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Investors Real Estate Trust

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FY2001 Annual Report · Investors Real Estate Trust
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. . . an expression of

APPRECIATION
to our Founder

C O N T E N T S

FISCAL2001 FINANCIALHIGHLIGHTS
1
THE COMPANY
2
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
3
6
INVESTMENTPORTFOLIO
13 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION 

23
23
24
25
29

& ANALYSIS
DIVIDEND HISTORY
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
INDEPENDENTAUDITOR’S REPORT
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIALSTATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIALSTATEMENTS

36

QUARTERLYRESULTS OF 

CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Building A Foundation . . .

IRET’s mission statement reflects man-
agement’s commitment to its shareholders and
best expresses Roger’s vision for IRET.  
The following paragraph from that statement 
epitomizes Roger’s dedication to IRET. 
“Creating value for our shareholders requires a 

Roger R. Odell

commitment to excellence in every aspect of our operations - from choosing the real estate investments
to purchase and managing those investments in a professional manner, to communicating with and 
servicing each shareholder account.” 

Roger wholeheartedly believed in these words and, through his guidance, IRET flourished
to where it is today.  Few in the United States rival Roger’s foresight and intelligence in the real
estate business.  Roger helped build IRET from the ground up and he has laid a foundation
which will allow continued success for many years to come.  

While Roger has retired, we at IRET take solace in knowing that his office is only a block
away and his phone line and door are always open.  As for the past and to the present, we want
to say “Thank you, Roger! ”

Shareholder Information

Trustees

Executive Officers

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

Thomas A. Wentz, Sr.
President & CEO
Timothy P. Mihalick
Senior Vice President & COO 
Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.
Vice President & General
Counsel
Diane K. Bryantt
Secretary & CFO

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Investors Real Estate Trust
12 South Main Street, Suite 100
PO Box 1988
Minot, North Dakota 58702-1988
Telephone: (701) 837-4738
Fax: (701) 838-7785
email:  info@iret.com
website: www.iret.com

GENERAL COUNSEL
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C.
2nd Floor, Bremer Bank Building
Minot, North Dakota 58701
Telephone: (701) 852-0381

AUDITORS
Brady Martz & Associates, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
24 West Central
Minot, North Dakota 58701

Jeffrey L. Miller
Chairman & Trustee
C. Morris Anderson
Vice Chairman & Trustee
Daniel L. Feist
Vice Chairman & Trustee
John F. Decker
Trustee
Patrick G. Jones
Trustee
Stephen L. Stenehjem
Trustee
Timothy P. Mihalick
Trustee
Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.
Trustee
Steven B. Hoyt
Trustee

SEC FORM 10-K

Copies of Investors Real Estate Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission will be furnished without charge upon written request to Darla J. Strilcov
at Investors Real Estate Trust.

ANNUAL MEETING

Investors Real Estate Trust will hold its 31st Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the Executive

Room, International Inn, 1505 North Broadway, Minot, North Dakota, at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday,
September 25, 2001.

STOCK TRADING INFORMATION

Investors Real Estate Trust shares trade on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market under the symbol

IRETS.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Investors Real Estate Trust offers to its shareholders the option to automatically reinvest their

dividends through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. For additional information, please contact Darla J.
Strilcov, Shareholder Relations, at Investors Real Estate Trust.

COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OR RECORD/SHARES OUTSTANDING

As of July 20, 2001, Investors Real Estate Trust had approximately 5,614 shareholders of

record and 24,261,256 shares outstanding.

F I N A N C I A L H I G H L I G H T S

Years Ended April 30,
Rental Revenue
Other Revenue
Total Revenue
Net Operating Income*
Net Income
Funds From Operations**

Per Share

Net Income Available to Shareholders
Funds From Operations 
Dividends (Fiscal Year)

At Year End

Total Assets
Depreciation Reserve
Shares Outstanding
Shareholders’ Equity (Book)
Number of Apartment Units Owned
Square Feet of Commercial Property

$

$

$
$

$

2001
74,800,722
966,428
75,767,150
48,146,930
8,694,240
22,440,463

0.38
0.79
0.55

570,322,124
44,093,145
24,068,346
118,945,160
7,869
2,513,518

$

$

$
$

$

2000
54,257,881
1,187,312
55,445,193
35,558,253
8,807,845
18,327,986

0.42
0.75
0.51

432,978,299
33,232,952
22,452,069
109,920,591
7,319
1,607,209

$

$

$
$

$

1999
38,785,287
1,141,975
39,927,262
24,625,208
7,604,135
12,368,550

0.44
0.65
0.47

291,493,311
26,112,399
19,066,954
85,783,294
5,528
1,228,714

$

$

$
$

$

1998
31,694,586
712,959
32,407,545
20,068,317
5,014,909
9,483,105

0.32
0.60
0.42

224,718,514
21,516,129
16,391,412
68,152,626
4,729
915,541

*  Net operating income is defined as total revenue less operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, interest and impairment.
** 

Industry analysts generally consider funds from operations to be an appropriate measure of the performance of an equity REIT.  Funds from operation is defined as
taxable income increased by non-cash deductions of real estate asset depreciation, and amortization, and reduced by capital gain income and other extraordinary 
income items.

Net Operating Income
in millions of dollars

Funds From Operations
in millions of dollars

Dividends
per share

Total Assets
in millions of dollars

48.15

22.44

35.56

18.33

.42

.55

.51

.47

570.32

432.98

24.63

20.07

12.37

9.48

291.49
291.49

224.72

98  

99   

00   

01

98  

99   

00   

01

98  

99   

00   

01

98  

99   

00   

01

This annual report is prepared for the general information of the shareholders and investment certificate holders of IRET and is not intended to induce or to
be used in connection with the sale or purchase of any securities of the Trust except when accompanied by a prospectus.

1

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

IRET's investment strategy commits 

approximately two-third's of its equity capital
to apartment communities located in cities 
offering above average growth potential and the
remaining one-third to commercial properties -
most of which will be leased to a single tenant on
long-term leases. In order to meet yield objectives,
IRET borrows 65-70% of the property purchase
price with the free and clear percentage return of
each property exceeding the interest rate payable
on borrowed funds by two percent or more. 

RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS 
From its inception in 1970, IRET has sought to:

Pay a cash dividend equal to or better 
than a bank one-year Certificate of 
Deposit;

Increase the dividend at a rate in excess of
the  inflation rate;

Increase the share price by a percentage
equal to the dividend rate for a total 
return to the shareholder at least twice the
return of a one-year Certificate of 
Deposit.

T H E  C O M P A N Y

F

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST

ounded in 1970, IRET is a Real Estate

Investment Trust through which individual
investors may benefit from the advantages of
group investment in a professionally managed and 
diversified portfolio of income producing real
estate.

As of April 30, 2001, IRET owned 7,869
apartment units and 2,513,518 square feet of
commercial properties located in North Dakota
and twelve other states.

IRET is structured as an Umbrella
Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust
(UPREIT).

IRET operates through an operating

partnership (IRET Properties, a North Dakota Limited
Partnership), which has as its sole General Partner
a wholly owned corporate subsidiary of IRET
(IRET, Inc., a North Dakota Corporation).
UPREIT status allows the owner of appreciated
real estate to contribute that real estate to the 
operating partnership in exchange for a Limited
Partnership interest generally without the 
recognition of gain.

Cold Spring Center - St. Cloud, Minnesota

2

P R E S I D E N T ’ S  R E P O R T

TO OUR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS

We  have  much  to  report  about  IRET's  31st  year.  It  was  another  year  of  significant  progress  for 

our company.

CONSISTENT FINANCIAL RESULTS

We are proud of IRET's 31-year history of consistent growth in earnings, dividends, and share price.

For many investors, the past year has been one of disappointment as previously high performing companies 
experienced sharp drops in earnings and share prices.  In some cases, the previous significant gains in share value,
as  well  as  much  of  the  investor's  original  investment,  was  lost  with  some  companies  going  out  of  business 
altogether.  

While many other companies experienced falling share prices and extreme volatility in the stock market, IRET
continued to deliver solid value to its shareholders by increasing its Funds from Operations, dividends, and share
price.  

Dividends increased to 55¢ per share from 50.8¢, an increase of 4.2¢ (8.3%).  

Funds from Operations of the Operating Partnership increased to $22,440,463 from $18,327,986, an
increase of $4,112,477 (22%). On a per share basis, FFO increased from 75¢ per share to 79¢ per share,
an increase of 5%.  FFO per share would have been approximately 3% higher except for the sharp increase
in natural gas prices for our apartment communities experienced during the latter portion of Fiscal 2001.  

Revenues of the Operating Partnership increased to $75,767,150 from $55,445,193, an increase of 37%.  

Real Estate Owned increased to $591,636,468 from $449,919,890, an increase of $141,716,578 (31%).  

As  a  result  of  the  sale  of  additional  Shares  of  Beneficial  Interest,  shareholder  equity  increased  by
$9,024,569  and,  in  addition,  the  equity  capital  of  the  Operating  Partnership  was  increased  by
$23,885,524 as a result of contributions of real estate in exchange for Operating Units, resulting in a total
increase in equity capital for the Operating Partnership of $32,910,093.

PORTFOLIO EXPANSION

We  were  able  to  significantly  expand  IRET's  real  estate  portfolio.  The  Operating  Partnership  invested
$143,042,292  to  acquire  22  commercial  buildings  (1,047,321  square  feet)  and  build  4  and  buy  3  apartment
communities (658 apartment units).  The detailed list of the individual investments made during Fiscal 2001 are
set  forth  in  the  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  which  appears  later  in  this  report.  The  Operating
Partnership  also  sold  three  properties  during  Fiscal  2001  realizing  a  net  gain  of  $601,605.  At  the  end  of  the 
fiscal year, IRET's real estate portfolio consists of 7,869 apartment units and 2,513,518 square feet of commercial
properties.  

We will continue to seek attractive real estate properties to add to our portfolio and anticipate a similar level

of acquisitions during Fiscal 2002.

31 YEARS OF INCREASED DIVIDENDS

IRET increased the dividend paid on its Shares of Beneficial Interest during each quarter of Fiscal Year 2001.
IRET paid its first dividend on June 30, 1971, and has paid a dividend every quarter since that time.  During
every  year  of  its  existence,  IRET  has  increased  its  dividend  and,  since  1988,  has  increased  its  dividend  every 
quarter.   The  dividend  of  14.5¢  per  share  paid  on  July  2,  2001,  was  the  121st  consecutive  quarterly  dividend 
paid by IRET.

INCREASED SHARE PRICE

The last trade of IRET shares on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market in Fiscal 2000 was at a price of $7.875 per
share.  The last trade on April 30, 2001, was at a price of $8.77, an increase of 11.4%.  This is in excess of our
goal of increasing our share price an average of 6% per year which gain in value, together with a dividend of 6%
or greater, will produce a total annual return to our shareholders of 12%.  This goal has been achieved on average
over our 31-year history.  Of course, not every year will produce an exact total return of 12% - some years will be
higher such as this year and some years will be lower, but we believe that over time IRET's real estate portfolio will
continue to produce this approximate rate of return to our shareholders.

As  shown  later  in  this  report  an  investment  of  $10,000  in  IRET  shares  on  June  30,  1971,  assuming  the 
reinvestment of all dividends in additional IRET shares, would have resulted in the ownership of IRET shares
worth nearly $650,000 on April 30, 2001.  

3

P R E S I D E N T ’ S  R E P O R T

IRET ADDED TO RUSSELL 2000® INDEX

As of June 30, 2001, IRET was added to the Russell 2000® Index which measures the performance of the 2000
smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index (the 3,000 largest U.S. companies by total market capitalization).  This
has been a very positive development for IRET which we believe is responsible for the recent increase in volume and
share price on the NASDAQ Market for IRET shares.  A number of mutual funds purchase the shares of companies
on this list.  While this initial increase in volume and price may lessen as the mutual fund purchases are completed,
being on the Russell Index will be of significant benefit to IRET over the long term.

SELF-ADVISED STATUS - RETIREMENT OF ROGER R. ODELL

On July 1, 2000, IRET became self-advised.  When IRET was formed, the Internal Revenue Code which governed
real estate investment trusts required that IRET employ a separate advisory company.  Roger R. Odell served as the
advisor  to  IRET  from  its  inception  until  July  1,  2000.    Pursuant  to  an  advisory  contract  between  IRET  and 
Odell-Wentz and Associates, L.L.C., the advisory company provided all office space, personnel, office equipment, and
other equipment and services necessary to conduct all of the day-to-day operations of IRET.  With the decision of
Roger to retire as the advisor and as President of IRET, the company obtained an independent appraisal of the value
of the advisory business and assets from certified public accountants not otherwise employed by either IRET or the
advisory  company.    On  July  1,  2000,  the  IRET  Operating  Partnership  acquired  the  advisory  company  assets  and
business in exchange for Operating Partnership Units with a value of $2,083,350, the appraised value of those assets
and business.  Roger retired on that date and all other officers and employees of the advisory company were employed
by IRET Properties.  

STEVEN B. HOYT - NEW TRUSTEE

We are pleased to report the addition of Steven B. Hoyt to our Board of Trustees.  Mr. Hoyt is a successful real estate
developer in the Minneapolis area and contributed a number of commercial buildings to the portfolio of the Operating
Partnership in exchange for Operating Partnership Units.  We welcome Steve to our Board and look forward to the ben-

efits of his advice and counsel in the years ahead. 

A BRIGHT FUTURE

We will continue to build on the firm foundation that
Roger  Odell  established  for  IRET.  The  policies  and 
values that Roger put in place will guide our efforts in the
years ahead.  Our 31-year history of creating value for our
shareholders - due in large part to Roger's vision and hard
work - is our greatest asset.  This record of achievement
continues to open doors for us and we will do our best to
build and expand on Roger's legacy.

Thomas A. Wentz, Sr.
President & CEO

Legacy Apartments - Grand Forks, North Dakota

4

O F F I C E R S  &  S T A F F

Daniel J. Leidholt
Assistant Vice President
Financial Reporting

Michael J. Hale
Assistant Vice President
Security Sales

Ross D. Johnson
Assistant Vice President
Property Management

Donald V. Peterson
Assistant Vice President
Asset Management

Thomas A. Wentz, Sr.
President & 
Chief Executive Officer

Timothy P. Mihalick
Senior Vice President & 
Chief Operating Officer

Eric M. Schaeffer
Assistant Vice President
Asset Management

Darla J. Strilcov
Assistant Vice President
Shareholder Relations

Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.
Vice President & 
General Counsel

Diane K. Bryantt
Secretary & 
Chief Financial Officer

Stacy A. Humphreys
Assistant Vice President
Financial Reporting

Michelle R. Saari
Assistant Vice President
Information Specialist

Michael T. Mueller
Assistant Financial
Officer

Sheila R. Evanoff
Property Management
Accounting

Kim A. Ohlhauser
Shareholder Relations

Julie A. Ebert
Administrative Assistant

Linda D. Feldner 
Secretary/Receptionist

5

I N V E S T M E N T  P O R T F O L I O

Conseco - Rapid City, South Dakota

WASHINGTON
• 304

MONTANA
• 749
• 70,598

IDAHO
• 60
• 69,599

COLORADO
• 597

MINNESOTA
• 1,236
• 1,430,460

IOWA
• 132

NORTH DAKOTA
• 3,085
• 682,893

SOUTH DAKOTA
• 418
• 87,786

NEBRASKA
• 264
• 126,774

KANSAS
• 520

MICHIGAN

• 16,000

TEXAS
• 504

GEORGIA

• 29,408

Apartment Units

Commercial Property Square Footage

REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO MIX

PROPERTY INVESTMENTS
percentage by state

6

I N V E S T M E N T  P O R T F O L I O

Apartment Communities by IRET

Units

Investment

Fiscal 2001
Occupancy

Colorado
Colorado Springs

Neighborhood

Ft. Collins

MiraMont
Pine Cone
Colorado Total

Idaho
Boise

Clearwater

Idaho Total

Iowa
Sioux City

Ridge Oaks 

Iowa Total

Kansas
Topeka

Crown Colony
Sherwood

Kansas Total

Minnesota
Moorhead

Eastgate

Rochester

Heritage Manor
Woodridge
Sunset Trail I
Sunset Trail II & III

St. Cloud

Lancaster Place
Park Meadows
West Stonehill

Minnesota Total

Montana
Billings

Castle Rock
Country Meadows I
Country Meadows II
Olympic Village
Rimrock West
Rocky Meadows

Montana Total

Nebraska
Lincoln

Thomasbrook

Nebraska Total

192

210
195
597

60
60

132
132

220
300
520

116

182
108
73
n/a

84
360
313
1,236   

165
67
67
274
78
98
749

264
264

$

11,422,781

14,363,539
13,263,860
39,050,180

3,853,638
3,853,638

4,281,967
4,281,967

10,817,090
16,001,205
26,818,295

$

$
$

$
$

$

$

$

2,425,737

7,697,780
6,775,134
7,908,091
4,006,932

3,226,626
11,673,583
11,771,140
55,485,023

5,742,534
4,361,135
4,359,718
11,782,852
3,899,680
6,737,109
36,883,028

9,956,873
9,956,873

$

$

$

$
$

96.27%

97.10% 
96.71%
96.88%

92.14%
92.14%

n/a%
n/a%

83.88%
86.97%
86.98%

90.25%

99.41%
98.46%
n/a%
n/a%

95.87%
97.72%
99.64%
97.10%

92.49%
97.34%
97.50%
n/a%
97.12%
96.93%
96.30%

95.91%
95.91%

n/a - non-stabilized property acquired in Fiscal 2001.

7

I N V E S T M E N T  P O R T F O L I O

Apartment Communities by IRET - continued

Units

Investment

Fiscal 2001
Occupancy

North Dakota
Bismarck

Cottonwood Lake I & II
Cottonwood III
Crestview
Kirkwood Manor
North Pointe
Pebble Creek
Westwood Park

Dickinson

Century
Eastwood
Oak Manor

Fargo

Candlelight
Park East
Prairiewood Meadows
Sunchase
Grand Forks

Forest Park Estates
Jenner Properties
Legacy
Legacy  IV
Southwinds
Valley Park Manor

Minot

Chateau
Colton Heights
Dakota Arms
Magic City
South Pointe
Southview

Williston

Century

Other Communities

134
67
152
108
49
18
64

120
38
27

44
122
85
36

270
121
183
67
164
168

64
18
18
232
196
24

192

26
Beulah Condominiums - Beulah
36
Parkway Apartments - Beulah
Bison Properties - Carrington & Cooperstown
35
Sweetwater Properties - Devils Lake & Grafton 114
12
Lonetree Manor - Harvey
27
The Meadows  I - Jamestown
27
The Meadows II - Jamestown
27
The Meadows III - Jamestown
3,085

North Dakota Total

South Dakota
Rapid City

Pointe West

Sioux Falls

Oakwood Estates
Oxbow
Prairie Winds

South Dakota Total

90

160
120
48
418

8

$

9,197,265
4,535,371
4,961,835
3,731,401
2,446,675
784,962
2,205,488

2,321,814
472,395
374,730

977,083
5,136,953
2,839,271
1,042,210

7,482,837
2,231,184
10,997,398
7,031,125
5,972,073
4,713,692

2,468,984
967,733
625,487
5,257,208
10,345,036
728,676

4,125,747

483,155
150,912
614,541
1,626,298
228,846
1,878,636
1,878,636
2,046,455
$ 112,882,112

$

4,061,061

5,664,991
5,030,689
2,013,055
16,769,796

$

88.36%
n/a%
94.30%
93.86%
97.99%
98.04%
99.25%

88.09%
79.00%
97.23%

97.21%
98.75%
n/a%
99.10%

94.70%
94.10%
95.42%
90.86%
90.77%
95.44%

96.86%
93.85%
97.12%
96.62%
97.01%
93.24%

71.35%

55.44%
56.99%
94.36%
76.79%
74.82%
98.40%
97.54%
n/a%
91.99%

94.59%

96.47%
99.53%
99.32%
97.35%

n/a - non-stabilized property acquired in Fiscal 2001.

I N V E S T M E N T  P O R T F O L I O

Apartment Communities by IRET - continued

Texas
Irving

Dakota Hill at Valley Ranch

Texas Total

Washington
Vancouver

Ivy Club
Van Mall Woods

Washington Total

Units

Investment

504
504

204
100
304

$
$

$

$

37,617,106
37,617,106

11,827,863
6,151,761
17,979,624

Total Apartment Communities

7,869

$ 361,577,622

Fiscal 2001
Occupancy

92.84%
92.94%

94.19%
96.31%
94.98%

93.96%

Edgewood Vista - Duluth, Minnesota

9

I N V E S T M E N T  P O R T F O L I O

Commercial Properties by IRET

Sq. Ft.

Investment

Fiscal 2001
Occupancy

Georgia
Lithia Springs

Wedgewood Retirement Center

Georgia Total

Idaho
Boise

America's Best Furniture

Idaho Total

Michigan
Kentwood

Comp USA
Michigan Total

Minnesota
Bloomington

Pillsbury Business Center

Burnsville

Burnsville Bluffs
Nicollet VII

Duluth

Edgewood Vista
Edgewood Vista II

Eagan

2030 Cliff Road
Lexington Commerce
S.E. Tech Center

East Grand Forks

East Grand Station
Edgewood Vista
Edgewood Vista II

Eden Prairie

Flying Cloud Drive
Lindberg Building
ViroMed

Edina

Dewey Hill Business Center
Southdale Medical Center

Maple Grove

Northgate II

Maplewood & Woodbury
HealthEast I & II

Minnetonka

Hospitality Associates

Moorhead

Pioneer Seed Company

Plymouth

Plymouth Tech IV
Plymouth Tech V

Rochester

Maplewood Square

St. Cloud

Cold Spring Center

Waconia

Stone Container

29,408
29,408

69,599
69,599

16,000
16,000

42,220

26,186
118,400

57,187
26,412

13,374
89,840
58,300

14,490
10,778
5,100

61,217
40,941
48,700

73,338
195,983

25,999

114,216

4,000

13,600

53,309
73,500

118,397

77,533

29,440

$
$

$
$

$
$

3,971,878
3,971,878

4,788,294
4,788,294

2,121,474
2,121,474

$

1,842,970

2,456,646
7,360,670

4,241,450
1,439,737

980,866
5,489,723
6,115,517

1,392,251
899,821
516,700

5,074,810
1,608,535
4,863,634

4,492,381
32,421,070

2,348,979

21,600,999

400,898

653,876

5,891,898
8,136,431

11,898,946

8,395,539

1,666,518

100.00%
100.00%

32.50%
32.50%

100.00%
100.00%

n/a%

n/a%
n/a%

100.00%
100.00%

n/a%
100.00%
100.00%

100.00%
100.00%
n/a

99.18%
100.00%
100.00%

100.00%
100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

n/a%

100.00%

n/a%
n/a%

98.31%

n/a%

100.00%

n/a - non-stabilized property acquired in Fiscal 2001.

10

Commercial Properties by IRET - continued

Sq. Ft.

Investment

Fiscal 2001
Occupancy

I N V E S T M E N T  P O R T F O L I O

Minnesota - continued
Winsted

Sterner Lighting

Minnesota Total

Montana
Belgrade

Edgewood Vista

Billings

Creekside Office Park
Edgewood Vista

Kalispell

Edgewood Vista

Missoula

Edgewood Vista

Montana Total

Nebraska
Columbus

Edgewood Vista

Freemont

Edgewood Vista

Grand Island

Edgewood Vista

Hastings

Edgewood Vista

Omaha

Ameritrade Headquarters
Barnes & Noble
Edgewood Vista

Nebraska Total

North Dakota
Bismarck

Lester Chiropractic Clinic

Fargo

Barnes & Noble
Great Plains Campus Facility
Petco
Stone Container

Grand Forks

Carmike Theatre
MedPark Mall

Minot

1st Avenue Building
12 South Main
17 South Main
114 South Main Street
401 South Main
Arrowhead Shopping Center
Corner Express C-Store
Edgewood Vista
Minot Plaza
North Dakota Total

38,000
1,430,460

1,000,789
$ 143,191,654

5,100

37,318
11,971

5,895

10,314
70,598

5,100

5,100

5,100

5,100

73,774
27,500
5,100
126,774

5,400

30,000
121,600
18,000
193,350

28,300
45,328

15,900
11,300
6,500
3,500
11,200
80,000
4,674
97,821
10,020
682,893

$

453,494

1,868,570
980,218

568,150

962,428
4,832,860

455,626

546,410

455,626

565,777

8,306,535
3,699,197
611,370
14,640,541

268,917

3,259,893
15,375,154
1,278,934
7,000,364

2,545,737
5,642,950

533,765
389,205
90,000
111,996
659,914
2,973,786
1,581,260
6,270,707
509,954
48,492,536

$

$

$

$

$

n/a - non-stabilized property acquired in Fiscal 2001.

11

n/a%
99.73%

100.00%

81.39%
100.00%

100.00%

100.00%
90.38%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%

100.00%

100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%

100.00%
97.31%

58.82%
93.25%
100.00%
0.00%
90.41%
98.74%
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
98.52%

I N V E S T M E N T  P O R T F O L I O

Commercial Properties by IRET - continued

South Dakota
Rapid City

Conseco

Sioux Falls

Edgewood Vista
South Dakota Total

Sq. Ft.

Investment

75,815

11,971
87,786

$

$

7,044,870

974,739
8,019,609

Total Commercial Property

2,513,518

$ 230,058,846

Mortgage Loans Receivable

Mortgages 

$100,000 to $500,000
$50,000 to $99,999
$20,000 to $49,999
Less than $20,000
Total

04/30/01 Balance

$

$

992,828
0
43,313
954
1,037,095

Fiscal 2001
Occupancy

100.00%

100.00%
100.00%

98.59%

Rate

8-11%
n/a
8%
7%

HealthEast I - Woodbury, Minnesota

Summary of Investment Portfolio

Real Estate Investments
Property owned
Less accumulated depreciation

Mortgage loans receivable

Total real estate investments

Other Assets
Cash
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity
Marketable securities - available-for-sale
Rent receivable
Prepaid and other assets
Real estate deposits
Tax and insurance escrow
Furniture and fixtures
Goodwill
Deferred charges

Total Assets

12

$ 591,636,468
(44,093,145)
547,543,323

1,037,095
$ 548,580,418

$

6,356,063
2,351,248
660,865
1,925,429
799,973
522,500
4,323,960
187,313
1,550,246
3,064,109
$ 570,322,124

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

IRET has operated as a "real estate investment trust" under Sections 856-858 of the Internal Revenue Code since
its formation in 1970 and is in the business of owning income-producing real estate investments, both residential and
commercial.

On  February  1,  1997,  IRET  re-structured  itself  as  an  Umbrella  Partnership  Real  Estate  Investment  Trust
(UPREIT).  IRET, through its wholly owned subsidiary, IRET, Inc., is the general partner of IRET Properties, a North
Dakota limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership").  

On July 1, 2000, IRET became "self-advised" as a result of the acquisition of the advisory business and assets of
Odell-Wentz  and  Associates,  L.L.C.    Prior  to  that  date,  Odell-Wentz  had  been  the  advisor  to  the  Trust  and  had 
furnished office space, employees, and equipment to conduct all of the day-to-day operations of IRET.  The Operating
Partnership issued 255,000 of its limited partnership units with an agree value of $8.17 per unit to Odell-Wentz and
Associates, L.L.C. in exchange for the advisory business and assets.  The per unit price was set at 95% of the offering
price for new IRET shares which was $8.60 per share as of July, 2000. The valuation of the advisory business and assets
of $2,083,350 was determined by an independent appraisal of the business and assets by a certified public accounting
firm not otherwise employed by either IRET or the advisory company.  All employees of the advisory company became
employees of IRET Properties on July 1, 2000, with the exception of Roger R. Odell who retired.

No other material change in IRET's business is contemplated at this time.  

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached audited financial statements
prepared by Brady, Martz & Associates, P.C. of Minot, North Dakota, certified public accountants, which firm and its
predecessors have served as the auditor for IRET since its inception in 1970.  

Certain  matters  included  in  this  discussion  are  forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  federal 
securities laws.  Although IRET believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based
on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations expressed will actually be achieved.  Many
factors  may  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  IRET's  current  expectations,  including  general  economic 
conditions,  local  real  estate  conditions,  the  general  level  of  interest  rates  and  the  availability  of  financing,  timely 
completion and lease-up of properties under construction, and various other economic risks inherent in the business
of owning and operating investment real estate.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - Fiscal Years Ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999

IRET operates on a fiscal year ending on April 30.  The following discussion and analysis is for the fiscal years

ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999.

REVENUES

Total revenues of the Operating Partnership for Fiscal 2001 were $75,767,150, compared to $55,445,193 in Fiscal
2000 and $39,927,262 in Fiscal 1999.  The increase in revenues received during Fiscal 2001 in excess of the prior year
revenues was $20,321,957.  This increase resulted from:

Rent from 28 properties acquired/completed in Fiscal 2001
Rent from 27 properties acquired in Fiscal 2000 in excess of that received in 2000
Increase in rental income on existing properties
A decrease in Boise Warehouse rent (bankruptcy of tenant)
A decrease in rent - properties sold in 2001
A decrease in interest income
An increase in straight-line rents
An increase in ancillary income

$

6,890,585
12,888,919
93,420
(36,301)
(32,404)
(371,585)
383,015
506,308
$ 20,321,957

13

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

The increase in revenues received during Fiscal 2000 in excess of that received in Fiscal 1999 was $15,517,931.

This increase resulted from:

Rent from 27 properties acquired/completed in Fiscal 2000
Rent from 12 properties acquired in Fiscal 1999 in excess of that received in 1999
An increase in rental income on existing properties
A decrease in rent on the Boise, Idaho Furniture Store (bankruptcy of tenant)
A decrease in rent - properties sold during 1999
An increase in interest income
An increase in rent (straight-line calculations)

$ 10,206,154
4,419,227
579,151
(38,622)
(524,680)
45,337
831,364
$ 15,517,931

As  shown  by  the  above  analysis,  the  Fiscal  2001  and  2000  increases  in  revenues  resulted  primarily  from  the 
addition of new real estate properties to the Operating Partnership's portfolio.  Rents received on properties owned at
the  beginning  of  Fiscal  2000  increased  by  $579,151  in  Fiscal  2000  and  only  $93,420  in  Fiscal  2001.   Thus,  new
properties generated most of the new revenues during the past two years.

The  following  is  an  analysis  of  the  contribution  by  each  of  the  two  categories  of  real  estate  owned  by  IRET  - 

residential and commercial - to IRET revenues as compared to the year-end depreciated cost of each:

Fiscal Years Ended 4/30
Property Cost (less depreciation)

2001

2000

1999

Commercial
Residential

Total

Revenues

Commercial
Residential

Total

$ 218,261,880
329,281,443
$ 547,543,323

40% $ 112,511,467
304,175,471 
60%
100% $ 416,686,938

27% $ 60,141,248
209,572,192
73%
100% $ 269,713,440

22%
78%
100%

$

$

18,994,010
55,806,712
74,800,722

25% $
75%

100% $

11,878,026
42,379,855
54,257,881

22% $
78%

5,775,161
33,010,126
100% $ 38,785,287

15%
85%
100%

Expenses (before depreciation - see Note 11 to Financial Statement for detail)

Commercial
Residential

Total

$

$

10,649,488
39,500,071
50,149,559

21% $
79%

100% $

6,417,909
29,288,023
35,705,932

18% $
82%

2,814,299
22,440,129
100% $ 25,254,428

11%
89%   

100%

Segment Gross Profit (before depreciation)

Commercial
Residential

Total

$

$

8,344,522
16,306,641
24,651,163

34% $
66%

100% $

5,460,117
13,091,832 
18,551,949 

29% $
71%

2,960,862
10,569,997
100% $ 13,530,859

22%
78%
100%

CAPITAL GAIN INCOME 

The Operating Partnership realized capital gain income for Fiscal 2001 of $601,605.  This compares to $1,754,496
of capital gain income recognized in Fiscal 2000 and the $1,947,184 recognized in Fiscal 1999.  A list of the properties
sold during each of these years showing sales price, depreciated cost plus sales costs and net gain (loss) is included in a
later section of this discussion.

EXPENSES AND NET INCOME 

The Operating Partnership's operating income for Fiscal Year 2001 increased to $10,187,812 from $8,548,558
earned in Fiscal 2000 and $6,401,676 earned in Fiscal 1999.  IRET's Net Income for generally accepted accounting
purposes for Fiscal 2001 was $8,694,240, compared to $8,807,845 in Fiscal 2000 and $7,604,135 in Fiscal 1999.  On
a  per  share  basis,  net  income  was  $.38  per  share  in  Fiscal  2001  compared  to  $.42  in  Fiscal  2000  and  $.44  in 
Fiscal 1999.  

14

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

These  changes  in  operating  income  and  net  income  result  from  the  changes  in  revenues  and  expenses 

detailed below:

For Fiscal 2001, a decrease in net income of $113,605, resulting from:

A decrease in gain on sale of investments
An increase in net rental income
A decrease in interest income
An increase in ancilliary income
An increase in interest expense
An increase in depreciation expense
An increase in operating expenses, administrative, advisory & trustee services 
An increase in amortization expense
An increase in minority interest of operating partnership
A decrease in loss on impairment

$ (1,152,891)
12,572,228
(371,585)
506,308
(8,217,228)
(3,839,420)
(119,274)
(212,091)
(598,968)
1,319,316
(113,605)

$

The $1,203,710 increase in net taxable income for Fiscal 2000 over the net income earned in the prior fiscal year

resulted from:

A decrease in gain from sale of investments
An increase in net rental income

(rents, less utilities, maintenance, taxes, insurance and management)

An increase in interest income
An increase in interest expense
An increase in depreciation expense
An increase in operating expenses and advisory trustee services
An increase in amortization expense
An increase in minority interest of operating partnership income
An increase in loss on impairment of properties

$

(192,688)

11,432,978
45,337
(4,912,189)
(2,493,238)
(545,270)
(61,420)
(750,484)
(1,319,316)
1,203,710

$

TELEPHONE ENDORSEMENT FEE

During  Fiscal  2001,  IRET  received  a  payment  of  $869,505  from  a  major  telecommunications  provider  for 
allowing marketing access by that company to residents of apartment communities owned by IRET, totaling 5,863
units.  The contract provides that IRET will allow promotional materials to be placed in its apartment communities
advertising  the  availability  of  telecommunication  services  over  a  12-year  period.    Of  this  payment,  $110,979  was 
recognized  as  income  by  IRET  during  Fiscal  2001.   The  balance  of  $758,526  will  be  recognized  ratably  over  the
remaining portion of the contract period and there is a possibility of a refund of these monies if IRET should violate
the contractual terms of the agreement.  

RESULTS FROM STABILIZED PROPERTIES

IRET defines fully stabilized properties as those both owned at the beginning of the prior fiscal year and having
completed  the  rent-up  phase  (90%  occupancy).    "Same  store"  results  for  Fiscal  2001  and  2000  for  residential  and
commercial were:

Same Store - Residential
Scheduled Rent

Total Receipts
Utilities & Maintenance
Management YTD
Taxes & Insurance
Mortgage Interest
Total Expenses
Net Operating Income

$

$
$

Fiscal 2001
38,228,938

37,957,512
8,020,633
3,770,137
4,104,636
9,250,331
25,145,737
12,811,775

15

Fiscal 2000
37,471,897

36,615,535
6,757,467
3,615,178
4,021,124
10,259,450
24,653,219
11,962,316

$

$
$

% Increase
2.0%

3.7%
18.7%
4.3%
2.1%
-10.9%
2.0%
7.1%

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

Same Store - Commercial
Scheduled Rent

Fiscal 2001
$    6,439,820

Fiscal 2000
$     6,298,261

% Increase
2.2%

Total Receipts
Utilities & Maintenance
Management YTD
Taxes & Insurance
Mortgage Interest
Total Expenses
Net Operating Income

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS

6,318,864
336,672
73,638
210,145
2,799,274
$   3,419,729
$   2,899,135

6,146,533
285,478
58,356
200,784
2,831,082
$    3,375,700
$    2,770,833

2.8%
17.9%
26.2%
7.7%
-11.2%
1.3%
4.6%

IRET  considers  Funds  From  Operations  ("FFO")  a  useful  measure  of  performance  for  an  equity  REIT.    FFO 
is  defined  as  net  income  available  to  shareholders  determined  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting 
principles (GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from debt restructuring and sales of property, plus depreciation of real
estate  assets,  and  after  adjustment  for  unconsolidated  partnerships  and  joint  ventures.    IRET  uses  the  National
Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") definition of FFO as amended by NAREIT to be effective
January  1,  2000.    FFO  for  any  period  means  the  net  income  of  the  company  for  such  period,  excluding  gains  or 
losses  from  debt  restructuring  and  sales  of  property,  and  plus  depreciation  and  amortization  of  real  estate  assets  in
IRET's investment portfolio, and after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures, all determined
on a consistent basis in accordance with GAAP.  

FFO presented herein is not necessarily comparable to FFO presented by other real estate companies because not

all real estate companies use the same definition.  

FFO  should  not  be  considered  as  an  alternative  to  net  income  (determined  in  accordance  with  GAAP)  as  a 
measure of IRET's liquidity, nor is it necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of IRET's needs or its 
ability to service indebtedness or make distributions.  

Funds  From  Operations  for  the  Operating  Partnership  increased  to  $22,440,463  for  Fiscal  2001,  compared  to

$18,327,986 for Fiscal 2000 and $12,368,550 for Fiscal 1999.

Calculations of Funds From Operations for the Operating Partnership are as follows:

Item

Fiscal 2001

Fiscal 2000

Fiscal 1999

Net Income available to IRET shareholders

and unitholders from operations and capital gains

Less gain from property sales

Operating income

Plus real estate depreciation and amortization (1)

Funds From Operations

$ 10,789,417
(601,605)
$ 10,187,812
12,252,651
$ 22,440,463

$ 11,622,370
(1,754,496)
9,867,874
8,460,112
$ 18,327,986

$

$

$

8,348,860
(1,947,184)
6,401,676
5,966,874
$ 12,368,550

Weighted average shares and units

outstanding - basic and diluted (2)

28,577,700

24,476,984

19,104,465

Distributions paid to Shareholders/Unitholders (3)

$ 15,732,399

$ 12,492,067

$

8,984,996

(1) Depreciation on office equipment and other assets used by the Company are excluded.  Amortization of financing and other 

expenses are excluded, except for amortization of leasing commissions which are included.

(2) Limited Partnership Units of the Operating Partnership are exchangeable for Shares of Beneficial Interest of IRET only on a 

one-for-one basis.

(3) Distributions made equally on shares and units.

16

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

SELF-ADVISED STATUS

On July 1, 2000, IRET Properties became self-advised.  Prior to that date, Odell-Wentz and Associates, L.L.C.,
pursuant  to  an  advisory  contract  with  IRET,  provided  all  office  space,  personnel,  office  equipment,  and  other 
equipment  and  services  necessary  to  conduct  all  of  the  day-to-day  operations  of  IRET.    Odell-Wentz  and  its 
predecessor  firms  had  acted  as  advisor  to  the  Trust  since  its  inception  in  1970.    IRET  obtained  an  independent 
appraisal of the value of the advisory business and assets from certified public accounts not otherwise employed by
either  IRET  or  the  advisory  company.   The  purchase  price  for  the  business  and  assets  was  $2,083,350  allocated  as 
follows:

Real Estate
Furniture, Fixtures & Other Assets
Goodwill

Less Real Estate Mortgages Assumed

Purchase Price

$

$

475,000
193,350
1,645,000
(230,000)
2,083,350

IRET Properties issued 255,000 of its limited partnership units at a value of $8.17 per unit which represented 95%
of the price of shares offered by IRET in July, 2000, in exchange for the above-described assets.  Except for Roger R.
Odell, who retired on July 1, 2000, all officers and employees of Odell-Wentz and Associates, L.L.C. were retained by
IRET Properties.  

PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS

The  Operating  Partnership  added  $143,042,292  of  real  estate  investments  to  its  portfolio  during  Fiscal  2001,
compared  to  $155,284,745  added  in  Fiscal  2000  and  $62,455,508  in  Fiscal  1999.    The  Fiscal  2001  and  2000 
additions are detailed below:

FISCAL 2001 PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS  - For the Period of 05-01-2000 to 04-30-2001

Commercial
12 South Main
17 South Main
2030 Cliff Road
Burnsville Bluffs
Cold Springs Center
Conseco Financial Building
Dewey Hill Business Center
Edgewood Vista Addition
Edgewood Vista Addition
Edgewood Vista
Edgewood Vista
Edgewood Vista
Edgewood Vista
HealthEast I & II
Hospitality Associates
Nicollet VII
Pillsbury Business Center
Plymouth IV & V
Sterner Lighting
Stone Container Addition
Stone Container
Southdale Medical Center

Office 
Minot, ND
Office/Apartments 
Minot, ND
Office
Eagan, MN
Office 
Burnsville, MN
Office 
St. Cloud, MN
Office
Rapid City, SD
Office
Edina, MN
Assisted Living
Duluth, MN
Assisted Living  
East Grand Forks, MN
Assisted Living
Fremont, NE
Assisted Living
Hastings, NE
Assisted Living
Kalispell, MT
Omaha, NE
Assisted Living
Woodbury & Maplewood, MN  Medical Office
Minnetonka, MN
Burnsville, MN
Bloomington, MN
Plymouth, MN
Winsted, MN
Fargo, ND
Waconia, MN
Edina, MN (60.31% part int.) Medical Office

Office
Office
Office
Office
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Warehouse

Net Rentable
Square Feet
11,300
6,500
13,374
26,186
77,533
75,815
73,338
26,412
5,100
5,100
5,100
5,895
5,100
114,216
4,000
118,400
42,220
126,809
38,000
41,500
29,440
195,983
1,047,321

Purchase Price 
385,000
$
90,000
950,000
2,400,000
8,250,000
6,850,000
4,472,895
2,200,000
516,700
535,550
550,800
560,000
610,800
21,588,498
400,000
7,200,000
1,800,000
13,750,000
1,000,000
2,001,879
1,666,500
32,421,070
$ 110,199,692

17

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

FISCAL 2001 PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS - For the Period of 05-01-2000 to 04-30-2001- continued

Residential

Location

Olympic Village
Prairiewood Meadows
Sunset Trail, Phase I
Cottonwood Phase III
Ridge Oaks
Meadows, Phase III
Sunset Trail, Phase II

TOTAL

Billings, MT
Fargo, ND
Rochester, MN
Bismarck, ND***
Sioux City, IA
Jamestown, ND***
Rochester, MN**

Units

274
85
73 
67
132
27
n/a   
658

Purchase Price 

$ 11,616,500
2,811,000
6,493,150
1,854,800
4,195,036
1,865,182
4,006,932
32,842,600
$ 143,042,292

Property not placed in service at April 30, 1999. Additional costs were to be incurred in Fiscal 2000.

**
*** Represents costs to complete a project started in year ending April 30, 2000.

FISCAL 2000 PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS - For The Period of 05-01-1999 to 04-30-2000

Commercial

Location

Property Type

Net Rentable
Square Feet

Purchase Price 

Maplewood Square
Great Plains
Edgewood Vista
Edgewood Vista
Edgewood Vista
Corner C-Store
Flying Cloud Drive
Lexington Commerce Center 
Northgate II
Southeast Tech Ctr.
MedPark Mall
Edgewood Vista

Rochester, MN
Fargo, ND
Grand Island, NE
Columbus, NE
Belgrade, MT
East Grand Forks, MN
Eden Prairie, MN
Eagan, MN
Maple Grove, MN
Eagan, MN
Grand Forks, ND
Duluth, MN

Retail
Software Mfg. 
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Convenience Store
Office Building
Office Warehouse
Office Warehouse
Office Warehouse
Retail
Assisted Living

118,397
121,600 
5,100
5,100
5,100
14,490
61,217
89,440
25,999
58,300
45,328
57,187
607,258

Apartments
Rimrock West
Valley Park Manor
The Meadows I***
Thomasbrook
Pebble Creek
Country Meadows II***
Crown Colony
Sherwood
Sunset Trail**
Legacy IV
Dakota Hill
The Meadows II
Lancaster Place
The Meadows III**
Cottonwood Lake III**

TOTAL

Billings, MT
Grand Forks, ND
Jamestown, ND
Lincoln, NE
Bismarck, ND
Billings, MT
Topeka, KS
Topeka, KS
Rochester, MN
Grand Forks, ND
Irving, TX
Jamestown, ND
St. Cloud, MN
Jamestown, ND
Bismarck, ND

18

Units
78
168
27
264
18
67
220
300
n/a 
67
504
27
84
n/a
n/a
1,824

$ 11,800,000
15,000,000
446,000
446,000
446,000
1,385,000
4,900,000
4,800,000
2,300,000
6,050,000
5,300,000
4,800,000
$ 57,673,000

$

3,750,000
4,400,000
247,700
9,188,470
720,000
3,010,325
10,500,000
15,750,000
1,500,000
4,301,250
36,500,000
1,845,000
3,200,000
68,000
2,631,000
$ 97,611,745
$ 155,284,745

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS

Real estate assets sold by the Operating Partnership during Fiscal 2000 and 1999 were as follows:

Property Sold

Fiscal 2001

Sales Price

Book Value &
Sales Costs

Gain

Evergreen Shopping Center - Evergreen, CO
Chalet Apartments - Minot, ND
Hill Park/aka Garden Grove - Bismarck, ND
Total Fiscal 2001 Gain

$

1,450,000
390,000
2,400,000

Fiscal 2000

Superpumper - Grand Forks, ND
Superpumper - Crookston, MN
Superpumper - Langdon, ND
Superpumper - Sydney, MT
Mandan Apartments - Mandan, ND
Sweetwater Apartments - Devils Lake, ND
Hutchinson Technology - Hutchinson, MN
Jenner 18-Plex - Devils Lake, ND 
Virginia Apartments - Minot, ND
Installment Sales
Total Fiscal 2000 Gain

$     485,000
428,000
239,000
120,000
325,000
480,000
5,200,000
340,000
165,000

$

$

1,448,310
366,566
1,823,518

398,521
338,097
174,648
102,839
249,388
144,697
4,090,997
354,009
175,308

DIVIDENDS

The following dividends were paid during Fiscal Years 2001, 2000 and 1999:

$

$

1,689
23,434
576,482
601,605

$      86,479
89,903
64,352
17,161
75,612
335,303
1,109,003
(14,009)
(10,308)
1,000
$ 1,754,496

Date

July 1,
October 1,
January 15
April 1, 2000

2001

$

$

.1325
.1350
.1400
.1425
.5500

2000

.124
.126
.128
.130
.508

$

$

1999

.1100
.1150
.1200
.1225
.4675

$

$

HealthEast II - Maplewood, Minnesota

19

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Important equity capital and financing events in Fiscal 2001 were:

As a result of the sale of additional Shares of Beneficial Interest, shareholder equity increased by $9,024,569
and, in addition, the equity capital of the Operating Partnership was increased by $23,885,524 as a result of
contributions of real estate in exchange for Operating Units, resulting in a total increase in equity capital for
the Operating Partnership of $32,910,093.

Mortgage  loan  indebtedness  increased  substantially  due  to  the  acquisition  of  new  investment  properties  to
$368,956,930  on  04/30/01  from  $265,056,767  on  04/30/00,  and  $175,071,069  on  04/30/99.  The 
weighted interest rate on these loans decreased to 7.56% per annum from 7.59% on 04/30/00 compared to
7.12% at the end of Fiscal 1999.  

Of  new  real  estate  investments,  $143,042,292  was  made  by  the  Operating  Partnership,  compared  to
$155,284,745 in Fiscal 2000 and $62,455,508 in Fiscal 1999.

Net cash provided from operating activities increased to $22,328,745 from $16,277,085 due to the addition
of new investments to our real estate portfolio.

Net cash used in investing activities declined to $76,165,151 from the $120,041,064 used in Fiscal 2000.  This
decrease resulted from the lesser amount of cash used to acquire new investment properties.

Net  cash  provided  from  financing  activities  also  declined  to  $56,743,205  from  the  year  earlier  figure  of
$103,500,190, again due to the lower activity in acquiring new properties for cash and borrowed funds. 

IRET  expects  that  its  short-term  liquidity  requirements  will  be  met  through  the  net  cash  provided  by  its 
operations and also expects that it will meet its long-term liquidity requirements including scheduled debt maturities,
construction  and  development  activities,  and  property  acquisitions  through  long-term  secured  borrowings  and  the
issuance  of  additional  equity  securities  by  the  Operating  Partnership,  including  Shares  of  Beneficial  Interest  of  the 
company as well as limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership to be issued in connection with acquisitions
of improved real estate properties.  IRET believes that its net cash provided by operations will continue to be adequate
to meet both operating requirements and the payment of dividends in accordance with REIT requirements in both the
short and long term.  Budgeted expenditures for ongoing maintenance and capital improvements and renovations to
its real estate portfolio are expected to be funded from cash flow generated from operations of these properties.  

Of the $368,956,930 of mortgage indebtedness on April 30, 2001, $31,592,149 was variable rate mortgages on
which the future interest rate will vary based on changes in the interest rate index for each such loan and the balance
of fixed rate mortgages was $337,364,781.  The principal payments due on all of the mortgage indebtedness are as 
follows:

Year Ending April 30

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Later Years
Total Payments

Mortgage Principal 
Payments Due

$ 14,474,108
8,298,146
8,940,912
9,746,970
13,133,365
314,363,429
$ 368,956,930

20

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

IRET has the following properties under construction: a 73-unit apartment complex in Rochester, Minnesota and,
as of April 30, 2001, the estimated cost of completing this complex is $2,500,000, and a 27-unit apartment complex
in  Jamestown,  North  Dakota  with  an  additional  estimated  cost  of  completion  at  April  30,  2001,  of  $500,000.    In 
addition,  as  of  April  30,  2001,  IRET  is  committed  to  provide  construction  financing  for  an  assisted  living  and
Alzheimer care facility in Virginia, Minnesota for $7,000,000.  IRET had no other commitments for the development
of new real estate properties on April 30, 2001.  IRET considers its existing cash and borrowing capacities to be ade-
quate to fund its existing development activities.

The following is a summary of IRET's equity capital and liability conditions at the end of Fiscal 2001 as compared

to prior periods:

IRET's  shareholder  equity  increased  to  $118,945,160  from  $109,920,591  on  April  30,  2000,  and  from
$85,783,297 on April 30, 1999.  These increases resulted from the sale of Shares of Beneficial Interest and the
reinvestment of dividends in new shares.  

Liabilities of the Operating Partnership increased to $389,086,105 from $287,940,038 on April 30, 2000, and
$191,229,475 as of April 30, 1999.  These increases resulted from increased mortgage loans to finance the
acquisition of real estate properties.  

Total assets of the Operating Partnership increased to $570,322,124 from $432,978,299 on April 30, 2000,
and $291,493,311 as of April 30, 1999, again, as a result of investments in additional real estate properties.

Cash and marketable securities were $9,368,176, compared to $6,623,495 on April 30, 2000, and $7,412,236
on April 30, 1999.  

In addition to its cash and marketable securities, IRET Properties has unsecured line of credit agreements with
First International Bank & Trust, Bremer Bank, and First Western Bank & Trust, all of Minot, North Dakota,
totaling $17,500,000, none of which were in use on April 30, 2001.  On April 30, 2000, $6,452,420 was in
use.  Credit lines in Fiscal 1999 totaling $11,500,000 were not in use at the end of 1999.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

In Fiscal 2001, IRET experienced a sharp increase in the cost of utilities (primarily natural gas) in its
apartment communities.  Of the $3,502,036 total increase in utility and maintenance expense in Fiscal 2001
over the prior year, it is estimated that approximately $800,000 was increased natural gas and snow removal
expense.    Since  that  time,  natural  gas  prices  have  retreated,  but  it  is  possible  that  IRET's  apartment 
communities will again experience a sharp increase in utility expenses which may not be recoverable in the
form  of  increased  rent.    Maintenance  and  other  rental  expenses  also  continue  to  increase  at  the  general 
inflationary rate of 2-3%.  In most cases, IRET has been able to increase rental income sufficient to cover the
normal inflationary increases in rental expenses, but did experience a substantial loss as a result of increased
natural gas and snow removal expenses in Fiscal 2001.  With respect to IRET's commercial properties, in 
virtually  all  cases  the  tenant  is  responsible  to  pay  utilities  and  most  other  rental  expenses.    However,
commercial leases tend to be of a longer term and IRET is precluded from increasing rent to compensate for
inflationary changes in currency values.  In the case of residential properties, no leases are longer than one
year and the majority are for six months or less and thus IRET may raise rent to cover inflationary changes
in expenses and the value of its capital investment, subject to market conditions.  

COMPETITION

All of IRET's properties, both residential and commercial, are located in developed areas that include
other competing properties.  The competitive properties in a particular area could have a material effect on
IRET's ability to lease its existing properties or any newly developed or acquired properties and on the rents
charged.  IRET may be competing with others that have greater resources.  In addition, with respect to IRET
apartment  communities,  other  forms  of  properties,  including  single-family  housing,  provide  housing 
alternatives to potential residents of IRET apartment communities.

21

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

All IRET properties must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA") to
the extent that such properties are "public accommodations" and/or "commercial facilities" as defined by  the
ADA.    Compliance  with  the  ADA  requirements  could  require  removal  of  structural  barriers  to
handicapped access in certain public areas of the IRET properties where such removal is readily achievable.
The ADA does not, however, consider residential properties, such as apartment communities, to be public
accommodations or commercial facilities, except to the extent portions of such facilities, such as the leasing
office, are open to the public.  IRET believes that its properties comply with all present requirements under
the  ADA  and  applicable  state  laws.    Noncompliance  could  result  in  imposition  of  fines  or  an  award  of
damages to private litigants.  If required to make material additional changes, IRET's results of operations
could be adversely affected.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

IRET is subject to federal, state and local environmental regulations that apply to the development of real
property, including construction activities, the ownership of real property, and the operation of commercial
and multi-family apartment communities.

In developing properties and constructing apartments, IRET utilizes environmental consultants to deter-
mine  whether  there  are  any  flood  plains,  wetlands  or  environmentally  sensitive  areas  that  are  part  of  the
property to be developed.  If flood plains are identified, development and construction is planned so that
flood plain areas are preserved or alternative flood plain capacity is created in conformance with federal and 
local flood plain management requirements.

Storm water discharge from a construction facility is evaluated in connection with the requirements for
storm  water  permits  under  the  Clean  Water  Act.    This  is  an  evolving  program  in  most  states.    IRET
currently anticipates it will be able to obtain storm water permits for existing or new development.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. sec. 9601 et
seq.  ("CERCLA"),  and  applicable  state  superfund  laws  subject  the  owner  of  real  property  to  claims  or 
liability for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous substances that are disposed of on real property
in amounts that require removal or remediation.  Liability under CERCLA and applicable state superfunds
laws can be imposed on the owner of real property or the operator of a facility without regard to fault or even
knowledge  of  the  disposal  of  hazardous  substances  on  the  property  or  at  the  facility.    The  presence  of 
hazardous substances in amounts requiring response action or the failure to undertake remediation where it
is necessary may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell real estate or borrow money using such real estate
as collateral.  In addition to claims for cleanup costs, the presence of hazardous substances on a property could
result in a claim by a private party for personal inquiry or a claim by an adjacent property owner for property
damage.  

IRET has a policy that requires an environmental investigation of each property that it considers for pur-
chase or that it owns and plans to develop.  The environmental investigation is conducted by a qualified envi-
ronmental consultant.  If there is any indication of contamination, sampling of the property is performed by
the  environmental  consultant.    The  environmental  investigation  report  is  reviewed  by  IRET  prior  to 
purchase of any property.  If necessary, remediation of contamination, including underground storage tanks,
is undertaken prior to development.

IRET  has  not  been  notified  by  any  governmental  authority  of  any  noncompliance,  claim,  or 
liability in connection with any of its properties, nor of a claim for personal injury or property damage by a
private  party  in  connection  with  environmental  conditions  and  is  not  aware  of  any  other  environmental 
condition with respect to any of its properties that could be considered to be material.

22

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

30 Calendar Year History of Increasing Dividends

Since its first dividend paid July 1, 1971, IRET has never delayed, omitted or reduced its quarterly dividend and

in each of the last 30 calendar years, the annual dividend has increased over the amount paid in the preceding year.

SHARE BID PRICE HISTORY

DIVIDEND HISTORY

TOTAL RETURN PER YEAR

1971
1972 
1973 
1974 
1975 
1980 
1985 
1990 
1995 
1996 
1997 
1998 
1999
2000
2001*

$1.00
1.10 
1.30 
1.40 
1.50
1.80
3.15 
4.50 
6.16 
6.44 
7.13 
7.44 
7.88
7.88
8.80

1971
1972 
1973 
1974 
1975 
1980 
1985 
1990 
1995 
1996 
1997 
1998 
1999
2000
2001*

2.75¢ 
6.20¢ 
6.55¢ 
7.10¢ 
8.00¢ 
13.25¢ 
24.25¢ 
29.90¢ 
35.25¢ 
37.38¢
40.18¢ 
43.70¢ 
49.25¢
52.55¢
56.50¢

1971
1972 
1973 
1974 
1975 
1980 
1985 
1990 
1995 
1996
1997
1998 
1999
2000
2001*

2.8% 
16.2% 
24.1% 
13.2% 
12.9% 
13.7% 
19.5% 
12.1% 
10.6% 
10.6% 
17.0% 
10.5% 
12.5%
6.7%
18.8%

(End of calendar year bid price per
share of beneficial interest of IRET) 

(Total calendar year dividends paid) 

*

Annualized as of 06/30/01 - Conversion of actual financial results for the first six months of the 
calendar year as of June 30, 2001, into a rate calculation and then annualized into an annual 
equivalent rate of return.

Dividends plus share price changes.
(Calendar year dividends paid plus
change in share bid price divided by
previous end of year share bid price.)

30 Calendar Year Performance Comparison

The graph below provides an indicator of the cumulative shareholder returns for the Trust compared to our peer
group (1). The comparison assumes the investment of $100.00 in the stock of IRET and in the stock of our peer group,
and the reinvestment of all dividends. No commissions or income tax impact are reflected in this comparison.

IRET
Peer Group

$6,448

$3,003

72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99  00

(1) The peer group consists of the real estate investment trusts included by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts
in its Equity Total Return Index.

23

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

Board of Trustees 
Investor Real Estate Trust 
and Subsidiaries 
Minot, North Dakota 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  Investors  Real  Estate  Trust  and
Subsidiaries  as  of  April  30,  2001  and  2000,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,
shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999. These consolidated
financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the Trust's  management.    Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States
of America.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether  the  consolidated  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  mis-statement.    An  audit  includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation.  We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis of our opinion. 

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material
respects, the consolidated financial position of Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries as of April 30,
2001 and 2000, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the years ended April 30,
2001, 2000 and 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. 

BRADY, MARTZ & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 
Minot, North Dakota

May 23, 2001

24

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

Years Ended April 30, 

2001

2000

ASSETS
Real estate investments
Property owned
Less accumulated depreciation

Mortgage loans receivable
Total Real Estate Investments

Other Assets
Cash
Marketable securities - held-to-maturity
Marketable securities - available-for-sale
Rent receivable
Real estate deposits
Prepaid and other assets
Tax and insurance escrow
Furniture and fixtures
Goodwill
Deferred charges and leasing costs
Total Assets

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Notes payable
Mortgages payable
Investment certificates issued
Total Liabilities

$ 591,636,468
(44,093,145)
$ 547,543,323

$  449,919,890
(33,232,952)
$  416,686,938

1,037,095
$ 548,580,418

1,529,578
$  418,216,516

$

6,356,063
2,351,248
660,865
1,925,429
522,500
799,973
4,323,960
187,313
1,550,246
3,064,109
$ 570,322,124

$

3,449,264
2,601,420
572,811
1,055,922
768,850
577,624
3,218,603
0
0
2,517,289
$ 432,978,299

$

8,252,758
0
368,956,930
11,876,417
$ 389,086,105

$     6,343,595
6,452,420
265,056,767
10,087,256
$ 287,940,038

Minority interest in partnerships
Minority interest of unit holders in operating partnership

$
3,287,665
$ 59,003,194

$
$

0
35,117,670

Shareholder’s Equity

Shares of beneficial interest (unlimited authorization, 
no par value, 24,068,346  shares outstanding in 
2001 and 22,452,069 shares outstanding in 2000)

Accumulated distributions in excess of net income
Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss
Total shareholders’ equity

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

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

25

$ 132,148,768
(13,073,157)
(130,451)
$ 118,945,160
$ 570,322,124

$ 119,233,172
(9,094,076)
(218,505)
$ 109,920,591
$ 432,978,299

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

Years Ended April 30, 

2001

2000

1999

REVENUE

Real estate rentals
Interest, discounts and fees
Total Revenue

EXPENSES
Interest
Depreciation
Utilities and maintenance
Taxes
Insurance
Property management expenses
Loss on impairment of properties
Administrative expenses
Advisory and trustee services
Operating expenses
Amortization
Total Expenses

Income before gain/loss on properties

and minority interest
Gain on sale of properties
Minority interest portion of

$ 74,800,722
966,428
$ 75,767,150

$ 54,257,881
1,187,312
$ 55,445,193

$ 38,785,287
1,141,975
$ 39,927,262

$ 25,231,398
12,299,532
11,546,566
7,545,182
831,963
5,784,423
0
1,057,469
423,227
431,390
428,188
$ 65,579,338

$ 17,014,170
8,460,112
8,044,530
5,282,361
476,962
4,290,275
1,319,316
0
1,159,120
633,692
216,097
$ 46,896,635

$ 12,101,981
5,966,874
6,356,483
4,025,559
384,203
3,288,267
0
0
844,901
402,641
154,677
$ 33,525,586

$ 10,187,812
601,605

$ 8,548,558
1,754,496

$ 6,401,676
1,947,184

operating partnership income

(2,095,177)

(1,495,209)

(744,725)

NET INCOME
Net income per share (basic and diluted)

$ 8,694,240
$

.38      

$ 8,807,845
.42
$

$ 7,604,135
.44
$

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

26

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

SHARES OF
NUMBER OF            BENEFICIAL
INTEREST

SHARES

DISTRIBUTIONS
IN EXCESS OF
NET INCOME

ACCUMULATED
OTHER

TOTAL

COMPREHENSIVE     SHAREHOLDER’S

INCOME (LOSS)

EQUITY

BALANCE APRIL 30, 1998

16,391,412

$

74,708,559

$  (6,666,555)

$

110,622

$

68,152,626

BALANCE APRIL 30, 1999

19,066,954

$

93,095,819

$ (7,255,958)

$

(56,567)

$

85,783,294

Comprehensive Income

Net income
Unrealized loss on   

securities available for sale

Total comprehensive income
Dividends distributed
Dividends reinvested
Sale of shares
Shares repurchased

Comprehensive income

Net income
Unrealized loss on  

securities available for sale

Total comprehensive income
Dividends distributed
Dividends reinvested
Sales of shares
Shares repurchased

Comprehensive income

Net income
Unrealized loss on  

securities available for sale

Total comprehensive income
Dividends distributed
Dividends reinvested
Sales of shares
Fractional shares repurchased

0

0

0

0

7,604,135

0

7,604,135

0

(167,189)

0
762,051
2,368,504
(455,013)

0
5,389,464
16,284,684
(3,286,888)

(8,193,538)
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

0

0

0

0

8,807,845

0

8,807,845

0

(161,938)

0
803,192
3,115,789
(533,866)

0
6,330,301
24,022,246
(4,215,194)

(10,645,963)
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

0

0

0

0

8,694,240

0

8,694,240

0

(88,054)

0
273,155
1,383,908
(40,786)

0
2,230,445
11,001,509
(316,358)

(12,673,321)
0
0
0

0
0
0
0

$

(167,189)
7,436,946
(8,193,538)
5,389,464
16,284,684
(3,286,888)

$

(161,938)
8,645,907
(10,645,963)
6,330,301
24,022,246
(4,215,194)

$

(88,054)
8,782,294
(12,673,321)
2,230,445
11,001,509
(316,358)

BALANCE APRIL 30, 2000

22,452,069

$ 119,233,172

$ (9,094,076)

$

(218,505)

$ 109,920,591

BALANCE APRIL 30, 2001

24,068,346

$ 132,148,768

$(13,073,157)

$

(130,451)

$ 118,945,160

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

27

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

Years Ended April 30, 

2001

2000

1999

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income
Adjustments to reconcile net income 

to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization
Minority interest portion of operating 

partnership income

Accretion of discount on contracts
Gain on sale of properties
Loss on impairment of properties
Interest reinvested in investment certificates

Effects on operating cash flows due to changes in:
(Increase) decrease in real estate deposits
(Increase) decrease in rent receivable
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Increase in tax and insurance escrow
Increase in deferred charges
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                 

$

8,694,240   

$

8,807,845

$

7,604,135

12,727,720

8,676,209

6,121,551

2,095,177
0
(601,605)
0
360,181

246,350
(990,213)
(201,547)
(1,105,357)
(805,364)

1,495,209
(1,506)
(1,754,496)
1,319,316
363,935

(467,950)
(1,055,922)
(283,838)
(1,457,408)
(1,319,634)

744,725
(2,920)
(1,947,184)
0
408,097

2,192,813
0
(11,884)
(507,127)
(480,413)

and accrued expenses

Net cash provided from operating activities

1,909,163
$ 22,328,745

1,955,325
$ 16,277,085

1,541,190
$ 15,662,983

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities        

held-to-maturity

Principal payments on mortgage loans receivable
Proceeds from sale of property
Payments for acquisitions and improvement       

of properties

Purchase of marketable securities available-for-sale
Investment in mortgage loans receivable
Net cash used for investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of shares, net of issue costs
Proceeds from investment certificates issued
Proceeds from mortgages payable
Repurchase of shares and minority interest units
Dividends paid
Distributions paid to minority interest unitholders
Redemption of investment certificates
Principal payments on mortgage loans
Net increase (decrease) in short-term lines of credit
Net cash provided from financing activities

$

250,172
613,934
0

$

363,014
492,547
7,326,563

$

572,104
372,155
435,787

(72,319,419)
0
(4,709,838)
$ (76,165,151)

(121,931,571)
0
(6,291,617)
$(120,041,064)

(45,325,061)
(181,250)
(7,655,061)
$ (51,781,326)

$ 11,001,509
3,257,574
79,369,000
(5,497,952)
(5,963,290)
(3,059,078)
(1,828,594)
(14,083,544)
(6,452,420)
$ 56,743,205

$ 24,022,246
3,769,003
93,969,098
(4,832,012)
(4,315,662)
(1,846,104)
(5,815,818)
(7,902,981)
6,452,420 
$ 103,500,190

$ 16,284,684
4,591,528 
32,326,973
(3,534,813)
(2,804,074)
(791,458)
(3,599,050)
(3,774,614)
(1,000,000)
$ 37,699,176

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH AT END OF YEAR

$

$

2,906,799
3,449,264
6,356,063

$

$

(263,789)
3,713,053
3,449,264

$

$

1,580,833
2,132,220
3,713,053

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

28

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS • continued

Years Ended April 30, 

2001

2000

1999

SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH 
INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend reinvestment plan
Real estate investment and mortgage loans   
receivable acquired through assumption 
of mortgage loans payable and accrual 
of costs

Mortgage loan receivable transferred to 

property owned

Proceeds from sale of properties deposited 

directly with escrow agent

Properties acquired through the issuance of 
minority interest units in the operating 
partnership

Minority partner interest in Southdale Medical Center
Interest reinvested directly in investment certificates

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF 
CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest paid on mortgages
Interest paid on investment certificates

$

2,230,445

$

6,330,301

$

5,389,464

38,611,547

4,049,568

12,458,735

4,709,838

15,000,000

0

4,093,684

0

6,863,691

25,543,524
3,287,655
360,181

21,602,841
0
363,935

6,485,927
0
408,097

$ 23,763,584
745,391
$ 24,508,975

$ 15,670,488
544,977
$ 16,215,465

$ 10,998,722
895,214
$ 11,893,936

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

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 •  NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE  OF  OPERATIONS -  Investors  Real  Estate
Trust  qualifies  under  Section  856  of  the  Internal  Revenue
Code as a real estate investment trust. The Trust has properties
located  primarily  throughout  the  Upper  Midwest,  with 
principal  offices  located  in  Minot,  North  Dakota.  The
Company invests in commercial and residential real estate, real
estate  contracts,  real  estate  related  governmental  backed 
securities  (GNMA),  and  equity  securities  in  other  real  estate
investment  trusts.  Rental  revenue  from  residential  properties
represents the major source of revenues for the Trust. 

Effective  February  1,  1997,  the  Trust  reorganized  its 
structure  in  order  to  convert  to  Umbrella  Partnership  Real
Estate  Investment  Trust  (UPREIT)  status.  The  Trust 
established  an  operating  partnership  (IRET  Properties,  a
North  Dakota  Limited  Partnership)  with  a  wholly  owned 
corporate  subsidiary  acting  as  its  sole  general  partner  (IRET,
Inc.,  a  North  Dakota  Corporation).  At  that  date,  the  Trust 

transferred  substantially  all  of  its  assets  and  liabilities  to  the
operating  partnership  in  exchange  for  general  partnership
units. 

The  general  partner  has  full  and  exclusive  management
responsibility for the real estate investment portfolio owned by
the  operating  partnership.  The  partnership  is  operated  in  a
manner that allows IRET to continue its qualification as a real
estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code. 

All  limited  partners  of  the  operating  partnership  have
"exchange rights" allowing them, at their option, to exchange
their limited partnership units for shares of the Trust on a one
for  one  basis.  The  exchange  rights  are  subject  to  certain 
restrictions  including  no  exchanges  for  at  least  one  year 
following the acquisition of the limited partnership units. The
operating partnership distributes cash on a quarterly basis in
the  amounts  determined  by  the Trust,  which  results  in  each
limited  partner  receiving  a  distribution  equivalent  to  the
dividend received by a Trust shareholder. 

Effective July 1, 2000, the Trust became self-administered
as a result of the acquisition of its former advisory company, 

29

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

Odell-Wentz  &  Associates,  LLC.    Virtually  all  officers  and
employees of Odell-Wentz & Associates, LLC were retained by
the Trust.  Please refer to Note 9 for information concerning
the impact of this acquisition on the accompanying financial
statements.

BASIS  OF  PRESENTATION -  The  consolidated
financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Investors  Real
Estate Trust and all of its subsidiaries in which it maintains a
controlling interest.  The Trust is the sole shareholder of IRET,
Inc., which is the general partner of the operating partnership,
IRET  Properties.  The  trust  is  also  the  sole  shareholder  of
Miramont    IRET  Inc.  and  Pine  Cone    IRET  Inc.,  both  of
which are invested in real estate.

The Trust is the sole shareholder of the following entities:
Forest Park -IRET, Inc., Thomasbrook -IRET, Inc., Dakota -
IRET, Inc., MedPark -IRET, Inc., Flying Cloud -IRET, Inc.,
Meadows 2 -IRET, Inc., and IRET -Ridge Oaks, LLC.  These
entities are the sole general partners and IRET Properties is the
sole  limited  partner  for  the  following  limited  partnerships,
respectively:  Forest Park Properties, a North Dakota Limited
Partnership;  Thomasbrook  Properties,  a  Nebraska  Limited
Partnership;  Dakota  Hill  Properties,  a  Texas  Limited
Partnership;  MedPark  Properties,  a  North  Dakota  Limited
Partnership;  and  7901  Properties  L.P.,  a  Minnesota  Limited
Partnership,  Meadows  2  Properties,  LP,  a  North  Dakota
Limited  Partnership,  and  Ridge  Oaks,  LP  an  Iowa  Limited
Partnership.  IRET Properties is also the sole owner of Health
Investors Business Trust.  These entities are all invested in real
estate and are primarily formed and acquired for the beneficial
ownership  of  certain  properties  that  may  be  encumbered  by
mortgage indebtedness.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  also  include  the
ownership  of  a  controlling  interest  in  Minnesota  Medical
Investors  LLC,  SMB  Operating  Company  LLC,  and  SMB
MM  LLC,  collectively  known  as  Southdale  Medical  Center.
These  companies  are  accounted  for  under  the  consolidation
method  of  accounting  with  minority  interests  reflecting  the
minority  partners'  share  of  ownership  and  income  and 
expenses being recorded on a 30-day lag basis.

All material inter-company transactions and balances have

been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NEW  ACCOUNTING  PRONOUNCEMENTS - The
Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (SEC)  issued  Staff
Accounting  Bulletin  No.  101  ("SAB  101"),  "Revenue
Recognition,"  which  provides  guidance  on  the  recognition,
presentation, and disclosure of revenue in financial statements.
The Trust's  accounting  policies  comply  with  SAB  101  in  all
material respects.  

Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")
No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities,  establishes  accounting  and  reporting  standards
requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded on the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair
value.  The statement requires that changes in the derivative's
fair  value  be  recognized  currently  in  earnings  unless  specific
hedge accounting criteria are met.  Certain provisions of SFAS
133  were  amended  by  SFAS  138,  "Accounting  for  Certain
Derivative  Instruments  and  Certain  Hedging  Activities"    an
amendment of Statement 133."  SFAS 133 has no impact as
the Trust does not currently use derivatives.

USE  OF  ESTIMATES -  The  preparation  of  financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and 
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates. 

for 

improvements 

PROPERTY  OWNED  -  Real  estate  is  stated  at  cost.
Expenditures 
that 
renewals  and 
significantly  add  to  the  productive  capacity  or  extend  the 
useful life of an asset are capitalized. Interest, real estate taxes,
and  other  development  costs  relating  to  the  acquisition  and
development  of  certain  qualifying  properties  are  also 
capitalized.  Expenditures  for  maintenance  and  repairs  which
do not add to the value or extend useful lives are charged to
expense as incurred.

The Trust assesses whether there has been an impairment
in the value of its real estate by comparing its carrying amount
to  the  aggregate  undiscounted  future  cash  flows  without 
interest  charges.    Such  cash  flows  consider  factors  such  as
expected future operating income, trends and prospects as well
as  the  effects  of  demand,  competition  and  other  economic 
factors.    Such  market  factors  include  a  lessee's  ability  to  pay
rent under the terms of the lease.  If a property is leased at a
significantly lower rent, the Trust may recognize a loss if the
income  stream  is  not  sufficient  to  recover  its  investment.    If
impairment is determined to be present, the loss is measured
as  the  amount  by  which  the  carrying  value  exceeds  the
property's fair value.   

The fair value of the property is the amount which would
be  recoverable  upon  the  disposition  of  the  property.
Techniques used to establish fair value include present value of
estimated  expected  future  cash  flows  using  a  discount  rate
commensurate with the risks involved, or appraised value.  

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE is stated at the lower
of  its  carrying  amount  or  estimated  fair  value  less  disposal
costs.  Depreciation is not recorded on assets classified as held
for sale.  

In  the  normal  course  of  business  the  Trust  will  receive
offers for sale of its properties, either solicited or unsolicited.
For  those  offers  that  are  accepted,  the  prospective  buyer  will
usually acquire a due diligence period before consummation of
the transaction.  It is not unusual for matters to arise that result
in the withdrawal or rejection of the offer during this process.
As a result, real estate is not classified as "held for sale" until it
is likely, in the opinion of management, that a property will be
disposed of in the near term, even if sale negotiations for such
property  are  currently  under  way.   There  were  no  properties
considered "held for sale" at April 30, 2001 or 2000. 

FURNITURE  AND  FIXTURES consists  of  office 
furniture,  fixtures,  and  equipment  located  at  the  Trust's 
operational  head  quarters  and  are  stated  at  cost  net  of 
accumulated  depreciation.      Accumulated  depreciation  was
$215,757 and $0  at April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

DEPRECIATION is  provided  to  amortize  the  cost  of
individual  assets  over  their  estimated  useful  lives  using 
principally  the  straight-line  method.  Useful  lives  range  from 
5  -  12  years  for  furniture  and  fixtures  to  20  -  40  years  for 
buildings and improvements. 

MORTGAGE  LOANS  RECEIVABLE -  are  shown  at
cost.    Interest  income  is  accrued  and  reflected  in  the  related
balance. 

30

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS - The
Trust evaluates the need for an allowance for doubtful accounts
periodically.  In  performing  its  evaluation,  management 
assesses  the  recoverability  of  individual  real  estate  mortgage
loans  and  rent  receivables  by  a  comparison  of  their  carrying
amount with their estimated net realizable value. 

MARKETABLE SECURITIES - The Trust's investments
in securities are classified as securities "held-to-maturity" and
securities  "available-for-sale."    The  securities  classified  as
"available-for-sale" consist of equity shares in other real estate
investment trusts and are stated at fair value. Unrealized gains
and  losses  on  securities  available-for-sale  are  recognized  as
direct  increases  or  decreases  in  shareholders'  equity.  Cost  of
securities  sold  are  recognized  on  the  basis  of  specific 
identification.  The  securities  classified  as  "held-to-maturity"
consist  of  Government  National  Mortgage  Association 
securities for which the Trust has positive intent and ability to
hold  to  maturity.  They  are  reported  at  cost,  adjusted  by 
amortization  of  premiums  and  accretion  of  discounts  which
are  recognized  in  interest  income  using  the  straight-line
method  over  the  period  to  maturity  which  approximates  the
effective interest method. 

REAL ESTATE DEPOSITS consist of funds held by an
escrow agent to be applied toward the purchase of real estate
qualifying for gain deferral as a like-kind exchange of property
under  section  1031  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code.  It  also 
consists of earnest money, or "good faith deposits," to be used
by the Trust toward the purchase of property or the payment
of loan costs associated with loan refinancing. 

GOODWILL is amortized on a straight-line basis over a
period of 15 years.  The Trust periodically reviews goodwill for
impairment and if a permanent decline in value has occurred,
the  Trust  will  reduce  its  goodwill  balance  to  fair  value.
Accumulated amortization of goodwill was $91,191 and $0 at
April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

DEFERRED  LEASING  AND  LOAN  ACQUISITION
COSTS  -  Costs  and  commissions  incurred  in  obtaining 
tenant  leases  are  amortized  on  the  straight-line  method  over
the  terms  of  the  related  leases.    Costs  incurred  in  obtaining
long-term financing are amortized over the life of the loan and
charged to amortization expense over the terms of the related
debt agreements.  

MINORITY  INTEREST -  Interests  in  the  operating
partnership  held  by  limited  partners  are  represented  by 
operating  partnership  units.  The  operating  partnerships'
income is allocated to holders of units based upon the ratio of
their holdings to the total units outstanding during the period.
Capital contributions, distributions, and profits and losses are
allocated to minority interests in accordance with the terms of
the operating partnership agreement.  

The  Trust  reflects  minority  interests  in  the  Southdale
Medical  Center  on  the  balance  sheet  for  the  portion  of
properties consolidated by the Trust that are not wholly owned
by  the  Trust.    The  earnings  or  losses  from  these  properties
attributable  to  the  minority  interests  are  reflected  as  limited
partner  minority  interests  in  the  consolidated  statements  of
operations.

31

NET INCOME PER SHARE - Effective May 1, 1998,
the Trust adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No.  128,  Earnings  Per  Share.  Basic  net  income  per  share  is
computed  using  the  weighted  average  number  of  shares 
outstanding. There is potential for dilution of net income per
share  due  to  the  conversion  option  of  operating  partnership
units. However, basic and diluted net income per share are the
same. The  computation  of  basic  and  diluted  net  income  per
share can be found in Note 12.

INCOME  TAXES  -  The  Trust  intends  to  continue  to 
qualify  as  a  real  estate  investment  trust  as  defined  by  the
Internal Revenue Code and, as such, will not be taxed on the
portion of the income that is distributed to the shareholders,
provided at least 90% of its real estate investment trust taxable
income  is  distributed  and  other  requirements  are  met.  The
Trust intends to distribute all of its taxable income and realized
capital gains from property dispositions within the prescribed
time limits and, accordingly, there is no provision or liability
for income taxes shown on the financial statements.

UPREIT  status  allows  non-recognition  of  gain  by  an
owner of appreciated real estate if that owner contributes the
real  estate  to  a  partnership  in  exchange  for  a  partnership 
interest.  The  UPREIT  concept  was  born  when  the  non-
recognition provisions of Section 721 of the Internal Revenue
Code were combined with "Exchange Rights" which allow the
contributing  partner  to  exchange  the  limited  partnership
interest received in exchange for the appreciated real estate for
the Trust stock. Upon conversion of the partnership units to
Trust  shares,  a  taxable  event  occurs  for  that  limited  partner.
Income or loss of the operating partnership shall be allocated
among  its  partners  in  compliance  with  the  provisions  of  the
Internal Revenue Code Section 701(b) and 704(c). 

REVENUE  RECOGNITION  - Residential  rental
properties  are  leased  under  operating  leases  with  terms 
generally of one year or less. Commercial properties are leased
under operating leases to tenants for various terms exceeding
one  year.  Lease  terms  often  include  renewal  options.  Rental
revenue is recognized on the straight-line basis, which averages
minimum  required  rents  over  the  terms  of  the  leases.    Rents
recognized  in  advance  of  collection  is  reflected  as  rent 
receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $120,314
and $0 as of April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

A number of the commercial leases provide for a base rent
plus  a  percentage  rent  based  on  gross  sales  in  excess  of  a 
stipulated  amount. These  percentage  rents  are  recorded  once
the required sales level is achieved and are included in rental
income  at  that  time.   These  leases  also  typically  provide  for 
tenant reimbursement of common area maintenance and other
operating expenses.

Profit  on  sales  of  real  estate  shall  be  recognized  in  full
when  real  estate  is  sold,  provided  the  profit  is  determinable,
that is, the collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured
or the amount that will be collectible can be estimated and the
earnings process is virtually complete, that is, the seller is not
obliged  to  perform  significant  activities  after  the  sale  to  earn
the  profit.    Any  gain  or  loss  on  the  sale  of  disposition  is 
recognized in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.  

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

Interest  on  mortgage  loans  receivable  is  recognized  in
income as it accrues during the period the loan is outstanding.
In the case of non-performing loans, income is recognized as
discussed in Note 4. 

RECLASSIFICATIONS  - Certain  previously  reported
amounts  have  been  reclassified  to  conform  with  the  current
financial statement presentation. 

THE  DIVIDEND  REINVESTMENT  PLAN 
is 
available to all shareholders of the Trust. Under the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan, shareholders may elect for their dividends
to  be  used  by  the  plan  administrator  to  acquire  additional
shares on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market or, if not available,
directly from the Trust.  Amounts are deposited with the plan
administrator in advance of the dividend date to acquire shares
for dividend reinvestment.

NOTE 2 • OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK 

The  Trust  had  deposits  at  First  Western  Bank,  Bremer
Bank,  and  First  International  Bank  which  exceeded  Federal
Deposit  Insurance  Corporation  limits  by  $3,844,663,
$785,073 and $561,155, respectively, at April 30, 2001. 

NOTE 3 • PROPERTY OWNED UNDER LEASE 

Property consisting principally of real estate owned under
lease  is  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and  is 
summarized as follows: 

Years Ending April 30, 

Residential

2001

2000

$ 361,577,622

$ 329,205,116

Less accumulated depreciation

(32,296,179)

( 25,029,645)

$ 329,281,443

$ 304,175,471 

Commercial

$ 230,058,846

$ 120,714,774

Less accumulated depreciation

(11,796,966)

( 8,203,307)

Remaining Cost

$   218,261,880

$ 112,511,467

$ 547,543,323

$ 416,686,938

There were no repossessions during the years ended April

30, 2001 and 2000. 

The above cost of residential real estate owned included
construction in progress of $6,307,018 and $6,190,287 as of
April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. As of April 30, 2001,
the trust expects to fund approximately $3,500,000 during the
upcoming  year  to  complete  these  construction  projects. The
Trust  also  has  outstanding  offers  to  purchase  selected
properties as part of their normal operations.  As of April 30,
2001, significant signed purchase commitments are estimated
at $23,400,000 for the upcoming year.

Construction period interest of $316,644, $404,089 and
$211,882  has  been  capitalized  for  the  years  ended  April  30,
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Residential  apartment  units  are  rented  to  individual 
tenants with lease terms up to one year. Gross revenues from
residential  rentals  totaled  $55,806,712,  $42,379,855  and
$33,010,126  for  the  years  ended  April  20,  2001,  2000  and
1999, respectively. 

Gross revenues from commercial property rentals totaled
$18,994,010,  $11,878,026  and  $5,775,161  for  the  years
ended  April  30,  2001,  2000  and  1999,  respectively.
Commercial  properties  are  leased  to  tenants  under  terms  of
leases  expiring  at  various  dates  through  2024.  Lease  terms
often  include  renewal  options.  In  addition,  a  number  of  the
commercial leases provide for a base rent plus a percentage rent
based  on  gross  sales  in  excess  of  a  stipulated  amount.  Rents
based on a percentage of sales totaled $124,092, $102,659 and
$101,032 for the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. 

The future minimum lease payments to be received under
these operating leases for the commercial properties as of April
30, 2000, are as follows: 

Year Ending April 30,

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Thereafter  

$

$

20,379,372
19,239,427
18,626,368
17,681,872
16,268,305
126,659,158
218,854,502

Loss on impairment of two commercial properties totaled
$1,319,316  for  the  year  ended  April  30,  2000.    Impairment
losses  were  determined  based  on  present  value  of  estimated
expected future cash flows from each property.  The carrying
value  of  First  Avenue  Building,  located  in  Minot,  North
Dakota,  was  reduced  by  $311,202.   The  carrying  value  of  a
commercial  building  located  in  Boise,  Idaho  was  reduced  by
$1,008,114.  There were no losses on impairment of properties
for the years ended April 30, 2001 and 1999.

NOTE 4 • MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE 

Mortgage  loans  receivable  consists  of  seven  contracts
which are collateralized by real estate. Contract terms call for
monthly  payments  of  principals  and  interest.  Interest  rates
range from 7% to 11%. Mortgage loans receivable have been
evaluated  for  possible  losses  considering  repayment  history,
market  value  of  underlying  collateral,  and  economic 
conditions. 

Future principal payments due under the mortgage loans

contracts as of April 30, 2001, are as follows:   

Year Ending April 30,

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Later Years  

32

$

$

765,530
98,252
43,313
0
0
130,000
1,037,095

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

There were no significant non-performing mortgage loans
receivable  as  of  April  30,  2001  and  2000.  Non-performing
loans  are  recognized  as  impaired  in  conformity  with  FASB
Statement No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of a Loan. The average balance of impaired loans for the years
ended  April  30,  2001  and  2000  was  not  significant.  For
impairment  recognized  in  conformity  with  FASB  Statement
No. 114, the entire change in present value of expected cash
flows is reported as bad debt expense in the same manner in
which impairment initially was recognized or as a reduction in
the  amount  of  bad  debt  expense  that  otherwise  would  be
reported.  Additional  interest  income  that  would  have  been
earned on loans if they had not been non-performing was not
significant  in  2001,  2000,  or  1999.  There  was  no  interest
income  on  non-performing  loans  recognized  on  a  cash  basis
for 2001, 2000, and 1999. 

NOTE 5 • MARKETABLE SECURITIES 

The  amortized  cost  and  estimated  market  values  of 
marketable  securities  held-to-maturity  at  April  30,  2001  and
2000 are as follows: 

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

$ 2,351,248

$ 80,159

$ 77,389

$ 2,354,018

$ 2,601,420

$ 34,608

$ 159,785

$ 2,476,243

2001
ISSUER GNMA
2000
ISSUER GNMA

The  amortized  costs  and  estimated  market  values  of 
marketable  securities  available-for-sale  at  April  30,  2001  and
2000 are as follows:

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair
Value

2001
Equity shares in other REITs $
2000
Equity shares in other REITs $

791,316

$ 97,209

$ 227,660

791,316

$ 65,338

$ 283,843

$

$

660,865

572,811

There were no realized gains or losses on sales of securities

for the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999. 

Marketable  securities  held-to-maturity  consists  of
Governmental  National  Mortgage  Association  (GNMA) 
securities  bearing  interest  from  6.5%  to  9.5%  with  maturity
dates  ranging  from  May  15,  2016,  to  September  15,  2023.
The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  maturities  of  securities
held-to-maturity at April 30, 2001 and 2000: 

AMORTIZED       FAIR
COST           VALUE

Due After 10 years

$2,351,248

$2,354,018

AMORTIZED        FAIR
VALUE
$2,476,243

COST
$2,601,420

2001 

2000

A  second  unsecured  line  of  credit  from  First  International
Bank  &  Trust  was  issued  in  the  amount  of  $3,500,000 
carrying an interest rate equal to prime and maturing October
15,  2002,  the  weighted  average  interest  rate  for  year  ended
April  30,  2001  was  8.15%.  A  third  unsecured  line  of  credit
from Bremer Bank was issued in the amount of $10,000,000
carrying  an  interest  rate  equal  to  Bremer  Financial  Corp.'s 
reference  rate  and  maturing  August  1,  2002,  the  weighted
average interest rate for year ended April 30, 2001 was 8.99%.
Interest  payments  are  due  monthly  on  all  three  notes.  As  of
April  30,  2001,  the Trust  had  no  unpaid  balances  on  any  of
their  lines  of  credit.  As  of  April  30,  2000,  the  trust  had  an
unpaid balance of $6,452,420 on the line of credit at Bremer
Bank.

NOTE 7 • MORTGAGES PAYABLE 

Mortgages  payable  as  of  April  30,  2001,  included 
mortgages  on  properties  owned  totaling  $368,956,930.  The
carrying  value  of  the  related  real  estate  owned  was
$577,045,712. 

Mortgages  payable  as  of  April  30,  2000,  included 
mortgages  on  properties  owned  totaling  $265,054,767.  The
carrying  value  of  the  related  real  estate  owned  was
$410,776,553.

Monthly  installments  are  due  on  the  mortgages  with
interest rates ranging from 6.47% to 9.75% and with varying
maturity dates through November 30, 2036. 

Of  the  mortgages  payable,  the  balances  of  fixed  rate 
mortgages  totaled  $337,364,781  and  $232,919,354,  and  the
balances  of  variable  rate  mortgages  totaled  $31,592,149  and
$32,137,413 as of April 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. 

The  aggregate  amount  of  required  future  principal 

payments on mortgages payable is as follows:  

Year Ending April 30,

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Later years
Total payments

$

$

14,474,108
8,298,146
8,940,912
9,746,970
13,133,365
314,363,429
368,956,930

NOTE 8 • INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED 
The  Trust  has  placed  investment  certificates  with  the 
public.  The  interest  rates  vary  from  6%  to  9%  per  annum,
depending  on  the  term  of  the  security.  Total  securities 
maturing within fiscal years ending April 30, are shown below.
Interest  is  paid  annually,  semiannually,  or  quarterly  on  the
anniversary date of the security. 

NOTE 6 • NOTES PAYABLE 

As of April 30, 2001, the trust had lines of credit available
from three financial institutions. An unsecured line of credit
was  issued  by  First Western  Bank  & Trust  in  the  amount  of
$4,000,000  carrying  an  interest  rate  equal  to  prime  and 
maturing August 15, 2002, the weighted average interest rate
for year ended April 30, 2001 was 9.46%.  

Year Ending April 30,

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Thereafter

33

$

$

5,820,502
1,326,062
1,932,291
669,657
2,116,601
11,304
11,876,417

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

NOTE 9 • TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED
PARTIES

Through  June  30,  2000,  the  advisor  to  the  Trust  was
Odell-Wentz & Associates, LLC.  Roger R. Odell and Thomas
A. Wentz,  Sr.  were  the  owners  of  Odell-Wentz  &  Associates
LLC and also officers and shareholders of the Trust.  Under the
advisory  contract  between  the  Trust  and  Odell-Wentz  &
Associates, LLC, the Trust paid an advisor's fee based on the
net  assets  of  the Trust  and  a  percentage  fee  for  investigating
and  negotiating  the  acquisition  of  new  investments.  For  the
year  ended  April  30,  2001,  Odell-Wentz  &  Associates,  LLC
received total fees under said agreement of $265,573. The fees
for April 30, 2000, were $1,400,973 and for April 30, 1999,
were $951,234. 

For the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, the
Trust  has  capitalized  $58,250,  $316,458,  and  $195,019
respectively,  of  these  fees,  with  the  remainder  of  207,323,
$1,084,515, and $756,215, respectively, expensed as advisory
fees on the statement of operations. The advisor was obligated
to  provide  office  space,  staff,  office  equipment,  computer 
services  and  other  services  necessary  to  conduct  the  business
affairs of the Trust. 

On  July  1,  2000,  IRET  Properties  acquired  assets  from
Odell-Wentz  &  Associates,  LLC  in  exchange  for  operating
partnership units at a total purchase price of $2,083,350.  This
acquisition included real estate, furniture, fixtures, equipment
and  other  assets  of  approximately  $675,000,  goodwill  of
approximately $1,645,000, and the assumption of mortgages
and  other  liabilities  of  approximately  $236,000.    Except  for
Roger  R.  Odell  who  retired,  all  officers  and  employees  of
Odell-Wentz  &  Associates,  LLC  were  retained  by  IRET
Properties.   

As part of the acquisition of Odell-Wentz  &  Associates,
LLC,  IRET  Properties  acquired  a  note  receivable  due  from
Timothy P. Mihalick of approximately $100,000.   Timothy P.
Mihalick was an officer of Odell Wentz & Associates, LLC and
is currently an officer of the Trust. 

Investors  Management  and  Marketing  (IMM)  provides
property management services to the Trust. Roger R. Odell is
a shareholder in IMM.  IMM received $114,421 for services
rendered  from  May  1,  2000  through  June  30,  2000,    IMM
received  $649,729,  and  $609,783  for  services  rendered  for
years ended April 30, 2000, and 1999, respectively.  

Inland National Securities is a corporation that provides
underwriting  services  in  the  sale  of  additional  shares  for  the
Trust. Roger R. Odell is also a shareholder in Inland National
Securities.  Fees  for  services  from  May  1,  2000  through  June
30, 2000 were $6,861. Fees for services totaled $100,081, and
$157,392,  for  the  years  ended  April  30,  2000  and  1999,
respectively.  

The Trust  paid  fees  and  expense  reimbursements  to  the
law firm in which Thomas A. Wentz, Jr. was, until December
31,  1999,  a  partner  totaling  $89,497  and    $33,022  for  the
years ended April 30, 2000, and 1999, respectively. Thomas A.
Wentz, Jr. is a trustee of the Trust.
Investment  certificates  issued  by  the  Trust  to  officers  and
trustees totaled $80,000, $200,000, and $2,138,758 at April
30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. 

Management believes that all activity with related parties
were transacted at amounts consistent with current fair market
prices.

NOTE 10 • MARKET PRICE RANGE OF SHARES
For the year ended April 30, 2001, a total of 3,668,819
shares  were  traded  in  4,692  separate  trades.   The  high  trade
price  during  the  period  was  8.980,  low  was  7.375,  and  the
closing price on April 30, 2001 was 8.770. For the year ended
April  30,  2000,  a  total  of  4,058,018  shares  were  traded  in
3,414 separate trades.  The high trade price during the period
was 17.875, low was 7.681, and the closing price on April 30,
2000 was 7.875. For the year ended April 30, 1999, a total of
1,862,187  shares  were  traded  in  1,017  separate  trades.  The
high  trade  price  during  the  period  was  14.00,  low  was  6.50,
and the closing price on April 30, 1999 was 7.50.

NOTE 11 • OPERATING SEGMENTS

Operating  segments  are  defined  as  components  of  an
enterprise  about  which  separate  financial  information  is 
available  that  is  evaluated  by  the  chief  decision  makers  in
deciding  how  to  allocate  resources  and 
in  assessing
performance. Operating segments of the Trust are determined
to  be  commercial  and  residential  rental  operations.  All
properties falling into these categories have similar economic
characteristics, as well as similar production processes, type of
regulatory 
customers, 
environments.    Although  information  is  available  on  a
property-by-property  basis,  including  rental  income  and 
operating expenses, analysis and decisions are primarily made
based  on  residential  and  commercial  segments.    Generally, 
segmental  information  follows  the  same  accounting  policies
utilized  for  consolidated  reporting,  except,  certain  expenses,
such  as  depreciation,  are  not  allocated  to  segments  for
management purposes. 

distribution  methods, 

and 

The  following  information  summarizes  the  Trust's 
segment  reporting  for  residential  and  commercial  properties
along  with  reconciliations  to  the  consolidated  financial 
statements: 

YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2001

Segment Revenue
Rental revenue
Segment Expenses
Mortgage interest

Utilities and maintenance 
Taxes 
Insurance
Property management
Total Segment Expenses
Segment Gross Profit

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL        TOTAL

$ 18,994,010

$

55,806,712

$ 74,800,722

8,043,382
1,012,658
1,083,759
161,941
347,748
$ 10,649,488
8,344,522
$

16,398,046
10,533,905
6,461,423
670,022
5,436,675
39,500,071
16,306,641

24,441,428
11,546,563
7,545,182
831,963
5,784,423
$ 50,149,559
$ 24,651,163

$
$

Reconciliation to consolidated operations:
966,428
Interest discounts and fee revenue
(789,973)
Other interest expense
(12,299,532)
Depreciation
(1,480,696)
Advisory and trust fees
(431,390)
Operating expenses 
Amortization 
(428,188)
Consolidated income before gain/loss on properties and minority interest $ 10,187,812

34

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

APRIL 30, 2001
Segment Assets

Property owned

$ 230,058,846

$ 361,577,622

$ 591,636,468

Less accumulated depreciation

(11,796,966)

(32,296,179)

(44,093,145)

Total consolidated property owned $ 218,216,880

$ 329,281,443

$ 547,543,323

YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 2000

Segment Revenue

Rental revenue

Segment Expenses

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL        TOTAL

$ 11,878,026

$

42,379,855

$ 54,257,881

Mortgage interest

3,980,450

12,312,038

16,292,488

Utilities and maintenance 

Taxes

Insurance

Property management

Loss on impairment of properties

Total Segment Expenses

Segment Gross Profit

452,229

481,191

52,288

132,435

1,319,316

6,417,909

5,460,117

$

$

$

$

7,592,301

4,801,170

424,674

4,157,840

0

8,044,530

5,282,361

476,962

4,290,275

1,319,316

29,288,023

$ 35,705,932

13,091,832

$ 18,551,949

NOTE 12 • EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic  earnings  per  share  are  computed  by  dividing  the
earnings  available  to  stockholders  by  the  weighted  average
number  of  shares  outstanding  during  the  period.  Diluted 
earnings per share reflect per share amounts that would have
resulted if potential dilutive securities had been converted to
shares.  Operating  partnership  units  can  be  exchanged  for
shares on a one for one basis. The following tables reconciles
amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements for
the years ended April 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999:  

2001

2000

1999

NUMERATOR

Net income applicable to shares

$

8,694,240

$

8,807,845

$

7,604,135

Numerator for basic earnings 

per share

8,694,240

8,807,845

7,604,135

Minority interest portion of 

operating partnership income

2,095,177

1,495,209

744,725

Reconciliation to consolidated operations:

Interest discounts and fee revenue

Other interest expense

Depreciation

Advisory and trust fees

Operating expenses 

Amortization 

1,187,312

(721,682)

(8,460,112)

(1,159,120)

(633,692)

(216,097)

Consolidated income before gain/loss on properties and minority interest

$

8,548,558

APRIL 30, 2000
Segment Assets

Property owned

Numerator for diluted 

earnings per share

DENOMINATOR

Denominator for basic 

earnings per share

$ 10,789,417

$

10,303,054

$

8,348,860

Weighted average shares

23,071,500

20,899,848

17,441,976

Effect of dilutive securities

Convertible operating 

partnership units

Denominator for diluted

earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

5,506,200

3,577,136

1,662,489

28,577,700
0.38
0.38

$
$

24,476,984
0.42
0.42

19,104,465
0.44
0.44

$
$

$
$

$ 120,714,774

$ 329,205,116

$ 449,919,890

Diluted earnings per share

Less accumulated depreciation

(8,203,307)

(25,029,645)

(33,232,952)

Total consolidated property owned $ 112,511,467

$ 304,175,471

$ 416,686,938

YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 1999

Segment Revenue

Rental revenue

Segment Expenses

Mortgage interest

Utilities and maintenance 

Taxes

Insurance

Property management

Total Segment Expenses

Segment Gross Profit

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL        TOTAL

$

5,775,161

$

33,010,126

$ 38,785,287

2,417,316

113,374

192,930

30,067

60,612

8,782,600

6,243,109

3,832,629

354,136

11,199,916

6,356,483

4,025,559

384,203

3,227,655

3,288,267

$

$

2,814,299

2,960,862

$

$

22,440,129

$ 25,254,428

10,569,997

$ 13,530,859

Reconciliation to consolidated operations:

Interest discounts and fee revenue

Other interest expense

Depreciation

Advisory and trust fees

Operating expenses 

Amortization 

1,141,975

(902,065)

(5,966,874)

(927,063)

(320,479)

(154,677)

Consolidated income before gain/loss on properties and minority interest

$

6,401,676

APRIL 30, 1999
Segment Assets

Property owned

$ 67,250,863

$ 228,574,976

$ 295,825,839

Less accumulated depreciation

(7,109,615)

(19,002,784)

(26,112,399)

Total consolidated property owned $ 60,141,248

$ 209,572,192

$ 269,713,440

NOTE 13 • RETIREMENT PLAN

As part of the acquisition on July 1, 2000 of Odell-Wentz &
Associates,  LLC,  the  Trust  assumed  a  defined  contribution
profit  sharing  retirement  plan  and  a  defined  contribution
401K retirement plan.  Employees over the age of 21 and after
completion of one year of service are eligible to participate in
the  profit  sharing  plan.    Contributions  to  the  profit  sharing
plan  are  at  the  discretion  of  the  management.  All  employees
are  immediately  eligible  to  participate  in  the  401K  plan  and
may  contribute  up  to  15%  of  their  compensation  subject  to
maximum  levels.    The  Trust  matches  up  to  3%  of 
participating employees' wages.  Pension expense of the Trust
for the year ended April 30, 2001 was $45,301.

NOTE 14 • COMMITMENTS AND 

CONTINGENCIES
The Trust,  as  an  owner  of  real  estate,  is  subject  to  various
environmental  laws  of  Federal  and  local  governments.
Compliance  by  the  Trust  with  existing  laws  has  not  had  a
material adverse effect on the Trust's financial condition and
results of operations.  However, the Trust cannot predict the
impact  of  new  or  changed  laws  or  regulations  on  its  current
properties or on properties that it may acquire in the future.

35

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

NOTE 15 • FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL 

INSTRUMENTS 
The  following  methods  and  assumptions  were  used  to 
estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for
which it is practicable to estimate that value: 

Mortgage  loans  receivable -  Fair  values  are  based  on  the 
discounted value of future cash flows expected to be received
for a loan using current rates at which similar loans would be
made  to  borrowers  with  similar  credit  risk  and  the  same
remaining maturities. 

Cash - The carrying amount approximates fair value because

of the short maturity of those instruments. 

Marketable securities - The fair values of these instruments
are  estimated  based  on  quoted  market  prices  for  these 
instruments. 

Notes  payable -  The  carrying  amount  approximates

fair value because of the short maturity of those notes. 

Mortgages  payable -  For  variable  rate  loans  that 
re-price  frequently,  fair  values  are  based  on  carrying 
values.  The  fair  value  of  fixed  rate  loans  is  estimated
based  on  the  discounted  cash  flows  of  the  loans  using
current market rates. 

Investment  certificates  issued -  The  fair  value  is 
estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that
applies interest rates currently being offered on deposits
with similar remaining maturities. 

Accrued  interest  payable -  The  carrying  amount
approximates fair value because of the short-term nature
of which interest will be paid.

The  estimated  fair  values  of  the  Company’s  financial

instruments are as follows: 

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED

OPERATIONS (unaudited)

QUARTER ENDED

7-31-00

10-31-00

01-31-01

04-30-01

Revenues
Income before gain on

properties and minority

interest
Net gain on sale of 

properties

Minority interest of 

unitholders in operating

partnership

Net Income
Per share

$17,431,644 $18,404,260 $19,004,737 $20,926,509

2,565,131

2,707,811

2,719,679

2,195,191

0

0

25,124

576,481

(425,667)
2,139,464

(538,618)
2,169,193

(426,316)
2,327,262

(704,576)
2,058,321

Income before gain/loss on

properties and minority

interest

Net Income

.11
.09

.12
.10

.12
.10

.09
.09

QUARTER ENDED

7-31-99

10-31-99

01-31-00

04-30-00

Revenues
Income before gain(loss) on
properties and minority

$11,201,913 $12,900,697 $14,054,660 $17,287,923

interest

1,801,322

2,478,912

2,390,868

3,196,772

Net gain(loss) on sale of 

properties

Loss on Impairment of 

Properties

Minority interest of 

unitholders in operating

partnership

Net Income
Per share

Income before gain/loss on

properties and minority

interest

Net Income

257,895

1,519,918

0

0

0

0

(23,317)

(1,319,316)

(235,935)
1,823,282

(579,625)
3,419,205

(369,028)
2,021,840

(310,621)
1,543,518

.10
.09

.12
.16

.11
.11

.14
.06

QUARTER ENDED

7-31-98        10-31-98        01-31-99        04-30-99

Revenues
Income before gain on

properties and minority

interest
Net gain on sale of 

properties

Minority interest of 

unitholders in operating

partnership

Net Income
Per share

$ 9,102,179 $ 9,836,370 $10,236,797 $10,151,916

1,327,851

1,760,067

1,732,928

1,580,830

366,017

1,341,899

80,122

158,146

(133,863)
1,560,005

(287,579)
2,814,387

(158,820)
1,654,228

(164,463)
1,575,515

Income before gain on 

properties and minority

interest

Net Income

.07
.09

.09
.17

.09
.09

.08
.09

2001

2000

Carrying             Fair       Carrying            Fair
Amount            Value       Amount          Value

6,356,063

6,356,063

FINANCIAL ASSETS
Mortgage loan receivable $ 1,037,095 $ 1,037,095 $ 1,650,284 $ 1,650,284
3,449,264
Cash 
Marketable securities      
held-to-maturity
Marketable securities      
available-for-sale
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Notes payable
Mortgages payable
Investment certificates 

$
368,956,930 356,434,028 265,057,767

0 $ 6,452,420 $ 6,452,420
250,897,221

2,351,248

2,354,018

2,476,243

3,449,264

2,601,420

572,811

660,865

660,865

572,811

0 $

issued

Accrued interest payable

11,876,417
2,369,454

11,804,535
2,369,454

10,087,256
1,679,000

10,810,160
1,679,000

The following financial information is unaudited. In the
opinion  of  management,  all  adjustments  (which  are  of  a 
normal  recurring  nature)  have  been  included  for  a  fair 
presentation. 

36

. . . an expression of

APPRECIATION
to our Founder

C O N T E N T S

FISCAL2001 FINANCIALHIGHLIGHTS
1
THE COMPANY
2
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
3
6
INVESTMENTPORTFOLIO
13 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION 

23
23
24
25
29

& ANALYSIS
DIVIDEND HISTORY
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
INDEPENDENTAUDITOR’S REPORT
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIALSTATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIALSTATEMENTS

36

QUARTERLYRESULTS OF 

CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Building A Foundation . . .

IRET’s mission statement reflects man-
agement’s commitment to its shareholders and
best expresses Roger’s vision for IRET.  
The following paragraph from that statement 
epitomizes Roger’s dedication to IRET. 
“Creating value for our shareholders requires a 

Roger R. Odell

commitment to excellence in every aspect of our operations - from choosing the real estate investments
to purchase and managing those investments in a professional manner, to communicating with and 
servicing each shareholder account.” 

Roger wholeheartedly believed in these words and, through his guidance, IRET flourished
to where it is today.  Few in the United States rival Roger’s foresight and intelligence in the real
estate business.  Roger helped build IRET from the ground up and he has laid a foundation
which will allow continued success for many years to come.  

While Roger has retired, we at IRET take solace in knowing that his office is only a block
away and his phone line and door are always open.  As for the past and to the present, we want
to say “Thank you, Roger! ”

Shareholder Information

Trustees

Executive Officers

Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries

Thomas A. Wentz, Sr.
President & CEO
Timothy P. Mihalick
Senior Vice President & COO 
Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.
Vice President & General
Counsel
Diane K. Bryantt
Secretary & CFO

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Investors Real Estate Trust
12 South Main Street, Suite 100
PO Box 1988
Minot, North Dakota 58702-1988
Telephone: (701) 837-4738
Fax: (701) 838-7785
email:  info@iret.com
website: www.iret.com

GENERAL COUNSEL
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C.
2nd Floor, Bremer Bank Building
Minot, North Dakota 58701
Telephone: (701) 852-0381

AUDITORS
Brady Martz & Associates, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
24 West Central
Minot, North Dakota 58701

Jeffrey L. Miller
Chairman & Trustee
C. Morris Anderson
Vice Chairman & Trustee
Daniel L. Feist
Vice Chairman & Trustee
John F. Decker
Trustee
Patrick G. Jones
Trustee
Stephen L. Stenehjem
Trustee
Timothy P. Mihalick
Trustee
Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.
Trustee
Steven B. Hoyt
Trustee

SEC FORM 10-K

Copies of Investors Real Estate Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission will be furnished without charge upon written request to Darla J. Strilcov
at Investors Real Estate Trust.

ANNUAL MEETING

Investors Real Estate Trust will hold its 31st Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the Executive

Room, International Inn, 1505 North Broadway, Minot, North Dakota, at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday,
September 25, 2001.

STOCK TRADING INFORMATION

Investors Real Estate Trust shares trade on the NASDAQ Small Cap Market under the symbol

IRETS.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

Investors Real Estate Trust offers to its shareholders the option to automatically reinvest their

dividends through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. For additional information, please contact Darla J.
Strilcov, Shareholder Relations, at Investors Real Estate Trust.

COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OR RECORD/SHARES OUTSTANDING

As of July 20, 2001, Investors Real Estate Trust had approximately 5,614 shareholders of

record and 24,261,256 shares outstanding.