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Griffin Industrial Realty

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FY2014 Annual Report · Griffin Industrial Realty
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Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.

2014  Annual  Report

GRIFFIN LAND &  NURSERIES, INC.
One Rockefeller Plaza
Suite 2301
New York, New York 10020

April 9, 2015

To Our Stockholders:

Our two thousand fourteen fiscal year was  one  which marked  a  major transition for our Company.

It  was a  year in which we exited our  landscape nursery  business (‘‘Imperial’’), moved forward  in the
diversification of our developed real estate base and set in  motion a succession  in management.

The sale of Imperial’s nursery inventory and leasing of its Connecticut  farm  to  Monrovia Nursery

Company (‘‘Monrovia’’) was a difficult but necessary step.  For  years  we had worked at reducing
inventories and building a high quality  nursery operation. Unfortunately,  we could not make it a
profitable business. Our hope is that Monrovia, a large west-coast based nursery operation, will  make
the former Imperial operations a success. We are pleased that Monrovia employed practically all of  the
former growing and sales personnel of  Imperial.

During  the year, the diversification of  our  real estate business into the Lehigh  Valley took
substantial steps forward. The first building  Griffin developed  in the Lehigh Valley completed  its  first
year under lease. The second building  developed was completed  and is 66% leased, with  its tenant
recently taking occupancy. In addition,  we  have done much  of  the site work for two  additional buildings
on a nearby parcel of undeveloped land acquired a little  over two  years  ago. The  first  of  these
buildings, currently under construction,  is  70% pre-leased,  with the lessee having an option to lease the
balance of the building. On completion of that building,  we  will have  approximately  930,000 square feet
in the Lehigh Valley, most of which is leased. The second building on that site is being prepared for
the development of an additional approximately 252,000  square foot industrial  space. The  growth of
our  Lehigh Valley portfolio has been initiated and led by Michael Gamzon, currently our Chief
Operating Officer and President, with major  assistance from our  Connecticut construction and
operations personnel.

In Connecticut, we also made substantial progress in 2014. We  leased  an entire approximately
138,000 square foot building in New  England Tradeport, substantially improving  its  interior to meet  the
high standards needed for an information and printing operation. Thus far  this  year, we have signed
two new leases aggregating approximately  89,000 square  feet in Tradeport and  also signed  a short-term
lease extension for approximately 72,000  square feet which, subject  to  approval of a governmental
contract, is expected to become a long-term  lease of approximately 88,000 square feet.  Our vacancy
percentage, though lower than this time  last year, is  still higher  than  we  would like. We expect that the
aggregate effect of the recently completed leases of vacant space will be to increase profit and cash
flow from our leasing operations.

In 2014, we maintained our strong liquidity position by refinancing  the mortgages  on three
buildings which would have been due within a  year,  reducing  their interest  rates and increasing their
principal. We also placed a new mortgage  on our most  recently  completed Lehigh  Valley building  which
we combined with an extension of the  existing mortgage on the  adjacent building. These  steps  enable
us actively to seek other expansion possibilities  in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas.

During  the year, there were no major land sales, although we did  complete the  sale of
approximately 20 acres of land in East Granby,  Connecticut that  had been  used by Imperial,  and
constructed much of the road required by our  fiscal 2013 sale of the  land for the Amazon warehouse.
When that road construction is completed,  which is expected in  our fiscal 2015 third quarter, it will
service about 130 acres of our undeveloped land in two parcels. These  are potentially significant
industrial sites. We are also evaluating  how best to market our  Meadowood residential  acreage,
whether in sections or in some other  structure. At this  time, the best  approach has  not  been
determined.

As  we  described  previously  in  a  press  release,  we  analyzed  the  current  potential  benefit  of  a  REIT

conversion  with  counsel,  financial  advisors  and  accountants  and  concluded  that  the  Company’s
operations, as now constituted, would not  result in  a desirable  conversion.  We  have not ruled out a
later  conversion  to  a  REIT  based  on  future  developments.  Such  a  result  might  come  from  continued
expansion of operations and cash flow  over a  period of  time. We  plan to present to stockholders and
potential  investors  some  additional  information  regarding  our  Company  at  the  annual  stockholders
meeting  on May 12, 2015.

The  following  table  shows  the  growth  of  our  real  estate  business  over  the  past  ten  years:

Warehouse and industrial space square  footage . . .
Percentage of warehouse and industrial space

leased at year end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office and flex space square footage . . . . . . . . . . .
Percentage of office and flex space leased  at year

2004

2014

695,000

2,331,000

88%
433,000

82%
433,000

93%

end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73%

Rental revenue less operating expenses of rental

properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt service on mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of mortgage principal included  in

debt  service above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Real estate assets  at carrying cost
Real estate assets  at carrying cost less mortgage

$ 6.4 million
$ 2.9 million

$ 12.8 million
5.9 million
$

$ 0.6 million
$66.2 million

2.0 million
$
$144.5 million

debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$34.3 million

$ 74.3 million

A  most  important  announcement  that  I  am  delighted  to  make  is  that  Michael  Gamzon,  currently

our  President  and  Chief  Operating  Officer,  who  has  led  our  successful  Pennsylvania  expansion  and
been deeply involved in all of our operations,  will  become Chief Executive  Officer  on January 1,  2016.
For  a  period,  I  will  remain  as  Chairman.  I  look  forward  to  Michael  leading  the  Company  thoughtfully
and profitably, with the great assistance of our talented  Connecticut personnel. In other planned
changes, we are beginning a retirement of nonemployee directors  of  age 75 or older. This will take
place over a series of years and it is expected that not more than one director over 75 will retire each
year. John Kirby is our first to retire.  We  thank  John  for his  service and will  miss his perceptive
analysis  of  our  plans  and  operations.

15APR200403350245

Frederick M. Danziger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

6APR201214532889

Michael S. Gamzon
President  and Chief  Operating  Officer

The information in the Letter to Stockholders  includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act, as amended, and Section 21E of  the  Exchange  Act,  as amended.
Although  Griffin  believes  that  its  plans,  intentions  and  expectations  reflected  in  such  forward-looking
statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such plans,  intentions  or expectations will  be
achieved. The forward-looking statements disclosed herein include the potential  conversion to a REIT,
expected impact of  leasing vacant space on profits  and cash flows from leasing operations, our financial
position,  expectations  regarding  Mr. Gamzon’s  future  role  and  success,  conditions  in  the  real  estate  industry,
leasing currently vacant space, timing of completion  of construction  projects, expansion and property
acquisitions,  Griffin’s  anticipated  future  liquidity  and  other  statements  that  are  not  historical  facts.  The
projected  information  disclosed  herein  is  based  on  assumptions  and  estimates  that,  while  considered

reasonable by Griffin as of the date hereof,  are inherently subject to  significant business, economic,
competitive and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are  beyond  the control of Griffin
and which could cause actual results to differ  materially from those expressed  or implied in the forward-
looking statements. Important factors that could affect the  outcome of the events set forth  in  these
statements are described in Griffin’s Securities  and Exchange Commission filings, including the ‘‘Business’’,
‘‘Risk Factors’’ and ‘‘Forward-Looking  Information’’ sections in Griffin’s Annual  Report  on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014. Griffin  disclaims  any obligation to update any  forward-looking
statements as a result of developments occurring after  the date of this letter except as  required by law.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,  D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(cid:2) ANNUAL  REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year  ended November  30,  2014

OR
(cid:3) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-12879
GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified  in its  charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

One Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York
(Address of principal executive  offices)

06-0868496
(I.R.S.  Employer
Identification No.)

10020
(Zip Code)

(212)  218-7910
(Registrant’s telephone number, including  area code)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12  (b)  OF THE  ACT:

Title of Each Class

Name of  Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock $0.01 par value

The NASDAQ Stock  Market  LLC

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO  SECTION  12  (g)  OF  THE ACT:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a  well-known  seasoned issuer, as  defined by Rule  405 of  the  Securities

Act. Yes (cid:3) No (cid:2)

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 (cid:3) No (cid:2)

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 for such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2)  has been  subject to such  filing  requirements for  the past  90  days. Yes  (cid:2) No (cid:3)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant  has submitted  electronically and  posted  on its corporate  Web site,  if
any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and  posted  pursuant  to  Rule 405  of  Regulation S-T  during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that  the  registrant  was required  to  submit  and post  such  files).
Yes  (cid:2) No (cid:3)

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 Part III  of this  Form 10-K  or  any amendment  to  this Form 10-K. (cid:2)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant  is a large  accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated
filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the  definitions  of  ‘‘large  accelerated  filer,’’ ‘‘accelerated filer,’’ and  ‘‘smaller
reporting company’’ in Rule 12b-2 of  the Exchange  Act.
Large accelerated filer (cid:3)

Accelerated filer (cid:2)

Smaller reporting  company  (cid:3)

Non-accelerated filer (cid:3)
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)

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

Yes (cid:3) No (cid:2)

The aggregate market value of the Common  Stock held by  non-affiliates of  the  registrant  was  approximately

$73,673,000 based on the closing sales  price on The  NASDAQ  Stock  Market LLC  on  May 30,  2014, the last  business day
of the registrant’s most recently completed  second  quarter.  Shares of Common Stock  held by each executive officer,
director and persons or entities known to the  registrant  to  be  affiliates of the foregoing  have been  excluded  in that such
persons may be deemed to be affiliates.  This assumption regarding  affiliate  status  is not necessarily  a conclusive
determination for other purposes.

As of February 6, 2015, 5,149,574 shares of common  stock  were  outstanding.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (the ‘‘Annual Report’’) contains  forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as  amended (the ‘‘Exchange
Act’’). For this purpose, any statements contained in this Annual Report  that  relate to future events or
conditions, including without limitation, the statements in Part I, Item 1. ‘‘Business’’ and Item 1A.
‘‘Risk Factors’’ and in Part II Item 7. ‘‘Management’s Discussion and  Analysis of Financial  Condition
and  Results of Operations’’ as well as located elsewhere in this Annual Report regarding industry
prospects or Griffin Land & Nurseries,  Inc.’s (‘‘Griffin’’) plans, expectations,  or prospective  results of
operations or financial position, may  be  deemed  to  be  forward-looking statements. Without  limiting  the
foregoing, the words ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’  ‘‘plans,’’  ‘‘expects,’’ and similar  expressions are intended
to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent  management’s
current  expectations and are inherently  uncertain. There are a number  of  important  factors that could
materially impact the value of Griffin’s common stock or  cause actual results to differ materially  from
those indicated by such forward-looking statements.  Such  factors include: adverse economic conditions
and  credit markets; a downturn in the commercial and  residential real  estate markets; risks  associated
with concentration of real estate holdings;  risks associated  with entering new real estate markets;
potential environmental liabilities; competition and governmental regulations; inadequate insurance
coverage; risks of environmental factors; risks associated with  the cost  of  raw materials or  energy costs;
regulatory risks; risks of investing in a foreign company; litigation risks; and the concentrated ownership
of Griffin common stock by members of the  Cullman and Ernst families.  These  and the  important
factors discussed under the caption ‘‘Risk Factors’’  in Part  I, Item 1A of this Annual Report for  the
fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, among others,  could cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially from
those indicated by forward-looking statements made  in this Annual Report and  presented  elsewhere by
management from time to time. Any such forward-looking  statements represent management’s
estimates as of the date of this Annual Report. While Griffin  may  elect  to update  such forward-looking
statements at some point in the future,  Griffin disclaims any obligation to do so,  even  if subsequent
events cause Griffin’s views to change. These forward-looking statements  should not be relied upon as
representing Griffin’s views as of any date subsequent to the date  of this  Annual Report.

2

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

PART I

Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. (‘‘Griffin’’) operates a real estate business through its wholly  owned
subsidiary, Griffin Land, LLC (‘‘Griffin  Land’’) that is principally engaged  in developing, managing  and
leasing industrial and commercial properties. Griffin Land  also  seeks to add to its property portfolio
through the acquisition and development of  land or purchase of buildings. Periodically,  Griffin  Land
may sell certain portions of its undeveloped land  that it has owned for an extended time  period and the
use of which is not consistent with Griffin Land’s  core  development and  leasing  strategy. The
headquarters for Griffin Land is in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

Until January 8, 2014, Griffin also operated  a landscape nursery business through its wholly owned
subsidiary, Imperial Nurseries, Inc. (‘‘Imperial’’). Imperial was engaged in the growing of  containerized
plants for sale principally to independent retail garden centers and  rewholesalers, whose main
customers are landscape contractors.  On  January  8, 2014, Griffin  and  Imperial entered into an  Asset
Purchase Agreement pursuant to which  Imperial’s inventory and certain of its assets were  sold  to
Monrovia Connecticut LLC (‘‘Monrovia’’), a subsidiary of Monrovia Nursery Company, for
approximately $0.7 million in cash, before transaction and severance  costs, and a non-interest bearing
note receivable of $4.25 million (the  ‘‘Imperial  Sale’’). Monrovia paid  $2.75 million of the note
receivable on June 1, 2014, as scheduled, and the balance is due on June 1, 2015.  Concurrently with the
Imperial Sale, Imperial and River Bend  Holdings, LLC, a  wholly  owned subsidiary  of  Griffin,  entered
into a Lease and Option Agreement and an Addendum to such agreement  (the  ‘‘Imperial Lease’’, and
together with the Imperial Sale, the ‘‘Imperial Transaction’’) with  Monrovia, pursuant to which
Monrovia agreed to lease Imperial’s Connecticut production nursery for a ten-year period,  with options
to extend for up to an additional fifteen years exercisable by Monrovia. The  Imperial Lease also  grants
Monrovia an option to purchase the  land, land  improvements and  other operating  assets that were used
by Imperial in its Connecticut growing  operations  during  the first thirteen years of the lease  period for
$10.5 million, or $7.0 million if only a  certain portion of the land is purchased,  subject in each case  to
certain adjustments as provided for in  the Imperial  Lease.

Through fiscal 2009, all of Griffin Land’s real estate assets, including buildings  and undeveloped
land,  were located in the north submarket  of  Hartford, Connecticut. In fiscal 2010,  Griffin  Land  started
the expansion of its real estate holdings  to areas  outside of  Hartford by purchasing  an industrial
building and undeveloped land in the  Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania  (see Lehigh Valley  on page 9).
Griffin Land expects to continue to seek to acquire and develop properties that are consistent with its
core strategy of developing and leasing industrial  and  commercial properties. Griffin Land expects that
most of such potential acquisitions of either  undeveloped land or land and buildings will likely be
located outside of the Hartford area.

In the greater Hartford area, there are  a number of warehouse facilities and  office buildings,  some

of which are fully or partially vacant,  that are competitive with  Griffin Land’s  industrial/warehouse
buildings and office/flex buildings. Additional capacity or  an increase in vacancies in either  the
industrial or office market could adversely affect Griffin Land’s operating results  by  potentially
resulting in longer times to lease vacant space, eroding lease rates in  Griffin  Land’s properties  or
hindering renewals by existing tenants.

The greater Hartford industrial market  had been slow in  recent  years,  but experienced  some
recovery in 2014. A national real estate  services company reported that the  overall vacancy rate in the
greater Hartford industrial market decreased from  13.3% at  the end of 2013  to  12.3% at  the end of
2014. Market activity for office/flex space in  the north  submarket  of  Hartford was slow  in 2014, with
overall vacancy, availability and asking rates  remaining  relatively flat. Griffin Land believes  that  it
benefits from its reputation as a stable landlord  with sufficient resources to meet its obligations and
deliver space to tenants timely and in  accordance with the terms of their  lease agreements. The

3

industrial/warehouse market in the Lehigh  Valley region of Pennsylvania has experienced  a fairly  strong
level  of  leasing activity during the past  several  years  and  reported vacancy rates  are low. A national real
estate services company reported that  the overall vacancy rate in the Lehigh Valley  industrial market
was less than 5% in 2014. As a result of the relatively  strong market, there  has been  an increase in
industrial/warehouse space in the Lehigh  Valley. There can  be  no assurances as to the  directions of the
Hartford and Lehigh Valley real estate markets in the  near future.

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin Land owned  thirty one buildings comprising approximately
2.8 million square feet. Approximately  84%  of  this  square footage  is industrial/warehouse  space, with
the balance principally being office/flex space. As of November 30, 2014,  approximately  84% of Griffin
Land’s industrial/warehouse space was  leased and approximately 93% of Griffin Land’s  office/flex space
was leased. As detailed in ‘‘Item 2. Properties’’  below, Griffin  Land uses nonrecourse mortgages to
finance some of its real estate development activities,  and as of November 30,  2014, approximately
$70.2 million was outstanding under such  loans. In fiscal 2014, Griffin Land’s  rental revenue, less
operating expenses of rental properties,  was approximately $12.8 million, while debt  service  on Griffin
Land’s nonrecourse mortgages was approximately $6.0 million.

In fiscal  2014, Griffin Land entered into  three new leases of  industrial/warehouse space for  an

aggregate of approximately 371,000 square feet and three new leases of office/flex  space for an
aggregate of approximately 38,000 square feet.  The leasing  of industrial space in fiscal 2014 included a
five-year  lease of approximately 201,000 square  feet in an  industrial building  developed  by  Griffin  Land
in fiscal 2014 on land in the Lehigh Valley acquired  in fiscal 2010. In fiscal  2014, Griffin Land also
entered into a ten-year full building lease for approximately 138,000 square feet in  one of its industrial
buildings in New England Tradeport  (‘‘Tradeport’’), Griffin Land’s industrial park in Windsor and East
Granby,  Connecticut. In fiscal 2014, leases  of industrial space aggregating approximately  43,000 square
feet expired and were not renewed, and  a  tenant’s lease  of  industrial space increased  by  approximately
47,000 square feet as the remaining vacant  space in the building  leased was added  to  its  leased space in
accordance with the lease terms. The net effect of these transactions was an increase  of  approximately
374,000 square feet in industrial space under  lease in fiscal  2014, while office/flex  space under lease was
essentially unchanged at the end of fiscal 2014 as compared to the end  of  fiscal  2013. Griffin Land also
renewed and extended several leases aggregating approximately 27,000 square feet of  office/flex space
and approximately 11,000 square feet  of  industrial  space in  fiscal  2014.

In fiscal  2013, Griffin Land entered into  three new leases of  industrial space for an aggregate  of

approximately 259,000 square feet and several new leases of office/flex space for  an aggregate of
approximately 49,000 square feet. The new leasing of industrial  space reflected a  five-year full building
lease of the approximately 228,000 square  foot  industrial building in the Lehigh  Valley and
approximately 31,000 square feet in Griffin Land’s Tradeport industrial/warehouse  buildings. Also in
fiscal 2013, several leases of industrial  space aggregating approximately  168,000 square feet  expired and
were not renewed. The net effect of  these transactions was an increase of approximately  92,000 square
feet of industrial space under lease as of November 30,  2013 as compared to December  1, 2012. In
fiscal 2013, two leases for office/flex  space aggregating approximately 24,000 square feet  expired and
were not renewed or terminated early.  In fiscal 2013,  Griffin Land renewed and extended several leases
aggregating approximately 116,000 square  feet of industrial  space  and approximately 20,000 square feet
of office/flex space. Included in the fiscal  2013 lease  renewals was  a full building lease of approximately
100,000 square feet that was scheduled  to  expire in fiscal 2014  but  was extended for ten years.

In fiscal  2012, Griffin Land entered into  three new leases of  industrial/warehouse space for  an
aggregate of approximately 151,000 square feet and two new  leases of  office/flex space  for an  aggregate
of approximately 32,000 square feet. The  new leases  for industrial/warehouse space included  a
three-year lease (with two one-year renewal  options) for an entire  building, approximately 127,000
square  feet in Tradeport. In connection with  this new full building lease, Griffin Land entered  into  a
lease termination agreement with an  existing  tenant that had leased approximately  42,000 square feet in

4

that building, but had previously vacated  its  space and was seeking to sublease. Griffin Land received
$325,000 in connection with the early  termination  of that lease, which was scheduled to expire in 2014.
In fiscal  2012, Griffin Land renewed  and  extended several  leases  aggregating  approximately  87,000
square  feet of industrial space and approximately 70,000 square  feet  of  office/flex space. In fiscal 2012,
leases aggregating approximately 98,000 square feet expired and were not renewed. Of  such space,
approximately 85,000 square feet was industrial  space (including the approximately 42,000 square foot
lease that was terminated early and is  now subject  to  a new, full building lease) and approximately
13,000 square feet was office/flex space.

Periodically, Griffin Land may sell certain portions  of  its  undeveloped land that it  has owned for

an extended time period and the use of  which does  not  fit into Griffin Land’s core strategy of
developing and leasing industrial and  commercial  properties. Such  sale transactions may take place
either before or after obtaining development approvals  and building basic infrastructure.

In fiscal  2014, Griffin Land completed one land sale for approximately $562,000. In fiscal 2013,

Griffin Land completed three land sales,  the principal one of  which was the sale of approximately
90 acres of undeveloped land in Windsor,  Connecticut (the ‘‘Windsor Land  Sale’’) for cash proceeds of
approximately $9.0 million, before transaction expenses.  The  land  sold  under the Windsor Land Sale is
part of an approximately 253 acre parcel of undeveloped land that had been held by Griffin Land  for
an extended time period. Under the terms of the  Windsor Land Sale, Griffin  Land  and the  buyer are
constructing roadways connecting the  land parcel  that was sold to existing town roads. The roads  being
built also provide access to the remaining acreage in  Griffin Land’s  land parcel. As a result of Griffin
Land’s continuing involvement with the  land sold, the  Windsor Land  Sale is being accounted for under
the percentage of completion method,  under which the  revenue and gain  on sale are recognized as the
total costs related to the property sold are incurred. At  the closing of the  Windsor Land Sale, the  cash
proceeds were placed in escrow for the  potential purchase of a replacement property  in a like-kind
exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended. Griffin Land did not
acquire a replacement property, therefore, the cash proceeds  that were held in escrow were returned to
Griffin in fiscal 2014. Griffin Land also closed on two smaller land sales in fiscal 2013 for aggregate net
cash proceeds of approximately $0.3  million.

In fiscal  2012, Griffin Land completed three property sales. The largest of these was the  sale of  its

fully leased 308,000 square foot warehouse building in Manchester,  Connecticut (the ‘‘Raymour
Building’’). Under the terms of the full building lease  with Raymour & Flanigan  (‘‘Raymour’’)  for that
building, Griffin Land gave notice to  Raymour in  fiscal 2011 that  Griffin  Land was exercising the put
option under its lease to sell the facility  to Raymour. The  proceeds of  approximately $16.0  million  from
that sale were placed in escrow for the potential acquisition of a replacement property  in a like-kind
exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue  Code of 1986, as  amended. As Griffin Land did
not acquire a replacement property, the proceeds from  the sale of the Raymour Building were returned
to Griffin Land in fiscal 2012. The sale  of this  property and all operating results for this  property are
reported as a discontinued operation for all periods presented in Griffin’s consolidated statements of
operations in this Annual Report.

Also in fiscal 2012, Griffin Land sold  approximately 93 acres of undeveloped land  in Tradeport

that Griffin Land had held for an extended time period  to  Dollar Tree Distribution, Inc. for cash
proceeds of $7.0 million (the ‘‘Dollar Tree Sale’’). Because  Griffin  Land was required,  under the terms
of the Dollar Tree Sale, to construct a  sewer line to service the land sold, the Dollar Tree Sale was
accounted for under the percentage of  completion method,  under  which the revenue and gain on  sale
were recognized as the total costs related to the  property  sold were incurred. The proceeds from the
Dollar Tree Sale were placed in escrow  for the  purchase  of  a replacement property under a
Section 1031 like-kind exchange. On December  28, 2012,  Griffin Land closed  on the purchase of  an
approximately 49 acre parcel of undeveloped  land in  the Lehigh Valley of  Pennsylvania  using the
proceeds from the Dollar Tree Sale that had  been held in escrow  to  complete the Section  1031

5

like-kind exchange. In fiscal 2012, Griffin Land also  completed the sale of approximately 14 acres of
undeveloped land in Windsor, Connecticut for cash proceeds  of approximately  $1.0 million.

The weakness in the residential real  estate market has adversely affected Griffin Land’s residential

real estate development activities. The  continued weakness of the residential real estate  market could
result in lower selling prices for Griffin Land’s land intended for residential use  or delay the  sale of
such land.

Griffin Land’s development of its land is  affected by regulatory and other constraints. Subdivision
and other residential development may also be affected by the potential  adoption  of  initiatives meant
to limit or concentrate residential growth.  Commercial  and  industrial development activities  of Griffin
Land’s undeveloped land may also be affected by traffic considerations, potential  environmental issues,
community opposition and other restrictions  to  development imposed by governmental  agencies.

Griffin does not maintain a corporate website. Griffin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly

reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on  Form 8-K and the  proxy  statement for  Griffin’s  Annual
Meeting of Stockholders can be accessed through  the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Griffin will provide
electronic or paper copies of its foregoing filings free of charge upon request. Griffin was incorporated
in 1970.

Commercial and Industrial Developments

New England Tradeport

A significant portion of Griffin Land’s commercial and industrial development effort has  been

focused on Tradeport, a master-planned industrial park near  Bradley International Airport and
Interstate 91, located in Windsor and East Granby,  Connecticut.  Within Tradeport, Griffin Land built
and currently owns approximately 1,466,000 square feet  of  warehouse and light manufacturing  space in
thirteen buildings, of which approximately 79% was leased as of  November 30, 2014.

Within Tradeport, Griffin Land holds  the rights to 795,000  square  feet available for development

under the State Traffic Certificate (‘‘STC’’) which  relates to  four  approved building  sites and an
approved addition to one of Griffin Land’s existing buildings. In addition, Griffin Land owns the
remaining 95 acres of undeveloped land  within Tradeport, 60  acres of which  are located in Windsor and
the abutting 35 acres of which are located in East Granby. There are no STC or  other approvals
currently in place (other than zoning in the case of  Windsor)  for the  development of this remaining
land  for industrial use, particularly the portions in East Granby. Griffin  Land believes  that  additional
infrastructure improvements, which may  be significant,  may  be  required to  obtain  approvals to develop
portions of this land, particularly the  portions in  East Granby. As  part  of  the Dollar Tree Sale, a sewer
line was brought to an accessible point  near  the edge of this 95 acre  combined parcel.  Griffin  Land
intends to continue to direct much of  its real estate efforts  in Connecticut on the  construction and
leasing of its industrial/warehouse and  light manufacturing facilities at Tradeport.

In fiscal  2014, Griffin Land leased approximately  216,000 square feet of  previously  vacant space  in
Tradeport and renewed two leases for  a  total  of approximately  10,000 square feet, while leases totaling
approximately 43,000 square feet expired  and were not renewed. As  of  November 30, 2014,
approximately $55.4 million was invested (net  book value) in buildings owned by Griffin Land that are
located in Tradeport and approximately  $4.4 million was invested (net book value) by Griffin Land  in
the undeveloped land there. As of November 30, 2014,  ten of Griffin Land’s Tradeport buildings were
mortgaged for an aggregate of approximately $43.3 million. Two Tradeport buildings built in fiscal 2007
and an older Tradeport building, aggregating,  for the  three buildings, approximately 373,000 square
feet, are currently not mortgaged. A  summary of Griffin Land’s square  footage owned and leased  in

6

Tradeport at the end of each of the past three fiscal years and leases in Tradeport  scheduled to expire
during each of the next three fiscal years  are as follows:

Square
Footage
Owned

Square
Footage
Leased*

Percentage
Leased

December 1, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,466,000
1,466,000
1,466,000

1,117,000
981,000
1,154,000

76%
67%
79%

Square footage of  leases expiring . . . . . . . . . .
Percentage of leased space at Nov. 30, 2014 . .
Number of tenants with leases expiring . . . . .
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases . . . .
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases  as a
percentage of Griffin Land’s annual rental
revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2015

2016

2017

326,000
28%
5

63,000
5%
2

88,000
8%
3

$2,727,000

$573,000

$699,000

13%

3%

3%

*

The square footage leased as of December 1,  2012 and November 30,  2013 did not
include approximately 47,000 square feet of  space on which  the tenant paid  operating
expenses. As required under the terms of the lease,  the tenant took  occupancy  and
started paying rent on this space on August  1, 2014.

Griffin Land has received favorable indications as  to  the renewal  of much  of  the Tradeport space

under leases scheduled to expire in fiscal 2015  as well as  receiving  favorable indications as  to  the
leasing of some of the vacant space in Tradeport as of November  30, 2014. Subsequent to
November 30, 2014, Griffin Land entered  into a ten-year lease for approximately 42,000 square  feet of
previously vacant space in Tradeport.  There  is no  guarantee  that such favorable  indications  will result in
the renewal of leases scheduled to expire in fiscal  2015 or in  the additional leasing of space that was
vacant as of November 30, 2014.

Griffin Center and Griffin Center South

Griffin Land’s other substantial commercial  development in Connecticut is the  combination of its

buildings in Griffin Center in Windsor  and  Bloomfield, Connecticut and Griffin Center  South in
Bloomfield. Griffin Land owns approximately  617,000 of the 2,165,000 square feet of developed space
in these master planned developments.

Griffin Center

Within Griffin Center, Griffin Land owns  two  multi-story office buildings that have an  aggregate of

approximately 161,000 square feet; a single story office building of approximately 48,000  square  feet;  a
165,000 square foot industrial building  (the  ‘‘NU Building’’), which  is used principally  as office, data
center and call center space; and a small  restaurant building.

In fiscal  2014, a lease for approximately 16,000  square feet in  Griffin Center  expired and  was  not

renewed, and a tenant that leases approximately 29,000 square feet in one  of  Griffin  Land’s multi-story
office buildings exercised its early termination option  that  will  terminate  its lease in fiscal  2015, two
years earlier than the original lease expiration date. Currently  there  are  approximately 207 acres of
undeveloped land in Griffin Center owned  by  Griffin Land. In the fiscal  2014 third  quarter,  Griffin
Land entered into an agreement to sell approximately  29 acres of an  approximately 45 acre  land parcel
of the undeveloped land in Griffin Center  for  a purchase price of a minimum of  $3.25 million, subject

7

to adjustment based on the actual number of  acres  conveyed. Completion of this transaction is subject
to significant contingencies, including  the satisfactory  completion  of  due diligence by the purchaser
(a public educational authority in the state of Connecticut) and  the purchaser obtaining a commitment
from the State of Connecticut to fund the  land acquisition and develop the property  as planned  by  the
purchaser. If this sale were to be completed, the development potential of  the remaining approximately
16 acres of that land parcel may be severely  limited.  The due diligence period does not expire until
fiscal 2016. There is no guarantee that  this  transaction will  be  completed under the current terms, or  at
all.

As of November 30, 2014, approximately $17.0 million  was  invested (net  book value)  in Griffin

Land’s buildings in Griffin Center and  approximately $0.9 million was invested by Griffin Land in  the
undeveloped land there. Griffin Land’s  two multi-story office  buildings and the NU  Building in Griffin
Center are separately mortgaged for an aggregate of approximately $14.1 million, and  Griffin  Land’s
single story office building is included as  collateral under Griffin’s $12.5 million revolving line of credit.
There were no borrowings under the  revolving  line of  credit as of November 30,  2014.

As of November 30, 2014, approximately 357,000 square feet of Griffin  Land’s buildings in Griffin

Center were leased, comprising approximately  93% of Griffin Land’s total space in Griffin Center. A
summary of Griffin Land’s square footage  owned and leased in  Griffin Center at the  end of each of
the past three fiscal years and leases in  Griffin Center scheduled  to  expire during each of  the next
three fiscal years are as follows:

December 1, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Square footage of  leases expiring . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Percentage of leased space at Nov. 30, 2014 . . . . .
Number of tenants with leases expiring . . . . . . . . .
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases . . . . . . . .
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases  as a
percentage of Griffin Land’s annual rental
revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Square
Footage
Owned

382,000
382,000
382,000

Square
Footage
Leased

335,000
373,000
357,000

Percentage
Leased

88%
98%
93%

2015

2016

2017

58,000
16%
4

$1,161,000

25,000 —
7% —
—
1
$482,000 —

6%

2% —

Griffin Center South

Griffin Land currently owns nine buildings in  Griffin Center South with an  aggregate of

approximately 235,000 square feet, of which approximately 217,000 square feet is single story office  and
flex space and approximately 18,000 square feet is  storage  space. In fiscal 2014, Griffin Land leased
approximately 38,000 square feet in a Griffin Center South building  (approximately 19,000  square  feet
had been vacant and the balance became  vacant when the lease  with the previous tenant was
terminated early because of the tenant’s  bankruptcy and subsequently re-leased to a successor
company) and renewed three leases with  an aggregate of approximately 28,000  square  feet.

As of November 30, 2014, approximately $7.0 million  was invested (net  book value)  in Griffin
Land’s buildings in Griffin Center South and approximately $0.4 million was invested by Griffin Land
in the undeveloped land there. As of  November 30, 2014, Griffin Land’s nine properties in  Griffin
Center South are included as collateral under Griffin’s $12.5 million revolving line of credit.  There
were no borrowings under the revolving  line of credit as of November 30, 2014.  Griffin  Land believes
that the approximately 66 acres of undeveloped land remaining  that it  owns in Griffin Center South is
sufficient to build  at least two additional  buildings aggregating approximately 175,000 square feet.

8

As of November 30, 2014, approximately 227,000 square feet of space in  the Griffin Center  South

buildings owned by Griffin Land was leased, comprising  97% of Griffin Land’s  total  space in Griffin
Center South. In the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter, Griffin  Land received  notice  from a tenant  that  has a
full building lease for approximately  40,000  square  feet in Griffin  Center  South  that  it was  exercising its
early termination option and will terminate its lease in fiscal 2016 (three  years earlier than the original
lease expiration date). In accordance with  the lease terms, Griffin Land received approximately
$557,000 from the tenant when the early  termination notice was rendered. A summary of Griffin
Land’s square footage owned and leased  in  Griffin Center  South at the end of each of  the past three
fiscal years and leases in Griffin Center  South  scheduled to expire during  each  of the next three fiscal
years are as follows:

December 1, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Square footage of  leases expiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Percentage of leased space at Nov. 30, 2014 . . . . . .
Number of tenants with leases expiring . . . . . . . . .
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases . . . . . . . .
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases  as a
percentage of Griffin Land’s annual rental
revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Square
Footage
Owned

235,000
235,000
235,000

Square
Footage
Leased

219,000
207,000
227,000

Percentage
Leased

93%
88%
97%

2015

2016*

2017

31,000
14%
4

77,000
34%
4

22,000
10%
2

$339,000

$967,000

$305,000

2%

5%

1%

*

Includes the lease of approximately 40,000 square feet  that the tenant  has exercised  its
early termination option effective September 30, 2016.

Lehigh Valley Industrial Properties and Other Property

Lehigh Valley

In fiscal  2010, Griffin Land completed its first  acquisition  of  property outside of the Hartford,
Connecticut area, when it acquired a fully leased approximately 120,000 square foot industrial building
(the ‘‘Olympus Building’’) in Breinigsville,  Pennsylvania, which is  located in the Lehigh  Valley.
Subsequent to the  purchase of the Olympus Building,  Griffin Land and the  tenant in that building
agreed to a nine year extension of the  lease, through  2025. Also in fiscal  2010,  Griffin  Land acquired
approximately 51 acres of undeveloped land in  Lower  Nazareth, Pennsylvania,  a major industrial  area
of the Lehigh Valley, which Griffin Land  named  Lehigh  Valley Tradeport. The land acquired  had
approvals for the development of two industrial buildings totaling approximately  530,000 square feet. In
fiscal 2012, Griffin Land completed construction,  on speculation, of  an  approximately  228,000 square
foot industrial building, the first of two  buildings built in Lehigh Valley Tradeport. In  fiscal 2013,
Griffin Land entered into a five-year  full  building lease of this  building. In  fiscal 2014, Griffin Land
completed construction, also on speculation, of an  approximately 303,000  square foot  industrial
building, the second of two buildings  in Lehigh Valley Tradeport.  In the  fiscal  2014 fourth quarter,
Griffin Land entered into a five-year  lease  of  approximately 201,000  square feet of the  most recently
completed building in Lehigh Valley  Tradeport.  Tenant occupancy and lease commencement is  expected
in the fiscal 2015 first quarter upon completion  of tenant  improvements. As of November  30, 2014,
Griffin Land invested approximately $13.2  million in the  development of  this new  building, not
including the land and leasing related costs.

9

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin Land owned  three industrial  buildings in  the Lehigh Valley,  the
Olympus Building and the two Lehigh  Valley Tradeport industrial  buildings discussed above, which  are
collectively approximately 651,000 square feet. Approximately $30.1 million was invested (net  book
value) in these three buildings as of November  30, 2014. The Olympus Building in Pennsylvania is
mortgaged for approximately $3.8 million  as of November  30, 2014, and the  228,000 square foot
industrial building in Lehigh Valley Tradeport was mortgaged for approximately $8.9  million  as of
November 30, 2014. On December 31, 2014, Griffin Land refinanced the existing mortgage loan on its
Lehigh Valley Tradeport building into a  new mortgage  loan on  both of its Lehigh Valley Tradeport
buildings that generated additional mortgage  proceeds of  approximately $10.9  million.  An additional
$1.9 million of mortgage proceeds will  be  received when a portion  of the vacant space in  the most
recently completed Lehigh Valley Tradeport industrial building is leased.

In fiscal  2013, Griffin Land acquired  a 49  acre parcel of undeveloped  land in  Hanover Township,

Pennsylvania, also in the Lehigh Valley, and in  fiscal 2014 Griffin  Land acquired an additional adjacent
one acre of undeveloped land. The total cost  of these  parcels was approximately $7.6 million. The
funds  used to acquire the 49 acre parcel were  principally the  proceeds from  the Dollar Tree Sale in
fiscal 2012 that were used to acquire  a replacement property as part of a like-kind exchange under
Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended.  In  the latter part  of  fiscal 2014,
Griffin Land started construction on an approximately  280,000 square foot industrial building, the first
of two industrial buildings approved for  this site that is  expected to have  a total of approximately
530,000 square feet of industrial space  when fully developed. Subsequent  to  the end of fiscal  2014,
Griffin Land entered into a five-year  lease  for approximately 196,000  square  feet of the building  being
built. The tenant has an option to lease  the balance of the building as specified  under the terms of the
lease. Griffin Land expects the completion of construction of this building  and commencement of the
lease to take place in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

Other Property

Griffin Land owns a 31,000 square foot warehouse building  (fully leased) in Bloomfield,
Connecticut on an approximately 5 acre  site that is part of an  approximately  253 acre  land parcel
known as Phoenix Crossing, located partly  in Bloomfield and partly in  Windsor,  Connecticut. In fiscal
2013, Griffin Land sold approximately 90 acres of the  Phoenix  Crossing  land in  the Windsor Land Sale.
Griffin Land owns the remaining approximately 159 acres of  undeveloped land  in Phoenix Crossing
which  is zoned for industrial and commercial development.

A summary of Griffin Land’s square  footage owned and leased in Griffin Land’s  Lehigh Valley
Industrial Properties and Other Property  at the  end of each of the past three fiscal  years  and leases  in
Griffin Land’s Lehigh Valley Industrial Properties and Other  Property scheduled  to  expire during each
of the next three fiscal years are as follows:

December 1, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Square
Footage
Owned

379,000
379,000
681,000

Square
Footage
Leased

151,000
379,000
580,000

Percentage
Leased

40%
100%
85%

10

Square footage of  leases expiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — —
Percentage of leased space at Nov. 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . — —
Number of tenants with leases expiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — —
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — $191,000
Annual  rental revenue of expiring leases  as a percentage of

31,000
5%
1

Griffin Land’s annual rental revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — —

1%

2015

2016

2017

Griffin Land may seek to acquire additional  properties and/or  undeveloped land parcels to expand
the industrial/warehouse portion of its  real estate  business. Griffin  Land continues to examine potential
properties in the northeast and mid-Atlantic areas  for  potential acquisition.

Residential Developments

Simsbury

Several years ago, Griffin Land filed  plans for the creation  of  a residential community, called
Meadowood, on a 363 acre site in the  Town of Simsbury, Connecticut  (‘‘Simsbury’’). After  several years
of litigation with the town regarding  this proposed  residential  development,  a settlement was  reached.
The settlement terms included, among other things,  approval for  up to 296  homes, certain  remediation
measures and offsite road improvements  to  be  performed by  Griffin Land  and the  purchase  by
Simsbury of a portion of the Meadowood land for open  space.  The  sale of land to Simsbury closed in
fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2012, Griffin Land  performed a portion of the required remediation  work on the
site and completed the required offsite road improvements. In fiscal 2014, Griffin Land completed the
required remediation work. As of November 30, 2014, the book value of the land  for this development,
including design, development and legal costs, was approximately  $8.5 million. Griffin Land anticipates
seeking offers for this property.

Griffin Land owns another approximate 432 acres  of undeveloped land in  Simsbury, portions of
which  are zoned for residential use and  other portions  of which  are zoned for industrial use. Not all of
this  land is developable. The land currently zoned for  industrial use is probably more  suited to
commercial or mixed-use development. Griffin  Land may seek to develop or sell such land.

Suffield

In fiscal  2006, Griffin Land completed the infrastructure for a fifty lot residential subdivision  in
Suffield, Connecticut called Stratton  Farms. Griffin Land sold  twenty-five residential lots in Stratton
Farms to a local homebuilder in fiscal  2006 and fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2010, Griffin Land entered into an
agreement with a privately owned regional homebuilder under  which in  exchange for a payment of
$100,000, the homebuilder obtained an option to purchase the remaining twenty-five  residential lots of
Stratton Farms. The option agreement  terminated  after four lots  were sold. Subsequently,  Griffin  Land
sold one Stratton Farms residential lot in  fiscal 2013. As of  November 30, 2014,  Griffin  Land held
twenty Stratton Farms residential lots. The  book value for Griffin Land’s Stratton Farms holdings  was
approximately $1.1 million at November 30, 2014.

Other

In fiscal  2014, Griffin Land leased approximately  424 acres of undeveloped  land in  Connecticut

and Massachusetts to local farmers. Approximately 512  acres and 542 acres  were leased to local
farmers in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012,  respectively.  The revenue  generated from the  leasing of farmland
is not material to Griffin Land’s total  revenue.

11

Griffin Land is evaluating its other properties for development or sale in the future. Griffin Land

anticipates that obtaining subdivision approvals for residential development in  many of the towns where
it owns residentially-zoned land will be  an extended  process.

Landscape Nursery Business

Griffin and Imperial entered into a Purchase Agreement with  Monrovia, effective January 8,  2014,

pursuant to which Imperial’s inventory and certain  of  its  assets were sold to Monrovia  for
approximately $0.7 million in cash (before  transaction and  severance costs)  and a  non-interest bearing
note receivable (the ‘‘Promissory Note’’)  of $4.25 million that is  secured by an irrevocable letter  of
credit. A  payment of $2.75 million on  the Promissory Note  was received on  June  1, 2014 and the
balance of $1.5 million is due on June  1,  2015. Pursuant to the  terms of the  Imperial Sale, Griffin and
Imperial agreed to indemnify Monrovia for  any  potential environmental liabilities relating to periods
prior to the effective date of the Purchase Agreement.

Concurrently with the completion of the  Imperial Sale,  Imperial and River Bend  Holdings, LLC, a

wholly owned subsidiary of Griffin, entered into the Imperial Lease with Monrovia, pursuant to which
Monrovia agreed to lease Imperial’s Connecticut production nursery for a ten-year period,  with an
option to extend for up to an additional fifteen years exercisable by Monrovia. The Imperial Lease
provides for a net annual rent payable  to  Griffin of $500,000 for  each  of the first five years, with rent
for subsequent years determined in accordance with the  Imperial Lease.  The Imperial  Lease also  grants
Monrovia an option to purchase the  land, land  improvements and  other operating  assets that were used
by Imperial in its Connecticut growing  operations,  during  the first thirteen years of the lease period for
$10.5 million, or $7.0 million if only a  certain portion of the land is purchased,  subject in each case  to
certain adjustments as provided for in  the Imperial  Lease.

Imperial’s Florida farm is also being leased  to  another private company grower of landscape
nursery plants. Imperial shut down its  growing operations on its Florida farm in  2009 and  entered into
a six-year lease of that facility. The annual rent payable is $600,000 and  that lease  is scheduled  to
expire on July 31, 2015. The tenant has  an option  to  purchase  the facility any  time during  the lease
term.

Investments

Centaur  Media plc

Centaur Media plc (‘‘Centaur Media’’) is a publicly traded company  listed on  the London  Stock

Exchange. As of November 30, 2014,  Griffin held  1,952,462  shares of  Centaur  Media and  accounts for
its  investment in Centaur Media as an  available-for-sale  security. Accordingly,  changes in the  fair value
of Griffin’s investment in Centaur Media, including both changes  in the stock price  and changes  in the
foreign currency exchange rate, are not  included in Griffin’s net income  but are  included in Griffin’s
other comprehensive income. In fiscal 2014, Griffin sold 500,000 shares of  its  Centaur Media  common
stock for total cash proceeds of approximately $566,000.

Shemin Nurseries Holding Corp.

Shemin Nurseries  Holding Corp. (‘‘SNHC’’) is  a privately held company that  operates  a landscape
nursery distribution business. At the beginning of fiscal 2013,  Griffin held an approximately 14%  equity
interest in SNHC and accounted for  its investment  in SNHC under the  cost method  of accounting for
investments. In fiscal 2013, Griffin sold  its  entire investment in  SNHC for cash proceeds of
approximately $3.4 million.

12

Employees

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin employed 26  people on  a  full-time basis. Presently, none of
Griffin’s employees are represented by a union. Griffin  believes that its relations with  its employees are
satisfactory.

Competition

Numerous real estate developers operate in the  portions of Connecticut, Massachusetts and  the

Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania  in  which Griffin’s real estate holdings are  concentrated. Some of
these competitors have greater financial  resources than Griffin. Griffin’s real estate business competes
on the bases of location, price, availability  of space, convenience and amenities.

Regulation: Environmental Matters

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and  regulations, an owner or operator  of

real estate may be required to investigate and clean  up hazardous or toxic substances  or petroleum
product  releases at such property and  may be held liable to a governmental  entity or to third parties
for property damage and for investigation  and clean-up costs incurred by such parties in  connection
with contamination. The cost of investigation, remediation  or  removal of  such substances may be
substantial, and the presence of such  substances, or the  failure to remediate properly  such substances,
may adversely affect the owner’s ability to  sell  or rent such property or to borrow using such property
as collateral. In connection with the ownership  (direct or indirect), operation,  management and
development of real estate properties, Griffin Land may be considered an owner or operator of  such
properties or as having arranged for  the disposal  or treatment  of  hazardous or toxic  substances and,
therefore, potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other related costs,
including governmental fines and injuries to persons  and  property.  The value  of Griffin’s land  may be
affected by the presence of residual chemicals from the prior use of  the  land for farming, principally on
a portion of the land that is intended  for residential use. In the event that Griffin Land  is unable to
remediate adequately any of its land intended for residential use,  Griffin Land’s ability  to  develop  such
property for its intended purposes would  be materially affected.

Griffin Land periodically reviews its properties for the purpose  of evaluating such properties’
compliance with applicable state and federal environmental  laws. In connection with the  Imperial
Transaction, Griffin has incurred a small  amount of  costs to remediate a small  area of the Connecticut
farm that is leased to Monrovia under  the Imperial  Lease.  At  this  time, Griffin Land does  not
anticipate experiencing, in the next twelve months, any material expense in complying with such laws.
Griffin Land may incur remediation  costs  in the future in connection with its development  operations.
Such costs are not expected to be significant as compared to  expected proceeds from  development
projects or property sales.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Griffin’s real estate business has a number  of risk  factors. The  risk  factors discussed below are

those that management deems to be  material, but they may not be the only risks facing Griffin.
Additional risks not currently known or  currently deemed not to be material may  also impact Griffin.

Adverse Economic Conditions and Credit  Markets

Griffin Land’s real estate business may be affected  by market conditions and economic challenges

experienced by the U.S. economy as a  whole, conditions  in the credit markets or by local economic

13

conditions in the markets in which its  properties are located. Such conditions  may impact Griffin’s
results of operations, financial condition  or ability to expand  its  operations  as a result of the following:

(cid:129) The financial condition of Griffin Land’s tenants  may be adversely affected, which may  result in
tenant defaults under leases due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failures  or for  other
reasons;

(cid:129) Significant job losses may occur, which may decrease  demand  for Griffin Land’s  office and
industrial space, causing market rental rates and property values to be negatively impacted;

(cid:129) Griffin’s ability to borrow on terms and conditions  that it  finds acceptable,  or at all, may  be
limited, which could reduce its ability  to  pursue acquisition and development opportunities,
refinance existing debt, and/or increase future interest  expense;

(cid:129) Reduced values of Griffin Land’s properties may limit  its ability to obtain debt financing

collateralized by its properties or may limit the proceeds from such  potential  financings; and

(cid:129) A weak economy may limit sales of land intended for  commercial/industrial  use.

Downturn in the Residential Real Estate Market

Weakness in the residential real estate market may adversely affect Griffin  Land’s residential real

estate development activities, including delaying the development and/or sale of Griffin Land’s
undeveloped land intended for residential use.  The continued weakness  of the residential real estate
market could result in lower selling prices  for Griffin Land’s land intended  for residential use or delay
the sale of such land.

Risks  Associated with Concentration of Real Estate Holdings

Griffin Land’s real estate operations  are concentrated primarily in  the Hartford, Connecticut area,

with additional operations in the Lehigh  Valley of Pennsylvania.  Adverse changes in  the local
economies, state or local governmental  regulations or  real estate markets, including the market’s ability
to absorb newly constructed space, could impact Griffin  Land’s  real estate operations including  Griffin
Land’s ability to re-tenant vacant space and  have an  adverse effect  on  rental rates.

Griffin Land’s real estate operations  compete with  other  properties in the  areas where it  operates.

The construction of new facilities by  competitors  would increase capacity in the marketplace, and an
increase in the amount of vacancies in  competitors’  properties and negative absorption  of  space could
result in Griffin Land experiencing longer times to lease vacant space, eroding lease  rates  or hindering
renewals by existing tenants.

Risks  Associated with Entering New Real Estate Markets

In fiscal  2010, Griffin Land acquired  a fully-leased approximately 120,000 square foot industrial
building in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania and  a  51 acre parcel of undeveloped  land in  Lower Nazareth,
Pennsylvania, known as Lehigh Valley  Tradeport.  Subsequently, Griffin Land built, on speculation, two
industrial buildings in Lehigh Valley Tradeport and has  started construction of another industrial
building on approximately 50 acres of  undeveloped  land in  Hanover Township, Pennsylvania that was
acquired in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014.  These acquisitions were Griffin  Land’s first purchases of
properties outside of the Hartford, Connecticut market where  Griffin  Land’s  core  real estate holdings
are located. Griffin Land expects to continue  to  seek to acquire properties  outside of the  Hartford,
Connecticut market. Operating in a real estate market that is new for Griffin Land creates additional
risks and uncertainties to Griffin’s operations.

14

Potential Environmental Liabilities

Griffin Land has extensive land holdings in Connecticut  and  Massachusetts and, in fiscal  2010,

started acquiring properties in the Lehigh Valley of  Pennsylvania. Under  federal, state and  local
environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, Griffin  Land may be required  to  investigate and clean
up the effects of releases of hazardous substances or petroleum  products at  its  properties because of its
current or past ownership or operation  of the  real estate. If previously unidentified environmental
problems arise, Griffin Land may have  to  make substantial  payments, which  could  adversely affect its
cash flow. As an owner or operator of properties, Griffin Land may  have to pay for property damage
and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred in connection  with a contamination. The law typically
imposes clean-up responsibility and liability  regardless of whether the  owner or operator knew of or
caused the contamination. Changes in environmental regulations may impact the development potential
of Griffin Land’s undeveloped land or  could increase operating costs due to the cost  of  complying with
new regulations.

Governmental Regulations

Griffin Land’s real estate operations  are subject  to  governmental regulations that affect real  estate

development, such as local zoning ordinances.  Any  changes  in such regulations  may impact the ability
of Griffin Land to  develop its properties or increase Griffin Land’s costs of development. Subdivision
and other residential development may also be affected by the potential  adoption  of  initiatives meant
to limit or concentrate residential growth.  Commercial  and  industrial development activities  of Griffin
Land’s undeveloped land may also be affected by traffic considerations, potential  environmental issues,
community opposition and other restrictions  to  development imposed by governmental  agencies.

Insurance Coverage Does Not Include All Potential Losses in the Real  Estate Business

Griffin Land carries comprehensive insurance coverage,  including property,  fire,  terrorism  and loss
of rental revenue. The insurance coverage contains  policy  specifications  and  insured limits.  Griffin  Land
believes its properties are adequately  insured. However, there are certain  losses that are not generally
insured  against or that are not fully insured against. If  an uninsured loss or a loss in  excess  of insured
limits occurs with respect to one or more of  Griffin Land’s properties, Griffin Land could experience a
significant loss of capital invested and  potential revenue from the properties affected.

Risks  Associated with the Cost of Raw  Materials  and Energy  Costs

Griffin Land’s construction activities  could be adversely affected by  increases in  raw materials or
energy costs. As petroleum and other energy costs increase, products  used in the construction of Griffin
Land’s facilities, such as steel, masonry, asphalt, cement  and  building products  may increase. An
increase in the cost of building new facilities  could negatively impact Griffin Land’s  future operating
results through increased depreciation expense. An increase  in construction costs  would also  require
increased investment in Griffin Land’s  real estate  assets, which may lower the return on investment in
new facilities in the real estate business. An increase in energy costs could increase Griffin Land’s
building operating expenses and thereby  lower  Griffin Land’s operating  results.

Investment in a Foreign Company

Griffin has an investment in Centaur  Media  plc, a public  company based in the United  Kingdom.
The ultimate liquidation of that investment  and  conversion  of  proceeds into  United States currency is
subject to future foreign currency exchange rates.

15

Griffin is Subject to Litigation That May Adversely Impact Operating  Results

Griffin is, and may in the future be,  a party to a number of legal proceedings and  claims arising in

the ordinary course of business which could become significant.  Given the inherent  uncertainty of
litigation, we can offer no assurance that  a future  adverse development related  to  existing litigation or
any future litigation will not have a material adverse impact on Griffin’s business, consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Concentrated Ownership of Griffin  Common Stock by Members of  the Cullman  and Ernst

Families

Members of the Cullman and Ernst families  (the ‘‘Cullman and  Ernst Group’’),  which include
Frederick M. Danziger, Griffin’s Chairman  and Chief Executive  Officer, Michael S. Gamzon,  Griffin’s
President and Chief Operating Officer, David M. Danziger,  a  director  of  Griffin  and John J. Kirby, Jr.,
a director of Griffin who is married to a member  of  the Cullman  family, members of  their families and
trusts for  their benefit, partnerships in  which they own substantial interests and charitable foundations
on whose boards of directors they sit, owned, directly or indirectly, approximately  45.9% of the
outstanding common stock of Griffin  as of November 30,  2014. There is  an informal understanding that
the persons and entities included in the  Cullman and Ernst Group will vote together the shares owned
by each of them. As a result, the Cullman  and Ernst  Group may effectively control the determination
of Griffin’s corporate and management policies and may limit other Griffin  stockholders’  ability to
influence Griffin’s corporate and management policies.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

Land Holdings

Griffin is a major landholder in the state of Connecticut, owning approximately 2,960  acres.  Griffin

also owns approximately 422 acres of land in Massachusetts, approximately 117 acres of land in
Pennsylvania and approximately 1,066  acres in northern Florida.  Griffin believes the  fair market value
of such land is substantially in excess of its book value.

16

Listings of the locations of Griffin’s land  holdings, a portion  of which, principally in Bloomfield,

East Granby and Windsor, Connecticut and Breinigsville, Lower Nazareth Township and Hanover
Township, Pennsylvania have been (or are being) developed, are as  follows:

Land Holdings

Location

Connecticut

Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
East  Granby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
East  Windsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Simsbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suffield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Land Area

(in acres)

310
540 (a)
116
333 (a)
784
66
811

Florida

Quincy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,066 (b)

Massachusetts

Southwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

422

Pennsylvania

Lower Nazareth Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hanover Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breinigsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

51
49
17

(a) Includes approximately 424 acres of land in East Granby and 305  acres of land  in Granby

that had been used by Imperial in its growing operation. Effective January 8,  2014, most
of such acreage is leased to Monrovia under  the Imperial  Lease.

(b) The acreage in Florida was used in Imperial’s landscape nursery business prior  to  fiscal

2009. Imperial shut down that facility in fiscal 2009 and  now leases  that facility  to  another
nursery grower. That lease agreement,  which is  scheduled to expire  July 31,  2015, includes
an option for the purchase of the Florida farm.

17

Developed Properties

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin Land owned  thirty-one  buildings, comprised of nineteen

industrial/warehouse buildings, eleven office/flex  buildings and a small restaurant building.  A listing of
those facilities is as follows:

Griffin Center

1985 Blue Hills Avenue, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 Waterside Crossing, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office building
7 Waterside Crossing, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office building
21 Griffin Road North, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office building
1936 Blue Hills Avenue, Windsor, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restaurant building

Industrial building

165,000 sq. ft.
80,500 sq. ft.
80,500 sq. ft.
48,300 sq. ft.
7,200 sq. ft.

Griffin Center South

29-35 Griffin Road South, Bloomfield, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flex  building
55 Griffin Road South, Bloomfield, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office/flex building
340 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office/flex building
206 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office/flex building
204 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office/flex building
210 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warehouse building
330 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office/flex building
310 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office/flex building
320 West Newberry Road, Bloomfield,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office/flex building

New England Tradeport

100 International Drive, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
755 Rainbow Road, Windsor, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
758 Rainbow Road, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
754 Rainbow Road, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
759 Rainbow Road, Windsor, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75 International Drive, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20 International Drive, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40 International Drive, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35 International Drive, Windsor, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 International Drive, East Granby,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 International Drive, Windsor, CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15 International Drive, East Granby,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 International Drive, East Granby,  CT* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building

57,500 sq. ft.
40,300 sq. ft.
39,000 sq. ft.
23,300 sq. ft.
22,300 sq. ft.
18,400 sq. ft.
11,900 sq. ft.
11,400 sq. ft.
11,100 sq. ft.

304,200 sq. ft.
148,500 sq. ft.
138,400 sq. ft.
136,900 sq. ft.
126,900 sq. ft.
117,000 sq. ft.
99,800 sq. ft.
99,800 sq. ft.
97,600 sq. ft.
58,400 sq. ft.
57,200 sq. ft.
41,600 sq. ft.
40,100 sq. ft.

Lehigh Valley and Other Properties

4270 Fritch Drive, Lower Nazareth, PA** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4275 Fritch Drive, Lower Nazareth, PA* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
871 Nestle Way, Breinigsville, PA* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1370 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building
Industrial building

302,600 sq. ft.
228,000 sq. ft.
119,900 sq. ft.
30,700 sq. ft.

*

**

Included as collateral under one of  Griffin’s nonrecourse mortgages or  Griffin’s revolving line of
credit as of November 30, 2014.
Included as collateral, along with  4275 Fritch  Drive, under  a nonrecourse mortgage that was
completed on December 31, 2014.

Griffin leases approximately 2,300 square  feet in New York City  for its  executive offices.

18

As with many companies engaged in real estate investment and development,  Griffin  holds  its  real
estate portfolio subject to mortgage debt. See Note 8 to Griffin’s consolidated  financial  statements  for
information concerning the mortgage  debt associated with Griffin’s properties.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Griffin is involved, as a defendant, in  various  litigation matters  arising in the ordinary course of

business. In the opinion of management, based on the advice of  legal counsel, the  ultimate liability, if
any, with respect to these matters is not  expected to be material to Griffin’s  financial  position, results
of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S  COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER

MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES  OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Market Information

The following are the high and low prices  of  common shares of  Griffin Land &  Nurseries, Inc.  as

traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC:

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$34.31
$30.56

$27.18
$25.05

$31.57
$30.60

$26.60
$27.90

$31.64
$32.59

$26.14
$27.06

$31.23
$33.00

$25.77
$30.30

On February 6, 2015, the number of record holders of common stock of Griffin was approximately
197 which does not include beneficial owners  whose shares are held of record in the names of  brokers
or nominees. The closing market price  as quoted on The NASDAQ Stock  Market LLC  on such  date
was $31.62 per share.

Dividend Policy

Griffin’s dividend policy is to  consider the payment  of an annual dividend at the  end of its fiscal

year, which enables the Board of Directors to evaluate both Griffin’s prior  full year results and its cash
needs for the succeeding year when determining  whether to declare an annual dividend. In fiscal 2014
and fiscal 2013, Griffin declared an annual dividend of $0.20  per  share in  each year.

19

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the total percentage  changes  in the cumulative total stockholder

return  (assuming the reinvestment of  dividends) on Griffin’s Common Stock with the cumulative total
return  of the Russell 2000 Index from  November  28, 2009 to November 30, 2014. It is assumed  in the
graph that the value of each investment was $100  at November 28, 2009. Griffin is not aware of any
other company that substantially participated in both  the landscape nursery and real estate businesses
during that period, and would therefore be suitable for comparison  to  Griffin as a ‘‘peer issuer’’ within
Griffin’s lines of business.

$220

$200

$180

$160

$140

$120

$100

$80

$60

Nov. 28,
2009

Nov. 27,
2010

Dec. 3,
2011

Dec. 1,
2012

Nov. 30,
2013

Nov. 30,
2014

Griffin

Russell 2000

9FEB201521203560

20

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL  DATA.

The following table sets forth selected statement  of  operations data  for  fiscal years 2010 through

2014 and balance sheet data as of the  end of each fiscal  year. The  selected  statement  of  operations
data for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2013 and fiscal  2014 and  the selected balance sheet data for fiscal 2013 and
fiscal 2014 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements  included in  Item 8 of this
report. The selected statement of operations data for fiscal  2010 and fiscal  2011 and the balance sheet
data for fiscal 2010, fiscal 2011 and fiscal  2012 were derived from the audited  consolidated  financial
statements for those years. This selected  financial data should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ and other  financial information included elsewhere in
this  Annual Report. Historical results  are  not  necessarily indicative of future performance.

Statement of Operations Data:
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization expense . . . . . .
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (1)
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic (loss) income per share from continuing

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(dollars in thousands, except per share  data)

$ 24,219
6,729
1,809
(1,248)
144
(1,104)

$ 25,526
6,673
2,436
1,910
(7,731)
(5,821)

$ 24,215
6,303
3,386
196
770
966

$ 22,657
6,339
2,366
(1,308)
(1,166)
(2,474)

$ 18,386
6,620
(1,949)
(3,730)
(757)
(4,487)

operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(0.24)

0.37

Basic income (loss) per share from

discontinued operations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic net (loss) income per share . . . . . . . . . .

0.03
(0.21)

(1.50)
(1.13)

Diluted (loss) income per share from

continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(0.24)

0.37

Diluted income (loss) per share from

discontinued operations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted net (loss) income per share . . . . . . . . .

0.03
(0.21)

(1.50)
(1.13)

0.04

0.15
0.19

0.04

0.15
0.19

(0.25)

(0.73)

(0.23)
(0.48)

(0.15)
(0.88)

(0.25)

(0.73)

(0.23)
(0.48)

(0.15)
(0.88)

Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends declared per common  share . . .

186,377
70,168
95,879
0.20

184,727
66,708
98,115
0.20

180,114
59,489
104,146
0.20

176,675
61,135
103,305
0.40

183,151
62,999
109,067
0.40

(1) All years presented include the results  from the growing operations  of  the landscape nursery

business, which was sold on January  8,  2014. See ‘‘Business—Landscape Nursery  Business.’’ Results
of discontinued operations in fiscal years 2010 through  fiscal  2012 also include the results from the
operations of the 308,000 square foot warehouse facility in Manchester, Connecticut. Fiscal 2012
results of discontinued operations also include the gain on the sale of the Manchester warehouse.

21

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Overview

The consolidated financial statements  of Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.  (‘‘Griffin’’) reflect Griffin’s

real estate business which is conducted through its wholly-owned  subsidiary, Griffin Land, LLC
(‘‘Griffin Land’’), and Griffin’s wholly-owned  subsidiary in  the landscape nursery business, Imperial
Nurseries, Inc. (‘‘Imperial’’). Imperial’s growing operations  are  reflected as a  discontinued operation in
Griffin’s consolidated financial statements  for all periods  presented as a result of the sale (the
‘‘Imperial Sale’’) of Imperial’s growing  operations to Monrovia Connecticut LLC  (‘‘Monrovia’’) and  the
lease of Imperial’s Connecticut farm to  Monrovia (the ‘‘Imperial  Lease’’, and  together  with the
Imperial Sale, the ‘‘Imperial Transaction’’) that was effective January 8,  2014. In  addition  to  the
growing operations of Imperial, Griffin’s results of discontinued operations also  include the operating
results and gain on the sale of the warehouse building  that was owned  by Griffin Land and sold in
fiscal 2012.

The notes to Griffin’s consolidated financial statements included  in Item  8 of  this Annual Report

contain a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the  preparation of
Griffin’s consolidated financial statements. In the opinion  of management, because of the relative
magnitude of Griffin’s real estate assets, accounting methods and estimates related  to  those assets  are
critical to the preparation of Griffin’s consolidated financial statements. Griffin uses accounting policies
and methods under accounting principles  generally accepted in  the United States  of  America
(‘‘U.S. GAAP’’). The following are the  critical accounting  estimates and methods  used  by  Griffin:

Income taxes:

In accounting for income taxes under Financial Accounting  Standards Board

(‘‘FASB’’) ASC 740, ‘‘Income Taxes,’’  management estimates future  taxable income from
operations, the sale of appreciated assets, the remaining years before the  expiration of loss credit
carryforwards, future reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies in
determining if it is more likely than not that Griffin will realize  the benefits  of its  deferred tax
assets.

Impairment of long-lived assets: Griffin reviews annually,  as well  as when conditions  may
indicate, its long-lived assets to determine if there are any indications of impairment, such as a
prolonged vacancy in one of Griffin Land’s rental properties. If indications  of impairment are
present, Griffin evaluates the carrying value of the  assets in relation to undiscounted  cash flows or
the estimated fair value of the underlying assets. In connection  with Griffin’s  real estate business,
development costs that have been capitalized are reviewed periodically  for future recoverability.

Revenue and gain recognition:

In the  real estate business, revenue includes rental revenue

from Griffin Land’s commercial and industrial  properties and proceeds from  property sales.  Rental
revenue is accounted for on a straight-line basis  over the applicable lease term  in accordance with
the Lease Topic (FASB ASC 840). Gains on  property  sales  are recognized in accordance with the
Property, Plant and Equipment—Real Estate Sales Topic (FASB ASC 360-20) based on the specific
terms of each sale. When the percentage of  completion method  is used to account  for a  sale of
real estate, costs included in determining the percentage of completion include the  costs of the
land  sold, allocated master planning costs,  selling and transaction  costs and estimated future costs
related to the land sold.

Stock based compensation: Griffin determines stock based  compensation  based on  the
estimated fair values of stock options as  determined on  their grant dates using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model. In determining the estimated fair  values  of  stock options issued, Griffin
makes assumptions on expected volatility,  risk  free interest rates, expected  option terms and
dividend yields.

22

Derivative instruments: Griffin evaluates each  interest  rate swap agreement to determine if it

qualifies as an effective cash flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of  each interest rate  swap
agreement that management determines  to  be  an effective cash flow hedge  are recorded as  a
component of other comprehensive income. The fair  value of each interest rate  swap agreement  is
determined based on observable market participant data, such as yield curves,  as of the fair  value
measurement date.

Summary

In fiscal  2014, Griffin incurred a net  loss of approximately $1.1  million as compared to a  net loss
of approximately $5.8 million in fiscal  2013. The lower  net loss in fiscal 2014 as  compared to fiscal 2013
reflects a significant loss from discontinued  operations in fiscal 2013  and  a loss from continuing
operations in fiscal 2014 as compared to income from  continuing  operations  in fiscal 2013.  Griffin
incurred a loss from continuing operations of approximately $1.2 million in fiscal 2014  as compared  to
income from continuing operations of  approximately $1.9 million in  fiscal 2013. The lower  results from
continuing operations in fiscal 2014 as  compared  to  fiscal  2013 is due in large part to a decrease in the
gain from investment sales and lower gain on  land sales in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013,
partially offset by lower general and  administrative expenses  in fiscal 2014  as compared to fiscal  2013.
Rental revenue less the operating expenses of rental properties  increased  from approximately
$12.6 million in fiscal 2013 to approximately  $12.8 million in fiscal 2014.

Griffin’s discontinued operations in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 reflect the results of the growing

operations of Imperial’s landscape nursery business.  The results  from  discontinued operations in fiscal
2012 reflect Imperial’s landscape nursery  growing operations  along with the  results of operations and
gain on the sale of Griffin Land’s 308,000  square foot warehouse building  in January 2012.  The loss
from discontinued operations in fiscal  2013 principally reflects a pretax charge  of $10.4 million to
reduce the carrying value of Imperial’s  inventories to its fair  value, which was the net  realizable value
based on the terms of the Imperial Sale.

Results of Operations

Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013

Total revenue decreased from approximately  $25.5 million in fiscal 2013  to approximately

$24.2 million in fiscal 2014, reflecting  a decrease  of approximately  $1.8 million in revenue from
property sales, partially offset by an increase of approximately $0.5  million in  rental revenue in fiscal
2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.

The net increase of approximately $0.5 million in rental revenue in fiscal  2014  as compared  to
fiscal 2013 reflects occupancy changes that resulted in: (a) an increase of approximately $1.8 million of
rental revenue from leasing previously  vacant  space;  (b)  approximately  $0.5 million  in revenue  from the
Imperial Lease; and (c) an increase of approximately $0.1 million in  revenue from  work done for
tenants; partially offset by (d) a decrease  in rental revenue of approximately $1.9  million from  leases
that expired and were not renewed. The increase in rental revenue due  to leasing  previously  vacant
space includes an increase in rental revenue of  approximately $0.9  million  from the full building lease
of the 228,000 square foot industrial building in  the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania that was completed
in fiscal 2012 and leased in the third  quarter of fiscal 2013.

23

A summary of the square footage of  Griffin  Land’s  real estate portfolio is as follows:

Total
Square
Footage

Square
Footage
Leased

Percentage
Leased

As of November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,462,000
2,765,000

1,939,000
2,317,000

79%
84%

The increase in total square footage  as of November 30,  2014 as compared to November 30, 2013
reflects the completion in fiscal 2014 of an  approximately  303,000  square foot industrial building  in the
Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania that was  built on speculation. This building is  located  adjacent to the
228,000 square foot building built in  fiscal  2012 and fully leased in fiscal  2013. These  two industrial
buildings comprise Lehigh Valley Tradeport, which was developed on land acquired in fiscal 2010.  In
the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter, Griffin  Land entered  into  a five  year lease for approximately  201,000
square  feet in the recently completed  industrial building in Lehigh  Valley Tradeport.

The increase in leased square footage  as of November 30, 2014  as compared to November 30,
2013 principally reflects the leasing of approximately  201,000 square feet  described above and  a full
building lease of an approximately 138,000 square foot building within New  England Tradeport
(‘‘Tradeport’’), Griffin Land’s industrial park  located in Windsor and  East  Granby, Connecticut with a
tenant  that is presently leasing an approximately 57,000 Tradeport industrial building under a
short-term lease after its long-term lease in  that building expired on August 31, 2014.  Griffin  Land
expects the tenant to terminate the current  short-term lease  in fiscal 2015. In addition, the increase  in
space leased also reflects an increase  of  approximately  47,000  square feet leased to Tire Rack,  Inc.
(‘‘Tire Rack’’) in a Tradeport industrial  building. Under the terms of the existing  lease with Tire  Rack,
effective August 1, 2014, the start of the  sixth  year  of  its  lease, Tire Rack was required  to  lease the
entire Tradeport building in which they  are  located. The balance of  the  change in leased square footage
as of  November 30, 2014 as compared November 30, 2013 reflects leasing  approximately  31,000 square
feet of previously vacant industrial/warehouse space  and  the expiration  of  leases aggregating
approximately 43,000 square feet that  were not renewed. The leasing market where  Griffin’s
Connecticut properties are located (the  north submarket  of Hartford) remained competitive throughout
fiscal 2014. Activity by prospective tenants was muted during most of fiscal 2014;  however, there was an
increase in inquiries from prospective tenants in the latter part of the year. Griffin Land has received
favorable indications as to the renewal of much  of the approximately 326,000 square feet  of space  in
Tradeport under leases that are scheduled to expire in fiscal 2015 as  well as to the leasing of a  portion
of the vacant space in Tradeport as of November  30, 2014. Subsequent to November 30, 2014, Griffin
Land entered into a ten-year lease for approximately 42,000 square feet of previously vacant space in
Tradeport. There is no guarantee that such  favorable indications will result  in the renewal of leases
scheduled to expire in fiscal 2015 or that the recent increase in inquiries from prospective tenants  or
favorable indications as to the leasing  of vacant space in  Tradeport as of November 30,  2014 will result
in the additional leasing of space that  was vacant  as of November  30, 2014.

Revenue from property sales decreased  from approximately $5.5 million in fiscal 2013  to

approximately $3.7 million in fiscal 2014. Property  sales revenue in  fiscal 2014 includes  the recognition
of approximately $3.1 million of revenue related  to  the sale  of approximately  90 acres of undeveloped
land  in Windsor, Connecticut (the ‘‘Windsor Land Sale’’) for cash proceeds  of  approximately
$9.0 million (before transaction expenses) that closed in  fiscal 2013. Under the terms  of the Windsor
Land Sale, Griffin Land is required to  construct roadways that will connect the  land sold to existing
town roadways. Accordingly, because  of  Griffin Land’s  continuing  involvement with  the land  that  was
sold, the Windsor Land Sale is being  accounted  for under the percentage of completion method.
Through fiscal 2014, Griffin Land has  recognized approximately $5.8 million of the  approximately
$9.0 million of total revenue that will  be  recognized  on the  Windsor Land  Sale  when all of the  required
road work is completed. The balance of  the revenue  from the Windsor Land Sale  will be recognized as

24

the costs of the required road construction are incurred,  which is expected to be mostly by the second
quarter of fiscal 2015. In addition to  the revenue recognized from the  Windsor  Land Sale, property
sales revenue in fiscal 2014 also included  approximately $0.6 million from  the sale  of a land  parcel that
was once part of Imperial’s growing operations in  Connecticut but was not part of the Imperial Lease.

Revenue from property sales in fiscal 2013  included: (a)  approximately  $2.7 million  from the initial

recognition of revenue from the Windsor  Land Sale; (b) approximately $2.5 million from the
recognition of revenue from the sale of  approximately 93 acres of undeveloped land  in Tradeport to
Dollar Tree Distribution, Inc. (the ‘‘Dollar Tree  Sale’’) that  closed in  fiscal 2012;  and (c) approximately
$0.3 million from two sales of small parcels of undeveloped  land. Under the terms of the Dollar Tree
Sale, Griffin Land was required to construct a sewer  line to service  the  property sold. Accordingly,
because of Griffin Land’s continuing involvement with the land that  was sold, Griffin Land  accounted
for the Dollar Tree Sale using the percentage of completion method, under which the revenue  and the
gain on sale were recognized as the total costs related to the property sale were incurred.  All of the
revenue from the Dollar Tree Sale was recognized as of the end  of  fiscal 2013 as  the required
construction of the sewer line was completed. Property sales occur periodically,  and changes  in revenue
from year to year from those transactions  may not be indicative of any trends  in Griffin’s real estate
business.

Operating expenses of rental properties increased  from approximately $7.5 million in fiscal  2013 to

approximately $7.8 million in fiscal 2014. The net increase of  approximately  $0.3 million principally
reflects an increase of approximately  $0.2  million in property maintenance expenses, principally snow
removal, and increases in real estate taxes and utility  expenses aggregating approximately $0.2 million
in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013,  partially offset by  a  net decrease  of  approximately  $0.1 million
in all other expenses. The increase in snow  removal expenses  reflected  more severe winter weather in
fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.  The  increase in  real estate taxes principally reflects real estate
taxes being fully assessed on the 228,000 square foot industrial building in the  Lehigh Valley that was
completed in fiscal 2012 and fully leased in  fiscal 2013.

Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $6.7 million in  both  fiscal 2013 and
fiscal 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense  increased by  approximately $0.2  million in fiscal
2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 due  to tenant improvements on the  full  building lease  of  the 228,000
square  foot industrial building in the  Lehigh  Valley that commenced in fiscal  2013 and approximately
$0.2 million related to the approximately 303,000 square foot industrial building in the Lehigh  Valley
that was completed and placed in service in fiscal 2014. These  increases were  essentially offset by
decreases in depreciation and amortization expense on  tenant improvements of approximately
$0.3 million related to leases that expired  and  approximately  $0.1 million for  real estate assets
becoming fully depreciated.

Griffin’s general and administrative expenses decreased from approximately $7.8 million in fiscal

2013 to approximately $7.1 million in  fiscal  2014. The lower general  and administrative expenses in
fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013  principally reflect a  decrease of approximately $0.5 million of
expenses related to Griffin’s non-qualified  deferred compensation plan and  a decrease in  donation and
contributions expense of approximately $0.2 million, partially offset  by a net increase  of  approximately
$0.1 million in all other general and  administrative expenses. The  decrease in expenses of the
non-qualified deferred compensation plan reflects the effect on participant balances of generally lower
stock market performance during fiscal 2014 as  compared to fiscal 2013.

Griffin’s total gain from the sale of investments decreased from approximately $4.5  million  in fiscal

2013 to approximately $0.3 million in  fiscal  2014. In fiscal 2013, the gain reflected the  sale of  Griffin’s
investment in Shemin Nurseries Holding  Corp. (‘‘SNHC’’) and the  sale of a  portion of Griffin’s
holdings in Centaur Media plc (‘‘Centaur  Media’’). In fiscal 2013, Griffin completed  the sale  of  its
investment in SNHC and received cash proceeds of approximately $3.4 million. Because  of  the low

25

carrying  cost of its investment in SNHC,  Griffin’s  gain on sale was  also  approximately $3.4 million. Also
in fiscal 2013, Griffin sold 2,824,688  shares of its common stock of  Centaur Media  for cash proceeds of
approximately $2.5 million and a gain  of  approximately $1.1 million. In fiscal 2014, Griffin’s
approximately $0.3 million gain from the  sale of  investments  reflected the sale of 500,000  shares of its
common stock in Centaur Media for  cash proceeds of approximately $0.6 million. As of November 30,
2014, Griffin held 1,952,462 shares of Centaur  Media common stock. Management expects that it will
continue to sell its Centaur Media common stock when it believes that  sales terms  and conditions  are
favorable.

Griffin’s interest expense decreased from  approximately $3.8  million  in fiscal 2013 to approximately

$3.5 million in fiscal 2014. The decrease of  approximately $0.3 million  in fiscal 2014 as compared to
fiscal 2013 is principally due to: (a) approximately $0.6 million of  interest capitalized in  fiscal  2014 as
compared to approximately $0.1 million  of interest capitalized in  fiscal 2013; and (b) a decrease  of
approximately $0.1 million of interest  expense on mortgage loans outstanding  in both periods, due to
the payment of principal; partially offset by  (c) an increase of approximately  $0.3 million of interest
expense related to a full year’s interest in  fiscal 2014 from  a  nonrecourse mortgage loan on the
228,000 square foot industrial building  in  the Lehigh  Valley that was outstanding for  only  one  fiscal
quarter in fiscal 2013.

Griffin’s loss on debt extinguishment decreased from  approximately  $0.3 million in fiscal 2013  to

approximately $0.1 million in fiscal 2014. In  fiscal  2013, Griffin incurred a loss on debt  extinguishment
related to a loan modification agreement on a mortgage loan with First Niagara Bank (‘‘First Niagara’’)
due in January 2020 (the ‘‘2020 First  Niagara  Mortgage’’).  On April  1, 2013, Griffin Land and First
Niagara entered into an agreement that  reduced  the interest rate  on the  2020 First  Niagara Mortgage
from a fixed rate of 5.25% to a variable  rate of the one month LIBOR rate  plus 2.5%.  Because the
difference between the present value of  future payments under  the existing loan  was greater  than 10%
of the present value of the payments  under  the modified loan, the  loan modification was accounted  for
as a debt extinguishment. As such, all  deferred costs related  to  the existing 2020  First Niagara
Mortgage (approximately $0.2 million) and the fee paid to First  Niagara for  the loan modification
(approximately $0.1 million) are reflected  as a loss on  debt  extinguishment. Concurrent with  that
agreement, Griffin also entered into an interest rate swap agreement with First Niagara to fix the
interest rate on the 2020 First Niagara Mortgage  at 3.91% for  the  remainder of the  loan term.

The loss on debt extinguishment in fiscal 2014  was  related to the  refinancing of two nonrecourse

mortgage loans by two of Griffin’s subsidiaries with  Farm Bureau Life  Insurance Company (‘‘Farm
Bureau’’). The mortgage loans that were  refinanced  had original maturity dates  of  April 1,  2016 and
October 1, 2017 and interest rates of 8.13% and 7.0%, respectively. The refinancings  generated
additional mortgage proceeds, reduced the  interest  rates  to 5.09% for  both mortgage loans and
extended the maturities of both mortgage  loans for fifteen years from the  date of the  refinancing. The
two loan refinancings with Farm Bureau were also accounted for as  debt extinguishments and  new
financings. As such, all deferred costs related to the existing mortgage  loans with Farm Bureau are
reflected as a loss on debt extinguishment  in Griffin’s  fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of operations.

Griffin’s effective tax rate was (8.3%)  in fiscal 2014 as compared to 34.2% in fiscal 2013.  The

change in effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 as  compared to fiscal 2013 principally reflects the  effect  in
fiscal 2014 of reductions to certain state income tax benefits based  on  management’s projections of  the
expected realization rate that those state  tax benefits will provide to Griffin.  As a  result of such
adjustments, the amount of the state  income tax provision  exceeded the  federal income tax benefit,
resulting in an overall income tax provision for fiscal 2014. To  the extent that actual  results differ from
current projections, the projected realization rate would  be  different  than the  rate presently  being  used.

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of approximately $0.1  million in fiscal 2014
principally reflects the effect of the termination of Griffin’s postretirement  benefits program and

26

reclassification of actuarial gains previously reflected  in other comprehensive income into net income,
partially offset by the loss from the growing operations of the landscape nursery  business  through the
date  of  the Imperial Sale and the loss  on the Imperial Sale. As substantially  all  of the former
participants in Griffin’s postretirement  benefits  program were formerly employed  in the growing
operations of the landscape nursery business that is now reported as  a discontinued  operation, most of
the amount of the reclassification of  the actuarial gains is included in the  results of discontinued
operations in fiscal 2014. The loss from  discontinued operations, net of tax, of  approximately
$7.7 million in fiscal 2013 principally  reflects  the loss from  the growing operations of the landscape
nursery business in fiscal 2013, including  a pretax charge of $10.4  million  to  reduce inventory that was
sold in the Imperial Sale to fair value,  which was the  net realizable  value based on the  terms of the
Imperial Sale.

Fiscal 2013 Compared to Fiscal 2012

Griffin’s revenue increased from approximately  $24.2 million in fiscal 2012 to approximately
$25.5 million in fiscal 2013, reflecting  an increase  of approximately $1.6 million in rental revenue  in
fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012,  partially  offset by a decrease of approximately $0.3 million of
revenue from property sales in fiscal  2013  as compared  to fiscal  2012. The increase  in rental  revenue in
fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012  was  almost entirely due to higher  occupancy  in Griffin Land’s
rental properties in fiscal 2013 as compared  to  fiscal  2012. The net  increase in rental revenue
principally reflected: (a) an increase of approximately $2.1 million of  rental revenue  in fiscal 2013  due
to leasing previously vacant space in  buildings that  were in service  the entire  year in both fiscal 2013
and fiscal 2012; and (b) an increase of approximately  $0.5 million of rental revenue in fiscal 2013 from
the commencement of a full building lease of the  Lehigh Valley industrial  building that was completed
at the end of the fiscal 2012 third quarter; partially offset by (c) a decrease of approximately
$0.9 million in rental revenue from leases that  expired  and  were not renewed or terminated early.

A summary of the square footage of  Griffin  Land’s  real estate portfolio is as follows:

Total
Square
Footage

Square
Footage
Leased

Percentage
Leased

As of December 1, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,462,000
2,462,000

1,822,000
1,939,000

74%
79%

The increase in square footage leased  as of November 30, 2013,  as compared to December 1, 2012,

reflected a new full building lease in fiscal 2013 for  the approximately 228,000 square foot Lehigh
Valley industrial building and the leasing  of  several other  previously vacant spaces aggregating
approximately 81,000 square feet (approximately  50,000 square feet of  office/flex space and
approximately 31,000 square feet of industrial/warehouse space) in fiscal 2013,  partially offset by leases
aggregating approximately 192,000 square  feet that expired in  fiscal 2013  and were  not  renewed or
terminated early. The greater Hartford  industrial market had been slow,  but experienced  some recovery
in 2012 and 2013.  Market activity for office/flex space in the north submarket  of Hartford was slow  in
2013, with overall vacancy, availability and asking  rates remaining  relatively  flat.  Griffin  Land believes
that it was able to secure new leases  for office/flex space  because of  its reputation  as a stable,  well
capitalized landlord that maintains its properties  to  a high standard,  meets its obligations and can
deliver space to tenants timely and in  accordance with the tenant’s requirements and  budget.

Revenue from property sales decreased  from approximately $5.8 million in fiscal 2012  to
approximately $5.5 million in fiscal 2013. Property  sales occur periodically, and changes in  revenue
from year to year from those transactions  may not be indicative of any trends  in the real estate
business. Property sales in fiscal 2013  included the  closing  of the Windsor Land  Sale for  cash proceeds
of approximately $9.0 million (before  transaction expenses). Griffin  Land is required,  under the terms

27

of the Windsor Land Sale, to construct roadways that will connect the land sold to existing town
roadways. Accordingly, because of Griffin Land’s continuing involvement with the land that was sold,
the Windsor Land  Sale is being accounted for  under the  percentage  of  completion  method, under
which  the revenue and the gain on sale are recognized as  the total costs related to the  property sale
are incurred. In fiscal 2013, Griffin Land  recognized  approximately  $2.7 million of revenue  from the
Windsor Land Sale. In addition to the revenue  from the Windsor Land Sale, revenue from property
sales in fiscal 2013 also included the recognition  of approximately  $2.3 million of previously deferred
revenue from the Dollar Tree Sale that  closed in fiscal 2012. As Griffin Land was required,  under the
terms of the Dollar Tree Sale, to construct a  sewer  line to service the property sold, Griffin Land
accounted for the Dollar Tree Sale under the percentage of completion method. In addition to the
recognition of previously deferred revenue on  the Dollar Tree Sale, Griffin  Land reported
approximately $0.2 million of additional  revenue from the Dollar Tree  Sale in fiscal 2013 and  also had
a total of approximately $0.3 million of  revenue from two smaller land  sales.  Property  sales  revenue in
fiscal 2012 principally reflected the recognition of approximately $4.7 million of revenue  from the
Dollar Tree Sale and approximately $1.0  million of revenue from  the  sale of  approximately 14 acres  of
undeveloped land in Windsor for cash.

Operating expenses of rental properties increased  from approximately $6.7 million in fiscal  2012 to

approximately $7.5 million in fiscal 2013. The increase of approximately $0.8  million in operating
expenses of rental properties principally reflected an increase  of approximately $0.3 million of snow
removal expenses and increases of approximately $0.1  million in both real estate taxes on rental
properties and repair and maintenance  expenses. The increase in snow removal expenses reflected the
effect of relatively mild winter weather in  fiscal  2012, when there was a minimal amount of snowfall,  as
compared to a higher amount of snowfall in  fiscal  2013.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from approximately $6.3 million in  fiscal  2012 to

approximately $6.7 million in fiscal 2013. The increase in  depreciation  and amortization  expense of
approximately $0.4 million in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 was due principally  to  an increase
of approximately $0.3 million in fiscal  2013 on  the 228,000 square foot Lehigh Valley industrial  building
that was completed and placed in service at the  end of the fiscal 2012  third quarter, an increase of
approximately $0.1 million related to  new  tenant  improvements  in several of Griffin Land’s  buildings
and an increase of approximately $0.1  million in fiscal 2013  from  accelerating  depreciation on tenant
improvements as a result of a tenant exercising its early lease termination option effective at  the end of
the fiscal 2013 third quarter. These increases in depreciation expense were partially offset by a decrease
in depreciation expense of approximately  $0.1 million in fiscal  2013 from certain tenant  improvements
becoming fully depreciated.

Griffin’s general and administrative expenses increased  from approximately $6.8 million in fiscal
2012 to approximately $7.8 million in  fiscal  2013. The increase of approximately $1.0 million in general
and administrative expenses principally  reflected an  increase of approximately $0.5  million in expenses
related to Griffin’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan, an increase of approximately $0.2 million
in real estate taxes on undeveloped land  and  smaller increases in other  general and administrative
expenses that aggregate to approximately $0.3  million.  The  higher expenses of the non-qualified
deferred compensation plan reflected the effect  on participant balances of  higher stock market
performance in fiscal 2013 as compared  to fiscal 2012.

In fiscal  2013, the sale of Griffin’s investment in SNHC was completed, and  Griffin  received cash

proceeds of approximately $3.4 million.  Because of the low carrying cost of its  investment in SNHC,
Griffin’s gain on the sale was approximately  $3.4 million,  essentially  equal to the cash proceeds
received. Also in fiscal 2013, Griffin sold 2,824,688 shares  of  its common  stock of Centaur Media for
cash proceeds of approximately $2.5  million. Griffin’s gain from the  sale of its Centaur Media common
stock in fiscal 2013 was approximately  $1.1 million. After  the sales of Centaur  Media common stock,
Griffin owned 2,452,462 shares of Centaur  Media common stock as  of November 30,  2013. There were
no sales of investments in fiscal 2012; however, fiscal 2012 did  include  investment income of
approximately $0.6 million principally  from a cash distribution from SNHC.

28

Griffin’s interest expense increased from approximately $3.5 million  in fiscal 2012  to  approximately
$3.8 million in fiscal 2013, principally  due to approximately $0.6 million of interest being capitalized in
fiscal 2012 as compared to only approximately  $0.1 million of interest capitalized in fiscal 2013 and
interest expense of approximately $0.1 million on a nonrecourse mortgage loan  entered into in fiscal
2013 on the Lehigh Valley industrial building that became fully  leased in fiscal  2013. Partially offsetting
these increases was a decrease in interest  expense  of approximately $0.2 million in fiscal 2013 as
compared to fiscal 2012 due to lower interest rates on  mortgage loans with Webster  Bank and First
Niagara Bank that were refinanced in  the fiscal  2012 fourth quarter and fiscal 2013 second quarter,
respectively. Interest capitalized in fiscal 2012  was  on the  construction projects ongoing during that
year, principally the Lehigh Valley industrial building  that  was built by Griffin Land.

In fiscal  2013, Griffin incurred a loss on  debt extinguishment of approximately $0.3 million, related
to a loan modification agreement on  a mortgage loan with  First Niagara Bank due in January  2020 (the
‘‘2020 First Niagara Mortgage’’). On April 1,  2013, Griffin Land and First  Niagara Bank entered into
an agreement that reduced the interest rate on the 2020  First Niagara Mortgage from a  fixed  rate of
5.25% to a variable rate of the one month LIBOR rate plus 2.5%. Because the difference  between  the
present  value of the future payments  under the existing  loan was  greater than 10% of  the present value
of the payments under the modified  loan,  the loan modification was accounted for as  a debt
extinguishment. As such, all deferred costs related to the existing 2020 First Niagara  Mortgage
(approximately $0.2 million) and the fee  paid to First  Niagara Bank for the loan modification
(approximately $0.1 million) are reflected  as a loss on  debt  extinguishment. Concurrent with  that
agreement, Griffin also entered into an interest rate swap agreement with First Niagara Bank to fix the
interest rate on the 2020 First Niagara Mortgage  at 3.91% for  the  remainder of the  loan term.

Griffin’s effective tax rate was 34.2% in  fiscal 2013 as compared to an effective  tax rate of 57.9%

in fiscal 2012. The lower effective tax rate in  fiscal  2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 reflected  the impact
of permanent differences between pretax  income for book purposes and tax purposes being greater in
fiscal 2012 than fiscal 2013 due to the  lower amount of pretax income in fiscal 2012  as compared  to
fiscal 2013.

The loss from discontinued operations, net  of  tax,  of  approximately  $7.7 million in fiscal 2013,  is

entirely from the growing operations  of  the  landscape  nursery business. The income from discontinued
operations, net of  tax, of approximately $0.7 million in fiscal 2012 principally  reflected  the gain, net of
tax, of approximately $1.5 million on the  sale of  an approximately 308,000 square foot warehouse
building (the ‘‘Manchester Warehouse’’)  and income from operations, net of  tax, before the Manchester
Warehouse was sold, partially offset by  a  loss, net of tax, from the growing operations of the landscape
nursery business of approximately $0.9 million. The higher loss from the growing operations of the
landscape nursery business in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 principally  reflected a pretax
charge  of $10.4 million incurred in fiscal  2013 to reduce inventory that was  sold in the Imperial Sale to
fair value, which was the net realizable  value based on  the terms of the  Imperial Sale.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

Griffin does not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities  was  approximately  $4.3 million in fiscal 2014  as compared

to net cash used in operating activities of  approximately $0.6 million  in fiscal 2013.  Net cash  provided
by operating activities of continuing operations was approximately $4.2  million in  fiscal  2014, as
compared to approximately $1.2 million  in  fiscal  2013. The increase in net cash provided by operating
activities of continuing operations in fiscal 2014  as compared to fiscal 2013 principally reflects  an
increase of approximately $3.2 million in  deferred rental revenue in fiscal 2014 as compared  to  fiscal

29

2013, including cash of approximately  $2.4 million  received in fiscal 2014  from the new  tenant in  the
approximately 138,000 square foot Tradeport building, that  will be recognized as  rental revenue over
the lease term. The cash received was  used  for Griffin  Land’s investment in tenant improvements  to
the approximately 138,000 square foot  Tradeport building,  included in  additions  to  Griffin’s  real estate
assets (see below). In addition, the increase in  cash provided by operating  activities of continuing
operations in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal  2013 reflects higher  income from continuing operations,
after adjustments for gains on property sales and gains on sales  of investments.

Net cash used in investing activities increased  from approximately $1.2 million in fiscal  2013 to
approximately $2.8 million in fiscal 2014. The net cash used in investing activities  in fiscal 2014 reflects
cash payments of approximately $15.6 million for additions to real estate  assets and approximately
$0.1 million for additions to property and equipment, substantially offset  by  cash proceeds from the
Windsor Land Sale of approximately $8.9  million that were returned from  escrow,  cash proceeds of
approximately $2.8 million from collecting the amount due on the note  receivable from Monrovia on
the Imperial Sale,  cash proceeds of approximately $0.6  million from sales of  Centaur Media  common
stock, cash proceeds of approximately  $0.6 million from  property sales closed in fiscal 2014  and cash
proceeds (after payment of severance and transaction expenses) of approximately $0.2  million from  the
Imperial Sale. At the closing of the Windsor Land Sale  in fiscal  2013, the cash proceeds  of
approximately $8.9 million were placed in escrow for  the potential acquisition of a  replacement
property in a like-kind exchange under Section  1031 of the  Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as
amended. As Griffin Land did not acquire a replacement property,  the  cash proceeds were returned to
Griffin in the fiscal 2014 second quarter.

The additions to Griffin Land’s real estate  assets in fiscal  2014  principally reflect  approximately
$9.6 million for the development, on  speculation, of the approximately 303,000  square  foot industrial
building in the Lehigh Valley Tradeport  on land contiguous to the 228,000 square foot industrial
building that Griffin Land developed  in  fiscal  2012 and fully leased in  fiscal 2013. Griffin Land
expended a total of approximately $13.2 million  (excluding  land  and leasing costs) on the Lehigh Valley
Tradeport industrial building completed  in fiscal 2014. Additions to Griffin Land’s real  estate assets in
fiscal 2014 also include approximately $1.7 million for  tenant improvements related  to  new leases
(including the approximately 138,000 square  foot Tradeport building  that  was  fully leased in  fiscal
2014), approximately $2.0 million for required remediation and site work  on a  residential project,
approximately $0.9 million for road construction  work related to the Windsor Land Sale,  approximately
$0.6 million for the start of site work  on the undeveloped  Lehigh Valley land acquired  in fiscal 2013
and fiscal 2014 and approximately $0.3 million related to the acquisition of a  parcel of undeveloped
land  adjacent to undeveloped land in  the Lehigh  Valley that was acquired in  fiscal  2013.

The net cash used in investing activities in fiscal  2013 principally  reflects  approximately

$13.5 million of cash used for additions to real estate assets, a net of approximately $2.8 million of cash
deposited in escrow and approximately $0.1  million of  cash used for additions to property and
equipment, offset by approximately $9.4  million  of  proceeds  from  property sales, approximately
$3.4 million of proceeds from the sale of SNHC and approximately  $2.5 million of proceeds from the
sale of Centaur Media common stock.  The cash deposited into escrow reflects the approximately
$8.9 million of proceeds from the Windsor Land Sale  that were placed  in escrow for a potential
acquisition of a replacement property  in  a like-kind exchange under Section 1031  of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,  and approximately  $0.9 million of cash deposited  in escrow to be
used for a portion of the road construction related to the Windsor Land Sale;  offset by approximately
$6.9 million of cash that was returned  from  escrow from the Dollar Tree  Sale. The funds returned  from
escrow from the Dollar Tree Sale were used for the  acquisition  of an approximately 49 acre parcel of
undeveloped land in the Lehigh Valley. In addition  to  the acquisition of undeveloped  land in  fiscal
2013, Griffin Land’s additions to its real estate  assets included  approximately $2.9 million  for tenant
improvements related to new leases,  approximately $1.4 million for development costs, site work and

30

the start of construction (completed in fiscal 2014)  of a 303,000  square  foot  industrial building in
Lehigh Valley Tradeport and approximately $0.8 million of  expenditures for the construction of a sewer
line related to the Dollar Tree Sale.

Net cash provided by financing activities was  approximately $1.4  million  in fiscal 2014 as compared
to approximately $5.7 million in fiscal 2013.  The net cash provided by financing  activities in  fiscal  2014
reflects net proceeds of approximately $4.5 million from the  refinancing of two nonrecourse mortgage
loans by Griffin Land and approximately $0.1 million received from the  exercise  of stock options;
partially offset by approximately $2.0 million for payments of principal on  Griffin  Land’s nonrecourse
mortgages, payment of approximately $1.0 million for a dividend on  Griffin’s common stock that was
declared in the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter  and  paid in the  fiscal 2014 first quarter and approximately
$0.1 million for payments of debt issuance costs. The net cash provided by  financing activities in  fiscal
2013 reflects proceeds of approximately $9.1 million from  a nonrecourse mortgage  loan and cash  of
approximately $0.1 million received from the exercise of stock options. These were partially  offset by
approximately $1.9 million for payments of principal on Griffin Land’s nonrecourse mortgages, a
dividend payment of approximately $1.0 million for the dividend on Griffin’s common  stock  that  was
declared in the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter  and  paid in the  fiscal 2013 first quarter, approximately
$0.4 million for payment of debt issuance costs related  to  the new nonrecourse mortgage loan and
Griffin’s revolving credit agreement,  both of which  closed  in fiscal 2013, and approximately $0.1  million
related to the modification of a mortgage loan with First  Niagara Bank  (‘‘First  Niagara’’).

In fiscal  2014, Griffin Land refinanced  two nonrecourse  mortgage loans  with Farm  Bureau;  the

8.13% mortgage that was due April 1,  2016 and the 7.0% mortgage that  was due October  1, 2017.
These two mortgage loans had a combined balance of approximately $9.0 million just  prior to the
refinancing. The combined balance after  refinancing was $14.5  million, with both loans having a fixed
interest rate of 5.09%. The refinanced mortgage loans  each  have a  term of fifteen  years  with payments
based on a fifteen year amortization schedule. $1.0 million of the  mortgage loan proceeds from the
refinancing of one of the mortgage loans with  Farm Bureau is being held in  escrow.  The escrowed
funds  will be released to Griffin if an approximately  57,000 square foot industrial building that is part
of the collateral for that mortgage loan,  and is expected to become vacant after the  current short-term
full building lease expires, is re-leased  under terms agreed upon  with Farm Bureau.  If a replacement
lease on the terms agreed upon with  Farm Bureau is not obtained, the proceeds being held in  escrow
are required to be used to make a partial prepayment, without penalty, on the  mortgage loan.

On December 31, 2014, two subsidiaries of Griffin closed on a new  mortgage (‘‘the 2025  First
Niagara Mortgage’’) for $21.6 million with First Niagara. The 2025 First Niagara Mortgage refinanced
the existing mortgage loan with First  Niagara  on the  approximately  228,000 square foot  industrial
building in Lehigh Valley Tradeport and  added the other approximately 303,000  square  foot Lehigh
Valley Tradeport industrial building to the  collateral. The existing mortgage loan  with First Niagara  had
a maturity date of September 1, 2023 and a floating  rate of the one month  LIBOR rate plus  1.95%.
Griffin had entered into an interest rates swap agreement with First Niagara to fix the  rate on that
loan at 4.79%. Griffin received net cash proceeds from the  2025 First Niagara Mortgage of
approximately $10.9 million at closing (before transaction costs), reflecting approximately $8.9 million
used to refinance the existing mortgage  loan  with First  Niagara Mortgage and  $1.85 million that will
not be advanced by First Niagara until a  portion  of the vacant space in the approximately
303,000 square foot building is leased.  The  2025 First Niagara Mortgage has a ten-year term with
monthly payments based on a twenty-five  year  amortization schedule. The interest rate  for the  2025
First  Niagara Mortgage is a floating rate of  the one month LIBOR rate plus  1.95%. At the time the
2025 First Niagara Mortgage closed,  Griffin  entered into an interest rate swap agreement, that
combined with the existing interest rate swap agreement with First Niagara, effectively fixes the  rate of
the 2025 First Niagara Mortgage at 4.43% at  over the mortgage loan’s ten-year  term.

31

In the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter, Griffin  started site work on the Lehigh Valley  land acquired in

fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2014, and subsequent to the  end of fiscal  2014 started  construction on an
approximately 280,000 square foot industrial building  on that  land. This is expected to be the first of
two industrial buildings approved for this site that is expected to have a total of approximately
530,000 square feet of industrial space  when fully developed. Griffin Land expects to spend a total of
approximately $3.5 million (including the  approximately $0.6  million spent in fiscal 2014) on site work
on the Lehigh Valley land acquired in fiscal 2013 and  fiscal 2014 that  is expected  to  support the
development of the two industrial buildings. Griffin Land also  expects to  spend approximately
$10.0 million in fiscal 2015 for construction  of  this new building. Subsequent to the  end of fiscal 2014,
Griffin Land entered into a five-year  lease  for approximately 196,000  square  feet of the Lehigh Valley
industrial building being built. The tenant  has an option to lease the  balance  of the building  as
specified under the lease terms. Griffin Land expects the completion of construction of this building
and commencement of the lease of approximately 196,000 square  feet  to  take place in the  fiscal  2015
third quarter.

Griffin’s 5.73% nonrecourse mortgage loan  with a balance of approximately $18.2 million as of

November 30, 2014 matures on August  1, 2015 with a payment  of  approximately $18.0 million due on
that date. Three industrial buildings  in Tradeport, with  an aggregate  of  approximately 392,000 square
feet, collateralize this mortgage loan. Griffin expects to refinance this mortgage at its  maturity. There is
no guarantee that such refinancing will  be  available for the  entire amount of the nonrecourse  mortgage
loan that is due or on terms acceptable to Griffin.

In fiscal  2014, Griffin Land entered into  an agreement to sell approximately 29 acres of an
approximately 45 acre land parcel of  undeveloped land  in Griffin Center  for a purchase price  of a
minimum of $3.25 million, subject to adjustment based on the actual number  of  acres  conveyed.
Completion of this transaction is subject  to significant contingencies, including the  satisfactory
completion of due diligence by the purchaser (a public  educational  authority in the state  of
Connecticut) and the purchaser obtaining a commitment  from the State of Connecticut to fund the
land  acquisition and develop the property as planned by the  purchaser. If  this  sale were to be
completed, the development potential of the remaining approximately 16  acres of  that  land parcel may
be severely limited. The due diligence period does  not  expire until  fiscal 2016. There is no guarantee
that this transaction will be completed under the current terms,  or  at  all.

Griffin’s payments (including principal and interest)  under contractual  obligations  as of

November 30, 2014 are as follows:

Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolving Line of Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital Lease Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Lease Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase Obligations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total

$86.8
—
0.1
0.3
6.5
3.8

$97.5

Due Within
One Year

Due From
1 - 3 Years

Due From
3 - 5 Years

Due in More
Than  5 Years

$23.3
—
0.1
0.2
6.5
—

$30.1

(in millions)
$14.6
—
—
0.1
—
—

$23.2
—
—

—
—

$14.7

$23.2

$25.7
—
—
—
—
3.8

$29.5

(1) Includes obligations for the development of Griffin  Land’s  properties, principally  for construction

of the new industrial/warehouse building in the Lehigh  Valley.

(2) Reflects Griffin’s deferred compensation plan.

32

In the near-term, Griffin plans to continue  to  invest in its real estate business, including the
construction of additional buildings on  its undeveloped land, expenditures to build out interiors of its
buildings as new leases are signed, infrastructure improvements required for  future development  of  its
real estate holdings and the potential acquisition of  additional properties and/or undeveloped  land
parcels in New England or the mid-Atlantic states to expand the industrial/warehouse portion of Griffin
Land’s real estate business. Real estate  acquisitions may or may  not  occur based on many  factors,
including real estate pricing. Griffin Land does not expect  to commence any speculative construction
projects for its Connecticut real estate  portfolio  until a substantial portion  of  its  currently vacant space
there is leased, but would construct a build-to-suit  facility on its  undeveloped  land in  Connecticut if the
lease terms are favorable.

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin had cash and cash equivalents  of approximately $17.1 million.
Management believes that its cash and  cash equivalents as of November  30, 2014, cash generated from
operations, proceeds from new mortgage loans and borrowing capacity  under its $12.5 million revolving
credit agreement with Webster Bank  will  be  sufficient to meet  Griffin’s working capital  requirements,
the continued investment in Griffin’s real estate assets, including  completion of  the Lehigh Valley
industrial building under construction as of  November 30, 2014 and the payment  of  dividends  on its
common stock, when and if declared  by the  Board of Directors. Griffin may  also continue  to  seek
additional financing secured by nonrecourse mortgages on  its properties. Griffin Land’s real estate
portfolio currently includes five buildings  located in Connecticut aggregating  approximately
411,000 square feet that are not mortgaged.

Forward-Looking Information

The above information in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations includes ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within  the meaning of Section  27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934,  as amended.  These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Griffin’s expectations regarding  the leasing
of currently vacant space, completion and timing of construction on the  Lehigh Valley industrial
building under construction as of November  30, 2014, completion of the sale  of  approximately  29 acres
of an approximately 45 acre land parcel in Griffin  Center  in Bloomfield, Connecticut under contract as
of November 30, 2014, construction of  additional facilities in the  real estate business, the ability to
obtain mortgage financing on Griffin Land’s unleveraged properties  and refinancing of  Griffin’s
nonrecourse mortgage loan collateralized by three industrial buildings  in Tradeport,  Griffin’s  anticipated
future liquidity, and other statements with  the words ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ ‘‘plans,’’  ‘‘expects’’  or
similar expressions. Although Griffin  believes  that its plans, intentions and expectations reflected in
such forward-looking statements are  reasonable, it can give no assurance  that  such plans, intentions or
expectations will be achieved. The forward-looking statements  made herein are based on  assumptions
and estimates that, while considered reasonable  by  Griffin as of the date hereof, are  inherently subject
to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties  and contingencies, many  of
which  are beyond the control of Griffin. Griffin’s actual  results could differ materially  from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those
set forth under the heading Item 1A.  ‘‘Risk Factors’’  and  elsewhere  in this  Annual  Report.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT  MARKET RISK.

Market risk represents the risk of changes in the  value  of  a financial instrument, derivative  or

non-derivative, caused by fluctuations  in  interest rates, foreign exchange  rates  and equity  prices.
Changes in these factors could cause  fluctuations in  earnings and  cash  flows.

For fixed rate mortgage debt, changes in  interest rates generally affect the  fair market value  of  the
debt instrument, but not earnings or  cash flows. Griffin  does not have  an obligation to prepay any  fixed
rate debt prior to maturity and, therefore,  interest rate risk  and changes in the  fair market value  of

33

fixed rate debt should not have a significant impact on earnings or cash  flows  until such debt is
refinanced, if necessary. Griffin’s mortgage interest  rates and  related principal payment requirements
are described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial  statements included in  Item 8. ‘‘Financial
Statements and Supplementary Data.’’

For variable rate debt, changes in interest rates generally do not impact the fair  market  value of
the debt instrument, but do affect future  earnings  and  cash flows. As of November 30, 2014, Griffin
had a total of approximately $37.7 million  of variable rate debt outstanding, for which  Griffin  has
entered into interest rate swap agreements  which effectively fix the interest rate on  that  debt. There
were no other variable rate borrowings outstanding as of  November 30, 2014.

Griffin is exposed to market risks from fluctuations  in interest rates and the effects of those
fluctuations on the market values of  Griffin’s  cash equivalents. These  investments generally consist of
overnight investments that are not significantly  exposed to interest rate risk.

Griffin does not have foreign currency  exposure in  operations. However, Griffin  does have  an

investment in a public company, Centaur  Media plc, based in the United Kingdom.  The  ultimate
liquidation of that investment and conversion of proceeds into United States  currency  is subject to
future foreign currency exchange rates involving the UK  pound  sterling. A 10%  decrease in the  foreign
currency exchange rate at November  30, 2014 would have resulted in an approximately $0.2  million
reduction of the fair value of that investment.

34

8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands, except per share  data)

ASSETS
Real estate assets  at cost, net of accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Available for sale securities—Investment  in  Centaur  Media  plc . . . . . . . . . . .
Note receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds held in escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets  of discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

$134,522
9,943
17,059
5,996
1,924
1,451
1,000
230
14,216
36

$131,190
1,104
14,179
5,975
2,208
—
8,860
1,950
13,634
5,627

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$186,377

$184,727

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Mortgage loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities of discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 70,168
8,349
3,505
1,030
7,438
8

$ 66,708
8,467
2,479
1,029
7,161
768

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

90,498

86,612

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized,
5,537,895 and 5,534,687 shares issued, respectively, and 5,149,574 and
5,146,366 shares outstanding, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss,  net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury stock, at cost, 388,321 shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

55
107,887
2,238
(835)
(13,466)

Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

95,879

55
107,603
4,372
(449)
(13,466)

98,115

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$186,377

$184,727

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

35

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(dollars in thousands, except per share  data)

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Dec. 1,  2012

Rental revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenue from property sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$20,552
3,667

Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24,219

Operating expenses of rental properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to property sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7,801
6,729
803
7,077

$20,053
5,473

25,526

7,456
6,673
1,171
7,790

$18,456
5,759

24,215

6,694
6,303
989
6,843

Total expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22,410

23,090

20,829

Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of investment in Shemin  Nurseries Holding  Corp.
.
Gain on sale of common stock in Centaur Media plc . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Loss) income before income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Discontinued operations, net of tax:

Income (loss) from landscape nursery  business, net of  tax,

including loss on sale of assets of $28, net  of  tax,  in fiscal
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from warehouse building, net of  tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of warehouse building, net  of  tax . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total income (loss) from discontinued  operations, net of  tax . . . .

1,809
—
318
(3,529)
(51)
301

(1,152)
(96)

(1,248)

144
—
—

144

2,436
3,397
1,088
(3,848)
(286)
115

2,902
(992)

1,910

(7,731)
—
—

(7,731)

Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (1,104)

$ (5,821)

Basic net (loss) income per common share:

(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (0.24)
0.03

Basic net (loss) income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (0.21)

Diluted net (loss) income per common  share:

(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (0.24)
0.03

Diluted net (loss) income per common  share . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (0.21)

$

0.37
(1.50)

$ (1.13)

$

0.37
(1.50)

$ (1.13)

3,386
—
—
(3,533)
—
613

466
(270)

196

(877)
117
1,530

770

966

0.04
0.15

0.19

0.04
0.15

0.19

$

$

$

$

$

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

36

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive  Income (Loss)

(dollars in thousands)

Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive (loss) income,  net  of tax:
Increase in fair value of Centaur Media  plc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclassifications included in net (loss)  income . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost for other

postretirement benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total other comprehensive (loss) income,  net of tax . . . . . . . . . .

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Dec. 1,  2012

$(1,104)

$(5,821)

$ 966

185
124
(695)

—

(386)

310
(206)
100

68

272

794
420
(909)

(48)

257

Total comprehensive (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(1,490)

$(5,549)

$1,223

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

37

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in  Stockholders’  Equity

For the Fiscal Years Ended November 30, 2014, November 30,  2013 and  December 1,  2012

(dollars in thousands)

Shares of

Common Stock Common

Issued

Stock

Additional
Paid-in
Captial

Accumulated
Other
Retained Comprehensive Treasury
Income  (Loss)
Earnings

Stock

Total

Balance at December 3, 2011 . . . .

5,521,170

$55

$106,370 $11,284

$(978)

$(13,426) $103,305

Exercise of stock options, net of

reversal of tax benefit on
forfeited stock options of $38 . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . .
Dividend declared, $0.20 per share .
Total other comprehensive income,
net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6,741
—
—

—
—

Balance at December 1, 2012 . . . .

5,527,911

Exercise of stock options . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . .
Dividend declared, $0.20 per share .
Total other comprehensive income,
net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6,776
—
—

—
—

Balance at November 30, 2013 . . . .

5,534,687

Exercise of stock options, net of

reversal of tax benefit on
exercised stock options  of $4 . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . .
Dividend declared, $0.20 per share .
Total other comprehensive loss, net
of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3,208
—
—

—
—

—
—
—

—
—

55

—
—
—

—
—

55

—
—
—

—
—

—
82
604
—
— (1,028)

—
—

—
966

—
—
—

257
—

42
(40)
—
604
— (1,028)

—
—

257
966

107,056

11,222

(721)

(13,466) 104,146

—
80
—
467
— (1,029)

—
—
— (5,821)

—
—
—

272
—

80
—
467
—
— (1,029)

—
272
— (5,821)

107,603

4,372

(449)

(13,466)

98,115

—
76
—
208
— (1,030)

—
—
—

—
—
— (1,104)

(386)
—

76
—
208
—
— (1,030)

—
(386)
— (1,104)

Balance at November 30, 2014 . . . .

5,537,895

$55

$107,887 $ 2,238

$(835)

$(13,466) $ 95,879

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

38

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollars in thousands)

Operating activities:
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Income) loss from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile  (loss) income from  continuing  operations to net cash

provided by operating activities of continuing  operations:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sales of property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sales of common stock in Centaur  Media  plc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accretion of discount on note receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of investment in Shemin  Nurseries Holding Corp. . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash provided by operating activities  of continuing  operations . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of  discontinued  operations . . .

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investing activities:
Additions to real estate assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from property sales returned from  (deposited in) escrow,  net
. . . . . . .
Proceeds from collection of note receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sales of common stock in Centaur Media  plc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sales of properties, net of expenses
Proceeds from sale of business, net of  expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions to property and equipment
Proceeds from the sale of investment in Shemin  Nurseries  Holding Corp.
. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of capital from Shemin Nurseries Holding  Corp.

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

$ (1,104) $ (5,821) $

(144)

(1,248)

7,731

1,910

966
(770)

196

6,729
(2,864)
(318)
338
259
(165)
123
51
—

(1,724)
(276)
2,987
329

4,221
39

4,260

6,673
(4,302)
(1,088)
415
270
—
997
286
(3,397)

(1,073)
(41)
(234)
816

1,232
(1,786)

(554)

6,303
(7,656)
—
545
298
—
125
—
—

100
138
(67)
271

253
1,692

1,945

(15,583)
8,864
2,750
566
554
169
(78)
—
—

(13,538)
(2,797)
—
2,487
9,366
—
(113)
3,418
—

(13,548)
(6,934)
—
—
23,376
—
(188)
—
309

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2,758)

(1,177)

3,015

Financing activities:
Proceeds from debt
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid to stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refinancing proceeds held in escrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt issuance and modification costs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash provided by (used in) financing  activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,477
(2,017)
(1,029)
(1,000)
(133)
80

1,378

2,880
14,179

9,100
(1,916)
(1,028)
—
(507)
80

5,729

3,998
10,181

—
(1,674)
(513)
—
(103)
80

(2,210)

2,750
7,431

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 17,059

$ 14,179

$ 10,181

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

39

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise noted, except per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. (‘‘Griffin’’)

reflect Griffin’s real estate business, which  is  conducted through  its wholly owned subsidiary, Griffin
Land, LLC (‘‘Griffin Land’’) and Griffin’s  landscape nursery business, conducted through its wholly
owned subsidiary, Imperial Nurseries,  Inc. (‘‘Imperial’’) which is reported as a discontinued operation
(see below). Griffin Land is principally in the  business of developing, managing  and leasing industrial
and commercial properties. Periodically,  Griffin Land  may  sell certain  portions of its undeveloped land
that it has owned for an extended time  period and the use  of which  is not consistent  with Griffin
Land’s core development and leasing  strategy.

Imperial was engaged in growing landscape  nursery  plants in containers for sale  to  independent
retail garden centers and rewholesalers, whose main  customers are landscape contractors. Imperial’s
operations are reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements  as a discontinued
operation due to the sale, effective January  8, 2014, of its inventory and certain of its assets (the
‘‘Imperial Sale’’) to Monrovia Connecticut LLC (‘‘Monrovia’’), a subsidiary of Monrovia Nursery
Company (see Note 2). Concurrent with the Imperial Sale, a subsidiary of Griffin and Imperial entered
into a long-term lease with Monrovia  for Imperial’s Connecticut  production nursery. As the growing
operations of Imperial are reflected as a  discontinued  operation in Griffin’s consolidated financial
statements, Griffin’s continuing operations presented in the accompanying financial statements solely
reflect its real estate business and, therefore,  industry segment information is not presented.
Accordingly, certain prior period amounts in Griffin’s consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current  presentation  which better reflects Griffin’s  real estate business,
including presentation of an unclassified balance sheet consistent with real estate industry practice.
Certain parts of Imperial’s prior year  results, such as rental revenue and expense  related to the leasing
of Imperial’s Florida farm to another grower and  certain expenses related to the property  and
equipment of Imperial’s Connecticut farm, which continues to be owned by Griffin and leased  to
Monrovia, are included in Griffin’s continuing  operations. All  intercompany transactions have been
eliminated.

Fiscal Year

Through the fiscal year ended November 30,  2013 (‘‘fiscal 2013’’), Griffin reported on a

52-53 week fiscal year that ended on the Saturday nearest November 30 and included four quarters of
13 weeks each. Starting in the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014 (‘‘fiscal 2014’’), Griffin is reporting
on a twelve month fiscal year that ends  on November 30.

Real Estate Assets

Real estate assets are recorded at cost, except  when real estate assets  are acquired that meet the

definition of a business combination in accordance with Financial  Accounting Standards Board
(‘‘FASB’’) ASC 805-10, ‘‘Business Combinations,’’ and  are recorded at fair value. Interest, property
taxes, insurance and other costs directly  related to a  project are  capitalized during  the construction
period of major facilities and land improvements.  The capitalized costs are recorded as part  of the
asset to which they relate and are amortized over the  asset’s useful life. Depreciation is determined on

40

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  (Continued)

a straight-line basis over the estimated useful  asset lives for financial reporting purposes and principally
on accelerated methods for tax purposes.  Repair  and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Griffin classifies a property as ‘‘held  for  sale’’ when all of the  following  criteria for a plan of sale
have been met: (1) management, having the authority  to  approve  the action, commits  to  a plan to sell
the property; (2) the property is available for  immediate  sale in its present condition, subject  only  to
terms that are usual and customary; (3)  an active  program to locate a buyer and other  actions required
to complete the plan to sell, have been initiated;  (4) the sale  of the property is probable and is
expected to be completed within one  year or the  property  is under a contract to be sold; (5)  the
property is being actively marketed for  sale at a price that  is reasonable in relation to its current fair
value; and (6) actions necessary to complete the  plan of  sale indicate that it is unlikely  that  significant
changes to the plan will be made or  that the  plan will  be  withdrawn. When all of these criteria have
been met, the property is classified as ‘‘held for sale.’’ When a property classified as  held for  sale has
separate cash inflows and outflows, its operations, including any interest expense directly attributable to
it, are classified as a discontinued operation  in  Griffin’s consolidated statements of operations, and
amounts for all prior periods presented  are reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued
operations. Depreciation of assets ceases upon  designation  of a property as ‘‘held for sale.’’

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are composed of highly liquid investments and money market funds with an

initial maturity of three months or less  at  the date  of  purchase. At November 30, 2014  and
November 30, 2013, $16,433 and $175, respectively, of the  cash and cash equivalents included on
Griffin’s consolidated balance sheets  were  held in cash equivalents.

Investments

Griffin’s investment in the common stock of  Centaur  Media plc (‘‘Centaur  Media’’) is accounted

for as an available-for-sale security under  FASB ASC 320-10,  ‘‘Investments—Debt  and Equity
Securities’’ (‘‘ASC 320-10’’), whereby increases or decreases  in the fair value  of this  investment, net of
income taxes, along with the effect of changes in  the foreign currency exchange rate, net of income
taxes, are recorded as a component of  other  comprehensive income (loss).

Griffin’s investment in Shemin Nurseries Holding Corp.  (‘‘SNHC’’) was accounted for under the
cost method of accounting for investments. Griffin sold its entire investment in SNHC in fiscal 2013
(see Note 5).

Inventories

Griffin’s inventories reflected nursery stock and  material and supplies of Imperial and were stated

at the lower of cost, using the average  cost  method, or market. Abnormal costs of idle facility expenses,
freight, handling costs and spoilage were treated as  period costs. As of November 30, 2013, the carrying
value of inventory was reduced to its fair value, which was the net realizable value based on the sale of
the inventories, effective January 8, 2014, under the terms of the  Imperial Sale (see  Note 2).

41

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  (Continued)

Stock-Based Compensation

Griffin accounts for stock options at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 718,

‘‘Compensation—Stock Compensation’’  and  FASB ASC 505-50, ‘‘Equity—Equity-Based Payments to
Non-Employees.’’ For stock options that  have graded vesting features, Griffin recognizes compensation
cost over the requisite service period  separately for each tranche of  the award as though they were, in
substance, multiple awards. Griffin determines its accumulated  windfall tax benefits using the short-cut
method.

Postretirement Benefits

In fiscal  2014, Griffin terminated its postretirement benefit program (see Note 10). Griffin had

accounted for postretirement benefits in accordance  with  FASB  ASC 715-10, ‘‘Compensation—
Retirement Benefits’’ (‘‘ASC 715-10’’). This guidance requires an employer to recognize the  overfunded
or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as  an
asset or liability in its statement of financial  position and to recognize changes in  that  funded  status in
the year in which the changes occur through  other  comprehensive income. This guidance also requires
an employer to measure the funded status of a  plan as  of the date of its year-end statement of financial
position, with limited exceptions.

Impairment of Investments in Long-Lived  Assets

Griffin reviews annually, as well as when  conditions may  indicate,  its  long-lived assets  to  determine
if there are indicators of impairment,  such as a prolonged vacancy in one of its properties. If indicators
of impairment are present, Griffin evaluates the carrying value of  the assets in relation to the  operating
performance and expected future undiscounted cash flows  or the estimated fair value based  on
expected future cash flows of the underlying  assets.  If  the undiscounted  cash flows are less than the
carrying  value of an asset, Griffin would reduce the  carrying value  of a long-lived asset to its fair value
if that asset’s fair value is determined  to  be less than its  carrying value.

Griffin also reviews annually, as well as  when conditions may indicate, the recoverability of its
development costs, including expected remediation costs on projects that are included in real estate
assets. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds  the fair  value of a project,  including development
costs, an impairment loss would be recorded.

There were no impairment losses recorded in the fiscal years ended November 30, 2014,

November 30, 2013 and December 1, 2012.

Revenue and Gain Recognition

In the real estate business, revenue includes  rental  revenue from Griffin Land’s commercial and

industrial properties and proceeds from  property sales other than those that are reported as a
discontinued operation. Rental revenue  is accounted for  on a straight  line basis over the applicable
lease term in accordance with FASB ASC 840-10, ‘‘Leases.’’ Gains  on property sales are  recognized in
accordance with FASB ASC 360-20, ‘‘Property, Plant, and Equipment—Real Estate Sales,’’ based  on
the specific terms of each sale. When the  percentage of  completion method is used  to  account for  a
sale of real estate, costs included in determining the percentage of completion include the  costs of the

42

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  (Continued)

land  sold, allocated master planning costs,  selling and transaction costs and estimated future costs
related to the land sold.

The growing operations of the landscape nursery business  are reflected as a discontinued  operation
in the consolidated statements of operations. Sales and the related costs of sales were recognized  upon
shipment of products. Sales returns were  not  material.

Income Taxes

Griffin provides for income taxes utilizing the asset  and  liability method, and records deferred tax

assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets
and liabilities as measured by the tax  rates that are  anticipated to be in effect when these differences
reverse.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the
results of operations in the period that includes  the enactment date. A valuation allowance is
established when it is necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts  for which  realization is more
likely than not. Griffin and its subsidiaries  file a  consolidated federal income tax return.

Griffin evaluates each tax position taken  in  its tax  returns and recognizes a liability for any tax

position deemed less likely than not to  be  sustained under examination by the  relevant taxing
authorities. Griffin has analyzed its federal and significant state filing positions with respect to FASB
ASC 740-10, ‘‘Income Taxes’’ (‘‘ASC 740-10’’). Griffin believes that its income tax filing positions will be
sustained on examination and does not  anticipate  any adjustments that would result  in a material
change on its financial statements. As  a result, no  accrual  for uncertain  income  tax positions has been
recorded  pursuant to ASC 740-10.

Griffin’s policy for recording interest and penalties, related  to  uncertain tax positions, is  to  record

such items as part of its provision for federal and state income taxes.

Intangible Assets

Griffin accounts for intangible assets  in  accordance with FASB ASC 350-10  ‘‘Intangibles—Goodwill

and Other.’’ Griffin’s intangible assets  consist of: (i)  the value of in-place leases;  and (ii) the value of
the associated relationships with tenants. These intangible assets  were recorded in connection with
Griffin’s acquisitions of real estate assets.  Amortization  of  the value of in-place leases, included  in
depreciation and amortization expense, is  on  a straight-line basis over  the lease terms. Amortization of
the value of customer relationships with tenants, included  in  depreciation and amortization expense, is
on a straight-line basis over the lease  terms and anticipated renewal periods.

Environmental Matters

Environmental expenditures related to land  and buildings  are expensed or capitalized  as
appropriate, depending upon their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing
condition caused by past operations,  and  that do  not  have  future economic benefit, are expensed.
Expenditures that create future benefit  or  contribute  to  future revenue generation are capitalized.
Liabilities related to future remediation  costs  are recorded when environmental assessments and/or
cleanups are probable, and the costs  can be reasonably estimated.

43

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  (Continued)

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin is a party to several interest rate swap agreements to hedge its
interest rate exposures. Griffin does not use derivatives for  speculative purposes.  Griffin  applies FASB
ASC 815-10, ‘‘Derivatives and Hedging,’’  (‘‘ASC 815-10’’) as amended, which establishes accounting  and
reporting standards for derivative instruments  and hedging activities. ASC 815-10  requires Griffin to
recognize all derivatives as either assets  or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet and measure
those instruments at fair value. The changes in the  fair  values of the interest rate swap agreements are
measured in accordance with ASC 815-10 and reflected in the carrying values of  the interest rate swap
agreements on Griffin’s consolidated  balance  sheet. The  estimated fair values are based  primarily on
projected future swap rates.

Griffin applies cash flow hedge accounting to its interest rate swap  agreements that are designated

as hedges of the variability of future cash flows from floating rate liabilities based on benchmark
interest rates. The changes in fair values of Griffin’s interest rate swap agreements are  recorded as
components of accumulated other comprehensive income  (loss) (‘‘AOCI’’) in stockholders’ equity, to
the extent they are effective. Any ineffective portions of the changes in fair values of these instruments
would be recorded as interest expense  or interest income.

Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations

Griffin accounts for its conditional asset retirement obligations in accordance with FASB

ASC 410-10, ‘‘Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations,’’ which requires an entity to recognize
a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset  retirement obligation if the fair value can be
reasonably estimated even though uncertainty exists  about the timing and/or  method of settlement. The
conditional asset retirement obligations relate principally to  tobacco barns and other  structures on
Griffin’s land holdings that contain asbestos, primarily  in  roofing materials.  These structures remain
from the tobacco growing operations of  former  affiliates  of  Griffin, are not material to Griffin’s
operations and do not have any book value.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is recorded at cost as  a reduction of stockholders’ equity on Griffin’s consolidated

balance sheets.

Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic income (loss) per common share is  calculated by  dividing income (loss) from continuing
operations and discontinued operations  by the weighted  average number of common shares outstanding
during the year. The calculation of diluted  income  (loss)  per common share reflects adjusting Griffin’s
outstanding shares assuming the exercise of  all potentially  dilutive Griffin  stock options.

Risks  and Uncertainties

Griffin’s future results of operations  involve a  number  of  risks and  uncertainties. Factors that could
affect Griffin’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially  from historical results

44

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  (Continued)

include, but are not limited to, the geographical concentration of  Griffin Land’s real  estate holdings,
credit risk and market risk.

Griffin Land’s real estate holdings are mostly concentrated  in the Hartford, Connecticut area. In
fiscal 2010, Griffin Land started the expansion of its real estate  holdings outside of  the Hartford area
by purchasing an industrial building and  undeveloped  land in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.
Griffin Land subsequently developed two industrial buildings  on the land acquired, acquired additional
undeveloped land in the Lehigh Valley and  started construction of an industrial building on the  most
recently acquired land. The market and economic  challenges  experienced by the U.S. economy as a
whole or the local economic conditions in  the markets in which Griffin holds properties may affect
Griffin Land’s real estate business. Griffin’s  results  of  operations, financial condition or ability to
expand may be adversely affected as a  result  of: (i) unfavorable financial changes to Griffin Land’s
tenants which may result in tenant defaults under leases; (ii)  significant job losses impacting the
demand for rental space causing market rental rates  and  property values to be negatively  impacted;
(iii) the ability of Griffin to borrow on  terms and conditions that it finds acceptable; and (iv) possibly
reduced values of Griffin Land’s properties  potentially limiting the proceeds from a sale of its
properties or from debt financing collateralized by its properties.

Griffin Land conducts business based  on  evaluations  of its  prospective tenants financial condition
and generally does not require collateral.  These evaluations require significant judgment and are  based
on multiple sources of information.

Griffin does not use derivatives for speculative  purposes.  Griffin applies ASC 815-10, which
established accounting and reporting  standards for derivative instruments and  hedging activities. This
accounting guidance requires Griffin  to recognize  all derivatives as either assets  or liabilities on  its
consolidated balance sheets and to measure those instruments at fair value. The estimated fair value is
based primarily on projected future swap rates.

Griffin applies cash flow hedge accounting to its interest rate swap  agreements designated as
hedges of the variability of future cash  flows  from floating rate  liabilities due to the benchmark interest
rates. Changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps are recorded  as a component of AOCI in
stockholders’ equity, to the extent they  are  effective. Amounts  recorded to AOCI are then  reclassified
to interest expense as interest on the hedged borrowing is  recognized. Any ineffective portion of the
change in fair value of these instruments  would be recorded to interest expense.

Griffin’s cash equivalents consist of overnight investments that are not significantly exposed to

interest rate risk.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current  year’s  presentation.

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
the reported amount of assets and liabilities  and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities  at the

45

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  (Continued)

dates of the financial statements and  revenue and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results
could differ from those estimates. Griffin’s significant estimates include the impairment evaluation of
long-lived assets, deferred income taxes,  derivative financial instruments, revenue and gain recognition
including the estimated costs to complete  required offsite improvements related to land sold and
assumptions used in determining stock compensation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update  No. 2014-09, ‘‘Revenue from
Contracts with Customers,’’ which outlines  a single comprehensive model  for entities  to  use in
accounting for revenue arising from contracts  with  customers and supersedes most current  revenue
recognition guidance, including industry  specific guidance.  This standard  requires an entity to recognize
the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised  goods or services
to customers. Additionally, the update requires  improved disclosures to help users of  financial
statements better understand  the nature, amount, timing  and uncertainty of revenue  that  is recognized.
The update permits the use of either  the retrospective  or cumulative effect transition method. This
update will be effective for Griffin in fiscal 2018 and early adoption is not permitted. Certain aspects of
this  new  standard  may affect revenue  recognition of  Griffin Land. Griffin is evaluating the impact that
the application of this update will have on  its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, ‘‘Presentation of an
Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net  Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax
Credit  Carryforward Exists,’’ which provides guidance  on  the financial statement  presentation of an
unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating  loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit
carryforward exists. Specifically, this update requires  that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a  portion of
an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented  in the  financial statements  as a reduction to a deferred  tax
asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a  tax credit carryforward, with certain
exceptions. This update was effective for  Griffin in  the 2014 second quarter. The adoption of this
guidance did not have an impact on Griffin’s  financial position or results of operations.

2. Discontinued Operations

Imperial

Effective January 8, 2014, in accordance  with the terms of the Imperial Sale, Imperial  sold its
inventory and certain assets for $732  in  cash and a non-interest bearing note receivable of $4,250 (the
‘‘Promissory Note’’). Net cash of $732  was received  from Monrovia in fiscal 2014  and Griffin paid  $563
in severance and other expenses. The Promissory  Note is due in two installments: $2,750 was due and
paid on June 1, 2014 and $1,500 is due  on June 1, 2015. The Promissory Note was discounted  at 7%  to
its  present value of $4,036 at inception and  is  secured  by an irrevocable letter  of credit. Under the
terms of the Imperial Sale, Griffin and Imperial agreed  to  indemnify Monrovia for any potential
environmental liabilities relating to periods  prior  to  the effective date  of  the Imperial  Sale and also
agreed to certain non-competition restrictions for a four-year period.

46

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

2. Discontinued Operations (Continued)

Concurrent with the Imperial Sale, Imperial and River Bend Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned

subsidiary of Griffin, entered into a Lease  and Option Agreement  and  an Addendum to such
agreement (the ‘‘Imperial Lease’’, and together with the Imperial Sale, the ‘‘Imperial Transaction’’) with
Monrovia, pursuant to which Monrovia  is leasing Imperial’s Connecticut  production nursery for  a
ten-year period, with options to extend  for up to an additional fifteen years exercisable by Monrovia.
The Imperial Lease provides for net  annual rent payable to Griffin of  $500 for  each of the first five
years with rent for subsequent years determined in accordance with the Imperial Lease. The Imperial
Lease also grants Monrovia an option to purchase most of the land, land improvements and other
operating assets that were used by Imperial in its Connecticut growing operations during the first
thirteen years of the lease period for $10,500,  or $7,000 if only a certain portion of the land is
purchased, subject in each case to certain  adjustments as provided for in the Imperial Lease.
Accordingly, the operating results of  Imperial’s growing  operations are reflected as  a discontinued
operation in Griffin’s consolidated statements of operations  for all periods presented and the assets and
liabilities of the growing operations of  Imperial (excluding those assets that are part of  the Imperial
Lease) are shown as assets and liabilities of the discontinued operation on Griffin’s consolidated
balance sheets. The property and equipment previously  used by Imperial and currently leased to
Monrovia was reclassified on January  8, 2014  from property and equipment to real estate assets on
Griffin’s consolidated balance sheet.  The property and equipment had a cost of $11,485 and
accumulated depreciation of $9,850 at the time it was  reclassified (see Notes 4 and 6).

Imperial’s revenue and the pretax income  (loss),  reflected  as a discontinued operation in Griffin’s

consolidated statements of operations, were as follows:

Net sales and other revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pretax income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

$159

$259

$ 13,220

$12,376

$(12,142) $ (1,260)

Imperial’s pretax income in fiscal 2014 includes  $451 for the  reclassification of actuarial gains
related to Griffin’s postretirement benefits program from other comprehensive  income  into  pretax
income as a result of the termination of  Griffin’s postretirement benefits program  (see Note 10).

In fiscal  2013, Imperial’s pretax loss included a charge of  $10,400  to  reduce Imperial’s  inventories
to fair value, which was the net realizable  value based  on the terms  of  the Imperial  Sale.  Also in fiscal
2013, Imperial’s pretax loss included  a charge of $500  to  increase inventory reserves for  plants that
were expected to be sold below cost as seconds.  In fiscal 2012, Imperial’s pretax  loss included a charge
of $380 to increase reserves for unsaleable inventories and plants that  were  expected to be sold  below
cost as seconds.

47

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

2. Discontinued Operations (Continued)

The pretax loss from the Imperial Sale in fiscal 2014 was as follows:

Consideration received from Monrovia, reflecting cash of $732 and note

receivable of $4,036 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carrying value of assets sold, principally inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment of employee benefit plan (see Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance and other expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 4,768
(4,561)
309
(563)

Pretax loss on sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

(47)

The assets and liabilities of Imperial’s growing  operation, reflected as a discontinued  operation, are

as follows:

Assets:
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

$ — $1,151
4,116
360

—
36

$ 36

$5,627

Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

8

$ 768

Griffin Land

On January 31, 2012, Griffin Land closed on the sale of its Manchester, Connecticut warehouse  to
its  full  building tenant in that building,  an  affiliate  of Raymour & Flanigan  (‘‘Raymour’’).  Accordingly,
the gain on the sale of the Manchester warehouse and the operating results of  the Manchester
warehouse are reflected as a discontinued  operation  in Griffin’s fiscal 2012 consolidated statement of
operations. Net cash proceeds from the  sale, after  selling expenses  of $438 paid out of proceeds at
closing and $25 paid separately, were $15,537,  and  a pretax gain of $2,886  is included in the results of
discontinued operations in fiscal 2012. Upon  completion of the sale, Griffin deposited the cash of
$15,562 received from the sale at closing into an  escrow  account  for the  potential purchase of a
replacement property under a Section  1031 like-kind exchange.  As Griffin  Land did not identify a
replacement property within the time frame required under the  tax  rules and regulations governing a
Section 1031 like-kind exchange, in the  second  quarter of fiscal 2012, the cash being held in escrow was
released to Griffin Land. Rental revenue  and  pretax income  from  the operations  of the Manchester
warehouse in fiscal 2012 prior to its sale were $273 and $221,  respectively.

3. Fair Value

Griffin applies the provisions of FASB ASC 820,  ‘‘Fair  Value Measurement’’ (‘‘ASC 820’’), which
establishes a fair value hierarchy that  requires an entity  to maximize the  use of observable inputs and
minimize the use of unobservable inputs  when measuring  fair value. An asset or  liability’s

48

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

3. Fair Value (Continued)

categorization within the fair value hierarchy  is  based upon the  lowest level of  input that is significant
to the fair value measurement. ASC 820 establishes three levels of inputs that may be used  to  measure
fair value, as  follows:

Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there  are quoted market prices in  active  markets
for identical assets or liabilities. Griffin’s available-for-sale securities  are considered Level 1 within
the fair value hierarchy.

Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there  are inputs other  than quoted prices included
within Level 1 that are observable for the asset  or liability, such as quoted prices for similar assets
or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient
volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or  model-derived  valuations in which
significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or  corroborated by, observable
market data. Level 2 liabilities include  Griffin’s interest rate swap derivatives (see Note 8). These
inputs are readily available in public markets or  can be derived from information available in
publicly quoted markets, therefore, Griffin has categorized  these derivative instruments as Level 2
within the fair value hierarchy.

Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there  are unobservable inputs to the valuation
methodology that are significant to the  measurement of the  fair value of the assets or liabilities.

During  fiscal 2014, Griffin did not transfer any assets  or liabilities in or out of Levels 1  and 2. The
following are Griffin’s financial assets and liabilities  carried at fair value and measured at fair value on
a recurring basis:

November 30, 2014

Quoted Prices in
Significant
Active Markets for Observable

Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level  3)

Marketable equity securities . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest rate swap asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest rate swap liabilities . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,924

$ —

$ —

$ —

$

8

$2,330

$ —

$ —

$ —

November 30, 2013

Quoted Prices in
Significant
Active Markets for Observable

Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level  3)

Marketable equity securities . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest rate swap asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest rate swap liabilities . . . . . . . . . . .

$2,208

$ —

$ —

$ —

$

63

$2,285

$ —

$ —

$ —

49

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

3. Fair Value (Continued)

The carrying and estimated fair values of Griffin’s  financial instruments are as  follows:

Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level

November 30, 2014

November 30, 2013

Carrying
Value

Estimated
Fair Value

Carrying
Value

Estimated
Fair Value

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Available-for-sale securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate swap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial liabilities:

Mortgage loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate swaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1
1
2

2
2

$17,059
1,924
8

$17,059
1,924
8

$14,179
2,208
63

$14,179
2,208
63

$70,168
2,330

$71,014
2,330

$66,708
2,285

$67,931
2,285

The amounts included in the financial statements for  cash  and  cash  equivalents, accounts

receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities  approximate their fair values because of  the
short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair values of the available-for-sale  securities are  based
on quoted market prices. The fair values of the mortgage  loans are estimated based  on current  rates
offered to Griffin for similar debt of  the same remaining maturities and, additionally, Griffin considers
its  credit worthiness in determining the  fair  value of its mortgage  loans. The fair values  of the interest
rate swaps (used for purposes other than  trading) are  determined based on  discounted cash flow
models  that incorporate the cash flows of the  derivatives  as well  as the  current OIS rate and swap
curve along with other market data, taking into account current interest rates and the credit worthiness
of the counterparty for assets and the  credit worthiness of Griffin for liabilities.

4. Real Estate Assets

Real estate assets  consist of:

Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings and improvements . . . . . . . . .
Tenant improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . .
Development costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . .

Estimated
Useful Lives

10 to 30  years
10 to 40  years
Shorter of
useful life or
terms of related
lease
3 to 20  years

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

$ 17,955
18,527
135,857
14,820

$ 17,507
15,529
122,057
16,126

11,810
10,315

209,284
(74,762)

4,188
16,861

192,268
(61,078)

$134,522

$131,190

50

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

4. Real Estate Assets (Continued)

Included in real estate assets, net as  of November 30, 2014 is $1,444 reflecting the net book value

of Imperial’s Connecticut farm assets that were  leased to Monrovia effective January 8,  2014 (see
Notes 2 and 6). Prior to that date, these  assets were  reported as part of property and  equipment. The
assets reclassified from property and  equipment to real estate assets had  a cost of $11,485 and
accumulated depreciation of $9,850 at the time of the reclassification.

Total depreciation expense and capitalized interest related  to real estate assets, net were as follows:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

Depreciation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$5,747

$5,545

$5,237

Capitalized interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 580

$

71

$ 596

In the 2013 fourth quarter, Griffin Land completed  the sale  of approximately  90 acres of

undeveloped land for approximately $9,000 in cash, before transaction costs (the ‘‘Windsor Land  Sale’’).
The land sold is located in Windsor,  Connecticut  and is part of an approximately 253 acre parcel of
undeveloped land that straddles the town line between Windsor and  Bloomfield, Connecticut. Under
the terms of the Windsor Land Sale, Griffin Land and the buyer  are each constructing roadways
connecting the land parcel sold with existing town  roads. The roads  being  built will become  new town
roads, thereby providing public access  to  the remaining acreage in  Griffin Land’s land parcel. As a
result of Griffin Land’s continuing involvement with the  land sold, the Windsor  Land Sale is being
accounted for under the percentage of  completion method.  Accordingly,  the  revenue and pretax gain
on the sale are being recognized on a pro rata basis  in a ratio equal  to  the percentage of the total costs
incurred to the total anticipated costs of sale,  including the costs  of the required roadwork.  Costs
included in determining the percentage  of  completion include  the  cost of the  land sold, allocated
master planning costs and the cost of road construction. At the  closing  of  the Windsor Land  Sale,  cash
proceeds of $8,860 were placed in escrow  for the potential  purchase of a replacement property in  a
like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue  Code of 1986, as  amended (‘‘the IRC’’),
which was reflected as Proceeds Held in  Escrow on Griffin’s consolidated balance sheet as of
November 30, 2013. The proceeds held in escrow were  returned to Griffin in the second  quarter  of
fiscal 2014, as a replacement property was not acquired.

As of November 30, 2014, approximately 64%  of the total  costs  related  to  the Windsor Land  Sale

have  been incurred; therefore, from the date of the Windsor Land Sale through November  30, 2014,
approximately 64% of the total revenue and pretax gain on the  sale have been recognized in Griffin’s
consolidated statements of operations. Griffin’s consolidated statement of operations for fiscal 2014
includes revenue of $3,105 and a pretax gain  of  $2,358 from the Windsor Land Sale. Griffin’s
consolidated statement of operations  for fiscal 2013 included revenue  of $2,668 and a pretax gain  of
$1,990 from the Windsor Land Sale. The  balance of the revenue and pretax gain on sale will  be
recognized when the remaining costs are incurred, which is expected to take  place mostly in the  first
half of fiscal 2015. Included on Griffin’s  consolidated balance sheet as  of November 30,  2014, is
deferred revenue of $3,195 that will be recognized  as the remaining costs are incurred (see  Note 13).
Including the pretax gain on sale recognized in  fiscal  2013, the total pretax gain on the Windsor  Land
Sale is expected to be approximately $6,754 after all revenue is recognized  and all costs are incurred.

51

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

4. Real Estate Assets (Continued)

While management has used  its best estimates, based on  industry  knowledge and experience, in
projecting the total costs of the required roadways, increases or decreases in  future costs as compared
with current estimated amounts would reduce or  increase the pretax  gain recognized in future periods.

In fiscal  2012, Griffin Land sold 93 acres of undeveloped land in New England Tradeport
(‘‘Tradeport’’), Griffin Land’s industrial park  located in Windsor and East Granby, Connecticut, to
Dollar Tree Distribution, Inc. for cash proceeds of $7,000, before transaction costs (the  ‘‘Dollar Tree
Sale’’). Under the terms of the Dollar  Tree Sale, Griffin Land was required  to  construct a sewer line to
service the land that was sold. As a result  of Griffin Land’s continuing involvement with the land  sold,
the Dollar Tree Sale was accounted for under the percentage of completion method.  Accordingly, the
revenue and the pretax gain on sale  were recognized on a pro rata basis in a  ratio equal to the
percentage of the total costs incurred  to  the  total  anticipated costs of sale, including the costs  of the
required construction of the sewer line. Costs included in determining the percentage of completion
included the cost of the land sold, allocated master planning costs of Tradeport, selling and transaction
costs and the cost to construct the required sewer line.  Upon completion of the sale, Griffin Land
deposited the cash of $6,929 received  from  the Dollar Tree Sale at closing into an escrow account, for
the potential purchase of a replacement  property  in  a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the
IRC, as amended. In fiscal 2013, Griffin Land closed on the acquisition of a  parcel of undeveloped
land  to complete the Section 1031 like-kind exchange (see below).

In fiscal  2013, all of the remaining costs related  to  the Dollar  Tree Sale  were incurred; therefore,
from the date of the Dollar Tree Sale  in  fiscal  2012 through  the end of fiscal  2013, all of the revenue
and the pretax gain on sale were recognized in Griffin’s consolidated statements of operations. Griffin’s
consolidated statement of operations  for fiscal 2013  includes revenue of  $2,474 and  a pretax gain of
$2,109 from the Dollar Tree Sale. Included in the pretax gain in fiscal 2013 is $177 from an amended
agreement related to the Dollar Tree Sale  whereby  Griffin Land  received $177 upon completion of  the
sewer line to service the land that was  sold.  Including the pretax gain on sale of $3,942 recognized in
fiscal 2012, the total pretax gain on the Dollar  Tree Sale was $6,051.

In fiscal  2013, Griffin Land closed on the acquisition of approximately 49 acres of undeveloped

land  in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania  for $7,119  in cash, using the  proceeds from  the Dollar Tree
Sale that were being held in escrow to complete the Section 1031  like-kind exchange.

Real estate assets held for sale consist of:

Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Development costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nov. 30,
2014

$ 286
9,657

Nov. 30,
2013

$

30
1,074

$9,943

$1,104

During  the year ended November 30, 2014, Griffin Land reclassified real  estate assets into real

estate assets held for sale the costs related to a residential development in Simsbury,  Connecticut and
two land parcels that are under contract  to  be  sold.  The residential development  is being offered for
sale either in its entirety or in segments.

52

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

5. Investments

Centaur  Media plc

Griffin’s investment in the common stock of  Centaur  Media is accounted for as an available-
for-sale security under ASC 320-10. Accordingly,  changes in  the fair  value of Centaur Media, reflecting
both changes in the stock price and changes in the  foreign  currency exchange rate, are  included, net  of
income taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive  income (see Note 11). Griffin’s investment income
includes dividend income from Centaur  Media of  $82, $110 and $188 in fiscal 2014, fiscal  2013 and
fiscal 2012, respectively.

At the beginning of fiscal 2013, Griffin  held 5,277,150  shares  of  Centaur  Media common stock. In
fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, Griffin sold  500,000 and 2,824,688 shares, respectively,  of its  Centaur Media
common stock for total cash proceeds  of  $566 and $2,487, respectively, after transaction  costs. The sale
of Centaur Media common stock resulted in a pretax gain of $318 and $1,088 in fiscal  2014 and fiscal
2013, respectively. Griffin held 1,952,462 shares of Centaur Media common stock as of November 30,
2014.

The fair value, cost and unrealized gain  of Griffin’s  investment in Centaur Media  are as follows:

Fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost

Nov. 30,
2014

$1,924
1,014

Nov. 30,
2013

$2,208
1,274

Unrealized gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 910

$ 934

Shemin Nurseries Holding Corp.

At the beginning of fiscal 2013, Griffin  held an approximate 14% equity interest in SNHC, which

operated  a landscape nursery distribution business. Griffin accounted  for its investment in SNHC  under
the cost method of accounting for investments.  Prior to fiscal 2013, Griffin had received cash
distributions from  SNHC which were  treated as a return of investment. Accordingly, Griffin did not
have any remaining book value in its  investment in  SNHC as of December 1,  2012. In fiscal 2013,
Griffin sold its investment in SNHC for  total cash proceeds of $3,418, resulting in a pretax gain of
$3,397.

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of:

Estimated Useful
Lives

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings  and  improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Machinery  and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 to 20  years
10  to 40  years
3 to 20  years

Accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ — $
—
—
1,218

437
1,561
1,865
12,135

1,218
(988)

15,998
(14,048)

$ 230

$ 1,950

53

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

6. Property and Equipment (Continued)

As a result of the Imperial Lease, certain  assets of the Connecticut farm were reclassified from

property and equipment to real estate assets on January  8, 2014. The net book  value of the assets
reclassified was $1,635, reflecting cost  of $11,485 net of accumulated depreciation of $9,850 (see
Notes 2 and 4).

Total depreciation expense related to  property and equipment in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and  fiscal

2012 was $111, $335 and $362, respectively.

7. Income Taxes

The income tax provision in continuing operations  for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 is

summarized as follows:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

Current federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current state and local
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred state and local

$ — $ — $ —
—
(172)
(98)

—
(1,076)
84

—
356
(452)

Total income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (96)

$ (992) $(270)

In fiscal  2014, Griffin decreased its expected realization  of the  tax benefit related  to  its

Connecticut state net operating loss carryforwards and Connecticut state other temporary differences.
This decrease is based on management’s  current projections of taxable income in the state  of
Connecticut in future years that would  generate income taxes in  excess  of capital based  taxes. A charge
of approximately $375 is reflected in  the fiscal 2014 tax provision for state taxes to reflect the  expected
lower realization of certain state tax  benefits.

Griffin did not recognize a current tax benefit in  fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 or  fiscal  2012 from the
exercise of employee stock options. A benefit was not recorded in fiscal  2014 and  2013 because Griffin
did not have taxable income. In fiscal 2012,  Griffin utilized net operating loss carryforwards to offset
taxable income. As of November 30,  2014, Griffin  has an unrecognized tax benefit of  $1,170 for  the
effect of employee stock options exercised  in fiscal years 2006 through 2014. In  fiscal 2014 and fiscal
2012, the deferred tax asset related to  non-qualified stock  options  was reduced by $4 and $38,
respectively, as a result of exercises and forfeitures of  those options.  There  were no adjustments to
deferred tax assets for exercises and  forfeitures of non-qualified stock options in fiscal 2013.

Included in total income (loss) from  Griffin’s discontinued operations, net of tax,  is an income tax
provision  of $115 and $1,077 for fiscal  2014 and fiscal 2012, respectively, and an  income  tax benefit of
$4,411 for fiscal 2013.

The income tax (provision) benefit for discontinued operations in fiscal 2014,  fiscal  2013 and fiscal
2012 is net of the effect of recording  valuation  allowances on certain state  deferred tax assets  for state
net operating losses of Imperial. The effect  on the income  tax  provision for the valuation allowances in
fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012  were charges of  $24, $93 and $44, respectively, less federal

54

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

7. Income Taxes (Continued)

income tax benefits of $8, $33 and $15, respectively. The establishment of the valuation allowances
reflects management’s determination that  it is more likely than not that Griffin  will not generate
sufficient taxable income in the future  to  fully utilize certain state net operating loss carryforwards.

Other comprehensive (loss) income includes deferred tax benefit (expense)  as follows:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec.  1,
2012

Mark to market adjustment on Centaur Media plc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement of the funded status of  the defined  postretirement plan . . . . . .
Fair value adjustment of Griffin’s cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 17
181
37

$ 213
(40)
(359)

$(427)
29
287

Total income tax benefit (expense) included in other comprehensive (loss)

income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$235

$(186)

$(111)

The differences between the income  tax benefit (provision) at the United  States statutory income
tax rates and the actual income tax benefit (provision) on continuing operations  for fiscal 2014, fiscal
2013 and fiscal 2012 are as follows:

Tax  benefit (provision) at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State and local taxes, including valuation  allowance, net of federal  tax effect
Permanent items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 403
(457)
(43)
1

$(1,016) $(163)
(64)
(50)
7

55
(39)
8

Total income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (96)

$ (992) $(270)

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

55

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

7. Income Taxes (Continued)

The significant components of Griffin’s deferred tax  assets and deferred  tax liabilities are as

follows:

Deferred tax assets:
Federal net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retirement benefit plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-qualified stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charitable contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditional asset retirement obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

$ 3,417
2,836
1,496
859
794
670
239
112
—
—
40

$ 1,507
485
1,500
821
733
937
243
114
4,397
52
372

Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10,463
(395)

11,161
(379)

Net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10,068

10,782

Deferred tax liabilities:
Real estate assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in Centaur Media plc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2,547)
(882)
(142)
(39)
(22)
(440)

(3,272)
(926)
(180)
(104)
45
(370)

Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4,072)

(4,807)

Net total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 5,996

$ 5,975

At November 30, 2014, Griffin had federal net  operating loss carryforwards of  approximately
$9,019 with expirations ranging from  sixteen to twenty years and  state net operating loss  carryforwards
of approximately $20,437, principally in Connecticut, with  expirations ranging from eight  to  twenty
years. Management has determined that  a valuation allowance is required for net operating  loss
carryforwards in certain states (other than  Connecticut)  related  to  Imperial. Realization  of the tax
benefits related to the Connecticut state  net operating loss carryforwards, which  are not subject to
valuation allowances, and the state effective tax  rates  at which those benefits  will be realized is
dependent upon future results of operations. Differences between forecasted and actual future
operating results could adversely impact  Griffin’s ability to realize tax benefits from  Connecticut state
net operating losses. Therefore, the deferred tax assets relating to Connecticut state net  operating loss
carryforwards could be reduced in the  future if estimates of  future taxable  income  are reduced. Griffin
has evaluated the likelihood that it will realize the  benefits  of  its  deferred tax assets.  Based on  a

56

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

7. Income Taxes (Continued)

significant amount of appreciated assets, primarily real  estate, held by Griffin  and the  significant length
of time expected before Griffin’s deferred  tax  assets would expire,  Griffin believes that it is more likely
than not that it will utilize the benefit of  its deferred  tax assets.

Griffin evaluates each tax position taken  in  its tax  returns and recognizes a liability for any tax

position deemed less likely than not to  be  sustained under examination by the  relevant taxing
authorities. Griffin believes that its income tax filing  positions will be sustained on examination and
does not anticipate any adjustments that  would result in a  material change on its financial statements.
As a result, no accrual for uncertain income tax positions has  been recorded pursuant  to  ASC 740-10.

Federal income tax returns for fiscal  2013,  fiscal 2012  and fiscal 2011 are  subject to examination by

the Internal Revenue Service. In fiscal  2014, the state of New York completed an examination of
Griffin’s fiscal 2007, fiscal 2008 and fiscal  2009 tax  returns. In fiscal 2012, the state of Connecticut
completed an examination of Griffin’s  fiscal  2007  tax return. There were no  significant adjustments
made as a result of those examinations. The  remaining  periods subject to examination  for Griffin’s
significant state return, which is Connecticut,  are fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2013.

8. Mortgage Loans

Griffin’s mortgage loans, which are nonrecourse, consist of:

6.30%, due May 1, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.73%, due August 1, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.13%, due April 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.0%, due October 1, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable rate, due October 2, 2017* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable rate, due February 1, 2019* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable rate, due August 1, 2019* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable rate, due January 27, 2020* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable rate, due September 1, 2023* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.09%, due July 1, 2029 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.09%, due July 1, 2029 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

$ — $

18,189
—
—
6,394
10,888
7,691
3,848
8,875
7,750
6,533

99
18,615
3,603
5,779
6,563
11,150
7,869
3,961
9,069
—
—

Total nonrecourse mortgage loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$70,168

$66,708

* Griffin entered into interest rate swap  agreements to effectively fix the interest rates on

these loans (see below).

The annual principal payment requirements under  the terms of the  nonrecourse mortgage loans
for the fiscal years 2015 through 2019  are  $19,828, $1,725, $7,663,  $1,720 and $17,719, respectively. The
aggregate book value of land and buildings that  are collateral for the nonrecourse mortgage loans was
approximately $70,226 at November 30, 2014.

57

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

8. Mortgage Loans (Continued)

On June 6, 2014, a subsidiary of Griffin  completed  the refinancing  of its  nonrecourse mortgage

loan (the ‘‘GCD Mortgage Loan’’) with Farm  Bureau Life Insurance Company (‘‘Farm Bureau’’) that
was due April 1, 2016. The GCD Mortgage Loan is collateralized by a 165,000  square foot industrial
building in Windsor, Connecticut. At the  time of the refinancing, the GCD  Mortgage  Loan had a
balance of $3,391 and an interest rate of 8.13%. The refinancing increased the loan amount to $7,868,
reduced the interest rate to 5.09% and  extended the loan term to fifteen years from the  time of the
refinancing, with payments based on a  fifteen year amortization schedule.

Also on June 6, 2014, a subsidiary of Griffin  completed  the refinancing  of its  nonrecourse
mortgage loan (the ‘‘TD Mortgage Loan’’) with  Farm Bureau that was due October 1, 2017.  The TD
Mortgage Loan is collateralized by an  approximately 100,000 square foot industrial building and a
57,000 square foot industrial building,  both located in Windsor, Connecticut.  At the  time of the
refinancing, the TD Mortgage Loan  had  a balance of $5,632 and  an interest  rate of 7.0%. The
refinancing increased the loan amount  to  $6,632, reduced the interest rate to 5.09% and extended  the
loan term to fifteen years from the time of  the refinancing, with payments based  on a fifteen year
amortization schedule. The mortgage loan  proceeds  of  $1,000 from the refinancing of the TD Mortgage
Loan are being held in escrow. The escrowed  funds will be released to Griffin if the approximately
57,000 square foot industrial building,  which is  expected to  become vacant  after the current  short-term
lease of that building expires, is re-leased under terms agreed upon  with Farm Bureau.  If a replacement
lease reflecting the rental terms agreed upon with Farm Bureau is not obtained, the proceeds being
held in escrow are required to be used  to  make a partial prepayment,  without penalty, on the TD
Mortgage Loan.

The GCD Mortgage Loan and the TD Mortgage Loan are cross-collateralized and  cross-defaulted
with each other. The loans may not be  voluntarily  prepaid  for seven years; thereafter, any prepayment
would require a prepayment fee and the  simultaneous prepayment of both loans. Griffin reported $51
for the write-off of all deferred costs  related  to  the two mortgages refinanced with  Farm Bureau as a
loss on debt extinguishment on Griffin’s  fiscal 2014 consolidated statement of operations.

On August 28, 2013, a subsidiary of Griffin  closed on a  $9,100  nonrecourse mortgage loan (the

‘‘2023 First Niagara Mortgage’’) with First Niagara Bank (‘‘First Niagara’’), collateralized by a
228,000 square foot industrial building  in  Lower Nazareth, Pennsylvania that was constructed in fiscal
2012 and fully leased in fiscal 2013. Although this mortgage is nonrecourse, Griffin and its  subsidiary
entered into a master lease that is coterminous with the 2023 First Niagara Mortgage which  would
become  effective if the full building tenant in that building does  not  renew its five-year lease when it is
scheduled to expire in fiscal 2018. The  2023 First Niagara Mortgage has a ten-year term with monthly
payments based on a twenty-five year amortization schedule. The interest rate for the 2023 First
Niagara Mortgage is a floating rate of the  one month LIBOR rate  plus 1.95%. At the  time Griffin
closed on the 2023 First Niagara Mortgage, Griffin also entered into an interest rate swap agreement
with First Niagara for a notional principal  amount  of $9,100 at inception to fix the interest rate of the
2023 First Niagara Mortgage  at 4.79%.

On December 31, 2014, two subsidiaries of  Griffin, closed on a new mortgage (‘‘the 2025 First

Niagara Mortgage’’) for $21,600. The  2025 First Niagara Mortgage refinanced the  2023 First  Niagara
Mortgage and is collateralized by the  same  228,000 square foot industrial building in  Lower Nazareth,
Pennsylvania along with an adjacent 303,000 square foot  industrial  building. Griffin received net

58

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

8. Mortgage Loans (Continued)

proceeds of $10,875 at closing (before  transaction  costs),  net of $8,875 used to refinance the 2023 First
Niagara Mortgage and $1,850 held back until a  portion of the vacant  space in the 303,000 square foot
building is leased. The 2025 First Niagara Mortgage has a  ten-year term  with monthly payments  based
on a twenty-five year amortization schedule. The interest rate for the 2025 First Niagara Mortgage is a
floating rate of the one month LIBOR rate plus  1.95%. At  the time  the 2025 First Niagara Mortgage
closed, Griffin entered into an interest rate swap agreement, that  combined with an existing interest
rate swap agreement, effectively fixes the rate of  the 2025 First Niagara Mortgage at 4.43% over the
mortgage loan’s ten-year term.

On April 1, 2013, a subsidiary of Griffin entered  into  a modification  agreement for its  5.25%

nonrecourse mortgage loan with First  Niagara  due January 27, 2020 (the ‘‘2020  First Niagara
Mortgage’’). The modification agreement changed the interest rate of the 2020  First Niagara Mortgage
from a fixed rate of 5.25% to a variable  rate of the one month LIBOR rate plus 2.5%.  The loan
modification did not change the loan’s collateral  or maturity date.  Griffin Land paid $70 to First
Niagara for the loan modification, plus  transaction costs. Because the difference between the present
values of the future payments under  the existing loan and the modified loan was greater than 10%, the
loan modification was accounted for  as a  debt  extinguishment  in fiscal 2013.  As such, all deferred costs
related to the 2020 First Niagara Mortgage ($216) and the  fee paid to First Niagara for the
modification agreement were reflected as a loss on debt  extinguishment on Griffin’s fiscal 2013
consolidated statement of operations.  Concurrent  with the completion of the loan modification
agreement, Griffin Land entered into  an interest rate swap agreement with First Niagara to fix the
interest rate on the 2020 First Niagara Mortgage at  3.91% for  the duration of  the loan.

On June 15, 2012, Griffin and two of  its  wholly owned subsidiaries entered into the Third
Modification Agreement (the ‘‘Modification Agreement’’) to the mortgage loan originally due
January 1, 2013 with Webster Bank (the ‘‘Webster Mortgage’’).  The  Modification Agreement  extended
the maturity of the Webster Mortgage to October  2,  2017. In accordance with  the Modification
Agreement, the interest rate under the  Webster Mortgage, which was fixed at 6.08% through
September 30, 2012, changed, effective  October 1, 2012,  to a floating rate of the one month LIBOR
rate plus 2.75%. In anticipation of entering into the  Modification Agreement, on June 7, 2012,  Griffin
entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Webster Bank  to  effectively fix the interest rate on
the Webster Mortgage at 3.86% from  October 1, 2012 through the maturity of the Webster Mortgage.
Pursuant to the Modification Agreement,  effective on  October 1, 2012, principal payments on  the
Webster Mortgage were based on a twenty-five year amortization  schedule. The Webster Mortgage is
collateralized by Griffin Land’s two multi-story office buildings in Windsor, Connecticut.  The
Modification Agreement did not alter the  collateral for  the Webster Mortgage.

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin was  a party  to  several interest rate swap agreements related to

its  variable rate nonrecourse mortgages  on certain of its real estate  assets. Griffin accounts for its
interest rate swap agreements as effective  cash flow hedges  (see Note 3).  No ineffectiveness on  the cash
flow hedges was recognized as of November 30, 2014 and  none is anticipated over the term of the
agreements. Amounts in accumulated  other  comprehensive income  (loss)  will be reclassified  into
interest expense over the term of the swap agreements to achieve fixed rates on each  mortgage. None
of the interest rate swap agreements contain any credit risk related  contingent features. In fiscal 2014
and fiscal 2012, Griffin recognized net  losses, included in other comprehensive income (loss), before

59

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

8. Mortgage Loans (Continued)

taxes of $100 and $776, respectively, on  its interest rate swap agreements. In fiscal 2013, Griffin
recognized a net gain, included in other comprehensive income, before taxes of $969 on its interest  rate
swap agreements.

As of November 30, 2014, $961 is expected  to  be  reclassified  over the next  twelve months from
accumulated other comprehensive loss  to  interest expense. As of November 30, 2014, the net fair value
of Griffin’s interest rate swap agreements was $2,322, with $8 included in other  assets and $2,330
included in other liabilities on Griffin’s  consolidated balance sheet. As of November 30,  2013, the net
fair value of Griffin’s interest rate swap agreements was $2,222, with $63 included  in other assets  and
$2,285 included in other liabilities on  Griffin’s consolidated balance sheet.

9. Revolving Credit Agreement

On April 24, 2013, Griffin closed on a $12,500 revolving credit line with Webster Bank (the
‘‘Webster Credit Line’’). The Webster  Credit Line  is for two years with an option for Griffin to extend
the credit line for a third year. The Webster Credit Line replaced Griffin’s $12,500  credit line with
Doral Bank (the ‘‘Doral Credit Line’’)  that was scheduled to expire on May 1, 2013. Interest on the
outstanding borrowings under the Webster Credit Line are at the one month LIBOR rate plus 2.75%.

The Webster Credit Line is collateralized by Griffin Land’s properties  in Griffin Center South,
aggregating approximately 235,000 square  feet, and an  approximately 48,000 square foot single-story
office building in Griffin Center. These  are the same properties that collateralized the Doral  Credit
Line. There were no borrowings under  either  the Webster Credit Line  or the Doral Credit Line in
fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.

The aggregate book value of land and buildings that  are collateral for the revolving line of credit

was approximately $10,097 at November  30,  2014.

10. Retirement Benefits

Savings Plan

Griffin maintains the Griffin  Land & Nurseries, Inc.  401(k) Savings Plan (the ‘‘Griffin Savings
Plan’’) for its employees, a defined contribution plan whereby Griffin matches  60% of each employee’s
contribution, up to a maximum of 5% of base salary. Griffin’s contributions to the Griffin Savings Plan
in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were $64, $137 and $139, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Griffin maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the ‘‘Deferred Compensation Plan’’)

for certain of its employees who, due  to  IRC regulations, cannot take full advantage of the  Griffin
Savings Plan. Griffin’s liability under  its  Deferred Compensation Plan at November 30, 2014 and
November 30, 2013 was $3,784 and $3,399,  respectively. These amounts are  included in other liabilities
on Griffin’s consolidated balance sheets.  The expense for Griffin’s matching benefit to the Deferred
Compensation Plan in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 was $28, $29  and $29, respectively.

The Deferred Compensation Plan is unfunded,  with  benefits to be paid from Griffin’s general
assets. The liability for the Deferred Compensation Plan reflects  the amounts withheld from employees,

60

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

10. Retirement Benefits (Continued)

Griffin’s matching benefit and any gains or  losses on participant account balances  based on the
assumed investment of amounts credited to participants’ accounts in certain mutual funds. Participant
balances are tracked and any gain or  loss is  determined  based on the performance of the mutual  funds
as selected by the participants.

Postretirement Benefits

Through March 10, 2014, Griffin maintained an unfunded postretirement benefits program that

provided principally health and life insurance  benefits to certain of its employees. Only those
employees who were employed by Griffin’s predecessor  company as  of  December 31, 1993 were eligible
to participate in the postretirement benefits program.  The liability for postretirement benefits was
included in other liabilities on Griffin’s  consolidated balance sheet at November 30,  2013.

On March 11, 2014, Griffin terminated its postretirement  benefits program. Accordingly, the

remaining liability under the postretirement benefits  program  was  reversed and all actuarial  gains under
the postretirement program that had been reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income were
reclassified into net income in the 2014  second quarter. As essentially all of the participants in the
postretirement benefits program had been  employees of Imperial, and charges related  to  the
postretirement benefits program had been  included  in the results of the landscape nursery  business  that
is now presented as a discontinued operation, the effect  of  the termination of the postretirement
benefits program is mostly reflected in the  results  of discontinued  operations in Griffin’s consolidated
statement of operations for fiscal 2014.

As a result of the Imperial Sale (see Note 2) prior  to  the termination of the postretirement benefit

program, the liability for postretirement  benefits was reduced from $332 at November 30, 2013 to $23
in the 2014 first quarter. A curtailment gain of $309 is included in the  determination of the loss on the
Imperial Sale.

Griffin accounted for postretirement benefits  in  accordance with ASC 715-10,  which requires
recognition of the funded status on Griffin’s consolidated balance sheet of its postretirement benefits
program. The effect of ASC 715-10 in fiscal  2013 was  a decrease in other liabilities of $118 and a
decrease of $68, after tax, in accumulated  other comprehensive loss.  The effect in fiscal 2012 was an
increase in other liabilities of $64 and an increase of $48, after tax, in accumulated other
comprehensive loss.

61

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

10. Retirement Benefits (Continued)

Changes in the program’s benefit obligation  for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2014 and

November 30, 2013 are as follows:

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service cost
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of actuarial gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 332
(14)
4
1
—
(14)
(309)

$ —

$ 450
(108)
16
7
—
(33)
—

$ 332

Griffin’s liability for postretirement benefits, included  in other liabilities, as of November 30, 2013

was attributed to the following:

Retirees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fully eligible active participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other active participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Liability for postretirement benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ —
230
102

$332

The components of Griffin’s postretirement  benefits (income) expense are as follows:

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of actuarial gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other changes in benefit obligations  recognized in other

comprehensive loss:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

$

1
4
(14)
(309)

(318)

$

7
16
(33)
—

(10)

$ 9
17
(39)
—

(13)

Actuarial (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(14)

(108)

77

Total recognized in net periodic benefit  (income) expense

and other comprehensive (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(332)

$(118)

$ 64

A discount rate of 4.60% was used to compute the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations
prior to the program termination in fiscal 2014 and at November  30, 2013. The discount rate  used  was
based on the spot rate of the Citigroup  Pension Discount Curve,  which was used to discount the
projected cash flows of the program.  Discount rates of  4.60%,  3.59%  and  4.50% were  used to compute

62

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

10. Retirement Benefits (Continued)

the net periodic benefit expense for fiscal 2014  through  the termination of  the postretirement benefits
program, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012,  respectively.

11. Stockholders’ Equity

Per Share Results

Basic and diluted results per share were based on the following:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

(Loss) income from continuing operations  for computation of

basic and diluted per share results, net of  tax . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

(1,248) $

1,910

$

196

Income (loss) from discontinued operations for computation of

basic and diluted per share results, net of  tax . . . . . . . . . . . . .

144

(7,731)

Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

(1,104) $

(5,821) $

770

966

Weighted average shares outstanding for  computation  of basic

per  share results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,148,000

5,144,000

5,138,000

Incremental shares from assumed exercise of  Griffin stock

options (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

8,000

5,000

Adjusted weighted average shares for  computation  of diluted per
share results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,148,000

5,152,000

5,143,000

(a) Incremental shares from the assumed  exercise  of Griffin stock options are  not  included in  periods

where  inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.  Such  assessment is  based on income (loss)
from continuing operations when net  income includes discontinued operations.  For the  fiscal year
ended November 30, 2014, the incremental  shares from the  assumed exercise of stock  options
would have been 11,000 shares.

Griffin Stock Option Plan

The Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. 2009  Stock Option  Plan  (the  ‘‘2009 Stock Option Plan’’) makes

available options to purchase 386,926 shares  of  Griffin common stock, including 161,926 options to
purchase the 161,926 shares that were available for issuance under Griffin’s prior stock option plan.
The Compensation Committee of Griffin’s Board of Directors administers  the 2009 Stock Option Plan.
Options granted under the 2009 Stock Option Plan may be either incentive stock options or
non-qualified stock options granted at fair  market  value on the date approved  by  Griffin’s
Compensation Committee. Vesting of all  of  Griffin’s stock options  is solely  based upon service
requirements and does not contain market or  performance conditions.

Stock options granted expire ten years from the grant date. In accordance with  the 2009 Stock
Option Plan, stock options granted to  non-employee directors upon their initial election to the board of
directors are fully  exercisable immediately  upon  the date of the option  grant. Stock options granted  to

63

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

11. Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)

non-employee directors upon their reelection to the  board of directors vest on the second anniversary
from the date of grant. Stock options granted to employees vest  in equal installments on the third,
fourth and fifth anniversaries  from the  date of grant. None of the stock options outstanding at
November 30, 2014 may be exercised  as  stock  appreciation  rights.

The following options were granted by Griffin under  the 2009 Stock Option Plan to non-employee

directors either upon their initial election or  their  re-election to Griffin’s Board of Directors:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

November 30, 2014

November 30, 2013

December 1, 2012

Number of
Shares

Fair Value per
Option at
Grant Date

Number  of
Shares

Fair Value per
Option at
Grant Date

Number of
Shares

Fair Value per
Option at
Grant Date

8,532

$12.42

8,112

$12.94

10,996

$10.66 - $14.89

The fair values were estimated as of the date  of  each grant using the  Black-Scholes option-pricing

model. The following assumptions were  used in  determining the fair  values of each option:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

Expected volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Range of risk free interest rates . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected option term (in years) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annual  dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38.9% 40.3% 39.6% - 41.1%
2.16% 1.33% 1.02% - 1.19%
8.5
0.7% 0.7% 0% - 0.7%

8.5

8.5

Number of option holders at November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Compensation expense and related tax  benefits for stock options  were as  follows:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

Compensation expense—continuing operations . . . . . . . . .
Compensation expense—discontinued  operations . . . . . . . .

$ 338
(130)

Net compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 208

Related tax benefit—continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related tax benefit—discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 78
(15)

Net  related tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 63

$415
52

$467

$109
5

$114

$545
59

$604

$143
5

$148

For all years presented, forfeiture rates used for directors  were 0%,  forfeiture rates used for
executives ranged from 22.6% to 25.8% and forfeiture rates used for employees ranged  from 30.3%
to 46.6%. These rates were utilized based  on the historical activity of the  grantees.

64

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

11. Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)

As of November 30, 2014, the unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock

options that will be recognized during future periods is as follows:

Fiscal 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$153
$ 33

The total grant date fair value of options vested during fiscal 2014,  fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012  was
$664, $466 and $523, respectively. The intrinsic value of options exercised in fiscal 2014,  fiscal 2013 and
fiscal 2012 was $10, $114 and $49, respectively.

A summary of the activity under the  2009 Griffin  Stock Option  Plan  is as  follows:

Outstanding at December 3, 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 1, 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Options

244,518
10,996
(6,741)
(4,932)

243,841
8,112
(6,776)
(5,500)

239,677
8,532
(3,208)
(23,000)

Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price

$29.79
25.45
17.80
32.43

29.88
29.58
11.81
31.12

30.35
28.12
24.94
30.27

Outstanding at November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

222,001

$30.35

Range of Exercise Prices for Vested
and Nonvested Options

Outstanding at Weighted Avg.
Exercise Price
Nov. 30, 2014

Weighted Avg.
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in years)

Total Intrinsic
Value

$23.00 - $28.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$28.00 - $32.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$32.00 - $39.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18,068
120,858
83,075

222,001

$25.45
$28.90
$33.52

$30.35

6.0
6.2
3.9

5.3

44
—
—

$44

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin held  1,952,462 shares of common stock  in Centaur Media and

accounts for its investment in Centaur Media as an available-for-sale security under ASC 320-10.
Accordingly, the investment in Centaur Media  is carried at its fair  value  on Griffin’s consolidated
balance sheet, with increases or decreases recorded, net of tax, as a component  of other comprehensive
income (loss). Upon the sale of shares  in Centaur Media,  the  change, net of tax, in the  value of the

65

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

11. Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)

shares of Centaur  Media that were sold during the time  Griffin held those shares  is reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive income  (loss) and included in Griffin’s consolidated statement of
operations. In fiscal 2014, $204 was reclassified from accumulated other  comprehensive loss as a  result
of the sale of 500,000 shares of Centaur common stock.  In fiscal 2013, $716 was reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss  as a  result of the sale of 2,824,688 shares of Centaur common
stock. There were no sales of Centaur common stock in fiscal 2012.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss,  and activity for the period, is comprised of the following:

Unrealized
loss on cash
flow hedges

Unrealized gain
on investment
in Centaur Media

Actuarial gain
on  postretirement
benefit program

Balance November 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(1,401)

$ 648

$ 304

Other comprehensive (loss) income before

reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reclassified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(695)
632

Net current year activity for other

comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(63)

Balance November 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(1,464)

185
(204)

(19)

$ 629

—
(304)

(304)

$ —

Total

$(449)

(510)
124

(386)

$(835)

66

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

11. Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive  (loss)  income are as follows:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

November 30, 2014

November 30, 2013

December 1, 2012

Tax
(Expense)

Tax
(Expense)

Tax
(Expense)

Pre-Tax

Benefit Net-of-Tax Pre-Tax

Benefit Net-of-Tax Pre-Tax

Benefit Net-of-Tax

Reclassifications included in net

(loss) income:

Realized gain  on sale of Centaur

Media  (gain on sale)

. . . . . . . . $ (321)

$ 117

$(204)

$(1,099)

$ 383

$(716)

$ — $ —

$ —

Termination of postretirement

benefits program ($283 net of tax
to discontinued operations, $21
net of tax to  general and
administrative expenses)

. . . . . .

Loss on cash flow hedges (interest

(485)

181

(304)

—

—

expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,003

(371)

Total reclassifications included in

net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . .

197

(73)

632

124

810

(300)

—

510

—

—

666

(246)

(289)

83

(206)

666

(246)

—

420

420

Mark to market adjustment on

Centaur Media for the increase in
fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mark to market adjustment on

Centaur Media for the (decrease)
increase in exchange gain . . . . . .

(Decrease) increase in fair value

adjustment on Griffin’s cash flow
hedges

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actuarial (loss) gain on

358

(125)

233

481

(169)

312

1,111

(389)

722

(73)

25

(48)

(1)

(1)

(2)

110

(38)

72

postretirement benefits program .

—

—

—

Total change in  other

(1,103)

408

(695)

159

108

(59)

(40)

100

(1,442)

533

(909)

68

(77)

29

(48)

comprehensive (loss) income . . .

(818)

308

(510)

747

(269)

478

(298)

135

(163)

Total other  comprehensive (loss)

income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (621)

$ 235

$(386)

$

458

$(186)

$ 272

$

368

$(111)

$ 257

Cash Dividends

In fiscal  2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, Griffin declared annual dividends of $0.20  per  common

share in each year, which were paid in  the first quarter of fiscal 2015,  fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013,
respectively.

Treasury Stock

In fiscal  2014 and fiscal 2013, Griffin  did not receive any shares  of its  common stock in  connection

with the exercise of stock options. In fiscal 2012, Griffin  received 1,355 shares  of  its  common stock in
connection with the exercise of stock  options.  The  shares received were recorded as treasury stock,
which  resulted in an increase in treasury  stock of $40.

67

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

12. Operating Leases

Griffin’s rental revenue reflects the leasing of industrial, flex and office space and  the leasing  of

nursery growing facilities in Connecticut and Florida previously used by Imperial. Future minimum
rental payments, including expected tenant reimbursements, to be received under noncancelable leases
as of  November 30, 2014 were:

2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Later years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 19,971
17,771
17,272
14,546
12,519
28,022

$110,101

All future minimum rental payments,  principally for  Griffin’s  corporate headquarters, under

noncancelable leases, as lessee, as of November 30, 2014 were:

2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$179
149

Total minimum lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$328

Total rental expense for all operating leases, as  lessee, in fiscal 2014,  fiscal  2013 and  fiscal 2012 was

$210, $242 and $247, respectively.

13. Supplemental Financial Statement  Information

Other Assets

Griffin’s other assets are comprised of the following:

Nov. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Deferred leasing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred rent receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage escrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets, net of amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 3,945
3,454
2,133
1,343
1,073
727
506
1,035

Total other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$14,216

$ 3,598
3,553
2,065
258
1,032
903
684
1,541

$13,634

Griffin’s intangible assets relate to the  acquisition  of  real estate assets in  previous years and consist

of:  (i) the value of in-place leases; and  (ii) the  value of the associated relationships with tenants.
Intangible assets are shown net of amortization of $1,251 and  $1,073 on November 30, 2014 and
November 30, 2013, respectively.

68

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

13. Supplemental Financial Statement  Information  (Continued)

Amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows:

For the Fiscal Years Ended,

Nov. 30,
2014

Nov. 30,
2013

Dec. 1,
2012

Amortization expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$178

$171

$200

Estimated amortization expense of intangible  assets over each  of the next five fiscal years is:

2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$166
77
44
27
27

Deferred Revenue on Land Sale

Included in deferred revenue on Griffin’s  consolidated balance  sheet as of November 30, 2014 is

approximately $3,195 related to the Windsor  Land Sale that will be recognized as road construction
required by the terms of the Windsor  Land Sale is completed (see Note 4).

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist  of:

Accrued construction costs and retainage . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued interest payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued salaries, wages and other compensation . . . . . . .

November 30,
2014

November 30,
2013

$1,910
670
371
312
242

$3,505

$ 813
528
505
322
311

$2,479

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Increases of $285, $480 and $1,221 in fiscal 2014,  fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012,  respectively, in the

fair value of Griffin’s Investment in Centaur  Media reflect the  mark  to  market  adjustment  of this
investment and did not affect Griffin’s  cash.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to additions to real estate assets  increased  by

$1,097 in fiscal 2014 and decreased by $129  in fiscal 2013.

69

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

13. Supplemental Financial Statement  Information  (Continued)

In fiscal  2014 and fiscal 2013, Griffin  did not receive any shares of its common stock either  as

consideration for the exercise of employee stock  options  or for payment of  required income tax
withholdings. In fiscal 2012, Griffin received,  as consideration for the exercise of  employee stock
options, 1,355 shares of its common stock, but  did not receive any shares of its common stock from
employees in payment for required income tax withholdings. The common stock received is  included in
Treasury Stock on Griffin’s consolidated  balance sheets as of November 30, 2014 and November 30,
2013.

Griffin received income tax refunds of $61 and $56 in fiscal 2014 and  fiscal  2013, respectively.
Griffin did not receive an income tax refund in  fiscal  2012. Interest  payments in  fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013
and fiscal 2012 were $3,860, $3,664 and  $3,560, respectively, including capitalized interest of $580, $71
and $596 in fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and  fiscal  2012,  respectively.

14. Quarterly Results of Operations  (Unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial data are presented  below:

2014 Quarters

Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . .
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Per share results:
Basic:
(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . .
Basic net (loss) income per common share . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted:
(Loss) income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted net (loss) income per common  share . . . . . . . . .

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Total

$ 5,059
(1,241)
(1,098)
(272)
(1,370)

$5,341
190
(225)
390
165

$6,099
716
(198)
26
(172)

$7,720
2,144
273
—
273

$24,219
1,809
(1,248)
144
(1,104)

(0.21)
(0.06)
(0.27)

(0.21)
(0.06)
(0.27)

(0.04)
0.07
0.03

(0.04)
0.07
0.03

(0.04)
0.01
(0.03)

(0.04)
0.01
(0.03)

0.05
—
0.05

0.05
—
0.05

(0.24)
0.03
(0.21)

(0.24)
0.03
(0.21)

70

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

14. Quarterly Results of Operations  (Unaudited)  (Continued)

2013 Quarters

Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . .
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Per share results:
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . .
Basic net (loss) income per common share . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operation . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted net (loss) income per common  share . . . . . . . . .

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Total

$5,625
(380)
1,684
(374)
1,310

$6,388
581
(394)
282
(112)

$5,504
269
(490)
(439)
(929)

$ 8,009
1,966
1,110
(7,200)
(6,090)

$25,526
2,436
1,910
(7,731)
(5,821)

0.33
(0.08)
0.25

0.33
(0.08)
0.25

(0.08)
0.06
(0.02)

(0.08)
0.06
(0.02)

(0.10)
(0.08)
(0.18)

(0.10)
(0.08)
(0.18)

0.22
(1.40)
(1.18)

0.22
(1.40)
(1.18)

0.37
(1.50)
(1.13)

0.37
(1.50)
(1.13)

Property sales revenue in Griffin’s 2014 fourth quarter consolidated statement of operations

includes $1,831 for the amount of revenue recognized on the Windsor Land  Sale.

In the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter, based  on the  terms of the  Imperial Sale, Griffin recorded  an
inventory charge of $10,400 which is reflected in the loss from discontinued operation.  Also, property
sales revenue in Griffin’s fiscal 2013 fourth quarter consolidated statement of operations reflects  $2,668
from the Windsor Land Sale.

The sum of the four quarters earnings per share  data  may not equal the annual earnings  per  share

data due to the requirement that each period be calculated separately.

15. Commitments and Contingencies

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin had committed purchase obligations of  approximately  $6,492,

principally for the construction of Griffin  Land’s approximately 280,000  square foot industrial  building
in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania and  the development of other  Griffin  properties.

In the fiscal 2014 third quarter, Griffin  entered into an agreement  to  sell  approximately 29  acres of
an approximately 45 acre land parcel  of the undeveloped  land  in Griffin Center for  a purchase price of
a minimum of $3,250, subject to adjustment based  on the  actual number of acres conveyed. Completion
of this transaction is subject to significant contingencies,  including  due diligence  by  the purchaser which
does not expire until fiscal 2016, and  there is no guarantee that this transaction will be completed
under the current terms, or at all.

Griffin is involved, as a defendant, in  various  litigation matters  arising in the ordinary course of

business. In the opinion of management, based on the advice of  legal counsel, the  ultimate liability, if
any, with respect to these matters is not  expected to be material, individually or in the  aggregate, to
Griffin’s consolidated financial position, results of  operations or cash  flows.

71

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  (Continued)

(dollars in thousands unless otherwise  noted, except  per share data)

16. Subsequent Events

In accordance with FASB ASC 855, ‘‘Subsequent  Events,’’ Griffin has evaluated all events or
transactions occurring after November 30,  2014, the balance  sheet date, and noted that there have been
no such events or transactions which  would require recognition or  disclosure  in the consolidated
financial statements as of and for the year ended  November 30, 2014, other than the disclosures herein.

On December 31, 2014, two subsidiaries of Griffin closed on the  refinancing of a nonrecourse
mortgage loan with First Niagara Bank that  was originally due  September 1, 2023. The  new mortgage is
for $21,600, has a ten-year term, and  is  collateralized by a  228,000 square foot industrial building in
Lower Nazareth, Pennsylvania along with an adjacent  303,000  square foot  industrial building (see
Note 8).

72

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.

We  have audited the consolidated financial  statements  of  Griffin Land & Nurseries,  Inc. and
subsidiaries (the ‘‘Company’’) as of November  30, 2014  and 2013 and  for each of  the three fiscal years
in the period ended November 30, 2014 listed in  the index  appearing  under Item  15(a)(1). Our audits
also included the financial statement schedules of Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.  listed in
Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial  statement schedules are  the responsibility of the
Company’s management. Our responsibility  is to express  an opinion on these financial statements and
schedules 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  Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of
November 30, 2014 and 2013, and the  results of their  operations and  their cash flows for  each of the
three fiscal years in the period ended November  30, 2014, in  conformity with U.S.  generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered
in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as  a whole, present fairly  in all material
respects the information set forth therein.

We  have also audited, in accordance  with the standards of  the Public Company Accounting

Oversight Board (United States), Griffin  Land & Nurseries, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal  control over
financial reporting as of November 30,  2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the Treadway
Commission in 1992, and our report dated February  13, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion  on the
effectiveness of Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.’s internal control over financial  reporting.

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February 13, 2015

73

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING  AND

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Changes  in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: There have been no changes in Griffin
Land & Nurseries, Inc.’s (‘‘Griffin’’ or the  ‘‘Company’’) internal control  over financial reporting that
occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal  quarter ended November 30, 2014 that have
materially affected, or are reasonably  likely to materially  affect,  the  Company’s internal control over
financial reporting.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures
designed to ensure that the information  the Company  must disclose  in its filings  with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the SEC’s rules and  forms, and such information  is accumulated and communicated
to management, as appropriate to allow timely decisions  regarding required disclosure.  The  Company’s
principal executive officer and principal financial officer have reviewed and evaluated, with  the
participation of the Company’s management, the  Company’s disclosure controls  and procedures as
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)  under the Securities  Exchange Act  of  1934, as amended (the
‘‘Exchange Act’’) as of the end of the  period covered by this Annual Report (the  ‘‘Evaluation Date’’).
Based on such evaluation, such officers have  concluded that, as  of  the Evaluation  Date, the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial  Reporting: Management of the Company

is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control  over financial reporting, as
such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule  13a-15(f).  Management  of  the Company,  including its chief
executive officer and chief financial officer, has assessed the  effectiveness  of  its  internal control over
financial reporting as of November 30,  2014, based on the criteria established  in ‘‘Internal Control—
Integrated Framework’’ issued by the  Committee of Sponsoring  Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (‘‘COSO’’) in 1992. Based on its assessment  and those criteria, management of  the
Company has concluded that, as of November 30, 2014,  the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting was effective.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, McGladrey LLP, has audited  the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of November 30, 2014, as
stated in their attestation report appearing below.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over  financial  reporting may not prevent or

detect misstatements. Also, projections  of any evaluation  of  the effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that the controls may  become inadequate because of changes in  conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may  deteriorate.

74

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.

We  have audited Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.’s (the ‘‘Company’’) internal control over financial

reporting as of November 30, 2014, based  on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring  Organizations of the Treadway Commission in  1992.
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over  financial
reporting and for its assessment of the  effectiveness  of  internal control  over financial reporting included
in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial  Reporting appearing
under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an  opinion on  the Company’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, assessing the risk that a  material weakness exists, and testing and  evaluating  the
design and operating effectiveness of internal  control  based on the assessed risk. Our  audit also
included performing such other procedures as we considered  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  generally accepted accounting  principles. A company’s internal
control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,  accurately and fairly reflect the  transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company;  (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded  as necessary to permit preparation of  financial statements in  accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts  and  expenditures of the company are being made  only
in accordance with authorizations of management  and  directors of the company; and (c) 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, Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. maintained, in  all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as  of November 30, 2014, based on criteria established in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring  Organizations of the
Treadway Commission in 1992.

We  have also audited, in accordance  with the standards of  the Public Company Accounting

Oversight Board (United States), the  consolidated financial statements of Griffin Land &
Nurseries, Inc. as of November 30, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the three fiscal years in the period
ended November 30, 2014 listed in the  index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) and our  report dated
February 13, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion.

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75

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The following table sets forth the information called for in this Item 10:

Name

Age

Position

Frederick M. Danziger . . . . . .
Winston J. Churchill, Jr.
. . . .
David M. Danziger . . . . . . . .
Thomas C. Israel . . . . . . . . . .
John J. Kirby, Jr.
. . . . . . . . .
Jonathan P. May . . . . . . . . . .
Albert H. Small, Jr. . . . . . . . .
Michael  S. Gamzon . . . . . . . .
Scott  Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anthony J. Galici . . . . . . . . . .
Thomas M. Lescalleet . . . . . .

74 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
74 Director
48 Director
70 Director
75 Director
48 Director
58 Director
45
48 Vice President of Construction, Griffin Land, LLC
57 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  and Secretary
52

Senior Vice President, Griffin Land, LLC

President and Chief Operating Officer

Griffin’s directors are each elected for  a term of one  year.

Frederick M. Danziger has been the Chairman of the Board  of Directors  and  Chief Executive
Officer since May 2012. Mr. Danziger  was a Director and the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Griffin from April 1997 to May 2012, and was a Director  of  Culbro Corporation from 1975 until 1997.
He was  previously involved in the real estate  operations of Griffin in the  early 1980s. Mr. Danziger was
Of Counsel to the law firm of Latham  & Watkins LLP from 1995 until 1997. From 1974 until 1995,
Mr. Danziger was a Member of the law  firm  of Mudge Rose  Guthrie Alexander & Ferdon.
Mr. Danziger also is a Director of Monro Muffler Brake,  Inc. and Bloomingdale Properties, Inc.
Mr. Danziger is the father of David M.  Danziger,  the father-in-law of Michael S. Gamzon and the
brother-in-law of John J. Kirby, Jr. We believe that Mr.  Danziger’s  background as a lawyer and his
extensive experience and knowledge with respect  to  real estate and real  estate financing  provides a
unique  perspective to the Board.

Winston J. Churchill, Jr. has  been a Director of Griffin since April 1997. Mr. Churchill, Jr. is also a

Director of Amkor Technology, Inc.,  Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc.,  and Recro Pharma, Inc.
He is managing general partner of SCP  Partners,  which manages venture capital and private  equity
investments for institutional investors, and is Chairman  of CIP Capital Management, Inc.
Mr. Churchill, Jr. is the brother-in-law  of Albert H. Small, Jr. Mr. Churchill, Jr. has significant
experience as a member of Griffin’s Board  of  Directors, has  many  years  of general business experience
and  expertise as a managing general  partner and  board member  of publicly held  companies.

David M. Danziger has  been a Director of Griffin since May 2006. He  was  an  Executive Vice
President of General Cigar Holdings, Inc.  from  January 1999 through April 2005. Mr. Danziger is a
managing member of Culbro LLC. Mr. Danziger is the son of Frederick M. Danziger and the
brother-in-law of Michael S. Gamzon. Mr.  Danziger  has many years of general  business  experience  and
expertise as an executive of a publicly held company.

Thomas C. Israel has  been a Director of Griffin since July 2000. Mr. Israel was a Director of

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. from 2003 through 2005. Mr. Israel  was a Director  of Culbro
Corporation from 1989 until 1997 and a Director of  General  Cigar Holdings, Inc.  from December  1996
until  May 2000. Mr. Israel is  Chairman of A.C. Israel  Enterprises,  Inc.,  an investment company.

76

Mr. Israel has significant experience  as  a member of Griffin’s Board  of Directors, many  years  of
general business experience, finance experience, and expertise  as an executive and board  member of
publicly held companies.

John J. Kirby, Jr. has  been a Director since November  2012. Mr. Kirby, Jr. retired in 2007 as a
partner of Latham & Watkins LLP and was head  of  litigation of that firm’s New York office  from 1996
to 2004. Mr. Kirby, Jr. is the brother-in-law of  Mr. Frederick M.  Danziger. We believe that
Mr. Kirby, Jr.’s background as a lawyer  and  his general business experience and  knowledge provides an
additional perspective to the Board.

Jonathan P. May has been a Director since September 2012. Mr.  May has  been the Chief Operating
Officer and Chief Financial Officer and a  Director  of The CarbonNeutral Company,  a private  company
that is a leading provider of carbon reduction programs for corporations since 2008. Mr. May was the
founder and managing Director of Catalytic  Capital, LLC  from 2004  to  2008. Mr. May  has significant
general business experience, finance experience, and expertise  as an executive.

Albert H. Small, Jr. has been a Director of Griffin since January 2009. Mr.  Small, Jr.  was President
of Renaissance Housing Corporation, a private company involved  in residential real estate development
from 1984 through March 2005, and  President of  WCI Communities Mid-Atlantic  Division from March
2005 through March 2008. From March  2008  through the present, Mr. Small, Jr.  has been active in the
development and management of several commercial and office developments in Washington D.C.
Mr. Small, Jr. is the brother-in-law of  Winston J. Churchill, Jr. Mr.  Small, Jr. has  significant experience
in real estate development and management which  we believe gives him unique insights into Griffin’s
challenges, opportunities and operations.

Michael  S. Gamzon has  been the President and Chief Operating Officer  since May 2012.
Mr. Gamzon was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating  Officer of Griffin from September
2010 to May 2012 and was a Vice President of  Griffin from January 2008 through  August 2010.
Mr. Gamzon was an investment analyst  with Alson Capital Partners, LLC from April 2005 until
January 2008 and an investment analyst  with Cobalt Capital Management, LLC from March 2002 until
March 2005. Mr. Gamzon is the son-in-law of Frederick M. Danziger and the  brother-in-law  of  David
M. Danziger.

Scott Bosco has been the Vice President  of Construction of  Griffin Land, LLC, a subsidiary of

Griffin since July 2005.

Anthony  J. Galici has  been the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Griffin

since April 1997.

Thomas M. Lescalleet has  been the Senior Vice President of  Griffin Land,  LLC, a subsidiary  of

Griffin since March 2002.

Code of Ethics

Griffin has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of  its  directors, officers  and employees. In
the event that Griffin grants any waiver of a provision of the code of ethics to its directors or executive
officers, Griffin will disclose the waiver  and the reasons  it was granted. A copy of Griffin’s Code of
Ethics is available without charge upon written request to: Griffin  Land  &  Nurseries, Inc.,  One
Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2301, New York, New York,  10020, Attention: Corporate  Secretary.

Audit Committee

Griffin’s Audit Committee consists of Thomas C. Israel, Jonathan P.  May  and Albert H. Small, Jr.,

with Mr. Israel serving as Chairman. The Audit Committee meets the NASDAQ composition
requirements, including the requirements regarding financial  literacy and independence.  The  Board has
determined that each member of the Audit Committee  is independent under the listing standards of

77

NASDAQ and the rules of the SEC,  regarding audit committee membership. In addition, Mr. Israel
qualifies as a financially sophisticated  Audit Committee member under the NASDAQ rules based on
his employment experience in finance.  None of  the members of the Audit Committee are  considered a
financial expert as  defined by Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Act  of
1934 (an ‘‘audit committee financial  expert’’). Griffin does not have an audit  committee financial expert
because it believes the members of its Audit  Committee have  sufficient financial expertise and
experience to provide effective oversight  of Griffin’s  accounting and  financial reporting processes  and
the audits of Griffin’s financial statements in accordance with  generally  accepted accounting  principles
and NASDAQ rules. In addition, since  January 31, 2012, the Audit Committee has engaged directly a
former audit partner, who is a certified public  accountant with extensive experience in auditing the
financial statements of public and private companies,  that had  previously served  as an advisor  to  the
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee believes that  this engagement provides  it with additional
expertise comparable to what would be provided  by  an audit  committee financial expert. The Audit
Committee approves all auditing and  non-auditing services, reviews  audit reports  and the  scope of audit
by Griffin’s independent registered public  accountants and related  matters pertaining  to  the preparation
and examination of Griffin’s financial  statements. From time to time, the Audit Committee makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors with  respect to the foregoing matters.  The Audit
Committee held 4 meetings in fiscal  2014.

Board of Directors’ Role in Oversight  of  Risk

Management is responsible for Griffin’s day-to-day  risk management activities, and the Board’s
role is to engage in informed risk oversight.  In fulfilling this oversight role, Griffin’s  Board of Directors
focuses on understanding the nature of Griffin’s enterprise risks, including operations  and strategic
direction, as well as the adequacy of  Griffin’s overall risk management  system. There are  a number  of
ways the Board performs this function,  including the  following:

(cid:129) at its regularly scheduled meetings,  the Board receives management updates on Griffin’s

business operations, financial results and strategy, and discusses risks related  to  its businesses;

(cid:129) the Audit Committee assists the Board in  its oversight of  risk management  by  discussing with
management, particularly the Chief Executive Officer,  Chief Operating Officer and  the Chief
Financial Officer, Griffin’s major risk exposures and the  steps management has taken to monitor
and control such exposures; and

(cid:129) through management updates and  committee  reports, the Board monitors Griffin’s risk
management activities, including the  risk  management process, risks  relating to Griffin’s
compensation programs, and financial  and operational risks  being managed  by  Griffin.

The Board does not believe that its role in  the oversight  of  Griffin’s risk affects  the Board’s

leadership structure.

Compensation Risk

The Compensation Committee reviews compensation policies and practices affecting  employees in
addition to those applicable to executive officers. The Compensation  Committee has determined that it
is not reasonably likely that Griffin’s compensation policies and practices for its employees  would have
a material adverse effect on Griffin.

Nominating Committee

Griffin’s Nominating Committee consists of Thomas C. Israel, Winston J. Churchill, Jr.  and Albert

H. Small, Jr., with Mr. Israel serving  as Chairman.  The three members  of  the Nominating Committee
are independent directors. The Nominating Committee reviews  candidates for appointment to the
Griffin Board of Directors. In searching  for qualified director  candidates, the  Board may solicit  current

78

directors and ask them to pursue their own business  contacts for  the names of potentially qualified
candidates. The Nominating Committee  may  consult  with outside advisors or  retain search firms to
assist in the search for qualified candidates. The Nominating  Committee will also  consider suggestions
from shareholders for nominees for election  as directors. The Nominating  Committee does not have a
policy on the consideration of board nominees recommended by  stockholders. The Board  believes such
a policy is unnecessary, as the Nominating Committee will  consider a nominee based on his  or her
qualifications, regardless of whether the  nominee is recommended by stockholders. Any stockholder
who wishes to recommend a candidate  to  the Nominating  Committee for consideration  as a director
nominee should submit the recommendation in writing to the Secretary of the Company  sufficiently in
advance  of the Company’s annual meeting  to  permit  the Nominating Committee to complete  its review
in a timely fashion. The Nominating Committee’s charter was approved by the Board of Directors on
March 11, 2014. The Nominating Committee did  not  meet in fiscal  2014.

Board Diversity; Selection and Evaluation  of Director  Candidates

The Board does not have a formal policy  with respect to Board nominee diversity. There are no
specific  minimum qualifications that the Nominating Committee believes must be met for a person to
serve on the Board. When identifying nominees for director,  the Nominating Committee focuses on
relevant subject matter expertise, depth  of knowledge  in key areas  that are important to Griffin, and
the background, perspective and experience of the nominee.  The  Nominating Committee is  charged
with building and maintaining a board  that has an ideal  mix of  talent and experience to achieve
Griffin’s business objectives in the current environment.

Board Leadership Structure

Prior to the death  of Mr. Edgar Cullman, Griffin’s Chairman of  the  Board, in  August 2011, the

Board had been led by a Non-Executive Chairman since  1997. Separate individuals  held the positions
of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and  the Chairman of the Board was not an
employee. In  May 2012, the Board appointed Mr.  Frederick  M. Danziger Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer. In making that appointment, the Board concluded that Griffin and  its
stockholders were best served by having Mr. Danziger  serve as  Chairman of  the Board and Chief
Executive Officer, a position he has held since 1997.  Mr.  Danziger’s combined  role as  Chairman of  the
Board and Chief Executive Officer promotes unified leadership and a single, clear focus and direction
for management to execute Griffin’s  strategy  and business plans. The Board does not have a  lead
independent director.

Communication with the Board of Directors or Nominating Committee

Stockholders who wish to communicate with the Board of Directors or the Nominating Committee
should address their communications to Thomas  C. Israel,  Chairman of the Nominating Committee, via
first class mail, at Griffin Land & Nurseries,  Inc., One Rockefeller Plaza,  Suite 2301, New York,  New
York, 10020. Such communication will  be  distributed  to  the specific director(s) requested by the
stockholders, or if generally to the Board of Directors,  to  other members of the  Board of Directors  as
may be appropriate depending on the  material  outlined in  the stockholder  communication.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act requires  Griffin’s  officers and directors, and  persons

who own more than ten percent of its  Common Stock, to file reports of ownership and  changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such persons are required  by  regulation to
furnish Griffin with copies of all Section 16(a) forms  they file.  Based on its involvement  in the
preparation of certain such forms, and a  review of copies of other such forms  received  by  it, Griffin
believes that with respect to fiscal 2014,  all  such Section  16(a) filing requirements were  satisfied.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis  describes  the material elements  of compensation
awarded to, earned by, or paid to each of  Griffin’s named executive officers (the ‘‘Named Executive
Officers’’) during the last completed fiscal  year. The Named Executive Officers  for the  fiscal year
ended November 30, 2014 are as follows:

Frederick M. Danziger . . . Chairman  of the Board  and Chief Executive Officer

(‘‘CEO’’) of Griffin
Michael S. Gamzon . . . . . President and Chief Operating Officer (‘‘COO’’) of

Griffin

Anthony J. Galici . . . . . . . Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  and Secretary

Thomas M. Lescalleet . . . .
Scott Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President of Construction, Griffin Land, LLC

of Griffin
Senior Vice President of Griffin Land, LLC

Compensation Philosophy and Overview

Griffin’s compensation programs are designed  to  attract, motivate and retain  the management

talent that Griffin believes is necessary to achieve its financial and  strategic goals.  Griffin’s
Compensation Committee strives to pay  for performance by rewarding  each  of its  Named  Executive
Officers for team results and their individual contributions to Griffin’s  success. In this way,  Griffin
believes that the interests of its executives align with the  interests of its stockholders.

Design and Implementation

With these objectives in mind, Griffin’s Compensation  Committee has  built an executive

compensation program that consists of three principal elements:

1. Base Salary

2. Annual Incentive Compensation Programs

3. Long-Term Incentive Program

Griffin also contributes to a 401(k) savings plan  and  deferred compensation plan on behalf  of its

Named Executive Officers. These contributions, however, comprise a  relatively  minor portion of
Griffin’s Named Executive Officers’ compensation packages.

Base Salary

Griffin pays base salaries to its Named Executive Officers in order to provide a  consistent,

minimum level of pay that sustained individual performance  warrants. Griffin  also believes  that  a
competitive annual base salary is important to attract  and  retain an appropriate caliber  of  talent for
each  position over time.

The annual base salaries of Griffin’s Named Executive  Officers  are  determined  by  its  Chairman
and CEO (except with regard to his salary) and approved annually by  the Compensation Committee.
The annual base salary of Griffin’s Chairman and CEO is determined by  the Compensation
Committee. All salary decisions are based on  each Named Executive Officer’s level of responsibility,
experience and recent and past performance, as determined by  the Chairman  and CEO and the
Compensation Committee, as applicable. Griffin does  not  benchmark its base  salaries in any way,  nor
does Griffin employ the services of a compensation consultant.

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Annual Incentive Compensation Programs

Griffin’s annual incentive programs are  designed to recognize short-term performance  against

established annual  performance goals  for the real estate business, as  explained below.  These
performance goals are developed by the Chairman and CEO and  the President and COO and  approved
or modified, as necessary, by the Compensation Committee.  Additionally, the  Compensation
Committee retains the discretion to adjust  any awards made to Griffin’s executives,  including making
awards in the absence of the attainment of  any of the  performance goals under  Griffin’s  annual
incentive compensation plans. Any such  adjustment may only be to the benefit  of the participants. The
Compensation Committee did not make discretionary increases  to  the incentive  compensation  pools
under the Griffin Land Incentive Compensation Plan or the  Corporate  Incentive Compensation Plan
for fiscal 2014. Griffin makes annual  incentive  payments, if any, in  the year  following the  year  in which
they are earned.

Griffin Land

Under the Griffin Land Incentive Compensation Plan for Fiscal  Year 2014 (the  ‘‘Griffin  Land
Incentive Plan’’), incentive compensation was  awarded based on  certain defined components, including:

(i) profit from property sales in Connecticut and Massachusetts (10% of  the pretax  profit on

property sales, as defined in the Griffin Land Incentive Plan,  with a maximum of an aggregate
$150,000 of incentive compensation that could have  been accrued  under this component);

(ii) value generated from build-to-suit buildings in Connecticut  and  Massachusetts completed in
fiscal 2014 (10% of the incremental value  created,  as defined in the  Griffin Land Incentive
Plan, with a maximum of an aggregate $200,000 of incentive  compensation that could have
been accrued under this component);

(iii) value generated from the leasing of buildings built  on speculation in Connecticut or

Massachusetts (10% of the incremental value generated, as defined in the Griffin Land
Incentive Plan, with a maximum of an  aggregate $200,000  of  incentive compensation that
could have been accrued under this component);

(iv) leasing of vacant space in Connecticut (with  a  maximum  of an aggregate  $195,000 of incentive

compensation that could have been accrued under  this  component);

(v) the renewal of leases expiring in  Connecticut  in fiscal 2014 (with a maximum of an  aggregate
$75,000 of incentive compensation that could have  been accrued  under this component);

(vi) value generated from build-to-suit buildings  in Pennsylvania completed in fiscal 2014  (10%  of
the incremental value created, as  defined in  the Griffin Land Incentive  Plan, with  a maximum
of an  aggregate $200,000 of incentive  compensation  that  could  have been  accrued under this
component);

(vii) value generated from the leasing of buildings built on  speculation in Pennsylvania (10% of the

incremental value generated, as defined in the  Griffin Land Incentive Plan, with  a maximum
of an  aggregate $200,000 of incentive  compensation  that  could  have been  accrued under this
component); and

(viii) leasing of vacant industrial space  in Pennsylvania (with a maximum of  an aggregate $40,000 of

incentive compensation that could have been accrued  under this component).

Any amounts of incentive compensation earned under components (iv) and (v) are  subject to

adjustment based on the dollar amount  of  funds from operations, as  defined in  the Griffin Land
Incentive Plan, achieved by Griffin Land. Any amounts of incentive compensation earned  under
components (vi), (vii) and (viii), as defined  in the Griffin  Land Incentive Plan, resulted in 50% of such

81

amount being added to the incentive compensation pool applicable to Griffin Land employees with the
remaining 50% of incentive compensation earned to be distributed  at the discretion of  the
Compensation Committee.

These objectives are designed to reward  management for increasing the operating cash  flow of  the
real estate business. Amounts earned  under each  objective  are accrued  into an  incentive compensation
pool up to a maximum incentive compensation amount, which  in fiscal 2014  was  $1,040,000 [($820,000
related to components (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)  and  (v) and $220,000 (50% of the  maximum of $440,000)
related to components (vi), (vii) and  (viii))]  for Griffin Land employees  and $220,000  [(50%  of  the
maximum of $440,000 related to components (vi),  (vii) and (viii))]  to  be  distributed at the  discretion of
the Compensation Committee if all targets were achieved at their maximum amounts. The incentive
compensation pool is divided among executives and employees of  Griffin Land. The  amounts  earned by
Griffin Land employees under the Griffin Land  Incentive  Plan  may  be  increased at the  discretion of
the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee did not exercise its discretion to alter the
amounts earned under each incentive  plan component based on the  formulas  set forth in the  Griffin
Land Incentive Plan.

Over the past three years, achievement of  the components of the Griffin  Land Incentive Plan has

been as follows:

Incentive Plan Component

Fiscal
2014

Fiscal
2013

Fiscal
2012

Achieved
Profit from property sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Value generated from buildings built  on speculation . . Not Achieved
Not Achieved
Value generated from build-to-suit projects . . . . . . . . . Not Achieved Not Achieved Not Achieved
Leasing of currently vacant space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Renewal of expiring leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Not Achieved

Achieved
Achieved

Achieved
Achieved

Achieved
Achieved

Achieved

Achieved

The achievement of profit from property sales  and  leasing of currently vacant space  resulted in
$144,000 being accrued into the incentive compensation pool for the Griffin Land Incentive  Plan for
fiscal 2014. The Compensation Committee did  not  make  a discretionary increase to the  incentive
compensation pool in fiscal 2014. Per  the Griffin  Land  Incentive Plan  for  fiscal  2014, achievement  of
the leasing of industrial space in Pennsylvania  component  resulted in $20,000 being included  in the
total incentive compensation pool of $144,000  for Griffin  Land employees and an additional  $20,000 to
be awarded at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee, at its
discretion, authorized distribution of  this  amount as follows: $2,500 to Griffin Land’s  Senior Vice
President; $5,000 to Griffin Land’s Vice  President  of  Construction; and  $12,500 to Griffin’s President
and COO. In addition to the above, Griffin’s  CEO  and the  Compensation  Committee  also awarded
$5,000 to Griffin Land’s Vice President  of  Construction  from the unallocated portion of the  Griffin
Land incentive compensation pool for  his  performance related to additional  construction activities in
both Connecticut and Pennsylvania in fiscal 2014. No  other Named Executive Officers received a
discretionary allocation from the Compensation Committee.

Corporate

The 2014 Corporate Incentive Compensation  Plan  (the  ‘‘Corporate  Incentive  Plan’’) was designed

to reward corporate employees, including  Griffin’s Chairman and CEO, President and COO and  the
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  and Secretary,  based on  the results  of  Griffin’s real estate
business, consistent with Griffin’s goal to award  for performance through  team results. Under  the
Corporate Incentive Plan, corporate employees may earn  incentive  compensation based on the
following two criteria: (a) property sales taken into account  under the  Griffin  Land Incentive Plan and
(b) Griffin’s funds from operation (‘‘FFO’’) as calculated under  the Corporate Incentive Plan. The
incentive compensation pool under the  Corporate  Incentive  Plan consists  of (i) an amount equal  to

82

50% of the incentive compensation for  property sales accrued into  the Griffin Land Incentive Plan; and
(ii) if Griffin’s FFO is greater than certain thresholds of FFO, an  amount  equal to a percentage  of
FFO achieved. For 2014, a total of $89,561, consisting of $25,281, the amount equal  to  50% of the
amount of the Griffin Land incentive compensation pool for property sales, and $64,280, the  amount
equal to a percentage of FFO in excess of specified  thresholds (as reflected  in the Corporate Incentive
Plan), was accrued into the Corporate incentive compensation  pool,  of which  the Chairman  and CEO,
President and COO and the Vice President, Chief  Financial  Officer and Secretary were beneficiaries.
The Chairman and CEO and the President  and COO were each allocated $26,868 (30%) of  the
Corporate incentive compensation pool.  As stated above, the President  and COO also received  $12,500
of the $20,000 attributable to the achievement  of  the leasing of industrial space in  Pennsylvania
component of the Griffin Land Incentive  Plan, awarded by the  Compensation  Committee.  The  Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and  Secretary was  allocated $13,434 (15%) of  the Corporate
incentive compensation pool.

Other Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition, on March 11, 2014, the Compensation  Committee, at its discretion, awarded the Vice

President, Chief Financial Officer and  Secretary a bonus of $15,000  related to the  completion  of the
disposition of the landscape nursery growing operations of Imperial Nurseries,  Inc.

Long-Term Incentive Program—Equity  Awards

Griffin believes that equity ownership in Griffin  is important to provide its Named Executive
Officers with long-term incentives to  build value  for Griffin’s stockholders. In addition, the equity
program is designed to attract and retain the  executive  management team.  The Griffin equity program
consists entirely of stock option awards. Stock options  have value only if the stock price  increases over
time and, therefore, provide executives with an incentive  to build Griffin’s value. This characteristic
ensures that the Named Executive Officers may have a meaningful portion of their compensation tied
to future stock price increases. If Griffin’s  stock price  increases, stock options have  the potential to
provide high returns to its executives,  thus helping Griffin  to  attract and retain  management. However,
the realizable value of the stock options  can fall to zero if the stock  price is lower than the  exercise
price established on the date of grant.

Stock option awards to Named Executive Officers are entirely discretionary. The Chairman and

CEO recommends whether and how many stock  options should  be  awarded to the other Named
Executive Officers or others, and the Compensation Committee approves or, if necessary, modifies his
recommendations. The Compensation  Committee  solely determines whether and  how many stock
options should be awarded to the Chairman and CEO. In making  stock  option award determinations,
the Chairman and CEO and the Compensation  Committee consider the prior contribution of
participants and their expected future  contributions to the  growth of  Griffin.  In fiscal  2014, no  stock
options were awarded to the Named Executive Officers and  no  stock  options  were issued  to  other
employees.

The Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. 2009  Stock Option  Plan  (the  ‘‘2009 Stock Option Plan’’) makes

available options to purchase 386,926 shares  of  Griffin common stock, which includes options to
purchase the 161,926 shares that were available for issuance under Griffin’s prior stock option plan.
The Compensation Committee of Griffin’s Board of Directors administers  the 2009 Stock Option Plan.
Options granted under the 2009 Stock Option Plan may be either incentive stock options or
non-qualified stock options issued at  fair market value of a  share of common  stock on the  date the
award is approved by Griffin’s Compensation Committee. Vesting  of  all of Griffin’s previously issued
stock options is solely based upon service requirements  and does  not contain market or performance
conditions.

83

In accordance with the 2009 Stock Option Plan, stock options granted  to  non-employee directors
upon their initial election to the board of  directors are  fully exercisable  immediately upon the date  of
the option grant. Stock options granted to non-employee directors  upon  their re-election  to  the board
of directors vest on the second anniversary from the date of grant.  Stock options granted to employees
vest in equal installments on the third, fourth and fifth  anniversaries from the  date of grant.  Stock
options granted to employees and non-employee  directors have  a maximum term of ten years from the
date  of  grant.

Of the 386,926 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the  2009 Stock  Option Plan,
as of  November 30, 2014, 112,713 shares  were subject to outstanding options granted under the 2009
Stock Option Plan. In addition, as of November  30, 2014, 274,213 shares were available for  future
awards under the 2009 Stock Option  Plan  (which includes  certain shares that  again became available
following the forfeiture of outstanding options). For more information on stock options, see the
Summary Compensation Table, Grants  of Plan-Based Awards Table, Outstanding Equity Awards Table
and their footnotes.

Perquisites and Other Benefits

Griffin’s Named Executive Officers are eligible for the same health and welfare  programs  and
benefits as the rest of its employees in their  respective locations. In  addition, Griffin’s  Vice  President,
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary  receives  an automobile allowance of $8,000 per year.

Griffin’s Named Executive Officers are entitled to participate in and receive employer
contributions to Griffin’s 401(k) Savings Plan. In addition, Griffin has  established a non-qualified
Deferred Compensation Plan (the ‘‘Deferred  Compensation Plan’’) that allows eligible participants,
including the Named Executive Officers,  to defer portions of  their annual base salary,  as well as  receive
employer matching contributions with respect to deferrals that would  exceed IRS  limits under  the
Griffin 401(k) Savings Plan. For more  information on  employer contributions  to  the Griffin 401(k)
Savings Plan and the Deferred Compensation  Plan,  see the Summary Compensation Table and its
footnotes.

Analysis

Base Salary

The following table presents the base  salaries for  Griffin’s Named  Executive Officers in  2014 and

the percentage increase over their 2013 base salaries.

Mr.  Danziger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Gamzon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Galici
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Lescalleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$540,000
$345,000
$284,500
$248,960
$142,851

2%
2%
2%
2%
2%

Annual Salary % Increase

Annual Incentive Compensation Program

The following table presents the total annual  incentive  payments made to the  Named Executive

Officers for fiscal 2014, the amount of  annual incentive  compensation awarded under Griffin’s

84

respective annual incentive compensation  plans, and the amount of any discretionary bonus the
Compensation Committee awarded to  the Named  Executive Officers.

Incentive Plan
Payments

Discretionary
Bonus Payments

Total Annual
Incentive Payments

Mr.  Danziger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Gamzon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Galici . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Lescalleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mr.  Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$26,868
$39,368
$13,434
$45,700
$20,800

—
—
$15,000
—
—

$26,868
$39,368
$28,434
$45,700
$20,800

Griffin Land

Mr. Lescalleet was awarded $45,700 in annual incentive compensation for fiscal 2014  based on  the
formula under the Griffin Land Incentive Plan,  which included $2,500  of  the $20,000 attributable  to  the
achievement of the leasing of industrial space in  Pennsylvania component of the Griffin Land Incentive
Plan awarded by the Compensation Committee. Mr. Bosco was awarded $20,800 in annual incentive
compensation for fiscal 2014 based on the  formula under the Griffin Land Incentive Plan which
included $5,000 of the $20,000 attributable to the achievement  of the leasing of industrial space in
Pennsylvania component of the Griffin  Land Incentive Plan that  was  awarded  by  the Compensation
Committee, and $5,000 from the unallocated portion  of the  Griffin Land  incentive compensation pool,
awarded by Griffin’s Chairman and CEO  and the Compensation Committee.  In addition, Griffin’s
President and COO was awarded $12,500 of the $20,000 attributable to the achievement of the leasing
of industrial space in Pennsylvania component  of  the Griffin Land  Incentive  Plan awarded by the
Compensation Committee.

Corporate

The Chairman and CEO was awarded $26,868 in annual incentive  compensation for  2014 based on

the formula under the Corporate Incentive Plan. In addition to his  bonus under the Griffin Land
Incentive Plan, the President and COO was awarded $26,868 in annual incentive compensation for
fiscal 2014 based on the formula under  the Corporate Incentive Plan. The  Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary was awarded $13,434 attributable to non-discretionary incentive
compensation for fiscal 2014 based on the  formula under the Corporate Incentive Plan. The
Compensation Committee did not exercise its discretion  to alter the amounts earned  based on  the
formulas set forth in the Corporate Incentive  Plan. The  Chairman and CEO  and Vice President,  Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary received  no discretionary  allocation from  the Compensation
Committee.

Shareholder Say-on-Pay Votes

At Griffin’s 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, Griffin’s stockholders were given the  opportunity
to cast an advisory vote on Griffin’s  executive compensation. Approximately 99.9% of  the votes cast on
this  ‘‘2014 say-on-pay vote’’ were voted  in  favor of the proposal. Griffin  has considered  the 2014
say-on-pay vote and believes that the  support for the  2014 say-on-pay  vote proposal indicates that
Griffin’s stockholders casting votes are  supportive  of  the approach to executive compensation. Thus
Griffin did not make changes to its executive compensation arrangements in response to the  2014
say-on-pay vote. In the future, Griffin will  continue to consider the outcome of the say-on-pay votes
when making compensation decisions regarding its Named Executive Officers.

85

Accounting and Tax Considerations

Griffin does not believe it need now adopt any  policy  with respect  to  the  $1,000,000 deduction  cap

of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. While the Compensation  Committee will give  due
consideration to the deductibility of compensation  payments on compensation arrangements with
Griffin’s executive officers, the Compensation Committee  will make its compensation decisions  based
on an overall determination of what  it  believes  to  be  in the best interests  of Griffin and  its
shareholders, and deductibility will be only one among a number of factors used by the Compensation
Committee in making its compensation decisions.

Section 4999 and Section 280G of the  Internal Revenue Code provide that certain executives could

be subject to significant excise taxes if  they  receive payments  or benefits  that  exceed  certain  limits in
connection with a change in ownership or  change  in effective control of  Griffin  and that Griffin or  its
successors could lose an income tax deduction  with respect to the payments  subject to the excise tax.
Griffin has not entered into any agreements with  any executives  that provide for  a tax  ‘‘gross up’’  or
other reimbursement for taxes the executive  might be required  to  pay  pursuant to Section 4999  of the
Internal Revenue Code.

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code imposes significant additional  taxes and interest  on
underpayments of taxes in the event an  employee or other  service provider defers compensation  under
a plan or agreement that does not meet  the requirements of Section  409A of the  Internal  Revenue
Code. Griffin has generally structured  its programs and individual arrangements in a  manner intended
to be exempt from or comply with the  requirements of Section 409A of the Internal  Revenue Code.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management Griffin’s

Compensation Discussion and Analysis,  and  based upon  this review and discussion, has  recommended
to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis  be  included in this
Form 10-K and the Company’s Proxy  Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission.

Winston J. Churchill, Jr. (Chairman)
Thomas C. Israel
Albert H. Small, Jr.

86

Summary Compensation Table

The following table presents information regarding  compensation  of each of Griffin’s Named

Executive Officers for services rendered during  fiscal  years 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Name  and Principal Position

Year

Salary
($)

Bonus
($)

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan

Option
Awards Compensation (1) Compensation

All Other

($)

($)

($)

Total
($)

Frederick M. Danziger . . . . . . . . 2014 $539,269 $ — $ —
2013 $529,692 $ — $ —
2012 $520,000 $ — $ —

Chairman and  Chief
Executive Officer  of Griffin

Michael  S. Gamzon . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 $344,477 $ — $ —
2013 $337,685 $19,001 $ —
2012 $331,000 $ 7,260 $ —

President and Chief
Operating Officer of Griffin

Anthony J. Galici . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 $284,069 $15,000 $ —
2013 $278,477 $16,626 $ —
2012 $272,984 $ 7,260 $ —

Vice President,  Chief
Financial Officer  and  Secretary
of Griffin

Thomas M. Lescalleet . . . . . . . . . 2014 $248,584 $ — $ —
2013 $243,710 $47,503 $ —
2012 $238,931 $41,484 $ —

Senior Vice President,
Griffin Land,  LLC

Scott Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014 $142,636 $ — $ —
2013 $139,281 $11,876 $ —
2012 $129,854 $13,828 $ —

Vice President  of
Construction,  Griffin
Land, LLC

$26,868
$ —
$ —

$39,368
$35,799
$ 8,490

$13,434
$13,824
$ 8,490

$45,700
$41,997
$48,516

$20,800
$14,874
$16,172

$16,278 (2) $582,415
$545,615
$15,923
$535,858
$15,858

$10,503 (3) $394,348
$402,705
$10,220
$356,828
$10,078

$16,829 (4) $329,332
$325,545
$16,618
$305,288
$16,554

$10,998 (5) $305,282
$343,919
$10,709
$339,565
$10,634

$ 4,509 (6) $167,945
$170,323
$ 4,292
$163,933
$ 4,079

(1) Messrs. Danziger,  Gamzon  and  Galici  are beneficiaries of the Corporate Incentive Plan.  Messrs. Bosco

and Lescalleet are  beneficiaries of  the  Griffin Land  Incentive  Plan.

(2) Represents life  insurance premiums  of  $216, matching contributions  related to the Griffin  401(k)

Savings Plan of $4,430  and matching  contributions related  to  the  Deferred  Compensation  Plan
of $11,632.

(3) Represents life  insurance premiums  of  $216, matching contributions  related to the Griffin  401(k)

Savings Plan of $4,824  and matching  contributions related  to  the  Deferred  Compensation  Plan
of $5,463.

(4) Represents life  insurance premiums  of  $389, matching contributions  related to the Griffin  401(k)

Savings Plan of $4,374,  matching contributions  related  to  the Deferred Compensation Plan  of $4,066
and an automobile allowance of $8,000.

(5) Represents life  insurance premiums  of  $216, matching contributions  related to the Griffin  401(k)

Savings Plan of 4,972,  matching contributions  related  to  the Deferred Compensation Plan  of $2,510  and
a medical insurance allowance of $3,300.

(6) Represents life  insurance premiums  of  $216, matching contributions  related to the Griffin  401(k)

Savings Plan of $2,738  and matching  contributions related  to  the  Deferred  Compensation  Plan
of $1,555.

87

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table presents information regarding  the incentive awards granted to Griffin’s

Named Executive Officers for fiscal 2014.

Name

Frederick M. Danziger (1) . . .
Michael  S. Gamzon (2) . . . . .
Anthony J. Galici (1) . . . . . . .
Thomas M. Lescalleet (3) . . .
Scott  Bosco (3) . . . . . . . . . . .

Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards

Grant
 Date

Target
($)

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

$26,868
$39,368
$13,434
$45,700
$20,800

Maximum
($)

n/a
n/a
n/a
$312,000
$ 78,000

Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)

—
—
—
—
—

Exercise
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)

Closing
Market
Price on
Grant Date
($/sh)

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Grant Date
Fair
Value  of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

(1) There are no  threshold, target or  maximum levels under the Corporate Incentive Plan. The

amounts of payments to Messrs. Danziger and Galici under the Corporate Incentive Plan, if any,
depend  on the performance of Griffin’s real estate business during the fiscal year. The amounts
shown for Messrs. Danziger and Galici  in the Target  column reflect  the amounts payable  to  them
under the Corporate Incentive Plan based on  the performance  of  Griffin Land  in fiscal 2014.  The
Compensation Committee did not exercise its discretion to award Messrs. Danziger, Gamzon, or
Galici any additional incentive bonus for  fiscal 2014.

(2) There are no  threshold, target or  maximum levels under the Corporate Incentive Plan or  the

portion of the Griffin Land Incentive  Plan under  which Mr. Gamzon received a bonus. The
amount of payments to Mr. Gamzon under the Corporate Incentive Plan and the Griffin Land
Incentive Plan, if any, depend on the  performance of Griffin’s real  estate business during the fiscal
year. The amount shown for Mr. Gamzon in the  Target column reflects the amount payable to him
under the Corporate Incentive Plan and the  applicable  portion of the Griffin  Land  Incentive Plan.

(3) The Griffin Land Incentive Plan  has no threshold or target levels;  however, there is a maximum
amount payable to Messrs. Lescalleet and Bosco under  the Griffin Land Incentive Plan as shown
in the Maximum column. The amount  in the Target column for Mr. Lescalleet reflects the amount
payable of $45,700 based on Griffin Land’s  performance during  fiscal 2014 (including $2,500 of the
$20,000 of incentive compensation awarded by the Compensation  Committee related to the
achievement of the leasing of industrial space in Pennsylvania component of the Griffin Land
Incentive Plan for fiscal 2014). The amount in the  Target column for  Mr. Bosco reflects the
amount payable of $20,800 based on Griffin Land’s performance during fiscal 2014 (including
$5,000 of the $20,000 of incentive compensation awarded by the Compensation Committee related
to the achievement of the leasing of industrial space in  Pennsylvania  component of  the Griffin
Land Incentive Plan for fiscal 2014 and $5,000  from the unallocated  portion of the  incentive
compensation pool awarded by Griffin’s Chairman and CEO and the Compensation Committee).
Messrs. Lescalleet and Bosco’s maximum of $312,000 and $78,000, respectively, is calculated
assuming all goals of the Griffin Land Incentive Plan are  met at the maximum  level of each,  which
would result in an accrual of $1,040,000 into the incentive  compensation pool of the Griffin Land
Incentive Plan (excluding any amount  included in  the incentive compensation  pool and  distributed
in the discretion of the Compensation Committee). Messrs. Lescalleet and Bosco are entitled to
30% and 7.5%, respectively, of the incentive compensation pool of the  Griffin  Land Incentive Plan
(excluding any amount included in the incentive  compensation  pool and distributed  at the
discretion of the Compensation Committee). Messrs. Lescalleet and Bosco are not specifically
entitled to any portion of the incentive  compensation  pool that is distributed at the discretion of
the Compensation Committee and such amounts are  not included in the maximum  bonus amount.

88

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table presents information with  respect to each unexercised stock option held by
Griffin’s Named Executive Officers as  of November  30, 2014. There are no restricted stock awards.

Name

Frederick M. Danziger . . . . .

Michael  S. Gamzon . . . . . . .

Anthony J. Galici

. . . . . . . .

Thomas M. Lescalleet . . . . .

Scott  Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable

15,000
8,333

23,333

25,000
7,500
8,333

40,833

7,500
4,167

11,667

7,500
4,167

11,667

2,500
5,000
1,667

9,167

—
16,667

16,667

—
—
16,667

16,667

—
8,333

8,333

—
8,333

8,333

—
—
3,333

3,333

Option Awards (1)

Option
Exercise
Price
($)

$33.07
$28.77

Option
Expiration
Date

1/20/2019
1/19/2021

$34.04
$33.07
$28.77

1/9/2018
1/20/2019
1/19/2021

$33.07
$28.77

1/20/2019
1/19/2021

$33.07
$28.77

1/20/2019
1/19/2021

$30.95
$33.07
$28.77

7/17/2016
1/20/2019
1/19/2021

Value of
Unexercised
In-the-Money
Options at
Fiscal Year
End (2)
($)
Exercisable

Value of
Unexercised
In-the-Money
Options  at
Fiscal  Year
End (2)
($)
Unexercisable

$— (3)
$— (3)

$—

$— (3)
$— (3)
$— (3)

$—

$— (3)
$— (3)

$—

$— (3)
$— (3)

$—

$— (3)
$— (3)
$— (3)

$—

$—
$— (3)

$—

$—
$—
$— (3)

$—

$—
$— (3)

$—

$—
$— (3)

$—

$—
$—
$— (3)

$—

(1) Stock options issued to employees vest  in equal installments on the third, fourth  and fifth
anniversaries from the date of the grant (which is  ten years prior to the applicable  option
expiration date).

(2) The amounts presented in this column have  been calculated based upon the difference  between
the fair market value of $27.89 per share (the closing price of Griffin’s  common  stock on
November 28, 2014, the last business day of the fiscal  year) and  the exercise price of each stock
option.

(3) There is no amount stated because the exercise price of the stock options is greater than the fair

market value of $27.89 per share (the closing price of Griffin’s  common  stock  on November 28,
2014, the last business day of the fiscal year).

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

Griffin maintains a Deferred Compensation Plan for certain of  its employees  who, due to Internal
Revenue Service guidelines, cannot take  full advantage of the Griffin  401(k) Savings Plan. A  portion of
an eligible employee’s salary may be deferred.  The investment options in the  Deferred Compensation
Plan mirror those of the Griffin 401(k)  Savings Plan. The Deferred Compensation  Plan  is unfunded,

89

with benefits to be paid from Griffin’s general  assets. Performance results of an employee’s balance in
the Deferred Compensation Plan are  based on the returns of the mutual funds selected  by  the
employee as if the amounts deferred were  invested in  the selected mutual funds. Distributions from  the
Deferred Compensation Plan may occur  at termination of employment and/or at the time of qualifying
hardship events, as defined. The following table presents information  with respect  to  defined
contribution plans or other plans providing for deferral of  compensation  on a non-tax qualified basis
for Griffin’s Named Executive Officers  as  of  November 30,  2014.

Name

Executive
Contributions
for FYE
Nov. 30, 2014

Griffin
Contributions
for FYE
Nov. 30,  2014 (1)

Aggregate
Earnings in
FYE
Nov. 30, 2014

Aggregate
Balance as of
FYE
Nov. 30, 2014

Frederick M. Danziger . . . .
Michael S. Gamzon . . . . . . .
Anthony J. Galici
. . . . . . . .
Thomas M. Lescalleet . . . . .
Scott Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . .

$42,240
$22,963
$42,102
$ 2,015
$ 6,638

$11,632
$ 5,463
$ 4,066
$ 2,510
$ 1,555

$92,062
$16,285
$48,705
$ 6,435
$ 6,521

$1,512,975
$ 214,349
$ 694,029
$ 111,830
68,976
$

(1) Griffin’s contributions to the Deferred Compensation  Plan  are included in the ‘‘All Other
Compensation’’ column of the Summary  Compensation Table. No earnings from  the
Deferred Compensation Plan are included in the ‘‘All  Other Compensation’’ column of
the Summary Compensation Table.

Potential Payments Upon a Termination  or Change in Control

As of November 30, 2014, Griffin was not a party to any employment, change in  control  or other

agreement with any Named Executive  Officers  that was expected  to  obligate Griffin to provide for
payments at, following or in connection with a termination of employment, change in  control or change
in the Named Executive Officer’s responsibilities.

Director Compensation

The following table represents information regarding  the compensation paid during fiscal 2014 to

members of Griffin’s Board of Directors  who are  not  also employees  (the  ‘‘Non-Employee  Directors’’).
The compensation paid to Mr. Frederick M.  Danziger is  presented above in  the Summary
Compensation Table and the related explanatory notes.

Name

Fees Earned
or Paid
in Cash
($)

Option
Awards
($)

Total
($)

Winston J. Churchill, Jr.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
David M. Danziger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Frederick M. Danziger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thomas C. Israel
John J. Kirby, Jr.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jonathan P. May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Albert H. Small, Jr.

$46,500
$31,000
$ — $ —
$58,000
$31,000
$40,000
$50,500

$17,666 (1) $64,166
$17,666 (1) $48,666
$ —
$17,666 (1) $75,666
$17,666 (1) $48,666
$17,666 (1) $57,666
$17,666 (1) $68,166

(1) The amount shown for Option Awards  reflects the grant  date fair  value  of options

granted in fiscal 2014. For a discussion of the  assumptions  and methodologies  used  to
calculate the amounts referred to above, please  see the discussion  of stock option  awards
contained in Part II, Item 8, ‘‘Financial Statements  and  Supplementary Data’’ of  this
Form 10-K in Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial  Statements.

90

The following table represents the number of outstanding and unexercised stock option awards

held by each of the Non-Employee Directors as of November 30,  2014:

Director

Number of
Shares Subject
to Outstanding
Options as of
Nov. 30, 2014

Winston J. Churchill, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
David M. Danziger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thomas C. Israel
John J. Kirby, Jr.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jonathan P. May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Albert H. Small, Jr.

13,779
8,699
13,779
5,152
4,644
10,448

Members of the Board of Directors who are  not  employees  of Griffin receive  $25,000 per year and

$1,000 for each Board or Committee  meeting they attend. A non-employee Chairman of the  Board of
Directors receives an annual fee of $15,000. The Chairmen of the  Audit  and Compensation
Committees each receive an annual fee  of  $10,000 per year.  The Nominating Committee Chairman
receives an annual fee of $5,000 per  year.  Audit and Compensation Committee members, excluding  the
Chairmen, each receive $5,000 per year  for their service on  the Committees.  Members of  the
Nominating Committee, excluding the  Chairman, each receive $2,500  per  year for their service on  the
Committee. Annual retainers are paid  in quarterly installments.  Upon the initial  election of a
Non-Employee Director to the Board  of  Directors, the  Non-Employee Director is granted options
exercisable for shares of common stock at  an exercise  price that is the fair  market  value of a  share of
common stock at the time of the grant.  The number of shares  subject to options  granted to
Non-Employee Directors at the time of  initial election to the Board of Directors is equal to $60,000
divided by the fair market value per share  of Griffin  common stock at the time of grant. The  2009
Stock Option Plan also provides that  Non-Employee Directors annually receive  options  exercisable  for
shares of common stock at an exercise  price that is the  fair market value  of  a share of  common stock
at the time of grant. Under the 2009 Stock Option Plan, the  number of shares, subject  to  options,
granted to Non-Employee Directors upon their  reelection  to  the Board of  Directors, is  equal to $40,000
divided by the fair market value per share  of Griffin  common stock at the time of grant. In 2014,
Griffin granted Messrs. Churchill, David M. Danziger, Israel,  Kirby, May and Small each options
exercisable for 1,422 shares of Common  Stock at  the time  of their  re-election  to  the Board of
Directors. Griffin expects to grant additional  options  to  its Non-Employee Directors in  2015 consistent
with the 2009 Stock Option Plan.

Compensation Committee Interlocks  and  Insider Participation

During  fiscal 2014, Messrs. Israel, Churchill and Small  served as  members  of Griffin’s
Compensation Committee. No member  of the Compensation Committee has been  an officer or
employee of Griffin. None of Griffin’s executive  officers have served as a  director or member  of  the
compensation committee of any entity  whose executive officers served as a  director of Griffin or  as a
member of Griffin’s Compensation Committee.

91

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP  OF CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The following table lists the number  of shares and options to purchase shares of Common Stock of

Griffin beneficially owned or held by: (i) each  person known by Griffin to beneficially own more  than
5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock; (ii) each  director; (iii) the Named Executive Officers
(as defined in Item 11); and (iv) all directors  and executive officers  of  Griffin, collectively. Unless
otherwise indicated, information is provided as  of January  30, 2015.

Name  and Address (1)

Cullman and Ernst Group (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Frederick M. Danziger (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
David M. Danziger (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Michael  S. Gamzon (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
John J. Kirby, Jr. (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winston J. Churchill, Jr.

Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)

2,453,710
281,925
471,776
130,323
3,378
27,658

Percent of
Total

46.8
5.4
9.2
2.5
*
*

SCP Partners
1200 Liberty Ridge Drive, Suite 300
Wayne, PA 19087

Thomas C. Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38,658

Ingleside Investors
12 East 49th Street
New York, NY 10017

Jonathan P. May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,870

The CarbonNeutral Company
10 East 40th Street
New York, NY 10128

Albert H. Small, Jr.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7,674

7311 Arrowood Road
Bethesda, MD 20817

Anthony J. Galici

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36,856

Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.
204 West Newberry Road
Bloomfield, CT 06002

Thomas M. Lescalleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18,333

Griffin Land, LLC
204 West Newberry Road
Bloomfield, CT 06002

Scott  Bosco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10,833

Griffin Land, LLC
204 West Newberry Road
Bloomfield, CT 06002

*

*

*

*

*

*

Gabelli Funds, LLC et al (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,896,007

36.8

Gabelli Funds, LLC
One  Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580

All directors and executive officers collectively, consisting of  11 persons (5) . . . .

979,284

18.4

*

Less than 1%

92

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each  person named in the table  is 641 Lexington

Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

(2) This information reflects the definition of beneficial ownership adopted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’). Beneficial  ownership  reflects sole investment  and
voting power, unless otherwise indicated in the  footnotes to this table.  Where more than one
person shares investment and voting power in the same shares, such shares may be shown more
than once. Such shares are reflected  only once, however, in  the total for  all directors  and executive
officers. Includes stock options granted pursuant to the  Griffin Stock Option Plan,  as amended,
that are exercisable within 60 days of  January 30,  2015 as follows: Frederick M. Danziger—31,667
options; David M. Danziger—5,925 options;  Michael  S.  Gamzon—49,167 options;  John  J. Kirby,
Jr.—2,378 options; Winston J. Churchill, Jr.—11,005  options;  Thomas C. Israel—11,005 options;
Jonathan P. May—1,870 options; Albert H. Small, Jr.—7,674 options;  Anthony J. Galici—15,833
options; Thomas M. Lescalleet—15,833 options; and Scott Bosco—10,833  options.

(3) Based on a Schedule 13D/A filed  with the Commission on February 15, 2012  on behalf of  the

Cullman and Ernst Group and Griffin’s records. Included  in the shares  held by the Cullman and
Ernst Group are the following:

Name

Cullman Jr., Edgar M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cullman, Susan R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Danziger, Lucy C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Danziger, David M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gamzon, Rebecca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ernst, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cullman, Georgina D.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sicher, Caroline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cullman, Elissa F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cullman, Samuel B.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cullman III, Edgar M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Danziger, Frederick M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B Bros. Realty LLC (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gamzon, Michael S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabrici, Carolyn S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ernst, Alexandra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ernst, Jessica P.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ernst, Margot P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Estate of Cullman, Edgar M. (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Estate of Cullman, Louise B. (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ernst, Matthew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kirby, John . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shares
Benefically
Owned

1,069,499
917,077
714,622
471,776
391,952
380,955
350,512
344,060
335,812
334,556
333,001
281,925
233,792
130,323
116,037
94,428
45,134
21,777
21,138
18,410
5,176
3,378

Shares with
Sole Voting
and
Dispositive
Power

Shares with
Shared Voting
and
Dispositive
Power

112,089
62,837
60,322
33,402
10,550
7,349
9,550
21,422
14,850
13,594
12,039
95,201
233,792
49,167
—
1,748
1,250
—
21,138
18,410
1,650
3,378

957,410
854,240
654,300
438,374
381,402
373,606
340,962
322,638
320,962
320,962
320,962
186,724
—
81,156
116,037
92,680
43,884
21,777
—
—
3,526
—

(a) Edgar M. Cullman, Jr., Susan R. Cullman  and Lucy C. Danziger are executors.

(b) Susan R. Cullman is a member.

The Schedule 13D/A states that there  is no formal agreement governing  the Group’s holding and
voting of shares held by members of the Cullman  and Ernst Group but that there is an informal
understanding that the persons and entities included  in the group  will hold  and vote together with

93

shares owned by each of them in each case  subject to any applicable fiduciary responsibilities.
None of the shares held by members of  the Cullman and Ernst  Group are pledged.

(4) Griffin has received a copy of Schedule 13D/A  as filed  with the  Commission by Gabelli

Funds, LLC et al, reporting ownership of these  shares as  of  December 16, 2014. As reported in
said Schedule 13D/A, Gabelli Funds, LLC reports sole dispositive  power with respect to 571,267
shares, GAMCO Asset Management  Inc.  (‘‘GAMCO’’)  reports sole voting  power  with respect to
1,072,836 of these shares and sole dispositive  power  with respect to 1,174,336 of these shares  and
Teton Advisors, Inc. (‘‘Teton Advisors’’) reports sole  voting and  dispositive power with respect to
150,404 of these shares. The securities  have been acquired by GGCP, Inc. (‘‘GGCP’’), and certain
of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including  GAMCO  Investors, Inc. (‘‘GBL’’), on behalf  of
their investment advisory clients. Mario Gabelli, as  the controlling stockholder, Chief Executive
Officer and a director of GGCP, Chairman and Chief Executive  Officer of  GBL, and  the
controlling shareholder of Teton Advisors, is deemed to have beneficial  ownership of the shares
owned beneficially by Gabelli Funds, LLC, GAMCO and Teton  Advisors.  GBL  and GGCP are
deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares  beneficially  owned by  each of the foregoing
persons other than Mario Gabelli and the Gabelli  Foundation, Inc.  For the shares held by Gabelli
Funds, LLC, with respect to the 55,000 shares held by the Gabelli Capital Asset Fund, the 56,000
shares held by the Gabelli Equity Trust,  the 104,000 shares held by the Gabelli Asset  Fund,  the
122,000 shares held by the Gabelli Value  25 Fund, Inc., the  221,968 shares  held by the Gabelli
Small Cap Growth Fund, the 10,000 shares held by  the Gabelli  Equity  Income Fund, and  the 2,299
shares held by the Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap  Value  Trust, the  proxy voting committee of
each  such fund has taken and exercises  in its  sole discretion the entire voting power with  respect
to the shares held by such funds.

(5) Excluding shares held by certain  charitable  foundations, the officers and/or directors  of  which

include certain officers and directors of Griffin.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan Category

Equity compensation plan approved by  security
holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options
(a)

Weighted
average
exercise price
of outstanding
options
(b)

Number of  securities
remaining  available for future
issuance under the  equity
compensation plan  (excluding
securities reflected  in
column (a))
(c)

222,001

$30.35

274,213

Note: There are no equity compensation  plans that were not approved by security holders.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS  AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR

INDEPENDENCE.

Review and Approval of Related Person  Transactions

Griffin reviews any relationships and transactions in which Griffin and its directors  and executive
officers or their immediate family members are participants to determine whether  such persons  have a
direct or indirect material interest. Griffin’s corporate  staff is primarily responsible for  the development
and implementation of processes and controls  to  obtain information  from the directors and executive
officers with respect to related person transactions and for then determining,  based on the facts  and
circumstances, whether Griffin or a related person has a direct  or  indirect material interest in  the
transaction. As required under SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly
material to Griffin or a related person  are disclosed in Griffin’s Annual Report  on Form 10-K and
proxy statement.

94

Board Independence

Under NASDAQ rules, an ‘‘independent director’’ of a company  means a person who is not an
officer or employee of the company or  its  subsidiaries and, in  the opinion of the  company’s board of
directors, does not have a relationship with the company  that would interfere with  the exercise of
independent judgment in carrying out  the responsibilities of  a  director.  The  Board has determined that
Messrs. Churchill,  Israel, May and Small  qualify as independent directors  under NASDAQ rules. All of
the members of the Audit, Compensation and  Nominating Committees are  independent directors.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The following is a summary of the fees incurred by Griffin for professional services rendered by

McGladrey LLP for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013:

Audit fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Audit-related fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax  fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
All other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fiscal
2014 Fees

Fiscal
2013 Fees

$412,936
20,300
63,950
—

$712,384
20,150
64,250
—

$497,186

$796,784

Audit fees consist of fees incurred for  professional  services  rendered for  the audit of Griffin’s

consolidated financial statements and for the  review of Griffin’s interim consolidated financial
statements. Audit-related fees include  fees incurred  for professional services rendered for  the audit  of
Griffin’s 401(k) Savings Plan by McGladrey LLP.  Tax fees consist of fees incurred for professional
services performed by McGladrey LLP  relating to tax  compliance, tax reporting and tax planning.
There were no consulting fees paid to  McGladrey  LLP  in fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013.

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit, audit-related and  tax services  to  be

provided by the independent registered public accountants.  During fiscal  2014, Griffin’s  Audit
Committee pre-approved all audit, audit-related and tax services.  The  Audit  Committee has considered
the non-audit services provided by McGladrey LLP and determined  that the services provided  were
compatible with maintaining the independence of McGladrey  LLP.

95

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)(1) Financial Statements of Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.  See  Item  8.

PART IV

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 30, 2014  and November 30, 2013

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended
November 30, 2014, November 30, 2013 and December 1, 2012

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Fiscal  Years

Ended November 30, 2014, November 30, 2013 and  December  1, 2012

Consolidated Statements of Changes  in Stockholders’ Equity for the Fiscal Years

Ended November 30, 2014, November 30, 2013 and  December  1, 2012

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  for  the Fiscal  Years Ended
November 30, 2014, November 30, 2013 and December 1, 2012

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts  and Reserves

III—Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

S-1

S-2/S-3

(a)(3) Exhibits

96

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

Form

File No.

Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference

Filing
Date

Filed/
Furnished
Herewith

2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated

8-K

001-12879

2.1

1/14/14

January 6, 2014, effective January 8,
2014, among Monrovia
Connecticut LLC as Buyer, Monrovia
Nursery Company as Guarantor,
Imperial Nurseries, Inc. as Seller and
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. as
Owner

2.2 Letter Agreement, dated January 6,

8-K

001-12879

2.2

1/14/14

2014, among Imperial Nurseries, Inc.,
River Bend Holdings, LLC, Monrovia
Connecticut LLC and Monrovia
Nursery Company

3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Griffin Land &
Nurseries, Inc.

3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.

10-Q 001-12879

3.1

10/10/13

8-K

001-12879

3.1

9/24/14

10.1† Form of 401(k) Plan of Griffin Land &

10

001-12879

10.7

4/8/97

Nurseries, Inc.

10.2† Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. 2009

Stock Option Plan

10.3† Form of Stock Option Agreement

under Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.
2009 Stock Option Plan

10.4 Mortgage Deed, Security Agreement,

10-Q 001-12879

10.21

10/11/02

Financing Statement and Fixture Filing
with Absolute Assignment of Rents and
Leases dated September 17, 2002
between Tradeport Development I, LLC
and Farm Bureau Life Insurance
Company

10.5 Mortgage Deed and Security

10-K 001-12879

10.24

2/28/02

Agreement dated December 17, 2002
between Griffin Center
Development IV, LLC and Webster
Bank, N.A.

97

Exhibit
Number

10.6

Exhibit Description

Form

File No.

Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference

Filing
Date

Filed/
Furnished
Herewith

Secured Installment Note and First
Amendment of Mortgage and Loan
Documents dated  April 16, 2004 among
Tradeport Development I, LLC, and
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. and
Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company

10-Q 001-12879

10.28

7/13/04

10.7 Mortgage Deed Security Agreement,

10-Q 001-12879

10.29

11/2/05

Fixture Filing, Financing Statement and
Assignment of Leases and Rents dated
July  6, 2005 by Tradeport
Development II, LLC in favor of First
Sunamerica Life Insurance Company

10.8 Promissory Note dated July 6,  2005

10-Q 001-12879

10.30

11/2/05

10.9 Guaranty Agreement as of July  6, 2005

10-Q 001-12879

10.31

11/2/05

by Griffin Land & Nurseries,  Inc. in
favor of Sunamerica Life Insurance
Company

10.10 Amended and Restated Mortgage Deed

10-K 001-12879

10.32

2/15/07

Security Agreement, Fixture Filing,
Financing Statement and Assignment of
Leases and Rents dated November 16,
2006 by Tradeport
Development II, LLC in favor of First
Sunamerica Life Insurance Company

10.11 Amended and Restated Promissory

10-K 001-12879

10.33

2/15/07

Note dated November 16, 2006

10.12 Guaranty Agreement as of

10-K 001-12879

10.34

2/15/07

November 16, 2006 by Griffin Land &
Nurseries, Inc. in favor of Sunamerica
Life Insurance Company

10.13 Construction Loan and Security

10-Q 001-12879

10.36

10/6/10

Agreement dated February 6, 2009 by
and between Tradeport
Development III, LLC, Griffin Land  &
Nurseries, Inc., and Berkshire Bank

10.14

$12,000,000 Construction Note  dated
February 6, 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Form dated February 28,
2009, filed April 9, 2009)

10.15 Loan and Security Agreement dated
July  9, 2009 between Griffin Land &
Nurseries, Inc. and People’s United
Bank

98

10-Q 001-12879

10.37

4/9/09

10-Q 001-12879

10.40

10/8/09

Exhibit
Number

10.16

Exhibit Description

Form

File No.

Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference

Filing
Date

Filed/
Furnished
Herewith

$10,500,000 Promissory Note dated
July  9, 2009

10-Q 001-12879

10.41

10/8/09

10.17 Mortgage and Security Agreement

10-Q 001-12879

10.42

10/6/10

dated January 27, 2010 between
Riverbend Crossings III Holdings, LLC
and NewAlliance Bank

10.18

$4,300,000 Promissory Note dated
January 27, 2010

10.19 First Modification of Promissory Note,
Mortgage Deed and Security
Agreement and Other Loan Documents
between Riverbend Crossings III
Holdings, LLC and New Alliance Bank
dated October 27, 2010

10-Q 001-12879

10.43

4/8/10

10-K 001-12879

10.44

2/10/11

10.20 Revolving Line of Credit Loan

10-Q 001-12879

10.45

7/7/11

Agreement with Doral Bank, FSB dated
April 28, 2011

10.21 Open-End Mortgage  and Security

10-Q 001-12879

10.46

7/7/11

Agreement dated April 28, 2011
between Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.,
as Mortgagor and Doral Bank, FSB,  as
Mortgagee

10.22 Open-End Mortgage  and Security

10-Q 001-12879

10.47

7/7/11

Agreement dated April 28, 2011
between Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.,
as Mortgagor and Doral Bank, FSB,  as
Mortgagee

10.23 Third Modification Agreement between

8-K

001-12879

10.48

6/20/12

Griffin Center Development IV, LLC,
Griffin Center Development V, LLC,
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. and
Webster Bank, N.A. dated June 15,
2012

10.24

Second Amendment to Mortgage  Deed
and Security Agreement and other
Loan Documents between Riverbend
Crossings III Holdings LLC and First
Niagara Bank dated April 1, 2013

10-Q 001-12879

10.49

6/1/13

10.25 Amended and Restated Term Note

10-Q 001-12879

10.50

7/11/13

dated April 1, 2013

10.26 Revolving Line of Credit Loan

10-Q 001-12879

10.51

6/1/13

Agreement with Webster Bank, N.A.
dated April 24, 2013

99

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

Form

File No.

Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference

Filing
Date

Filed/
Furnished
Herewith

10.27 Revolving Line of Credit Note  dated

10-Q 001-12879

10.52

6/1/13

April 24, 2013

10.28 Mortgage and Security Agreement

10-Q 001-12879

10.53

10/10/13

between Riverbend Bethlehem
Holdings I LLC and First Niagara
Bank, N.A. effective August 28, 2013

10.29

$9,100,000 Term Note effective
August 28, 2013

10-Q 001-12879

10.54

10/10/13

10.31 First Modification of Mortgage  and

8-K

001-12879

10.1

6/9/14

Loan Documents between Griffin
Center Development I, LLC, Griffin
Land & Nurseries, Inc., Tradeport
Development I, LLC and Farm Bureau
Life Insurance Company, dated June 6,
2014

10.32 Amended and Restated Secured

8-K

001-12879

10.2

6/9/14

10.33

Installment Note of Griffin Center
Development I, LLC to Farm Bureau
Life Insurance Company, dated June 6,
2014

Second Modification of Mortgage and
Loan Documents between Tradeport
Development I, LLC, Griffin Land &
Nurseries, Inc., Griffin Center
Development I, LLC and Farm Bureau
Life Insurance Company, dated June 6,
2014

8-K

001-12879

10.3

6/9/14

10.34 Amended and Restated Secured

8-K

001-12879

10.4

6/9/14

Installment Note of Tradeport
Development I, LLC to Farm Bureau
Life Insurance Company, dated June 6,
2014

10.35 Mortgage and Security Agreement

between Riverbend Bethlehem
Holdings I LLC and First Niagara
Bank, N.A. effective December 31, 2014

10.36 Mortgage and Security Agreement

between Riverbend Bethlehem
Holdings II LLC and First Niagara
Bank, N.A. effective December 31, 2014

10.37

$21,600,000 Term Note effective
December 31, 2014

100

*

*

*

Exhibit
Number

Exhibit Description

Form

File No.

Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference

Filing
Date

Filed/
Furnished
Herewith

14 Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. Code of

10-K 001-12879

14

2/25/04

Ethics

21

Subsidiaries of Griffin Land &
Nurseries, Inc.

23.1 Consent of Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

31.1 Certifications of Chief Executive  Officer

Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) or
15d-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

31.2 Certifications of Chief Financial  Officer
Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) or
15d-14(a) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

32.1 Certifications of Chief Executive  Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

32.2 Certifications of Chief Financial  Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

101.INS XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

Document

101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Calculation  Linkbase

Document

101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase

Document

101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase

Document

101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition

Linkbase Document

*

*

*

**

**

*

*

*

*

*

*

† A management contract or compensatory plan  or arrangement required to be filed as an  exhibit

pursuant to Item 15(a)(3) of Form 10-K.

*

Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

101

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13  or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act  of 1934, the

registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its  behalf  by the undersigned,  thereunto duly
authorized as of February 13, 2015.

Signatures

GRIFFIN LAND & NURSERIES, INC.

BY:

/s/ FREDERICK M. DANZIGER

Frederick M. Danziger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

BY:

/s/ ANTHONY J. GALICI

Anthony J. Galici
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  and
Secretary,
Chief Accounting Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934,  this report has been signed

below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities  indicated as  of
February 13, 2015.

Name

Title

/s/ WINSTON J. CHURCHILL, JR.

Winston J. Churchill, Jr.

/s/ DAVID M. DANZIGER

David M. Danziger

/s/ FREDERICK M. DANZIGER

Frederick M. Danziger

/s/ ANTHONY J. GALICI

Anthony J. Galici

/s/ THOMAS C. ISRAEL

Thomas C. Israel

/s/ JOHN J.  KIRBY, JR.

John J. Kirby, Jr.

/s/ JONATHAN P. MAY

Jonathan P. May

/s/ ALBERT H. SMALL, JR.

Albert H. Small, Jr.

Director

Director

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer  and
Secretary, Chief Accounting Officer

Director

Director

Director

Director

102

Corporate Directors and Officers

Directors

Winston J. Churchill, Jr.

David M. Danziger

Officers

Frederick M. Danziger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Michael S. Gamzon
President and Chief Operating Officer

Frederick M. Danziger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Anthony J. Galici
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Thomas C. Israel

John J. Kirby, Jr.

Jonathan P. May

Albert H. Small, Jr.

Corporate Data

Executive Offices
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.
One  Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2301
New York, New York 10020

Real Estate Business
Griffin Land, LLC
204 West Newberry Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002

Special Counsel
Latham & Watkins LLP
885 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022

Registrar and Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11219
www.amstock.com (800) 937-5449

Independent Registered Public Accountants
McGladrey LLP
One  Church Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06510

Stock  Listing
Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc. common  stock
trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market under
the symbol GRIF

Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of stockholders  of Griffin
Land & Nurseries, Inc. will be held at 10:30  a.m.
on May 12, 2015 at the New York Hilton Hotel,
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
NY 10019

G R I F

15APR200416073895

Griffin Land & Nurseries, Inc.
One Rockefeller Plaza - Suite 2301
 New York, NY 10020
212 - 218 - 7910