Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of the Business

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation (a Maryland corporation) and its subsidiaries (the Company) operate as a real estate investment trust (REIT), deriving its income primarily from real estate rental operations. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, rental properties consisted of ninety-nine and ninety-one property holdings, respectively. These properties are located in thirty states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. In addition, the Company holds a portfolio of REIT securities which the Company generally limits to no more than approximately 10% of its undepreciated assets (which is the Company’s total assets excluding accumulated depreciation).

Management views the Company as a single segment based on its method of internal reporting in addition to its allocation of capital and resources.

Use of Estimates

In preparing the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Principles of Consolidation and Non-controlling Interest

The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. In 2005, the Company formed MREIC Financial, Inc., a taxable REIT subsidiary which has had no activity since inception. In 2007, the Company merged with Monmouth Capital Corporation (Monmouth Capital), with Monmouth Capital surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

At September 30, 2016, Monmouth Capital owns a 51% majority interest in Palmer Terrace Realty Associates, LLC (a New Jersey limited liability company) (Palmer Terrace). The Company consolidates the results of operations of Palmer Terrace. Non-controlling interest represents 49% of the members’ equity in Palmer Terrace and is included in Other Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Buildings and Improvements

Buildings and improvements are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or net realizable value. Depreciation is computed based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. These lives are 39 years for buildings and range from 5 to 39 years for improvements.

The Company applies Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 360-10, Property, Plant & Equipment (ASC 360-10) to measure impairment in real estate investments. Rental properties are individually evaluated for impairment when conditions exist which may indicate that it is probable that the sum of expected future cash flows (on an undiscounted basis without interest) from a rental property is less than its historical net cost basis. These expected future cash flows consider factors such as future operating income, trends and prospects as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. Upon determination that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, rental properties are reduced to their fair value. For properties to be disposed of, an impairment loss is recognized when the fair value of the property, less the estimated cost to sell, is less than the carrying amount of the property measured at the time there is a commitment to sell the property and/or it is actively being marketed for sale. A property to be disposed of is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or its estimated fair value, less its cost to sell. Subsequent to the date that a property is held for disposition, depreciation expense is not recorded.

Gains on Sale of Real Estate

Gains on the sale of real estate investments are recognized when the profit on a given sale is determinable, and the seller is not obliged to perform significant activities after the sale to earn such profit.

Acquisitions

The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805) which requires transaction costs, such as broker fees, transfer taxes, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional and consulting fees, related to acquisitions are expensed as incurred.

Upon acquisition of a property, the Company allocates the purchase price of the property based upon the fair value of the assets acquired as if vacant, which generally consist of land, buildings and intangible assets, including above and below market leases and in-place leases. The Company allocates the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property generally determined by third party appraisal of the property obtained in conjunction with the purchase.

The purchase price is further allocated to acquired above and below market leases based on the present value of the difference between prevailing market rates and the in-place lease rates over the remaining term. In addition, any remaining amounts of the purchase price are applied to in-place lease values based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. In-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationships with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals are also considered. Acquired above and below market leases are amortized to rental revenue over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. The value of in-place lease intangibles (including customer relationships) is amortized to amortization expense over the remaining lease term. If a tenant terminates its lease early, the unamortized portion of the tenant improvements, leasing commissions, deferred rent and the in-place lease value is charged to expense.

Marketable Securities

Investments in securities available for sale primarily consist of marketable common and preferred stock securities of other REITs, which the Company generally limits to no more than approximately 10% of its undepreciated assets (which is the Company’s total assets excluding accumulated depreciation). These marketable securities are all publicly-traded and purchased on the open market, through private transactions or through dividend reinvestment plans. These securities may be classified among three categories: held-to-maturity, trading, and available-for-sale. The Company normally holds REIT securities on a long term basis and has the ability and intent to hold securities to recovery, therefore as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s securities are all classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices in active markets. Gains or losses on the sale of securities are based on average cost and are accounted for on a trade date basis. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of Shareholders’ Equity until realized. The change in the unrealized net holding gains (losses) is reflected as Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The Company individually reviews and evaluates its marketable securities for impairment on a quarterly basis or when events or circumstances occur. The Company considers, among other things, credit aspects of the issuer, amount of decline in fair value over cost and length of time in a continuous loss position. The Company has developed a general policy of evaluating whether an unrealized loss is other than temporary. On a quarterly basis, the Company makes an initial review of every individual security in its portfolio. If the security is impaired, the Company first determines its intent and ability to hold this investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Next, the Company determines the length of time and the extent of the impairment. Barring other factors, including the downgrading of the security or the cessation of dividends, if the fair value of the security is below cost by less than 20% for less than 6 months and the Company has the intent and ability to hold the security, the security is deemed to be temporarily impaired. Otherwise, the Company reviews additional information to determine whether the impairment is other than temporary. The Company discusses and analyzes any relevant information known about the security, such as:

a.	Whether the decline is attributable to adverse conditions related to the security or to specific conditions in an industry or in a geographic area.
b.	Any downgrading of the security by a rating agency.
c.	Whether the financial condition of the issuer has deteriorated.
d.	Status of dividends – Whether dividends have been reduced or eliminated, or scheduled interest payments have not been made.
e.	Analysis of the underlying assets (including NAV analysis) using independent analysis or recent transactions.

The Company normally holds REIT securities on a long term basis and has the ability and intent to hold securities to recovery. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recognized in earnings and the cost basis of the individual security is written down to fair value as the new cost basis.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and investments with an original maturity of three months or less. The Company maintains its cash in bank accounts in amounts that may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in these accounts in the past. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their current carrying amounts since all such items are short-term in nature.

Intangible Assets, Capitalized Lease Costs and Financing Costs

Intangible assets, consisting primarily of the value of in-place leases, are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. Upon termination of a lease, the unamortized portion is charged to expense. The weighted-average amortization period upon acquisition for intangible assets recorded during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was 12 years, 13 years and 14 years, respectively.

Costs incurred in connection with the execution of leases are capitalized and amortized over the term of the respective leases. Unamortized lease costs are charged to expense upon cancellation of leases prior to the expiration of lease terms. Costs incurred in connection with obtaining mortgages and other financings and refinancings are deferred and are amortized over the term of the related obligations using the effective interest method. Unamortized costs are charged to expense upon prepayment of the obligation. Amortization expense related to these deferred leasing and financing costs were $2,072,120, $2,042,520 and $1,231,222 for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company estimates that aggregate amortization expense for existing assets will be approximately $1,936,000, $1,743,000, $1,550,000, $1,009,000 and $931,000 for the fiscal years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue from tenants with leases having scheduled rental increases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Tenant recoveries related to the reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenue in the period the expenses are incurred. The reimbursements are recognized and presented gross, as the Company is generally the primary obligor and, with respect to purchasing goods and services from third-party suppliers, has discretion in selecting the supplier and bears the associated credit risk. These occupancy charges are recognized as earned.

The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of tenant and other receivables and deferred rent receivable which are estimated to be uncollectible. For accounts receivable the Company deems uncollectible, the Company uses the direct write-off method. The Company did not have an allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Lease Termination Income

Lease Termination Income is recognized in operating revenues when there is a signed termination agreement, all of the conditions of the agreement have been met, the tenant is no longer occupying the property and the termination consideration is probable of collection. Lease termination amounts are paid by tenants who want to terminate their lease obligations before the end of the contractual term of the lease by agreement with the Company.

Of the Company’s ninety-nine properties, only three leases, representing 1.3% of the Company’s gross leasable area, contain an early termination provision, which are as follows: the Company’s lease with its tenant at its 26,340 square foot location in Ridgeland (Jackson), MS, the Company’s lease with its tenant at its 83,000 square foot location in Roanoke, VA and the Company’s lease with its tenant at its 102,135 square foot location in O’Fallon (St. Louis), MO.

Net Income Per Share

Basic Net Income per Share is calculated by dividing Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted Net Income per Common Share is calculated by dividing Net Income attributable to Common Shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus the weighted-average number of net shares that would be issued upon exercise of stock options pursuant to the treasury stock method.

In addition, common stock equivalents of 89,720, 115,408 and 95,112 shares are included in the diluted weighted average shares outstanding for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, options to purchase -0-, 65,000 and 65,000 shares, respectively, were antidilutive.

Stock Compensation Plan

The Company accounts for awards of stock options and restricted stock in accordance with ASC 718-10, Compensation-Stock Compensation. ASC 718-10 requires that compensation cost for all stock awards be calculated and amortized over the service period (generally equal to the vesting period). The compensation cost for stock option grants is determined using option pricing models, intended to estimate the fair value of the awards at the grant date less estimated forfeitures. The compensation expense for restricted stock is recognized based on the fair value of the restricted stock awards less estimated forfeitures. The fair value of restricted stock awards is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the grant date. Compensation costs of $926,465, $448,895 and $347,002 have been recognized in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in Note 9 to these consolidated financial statements are the assumptions and methodology used to calculate the fair value of stock options and restricted shares.

Income Tax

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company will not be taxed on the portion of its income which is distributed to shareholders, provided it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income, has at least 75% of its assets in real estate investments and meets certain other requirements for qualification as a REIT. The Company is subject to franchise taxes in several of the states in which the Company owns property.

The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, that, among other things, defines a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. Based on its evaluation, the Company determined that it has no uncertain tax positions and no unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2016. The Company records interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as interest expense. As of September 30, 2016, the fiscal tax years 2013 through and including 2016 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. There are currently no federal tax examinations in progress.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized holding gains or losses arising during the period on securities available for sale, less any reclassification adjustments for net gains of sales of securities transactions realized in income.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the prior years have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation for the current year.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” ASU 2016-15 will make eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim reporting periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact this standard may have on the consolidated financial statements and the timing of adoption.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which relates to the accounting for employee share-based payments”. ASU 2016-09 addresses several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact this standard may have on the consolidated financial statements and the timing of adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases”. ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. The standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact this standard may have on the consolidated financial statements and the timing of adoption.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. These changes become effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption on its consolidated financial statements and has not determined the effects of this update on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and disclosures at this time.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The new guidance requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. ASU 2015-16 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-16 to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Topic 835): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs”. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements” providing guidance regarding the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. Given the absence of authoritative guidance on this matter, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on that line-of-credit arrangement. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), “Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”. ASU 2015-02 focuses to minimize situations under previously existing guidance in which a reporting entity was required to consolidate another legal entity in which that reporting entity did not have: (1) the ability through contractual rights to act primarily on its own behalf; (2) ownership of the majority of the legal entity’s voting rights; or (3) the exposure to a majority of the legal entity’s economic benefits. ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-02 to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective accounting pronouncements, if adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.