mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $99,946 including interest at 6.693% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The second mortgage is payable in monthly installments of $21,954 including interest at 6.18% through December 2013 at which time the outstanding balance is due. The mortgages are secured by an apartment building in Westwood, New Jersey having a net book value of approximately $12,810,000.

  (J) Payable in monthly installments of interest only of $161,067 at the rate of 6.04% through June 2006, thereafter payable in monthly installments of $206,960 including interest until June 2016 at which time the unpaid balance is due. The mortgage is secured by a shopping center in Wayne, NJ having a net book value of approximately $32,366,000.

  (K) Payable in monthly installments of interest only of $152,994 at the rate of 5.38% through May 2009, thereafter payable in monthly installments of $191,197 including interest until May 2019 at which time the unpaid balance is due. The mortgage is secured by an apartment building in Hackensack, NJ having a net book value of approximately $45,144,000.

  (L) Payable in monthly installments of iterest only at the rate of 150 basis points over LIBOR, in effect from time-to-time. The loan is due on July 19, 2008, but may be extended, under certain circumstances, for an additional one year. The loan is secured by a mixed-use property in Baltimore, MD having a net book value of approximately $30,790,000.

  (M) This construction loan bears interest on the outstanding principal balance, which is payable monthly, at the rate of 140 basis points over LIBOR in effect from time-to-time. Funding under the construction loan is based on draw requests for work in progress and can total up to $20,700,000. When construction is completed, the construction loan will convert to a permanent mortgage loan for $20,700,000. This permanent loan will bear a fixed interest rate of 5.37%, and will require fixed monthly payments of $115,850. The unpaid principal of the loan will be due in September 2021. The loan is currently secured by land and construction in progress in Rockaway, NJ having a net book value of approximately of $6,614,000.

  Principal amounts (in thousands of dollars) due under the above obligations in each of the five years subsequent to October 31, 2005 are as follows:

Year Ending
October 31,

Amount
2006   $     2,014  
2007   17,940  
2008   30,264  
2009   2,151  
2010   14,490  

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  The fair value of FREIT’s long-term debt, which approximates $172 million and $158 million at October 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, is estimated based on the current rates offered to FREIT for debt of the similar remaining maturities.

Note 5 - Line of credit:

  On February 4, 2005, FREIT replaced its expired $14 million line of credit with an $18 million line of credit. The line of credit is for three years but can be cancelled by the bank, at its will, at each anniversary date. Draws against the credit line can be used for general corporate purposes, for property acquisitions, construction activities, and letters of credit. Draws against the credit line are secured by mortgages on FREIT’s Franklin Crossing Shopping Center, Franklin Lakes, NJ, retail space in Glen Rock, NJ, Lakewood Apartments, Lakewood, NJ, and Grandview Apartments, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Interest rates on draws will be set at the time of each draw for 30, 60, or 90-day periods, based on our choice of the prime rate or at 175 basis points over the 30, 60, or 90-day LIBOR rates at the time of the draws.

  FREIT has utilized the credit line for the issuance of a $2 million Letter of Credit in connection with its construction activities.

Note 6 - Interest rate swap contract:

  During November 2002, FREIT entered into an interest rate swap contract to reduce the impact of interest rate fluctuations on its variable rate mortgage secured by its Patchogue, NY property. At October 31, 2005, the derivative financial instrument has a notional amount of approximately $6,331,000 and a current maturity date of January 1, 2008. The contract effectively converted the variable rate to a fixed rate of 5.95%. In accordance with SFAS 133, FREIT marks to market its fixed pay interest rate swaps, taking in to account present interest rates compared to the contracted fixed rate over the life of the contract. For fiscal years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004, FREIT recorded an asset of $96,000 and a liability of $160,000 respectively. FREIT included a gain of $256,000 and $41,000 in comprehensive income for fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Note 7 - Commitments and contingencies:

  Leases:

  Retail tenants:

  FREIT leases retail space having a net book value of approximately $123,308,000 at October 31, 2005 to tenants for periods of up to twenty-five years. Most of the leases contain clauses for reimbursement of real estate taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses of the properties. Minimum rental income (in thousands of dollars) to be received from non-cancelable operating leases in years subsequent to October 31, 2005 is as follows:

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Year Ending
October 31,

Amount
  2006   $ 14,701  
  2007     12,091  
  2008     10,352  
  2009     8,951  
  2010     7,964  
  Thereafter     47,928  

  Total   $ 101,987  

  The above amounts assume that all leases which expire are not renewed and, accordingly, neither minimal rentals nor rentals from replacement tenants are included.

 

Minimum future rentals do not include contingent rentals, which may be received under certain leases on the basis of percentage of reported tenants’ sales volume or increases in Consumer Price Indices. Rental income that is contingent on future events is not included in income until the contingency is resolved. Contingent rentals included in income for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2005 were not material.

In connection with its construction activities, FREIT entered into construction contracts requiring payments of approximately $8.5 million to be made during fiscal 2006 as the work is completed. These amounts are to be funded from construction loans.


  Residential tenants:

  Lease terms for residential tenants are usually one year or less.

  Environmental concerns:

  In accordance with applicable regulations, FREIT reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) that a historical discharge of hazardous material was discovered in 1997 at the renovated Franklin Lakes shopping center (the “Center”).

  In November 1999, FREIT received a no further action letter from the NJDEP concerning the historical discharge at the Center. However, FREIT is required to continue monitoring such discharge, the cost of which will not be material.

Note 8 - Management agreement and fees and transactions with related party:

  The properties owned by FREIT are currently managed by Hekemian & Co., Inc. The management agreement, effective November 1, 2001, requires fees equal to a percentage of rents collected. Such fees were approximately $1,524,000, $1,372,000 and $1,170,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, inclusive of $73,000 and $105,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively, included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The agreement expires on October 31, 2007, and is automatically renewed for periods of two years unless either party gives notice of non-renewal. In addition, Hekemian charged FREIT fees and commissions in connection with the acquisition of the Rotunda during fiscal 2005, The Pierre and sale of the Olney Center during fiscal 2004, the acquisition of the Preakness Center during fiscal 2003, and various mortgage refinancing and lease acquisition fees. Such fees and commissions amounted to approximately $961,000, $2,110,000 and $1,451,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

  During fiscal 2005, FREIT’s Board of Trustees authorized an investor group comprised principally of Hekemian employees to contribute sufficient capital to Damascus Centre, LLC to acquire a 30% equity interest in this company, which owns the Damascus Shopping Center in Damascus, Maryland. The investment, to be based on the fair market value of the shopping

47


  center, will reduce FREIT’s equity interest to 70%. FREIT has agreed to advance, only to employees of Hekemian, up to 50% of the amount of the equity capital required to be contributed by them. These advances will be in the form of secured loans that will bear interest that will float at 255 basis points over LIBOR, in effect from time-to-time.

Note 9- Dividends and earnings per share:

  FREIT declared dividends of $7,810,000, $7,064,000 and $5,667,000 to shareholders of record during 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

  Basic and diluted earnings per share, based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period, are comprised of ordinary income.

  FREIT has adopted the provisions of SFAS 128, which require the presentation of “basic” earnings per share and, if appropriate, “diluted” earnings per share. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive shares, such as those issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants, were issued during the period.

  In computing diluted earnings per share for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2005, the assumed exercise of all of FREIT’s outstanding stock options, adjusted for application of the treasury stock method, would have increased the weighted average number of shares outstanding as shown in the table below:

2005 2004 2003
Basic weighted average                
     shares outstanding       6,439,952     6,378,352     6,267,952  
 
Shares arising from assumed                      
exercise of stock options       334,145     279,392     254,802  
 
Dilutive weighted average                



   shares outstanding       6,774,097     6,657,744     6,522,754  



Note 10- Equity incentive plan:

  On September 10, 1998, the Board of Trustees approved FREIT’s Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which was ratified by FREIT’s shareholders on April 7, 1999, whereby up to 920,000 of FREIT’s shares of beneficial interest may be granted to key personnel in the form of stock options, restricted share awards and other share-based awards. In connection therewith, the Board of Trustees approved an increase of 920,000 shares in FREIT’s number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. Key personnel eligible for these awards include trustees, executive officers and other persons or entities including, without limitation, employees, consultants and employees of consultants, who are in a position to make significant contributions to the success of FREIT. Under the Plan, the exercise price of all options will be the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The consideration to be paid for restricted share and other share-based awards shall be determined by the Board of Trustees, with the amount not to exceed the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The maximum term of any award granted may not exceed ten years. The actual terms of each award will be determined by the Board of Trustees.

48


  Upon ratification of the Plan on April 7, 1999, FREIT issued 754,000 stock options (adjusted for stock splits), which it had previously granted to key personnel on September 10, 1998. The fair value of the options on the date of grant was $7.50 per share.

  In the opinion of management, if compensation cost for the stock options granted in 1999 had been determined based on the fair value of the options at the grant date under the provisions of SFAS 123 or SFAS 148 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and assuming a risk-free interest rate of 4.27%, expected option lives of ten years, expected volatility of 1.65% and expected dividends of 8.59%, FREIT’s pro forma net income and pro forma basic net income per share arising from such computation would not have differed materially from the corresponding historical amounts.

  The following table summarizes stock option activities (adjusted for the stock split):

Years Ended October 31,
2005
2004
2003
No. of
Options
Outstanding
Average
Exercise
Price
No. of
Options
Outstanding
Average
Exercise
Price
No. of
Options
Outstanding
Average
Exercise
Price
                             
Balance beginning of period       570,000   $ 7.50     682,000   $ 7.50     754,000   $ 7.50  
     
Grants during period       -         -         -      
     
Options exercised       (58,000 ) $ 7.50     (112,000 ) $ 7.50     (72,000 ) $ 7.50  
     
Options cancelled           -         -          
     






Balance at end of period       512,000   $ 7.50     570,000   $ 7.50     682,000   $ 7.50  







During November 2005 options for 60,000 shares were exercised, at the exercise price of $7.50 per share.

  The impact on FREIT’s consolidated shareholders’ equity for the options that were exercised during fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003 was to increase the number of shares outstanding by the amount of options exercised and values of beneficial interest outstanding by $435,000, $840,000 and $540,000, respectively for those fiscal years. The options outstanding are exercisable through September 2008.

Note 11- Share split:

  On March 4, 2004, the Board of Trustees approved a two-for-one share split in the form of a share dividend. In connection with the share dividend, the Board of Trustees also approved an increase in the authorized number of shares of beneficial interest from 4,000,000 to 8,000,000. Financial information contained herein, including the number of options, has been adjusted to retroactively reflect the impact of the split.

Note 12- Deferred fee plan:

  During fiscal 2001, the Board of Trustees adopted a deferred fee plan (the “Plan”) for its officers and trustees. Pursuant to the Plan, any officer or trustee may elect to defer receipt of any fees that would be due them. FREIT has agreed to pay any participant (the “Participant”) in the Plan interest on any deferred fee at 9% per annum, compounded quarterly. Any such deferred fee is to be paid to the Participants at the later of: (i) the retirement age specified in the deferral election; (ii) actual retirement; or (iii) upon cessation of a Participant’s

49


  duties as an officer or trustee. The Plan provides that any such deferral fee will be paid in a lump sum or in annual installments over a period not to exceed 10 years, at the election of the Participant. As of October 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, approximately $1,066,000, $738,000 and $476,000, respectively, of fees have been deferred together with accrued interest of approximately $202,000, $109,000 and $32,000, respectively.

Note 13- Segment information:

  SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,”established standards for reporting financial information about operating segments in interim and annual financial reports and provides for a “management approach” in identifying the reportable segments.

  FREIT has determined that it has two reportable segments: retail properties and residential properties. These reportable segments offer different products, have different types of customers and are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies and management expertise. The retail segment contains nine separate properties and the continuing residential segment contains nine properties (see Note 16). The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1.

  The chief operating decision-making group of FREIT’s commercial segment, residential segment and corporate/other is comprised of FREIT’s Board of Trustees.

  FREIT assesses and measures segment operating results based on net operating income (“NOI”). NOI is based on operating revenue and expenses directly associated with the operations of the real estate properties, but excludes deferred rents (straight lining), depreciation and financing costs. NOI is not a measure of operating results or cash flows from operating activities as measured by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.

  Continuing real estate rental revenue, operating expenses, NOI and recurring capital improvements for the reportable segments are summarized below and reconciled to consolidated net income for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2005. Asset information is not reported since FREIT does not use this measure to assess performance.

50


2005 2004 2003
(In Thousands of Dollars)
 
Real estate rental revenue:                
  Commercial (a)     $ 17,842   $ 17,021   $ 15,293  
  Residential       15,496     12,998     9,830  



Totals       33,338     30,019     25,123  



     
Real estate operating expenses:    
  Commercial       6,615     5,663     5,237  
  Residential       7,056     5,794     3,896  



    Totals       13,671     11,457     9,133  



     
Net operating income:    
  Commercial       11,227     11,358     10,056  
  Residential       8,440     7,204     5,934  



    Totals     $ 19,667   $ 18,562   $ 15,990  



     
Recurring capital improvements-    
     residential     $ 626   $ 417   $ 596  



     
Reconciliation to consolidated net    
   income:    
Segment NOI     $ 19,667   $ 18,562   $ 15,990  
Deferred rents - straight lining       329     335     276  
Net investment income       229     183     201  
Minority interest in earnings of    
  subsidiaries       (464 )   (416 )   (374 )
General and administrative expenses       (741 )   (689 )   (592 )
  Sarbanes-Oxley Act Compliance       (260 )
Depreciation       (4,265 )   (3,677 )   (2,839 )
Financing costs       (10,039 )   (9,046 )   (7,838 )



  Income from continuing operations       4,456     5,252     4,824  
     
Discontinued operations           9,958     741  
     



  Net income     $ 4,456   $ 15,210   $ 5,565  



  (a) During the first quarter of fiscal 2004 a Tenant in FREIT’s Westridge Square shopping center and FREIT have entered into a lease termination agreement whereby Tenant paid FREIT a lump sum payment of approximately $1.8 million ($750,000 as a rent termination payment for past and future rent payments and $1,035,000 for repairing and refurbishing space vacated by Tenant) to terminate the lease. The mortgage lender agreed to the termination agreement and has entered into an escrow agreement with FREIT whereby the entire lump sum payment made by the Tenant has been deposited in an interest bearing escrow account held for the benefit of the mortgage lender. Up to $750,000 will be disbursed to FREIT (a) in monthly installments of $31,595 over approximately twenty four (24) months, or (b) the balance of the un-disbursed $750,000 will be disbursed to FREIT once the mortgage lender is provided with a Certificate of Occupancy (“C of O”) covering all of the space vacated by the Tenant. The balance of the lease termination payment of approximately $1 million representing a Tenant Improvement (“TI”) Reserve, will be disbursed to FREIT in $250,000 increments as comparable amounts of TI’s are incurred, or in full at the earlier of when a C of O is obtained and the space vacated by the Tenant leased and re-occupied, or when the mortgage loan has been re-paid. Approximately $300,000, representing the difference between the $750,000 rent termination payment and rents already accrued, was included in revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

51




Note 14- Quarterly data (unaudited):

  The following summary represents the results of operations for each quarter for the years ended October 31, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands, except per share data):

Quarter Ended
January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31,
2005                    
  Revenue     $ 8,392   $ 7,919   $ 8,382   $ 9,203  
  Expenses       6,832     7,070     7,156     8,382  




  Income from continuing    
   operations       1,560     849     1,226     821  




  Net income     $ 1,560   $ 849   $ 1,226   $ 821  




     
  Basic earnings per share:    
    Continuing operations     $ 0.25   $ 0.13   $ 0.19   $ 0.13  
    Discontinued operations       -     -     -     -  




      Net income     $ 0.25   $ 0.13   $ 0.19   $ 0.13  




     
  Diluted earnings per share:    
    Continuing operations     $ 0.24   $ 0.12   $ 0.18   $ 0.12  
    Discontinued operations       -     -     -     -  




      Net income     $ 0.24   $ 0.12   $ 0.18   $ 0.12  




     
  Dividends per share     $ 0.25   $ 0.25   $ 0.25   $ 0.45  




     
2004:    
  Revenue     $ 6,922   $ 7,136   $ 8,007   $ 8,474  
  Expenses       5,585     5,944     6,791     6,967  




     
  Income from continuing    
   operations       1,337     1,192     1,216     1,507  
  Income (loss) from dis-    
   continued operations       165     171     9,685     (63 )
     




Net income     $ 1,502   $ 1,363   $ 10,901   $ 1,444  




     
  Basic earnings per share:    
    Continuing operations     $ 0.21   $ 0.19   $ 0.19   $ 0.23  
    Discontinued operations       0.03     0.02     1.51     (0.01 )




     Net income     $ 0.24   $ 0.21   $ 1.70   $ 0.22  




     
  Diluted earnings per share:    
    Continuing operations     $ 0.21   $ 0.17   $ 0.18   $ 0.22  
    Discontinued operations       0.03     0.03     1.44     (0.01 )




     Net income     $ 0.24   $ 0.20   $ 1.62   $ 0.21  




     
  Dividends per share     $ 0.20   $ 0.20   $ 0.20   $ 0.50  




Note: Due to rounding, quarterly per share amounts may not total amounts reported for the full fiscal year.

52


Note 15- Discontinued operations:

  On July 15, 2004 FREIT sold the Olney Town Center in Olney, MD for $28,150,000, and recognized a gain of approximately $12,681,000 ($9,361,000 after the minority interest’s share).

  Summarized operating results included in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for each of the years ended October 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

2004 2003
(In thousands Of Dollars)
Revenues     $ 1,510   $ 2,475  
Expenses       913     1,487  
     


   Net income     $ 597   $ 988  




* * *

53


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE XI - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
October 31, 2005
(In Thousands of Dollars)

Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I
 
Initial Cost
to Company

Costs Capitalized
Subsequent to Acquisition

Gross Amount at Which
Carried at Close of Perod

 
Descripton Encum-
brances
Land Buildings
and
Improvements
Land Improve-
ments
Carrying
Costs
Land Buildings
and
Improvements
Total (1) Accumulated
Depreciation
Date of
Construction
Date
Acquired
Life on
Which De-
preciation
is Computed
                                                       
Residential Properties:    
Grandview Apts., Hasbrouck    
    Heights, NJ         $ 22   $ 180   $ -   $ 291       $ 22   $ 471   $ 493   $ 359     1925     1964     7-40 years
Lakewood Apts., Lakewood, NJ           11     396     -     279         11     675     686     580     1960     1962     7-40 years
Hammel Gardens, Maywood, NJ     $ 4,904     313     728     -     882         313     1,610     1,923     1,093     1949     1972     7-40 years
Palisades Manor, Palisades    
   Park, NJ           12     81     -     105         12     186     198     148     1935/70     1962     7-40 years
Steuben Arms, River Edge, NJ       6,802     364     1,773     -     980         364     2,753     3,117     1,803     1966     1975     7-40 years
Heights Manor, Spring Lake    
    Heights, NJ       3,422     109     974     -     690         109     1,664     1,773     1,205     1967     1971     7-40 years
Berdan Court, Wayne, NJ       13,448     250     2,206     -     2,691         250     4,897     5,147     3,668     1964     1965     7-40 years
Westwood Hills, Westwood, NJ       17,277     3,849     11,546     -     1,401         3,849     12,947     16,796     3,986     1965-70     1994     7-40 years
Pierre Towers, Hackensack, NJ       34,125     8,390     37,486     4     807         8,394     38,293     46,687     1,543     1970     2004     7-40 years
Boulders - Rockaway, NJ    
   (Under Construction)       75     2,617         -     3,997         2,617     3,997     6,614     -     2005-2006     1963/1964     7-40 years
     
Retail Properties:    
Damascus Shopping Center,    
    Damascus, MD       -     2,950     6,987     -     436         2,950     7,423     10,373     397     1960’s     2003     15-39 year
Franklin Crossing, Franklin Lakes, NJ           29         3,382     7,441         3,411     7,441     10,852     1,644     1963/75/97     1966     10-50 years
Glen Rock, NJ           12     36     -     204         12     240     252     81     1940     1962     10-31.5 years
Pathmark Super Center,    
   Patchogue, NY       6,331     2,128     8,818     -     (20 )       2,128     8,798     10,926     1,760     1997     1997     39 years
Westridge Square S/C, Frederick, MD       16,457     9,135     19,159     37     497         9,172     19,656     28,828     8,510     1986     1992     15-31.5 years
Westwod Plaza, Westwood, NJ       9,593     6,889     6,416     -     2,047         6,889     8,463     15,352     4,276     1981     1988     15-31.5 years
Preakness S/C, Wayne, NJ       32,000     9,280     24,217     -     803         9,280     25,020     34,300     1,934     1955/89/00     2002     15-31.5 years
The Rotunda, Baltimore, MD       22,500     16,263     14,634     -     69         16,263     14,703     30,966     108     1920     2005     40 Years
     
Land Leased:    
Rockaway, NJ           114         55     -         169         169     -         1963/1964    
     
Vacant Land:    
Franklin Lakes, NJ           224         (156 )   -         68         68             1966/93    
Wayne, NJ           286             -         286         286             2004    
Rockaway, NJ                                                   1964/92/93    
South Brunswick, NJ           80         395     -         475         475             1964    



            $ 166,934   $ 63,327   $ 135,637   $ 3,717   $ 23,600   $ -   $ 67,044   $ 159,237   $ 226,281   $ 33,095            




(1) Total cost for each property is the same for Federal income tax purposes, with the exception of Pierre Towers, whose cost for Federal income tax purposes is approximately $32,500,000.

54


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE XI - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
(In Thousands of Dollars)

Reconciliation of Real Estate and accumulated depreciation:

2005 2004 2003
Real estate:                
Balance, Beginning of year     $ 189,189   $ 157,219   $ 111,654  
     
Additions:    
Buildings and improvements       37,094     47,675     45,570  
Carrying costs           84      
     
Deletions - building and improvements       (2   (15,789 )   (5
     



Balance, end of year     $ 226,281   $ 189,189   $ 157,219  



     
Accumulated depreciation:    
Balance, beginning of year     $ 28,832   $ 26,503   $ 23,293  
     
Additions - Charged to operating expenses       4,265     3,928     3,215  
     
Deletions       (2   (1,599 )   (5
     



Balance, end of year     $ 33,095   $ 28,832   $ 26,503  




55


POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Robert S. Hekemian his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, in the capacities, and on the dates indicated have signed this report below:

Signature Title Date
 
/s/ Robert S. Hekemian Chairman of the Board and Chief January 17, 2006

Executive Officer and Trustee
Robert S. Hekemian (Principal Executive Officer)
 
/s/Donald W. Barney President, Treasurer, Chief Financial January 17, 2006

Officer and Trustee
Donald W. Barney
(Principal Financial / Accounting Officer)
 
/s/ Herbert C. Klein Trustee January 17, 2006

Herbert C. Klein
 
/s/ Ronald J. Artinian Trustee January 17, 2006

Ronald J. Artinian
 
/s/ Alan L. Aufzien Trustee January 17, 2006

Alan L. Aufzien

56


FIRST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST OF NEW JERSEY (“FREIT”)

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.  

3   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of FREIT, dated November 7, 1993, as amended on May 31, 1994 and on September 10, 1998. (a)

4   Form of Specimen Share Certificate, Beneficial Interest in FREIT. (b)

10.1   Management Agreement dated April 10, 2002, by and between FREIT and Hekemian & Co., Inc. (c)

10.2   Wayne PSC, L.L.C. Operating Agreement dated March 25, 2002 between FREIT and H-TPKE, LLC ( c)

10.3   Line of Credit Note in the principal amount of $14 million executed by FREIT as Borrower, and delivered to The Provident Bank, as Lender, in connection with the Credit Facility provided by The Provident Bank to FREIT. (d)

21   Subsidiaries of FREIT

23   Consent of J.H. Cohn LLP

24   Power of Attorney (filed with signature pages).

31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) - Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.1   Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

32.2   Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

  The following filings with the Security and Exchange Commission are incorporated by reference:

Footnote  

(a)   Exhibit No. 1 to FREIT’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on November 6, 1998.

(b)   FREIT’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998.

(c)   FREIT’s Form 8-K filed on April 29, 2002.

(d)   Exhibit 10 to FREIT’s Form 10-Q filed on September 13, 2002.

57

EX-21 2 ex21.htm

Exhibit 21    Subsidiaries of Registrant

Name State of Formation and Organization Trade Name
     
S And A Commercial
  Associates Limited Partnership Maryland None
 
Pierre Towers, LLC New Jersey Pierre Towers
 
Damascus Centre, LLC New Jersey Damascus Center
 
Westwood Hills, LLC New Jersey Westwood Hills
 
Wayne Preakness, LLC New Jersey Preakness S/C
 
Grande Rotunda, LLC New Jersey The Rotunda



58

EX-23 3 ex23.htm

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (“FREIT”) on Form S-8 (File No. 333-79555) of our reports dated January 10, 2006, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey and Subsidiaries as of October 31, 2005 and 2004 and for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2005 and the audit of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting and managements assessment of FREIT’s internal control over financial reporting, which reports are included in the 2005 Annual Report of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey on Form 10-K.




/s/ J.H. COHN LLP

Roseland, New Jersey

January 10, 2006




59

EX-31.1 4 ex31-1.htm

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Robert S. Hekemian, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

          (a)        Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

          (b)        Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

          (c)        Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

          (d)        Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

          (a)        All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

          (b)        Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 17, 2006 /s/ Robert S. Hekemian
Robert S. Hekemian
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer

60

EX-31.2 5 ex31-2.htm

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Donald W. Barney, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

          (a)        Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

          (b)        Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

          (c)        Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

          (d)        Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

          (a)        All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

          (b)        Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: January 17, 2006 /s/ Donald W. Barney
Donald W. Barney
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

61

EX-32.2 6 ex32-2.htm

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Annual Report of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2005 (the “Report”), I, Donald W. Barney, President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78m(a) or 78o(d), and,

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: January 17, 2006 /s/ Donald W. Barney
Donald W. Barney
President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

63

EX-32.1 7 ex32-1.htm

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Annual Report of First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2005 (the “Report”), I, Robert S. Hekemian, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78m(a) or 78o(d), and,

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: January 17, 2006 /s/ Robert S. Hekemian
Robert S. Hekemian
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer

62

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