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Investors Real Estate Trust

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FY2005 Annual Report · Investors Real Estate Trust
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I R E T

INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST

2005 
ANNUAL REPORT

Creating  shareholder    value 

with a diversified real estate portfolio

SELECTED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL  DATA

The following table sets forth selected financial data as of and for each of the fiscal years ended April 30,
2001 through 2005. The table illustrates the significant growth in revenue and real estate investment IRET
experienced  over  the  period  reported. Most  of this  growth  was  attributable  to  our  addition  of properties
through acquisitions. These historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the
future. This information is only a summary, and you should refer to our Consolidated Financial Statements
and  notes  thereto, and  the  section  entitled  “Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of Financial  Condition
and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Years Ended April 30,
Consolidated Income Statement Data
Revenue
Income before Minority Interest and 
Discontinued Operations and Gain 
on Sale of Other Investments

Gain on Sale of Real Estate, Land, and 

Other Investments

Minority Interest Portion of Operating 

Partnership Income

Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income*
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
Total Real Estate Investments
Total Assets
Mortgages Payable
Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Per Common Share Data 

(basic and diluted)

Income from Continuing Operations
Income from Discontinued Operations
Net Income
Distributions
Funds From Operations**

2005

(in thousands, except per share data)
2002
2003

2004

2001

$ 156,447

$

133,596

$

112,071

$

84,120

$

67,473

$

$

$
$
$
$

10,709

8,605

(1,918)
8,415
6,661
15,076

$

$

$
$
$
$

10,858

662

$

$

14,337

1,595

$

$

12,664

547

$

$

(2,320) $
$
7,939
$
1,501
$
9,440

(3,341) $
$
10,377
$
1,871
$
12,248

(3,304) $
$
9,708
$
892
$
10,600

9,840

602

(1,894)
8,135
559
8,694

$ 1,067,345
$ 1,151,158
$ 708,558
$ 295,172

991,923
$
$ 1,076,317
633,124
$
278,629
$

$
$
$
$
$

.14
.16
.30
.65
42,314

$
$
$
$
$

.20
.04
.24
.64
36,638

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$

845,325
885,681
539,397
214,761

.32
.06
.38
.63
34,178

$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$

685,347
730,209
459,569
145,578

$ 548,580
$ 570,322
$ 368,957
$ 118,945

.38
.04
.42
.59
29,143

$
$
$
$
$

.35
.03
.38
.55
22,440

Includes both continuing operations and discontinued operations (real estate that we sold) for the indicated fiscal years.

*
** For the definition of Funds From Operations and a reconciliation of this measure to measures under generally accepted accounting
principles, you should refer to the section entitled “Funds From Operations” within the section entitled “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

REVENUE
in millions of dollars

FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS
in millions of dollars

DISTRIBUTIONS
per share

TOTAL ASSETS
in millions of dollars

156.4

133.6

112.1

84.1

67.5

29.1

22.4

42.3

36.6

34.2

.65

.64

.63

.59

.55

1,151.2

1,076.3

885.7

730.2

570.3

01

02

03

04 05

01

02

03

04 05

01

02

03

04 05

01

02

03

04 05

IRET  VALUE

The tenants and residents of IRET’s properties are better placed than anyone to talk about the value that IRET
provides. Here is what some of them have to say about their experience with IRET:

Sunset Trail Apartments • Rochester, Minnesota  
“Thank you so much for going the extra mile for us!  We appreciate it more than you’ll ever
know. We love our 1st home!”

“Thank you for everything you have done for us—to make our stay at Sunset such a joy of
happiness in our ‘Golden Years.’ Thank you for making us feel so ‘at home.’”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed living here and would recommend it to anybody!”

Burnsville Retail Center • Burnsville, Minnesota  
“The  IRET  property  management  team  has  proven  for  several  years  to  go  over  and  above  to  ensure  superior 
tenant support and facility maintenance. … routine and individual facility issues are handled with great timeliness and in a
fiscally fair manner.”

Dewey Hill Business Center • Edina, Minnesota  
“[The IRET property manager] ensures smooth operation of the building, allowing me to
focus on my business. Snow removal, HVAC problems, and just general appearance of the
building are all handled in a responsive and thorough manner. …they treat all of our needs
as  important  and  critical. …  We  have  employees  who  work  late. This  year  [the  IRET 
property  manager]  addressed  our  concerns  by  ensuring  the  outside  lights  were  working
properly at all times and trimming trees and bushes for added personal safety. This type of
concern for the welfare of our employees is greatly appreciated.”

West Village Center • Chanhassen, Minnesota & Lakeville Retail Center • Lakeville, Minnesota  
“[We are] a tenant at two retail locations owned by IRET. We have been very happy with management’s quick and caring
attitude towards our needs. …it is a pleasure to have a landlord who realizes the importance of maintaining and updating
their centers and making sure their tenants are happy. It helps insure success for all.”

Edgewood Vista Assisted Living Facilities • multiple locations in Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska 
and North Dakota 
“We have been IRET’s tenant for nearly 10 years in a number of locations. Our relationship with IRET has allowed us to
concentrate our operating efforts where they are needed most on the care of our residents. We attribute much of our
growth and success in senior housing to our relationship with IRET. Senior housing will continue to be an exciting growth
market over the next 20 years, and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship with IRET long into the future.”

Stone Container Industrial Building • Fargo, North Dakota 
“When  our  manufacturing  plant  needed  to  expand, brick  and  mortar  was  not  where  we
wanted to put our capital. Our corporate headquarters recommended we talk with some
of the “Big” insurance and contracting firms in the large market metro areas. IRET not
only  came  back  with  a  competitive  package, they  allowed  us  the  flexibility  to  make  the
changes we felt necessary for additional expansions and the real feeling that this was our
building and the pride that goes along with that.”

2005 Annual Report  (1) 

PRESIDENT’S  LETTER

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

IRET’s  35th  year
saw  our  company
produce satisfactory
results  in  what  has
been  a  challenging 
environment for the
real  estate  industry.
Key  indicators  of
financial
IRET’s 
progress  were  all
–  Net
higher 
Funds
Earnings,
From  Operations,
Revenues, Real  Estate  Owned  and  Cash  Distributions  to
Shareholders.

IRET’s 35 years of operation have rewarded shareholders with
solid  gains. A $10,000  investment  in  IRET  shares  at our 
company’s initial public offering in 1971, with all distributions 
reinvested, would  have  had  a  market  value  on  December  31,
2005, of $894,600.

IRET’s real estate portfolio reached $1,179,856,000 at year-end,
made  up  of 211  properties  (65  apartment  communities 
containing  8,610  apartment  units  and  146  commercial 
properties with approximately 8 million square feet of leasable
space).

(2)  2005 Annual Report

Financial Results
IRET’s fiscal year 2005 financial results, as compared to the
prior year were:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2005 % Increase
35%
25%
16%
4%
17%

$ 12,704
$
.30
$ 42,314
$
.76
$ 156,447

2004
9,407
$
Net Income
.24
Net Income/Share
$
36,638
Funds From Operations $
$
- per share
.73
$ 133,596
Revenues
Real Estate Owned 
(before depreciation
allowance)

$1,082,773

$1,179,856

9%

Significant Accounting Policies – Impact on Reported
Net Earnings
An accounting rule change adopted in 2001 continues to impact
our  Company’s  reported  net  income. The  “in-place  lease 
valuation  rule” requires  that  IRET  and  other  real  estate 
companies assign a portion of the purchase price of an acquired
property  to  the  value  of existing  leases, and  amortize  that
assigned value over the remaining term of the leases. In effect,
the building is valued as if it were empty, and as if IRET would
have to incur the expense of leasing commissions, remodeling
and  other  tenant  improvements  and  lost  rent  during  the 
presumed rent-up period. While this accounting rule does not
it 
change the  actual  income  generated  by  the  property,

900 Concourse Drive • Rapid City, SD

“It’s nice to see a full parking lot again!”

Effective  June  1, 2005, IRET’s  75,815  square  foot
office  building  in  Rapid  City, South  Dakota, which
had been vacant for over two years as a result of the 
bankruptcy of the original tenant, is again occupied.
The  building  has  been  leased  for  six  years  at  a 
beginning  annual  rent  of $625,000, with  the  new 
tenant  also  paying  real  estate  taxes,
insurance  and
operating expenses.

significantly  increases  the  amortization  deduction  in  the  first
years of ownership. Instead of a 40-year depreciation period (a
standard depreciation period for a building), the “in-place lease
value” is  written  off over  the  remaining  lease  term  (a  much
shorter  time). For  fiscal  year  2005, IRET’s  deduction  for 
depreciation/amortization  related  to  its  real  estate  portfolio
increased  at  a  rate  significantly  higher  than  the  increase  in
IRET’s real estate portfolio. This accounting rule will continue
to have a significant impact on our reported net income.

Thirty-Five Years of Increased Cash Distributions to
Shareholders
IRET  again  increased  its  cash  distributions  paid  on  our 
common  shares  of beneficial  interest  and  on  the  operating 
partnership  units  during  each  quarter  of
fiscal  year  2005.
Distributions increased to 64.5¢ per share and unit, compared to
63.7¢ paid in the prior fiscal year, an increase of 1.26%. IRET
has  paid  quarterly  cash  distributions  to  its  shareholders  since
July 1, 1971. Annual distributions have increased every year and,
since  1988, every  calendar  quarter. On  July  1, 2005, the  cash 

distribution was increased to 16.25¢ per share and unit, and was
the 137th consecutive quarterly cash distribution paid by IRET.

Portfolio Performance – The Value of Diversification
Until  a  few  years  ago, IRET  was  primarily  invested  in 
apartments. At  fiscal  2005  year-end, apartments  comprised 
approximately  37%  of our  portfolio, measured  by  amount 
invested, but  contributed  only  15.6%  of our  operating  profit
during the past fiscal year. Apartments have been impacted by
competition from the housing boom – our renters have been
buying  homes  or  condos. By  diversifying  into  commercial 
properties, we have reduced the effects of the poor results from
our  apartments. We  do  intend  to  add  to  our  apartment 
portfolio when the market strengthens. In the meantime, we will
look to acquire commercial properties as we have done in recent
years.

Sarbanes Oxley
A major focus for the company this past year was an exhaustive
and  expensive  review  of our  internal  control  over  financial
reporting  and  our  business  processes  and  controls  to  ensure
IRET’s compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
by fiscal year-end. We are pleased to report that we successfully
completed  this  task  with  no  material  weaknesses  identified  in
our  internal  controls. We  will  continue  to  enhance  our 
accounting capabilities to accommodate the anticipated growth
of our company in the years ahead.

The Future
IRET  is  well  positioned  to  continue  its  growth. We  have  a
strong balance sheet, an experienced staff and an enviable 35-
year history. We will continue to operate IRET with the same
principles  as  we  have  in  the  past  and  will  do  our  best  to 
continue to create value for our shareholders.

Sincerely,

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

DD ii aa nn ee    KK ..    BB rr yy aa nn tt tt
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

TT ii mm oo tt hh yy    PP ..    MM ii hh aa ll ii cc kk
Trustee, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

West Village Center

Chanhassen, MN

Stone Container

Fargo, ND

INVESTMENT  PORTFOLIO

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO MIX

State
Colorado
Georgia
Idaho
Iowa
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wisconsin
Total Commercial Property

Sq. Ft.
81,173 
29,408 
130,629 
604,711 
16,080 
5,612,352 
109,245 
171,668 
866,369 
75,815 
299,302 
7,996,752 

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

State
Colorado
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
North Dakota
South Dakota
Texas
Total Multi-Family Residential Property

Units
597 
60 
132 
734 
2,015 
770 
498 
2,561 
739 
504 
8,610 

Fiscal 2005
(in thousands)
Investment Occupancy
91.1%
$
100.0%
97.1%
68.1%
100.0%
91.1%
86.3%
100.0%
94.7%
0.0%
96.5%
91.4%

11,240 
4,622 
15,183 
12,980 
2,121 
582,057 
6,767 
34,325 
43,287 
7,047 
18,118 
737,747 

$

(in thousands) Fiscal 2005
Investment Occupancy
90.6%
$
96.7%
78.0%
93.1%
84.8%
92.0%
85.4%
93.9%
88.1%
93.0%
90.0%

41,346 
3,954 
4,935 
41,185 
104,385 
39,221 
22,838 
113,473 
32,146 
38,626 
442,109 

$

UNDEVELOPED LAND

State
Minnesota
Montana
North Dakota
Wisconsin
Total Undeveloped Land
Total Real Estate Owned

(in thousands)
Investment 
974 
$
1,415 
2,788 
205
$
5,382
$ 1,185,238

Commercial Property
Multi-Family Residential Property
Undeveloped Land

62.2%
37.3%
0.5%

PROPERTY INVESTMENTS
percentage by state

Minnesota
North Dakota
Nebraska
Colorado
Montana
Kansas
South Dakota

58.0%
13.5%
4.8%
4.4%
4.0%
3.5%
3.3%

Texas
Idaho
Iowa
Wisconsin
Georgia
Michigan

3.3%
1.6%
1.5%
1.5%
0.4%
0.2%

INVESTMENT  PORTFOLIO

MT

ID

MN

ND

SD

IA

NE

WI

MI

CO

KS

TX

GA

MAP  LEGEND

Multi-Family Residential Property

Commercial Property

Undeveloped Land

Cr ea ting   Sha re hol de r  Va lue
with a diversified real estate portfolio

CREATING  SHAREHOLDER  VALUE

34 CALENDAR YEAR HISTORY OF INCREASING DISTRIBUTIONS
Since  its  first  distribution  paid  July  1, 1971, IRET  has  never  delayed, omitted  or
reduced  its  quarterly  distribution  on  its  common  shares. In  each  of the  last  34 
calendar  years, the  annual  distribution  has  increased  over  the  amount  paid  in  the 
preceding year.

Distribution 
History2

Total Return 
Per Year3

Share Bid 
Price History1
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

1971
1972
1973
1974
1975 
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985 
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995 
1996 
1997 
1998 
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
(1) End of calendar year bid price per share of beneficial interest of IRET.
(2) Total calendar year distributions paid.
(3) Distributions plus share price changes. (Calendar year distributions paid plus change in share bid price

2.75¢ 
6.20¢
6.55¢
7.10¢
8.00¢ 
8.70¢
9.50¢
10.50¢
11.25¢
13.25¢
14.00¢
14.75¢
18.50¢
22.13¢
24.25¢ 
26.18¢
27.65¢
28.16¢
29.10¢
29.90¢
30.70¢
31.50¢
32.30¢
33.65¢
35.25¢ 
37.38¢
40.18¢ 
43.70¢ 
49.25¢
52.55¢
57.50¢
61.20¢
63.25¢
64.10¢

1.00
1.10
1.30
1.40
1.50
1.70
1.80
2.00
2.00
1.80
2.00
2.20
2.95
3.15
3.15 
3.85
4.05
4.35
4.75
4.50
5.40
5.70
6.00
6.40
6.16 
6.44 
7.13 
7.44 
7.88
7.88
9.35
10.05
9.96
10.49

5.5% 
16.2%
24.1%
13.2%
12.9%
19.1%
11.5%
16.9%
5.6%
-3.4%
18.9%
17.4%
42.5%
14.3%
7.7%
30.5%
12.4%
14.4%
15.9%
1.0%
26.8%
11.4%
10.9%
12.3%
1.8% 
10.6% 
17.0% 
10.5% 
12.5%
6.7%
26.0%
14.0%
5.4%
11.8%

1971
1972
1973
1974
1975 
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985 
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995 
1996
1997
1998 
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004

1971
1972
1973
1974
1975 
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985 
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995 
1996 
1997 
1998 
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004

Thresher Square • Minneapolis, MN

divided by previous end of year share bid.)

PRICE RANGE OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

May 1 to July 31
August 1 to October 31
November 1 to January 31
February 1 to April 30

Fiscal 2005
Low
9.390
9.510
9.780
8.900

High
10.470
10.300
10.720
10.260

Fiscal 2004
Low
9.280
9.690
9.880
9.360

High
10.805
10.480
10.700
10.500

Fiscal 2003
Low
8.550
9.050
9.660
8.980

High
11.900
11.000
11.000
10.000

CALENDAR YEAR TAX STATUS OF DISTRIBUTION 
ON COMMON SHARES

Capital Gain
Ordinary Income
Return of Capital

2004
0.00%
44.65%
55.35%

2003
3.88%
58.45%
37.67%

2002
0.00%
68.29%
31.71%

2001
0.00%
65.98%
34.02%

2000
0.72%
86.76%
12.52%

2005 Annual Report  (5) 

TOTAL  SHAREHOLDER  RETURNS

34 CALENDAR YEAR PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
$10,000 invested in IRET common shares on January 1, 1972, with distributions reinvested, would be worth
$894,600 as of December 31, 2004. This presentation excludes brokerage costs and income taxes.

$ 894,600

$ 640,900

IRET
Peer Group

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 01 02 03 04

(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.

Dakota Hill at
Valley Ranch

Irving, TX

Dakota Hill at
Valley Ranch

Irving, TX

COMPANY  PROFILE

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Founded 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.

In 1997, IRET reorganized itself as an Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust ("UPREIT"). The
company  conducts  its  business  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). IRET  assets  were  transferred  to  the  Umbrella  Partnership  in  exchange  for  the 
general partnership interest. Owners of real estate are offered the opportunity of becoming limited partners in
the  Umbrella  Partnership  by  conveying  their  real  estate  to  the  partnership  in  exchange  for  partnership  units.
These units are exchangeable for, and the financial equivalent of, the IRET publicly-traded common shares.

For  owners  of appreciated  real  estate, the  UPREIT  program  has  been  a  popular  alternative  to  a  taxable  sale.
Owners enjoy an IRET return on the full value of their real estate undiminished by capital gains tax until such
time as they choose to liquidate their investment. On April 30, 2005, a total of 13,114,460 UPREIT units with a
book value of approximately $103.2 million were outstanding.

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

As  of April  30, 2005, IRET  owned  65  apartment  communities  containing  8,610  apartment  units, and  146 
commercial properties with 7,996,752 square feet of rentable space, located primarily in Minnesota and North
Dakota.

IRET's investment strategy is to invest in multi-family residential and commercial real estate located primarily in
Minnesota, North  Dakota, South  Dakota, Montana, and  Nebraska, and  to  diversify  our  investments  among
multi-family residential properties and office, medical, industrial and retail commercial properties.

From its inception in 1970, IRET has sought to:

• Pay a cash distribution equal to or better than a bank one-year certificate of deposit;

•

•

Increase distributions to shareholders at a rate in excess of the inflation rate;

Increase  the  share  price  by  a  percentage  equal  to  the  distribution  rate  for  a  total  return  to  the 

shareholder at least twice the return of a one-year certificate of deposit.

CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY

It  is  our  policy  to  distribute  approximately  65%  to  90%  of our  funds  from  operations  (FFO). We  use  the 
remaining  FFO  to  make  capital  improvements  to  existing  properties  and  to  acquire  more  properties. By 
reinvesting a portion of FFO, we expect to enhance the income-producing capability of our portfolio.

TCA Building

Eagan, MN

St. Luke’s Lakeview
(Pavilion II)

Duluth, MN

US Bank Financial Center • Bloomington, MN

UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) 
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005 

Commission File Number 000-14851 

Investors Real Estate Trust 
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

North Dakota 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

45-0311232 
(IRS Employer Identification No.) 

12 South Main Street 
Minot, North Dakota 58701 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

701-837-4738 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
None 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest (no par value) 
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (no par value) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  Registrant  was 
required  to  file  such  reports),  and  (2)  has  been  subject  to  such  filing  requirements  for  the  past  90  days.  
(cid:53) Yes (cid:133) No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, 
and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated 
by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. (cid:53) 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  is  an  accelerated  filer  (as  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rule  12b-2).  
(cid:53) Yes (cid:133) No 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding common shares of beneficial interest held by non-affiliates (i.e., 
by  persons  other  than  officers  and  trustees  of  the  registrant  as  reflected  in  the  table  in  Item  12  of  this  Form  10-K, 
incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders) 
was $405,548,619 based on the last reported sale price on the NASDAQ National Market on October 29, 2004. 

The number of common shares of beneficial interest outstanding as of June 30, 2005, was 45,217,241. 

References  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  to  the  “Company,”  “IRET,”  “we,”  “us,”  or  “our”  include  consolidated 
subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. 

Documents  Incorporated  by  Reference:  Portions  of  IRET’s  definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  its  2005  Annual  Meeting  of 
Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) hereof. 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST 

INDEX 

PART I 

Item 1.    Business 
Item 2.    Properties 
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings 
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 

PART II 

Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 

Purchases of Equity Securities 
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data 
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 
Item 9B. Other Information 

PART III 

Item 10.  Trustees and Executive Officers of the Registrant 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 

Stockholder Matters 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 
Exhibit Index 
Signatures 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms and Financial Statements 

PAGE 

4 
4 
16 
24 
25 
25 

25 
26 
26 
49 
50 
50 
50 
53 
53 
53 
53 

53 
53 
53 
54 
54 
54 
56 
F-1 to F-44

2005 Annual Report  2 

 
 
  
  
 
Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements 

Certain statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated into this document 
by reference are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended  (the  “Securities  Act”),  and  Section  21E  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended  (the 
“Exchange  Act”).  Such  forward-looking  statements  include  statements  about  our  belief  that  we  have  the  liquidity 
and capital resources necessary to meet our known obligations and to make additional real estate acquisitions and 
capital improvements when appropriate to enhance long term growth; and other statements preceded by, followed by 
or  otherwise  including  words  such  as  “believe,”  “expect,”  “intend,”  “project,”  “plan,”  “anticipate,”  “potential,” 
“may,”  “will,”  “designed,”  “estimate,”  “should,”  “continue”  and  other  similar  expressions.  These  statements 
indicate that we have used assumptions that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our 
actual results or performance to differ materially from those projected. 

Although  we  believe  that  the  expectations  reflected  in  such  forward-looking  statements  are  based  on  reasonable 
assumptions, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that 
could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  the  expectations  reflected  in  the  forward-looking  statements 
include: 

• 

the economic health of the markets in which we own and operate multi-family and commercial properties, in 
particular the states of Minnesota and North Dakota, or other markets in which we may invest in the future; 

• 

the economic health of our commercial tenants;  

•  market  rental  conditions,  including  occupancy  levels  and  rental  rates,  for  multi-family  residential  and 

commercial properties; 

•  our ability to identify and secure additional multi-family residential and commercial properties that meet our 

criteria for investment; 

• 

the level and volatility of prevailing market interest rates and the pricing of our common shares of beneficial 
interest; 

• 

financing risks, such as our inability to obtain debt or equity financing on favorable terms, or at all; and 

•  compliance  with  applicable  laws,  including  those  concerning  the  environment  and  access  by  persons  with 

disabilities. 

Readers should carefully review our financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the section entitled “Risk 
Factors” in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other documents we file from time to time with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 

In  light  of  these  uncertainties,  the  events  anticipated  by  our  forward-looking  statements  might  not  occur.  We 
undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, 
future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially 
from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should 
not be construed as exhaustive. 

2005 Annual Report  3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Business 

Overview 

PART I 

Investors Real Estate Trust is a self-advised equity Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) organized under the laws 
of  North  Dakota.  Since  our  formation  in  1970,  our  business  has  consisted  of  owning  and  operating  income-
producing  real  estate  properties.  We  are  structured  as  an  Umbrella  Partnership  Real  Estate  Investment  Trust  or 
UPREIT and we conduct our day-to-day business operations though our operating partnership, IRET Properties, a 
North Dakota Limited Partnership (“IRET Properties” or the “Operating Partnership”). Our investments consist of 
multi-family residential properties and commercial office, medical, industrial and retail properties. These properties 
are  located  primarily  in  the  upper  Midwest  states  of  Minnesota  and  North  Dakota.  For  the  twelve  months  ended 
April 30, 2005, our real estate investments in these two states accounted for 73.2% of our total gross revenue. Our 
principal executive offices are located in Minot, North Dakota. We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

We  seek  to  diversify  our  investments  among  multi-family  residential  and  office,  medical,  industrial  and  retail 
properties. As of April 30, 2005, our real estate portfolio consisted of: 

•  65 multi-family residential properties, containing 8,610 apartment units and having a total carrying amount 

(net of accumulated depreciation) of $374.6 million;  

•  50  office  properties  containing  approximately  3.5  million  square  feet  of  leasable  space  and  having  a  total 

carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $330.3 million; 

•  25 medical properties (including assisted living facilities) containing approximately 1.1 million square feet of 

leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $192.5 million; 

•  11  industrial  properties  (including  miscellaneous  commercial  properties)  containing  approximately  1.7 
million square feet of leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of 
$53.0 million; and 

•  60  retail  properties  containing  approximately  1.6  million  square  feet  of  leasable  space  and  having  a  total 

carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $110.9 million. 

Our residential leases are generally for a one-year term. Our commercial properties are typically leased to tenants 
under long-term lease arrangements. As of April 30, 2005, no single tenant accounted for more than 5% of our total 
annual commercial segments rental revenues. 

Except  for  certain  commercial  properties  managed by  our  Minneapolis  office, we  generally  contract  with  locally-
based  third-party  professional  management  companies  to  handle  the  day-to-day  management  of  our  properties. 
These  management  activities  include  the  negotiation  of  potential  leases,  the  preparation  of  proposed  operating 
budgets, the collection and remittance of lease or rental payments and the supervision of routine maintenance and 
capital  improvements  that  have  been  authorized  by  us.  All  decisions  relating  to  the  purchase  or  sale  of  property, 
insurance  coverage,  capital  improvements,  approval  of  commercial  leases,  annual  operating  budgets  and  major 
renovations  are  made  exclusively  by  our  employees  and  then  implemented  by  the  third-party  management 
companies. Generally, our management contracts provide for compensation ranging from 1.0% to 5.5% of gross rent 
collections  and,  typically,  we  may  terminate  these  contracts  in  60  days  or  less,  or  upon  the  property  manager’s 
failure  to  meet  specified  financial  performance  goals.  We  believe  that  the  use  of  locally-based  management 
companies allows us to enjoy the benefits of local knowledge of the applicable real estate market, while avoiding the 
cost and difficulty associated with maintaining management personnel in every city in which we operate. 

2005 Annual Report  4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Structure 

We were organized as a REIT under the laws of North Dakota on July 31, 1970. 

Since our formation, we have operated as a REIT under Sections 856-858 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as 
amended (the “Code”), and since February 1, 1997, we have been structured as an UPREIT. Since restructuring as 
an UPREIT, we  have  conducted  all  of  our daily  business operations  through IRET Properties. IRET Properties  is 
organized under the laws of North Dakota pursuant to an Agreement of Limited Partnership dated January 31, 1997. 
IRET  Properties  is  principally  engaged  in  acquiring,  owning,  operating  and  leasing  multi-family  residential  and 
commercial real estate. The sole general partner of IRET Properties is IRET, Inc., a North Dakota corporation and 
our  wholly-owned  subsidiary.  All  of  our  assets  (except  for  qualified  REIT  subsidiaries)  and  liabilities  were 
contributed  to IRET  Properties,  through IRET,  Inc.,  in  exchange for  the  sole general  partnership  interest  in IRET 
Properties. As of April 30, 2005, IRET, Inc. owned a 77.5% interest in IRET Properties. The remaining ownership 
of IRET Properties is held by individual limited partners. 

Investment Strategy and Policies 

Our business objective is to increase shareholder value by employing a disciplined investment strategy. This strategy 
is  focused  on  growing  assets  in  desired  geographical  markets,  achieving  diversification  by  property  type  and 
location,  and  adhering  to  targeted  returns  in  acquiring  properties.  We  have  increased  our  cash  distributions  every 
year since our inception 35 years ago and every quarter since 1988. 

We generally use available cash or short-term floating rate debt to acquire real estate. We then replace such cash or 
short-term  floating  rate  debt  with  fixed-rate  secured  debt,  typically  in  an  amount  equal  to  65.0%  to  75.0%  of  a 
property’s appraised value. In appropriate circumstances, we also may acquire one or more properties in exchange 
for our common shares of beneficial interest (“common shares”) or for limited partnership units of IRET Properties 
(“limited partnership units” or “UPREIT Units”), which are convertible, after the expiration of a minimum holding 
period of one year, into cash or, at our sole discretion, into our common shares on a one-to-one basis. 

Our investment strategy is to invest in multi-family residential properties and office, medical, industrial and retail 
commercial properties that are leased to single or multiple tenants, usually for five years or longer, and are located 
throughout the upper Midwest. We operate mainly within the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, although we 
also  have  real  estate  investments  in  South  Dakota,  Montana,  Nebraska,  Colorado,  Georgia,  Idaho,  Iowa,  Kansas, 
Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin. 

In  order  to  implement  our  investment  strategy  we  have  certain  investment  policies.  Our  significant  investment 
policies are as follows: 

Investments in the securities of, or interests in, entities primarily engaged in real estate activities and other 
securities. While we are permitted to invest in the securities of other entities engaged in the ownership and 
operation of real estate, as well as other securities, we currently have no plans to make any investments in 
other securities. 

Any policy, as it relates to investments in other securities, may be changed by a majority of the members of 
our Board of Trustees at any time without notice to or a vote of our shareholders. 

Investments in real estate or interests in real estate. We currently own multi-family residential properties 
and/or commercial properties in 13 states. We may invest  in real estate, or interests in real estate, that is 
located anywhere in the United States; however, we currently plan to focus our investments in those states 
in  which  we  already  have  property,  with  specific  concentration  in  Minnesota,  North  Dakota,  Nebraska, 
Montana,  and South Dakota.  Similarly,  we  may  invest  in any  type of real  estate  or  interest  in  real  estate 
including,  but  not  limited  to,  office  buildings,  apartment  buildings,  shopping  centers,  industrial  and 
commercial  properties,  special  purpose  buildings  and  undeveloped  acreage.  Under  our  Second  Restated 
Trustees’  Regulations  (Bylaws),  however,  we  may  not  invest  more  than  10.0%  of  our  total  assets  in 
unimproved  real  estate,  excluding  property  being  developed  or  property  where  development  will  be 
commenced within one year. 

2005 Annual Report  5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It is not our policy to acquire assets primarily for capital gain through sale in the short term. Rather, it is our 
policy  to  acquire  assets  with  an  intention  to  hold  such  assets  for  at  least  a  10-year  period.  During  the 
holding period, it is our policy to seek current income and capital appreciation through an increase in value 
of our real estate portfolio, as well as increased revenue as a result of higher rents. 

Any policy, as it relates to investments in real estate or interests in real estate may be changed by our Board 
of Trustees at any time without notice to or a vote of our shareholders.  

Investments  in  real  estate mortgages. While  not our primary  business  focus,  from  time  to  time  we  make 
loans  to  others  that  are  secured  by  mortgages,  liens  or  deeds  of  trust  covering  real  estate.  We  have  no 
restrictions on the type of property that may be used as collateral for a mortgage loan; provided, however, 
that except for loans insured or guaranteed by a government or a governmental agency, we may not invest 
in or make a mortgage loan unless an appraisal is obtained concerning the value of the underlying property.  
Unless otherwise approved by our Board of Trustees, it is our policy that we will not invest in mortgage 
loans  on  any  one  property  if  in  the  aggregate  the  total  indebtedness  on  the  property,  including  our 
mortgage,  exceeds  85.0%  of  the  property’s  appraised  value.    We  can  invest  in  junior  mortgages  without 
notice to, or the approval of, our shareholders. As of April 30, 2005, we had one junior mortgage with a 
principal  balance  net  of  allowance  of  $189,000.  We  do  not  currently  plan  to  invest  in  any  other  junior 
mortgages.  

Our  policies  relating  to  mortgage  loans,  including  second  mortgages,  may  be  changed  by  our  Board  of 
Trustees at any time, or from time to time, without notice to, or a vote of, our shareholders. 

Policies With Respect to Certain of Our Activities 

Our current policies as they pertain to certain of our activities are described as follows: 

Cash  distributions  to  shareholders  and  holders  of  limited  partnership  units.  We  intend  to  continue  our  policy  of 
making cash distributions to our common shareholders and the holders of limited partnership units of approximately 
65.0%  to  90.0%  of  our  funds  from  operations  and  to  use  the  remaining  funds  for  capital  improvements  or  the 
purchase of additional properties. This policy may be changed at any time by our Board of Trustees without notice 
to,  or  approval  of,  our  shareholders.  We  have  increased  our  cash  distributions  every  year  since  our  inception  35 
years ago and every quarter since 1988. 

Issuing  senior  securities.  As  of  April  30,  2005,  we  have  issued  and  outstanding  $4,635,721  in  investment 
certificates,  which  were  issued  for  a  definite  term  and  annual  interest  rate,  and  which  will  be  redeemed  as  they 
mature.  In  the  event  of  our  dissolution,  the  investment  certificates  would  be  paid  in  preference  to  our  common 
shares. IRET has discontinued  the  sale  of investment  certificates  and outstanding  certificates  will  be  redeemed  as 
they  mature.  Additionally,  on  April  26,  2004,  we  issued  1,150,000  shares  of  8.25%  Series  A  Cumulative 
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (the “Series A preferred shares”). Depending on future interest 
rate  and  market  conditions,  we  may  issue  additional  preferred  shares or  other  senior  securities  which  would  have 
dividend and liquidation preference over our common shares. 

Borrowing money. We rely on borrowed funds in pursuing our investment objectives and goals. It is generally our 
policy to seek to borrow up to 65.0% to 75.0% of the appraised value of all new real estate acquired or developed. 
This policy concerning borrowed funds is vested solely with our Board of Trustees and can be changed by our Board 
of Trustees at any time, or from time to time, without notice to, or a vote of, our shareholders. Such policy is subject, 
however,  to  the  limitation  in  our  Bylaws,  which  provides  that  unless  approved  by  a  majority  of  the  independent 
members  of  our  Board  of  Trustees  and  disclosed  to  our  shareholders  in  our  next  quarterly  report  along  with 
justification for such excess, we may not borrow in excess of 300.0% of our total Net Assets (as such term is used in 
our  Bylaws,  which  usage  is  not  in  accordance  with  GAAP,  “Net  Assets”  means  our  total  assets  at  cost  before 
deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves, less total liabilities). Our Bylaws do not impose any limitation on 
the amount that we may borrow against any one particular property.  As of April 30, 2005, our ratio of total real 
estate mortgages to total real estate assets was 66.4% while our ratio of total indebtedness as compared to our Net 
Assets (computed in accordance with our Bylaws) was 133.9%.  

2005 Annual Report  6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Offering  securities  in  exchange  for  property.  Our  organizational  structure  allows  us  to  issue  shares  and  to  offer 
limited partnership units of IRET Properties in exchange for real estate. The limited partnership units are convertible 
into cash, or, at our option, common shares on a one-for-one basis after a  minimum  one-year holding period. All 
limited partnership units receive the same cash distributions as those paid on common shares. Limited partners are 
not entitled to vote on any matters affecting us until they convert their limited partnership units to common shares. 

Our Articles of Amendment and Third Restated Declaration of Trust does not contain any restrictions on our ability 
to offer limited partnership units of IRET Properties in exchange for property. As a result, any decision to do so is 
vested solely in our Board of Trustees. This policy may be changed at any time, or from time to time, without notice 
to, or a vote of, our shareholders. For the three most recent fiscal years ended April 30, we have issued the following 
limited partnership units of IRET Properties in exchange for properties: 

Limited partnership units issued 
Dollar value 

2005
1,996
20,071

(in thousands) 
2004
  2,006
$  19,851 $

$

2003
894
8,860

Acquiring or repurchasing shares. As a REIT, it is our intention to only invest in real estate assets. Our Articles of 
Amendment and Third Restated Declaration of Trust does not prohibit the acquisition or repurchase of our common 
or preferred shares or other securities so long as such activity does not prohibit us from operating as a REIT under 
the  Code.  Any  policy  regarding  the  acquisition  or  repurchase  of  shares  or  other  securities  is  vested  solely  in  our 
Board  of  Trustees  and  may  be  changed  at  any  time,  or  from  time  to  time,  without  notice  to,  or  a  vote  of,  our 
shareholders. 

During fiscal year 2005, we did not repurchase any of our outstanding common shares, preferred shares or limited 
partnership units, except for the redemption of a nominal amount of fractional common shares held by shareholders, 
upon request. 

To make loans to other persons. Our organizational structure allows us to make loans to other persons, subject to 
certain conditions and subject to our election to be taxed as a REIT. All loans must be secured by real property or 
limited  partnership  units  of  IRET  Properties.  Our  mortgage  loan  receivables  as  of  April  30,  2005,  totaled  $0.6 
million, and $4.9 million as of April 30, 2004. 

To  invest  in  the  securities  of  other  issuers  for  the  purpose  of  exercising  control.  We  have  not,  for  the  past  three 
years, engaged in, and we are not currently engaging in, investment in the securities of other issuers for the purpose 
of  exercising  control.  Our  Articles  of  Amendment  and  Third  Restated  Declaration  of  Trust  does  not  impose  any 
limitation on our ability to invest in the securities of other issuers for the purpose of exercising control. Any decision 
to do so is vested solely in our Board of Trustees and may be changed at any time, or from time to time, without 
notice to, or a vote of, our shareholders. 

To provide summary reports to our shareholders. We also have a policy of mailing summary quarterly reports to our 
shareholders  in  January,  April,  July,  and  October  of  each  year.  The  quarterly  reports  do  not  contain  financial 
statements  audited  by  an  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm.  This  policy  of  providing  a  summary 
quarterly  report  to  our  shareholders  is  not  required  by  our  organizational  documents  and  may  be  changed  by  a 
majority of our Board of Trustees at any time without notice to or a vote of our shareholders. 

Information about Segments 

We currently operate in five reportable segments: multi-family residential properties, and office, medical (including 
assisted  living  facilities),  industrial  (including  miscellaneous  properties)  and  retail  properties.  For  further 
information on these segments and other related information, see Note 12 of our consolidated financial statements, 
and  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  in  Item  7  of  this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

2005 Annual Report  7 

 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Executive Officers 

Set forth below are the names, ages, titles and biographies of each of our executive officers as of July 1, 2005. 

Name 
Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. 
Charles Wm. James 
Timothy P. Mihalick 
Thomas A. Wentz, Jr. 
Diane K. Bryantt 
Michael A. Bosh 

Age 
69 
57 
46 
39 
41 
34 

Title 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Senior Vice President 
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 
Senior Vice President 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
Secretary and General Counsel 

Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and has been associated with us 
since  our  formation  on  July  31,  1970.  Mr.  Wentz  was  a  member  of  our  Board  of  Trustees  from  1970  to  1998, 
Secretary from 1970 to 1987, Vice President from 1987 to July 2000, and has been President and Chief Executive 
Officer  since  July  2000.  Previously,  from  1985  to  1991,  Mr.  Wentz  was  a  Vice  President  of  our  former  advisor, 
Odell-Wentz & Associates, L.L.C., and, until August 1, 1998, was a partner in the law firm of Pringle & Herigstad, 
P.C. 

Charles Wm. James was appointed as a Senior Vice President in February 2003. Prior to becoming a Senior Vice 
President, from 1976 to February 2003, Mr. James served in several officer positions with companies unrelated to 
IRET, including the office of Vice President with the T.F. James Company, an Iowa corporation that was merged 
into IRET, Inc. in February 2003. Mr. James, who devotes three-quarters of his time to the Company, is currently 
also a managing member of Thomas F. James Properties, L.L.C., an Arkansas commercial development company; a 
partner  of  Peak  Properties  Development,  a  Montana  commercial  development  partnership;  a  partner  of  James 
Family  Properties,  a  Minnesota  commercial  development  partnership;  and  a  limited  partner  of  Thomas  F.  James 
Realty Limited Partnership, L.L.L.P., a commercial property management company. 

Timothy P. Mihalick joined us as a financial officer in May 1981, after graduating from Minot State University. He 
has  served  in various  capacities  with us over  the  years  and was named  Vice  President  in  1992.  Mr. Mihalick  has 
served as the Chief Operating Officer since 1997, as a Senior Vice President since 2002, and as a member of our 
Board of Trustees since 1999. 

Thomas  A.  Wentz,  Jr.  is  a  graduate  of  Harvard  College  and  the  University  of  North  Dakota  School  of  Law,  and 
joined us as General Counsel and Vice President in January 2000. He has served as a Senior Vice President since 
2002 and as a member of our Board of Trustees since 1996. Prior to 2000, Mr. Wentz was a shareholder in the law 
firm of Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. from 1992 to 1999. Mr. Wentz is a member of the American Bar Association and 
the  North  Dakota  Bar  Association,  and  he  is  a  Director  of  SRT  Communications,  Inc.  Mr.  Wentz  is  the  son  of 
Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. 

Diane K. Bryantt is a graduate of Minot State University, joined us in June 1996, and served as our Controller and 
Corporate Secretary before being appointed to the positions of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 
2002. Prior to joining us, Ms. Bryantt was employed by First American Bank, Minot, North Dakota. 

Michael A. Bosh joined us as Associate General Counsel and Secretary in September 2002, and was named General 
Counsel in September 2003. Prior to 2002, Mr. Bosh was a shareholder in the law firm of Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. 
Mr.  Bosh  graduated  from  Jamestown  College  in  1992  and  from  Washington  &  Lee  University  School  of  Law  in 
1995. Mr. Bosh is a member of the American Bar Association and the North Dakota Bar Association. 

Employees 

As of April 30, 2005, we had 42 employees.  

Environmental Matters and Government Regulation 

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, 
a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain 
hazardous  or  toxic  substances  released  at  a  property,  and  may  be  held  liable  to  a  governmental  entity  or  to  third 

2005 Annual Report  8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
parties for property damage or personal injuries and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred in connection with 
any  contamination.  In  addition,  some  environmental  laws  create  a  lien  on  a  contaminated  site  in  favor  of  the 
government for damages and costs it incurs in connection with the contamination. These laws often impose liability 
without regard to whether the current owner was responsible for, or even knew of, the presence of such substances. 
It  is  generally  our  policy  to  obtain  from  independent  environmental  consultants  a  “Phase  I”  environmental  audit 
(which involves visual inspection but not soil or groundwater analysis) on all properties that we seek to acquire. We 
do  not  believe  that  any  of  our  properties  are  subject  to  any  material  environmental  contamination.  However,  no 
assurances can be given that: 

•  a prior owner, operator or occupant of the properties we own or the properties we intend to acquire did not 
create a material environmental condition not known to us, which might have been revealed by more in-depth 
study of the properties; and 

• 

future  uses  or  conditions  (including,  without  limitation,  changes  in  applicable  environmental  laws  and 
regulations) will not result in the imposition of environmental liability upon us. 

In addition to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, many other laws and governmental 
regulations  are  applicable  to  our  properties,  and  changes  in  the  laws  and  regulations,  or  in  their  interpretation  by 
agencies  and  the  courts,  occur  frequently.  Under  the  Americans  with  Disabilities  Act  of  1990  (the  “ADA”),  all 
places  of  public  accommodation  are  required  to  meet  certain  federal  requirements  related  to  access  and  use  by 
disabled  persons.  In  addition,  the  Fair  Housing  Amendments  Act  of  1988  (the  “FHAA”)  requires  apartment 
communities  first  occupied  after  March  13,  1990,  to  be  accessible  to  the  handicapped.  Non-compliance  with  the 
ADA or the FHAA could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. We believe 
that  those  of  our  properties  to  which  the  ADA  and/or  FHAA  apply  are  substantially  in  compliance  with  present 
ADA and FHAA requirements. 

Competition 

Investing in and operating real estate is a very competitive business. We compete with other owners and developers 
of multi-family and commercial properties to attract tenants to our properties. Ownership of competing properties is 
diversified among other REITs, financial institutions, individuals and public and private companies who are actively 
engaged in this business. Our multi-family properties compete directly with other rental apartments, as well as with 
condominiums and single-family homes that are available for rent or purchase in the areas in which our properties 
are  located.  Our  commercial  properties  compete  with  other  commercial  properties  for  tenants.  Additionally,  we 
compete  with  other  real  estate  investors,  including  other  REITs,  pension  and  investment  funds,  partnerships  and 
investment companies, to acquire properties. This competition affects our ability to acquire properties we want to 
add  to  our  portfolio  and  the  price  we  pay  in  acquisitions.  During  the  past  year,  we  have  continued  to  witness  an 
unprecedented demand for quality investment real estate. This demand caused an escalation in price for all types of 
real  estate.  As  a  result,  we  were  unable  to  purchase  properties  that  will  generate  rates  of  return  similar  to  those 
generated by properties we acquired in previous years. We expect that the levels of return to be achieved through 
our investment in existing and stabilized real estate will remain lower than in previous periods as long as interest 
rates  remain  at  historically  low  levels.  We  do  not  believe  we  have  a  dominant  position  in  any  of  the  geographic 
markets  in  which  we  operate,  but  some  of  our  competitors  are  dominant  in  selected  markets.  Many  of  our 
competitors  have  greater  financial  and  management  resources  than  we  have.  We  believe,  however,  that  the 
geographic diversity of our investments, the experience and abilities of our management, the quality of our assets 
and the financial strength of many of our commercial tenants affords us some competitive advantages that have in 
the  past  and will  in  the  future  allow us  to operate our business  successfully  despite  the  competitive  nature  of our 
business. 

Corporate Governance  

The  Company’s  Board  of  Trustees  has  adopted  various  policies  and  initiatives  to  strengthen  the  Company’s 
corporate  governance  and  increase  the  transparency  of  financial  reporting.    Each  of  the  committees  of  the 
Company’s  Board  of  Trustees  operates  under  written  charters,  and  the  Company’s  independent  trustees  meet 
regularly in executive sessions at which only the independent trustees are present.  The Board of Trustees has also 
adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to trustees, officers and employees, and a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial 
Officers, and has established processes for shareholder communications with the Board of Trustees. 

2005 Annual Report  9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additionally, the Company’s Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of 
complaints  regarding  accounting,  internal  accounting  controls  or  auditing  matters,  including  procedures  for  the 
confidential, anonymous submission by Company employees of concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters. 
The  Audit  Committee  also  maintains  a  policy  requiring  Audit  Committee  approval  of  all  audit  and  non-audit 
services provided to the Company by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. 

The Company will disclose any amendment to its Code of Ethics for Senior Financial officers on its website. In the 
event the Company waives compliance by any of its trustees or officers subject to the Code of Ethics or Code of 
Conduct, the Company will disclose such waiver in a Form 8-K filed within four business days.  

Website and Available Information 

Our internet address is www.iret.com. We make available, free of charge, through the “SEC filings” tab under the 
Investor Relations section of our internet website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 
10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) 
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such forms are filed with or furnished to the 
SEC.  Current  copies  of  our  Code  of  Conduct,  Code  of  Ethics  for  Senior  Financial  Officers,  and  Charters  for  the 
Audit,  Compensation,  Executive  and  Nominating  Committee  of  our  Board  of  Trustees  are  also  available  on  our 
website under the heading “Corporate Governance” in the Investor Relations section of our website. Copies of these 
documents are also available to shareholders upon request addressed to the Secretary at Investors Real Estate Trust, 
P.O.  Box  1988,  Minot,  North  Dakota  58701.  Information  on  our  internet  website  does  not  constitute  part  of  this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

RISK FACTORS 

Risks Related to Our Properties and Business 

Our increasing ownership of commercial properties subjects us to different risks than our traditional base of multi-
family residential properties. Historically, the assets in our investment portfolio consisted predominantly of multi-
family residential properties. More recently, our investment activities have caused this balance to shift so that the 
percentage  of  commercial  properties  held  in  our  portfolio  has  increased  significantly.  Within  the  past  24  months, 
approximately  81.5%  of  our  property  acquisitions,  on  a  total  carrying  amount  basis,  have  been  commercial 
properties, due to the greater availability of these properties on terms that meet our financial and strategic objectives. 
“Total carrying amount” is the amount we have invested in our properties (original investment plus improvements, if 
any)  less  accumulated  depreciation.    Based  on  total  carrying  amount,  commercial  properties  now  comprise  a 
majority  of  our  real  estate  assets,  with  the  majority  of  our  commercial  properties  being  located  in  the 
Minneapolis/St.  Paul,  Minnesota  metropolitan  area.  Based  on  current  market  conditions,  we  anticipate  that  the 
percentage of commercial properties that we may acquire will continue to significantly exceed the number of multi-
family residential properties that we may acquire during the next 12 months. 

Our  historical  experience  in  acquiring  and  operating  multi-family  residential  properties  may  not  be  directly 
applicable to the acquisition and operation of commercial properties. Commercial properties involve different risks 
than multi-family residential properties, including: 

•  direct exposure to business and economic downturns;  

•  exposure to tenant lease terminations or bankruptcies; and  

•  competition  from  real  estate  investors  with  greater  experience  in  developing  and  owning  commercial 

properties. 

Our  earnings  may  be  negatively  affected  if  we  are  not  successful  in  our  acquisition  and  operation  of  commercial 
properties. 

Our geographic concentration in Minnesota and North Dakota may result in losses due to our significant exposure 
to the effects of economic and real estate conditions in those markets.  For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, we 

2005 Annual Report  10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
received approximately 80.9% of our combined commercial segments gross revenue from commercial properties in 
Minnesota  and  approximately  6.4%  of  our  combined  commercial  segments  gross  revenue  from  commercial 
properties in North Dakota. For that same period, we received approximately 21.6% of our multi-family residential 
gross revenue from  multi-family residential properties in Minnesota and 28.9% of our multi-family gross revenue 
from multi-family properties in North Dakota. As of April 30, 2005, Minnesota accounted for approximately 79.6% 
of  our  combined  commercial  segments  real  estate  portfolio  and  24.2%  of  our  multi-family  residential  real  estate 
portfolio, each as determined by total carrying amount, while North Dakota accounted for approximately 5.1% of 
our  combined  commercial  segments  real  estate  portfolio  and  24.6%  of  our  multi-family  residential  real  estate 
portfolio. 

As  a  result  of  this  concentration,  we  are  subject  to  substantially  greater  risk  than  if  our  investments  were  more 
geographically dispersed. Specifically, we are more significantly exposed to the effects of economic and real estate 
conditions in those particular markets, such as building by competitors, local vacancy and rental rates and general 
levels of employment and economic activity. 

The  economic  climate  in  Minnesota  is  highly  dependent  on  the  service,  manufacturing  and  high  technology 
industries. The North Dakota economy is dependent on the agricultural, energy, government, business and personal 
services and wholesale and retail industries. Economic weakening, or lack of recovery from the recent weakness, in 
any of these industries may adversely affect the performance of our real estate portfolio by decreasing demand for 
rental space. 

Increasing physical and economic vacancy rates and declining rental rates will negatively impact earnings. As of 
April 30, 2005, approximately 0.9 million square feet, or 11.5% of our total commercial property square footage, 
was  vacant.    In  addition,  leases  covering  approximately  2.3%  of  our  total  combined  commercial  segments 
annualized base rents will expire during fiscal year 2006.  At April 30, 2005, the economic occupancy of our total 
commercial properties, on a stabilized property basis, was approximately 89.3%.  We define “economic occupancy” 
as  total  possible  revenue  less  vacancy  loss  as  a  percentage  of  total  possible  revenue.  Total  possible  revenue  is 
determined  by  valuing  occupied  units  or  square  footage  at  contract  rates,  and  vacant  units  or  square  footage  at 
market rates. “Stabilized properties” are those properties that we have owned for the entirety of the periods being 
compared, and include properties that were redeveloped or expanded during the periods being compared. Properties 
purchased or sold during the periods being compared are excluded from our stabilized property analysis. If we are 
unable  to  rent  or  sell  those  properties  that  are  vacant  or  affected  by  expiring  leases,  properties  producing 
approximately 2.3% of our total combined commercial segments annualized base rents will be vacant by April 30, 
2006. Even greater vacancies will be created to the extent that a number of tenants, or any one significant tenant, file 
for  bankruptcy  protection  and  reject  our  leases.  At  April  30,  2005,  the  economic  occupancy  of  our  multi-family 
residential properties, on a stabilized property basis, was approximately 90.8%. Multi-family residential vacancies 
could  increase  from  current  levels due  to general  economic  conditions,  local  economic  or  competitive  conditions, 
the  trend  toward  home  ownership  facilitated  by  low  interest  rates,  unsatisfactory  property  management,  and  the 
physical condition of our properties or other factors. Increased vacancies in both our commercial and multi-family 
residential properties will negatively impact our earnings, will cause a decline in the value of our real estate portfolio 
and may adversely affect our ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. 

Our  multi-family  residential  property  economic  occupancy  rate, on  a  stabilized  property  basis, was 90.8% for  the 
twelve months ended April 30, 2005, compared to 90.6% for the twelve months ended April 30, 2004.  Commercial 
property  economic  occupancy  rates, on  a  stabilized  property  basis, were 89.3%  and 92.6% for  the  twelve  months 
ended  April  30,  2005  and  2004,  respectively.    To  maintain  our  physical  occupancy  levels,  we  may  offer  tenants 
incentives, generally in the form of lower rents, which results in decreased revenues and income from operations at 
our stabilized properties.  We estimate that rent concessions offered during the twelve months ended April 30, 2005, 
lowered our operating revenues by approximately $4.5 million, as compared to an estimated $2.9 million reduction 
in operating revenues attributable to rent concessions offered in the twelve months ended April 30, 2004. 

Inability to manage our rapid growth effectively may adversely affect our operating results. Our total assets have 
increased  from  $885.7  million  at  April  30,  2003,  to  $1,151.2  million  at  April  30,  2005,  principally  through  the 
acquisition  of  additional  real  estate  properties.  Subject  to  our  continued  ability  to  raise  equity  capital  and  issue 
limited partnership units of IRET Properties and identify suitable investment properties, we intend to continue our 
acquisition of real estate properties. Effective management of this level of growth will present challenges, including: 

2005 Annual Report  11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

• 

the need to expand our management team and staff;  

the need to enhance internal operating systems and controls;  

increased reliance on outside advisors and property managers; and  

the ability to consistently achieve targeted returns.  

If we are unable to effectively manage our growth, our operating results will be adversely affected. 

Competition  may  negatively  impact  our  earnings.  We  compete  with  many  kinds  of  institutions,  including  other 
REITs, private partnerships, individuals, pension funds and banks, for tenants and investment opportunities. Many 
of these institutions are active in the markets in which we invest and have greater financial and other resources that 
may  be  used  to  compete  against  us.  With  respect  to  tenants,  this  competition  may  affect  our  ability  to  lease  our 
properties, the price at which we are able to lease our properties and the cost of required renovations or build-outs. 
With respect to acquisition and development investment opportunities, this competition may cause us to pay higher 
prices for new properties than we otherwise would have paid, or may prevent us from purchasing a desired property 
at all. 

An  inability  to  continue  to  make  accretive  property  acquisitions  may  adversely  affect  our  ability  to  increase  our 
operating income. From our fiscal year ended April 30, 2003, to our fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, our operating 
income decreased from $13.3 million to $9.7 million. Our basic and diluted net income per common share was $.30 
as of April 30, 2005, compared to $.24 and $.38, respectively, as of April 30, 2004 and 2003. If we are unable to 
continue to make real estate acquisitions on terms that meet our financial and strategic objectives, whether due to 
market  conditions,  a  changed  competitive  environment  or  unavailability  of  capital,  our  ability  to  increase  our 
operating income may be materially and adversely affected. 

High leverage on our overall portfolio may result in losses. As of April 30, 2005, our ratio of total indebtedness to 
total Net Assets (as that term is used in our Bylaws, which usage is not in accordance with GAAP, “Net Assets” 
means  our  total  assets  at  cost  before  deducting  depreciation  or  other  non-cash  reserves,  less  total  liabilities)  was 
approximately 133.9%. As of April 30, 2004 and 2003, our percentage of total indebtedness to total Net Assets was 
approximately 136.8% and 145.3%, respectively. Under our Bylaws we may increase our total indebtedness up to 
300.0% of our Net Assets, or by an additional approximately $886.3 million. There is no limitation on the increase 
that may be permitted if approved by a majority of the independent members of our board of trustees and disclosed 
to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest in the next quarterly report, along with justification for any excess. 

This  amount  of  leverage  may  expose  us  to  cash  flow  problems  if  rental  income  decreases.  Under  those 
circumstances, in order to pay our debt obligations we might be required to sell properties at a loss or be unable to 
make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. A failure to pay amounts due may result in a 
default on our obligations and the loss of the property through foreclosure. 

Our  inability  to  renew,  repay  or  refinance  our  debt  may  result  in  losses.  We  are  subject  to  the  normal  risks 
associated with debt financing, including the risk that: 

•  our cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; 

•  we will not be able to renew, refinance or repay our indebtedness when due; and 

• 

the terms of any renewal or refinancing will be less favorable than the terms of our current indebtedness. 

If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be forced to dispose of one or 
more  of  the  properties  on  disadvantageous  terms,  which  may  result  in  losses  to  us.  These  losses  could  have  a 
material adverse effect on us, our ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest and 
our  ability  to  pay  amounts  due  on  our  debt.  Furthermore,  if  a  property  is  mortgaged  to  secure  payment  of 
indebtedness  and  we  are  unable  to  meet  mortgage  payments,  the  mortgagee  could  foreclose  upon  the  property, 
appoint a receiver and receive an assignment of rents and leases or pursue other remedies, all with a consequent loss 

2005 Annual Report  12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of  our  revenues  and  asset  value.  Foreclosures  could  also  create  taxable  income  without  accompanying  cash 
proceeds, thereby hindering our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. 

The  principal  balance  of  our  indebtedness  in  mortgage  loans  secured  by  individual  commercial  and  residential 
properties totaled $708.6 million as of April 30, 2005. Of the outstanding mortgages, both fixed and variable, $15.8 
million  in  principal  amount  came  due  during  fiscal  year  2005,  $18.9  million  in  principal  amount  will  come  due 
during fiscal year 2006, $21.2 million in principal amount will come due during fiscal year 2007, and the remaining 
balance will come due in later fiscal years. 

The cost of our indebtedness may increase. We have incurred, and we expect to continue to incur, indebtedness that 
bears interest at a variable rate. As of April 30, 2005, $27.0 million, or approximately 3.8%, of the principal amount 
of our total mortgage indebtedness was subject to variable interest rate agreements. The interest rates on our variable 
rate mortgages range from approximately 4.5% to approximately 6.6%. An increase of one percent in our variable 
interest  rate  would  collectively  increase  our  interest  payments  by  $270,000  annually.  In  addition,  portions  of  our 
fixed-rate indebtedness incurred for historical property acquisitions will come due on a periodic basis. For example, 
in  each  of  our  fiscal  years  ended  April  30,  2006,  2007  and  2008,  approximately  $17.7,  $19.1  and  $38.9  million, 
respectively, of our fixed-rate debt will come due. Accordingly, increases in interest rates will increase our interest 
costs, which could have a material adverse effect on us, our ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares 
of beneficial interest and our ability to pay amounts due on our debt. 

Our current or future insurance may not protect us against possible losses. We carry comprehensive liability, fire, 
extended coverage and rental loss insurance with respect to our properties at levels that we believe to be adequate. 
However, the coverage limits of our current or future policies may be insufficient to cover the full cost of repair or 
replacement of all potential losses. Moreover, this level of coverage may not continue to be available in the future 
or, if available, may be available only at unacceptable cost or with unacceptable terms. 

Additionally,  there  may  be  certain  extraordinary  losses,  such  as  those  resulting  from  civil  unrest,  terrorism  or 
environmental contamination, that are not generally, or fully, insured against because they are either uninsurable or 
not  economically  insurable.  For  example,  we  do  not  currently  carry  insurance  against  losses  as  a  result  of 
environmental contamination. Should an uninsured or underinsured loss occur to a property, we could be required to 
use  our  own  funds  for  restoration  or  lose  all  or  part  of  our  investment  in,  and  anticipated  revenues  from,  the 
property. In any event, we would continue to be obligated on any mortgage indebtedness on the property. Any loss 
could have a material adverse effect on us, our ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial 
interest and our ability to pay amounts due on our debt. 

We  have  significant  investments  in  medical  properties  and  adverse  trends  in  healthcare  provider  operations  may 
negatively  affect  our  lease  revenues  from  these  properties.  We  have  acquired  a  significant  number  of  specialty 
medical properties (including assisted living facilities) and may acquire more in the future. As of April 30, 2005, our 
real  estate  portfolio  consisted  of  25  medical  properties,  having  a  total  carrying  amount  of  $192.5  million,  or 
approximately  18.1%  of  the  total  carrying  amount  of  our  entire  real  estate  portfolio.  The  healthcare  industry  is 
currently experiencing changes in the demand for, and methods of delivery of, healthcare services; changes in third-
party reimbursement policies; significant unused capacity in certain areas, which has created substantial competition 
for patients among healthcare providers in those areas; continuing pressure by private and governmental payors to 
reduce payments to providers of services; and increased scrutiny of billing, referral and other practices by federal 
and  state  authorities.  Sources  of  revenue  for  our  medical  property  tenants  may  include  the  federal  Medicare 
program, state Medicaid programs, private insurance carriers and health maintenance organizations, among others. 
Efforts  by  such  payors  to  reduce  healthcare  costs  will  likely  continue,  which  may  result  in  reductions  or  slower 
growth in reimbursement for certain services provided by some of our tenants. These factors may adversely affect 
the  economic  performance  of  some  or  all  of  our  medical  services  tenants  and,  in  turn,  our  lease  revenues.  In 
addition, if we or our tenants terminate the leases for these properties, or our tenants lose their regulatory authority 
to operate such properties, we may not be able to locate suitable replacement tenants to lease the properties for their 
specialized  uses.  Alternatively,  we  may  be  required  to  spend  substantial  amounts  to  adapt  the  properties  to  other 
uses. Any  loss  of  revenues  and/or  additional  capital  expenditures  occurring  as  a  result  could hinder our  ability  to 
make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. 

Adverse  changes  in  applicable  laws  may  affect  our  potential  liabilities  relating  to  our  properties  and  operations. 
Increases in real estate taxes and income, service and transfer taxes cannot always be passed through to all tenants in 

2005 Annual Report  13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
the form of higher rents. As a result, any increase may adversely affect our cash available for distribution, our ability 
to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest and our ability to pay amounts due on our 
debt.  Similarly,  changes  in  laws  that  increase  the  potential  liability  for  environmental  conditions  existing  on 
properties, that increase the restrictions on discharges or other conditions or that affect development, construction 
and  safety  requirements  may  result  in  significant  unanticipated  expenditures  that  could  have  a  material  adverse 
effect on us, our ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest and our ability to pay 
amounts  due  on  our  debt.  In  addition,  future  enactment  of  rent  control  or  rent  stabilization  laws  or  other  laws 
regulating multi-family residential properties may reduce rental revenues or increase operating costs. 

Complying with laws benefiting disabled persons may affect our costs and investment strategies. Federal, state and 
local  laws  and  regulations  designed  to  improve  disabled  person’s  access  to  and  use  of  buildings,  including  the 
Americans  with  Disabilities  Act,  may  require  modifications  to,  or  restrict  renovations  of,  existing  buildings. 
Additionally,  these  laws  and  regulations  may  require  that  structural  features  be  added  to  buildings  under 
construction.  Any  legislation  or  regulations  that  may  be  adopted  in  the  future  may  impose  further  burdens  or 
restrictions on us with respect to improved access to, and use of these buildings by, disabled persons. The costs of 
complying  with  these  laws  and  regulations  may  be  substantial  and  limits  or  restrictions  on  construction,  or  the 
completion  of  required  renovations,  may  limit  the  implementation  of  our  investment  strategy  or  reduce  overall 
returns on our investments. This could have an adverse effect on us, our ability to make distributions to the holders 
of our shares of beneficial interest and our ability to pay amounts due on our debt. 

We  may  be  responsible  for  potential  liabilities  under  environmental  laws.  Under  various  federal,  state  and  local 
laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of 
removal of, or remediation of, hazardous or toxic substances in, on, around or under that property. These laws often 
impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the 
hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of these substances, or the failure to properly remediate any property 
containing  these  substances,  may  adversely  affect  the  owner’s  or  operator’s  ability  to  sell  or  rent  the  affected 
property or to borrow funds using the property as collateral. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of 
hazardous or toxic substances may also be liable for the costs of removal of, or remediation of, these substances at 
that disposal or treatment facility, whether or not the facility is owned or operated by that person. In connection with 
our  current  or  former  ownership  (direct  or  indirect),  operation,  management,  development  and/or  control  of  real 
properties,  we  may  be  potentially  liable  for  removal  or  remediation  costs  with  respect  to  hazardous  or  toxic 
substances as those properties, as well as certain other costs, including governmental fines and claims for injuries to 
persons and property. A finding of liability for an environmental condition as to any one or more properties could 
have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  us,  our  ability  to  make  distributions  to  the  holders  of  our  shares  of  beneficial 
interest and our ability to pay amounts due on our debt. 

It is generally our policy to obtain a Phase I environmental study on each property that we seek to acquire. If the 
Phase I indicates any possible environmental problems, it is our policy is to order a Phase II study, which involves 
testing  the  soil  and  ground  water  for  actual  hazardous  substances.  However,  Phase  I  and  Phase  II  environmental 
studies, or any other environmental studies undertaken with respect to any of our current or future properties, may 
not  reveal  the  full  extent  of  potential  environmental  liabilities.  We  currently  do  not  carry  insurance  for 
environmental liabilities. 

We  may  be  unable  to  retain  or  attract  qualified  management.  We  are  dependent  upon  our  senior  officers  for 
essentially  all  aspects  of  our  business  operations.  Our  senior  officers  have  experience  in  the  specialized  business 
segments in which we operate and the loss of them would likely have a material adverse effect on our operations. 
We do not have employment contracts with any of our senior officers. As a result, any senior officer may terminate 
his  or  her  relationship  with  us  at  any  time,  without  providing  advance  notice.  The  location  of  our  corporate 
headquarters in Minot, North Dakota, may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, relocate and retain current 
and future officers and employees. 

Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and stock price, and continuing compliance will result in 
additional expenses.  If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of 
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as such, standards may be modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, 
we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over 
financial  reporting.    Failure  to  maintain  an  effective  internal  control  environment  could  have  a  material  adverse 

2005 Annual Report  14 

 
 
 
 
 
effect on our business, operating results, and stock price.  Additionally, our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  and  the  related  regulations  have  required,  and  we  believe  will  continue  to  require,  the 
commitment of significant financial and managerial resources. 

Risks Related to Our Structure and Organization 

We may incur tax liabilities as a consequence of failing to qualify as a REIT. Although our management believes 
that we are organized and have operated and are operating in such a manner to qualify as a “real estate investment 
trust,” as that term is defined under the Internal Revenue Code, we may not in fact have operated, or may not be able 
to  continue  to  operate,  in  a  manner  to  qualify  or  remain  so  qualified.  Qualification  as  a  REIT  involves  the 
application  of  highly  technical  and  complex  Internal  Revenue  Code  provisions  for  which  there  are  only  limited 
judicial or administrative interpretations, and further involves the determination of factual matters and circumstances 
not entirely within our control. For example, in order to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of our gross income in any 
year  must  be  derived  from  qualifying  sources,  and  we  must  make  distributions  to  the  holders  of  our  shares  of 
beneficial interest aggregating annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (excluding net capital gains). Thus, 
to the extent revenues from non-qualifying sources, such as income from third-party management, represents more 
than five percent of our gross income in any taxable year, we will not satisfy the 95% income test and may fail to 
qualify  as  a  REIT,  unless  certain  relief  provisions  contained  in  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  apply.  Even  if  relief 
provisions  apply,  however,  a  tax  would  be  imposed  with  respect  to  excess  net  income.  Additionally,  if  IRET 
Properties, our operating partnership or one or more of our subsidiaries is determined to be taxable as a corporation, 
we may fail to qualify as a REIT. Either our failure to qualify as a REIT, for any reason, or the imposition of taxes 
on excess net income from non-qualifying sources, could have a material adverse effect on us, our ability to make 
distributions  to  the  holders  of  our  shares  of  beneficial  interest  and  our  ability  to  pay  amounts  due  on  our  debt. 
Furthermore, new legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could change the tax laws 
with respect to our qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of our qualification. 

If we failed to qualify as a REIT, we would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative 
minimum tax) on our taxable income at corporate rates, which would likely have a material adverse effect on us, our 
ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest and our ability to pay amounts due on 
our debt. In addition, unless entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified 
from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we lost our qualification. This 
treatment  would  reduce  funds  available  for  investment  or  distributions  to  the  holders  of  our  shares  of  beneficial 
interest because of the additional tax liability to us for the year or years involved. In addition, we would no longer be 
required to make distributions to holders of our common shares. To the extent that distributions to the holders of our 
shares of beneficial interest would have been made in anticipation of qualifying as a REIT, we might be required to 
borrow funds or to liquidate certain investments to pay the applicable tax. 

Certain  provisions  of  our  Articles  of  Amendment  and  Third  Restated  Declaration  of  Trust  may  limit  a  change  in 
control and deter a takeover. In order to  maintain our qualification as a REIT, our Third Restated Declaration of 
Trust provides that any transaction, other than a transaction entered into through the NASDAQ National Market or 
other  similar  exchange,  that  would  result  in  our  disqualification  as  a  REIT  under  Section  856  of  the  Internal 
Revenue Code, including any transaction that would result in (i) a person owning in excess of the ownership limit, 
which as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is 9.8%, in number or value, of our outstanding shares of 
beneficial interest, (ii) less than 100 people owning our shares of beneficial interest, (iii) our being “closely held” 
within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (iv) 50% or more of the fair market value of 
our  shares  of  beneficial  interest  being  held  by  persons  other  than  “United  States  persons,”  as  defined  in  Section 
7701(a)(30)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code,  will  be  void  ab  initio.  If  the  transaction  is  not  void  ab  initio,  then  the 
shares  of  beneficial  interest  in  excess  of  the  ownership  limit,  that  would  cause  us  to  be  closely  held,  that  would 
result in 50% or more of the fair market value of our shares of beneficial interest to be held by persons other than 
United  States  persons  or  that  otherwise  would  result  in  our  disqualification  as  a  REIT,  will  automatically  be 
exchanged  for  an  equal  number  of  excess  shares,  and  these  excess  shares  will  be  transferred  to  an  excess  share 
trustee for the exclusive benefit of the charitable beneficiaries named by our board of trustees. These limitations may 
have the effect of preventing a change in control or takeover of us by a third party, even if the change in control or 
takeover would be in the best interests of the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. 

Our  board  of  trustees  may  make  changes  to  our  major  policies  without  approval  of  the  holders  of  our  shares  of 
beneficial interest. Our major policies, including policies relating to development, acquisitions, financing, growth, 

2005 Annual Report  15 

 
 
 
 
 
debt capitalization and distributions, are determined by our board of trustees. Our board of trustees may amend or 
revoke those policies, and other policies, without advance notice to, or the approval of, the holders of our shares of 
beneficial interest. 

Item 2. Properties 

IRET  is  organized  as  a  REIT  under  Section  856-858  of  the  Code,  and  is  in  the  business  of  owning,  leasing, 
developing  and  acquiring  real  estate  properties.  Except  for  certain  commercial  properties  managed  by  our 
Minneapolis  office,  these  real  estate  investments  are  generally  managed  by  third-party  professional  real  estate 
management companies on our behalf. 

Total Real Estate Rental Revenue 

As  of  April  30,  2005,  our  real  estate  portfolio  consisted  of  65  multi-family  residential  properties  and  146 
commercial  properties,  consisting  of  office,  medical,  industrial  and  retail  properties,  comprising  37.5%,  30.0%, 
17.4%, 4.9%, and 10.2%, respectively, of our total real estate portfolio, based on the dollar amount of our original 
investment plus capital improvements through April 30, 2005. Gross annual rental revenue and percentages of total 
annual real estate rental revenue by property type for each of the three most recent fiscal years ended April 30, are as 
follows: 

Fiscal 
Year 
Ended 
April 30, 
(in 
thousands) 
2005 
2004 
2003 

Multi-
Family 
Residential 
Gross 
Revenue 

Commercial 
Office 
Gross 
Revenue

%

Commercial 
Medical 
Gross 
Revenue

%

%

$ 60,207 38.5% $ 48,648 31.1% $ 25,794 16.5% $
$ 59,294 44.3% $ 39,919 29.9% $ 15,876 11.9% $
$ 56,036 50.0% $ 31,159 27.8% $ 13,168 11.8% $

Commercial 
Industrial 
Gross 
Revenue
6,459
6,634
5,846

Commercial
Retail
Gross
Revenue

%

Total 
Revenue
4.1% $ 15,339 9.8% $ 156,447
5.0% $ 11,873 8.9% $ 133,596
5,862 5.2% $ 112,071
5.2% $

%

Economic Occupancy Rates 

Economic  occupancy  rates  are  shown  below  for  each  property  type  in  each  of  the  three  most  recent  fiscal  years 
ended April 30. We define “economic occupancy” as total possible revenue less vacancy loss as a percentage of total 
possible revenue. Total possible revenue is determined by valuing occupied units or square footage at contract rates 
and  vacant  units  or  square  footage  at  market  rates.  In  the  case  of  multi-family  residential  properties,  lease 
arrangements  with  individual  tenants  vary  from  month-to-month  to  one-year  leases.  Leases  on  commercial 
properties generally vary from month-to-month to 20 years. 

Multi-Family Residential Economic Occupancy 
Commercial - Office Economic Occupancy 
Commercial - Medical Economic Occupancy 
Commercial - Industrial Economic Occupancy 
Commercial - Retail Economic Occupancy 

2005

Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 
2003 
2004 
90.1% 90.2%  91.2% 
90.8% 92.2%  95.7% 
92.7% 93.6%  96.3% 
86.8% 93.6%  96.3% 
89.4% 92.2%  96.2% 

Certain Lending Requirements 

In certain instances, in connection with the acquisition of investment properties, the lender financing such properties 
may require, as a condition of the loan, that the properties be owned by a “single asset entity.” Accordingly, we have 
organized  38  wholly-owned  subsidiary  corporations,  and  IRET  Properties  has  organized  several  limited 
partnerships, for the purpose of holding title in an entity that complies with such lending conditions. All financial 
statements of these subsidiaries are consolidated into our financial statements. 

Management and Leasing of Our Real Estate Assets 

The day-to-day management and leasing of our real estate assets is, with the exception of certain properties managed 
by our Minneapolis office, generally handled by third-party professional real estate management companies. Day-to-
day management activities include the negotiation of potential leases, the preparation of proposed operating budgets, 
and the supervision of routine maintenance and capital improvements that have been authorized by us. All activities 

2005 Annual Report  16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
relating  to  purchase,  sale,  insurance  coverage,  capital  improvements,  approval  of  commercial  leases,  annual 
operating budgets and major renovations are made exclusively by our employees and are then implemented by the 
third-party property management companies. 

As of April 30, 2005, we had property management contracts with the following companies: 

Residential Management 

Commercial Management and Leasing 

•  Builder’s Management & Investment Co., Inc. 
•  Coldwell Banker First Realty – Encore 
•  ConAm, Inc. 
•  Hoban & Associates, Inc. dba Coast Management Company, Inc. 
•  Investors Management & Marketing, Inc. 
•  Illies Nohava Heinen Property Management, Inc. 
•  Kahler Property Management 
•  Weis Management Corp. 

•  A & L Management Services, LLC 
•  AJB, Inc. dba Points West Realty Management 
•  Bayport Properties US, Inc. 
•  CB Richard Ellis 
•  Colliers Turley Martin Tucker Company 
•  Dakota Commercial and Development Co. 
•  Equity Commercial Services, Inc. 
•  Frauenshuh Companies 
•  Ferguson Property Management Services, L.C. 
•  Hoyt Properties, Inc. 
•  Inland Companies, Inc. 
•  Northco Management Services, LP 
•  Opus Northwest Management, LLC 
•  Paramount Real Estate Corporation 
•  R.A. Morton & Associates, Inc. 
•  The Remada Company 
•  Thornton Oliver Keller, LLC 
•  United Properties, LLC 
•  Vector Property Services, LLC 

With  the  exception  of  Hoyt  Properties,  Inc.,  none  of  the  companies  engaged  to  provide  property  management 
services  is  affiliated  with  us,  our  officers  or  members  of  our  Board  of  Trustees.  Hoyt  Properties,  Inc.  is  owned 
100.0% by Steven B. Hoyt, a former member of our Board of Trustees, and his wife. Mr. Hoyt resigned from our 
Board of Trustees on September 21, 2004, at the expiration of his term of office.  Hoyt Properties, Inc. manages, 
pursuant to written management contracts, the commercial buildings that we acquired from Mr. Hoyt, and certain 
other of our properties. 

In  July  2004,  a  former  principal  of  Bayport  Properties  joined  us  as  a  Vice  President,  Asset  Management,  with 
responsibility  for  the  management  of  certain  of  our  commercial  properties,  primarily  located  in  the  Minneapolis 
metropolitan area. 

Generally, our management contracts provide for compensation ranging from 2.5% to 5.0% of gross rent collections 
and, typically, we may terminate these contracts in 60 days or less or upon the property manager’s failure to meet 
certain specified financial performance goals. 

With  respect  to  multi-tenant  commercial  properties,  we  rely  almost  exclusively  on  third-party  brokers  to  locate 
potential tenants. As compensation, brokers may receive a commission that is generally calculated as a percentage of 
the net rent to be paid over the term of the lease. We believe that the broker commissions paid by us conform to 
market and industry standards, and accordingly are commercially reasonable. 

2005 Annual Report  17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Real Estate Investment Portfolio 

As of April 30, (in thousands) 
Real Estate Investments 
Real Estate Owned 
Less Accumulated Depreciation 

Undeveloped Land 
Mortgage Loans Receivable 
Total Real Estate Investments 

2005

%

2004

%

2003

%

$1,179,856
(118,512)
$1,061,344
5,382
619
$1,067,345

$1,082,773
(98,923)
99.4% $ 983,850
3,180
4,893
100.0% $ 991,923

0.5%
0.1%

$ 916,757
(75,639)
99.2% $ 841,118
3,024
1,183
100.0% $ 845,325

0.3%
0.5%

99.5%
0.4%
0.1%
100.0%

Summary of Individual Properties Owned as of April 30, 2005 

The  following  table  presents  information  regarding  our  211  properties  owned  as  of  April  30,  2005.  We  own  the 
following  interests  in  real  estate  either  through  our  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  or  by  ownership  of  a  controlling 
interest in an entity owning the real estate. We account for these interests on a consolidated basis. Occupancy rates 
given are the average economic occupancy rates for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005: 

(N/A = Property held less than 12 months) 

(* = Real estate not owned in fee; all or a portion is leased under a ground lease) 
(** = Primarily Parking Lot Rental) 

Property Name and Location 

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
405 Grant Ave - Harvey, ND 
408 1st Street SE - Minot, ND 
Applewood On The Green - Omaha, NE 
Boulder Court - Eagan, MN 
Brookfield Village - Topeka, KS 
Candlelight Apts. - Fargo, ND 
Canyon Lake Apts. - Rapid City, SD 
Castle Rock - Billings, MT 
Chateau Apts. - Minot, ND 
Clearwater - Boise, ID 
Colonial Villa - Burnsville, MN 
Colton Heights - Minot, ND 
Cottonwood Lake I - Bismarck, ND 
Cottonwood Lake II - Bismarck, ND 
Cottonwood Lake III - Bismarck, ND 
Country Meadows I - Billings, MT 
Country Meadows II - Billings, MT 
Crestview Apts. - Bismarck, ND 
Crown Colony - Topeka, KS 
Dakota Hill at Valley Ranch - Irving, TX 
East Park Apartments - Sioux Falls, SD 
Forest Park Estates - Grand Forks, ND 
Heritage Manor - Rochester, MN 
Jenner Properties - Grand Forks, ND 
Kirkwood Apts. - Bismarck, ND 
Lancaster Apts. - St. Cloud, MN 
Legacy Apts. I & II - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy Apts. III - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy IV- Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy V - Grand Forks, ND 

(in thousands) 
Investment 

Units

Fiscal 2005
Economic
Occupancy

12 $
**
234
115
160
66
109
165
64
60
240
18
67
67
67
67
67
152
220
504
84
270
182
90
108
84
116
67
67
36

262
47
12,185
6,744
7,613
1,706
4,324
6,289
2,760
3,954
14,440
1,011
4,605
4,353
4,797
4,318
4,475
5,272
11,288
38,626
2,695
8,309
8,146
2,069
3,965
3,498
7,377
3,925
6,771
2,771

74.9%
100.0%
84.0%
92.1%
96.0%
96.8%
81.9%
81.8%
99.2%
96.7%
80.5%
99.6%
85.3%
87.6%
91.2%
91.4%
89.0%
91.5%
93.2%
93.0%
93.7%
94.3%
83.3%
98.2%
91.6%
85.1%
96.8%
98.4%
96.1%
N/A

2005 Annual Report  18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Name and Location 

Legacy VI - Grand Forks, ND 
Magic City Apts. - Minot, ND 
Meadows Phase I - Jamestown, ND 
Meadows Phase II - Jamestown, ND 
Meadows Phase III - Jamestown, ND 
Miramont - Fort Collins, CO 
Monticello Apts. - Monticello, MN 
Neighborhood Apts. - Colorado Springs, CO 
North Pointe - Bismarck, ND 
Oakmont Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Oakwood - Sioux Falls, SD 
Olympic Village - Billings, MT 
Olympik Village - Rochester, MN 
Oxbow - Sioux Falls, SD 
Park East Apts. - Fargo, ND 
Park Meadows I - Waite Park, MN 
Park Meadows II & III - Waite Park, MN 
Pebble Springs - Bismarck, ND 
Pine Cone Apts. - Fort Collins, CO 
Pinehurst Apts. - Billings, MT 
Pointe West Apts. - Rapid City, SD 
Prairie Winds Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Prairiewood Meadows - Fargo, ND 
Ridge Oaks Apts. - Sioux City, IA 
Rimrock Apts. - Billings, MT 
Rocky Meadows - Billings, MT 
Sherwood Apts. - Topeka, KS 
Southbrook & Mariposa - Topeka, KS 
South Pointe - Minot, ND 
Southview Apts. - Minot, ND 
Southwind Apts. - Grand Forks, ND 
Sunset Trail Phase I - Rochester, MN 
Sunset Trail Phase II - Rochester, MN 
Sweetwater Properties - Devils Lake and Grafton, ND 
Sycamore Village Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Terrace On The Green - Moorhead, MN 
Thomasbrook - Lincoln, NE 
Valley Park Manor - Grand Forks, ND 
West Stonehill - St. Cloud, MN 
Westwood Park - Bismarck, ND 
Winchester/Village Green - Rochester, MN 
Woodridge Apts. - Rochester, MN 
TOTAL MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 

Property Name and Location 
OFFICE 
1st Avenue Building - Minot, ND 
17 South Main - Minot, ND 
401 South Main - Minot, ND 
2030 Cliff Road - Eagan, MN 
Ameritrade - Omaha, NE 

(in thousands)
Investment

Units

Fiscal 2005
Economic
Occupancy

36 $
200
27
27
27
210
60
192
49
80
160
274
140
120
122
120
240
16
195
21
90
48
85
132
78
98
300
54
195
24
164
73
73
90
48
116
264
168
313
64
151
108

2,846
5,041
1,844
1,931
2,203
14,988
4,293
12,417
2,425
5,339
6,159
12,441
7,160
5,274
5,426
4,391
8,810
801
13,941
782
4,653
2,130
3,198
4,935
4,044
6,872
16,736
5,548
10,611
804
6,464
7,118
7,602
1,802
1,572
2,826
10,653
5,570
13,408
2,507
8,808
7,141
8,610 $ 442,109

N/A
95.1%
99.6%
98.2%
99.8%
92.1%
85.9%
89.2%
89.2%
84.6%
91.4%
97.9%
N/A
92.7%
97.3%
86.0%
80.1%
93.0%
88.9%
98.9%
87.2%
87.8%
85.3%
78.0%
95.3%
95.7%
91.6%
N/A
98.3%
95.0%
97.4%
95.3%
93.4%
88.5%
79.5%
82.8%
86.6%
97.5%
84.5%
93.1%
72.5%
92.5%

Approximate
Net Rentable
Square Footage

(in thousands)
Investment

Fiscal 2005 
Economic 
Occupancy

15,357 $
3,250
8,597
13,374
73,742

555
110
630
983
8,349

50.1%
0.0%
54.0%
100.0%
100.0%

2005 Annual Report  19 

 
 
 
 
Property Name and Location 

Benton Business Park - Sauk Rapids, MN 
Bloomington Business Plaza - Bloomington., MN 
Brenwood - Minnetonka, MN 
Brown Deer Road - Milwaukee, WI 
Burnsville Bluffs - Burnsville, MN 
Cold Spring Center - St. Cloud, MN 
Crosstown Centre - Eden Prairie, MN 
Dewey Hill Business Center - Edina, MN 
Eden Prairie Central Bank Office - Eden Prairie, MN 
Golden Hills Office Center - Golden Valley, MN 
Great Plains Software - Fargo, ND 
Greenwood Chiropractic - Greenwood, MN 
Highlands Ranch - Highlands Ranch, CO 
Interlachen Corp Center - Eagan, MN 
Mendota Center I - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center II - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center III - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center IV - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Northland Center - M. Heights, MN 
Metris - Duluth, MN 
Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN 
Minnetonka Office Bldg. - Minnetonka, MN 
Nicollett VII - Burnsville, MN 
Northgate I - Maple Grove, MN 
Northgate II - Maple Grove, MN 
Pillsbury Business Center - Edina, MN 
Plaza VII - Boise, ID 
Plymouth I - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth II - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth III - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth IV & V - Plymouth, MN 
900 Concourse Drive - Rapid City, SD 
Southeast Tech Center - Eagan, MN 
TCA Building - Eagan, MN 
Three Paramount Plaza - Bloomington, MN 
Thresher Square East - Minneapolis, MN 
Thresher Square West - Minneapolis, MN 
UHC Office - International Falls, MN 
US Bank Financial Center - Bloomington, MN 
Viromed - Eden Prairie, MN 
Wayroad - Minnetonka, MN 
Wells Fargo Center - St Cloud, MN 
West River Business Park - Waite Park, MN 
Westgate - Boise, ID 
Wirth Corporate Center - Golden Valley, MN 
TOTAL OFFICE 

MEDICAL 
Abbott Northwest - Sartell, MN 
Airport Medical - Bloomington, MN* 
Denfeld Clinic – Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Fremont, NE 

Approximate 
Net Rentable 
Square Footage

(in thousands)
Investment

Fiscal 2005 
Economic 
Occupancy

30,464  $
121,064 
176,917 
175,610 
45,158 
75,745 
185,000 
73,338 
39,525 
190,758 
122,040 
1,600 
81,173 
105,084 
59,852 
88,398 
60,776 
72,231 
146,808 
20,000 
27,000 
4,000 
125,385 
79,377 
25,999 
42,220 
27,297 
26,186 
26,186 
26,186 
126,809 
75,815 
58,300 
104,426 
75,526 
57,891 
54,945 
30,000 
153,947 
48,700 
62,383 
86,428 
24,000 
103,332 
75,216 
3,533,415  $

1,475
7,777
14,624
11,022
2,960
8,610
17,695
5,158
4,705
22,074
15,375
334
11,240
16,726
7,076
11,632
6,748
8,705
17,660
2,539
1,743
401
7,384
7,455
2,372
1,894
3,445
1,672
1,640
2,012
14,889
7,047
6,336
9,885
7,908
6,696
4,712
2,497
17,007
4,863
5,542
9,389
1,453
11,738
8,794
353,536

95.6%
79.7%
72.3%
100.0%
78.4%
98.7%
N/A
94.3%
88.1%
94.9%
100.0%
100.0%
N/A
93.2%
80.6%
90.3%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
86.0%
100.0%
100.0%
N/A
100.0%
100.0%
86.9%
N/A
N/A
N/A
100.0%
0.0%
100.0%
83.5%
87.4%
65.5%
59.6%
100.0%
N/A
100.0%
88.8%
N/A
85.9%
100.0%
94.1%

60,095  $
24,218 
20,512 
119,349 
6,042 

13,866
4,678
3,115
11,709
552

95.8%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%

2005 Annual Report  20 

 
 
 
 
 
Property Name and Location 

Edgewood Vista - Hastings, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Kalispell, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Missoula, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Omaha, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Virginia, MN 
Edgewood Vista Phase II - Virginia, MN 
Fresenius - Duluth, MN 
Garden View - St. Paul, MN 
Gateway Clinic - Sandstone, MN* 
Healtheast Med Center - Wdbry. & St. Johns, MN 
High Pointe Health Campus - Lake Elmo, MN 
Mariner Clinic - Superior, WI* 
Nebraska Orthopaedic - Omaha, NE* 
Park Dental - Brooklyn, MN 
Pavilion I - Duluth, MN* 
Pavilion II - Duluth, MN 
Paul Larson Clinic - Edina, MN 
Southdale Expansion - Edina, MN 
Southdale Medical Center - Edina, MN* 
Wedgewood - Sweetwater, GA 
Wells Clinic - Hibbing, MN 
TOTAL MEDICAL 

INDUSTRIAL 
API Building - Duluth, MN 
Bodycote Industrial Building - Eden Prairie, MN 
Dixon Avenue Industrial Park - Des Moines, IA 
Lexington Commerce Center - Eagan, MN 
Lighthouse - Duluth, MN 
Metal Improvement Company - New Brighton, MN 
Stone Container - Fargo, ND 
Stone Container - Roseville, MN 
Waconia Industrial Building - Waconia, MN 
Wilson's Leather - Brooklyn Park, MN 
Winsted Industrial Building - Winsted, MN 
TOTAL INDUSTRIAL 

RETAIL 
Andover C Store - Andover, MN 
Anoka Strip Center - Anoka, MN 
Blaine Strip Center - Blaine, MN 
Buffalo Strip Center - Buffalo, MN 
Burnsville 1 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN 
Burnsville 2 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN 
Centerville C Store - Centerville, MN 
Champlin South Pond - Champlin, MN 
Chan West Village - Chanhassen, MN 
Duluth Denfeld Retail - Duluth, MN 
Duluth Tool Crib - Duluth, MN 
E Bethel C Store - Bethel, MN 
Eagan 1 Retail Center - Eagan, MN 
Eagan 2 Retail Center - Eagan, MN 
Eagan 3 C Store - Eagan, MN 

Approximate 
Net Rentable 
Square Footage

(in thousands)
Investment

Fiscal 2005 
Economic 
Occupancy

6,042 $
5,895
10,150
6,042
70,313
76,870
9,052
43,046
12,444
114,316
60,294
28,928
52,300
10,008
45,081
74,800
12,140
0
195,983
29,408
18,810
1,112,138 $

35,000 $
41,880
604,711
89,840
59,600
49,620
195,075
229,072
29,440
353,049
38,000
1,725,287 $

3,000 $
10,625
8,750
7,700
8,526
8,400
3,000
25,400
135,969
36,542
15,597
4,800
5,400
13,901
3,886

572
588
962
641
7,070
5,111
1,572
7,698
1,765
21,601
12,028
3,820
20,512
2,952
10,144
19,325
1,013
13,047
33,709
4,622
2,661
205,333

1,723
2,152
12,980
5,912
1,884
2,449
7,141
8,250
1,667
13,068
1,007
58,233

281
733
537
476
996
789
333
3,547
20,804
4,984
1,933
510
515
1,359
783

100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
N/A
100.0%
N/A
100.0%
N/A
100.0%
0.0%
64.6%
80.2%
100.0%
100.0%

100.0%
100.0%
68.1%
67.3%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
0.0%
100.0%
100.0%

100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
83.5%
100.0%
75.7%
100.0%
71.2%
97.5%
97.3%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%

2005 Annual Report  21 

 
 
 
 
 
Property Name and Location 

East Grand Station - East Grand Forks, MN 
Excelsior Strip Center - Excelsior, MN 
Fargo Express Center - Fargo, ND 
Fargo Express SC Pad 1 - Fargo, ND 
Faribault Checker Auto - Faribault, MN 
Forest Lake Auto - Forest Lake, MN 
Forest Lake Westlake Center - Forest Lake, MN 
Glencoe C Store - Glencoe, MN 
Grand Forks Carmike - Grand Forks, ND 
Grand Forks Medpark Mall - Grand Forks, ND 
Howard Lake C Store - Howard Lake, MN 
IGH Strip Center - Inver Grove Heights, MN 
Jamestown Buffalo Mall - Jamestown, ND 
Jamestown Business Center - Jamestown, ND 
Kalispell Retail Center - Kalispell, MT 
Kentwood Thomasville Furniture - Kentwood., MI 
Ladysmith Pamida - Ladysmith, WI 
Lakeland C Store - Lakeland, MN 
Lakeville Strip Center – Lakeville, MN 
Lindstrom C Store - Lindstrom, MN 
Lino Lake Strip Center - Lino Lakes, MN 
Livingston Pamida - Livingston, MT 
Long Prairie C Store - Long Prairie, MN 
Minot Arrowhead SC - Minot, ND 
Minot Plaza - Minot, ND 
Monticello C Store - Monticello, MN 
Mora C Store - Mora, MN 
Mound Strip Center - Mound, MN 
Moundsview Bakery - Mounds View, MN 
Oakdale Strip Center - Oakdale, MN 
Omaha Barnes & Noble - Omaha, NE 
Paynesville C Store - Paynesville, MN 
Pine City C Store – Pine City, MN 
Pine City Evergreen Square - Pine City, MN 
Prior Lake 1 Strip Center - Prior Lake, MN 
Prior Lake 3 Strip Center - Prior Lake, MN 
Rochester Auto - Rochester, MN 
Rochester Maplewood Square – Rochester, MN 
Schofield Plaza SC – Schofield, WI 
Shoreview C Store – Shoreview, MN 
Sleep Inn – Brooklyn Park , MN 
St. Cloud Westgate SC – St. Cloud, MN 
St. Louise Park Retail – St. Louis Park, MN 
Wilmar Sam Goody – Willmar, MN 
Winsted C Store - Winsted, MN 
TOTAL RETAIL 
SUBTOTAL 

Approximate 
Net Rentable 
Square Footage

(in thousands)
Investment

Fiscal 2005 
Economic 
Occupancy

16,103 $
7,993
30,227
4,000
5,600
6,836
100,656
4,800
28,528
59,177
3,571
8,400
213,271
99,403
52,000
16,080
41,000
3,650
9,500
4,000
6,325
41,200
5,216
76,424
11,020
3,575
3,571
3,864
4,560
6,266
27,500
4,800
4,800
63,225
6,800
4,200
6,225
118,398
53,764
3,000
46,720
104,928
3,444
6,225
3,571
1,625,912 $

1,392
929
1,434
368
341
498
8,126
530
2,546
5,689
381
947
4,223
1,447
3,417
2,121
1,500
443
2,029
322
454
1,800
701
3,195
574
863
301
360
292
739
3,699
367
442
2,974
979
483
440
11,914
1,776
332
2,750
6,779
347
410
411
120,645
$ 1,179,856

100.0%
97.6%
100.0%
N/A
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
94.9%
100.0%
100.0%
92.5%
77.0%
65.4%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
70.8%
100.0%
93.1%
100.0%
0.0%
93.7%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
0.0%
100.0%
94.2%
75.6%
88.0%
100.0%
59.8%
65.9%
100.0%
N/A
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
0.0%

2005 Annual Report  22 

 
 
 
 
 
Property Name and Location 

UNDEVELOPED LAND AND UNIMPROVED PROPERTY 
17 S Main 2nd Floor - Minot, ND 
Andover, MN 
Centerville, MN 
Cottonwood Lake IV - Bismarck, ND 
IGH Land, MN 
Jamestown Buffalo Mall Theater - Jamestown., ND 
Kalispell, MT 
Legacy VII - Grand Forks, ND 
Long Prairie, MN 
River Falls, WI 
TOTAL UNDEVELOPED LAND AND UNIMPROVED PROPERTY 

TOTAL UNITS 
TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 

Mortgages Payable 

Approximate
Net Rentable
Square
Footage

(in thousands)
Investment

0 $
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 $

12
150
104
265
564
67
1,415
2,444
156
205
5,382

8,610
7,996,752

$ 1,185,238

As of April 30, 2005, individual first mortgage liens on the above properties totaled $708.6 million. Of the $708.6 
million  of  mortgage  indebtedness  on  April  30,  2005,  $27.0  million  is  represented  by  variable  rate  mortgages  on 
which  the  future  interest  rate  will  vary  based  on  changes  in  the  interest  rate  index  for  each  respective  loan.  The 
balance of fixed rate mortgages totaled $681.6 million. Principal payments due on our mortgage indebtedness are as 
follows: 

Year Ended April 30, (in thousands) 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
Later Years 
Total 

Mortgage Principal
18,893
$
21,150
40,130
45,710
106,034
476,641
708,558

$

Future Minimum Lease Payments 

The future minimum lease payments to be received under leases for commercial properties in place as of April 30, 
2005, assuming that no options to renew or buy out the lease are exercised, are as follows: 

Year Ended April 30, (in thousands) 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
Thereafter 
Total 

Lease Payments
64,075
59,556
52,111
44,847
39,854
215,881
476,324

$

$

Capital Expenditures 

Each  year  we  review  the  physical  condition  of  each  property  we  own.  In  order  for  our  properties  to  remain 
competitive,  attract  new  tenants,  and  retain  existing  tenants,  we  plan  for  a  reasonable  amount  of  capital 
improvements. For the year ended April 30, 2005, we spent approximately $18.0 million on capital improvements. 

2005 Annual Report  23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contracts or Options to Sell 

We have granted options to purchase certain of our properties to various third parties. In general, these options grant 
the  right  to  purchase  certain  IRET  assets  at  the  greater  of  such  asset’s  appraised  value  or  an  annual  compounded 
increase of 2.0% to 2.5% of the initial cost to us. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, the tenant in five of 
IRET’s  Edgewood  Vista  assisted  living  facilities  exercised  the  purchase  options  contained  in  the  leases  for  these 
properties.  These  sales  closed  in  fiscal  year  2005.  See  the  discussion  of  Property  Dispositions  in  Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 
10-K for further information on these sales. In addition to options granted to third parties, we have also granted an 
option to Charles Wm. James to purchase our Excelsior Retail Center. Mr. James is currently an officer and member 
of our Board of Trustees. The option exercise price is equal to the price paid by us for the property, plus an annual 
consumer  price  index  increase.  As  of  April  30,  2005,  our  properties  subject  to  purchase  options,  the  cost,  plus 
improvements, of each such property and its gross rental revenue are as follows: 

Property 
East Grand Station - East Grand Forks, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Fremont, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Hastings, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Kalispell, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Missoula, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Omaha, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Virginia, MN 
Excelsior Retail Center - Excelsior, MN 
Great Plains Software - Fargo, ND 
Healtheast - Woodbury & Maplewood, MN 
Wedgewood Sweetwater - Lithia Springs, GA 
Sleep Inn - Brooklyn Park, MN 
Total 

Properties by State 

(in thousands)
Property Cost
1,392
$
11,709
552
572
588
962
641
12,181
929
15,375
21,601
4,622
2,750
73,874

$

$

$

(in thousands)  
Gross Rental Revenue 

2005
152
1,406
59
61
62
120
67
1,320
82
1,876
2,032
509
247
7,993

$

$

2004 
152
1,278
59
61
62
120
67
893
129
1,875
1,948
502
0
7,146

$

$

2003
152
1,246
59
61
62
120
67
759
22
1,875
1,917
475
0
6,815

The  following  table  presents,  as  of  April  30,  2005,  an  analysis  by  state  of  each  of  the  five  major  categories  of 
properties owned by us - multi-family residential, office, medical, industrial and retail: 

Total Real Estate Investment by Type and Location 

State 
Minnesota 
North Dakota 
Nebraska 
Colorado 
Montana 
Kansas 
South Dakota 
Texas 
All Other States 
Total 

Multi-Family
 Residential

Commercial
 Office

$

(in thousands) 
Commercial
 Medical
173,064 $

104,385 $ 284,025 $
113,473
22,838
41,346
39,221
41,185
32,146
38,626
8,889

16,670
8,349
11,240
0
0
7,047
0
26,205

$

442,109 $ 353,536 $

Commercial
 Industrial

Commercial
 Retail
Total
686,442
86,856 $
38,112 $
156,760
19,476
7,141
57,163
3,699
0
52,586
0
0
45,988
5,217
0
41,185
0
0
39,193
0
0
38,626
0
0
12,980
61,913
5,397
58,233 $ 120,645 $ 1,179,856

% of Total
58.2%
13.3%
4.8%
4.4%
3.9%
3.5%
3.3%
3.3%
5.3%
100.0%

0
22,277
0
1,550
0
0
0
8,442
205,333 $

Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

In  the  ordinary  course  of  our  operations,  we  become  involved  in  litigation.  At  this  time,  we  know  of  no  material 
pending or threatened legal proceedings or other proceedings contemplated by governmental authorities that would 
have a material impact upon us. 

2005 Annual Report  24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 

No matters were submitted to our shareholders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005. 

PART II 

Item  5.  Market  for  Registrant’s  Common  Equity,  Related  Stockholder  Matters  and  Issuer  Purchases  of 
Equity Securities  

Quarterly Share and Distribution Data 

Our common shares of beneficial interest trade on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol IRETS. On June 
30, 2005, the last reported sales price per share of our common shares on the NASDAQ National Market was $9.66. 
The  following  table  sets  forth  the  quarterly  high  and  low  closing  sales  prices  per  share  of  our  common  shares  as 
reported  on  the  NASDAQ  National  Market,  and  the  distributions  per  common  share  and  limited  partnership  unit 
declared with respect to each period. 

Quarter Ended 
2005 

April 30, 2005 
January 31, 2005 
October 31, 2004 
July 31, 2004 

Quarter Ended 
2004 

April 30, 2004 
January 31, 2004 
October 31, 2003 
July 31, 2003 

High

$ 10.26 $
10.72
10.30
10.47

High

$ 10.50 $
10.70
10.48
10.81

Low

8.90
9.78
9.51
9.39

Low

9.36
9.88
9.69
9.28

Distributions Declared 
(per share and unit)

$

0.1620
0.1615
0.1610
0.1605

Distributions Declared 
(per share and unit)

$

0.1600
0.1595
0.1590
0.1585

It  is  IRET’s  policy  to  pay  quarterly  distributions  to  our  common  shareholders,  at  the  discretion  of  our  Board  of 
Trustees,  based  on  our  funds  from  operations,  financial  condition  and  capital  requirements,  annual  distribution 
requirements  under  the  REIT  provisions  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  and  such  other  factors  as  our  Board  of 
Trustees deems relevant. Since July 1, 1971, IRET has paid quarterly cash distributions in the months of January, 
April, July and October.  

Shareholders 

As  of  June  30,  2005,  the  Company  had  approximately  4,791  common  shareholders  of  record,  and  45,217,241 
common shares of beneficial interest (plus 13,199,342 limited partnership units convertible into 13,199,342 common 
shares) were outstanding. 

Unregistered Sales of Shares 

Sales of Unregistered Securities. During the fiscal years ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, we issued an 
aggregate  of  595,810  and  357,478  unregistered  common  shares  to  holders  of  limited  partnership  units  of  IRET 
Properties  upon  redemption  and  conversion  of  an  aggregate  of  595,810  and  357,478  limited  partnership  units  of 
IRET Properties on a one-for-one basis. All such issuances of our common shares were exempt from registration as 
private  placements  under  Section  4(2) of  the  Securities  Act,  including  Regulation  D  promulgated  thereunder.  We 
have registered the re-sale of such common shares under the Securities Act. 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. The Company did not repurchase any of its equity securities during fiscal year 
2005, except for repurchases of nominal amounts of fractional shares, at shareholder request. 

2005 Annual Report  25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

Set forth below is selected financial data on a historical basis for the Company for the five most recent fiscal years 
ended April 30. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes 
appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Consolidated Income Statement Data 

(in thousands, except per share data) 

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

$ 156,447 $

133,596

$ 112,071  $ 84,120  $ 67,473

Revenue 
Income before minority interest and discontinued 
operations and gain on sale of other investments  $
Gain on sale of real estate, land, and other 
investments 
Minority interest portion of operating partnership 
income 
Income from continuing operations 
Income from discontinued operations 
Net income 

$
$
$
$

$

10,709 $

10,858

$ 14,337  $ 12,664  $

9,840

8,605 $

662

$

1,595  $

547  $

602

(1,918) $
8,415 $
6,661 $
15,076 $

(2,320) $ (3,341) $ (3,304) $ (1,894)
8,135
7,939
559
1,501
8,694
9,440

9,708  $
$ 10,377  $
$
892  $
1,871  $
$ 12,248  $ 10,600  $

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data 
Total real estate investments 
Total assets 
Mortgages payable 
Shareholders’ equity 

Consolidated Per Common Share Data  
  (basic and diluted) 
Income from continuing operations 
Income from discontinued operations 
Net Income 
Distributions 

CALENDAR YEAR 
Tax status of distribution 

Capital gain 
Ordinary income 
Return of capital 

$ 1,067,345 $
991,923
$ 1,151,158 $ 1,076,317
633,124
$ 708,558 $
278,629
$ 295,172 $

$ 845,325  $ 685,347  $548,580
$ 885,681  $ 730,209  $570,322
$ 539,397  $ 459,569  $368,957
$ 214,761  $ 145,578  $118,945

$
$
$
$

.14 $
.16 $
.30 $
.65 $

.20
.04
.24
.64

$
$
$
$

.32  $
.06  $
.38  $
.63  $

.38  $
.04  $
.42  $
.59  $

.35
.03
.38
.55

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

0.00%
44.65%
55.35%

3.88%
58.45%
37.67%

0.00%
68.29%
31.71%

0.00%
65.98%
34.02%

0.72%
86.76%
12.52%

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

The following information is provided in connection with, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated 
financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We operate on a fiscal year ending on April 30. 
The following discussion and analysis is for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005. 

Overview 

We  are  a  self-advised  equity  real  estate  investment  trust  engaged  in owning  and operating  income-producing real 
properties. Our investments include multi-family residential properties and commercial properties located primarily 
in  the  upper  Midwest  states  of  Minnesota  and  North  Dakota.  Our  properties  are  diversified  in  property  type  and 
location. As of April 30, 2005, our real estate portfolio consisted of 65 multi-family residential properties containing 
8,610 apartment units and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $374.6 million, and 
146  commercial  properties  containing  approximately  8.0  million  square  feet  of  leasable  space  and  having  a  total 
carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $686.7 million. Our commercial properties consist of: 

• 

• 

50 office properties containing approximately 3.5 million square feet of leasable space and having a total 
carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $330.3 million; 

25 medical properties (including assisted living facilities) containing approximately 1.1 million square feet 
of leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $192.5 million; 

2005 Annual Report  26 

 
 
   
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

11  industrial  properties  (including  miscellaneous  commercial  properties)  containing  approximately  1.7 
million square feet of leasable space and having a total carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) 
of $53.0 million; and 

60 retail properties containing approximately 1.6 million square feet of leasable space and having a total 
carrying amount (net of accumulated depreciation) of $110.9 million. 

Our primary source of income and cash is rents associated with multi-family residential and commercial leases.  Our 
business objective is to increase shareholder value by employing a disciplined investment strategy.  This strategy is 
focused on growing assets in desired geographical markets, achieving diversification by property type and location, 
and adhering to targeted returns in acquiring properties. 

During fiscal year 2005, IRET continued to operate in a difficult economic environment.  Unemployment rates in 
our markets, job growth at a pace slower than anticipated, continued low interest rates and an abundant supply of 
housing,  lower  rental  income  and  increased  costs  for  tenant  concessions  and  commercial  property  alternatives  all 
contributed to continued pressure on occupancy levels at our multi-family and commercial properties.  While we are 
seeing some slight improvement in vacancy levels, our operating environment in fiscal year 2005 continued to be 
challenging.    In  addition,  identifying  potential  acquisition  properties  that  met  our  investment  criteria  remained  a 
challenge during fiscal year 2005. A widespread demand for real estate from traditional and non-traditional investors 
combined with lower tenant demand for commercial space and apartments resulted in a significant reduction in the 
investment returns from all types of real estate. In response to these operating conditions, during fiscal year 2005 
IRET  was  able  to  implement  only  modest  rental  rate  increases  at  certain  of  our  multi-family  and  commercial 
properties, and continued to rely on rent and other tenant concessions in order to improve occupancy rates. 

During fiscal year 2005, vacancy levels in our total commercial segment properties continued to increase, to 9.2% 
from 7.8% at the end of fiscal year 2004 in the case of our commercial office portfolio, to 7.3% from 6.4% at the 
end of fiscal year 2004 in the case of our commercial medical portfolio, to 13.2% from 6.4% at the end of fiscal year 
2004 in the case of our commercial industrial portfolio, and to 10.6% from 7.8% at the end of fiscal year 2004 in the 
case of our commercial retail portfolio. Vacancy levels also increased slightly at our total multi-family residential 
properties,  to  9.9%  compared  to  9.8%  at  the  end  of  fiscal  year  2004.  Total  revenues  of  IRET  Properties,  our 
operating partnership, increased by $22.8 million to $156.4 million, compared to $133.6 million in fiscal year 2004. 
This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of new real estate properties. Operating income declined in 
fiscal year 2005, to $9.7 million from $10.2 million in fiscal year 2004. We estimate that rent concessions offered to 
tenants  during  the  twelve  months  ended  April  30,  2005,  lowered  our  operating  revenues  by  approximately  $4.5 
million, compared to $2.9 million for fiscal year 2004. Expenses increased during fiscal year 2005 as well, with real 
estate taxes, maintenance, utility, administrative and operating expense all increasing from year-earlier levels. While 
some of this increase was due to existing real estate, the majority was due to the addition of new real estate to our 
portfolio. 

During fiscal year 2005, the Company added four multi-family residential properties with a total of 266 apartment 
units,  three  medical  properties  with  a  total  of  157,675  leasable  square  feet,  eight  office  properties  with  a  total  of 
664,483 leasable square feet, and two retail properties consisting of 50,720 leasable square feet to our investment 
portfolio, for an aggregate purchase price of $146.4 million. The Company disposed of 18 properties, consisting of 
eight  apartment  complexes,  five  medical  properties  (assisted  living  facilities),  one  office  property,  three  retail 
properties and one parcel of undeveloped land, for sale prices totaling $48.9 million. 

Additional  information  and  more  detailed  discussions  of  our  fiscal  year  2005  operating  results  are  found  in  the 
following sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

Critical Accounting Policies 

Set forth below is a summary of the accounting policies that management believes are critical to the preparation of 
the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Real Estate. Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, less an adjustment for impairment, if any. 
Depreciation requires an estimate by management of the useful life of each property as well as an allocation of the 

2005 Annual Report  27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
costs  associated  with  a  property  to  its  various  components.  If  the  Company  does  not  allocate  these  costs 
appropriately  or  incorrectly  estimates  the  useful  lives  of  its  real  estate,  depreciation  expense  may  be  misstated. 
Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company uses a 
20-40  year  estimated  life  for  buildings  and  improvements.  Maintenance  and  repairs  are  charged  to  operations  as 
incurred. Renovations and improvements that improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized over 
their estimated useful life, generally five to ten years. 

Upon  acquisitions  of  real  estate,  the  Company  assesses  the  fair  value  of  acquired  tangible  assets  (including  land, 
buildings  and personal  property),  which  is determined  by  valuing  the property  as  if  it  were vacant,  and  considers 
whether there were significant intangible assets acquired (for example, above-and below-market leases, the value of 
acquired in-place leases, and tenant relationships, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
(“SFAS”) No. 141) and acquired liabilities, and allocates the purchase price based on these assessments. The as-if-
vacant  value  is  allocated  to  land,  buildings,  and  personal  property  based  on  management’s  determination  of  the 
relative fair value of these assets. The estimated fair value of the property is the amount that would be recoverable 
upon the disposition of the property. Techniques used to estimate fair value include discounted cash flow analysis, 
independent appraisals, and reference to recent sales of comparable properties. Estimates of future cash flows are 
based  on  a  number  of  factors  including  the  historical  operating  results,  known  trends,  and  market/economic 
conditions  that  may  affect  the  property.  Land  value  is  assigned  based  on  the  purchase  price  if  land  is  acquired 
separately, or based on estimated market value if acquired in a merger or in a portfolio acquisition. 

Above-market  and  below-market  in-place  lease  values  for  acquired  properties  are  recorded  based  on  the  present 
value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) 
the  contractual  amounts  to  be  paid  pursuant  to  the  in-place  leases  and  (ii)  management’s  estimate  of  fair  market 
lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term 
of  the  lease.  The  Company  performs  this  analysis  on  a  lease-by-lease  basis.  The  capitalized  above-market  and 
below-market lease values are amortized and included in operating expenses as depreciation/ amortization related to 
real estate investments and amortized over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. 

Other  intangible  assets  acquired  include  amounts  for  in-place  lease  values  that  are  based  upon  the  Company’s 
evaluation of the specific characteristics of the leases. Factors considered in these analyses include an estimate of 
carrying  costs  during  hypothetical  expected  lease-up  periods,  considering  current  market  conditions,  and  costs  to 
execute  similar  leases.  The  Company  also  considers  information  about  each  property  obtained  during  its  pre-
acquisition  due  diligence  and  marketing  and  leasing  activities  in  estimating  the  fair  value  of  the  tangible  and 
intangible assets acquired. 

Property  sales  or  dispositions  are  recorded  when  title  transfers  and  sufficient  consideration  is  received  by  the 
Company. The Company’s properties are reviewed for impairment if events or circumstances change indicating that 
the  carrying  amount  of  the  assets  may  not  be  recoverable.  If  the  Company  incorrectly  estimates  the  values  at 
acquisition or the undiscounted cash flows, initial allocations of purchase price and future impairment charges may 
be different. The impact of the Company’s estimates in connection with acquisitions and future impairment analysis 
could be material to the Company’s financial statements. 

Allowance  for  Doubtful  Accounts.  The  Company  periodically  evaluates  the  collectibility  of  amounts  due  from 
tenants  and  maintains  an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  ($200,000  as  of  April  30,  2005)  for  estimated  losses 
resulting  from  the  inability  of  tenants  to  make  required  payments  under  their  respective  lease  agreements.  The 
Company also maintains an allowance for receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents ($500,000 as of April 
30,  2005).  This  receivable  arises  from  earnings  recognized  in  excess  of  amounts  currently  due  under  lease 
agreements.  Management  exercises  judgment  in  establishing  these  allowances  and  considers  payment  history  and 
current credit status in developing these estimates. If estimates differ from actual results this would impact reported 
results. 

Revenue Recognition - The Company has the following revenue sources and revenue recognition policies: 

•  Base Rents - income arising from tenant leases. These rents are recognized over the non-cancelable term of 
the related leases on a straight-line basis, which includes the effects of rent steps and free rent abatements 
under  the  leases.    Certain  leases  provide  for  tenant  occupancy  during  periods  for  which  no  rent  is  due  or 
where minimum rent payments increase during the term of the lease. Rental revenue is recorded for the full 

2005 Annual Report  28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
term of each lease on a straight-line basis. Accordingly, the Company records a receivable from tenants for 
rents that it expects to collect over the remaining lease term as deferred rents receivable. When the Company 
acquires a property, the term of the existing leases is considered to commence as of the acquisition date for 
the purposes of this calculation. Revenue recognition is considered to be critical because the evaluation of the 
realizability  of  such  deferred  rents  receivable  involves  management's  assumptions  relating  to  such  tenant's 
viability. 

•  Percentage Rents - income arising from retail tenant leases which are contingent upon the sales of the tenant 
exceeding a defined threshold. These rents are recognized in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 
104: Revenue Recognition, which states that this income is to be recognized only after the contingency has 
been removed (i.e., sales thresholds have been achieved). 

•  Expense Reimbursement Income – revenue arising from tenant leases, which provide for the recovery of all 
or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes of the respective property. This revenue is accrued 
in the same periods as the expenses are incurred. 

Income  Taxes.  The  Company  operates  in  a  manner  intended  to  enable  it  to  continue  to  qualify  as  a  REIT  under 
Sections  856-860  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  of  1986,  as  amended.  Under  those  sections,  a  REIT  which 
distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income as a distribution to its shareholders each year and which meets 
certain  other  conditions  will  not  be  taxed  on  that  portion  of  its  taxable  income  which  is  distributed  to  its 
shareholders.  The  Company  intends  to  distribute  to  its  shareholders  100%  of  its  taxable  income.  Therefore,  no 
provision for Federal income taxes is required. If the Company fails to distribute the required amount of income to 
its shareholders, it would fail to qualify as a REIT and substantial adverse tax consequences may result. 

The Company’s taxable income is affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:  that 
the Company’s tenants perform their obligations under their leases with the Company; that the Company’s tax and 
accounting  positions  do  not  change;  and  that  the  number  of  issued  and  outstanding  shares  of  the  Company’s 
common  stock  remain  relatively  unchanged.    These  factors,  which  impact  the  Company’s  taxable  income,  are 
subject to change, and many are outside the control of the Company.  If actual results vary, the Company’s taxable 
income may change. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

On  December  16,  2004,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  issued  Statement  of  Financial 
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - Amendment of APB Opinion No. 
29”.    The  amendments  made  by  SFAS  No.  153  are  based  on  the  principle  that  exchanges  of  nonmonetary  assets 
should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged.  Further, the amendments eliminate the narrow 
exception  for  nonmonetary  exchanges  of  similar  productive  assets  and  replace  it  with  a  broader  exception  for 
exchanges  of  nonmonetary  assets  that  do  not  have  “commercial  substance.”    SFAS  No.  153  is  effective  for 
nonmonetary  asset  exchanges  occurring  in  fiscal  periods  beginning  after  June  15,  2005.    The  Company  does  not 
believe  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  153  will  have  a  material  effect  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Revenues 

Total revenues for fiscal year 2005 were $156.4 million, compared to $133.6 million in fiscal year 2004 and $112.1 
million in fiscal year 2003. Revenues during fiscal year 2005 were $22.8 million greater than revenues in fiscal year 
2004 and revenues during fiscal year 2004 were $21.5 million greater than in fiscal year 2003.   

2005 Annual Report  29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For fiscal 2005, the increase in revenue of $22.8 million resulted from:  

Rent from 28 properties acquired in fiscal year 2004 in excess of that received in 2004 from the same 

28 properties 

Rent from 17 properties acquired in fiscal year 2005 
Decrease in rental income on existing properties, net of declining occupancy levels 
An increase in straight-line rents 

For fiscal 2004, the increase in revenue of $21.5 million resulted from:  

Rent from 64 properties acquired in fiscal year 2003 in excess of that received in 2003 from the same 

64 properties 

Rent from 28 properties acquired in fiscal year 2004 
Increase in rental income on existing properties, net of declining occupancy levels 
An increase in straight-line rents 
A decrease in rent from properties sold 

(in thousands)

$

$

14,813
9,745
(2,431)
724
22,851

(in thousands)

$

$

12,099
9,482
152
72
(280)
21,525

As  illustrated  above,  the  substantial  majority  of  the  increase  in  our  gross  revenue  for  fiscal  years  2005  and  2004 
resulted  from  the  addition  of  new  real  estate  properties  to  the  IRET  Properties’  portfolio,  rather  than  from  rental 
increases  on  existing  properties.  For  the  next  12  months,  we  expect  acquisitions  to  continue  to  be  the  most 
significant factor in any increases in our revenues and ultimately our net income. While acceptable real estate assets 
are  still  available  for  purchase,  declining  tenant  demand  combined  with  a  continued  widespread  demand  for  real 
estate from traditional and non-traditional investors has resulted in a significant reduction in the investment returns 
from all types of real estate. This reduction in the rates of return has been offset to some extent by the decline in 
borrowing costs to historically low levels. While we were able to take advantage of those lower borrowing costs for 
most of our recent acquisitions, the majority of our debt is fixed and not prepayable without significant prepayment 
costs and fees. 

Gain on Sale of Real Estate 

The  Company  realized  a  gain  on  sale  of  real  estate  for  fiscal  year  2005  of  $8.6  million.  This  compares  to  $0.7 
million of gain on sale of real estate recognized in fiscal 2004 and $1.6 million recognized in fiscal 2003. A list of 
the properties sold during fiscal year 2005, showing sales price, depreciated cost plus sales costs and net gain (loss) 
is included below on page 43 under the caption “Property Dispositions.”  

Segment Expenses and Operating Profit 

The  following  tables  show  the  changes  in  revenues,  operating  expenses,  interest  and  depreciation  by  reportable 
operating  segment  for  fiscal  year  2005  compared  to  fiscal  year  2004, and for  fiscal  year  2004  compared  to  fiscal 
year 2003.  For a reconciliation of segment revenues, profit (loss) and assets to the consolidated financial statements, 
see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. 

Fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, compared to fiscal year ended April 30, 2004.  

COMMERCIAL OFFICE 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2004

2005

Change % Change

$

48,648 $

39,919 $

8,729

21.9%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

12,730
12,783
9,701
7,165
538
2,100
45,017
3,631 $

11,030
7,132
8,416
5,757
451
1,764
34,550
5,369 $

1,700
5,651
1,285
1,408
87
336
10,467
(1,738)

15.4 
79.2 
15.3 
24.5 
19.3 
19.0 
30.3 
(32.4%)

$

2005 Annual Report  30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
COMMERCIAL MEDICAL 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2004 

2005

Change % Change

$

25,794 $

15,876 $

9,918

62.5%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

8,923
5,305
3,012
1,616
277
1,273
20,406
5,388 $

5,841
2,977
2,226
1,491
149
1,156
13,840
2,036 $

3,082
2,328
786
125
128
117
6,566
3,352

52.8 
78.2 
35.3 
8.4 
85.9 
10.1 
47.4 
164.6%

$

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2004

2005

Change % Change

$

6,459 $

6,634 $

(175)

(2.6%)

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

2,302
1,523
245
797
78
104
5,049
1,410 $

2,092
1,253
251
768
66
98
4,528
2,106 $

210
270
(6)
29
12
6
521
(696)

10.0 
21.5 
(2.4) 
3.8 
18.2 
6.1 
11.5 
(33.0%)

$

COMMERCIAL RETAIL 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2004

2005

Change % Change

$

15,339 $

11,873 $

3,466

29.2%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

4,125
2,788
1,471
1,983
200
289
10,856
4,483 $

3,275
2,007
1,104
1,888
167
118
8,559
3,314 $

850
781
367
95
33
171
2,297
1,169

26.0 
38.9 
33.2 
5.0 
19.8 
144.9 
26.8 
35.3%

$

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 

Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 
Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments. 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

(in thousands) 
2004

2005

Change % Change

$ 60,207

$

59,294 $

913

1.5%

18,247
11,075
12,760
7,057
1,521
6,805
57,465
2,742

$

$

17,647
10,310
12,496
6,675
2,001
6,225
55,354
3,940 $

600
765
264
382
(480)
580
2,111
(1,198)

3.4 
7.4 
2.1 
5.7 
(24.0) 
9.3 
3.8 
(30.4%)

2005 Annual Report  31 

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal year ended April 30, 2004, compared to fiscal year ended April 30, 2003.  

COMMERCIAL OFFICE 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2003

2004

Change % Change

$

39,919

$

31,159 $ 

8,760

28.1%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

11,030
7,132
8,416
5,757
451
1,764
34,550
5,369

$

$

9,343
2,222
5,401
4,543
356
1,286
23,151

8,008 $ 

1,687
4,910
3,015
1,214
95
478
  11,399
(2,639)

18.1 
221.0 
55.8 
26.7 
26.7 
37.2 
49.2 
(33.0%)

COMMERCIAL MEDICAL 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2003

2004

Change % Change

$

15,876 $

13,168  $

2,708

20.6%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

5,841
2,977
2,226
1,491
149
1,156
13,840
2,036 $

5,126 
3,477 
2,039 
1,112 
108 
801 
12,663 

505  $

715
(500)
187
379
41
355
1,177
1,531

13.9 
(14.4) 
9.2 
34.1 
38.0 
44.3 
9.3 
303.2%

$

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2003

2004

Change % Change

$

6,634 $

5,846 $

788

13.5%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

2,092
1,253
251
768
66
98
4,528
2,106 $

1,542
1,047
124
491
44
55
3,303
2,543 $

550
206
127
277
22
43
1,225
(437)

35.7 
19.7 
102.4 
56.4 
50.0 
78.2 
37.1 
(17.2%)

$

COMMERCIAL RETAIL 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2003

2004

Change % Change

$

11,873 $

5,862 $

6,011

102.5%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

3,275
2,007
1,104
1,888
167
118
8,559
3,314 $

1,815
2,035
395
461
92
99
4,897

965 $

1,460
(28)
709
1,427
75
19
3,662
2,349

80.4 
(1.4) 
179.5 
309.5 
81.5 
19.2 
74.8 
243.4%

$

2005 Annual Report  32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 
Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

(in thousands) 
2003

2004

Change % Change

$

59,294 $

56,036  $

3,258

5.8%

Mortgage Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management 
Total Segment Expense 
Segment Operating Profit 

17,647
10,310
12,496
6,675
2,001
6,225
55,354
3,940 $

16,387 
9,390 
10,805 
6,386 
1,460 
5,495 
49,923 
6,113  $

1,260
920
1,691
289
541
730
5,431
(2,173)

7.7 
9.8 
15.7 
4.5 
37.1 
13.3 
10.9 
(35.5%)

$

Factors Impacting Segment Expenses and Operating Profit 

Depreciation/amortization  related  to  real  estate  investments.    Depreciation/amortization  related  to  real  estate 
investments increased significantly in our Commercial Office and Commercial Medical segments in fiscal year 2005 
compared to fiscal year 2004 (increasing 79.2% and 78.2%, respectively), and in our Commercial Office segment in 
fiscal  year  2004  compared  to  fiscal  year  2003  (increasing  221.0%).    These  increases  were  a  result  of  the 
implementation of SFAS No. 141, which establishes standards for valuing in-place leases in purchase transactions.  
The Company allocates a portion of the purchase price paid for properties to in-place lease intangible assets.  The 
amortization period of these intangible assets is the term of the lease, rather than the estimated life of the building 
and improvements.  The Company accordingly initially records additional amortization expense due to this shorter 
amortization period. 

Changes in Expenses and Net Income 

Operating  income  for  fiscal  year  2005  decreased  to  $9.7  million  from  $10.2  million  in  fiscal  year  2004,  and  was 
$13.3 million in fiscal year 2003. Our net income available to common shareholders for fiscal year 2005 was $12.7 
million, compared to $9.4 million in fiscal year 2004 and $12.2 million in fiscal year 2003. On a per common share 
basis, net income was $0.30 per common share in fiscal year 2005, compared to $0.24 per common share in fiscal 
year 2004 and $0.38 in fiscal year 2003. 

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

Changes in net income for fiscal year 2005 resulted from:  

An increase in net rental income primarily due to new acquisitions (rents, less utilities, maintenance, 
taxes, insurance and management) 
An increase in income from discontinued operations, net 
An increase in non-operating income 
A decrease in minority interest of operating partnership income 
A decrease in minority interest of other partnership’s income 

These increases were partially offset by:  

An increase in interest expense primarily due to debt placed on new acquisitions 
An increase in depreciation/amortization expense related to real estate investments 
An increase in operating expenses, administrative, advisory & trustee services 
An increase in amortization expense 
A decrease in gain on sale of other investments 
An increase in dividends to preferred shareholders 

Total increase in fiscal 2005 net income available to common shareholders 

(in thousands)

$

17,126 
5,160
338
402 
378 

(5,594)
(9,833)
(1,469)
(717)
(155)
(2,339)
3,297

$

2005 Annual Report  33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in net income for fiscal year 2004 resulted from:  

An increase in net rental income (rents, less utilities, maintenance, taxes, insurance and management)  $
A decrease in minority interest of operating partnership income 
A decrease in minority interest of other partnerships’ income 

(in thousands)
9,811
1,021
177

These increases were partially offset by: 

A decrease in income from discontinued operations, net 
A decrease in non-operating income 
An increase in interest expense 
An increase in depreciation/amortization expense related to real estate investments 
An increase in operating expenses, administrative, advisory & trustee services 
An increase in amortization expense 
A decrease in gain on sale of other investments 
An increase in dividends to preferred shareholders 

Total decrease in fiscal 2004 net income available to common shareholders 

(370)
(414)
(6,149)
(5,579)
(873)
(275)
(157)
(33)
(2,841)

$

Factors Impacting Net Income During Fiscal Year 2005 as Compared to Fiscal Year 2004 

Compared to the prior two fiscal years, there were a number of factors that continued to limit the growth of our total 
revenue and ultimately negatively impacted our net income. A discussion of the factors having the greatest impact 
on our business compared to the prior two fiscal years is set forth below. In management’s opinion, most of these 
negative influences show signs of lessening in the next twelve months. 

• 

Increased  economic  vacancy  and  concessions.  During  fiscal  year  2005,  vacancy  levels  at  our  stabilized 
multi-family  residential  properties  decreased  slightly  throughout  our  entire  portfolio  to  9.2%  compared  to 
9.4% at the end of fiscal year 2004, for economic occupancy levels of approximately  90.8% in fiscal year 
2005  compared  to  approximately  90.6%  in  fiscal  year  2004.  “Economic  Occupancy”  is  defined  as  total 
possible  revenue  less  vacancy  loss  as  a  percentage  of  total  possible  revenue.  Total  possible  revenue  is 
determined by valuing occupied units or square footage at contract rates, and vacant units or square footage 
at market rates. “Stabilized properties” are those properties that we have owned for the entirety of the periods 
being  compared,  and  include  properties  that  were  redeveloped  or  expanded  during  the  periods  being 
compared.  However,  vacancy  levels  at  our  stabilized  total  commercial  segment  properties  increased  to 
10.7%, from 7.4% at the end of fiscal year 2004, for economic occupancy levels of approximately 89.3% in 
fiscal year 2005 compared to approximately 92.6% in fiscal year 2004. A majority of the markets in which 
we  operate  continue  to  experience  overall  poor  economic  conditions  in  respect  to  job  creation.  The  poor 
economic climate has translated into increased vacancy at many of our properties. 

While  occupancy  levels  at  our  multi-family  residential  properties  showed  signs  of  improvement  during  the 
last half of fiscal year 2005, our level of tenant concessions has not declined significantly, and results at our 
multi-family  residential  properties  continue  to  be  negatively  influenced  by  the  availability  of  low-interest 
mortgages to prospective home buyers.  To maintain physical occupancy levels at our multi-family residential 
properties, we may offer tenant incentives, generally in the form of lower rents, which results in decreased 
revenues and income from operations at our stabilized properties.  We estimate that rent concessions offered 
during  fiscal  year  2005  lowered  our  operating  revenues  by  approximately  $4.5  million,  as  compared  to  an 
estimated approximately $2.9 million reduction in operating revenues attributable to rent concessions offered 
in fiscal year 2004.  

Our commercial vacancy is primarily due to our inability to either renew existing leases or to re-lease space 
being vacated by tenants at the expiration of their lease. While not necessarily indicative of future business 
cycles, in past economic downturns, a recovery in occupancy levels generally trails the pick up in economic 
activity  by  twelve  months  or  more.  Despite  some  positive  economic  developments,  we  have  yet  to  see  a 
significant increase in demand for multi-family residential or commercial space. We continue to expect that 
demand in our markets for both apartments and commercial space will remain weak through the remainder of 
our current fiscal year 2006. 

2005 Annual Report  34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

Increased real estate taxes. Taxes imposed on our real estate properties increased by $2.0 million, or 12.3% 
for  the  fiscal  year  ended  April  30,  2005.  Of  the  increased  real  estate  taxes,  $2.4  million  or  118.4%  is 
attributable  to  the  addition  of  new  real  estate  acquired  in  fiscal  2005  and  2004,  while  ($0.4)  million  or 
(18.4)% is due to decreased costs for real estate taxes on existing real estate assets.  

Under  the  terms  of  most  of  our  commercial  leases,  the  full  cost  of  real  estate  tax  is  paid  by  the  tenant  as 
additional rent. For our noncommercial real estate properties, any increase in our real estate tax costs must be 
collected  from  tenants  in  the  form  of  a  general  rent  increase.  While  we  have  implemented  selected  rent 
increases, the current economic conditions and increased vacancy levels have prevented us from raising rents 
in the amount necessary to fully recover our increased real estate tax costs.  

Increased  maintenance  expense.  The  maintenance  expense  category  increased  by  $1.4  million  or  9.4%  for 
the  fiscal  year  ended  April  30,  2005,  as  compared  to  the  corresponding  period  of  fiscal  year  2004.  Of  the 
increased maintenance costs for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, $2.2 million or 157.4% is attributable to 
the addition of new real estate acquired in fiscal 2005 and 2004, while $(0.8) million or (57.4)% is due to 
decreased costs  for  maintenance on  existing real  estate  assets.  Under  the  terms  of  most  of  our  commercial 
leases, the full cost of maintenance is paid by the tenant as additional rent. For our noncommercial real estate 
properties, any increase in our maintenance costs must be collected from tenants in the form of a general rent 
increase. While we have implemented selected rent increases, the current economic conditions and increased 
vacancy levels have prevented us from raising rents in the amount necessary to fully recover our increased 
maintenance costs. 

Increased utility expense. The utility expense category increased by $1.3 million or 13.6% for the fiscal year 
ended April 30, 2005, as compared to fiscal year 2004. Of the increased utility costs, $1.3 million or 102.1% 
is attributable to the addition of new real estate acquired in fiscal 2005 and 2004, while $(0.03) million or 
(2.1)%  is  due to  decreased  costs  for  utilities  on  existing  real  estate  assets.  Under  the  terms  of  most  of our 
commercial  leases,  the  full  cost  of  utilities  is  paid  by  the  tenant  as  additional  rent.  For  our  other 
noncommercial real estate properties, any increase in our utility costs must be collected from tenants in the 
form  of  a  general  rent  increase. While  we  have  implemented  selected  rent  increases,  the  current  economic 
conditions and increased vacancy levels have prevented us from raising rents in the amount necessary to fully 
recover our increased utility costs. Since our real estate portfolio is primarily located in Minnesota and North 
Dakota, the severity of winters has a large impact on our utility costs. 

Increased  administrative  and  operating  expense.  Administrative  and  operating  expenses  increased  by  $1.5 
million or 38.6% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, as compared to fiscal year 2004. Of this increase in 
administrative and operating expense for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, $1.0 million or 70.1% was due 
to employee related costs. Over the past year, we have hired seven new employees. The addition of these new 
employees,  together  with  increases  in  the  wages  and  benefits  paid  to  existing  employees,  account  for  a 
significant  portion  of  the  increase  in  administrative  and  operating  costs  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  April  30, 
2005.  In addition, in common with other public companies, we have experienced a significant increase in 
accounting fees and other costs, primarily as a result of certain provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
(“Sarbanes-Oxley”), in particular the internal controls report and attestation requirements of Section 404 of 
Sarbanes-Oxley. 

Increase in mortgage  interest expense. Our mortgage debt increased $75.4 million or 11.9% for the fiscal 
year ended April 30, 2005. Our mortgage interest expense increased by $6.4 million or 16.2% for the fiscal 
year ended April 30, 2005, as compared to fiscal year 2004. Of the increased interest expense for the fiscal 
year  ended  April  30, 2005,  $6.9  million  or 106.3%  is  attributable  to  the  addition  of  new  real  estate,  while 
interest expenses on existing real estate assets decreased by $(0.4) million or (6.3)%, due primarily to lower 
interest rates on mortgages. 

Increase  in  amortization  expense.  In  accordance  with  SFAS  No.  141,  “Business  Combinations,”  which 
establishes standards for valuing in-place leases in purchase transactions, the Company allocates a portion of 
the  purchase price  paid for properties  to  in-place  lease  intangible  assets.    The  amortization period  of these 
intangible assets is the term of the lease, rather than the estimated life of the building and improvements.  The 
Company  accordingly  initially  records  additional  amortization  expense  due  to  this  shorter  amortization 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

2005 Annual Report  35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
period, which has the effect in the short term of decreasing the Company’s net income available to common 
shareholders. 

Factors Impacting Net Income During Fiscal Year 2004 as Compared to Fiscal Year 2003 

• 

Increased  economic  vacancy.  During  fiscal  year  2004,  vacancy  levels  at  our  stabilized  multi-family 
residential properties continued to increase throughout our entire portfolio to 9.5% compared to 8.8% at the 
end of fiscal year 2003, for economic occupancy levels of approximately 90.5% in fiscal year 2004 compared 
to approximately 91.2% in fiscal year 2003. “Economic Occupancy” is defined as total possible revenue less 
vacancy  loss  as  a  percentage  of  total  possible  revenue.  Total  possible  revenue  is  determined  by  valuing 
occupied  units  or  square  footage  at  contract  rates,  and  vacant  units  or  square  footage  at  market  rates. 
“Stabilized  properties”  are  those  properties  that  we  have  owned  for  the  entirety  of  the  periods  being 
compared,  and  include  properties  that  were  redeveloped  or  expanded  during  the  periods  being  compared. 
Likewise, vacancy levels at our stabilized commercial properties increased to 6.7%, from 3.6% at the end of 
fiscal  year  2003,  for  economic  occupancy  levels  of  approximately  93.3%  in  fiscal  year  2004  compared  to 
approximately  96.4%  in  fiscal  year  2003.  A  majority  of  the  markets  in  which  we  operate  continued  to 
experience  overall  poor  economic  conditions,  in  respect  of  job  creation.  The  poor  economic  climate 
translated into increased vacancy at many of our properties. Our commercial vacancy was primarily due to 
our inability to either renew existing leases or to re-lease space being vacated by tenants at the expiration of 
their lease.  

• 

Increased real estate taxes. Taxes imposed on our real estate properties increased by $3.6 million, or 27.6% 
for  the  fiscal  year  ended  April  30,  2004.  Of  the  increased  real  estate  taxes,  $1.0  million  or  27.8%  was 
attributable to the addition of new real estate acquired in fiscal 2004, while $2.6 million or 72.2% was due to 
increased costs for real estate taxes on existing real estate assets. Most of our new property acquisitions in 
fiscal year 2004 were in Minnesota, a jurisdiction with higher property taxes than North Dakota and the other 
states in which we own property.  

• 

• 

Under  the  terms  of  most  of  our  commercial  leases,  the  full  cost  of  real  estate  tax  is  paid  by  the  tenant  as 
additional rent. For our noncommercial real estate properties, any increase in our real estate tax costs must be 
collected from tenants in the form of a general rent increase. While we implemented selected rent increases, 
economic conditions and increased vacancy levels prevented us from raising rents in the amount necessary to 
fully  recover  our  increased  real  estate  tax  costs.  To  further  compound  the  problem,  a  number  of  states  in 
which  we  operate  continued  to  face  state  budget  shortfalls.  Our  experience  is  that  such  shortfalls  translate 
into local governments raising property taxes. 

Increased maintenance expense. The maintenance expense category increased by $3.6 million or 32.0% for 
the  fiscal  year  ended  April  30,  2004,  as  compared  to  the  corresponding  period  of  fiscal  year  2003.  Of  the 
increased maintenance costs for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2004, $1.1 million or 30.5% was attributable 
to the addition of new real estate acquired in fiscal years 2004 and 2003, while $2.5 million or 69.5% was 
due  to  increased  costs  for  maintenance  on  existing  real  estate  assets.  Under  the  terms  of  most  of  our 
commercial  leases,  the  full  cost  of  maintenance  is  paid  by  the  tenant  as  additional  rent.  For  our 
noncommercial real estate properties, any increase in our maintenance costs must be collected from tenants 
in the form of a general rent increase. While we implemented selected rent increases, economic conditions 
and  increased  vacancy  levels  prevented  us  from  raising  rents  in  the  amount  necessary  to  fully  recover  our 
increased maintenance costs. 

Increased utility expense. The utility expense category increased by $2.1 million or 28.3% for the fiscal year 
ended April 30, 2004, as compared to fiscal year 2003. Of the increased utility costs, $0.8 million or 38.1% 
was attributable to the addition of new real estate acquired in fiscal years 2003 and 2004, while $1.6 million 
or  76.2%  was  due  to  increased  costs  for  utilities  on  existing  real  estate  assets  and  $(.3)  related  to  2005 
discontinued operations.  Under the terms of most of our commercial leases, the full cost of utilities is paid 
by the tenant as additional rent. For our other noncommercial real estate properties, any increase in our utility 
costs must be collected from tenants in the form of a general rent increase. While we implemented selected 
rent  increases,  economic  conditions  and  increased  vacancy  levels  prevented  us  from  raising  rents  in  the 
amount  necessary  to  fully  recover  our  increased  utility  costs.  Since  our  real  estate  portfolio  is  primarily 
located in Minnesota and North Dakota, the severity of winters has a large impact on our utility costs. 

2005 Annual Report  36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

Increased  administrative  and  operating  expense.  Administrative  and  operating  expenses  increased  by  $0.9 
million or 30.1% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2004, as compared to fiscal year 2003. Of this increase in 
administrative and operating expense for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2004, $0.7 million or 77.8% was due 
to  employee  related  costs.  In  fiscal  year  2004,  we  hired  six  new  employees.  The  addition  of  these  new 
employees,  together  with  increases  in  the  wages  and  benefits  paid  to  existing  employees,  account  for  the 
increase in administrative and operating costs for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2004. 

Increased  insurance  premiums.  Insurance  expense  increased  by  $0.8  million  or  37.6%  for  the  fiscal  year 
ended  April  30,  2004,  compared  to  the  prior  fiscal  year.  Of  the  increased  insurance  costs,  $0.2  million  or 
25% was attributable to the addition of new real estate during fiscal years 2003 and 2004, while $0.6 million 
or 75% was due to increased premium costs for coverage on existing real estate assets. Under the terms of 
most of our commercial leases, the full cost of insurance is paid by the tenant as additional rent. For our other 
real  estate  properties,  any  increase  in  our  insurance  costs  must  be  collected  from  tenants  in  the  form  of  a 
general  rent  increase.  While  we  implemented  selected  rent  increases,  economic  conditions  and  increased 
vacancy  levels  prevented  us  from  raising  rents  in  the  amount  necessary  to  fully  recover  our  increased 
insurance costs.  

Increase  in  interest  expense.  Our  mortgage  debt  increased  $94  million  or  17.4%  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
April 30, 2004. Our mortgage interest expense increased by $5.7 million or 16.6% for the fiscal year ended 
April 30, 2004, as compared to fiscal year 2003, due to the fact that interest rates on new mortgages incurred 
during 2004 were lower than rates on mortgages in prior periods. Of the increased interest expense for the 
fiscal year ended April 30, 2004, $2.3 million or 41.1% was attributable to the addition of new real estate, 
while  interest  expenses  on  existing  real  estate  assets  increased  by  $3.3  million  or  58.9%,  due  primarily  to 
increased borrowing on existing real estate assets. 

Comparison of Results from Commercial and Residential Properties 

The following table presents an analysis of the relative investment in, and financial contribution of, our commercial 
and multi-family residential properties over the past three fiscal years: 

Fiscal Years Ended April 30 
Real Estate Investments – net of accumulated 
depreciation 
Commercial Office 
Commercial Medical 
Commercial Industrial 
Commercial Retail 
Multi-Family Residential 

Total 
Gross Real Estate Rental Revenues 

Commercial Office 
Commercial Medical 
Commercial Industrial 
Commercial Retail 
Multi-Family Residential 

Total 

(in thousands)
2005

(in thousands)
2004

%

(in thousands)
 2003

%

%

$ 330,338
192,478
53,040
110,913
374,575

31.1% $ 271,823
160,662
18.1%
54,201
5.0%
112,790
10.5%
384,374
35.3%
$1,061,344 100.0% $ 983,850

27.6% $ 225,076
122,547
16.3%
52,283
5.5%
93,112
11.5%
39.1%
348,100
100.0% $ 841,118

$

48,648
25,794
6,459
15,339
60,207

31.1% $
39,919
16.5%
15,876
4.1%
6,634
9.8%
11,873
59,294
38.5%
$ 156,447 100.0% $ 133,596

29.9% $
31,159
11.9%
13,168
5.0%
5,846
8.9%
5,862
56,036
44.3%
100.0% $ 112,071

26.7%
14.6%
6.2%
11.1%
41.4%
100.0%

27.8%
11.7%
5.2%
5.3%
50.0%
100.0%

2005 Annual Report  37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Commercial Segments Properties - Analysis of Lease Expirations and Credit Risk  

The  following  table  shows  the  annual  lease  expiration  percentages  for  the  total  commercial  segments  properties 
owned by us as of April 30, 2005, for fiscal years 2006 through 2015 and the leases that will expire during fiscal 
year 2016 and beyond. 

Fiscal Year of Lease Expiration 

2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 and beyond 

Square 
Footage of 
Expiring 
Leases
503
891
834
721
479
986
320
138
236
88
1,454

Percentage 
of Total 
Commercial 
Segments Leased 
Square Footage
6.3% 
11.1% 
10.4% 
9.0% 
6.0% 
12.3% 
4.0% 
1.7% 
2.9% 
1.1% 
18.2% 

$ 

(in thousands)
Annualized 
Base Rent of 
Expiring Leases 
at Expiration
2,220
3,930
5,192
3,614
2,682
3,956
2,035
1,674
1,461
1,114
86,993

The  following  table  lists  our  top  ten  commercial  tenants  on  April  30,  2005,  for  the  total  commercial  segments 
properties owned by us as of April 30, 2005, based upon minimum rents in place as of April 30, 2005: 

Lessee 
St. Luke’s Hospital 
Edgewood Living Communities, Inc. 
Best Buy 
Healtheast - Woodbury & Maplewood 
Allina Health 
Microsoft - Great Plain 
St. Paul Companies 
Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital 
Smurfit - Stone Container Corp. 
Wilson’s The Leather Experts Inc. 
All Others 
Total Monthly Rent as of April 30, 2005 

Results on a “Stabilized Property” Basis  

(in thousands) 

% of Total Commercial 
Segments Minimum 
Rents as of April 30, 2005

5.0% 
3.7% 
3.1% 
2.5% 
2.3% 
2.3% 
2.2% 
2.1% 
1.9% 
1.8% 
73.1% 
100.0% 

The following tables present results on a stabilized property basis for fiscal year 2005 compared to fiscal year 2004, 
and for fiscal year 2004 compared to fiscal year 2003, for our multi-family residential and commercial properties, 
consisting  of  office,  medical,  industrial  and  retail  properties.    Property  Segment  Operating  Profit  should  not  be 
considered an alternative to operating net income as determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of IRET’s 
performance.  For a reconciliation of segment operating profit to the consolidated financial statements, see Note 12 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.  We analyze and compare results of operations on 
properties  owned  and  in  operation  for  the  entirety  of  the  periods  being  compared  (including  properties  that  were 
redeveloped or expanded during the periods being compared, with properties purchased or sold during the periods 
being  compared  being  excluded  form  this  analysis).    This  comparison  allows  us  to  evaluate  the  performance  of 
existing  properties  and  their  contribution  to  net  income.    The  fiscal  year  2004  results  presented  in  the  first  table 
below  are  not  identical  to  the  fiscal  year  2004  results  presented  in  the  second  table,  because  the  properties 
comprising our stabilized property portfolio vary from year to year, due to our ongoing acquisition and disposition 
activity.  

Management  believes  that  measuring  performance  on  a  stabilized  property  basis  is  useful  to  investors  because  it 
enables  evaluation of  how our  properties  are performing year  over  year.  Management  uses  this  measure  to  assess 

2005 Annual Report  38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
whether  or  not  it  has  been  successful  in  increasing  net  operating  income,  renewing  the  leases  of  existing  tenants, 
controlling operating costs and appropriately handling capital improvements. 

Fiscal year 2005 compared to fiscal year 2004:  

Fiscal Years Ended April 30 
Multi-Family Residential 
Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Depreciation and Amortization 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Office 

Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Depreciation and Amortization 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Medical 

Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Depreciation and Amortization 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Industrial 
Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Depreciation and Amortization 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Retail 

Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 

(in thousands) 

2005

2004 

% Change

$

55,092

$

55,504 

(0.7%)

11,444
5,989
6,514
1,375
10,019
16,657
51,998
3,094

32,930

6,771
1,507
4,989
353
5,662
9,630
28,912
4,018

15,491

2,292
760
1,293
149
2,811
5,383
12,688
2,803

5,961

229
91
709
72
1,256
2,171
4,528
1,433

12,022

1,085
68
1,650
139

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

11,745 
5,774 
6,373 
1,882 
9,695 
16,711 
52,180 
3,324 

(2.6%)
3.7%
2.2%
(26.9%)
3.3%
(0.3%)
(0.3%)
(6.9%)

35,584 

(7.5%)

7,607 
1,589 
5,122 
403 
5,448 
10,202 
30,371 
5,213 

(11.0%)
(5.2%)
(2.6%)
(12.4%)
3.9%
(5.6%)
(4.8%)
(22.9%)

15,171 

2.1%

2,046 
1,005 
1,449 
133 
2,710 
5,521 
12,864 
2,307 

12.0%
(24.4%)
(10.8%)
12.0%
3.7%
(2.5%)
(1.4%)
21.5%

6,614 

(9.9%)

251 
98 
764 
65 
1,242 
2,092 
4,512 
2,102 

(8.8%)
(7.1%)
(7.2%)
10.8%
1.1%
3.8%
0.4%
(31.8%)

11,169 

7.6%

1,004 
50 
1,821 
151 

8.1%
36.0%
(9.4%)
(7.9%)

2005 Annual Report  39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Retail, continued 

Depreciation and Amortization 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Total Stabilized Segment Operating Profit 
Reconciliation to Segment Operating Profit 
Real Estate Revenue – Non-Stabilized 
Expenses – Non-Stabilized 
Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Depreciation and Amortization 
Mortgage Interest 

Total Segment Operating Profit 

Fiscal year 2004 compared to fiscal year 2003:  

Fiscal Years Ended April 30 
Multi-Family Residential 
Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Mortgage Interest 
Loss on Impairment of Real Estate 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Office 

Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Medical 

Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Industrial 
Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 

% Change
2.8%
4.8%
1.5%
23.9%
(5.4%)

(in thousands) 

2005
1,913
3,383
8,238
3,784
15,132

34,951

5,368
2,156
3,463
526
11,813
9,103
17,654

$

$
$
$

$

$

$

$

$
$
$

$

$

$

2004 
1,861 
3,229 
8,116 
3,053 
15,999 

9,554 

1,840 
845 
1,050 
200 
2,723 
2,130 
16,765 

(in thousands) 
2004

2003

% Change

$

58,511

$

59,100 

(1.0%)

12,299
6,208
6,643
1,958
17,490
62
44,660
13,851

29,941

6,007
1,233
4,298
346
8,833
20,717
9,224

11,720

1,424
503
850
89
4,331
7,197
4,523

3,118

56
30
184

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

$
$

$

11,380 
5,951 
6,697 
1,527 
17,276 
0 
42,831 
16,269 

8.1%
4.3%
(0.8%)
28.2%
1.2%
0.0%
4.3%
(14.9%)

28,616 

4.6%

4,869 
1,255 
4,131 
310 
8,822 
19,387 
9,229 

23.4%
(1.8%)
4.0%
11.6%
0.1%
6.9%
(0.1%)

11,641 

0.7%

1,552 
634 
904 
73 
4,583 
7,746 
3,895 

(8.2%)
(20.7%)
(6.0%)
21.9%
(5.5%)
(7.1%)
16.1%

3,300 

(5.5%)

78 
23 
161 

(28.2%)
30.4%
14.3%

2005 Annual Report  40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Industrial, continued 

Insurance 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Commercial Retail 

Real Estate Revenue 

Expenses 

Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Mortgage Interest 
Total Expenses 

Property Segment Operating Profit 
Total Stabilized Segment Operating Profit 
Reconciliation to Segment Operating Profit 
Real Estate Revenue – Non-Stabilized 
Expenses – Non-Stabilized 
Utilities & Maintenance 
Property Management 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Depreciation and Amortization 
Mortgage Interest 

Total Segment Operating Profit 

Property Acquisitions 

$

$
$

$

$
$
$

$

$

$

$

(in thousands) 
2004
19
1,010
1,299
1,819

$
$

2003
15 
1,034 
1,311 
1,989 

% Change
26.7%
(2.3%)
(0.9%)
(8.5%)

4,182

$

4,799 

(12.9%)

16.9%
(49.0%)
0.0%
(20.0%)
(6.1%)
(4.8%)
(19.9%)
(7.3%)

284
50
398
52
1,348
2,132
2,050
31,467

32,752

5,741
1,711
4,786
483
24,817
8,617
18,064

$
$
$

$

$

$

243 
98 
398 
65 
1,436 
2,240 
2,559 
33,941 

11,075 

1,668 
354 
1,259 
164 
19,253 
2,803 
19,515 

IRET Properties added $146.4 million of real estate investments to its portfolio during fiscal year 2005, compared to 
$170.3 million added in fiscal year 2004. The fiscal year 2005 and 2004 additions are detailed below. 

Fiscal 2005 (May 1, 2004 to April 30, 2005) 

Fiscal 2005 Acquisitions 
Multi-Family Residential 

54-unit Southbrook Court and Mariposa Lane Townhomes - Topeka, KS 
36-unit Legacy 5 - Grand Forks, ND 
36-unit Legacy 6 - Grand Forks, ND 
140-unit Olympik Village - Rochester, MN 

Commercial Property - Office 

26,186 sq. ft. Plymouth I Office Building - Plymouth, MN 
26,186 sq. ft. Plymouth II Office Building - Plymouth, MN  
26,186 sq. ft. Plymouth III Office Building - Plymouth, MN 
79,377 sq. ft. Northgate I Office Building - Maple Grove, MN 
185,000 sq. ft. Crosstown Circle Office Building - Eden Prairie, MN 
81,173 sq. ft. Highlands Ranch II Office Building - Highlands Ranch, CO 
86,428 sq. ft. Wells Fargo Center - St. Cloud, MN 
153,947 sq. ft. US Bank - Bloomington, MN 

Commercial Property - Medical 

52,300 sq. ft. Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital Expansion Project - Omaha, NE 
45,081 sq. ft. Pavilion I Clinic - Duluth, MN 
60,294 sq. ft. High Pointe Health Campus Phase I (East Metro Medical Building) -  
Lake Elmo, MN 

(in thousands) 

Purchase Price

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,500
2,738
2,607
7,100
17,945

1,864
1,748
2,214
8,175
22,000
12,800
9,201
20,300
78,302

20,597
10,900

13,050
44,547

2005 Annual Report  41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal 2005 Acquisitions, continued 
Commercial Property - Retail 

46,720 sq. ft. Sleep Inn Hotel - Brooklyn Park, MN 
4,000 sq. ft. single tenant retail building (former Payless building) - Fargo, ND 

Unimproved Property 

* Legacy VII - Grand Forks, ND 

Total Fiscal 2005 Property Acquisitions 
* = Property not placed in service at April 30, 2005. Additional costs were still to be incurred. 

Fiscal 2004 (May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004) 

Fiscal 2004 Acquisitions 
Multi-Family Residential 

240-unit Colonial Villa - Burnsville, MN 
115-unit Boulder Court Apartments - Eagan, MN 
151-unit Winchester/Village Green Townhouses - Rochester, MN 
160-unit Brookfield Village - Topeka, KS 
60-unit Monticello Village Apartments - Monticello, MN 

Commercial Property - Office 

30,464 sq. ft. Benton Business Park - Sauk Rapids, MN 
24,000 sq. ft. West River Business Park - Waite Park, MN 
190,758 sq. ft. Golden Hills Office Center - Golden Valley, MN 
175,610 sq. ft. Brown Deer Road - Milwaukee, WI 
106,207 sq. ft. TCA Building - Eagan, MN 
20,000 sq. ft. Metris - Duluth, MN 
27,000 sq. ft. Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN 
30,000 sq. ft. UHC Office - International Falls, MN 

Commercial Property - Medical 

76,870 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Phase II - Virginia, MN 
9,052 sq. ft. Fresenius - Duluth, MN 
28,928 sq. ft. Mariner Clinic - Superior, WI 
20,512 sq. ft. Denfeld Clinic - Duluth, MN 
18,810 sq. ft. Wells Clinic - Hibbing, MN 
74,800 sq. ft. Pavilion II - Duluth, MN 
12,444 sq. ft. Gateway Clinic - Sandstone, MN 

Commercial Property - Industrial (miscellaneous commercial property) 

35,000 sq. ft. API Building - Duluth, MN 
59,600 sq. ft. Lighthouse - Duluth, MN 

Commercial Property – Retail 

213,271 sq. ft. Buffalo Mall - Jamestown, ND 
104,928 sq. ft. Westgate Shopping Center - St. Cloud, MN 
36,542 sq. ft. Denfeld Retail Center - Duluth, MN 
25,400 sq. ft. South Pond Retail Center - Champlin, MN 
15,597 sq. ft. Tool Crib - Duluth, MN 

Unimproved Property 

** Legacy V - Grand Forks, ND 
** Legacy VI - Grand Forks, ND 
** Legacy VII - Grand Forks, ND 

Total Fiscal 2004 Property Acquisitions 
** = Property not placed in service at April 30, 2004. Additional costs were still to be incurred. 

(in thousands) 

Purchase Price

$

$

$
$
$

2,750
375
3,125

2,443
2,443
146,362

(in thousands) 

Purchase Price

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

13,850
6,600
8,900
7,250
4,200
40,800

1,600
1,500
27,500
13,500
13,000
2,950
2,100
2,500
64,650

5,100
1,800
4,100
3,336
2,900
19,500
1,900
38,636

2,000
2,100
4,100

4,275
6,575
5,164
3,700
2,000
21,714

214
93
93
400
170,300

2005 Annual Report  42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Dispositions 

During fiscal year 2005, IRET Properties disposed of 17 properties and one undeveloped property for an aggregate 
sale price of $48.9 million, compared to six properties and two parcels of undeveloped land sold for $4.4 million in 
total during fiscal year 2004. Real estate assets sold by IRET during fiscal year 2005 were as follows: 

Fiscal 2005 Dispositions 
Multi-Family Residential 

204-unit Ivy Club Apartments - Vancouver, WA 
26-unit Beulah Condominiums - Beulah, ND 
36-unit Parkway Apartments - Beulah, ND 
18-unit Dakota Arms Apartments - Minot, ND 
100-unit Van Mall Woods Apartments - Vancouver, WA 
192-unit Century Apartments - Williston, ND 
18-unit Bison Apartments - Carrington, ND 
17-unit Bison Apartments - Cooperstown, ND 

Commercial - Office 

62,585 sq. ft. Flying Cloud Building - Eden Prairie, MN  

Commercial - Medical (assisted living facility) 
97,821 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Minot, ND 
5,100 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Belgrade, MT 
5,100 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Columbus, NE 
5,100 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Grand Island, NE 
16,392 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - East Grand Forks, MN 

Commercial – Retail 

30,000 sq. ft. Barnes & Noble Store - Fargo, ND 
18,040 sq. ft. Petco Store - Fargo, ND 
4,800 sq. ft. single tenant retail building (former Tom Thumb 
store) - Ham Lake, MN 

Undeveloped Property 

205,347 sq. ft. parcel of vacant land - Libby, MT 

Total Fiscal 2005 Property Dispositions 

(in thousands) 

Book Value 
and Sales Cost

Sales Price

Gain/Loss

$

$

12,250
96
159
825
6,900
4,599
215
185

5,750

7,210
509
509
509
1,639

4,590
2,160

650

$

12,070
96
159
566
5,625
2,658
161
135

5,750

5,676
433
435
434
1,312

2,916
1,209

518

151
48,906

$

$

151
40,304

$

180
0
0
259
1,275
1,941
54
50

0

1,534
76
74
75
327

1,674
951

132

0
8,602

2005 Annual Report  43 

 
 
 
 
Properties sold by IRET during fiscal 2004 were as follows: 

Fiscal 2004 Dispositions 
Multi-Family Residential 

20-unit MCA Royal Suites - Minot, ND 
Commercial - Medical (assisted living facility) 
11,800 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Billings, MT 
11,800 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Sioux Falls, SD 

Commercial – Industrial 

13,600 sq. ft. Pioneer Seed - Moorhead, MN 

Commercial – Retail 

6,225 sq. ft. Interstate Bakery - St. Paul, MN 
3,575 sq. ft. Tom Thumb - Sauk Rapids, MN 

Undeveloped Property 

159,866 sq. ft. Sunset Trail III - Rochester, MN 
35,697 sq. ft. Prior Lake II - Prior Lake, MN 

Total Fiscal 2004 Property Dispositions 

Funds From Operations 

(in thousands) 

Book Value 
and Sales Cost

Sales Price

Gain/Loss

$

410

$

364 $

1,101
1,101

500

420
275

941
936

498

317
247

400
160
4,367

$

$

364
52
3,719 $

46

160
165

2

103
28

36
108
648

IRET considers Funds from Operations (“FFO”) a useful measure of performance for an equity REIT. IRET uses the 
definition of FFO adopted by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”) in 1991, 
as  clarified  in  1995,  1999  and  2002.  NAREIT  defines  FFO  to  mean  “net  income  (computed  in  accordance  with 
generally accepted accounting principles), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, plus depreciation and 
amortization,  and  after  adjustments  for  unconsolidated  partnerships  and  joint  ventures.  Adjustments  for 
unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures will be calculated to reflect funds from operations on the same basis.”  
Because of limitations of the FFO definition adopted by NAREIT, IRET has made certain interpretations in applying 
the  definition.    IRET  believes  all  such  interpretations  not  specifically  provided  for  in  the  NAREIT  definition  are 
consistent with the definition. 

IRET  management  considers  that  FFO,  by  excluding  depreciation  costs,  the  gains  or  losses  from  the  sale  of 
operating real estate properties and extraordinary items as defined by GAAP, is useful to investors in providing an 
additional perspective on IRET’s operating results.   Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance 
with  GAAP  assumes,  through  depreciation,  that  the  value  of  real  estate  assets  decreases  predictably  over  time.  
However, real estate asset values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions.  NAREIT’s definition of 
FFO, by excluding depreciation costs, reflects the fact that real estate, as an asset class, generally appreciates over 
time and that depreciation charges required by GAAP may not reflect underlying economic realities.  Additionally, 
the  exclusion,  in  NAREIT’s  definition  of  FFO,  of  gains  and  losses  from  the  sales  of  previously  depreciated 
operating  real  estate  assets,  allows  IRET  management  and  investors  better  to  identify  the  operating  results  of  the 
long-term assets that form the core of IRET’s investments, and assists in comparing those operating results between 
periods.  FFO is used by IRET’s management and investors to identify trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and 
operating costs.   

While FFO is widely used by REITs as a primary performance metric, not all real estate companies use the same 
definition of FFO or calculate FFO in the same way. Accordingly, FFO presented here is not necessarily comparable 
to FFO presented by other real estate companies. 

FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income as determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure 
of  IRET’s  performance,  but  rather  should  be  considered  as  an  additional,  supplemental  measure,  and  should  be 
viewed in conjunction with net income as presented in the consolidated financial statements included in this report. 
FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP, and is not necessarily 
indicative  of  sufficient  cash  flow  to  fund  all  of  IRET’s  needs  or  its  ability  to  service  indebtedness  or  make 
distributions. 

2005 Annual Report  44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FFO applicable to common shares and limited partnership units for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005 increased to 
$42.3  million,  compared  to  $36.6  million  and  $34.2  million  for  the  fiscal  years  ended  April  30,  2004  and  2003, 
respectively. 

Reconciliation of Net Income to Funds From Operations 

For the years ended April 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003:  

Fiscal Years Ended April 30, 

2005 

2004 

2003 

(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Weighted Avg
 Shares and
 Units (2)

Amount

Per
 Share
 and
 Unit (3)

Weighted Avg
Shares and
Units (2)

Amount

Per
 Share
 and
 Unit (3)

Weighted Avg
 Shares and
 Units (2)

Amount

Per 
Share 
and 
Unit (3)

$ 15,076 

$

$

9,440

$

$

12,248 

$

(2,372)  

(33)

0 

12,704 

43,214

.30

9,407

39,257

.24

12,248 

32,574

.38

3,873 

12,621

2,752

11,176

3,899 

10,041

34,342 

(8,605)

25,079

(600)

19,626 

(1,595) 

$ 42,314 

55,835 $

.76 $

36,638

50,433 $

.73 $

34,178 

42,615 $

. 80

Net income 
Less dividends to preferred 

shareholders 

Net income available to 
common shareholders 

Adjustments: 
Minority interest in earnings 

of unitholders 
Depreciation and 

Amortization(1) 

Gains on depreciable property 

sales 

Funds from operations 

applicable to common 
shares and Units 

(1) Real estate depreciation and amortization consists of the sum of depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments; amortization; 
and  amortization  of  related  party  costs  from  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations,  totaling  $35,356,  $24,806  and  $18,952,  and 
depreciation  and  amortization  from  Discontinued  Operations  (excluding  amortization  of  financing  charges)  of  $441,  $1,228  and  $1,355, 
less corporate-related depreciation and amortization on office equipment and other assets of $200, $160 and $92 and less amortization of 
financing costs of $1,255, $795 and $589, for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. 

(2)  UPREIT Units of the Operating Partnership are exchangeable for common shares of beneficial interest on a one-for-one basis. 

(3)  Net income is calculated on a per share basis. FFO is calculated on a per share and unit basis. 

Cash Distributions 

The following cash distributions were paid to our common shareholders and UPREIT unitholders during fiscal years 
2005, 2004, and 2003: 

Date 
July 1, 
October 1, 
January 15, 
April 1, 

$

$

2005
.1605
.1610
.1615
.1620
.6450

$

$

2004
.1585
.1590
.1595
.1600
.6370

$

$

2003
.1540
.1560
.1570
.1580
.6250

The fiscal year 2005 cash distributions increased 1% over the cash distributions paid during fiscal year 2004 and 3% 
over fiscal year 2003 distributions. 

2005 Annual Report  45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Overview 

Management expects that the Company’s principal liquidity demands will continue to be distributions to holders of 
the  Company’s  preferred  and  common  shares  of beneficial  interest  and  UPREIT  Units,  capital  improvements  and 
repairs  and  maintenance  to  the  Company’s  properties,  acquisition  of  additional  properties,  redemption  of 
outstanding investment certificates, property development, debt repayments and tenant improvements. 

The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements through net cash flows provided by its operating 
activities,  and  through  draws  from  time  to  time  on  its  unsecured  lines  of  credit.  Management  considers  the 
Company’s ability to generate cash to be adequate to meet all operating requirements and to make distributions to its 
shareholders  in  accordance  with  the  REIT  provisions  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code.  Budgeted  expenditures  for 
ongoing  maintenance  and  capital  improvements  and  renovations  to  our  real  estate  portfolio  are  expected  to  be 
funded from cash flow generated from operations of current properties. 

To  the  extent  the  Company  does  not  satisfy  its  long-term  liquidity  requirements,  which  consist  primarily  of 
maturities  under  the  Company’s  long-term  debt,  maturing  investment  certificates,  construction  and  development 
activities  and  potential  acquisition  opportunities,  through  net  cash  flows  provided  by  operating  activities  and  its 
credit facilities, the Company intends to satisfy such requirements through a combination of funding sources which 
the  Company  believes  will  be  available  to  it,  including  the  issuance  of  UPREIT  Units,  additional  common  or 
preferred equity, proceeds from the sale of properties, and additional long-term secured or unsecured indebtedness. 

Sources and Uses of Cash 

As  of  April  30,  2005,  the  Company  had  three  unsecured  lines  of  credit  in  the  amounts  of  $10.0  million,  $10.0 
million and $4.4 million, respectively, from (1) Bremer Bank, Minot, ND; (2) First Western Bank and Trust, Minot, 
ND; and (3) First International Bank and Trust, Watford City, ND. The Company had no outstanding borrowings on 
these lines as of April 30, 2005. Borrowings under the lines of credit bear interest based on the following for each of 
the  lines  of  credit  described  above:  (1)  Bremer  Financial  Corporation  Reference  Rate,  (2)  the  highest  New  York 
Prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, and (3) the highest New York Prime rate as published in the Wall 
Street Journal. Increases in interest rates will increase the Company’s interest expense on any borrowings under its 
lines of credit and as a result will affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows. The Company’s lines of 
credit with Bremer Bank and First Western Bank expire September 14, 2005, and September 1, 2005, respectively.  
The Company’s line of credit with First International Bank and Trust expires on December 7, 2005. The Company 
will seek to renew each of these three lines of credit prior to their expiration. 

In  addition  to  the  above-described  three  unsecured  lines  of  credit,  the  Company’s  operating  partnership,  IRET 
Properties,  in  April  2004  entered  into  a  $25.0  million  unsecured  bridge  loan  in  connection  with  the  Company’s 
acquisition  of  15  commercial  and  medical  properties  located  primarily  in  Duluth,  Minnesota  and  the  surrounding 
area  (“Duluth  Portfolio”).  The  bridge  loan  from  Wells  Fargo  Bank,  National  Association  was  repaid  on  July  22, 
2004, with the proceeds of mortgage loans placed against the properties in the Duluth Portfolio. 

In February 2004, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to offer for sale from time to time 
common shares and preferred shares. This registration statement was declared effective in April 2004. We may sell 
any combination of common shares and preferred shares up to aggregate initial offering price of $150 million during 
the  period  that  the  registration  statement  remains  effective.  On  April  26,  2004,  the  Company  issued  1.15  million 
shares of its 8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (“Series A preferred 
shares”), with a $25.00 liquidation preference per share, under this registration statement. This offering generated 
net  proceeds  to  the  Company  of  approximately  $27.3  million  to  fund  property  acquisitions,  development,  and 
improvements. The Series A preferred shares are redeemable by the Company at any time on or after April 26, 2009, 
at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated, accrued and unpaid distributions. Each Series A 
preferred  share  will  receive  an  annual  distribution  equivalent  to  8.25%  of  the  liquidation  preference  per  share 
(equivalent  to  a  fixed  annual  amount  of  $2.06  per  share).    In  May 2004,  the  Company  completed  the  sale  of 
0.5 million  of  its  common  shares  of  beneficial  interest  in  a  public  offering  under  this  registration  statement,  at  a 
price  of  $10.10  per  share,  resulting  in  net  proceeds  to  the  Company  of  approximately  $5.2 million.  In  a  public 
offering commenced in October 2004 and closed in November 2004, the Company issued approximately 1.4 million 
common  shares  under  this  registration  statement,  at  a  price  of  $10.15  per  share,  resulting  in  net  proceeds  to  the 

2005 Annual Report  46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company  of  approximately  $13.4  million.  As  of  April  30,  2005,  the  Company  had  available  securities  under  this 
registration statement in the aggregate amount of approximately $101.5 million. 

The  issuance  of  UPREIT  Units  for  property  acquisitions  continues  to  be  a  source  of  capital  for  the  Company.  
Approximately 2.0 million units were issued in connection with property acquisitions during fiscal year 2005, and 
approximately 2.0 million units were issued in connection with property acquisitions during fiscal year 2004. 

As a result of the sales of common shares described above and the conversion of UPREIT units, shareholder equity 
increased  during  fiscal  2005  by  $15.8  million.  Additionally,  the  equity  capital  of  the  Company  was  increased  by 
$20.1  million  as  a  result  of  contributions  of  real  estate  in  exchange  for  UPREIT  units,  as  summarized  above, 
resulting in a total increase in equity capital for the Company of $35.9 million. 

The Company has a Distribution Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”). The DRIP provides shareholders of the Company an 
opportunity to invest their cash distributions in common shares of the Company at a discount of 5% from the market 
price.  During  fiscal  year  2005,  1.1  million  common  shares  were  issued  under  this  plan,  with  an  additional  1.1 
million common shares issued during fiscal year 2004. 

Cash and cash equivalents on April 30, 2005 totaled $23.5 million, compared to $31.7 million and $18.0 million on 
the same date in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Net cash provided from operating activities increased to $46.7 million 
in fiscal year 2005 from $28.7 million in fiscal year 2004, due primarily to increased net income and increase for 
non-cash item of depreciation and amortization. Net cash provided from operating activities in fiscal year 2003 was 
$37.9 million. 

Net  cash used in  investing  activities  decreased  to  $68.9  million  in  fiscal  year  2005,  from  $137.7  million  in  fiscal 
year 2004. Net cash used in investing activities was $65.7 million in fiscal year 2003. This decrease resulted because 
of  a  lower  level  of  property  investment  activity  during  the  year.  Net  cash  provided  from  financing  activities  also 
decreased  to  $14.0  million  during  fiscal  year  2005,  from  $122.7  million  during  fiscal  year  2004,  due  to  fewer 
offerings of equity securities compared to the previous year. Net cash provided from financing activities was $23.0 
million during fiscal year 2003. 

Financial Condition 

Mortgage Loan Indebtedness. Mortgage loan indebtedness increased to $708.6 million on April 30, 2005, due to the 
acquisition  of  new  investment  properties,  from  $633.1  million  on  April  30,  2004.  Approximately  96.2%  of  such 
mortgage debt is at fixed rates of interest, with staggered maturities. This limits the Company’s exposure to changes 
in interest rates, which minimizes the effect of interest rate fluctuations on the Company’s results of operations and 
cash flows. As of April 30, 2005, the weighted average rate of interest on the Company’s mortgage debt was 6.08%, 
compared to 7.17% on April 30, 2004. 

Mortgage  Loans  Receivable.  Mortgage  loans  receivable  decreased  to  $0.6  million  at  April  30,  2005,  from  $4.9 
million at April 30, 2004. 

Real  Estate  Owned.  Real  estate  owned  increased  to  $1,179.9  million  at  April  30,  2005,  from  $1,082.8  million  at 
April 30, 2004. The increase resulted primarily from the acquisition of the additional investment properties net of 
dispositions  as  described  in  the  “Property  Acquisitions”  and  “Property  Dispositions”  subsections  of  this 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

Investment Certificates. We discontinued the issuance of investment certificates in April 2002. As of April 30, 2005, 
$4.6 million of such certificates was outstanding. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents on April 30, 2005, totaled $23.5 million, compared to $31.7 
million on April 30, 2004. The increase in cash on hand from April 30, 2005, as compared to April 30, 2004, was 
due primarily to the sale of common shares in October and November 2004. 

Marketable Securities. During fiscal year 2005, IRET increased its investment in marketable securities classified as 
available-for-sale to $2.5 million on April 30, 2005, from $2.3 million on April 30, 2004. Marketable securities are 
held available for sale and, from time to time, the Company invests excess funds in such securities or uses the funds 
so invested for operational purposes. 

2005 Annual Report  47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Partnership Units. Outstanding limited partnership units in the Operating Partnership increased to 13.1 
million units on April 30, 2005, compared to 11.8 million units outstanding on April 30, 2004. The increase in units 
outstanding  at  April  30,  2005  as  compared  to  April  30,  2004,  resulted  primarily  from  the  issuance  of  additional 
limited partnership units to acquire interests in real estate, net of units converted to shares. 

Common and Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest. Common shares of beneficial interest outstanding on April 30, 
2005 totaled 45.2 million compared to 41.7 million common shares outstanding on April 30, 2004. This increase in 
common  shares  outstanding  from  April  30,  2004,  to  April  30,  2005,  was  primarily  due  to  the  public  offerings  of 
common  shares  completed  during  fiscal  year  2005,  and  to  the  issuance  of  common  shares  pursuant  to  our 
distribution reinvestment plan. Preferred shares of beneficial interest outstanding on April 30, 2005 and 2004 totaled 
1.15 million.  

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments 

The  primary  contractual  obligations  of  the  Company  relate  to  its  borrowings  under  its  three  lines  of  credit  and 
mortgage notes payable. The Company’s lines of credit had no amounts outstanding at April 30, 2005. The principal 
and interest payments on the mortgage notes payable for the years subsequent to April 30, 2005, are included in the 
table below as “long-term debt.” The other debt category consists of a mortgage note payable on our Minneapolis, 
Minnesota office. 

The  Company  has  sold  investment  certificates  to  the  public,  with  interest  rates  varying  from  6.5%  to  9.0%  per 
annum.  The  sales  of  these  investment  certificates  has  been  discontinued  and  the  outstanding  certificates  will  be 
redeemed at they mature. Amounts due in respect of these investment certificates are reflected in the “Investment 
Certificates” category below. 

As of April 30, 2005, the Company is a tenant under operating ground leases on six of its properties. The Company 
pays a total of approximately $292,222 per year in rent under these ground leases, which have terms ranging from 7 
to 90 years, and expiration dates ranging from July 2012 to April 2095. 

Purchase obligations of the Company represent those costs that the Company is contractually obligated to pay in the 
future.  The  Company’s  significant  contractual  obligations  as  of  April  30,  2005,  are  summarized  in  the  following 
table.  The  significant  components  in  this  category  are  costs  for  construction  and  expansion  projects  and  capital 
improvements  at  the  Company’s  properties.  Contractual  obligations  that  are  contingent  upon  the  achievement  of 
certain milestones are not included in the table below, nor are service orders or contracts for the provision of routine 
maintenance services at our properties, such as landscaping and grounds maintenance, since these arrangements are 
generally  based  on  current  needs,  are  filled  by  our  service  providers  within  short  time  horizons,  and  may  be 
cancelled without penalty. The expected timing of payment of the obligations discussed below is estimated based on 
current information. 

Long-term debt (principal and interest) 
Other Debt 
Investment Certificates 
Operating Lease Obligations 
Purchase Obligations 

Total
$ 1,068,300
$
847
4,636
$
19,044
$
1,369
$

(in thousands) 

Less Than 
1 Year
1-3 Years
64,942 $ 150,924
92
2,383
601
818

275 $
2,253 $
292 $
551 $

$
$
$
$
$

3-5 Years
$ 228,734
480
$
0
$
601
$
0
$

More than 
5 Years
$ 623,700
0
$
0
$
17,500
$
0
$

Not included in the above table are the following completed and pending property acquisitions: as of April 30, 2005, 
the Company had signed purchase agreements to acquire two medical office buildings in St. Paul and Minneapolis, 
Minnesota, respectively, for purchase prices totaling $19.8 million.  These purchases closed on June 7, 2005.  See 
“Recent  Developments”  below,  and  Note  20,  Subsequent  Events,  for  further  information  on  these  purchases. 
Additionally,  as  of April  30, 2005,  the  Company had  signed purchase  agreements  to  acquire  five office/industrial 
properties  located  in  or  near  Omaha,  Nebraska,  for  purchase  prices  totaling  $7.25  million.  These  pending 
acquisitions are subject to certain closing conditions and contingencies, and no assurances can be given that these 
transactions will be completed.  

2005 Annual Report  48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements 

As  of  April  30,  2005,  we  did  not  have  any  significant  off-balance-sheet  arrangements,  as  defined  in  Item 
303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K. 

Recent Developments 

Common and Preferred Share Distributions. On June 30, 2005, the Company paid a distribution of 51.56 cents per 
share on the Company’s Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares to preferred shareholders of record on 
June  15,  2005.  On  July  1,  2005,  the  Company  paid  a  distribution  of  16.25  cents  per  share  on  the  Company’s 
common shares of beneficial interest, to common shareholders and UPREIT unitholders of record on June 17, 2005. 
This distribution represented an increase of .05 cents or .3% over the previous regular quarterly distribution of 16.20 
cents per common share/unit paid April 1, 2005. 

Acquisitions. The Company closed on the following acquisitions subsequent to its April 30, 2005 fiscal year end: 

Ritchie Medical Plaza and 2800 Medical Building.  On June 7, 2005, the Company closed on its acquisition of two 
medical office buildings in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, respectively.  The Company paid approximately 
$10.8 million to acquire seven condominium units totaling 50,409 square feet in Ritchie Medical Plaza in St. Paul, 
and  approximately  $9.0  million  to  acquire  the  2800  Medical  Building  in  Minneapolis,  an  approximately  54,971 
square foot building.   

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  

Our exposure to market risk is limited primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates on our current 
and future fixed and variable rate debt obligations, and secondarily to our deposits with and investments in certain 
products issued by various financial institutions. 

Variable interest rates. Even though our goal is to maintain a fairly low exposure to interest rate fluctuation risk, we 
are  still  vulnerable  to  significant  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  on  variable  rate  debt,  on  any  future  repricing  or 
refinancing  of  our  fixed  rate  debt  and  on  future  debt.  We  primarily  use  long-term  (more  than  nine  years)  and 
medium term (five to seven years) debt as a source of capital. We do not currently use derivative securities, interest-
rate swaps or any other type of hedging activity to manage our interest rate risk. As of April 30, 2005, we had the 
following amount of future principal and interest payments due on mortgages secured by our real estate. 

Long Term Debt 
Fixed Rate 
Variable Rate 

2006

$  17,724 $
  1,169

2007

2008
19,125 $ 38,877
1,253

Future Principal Payments (in thousands) 
2009
$ 41,793
3,917

2010
$ 104,776
1,258

2,025

Thereafter
$ 459,222
17,419

Average Interest Rate (%) 

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

Long Term Debt 
Fixed Rate 
Variable Rate 

2006

$  43,867 $
  2,182

2007

2008
43,396 $ 42,140
2,000

Future Interest Payments (in thousands) 
2009
$ 38,946
1,782

2010
$ 34,578
1,684

2,108

Thereafter
$ 143,380
3,679

Average Interest Rate (%) 

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

Total
$ 681,517
27,041
$ 708,558
(1)

Total
$ 346,307
13,435
$ 359,742
(1)

(1)  The weighted average interest rate on our debt as of April 30, 2005, was 6.08%. Any fluctuations in variable interest rates could increase or 
decrease  our  interest  expenses.  For  example,  an  increase  of  one  percent  per  annum  on  our  $27.0  million  of  variable  rate  indebtedness 
would increase our annual interest expense by $270,000. 

2005 Annual Report  49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable  Securities.  IRET’s  investments  in  securities  are  classified  as  “available-for-sale.”  The  securities 
classified as “available-for-sale” represent investments in debt and equity securities which the Company intends to 
hold for an indefinite period of time. As of April 30, 2005 and 2004, IRET had approximately $2.5 million and $2.3 
million,  respectively,  of  marketable  securities  classified as  “available  for  sale,”  consisting  of  securities  of  various 
issuers, primarily U.S. Government, U.S. agency and corporate bonds and bank certificates of deposit, held in IRET 
Properties’ security deposit account with Merrill Lynch. IRET had no securities classified as “available-for-sale” as 
of April 30, 2003. The values of these securities will fluctuate with changes in market interest rates. 

Investments with Certain Financial Institutions. IRET has entered into a cash management arrangement with First 
Western Bank with respect to deposit accounts with First Western Bank that exceed FDIC Insurance coverage. On a 
daily basis, account balances are invested in U.S. Government securities sold to IRET by First Western Bank. IRET 
can require First Western Bank to repurchase such securities at any time, at a purchase price equal to what IRET 
paid  for  the  securities,  plus  interest.  First  Western  Bank  automatically  repurchases  obligations  when  collected 
amounts  on  deposit  in  IRET’s  deposit  accounts  fall  below  the  maximum  insurance  amount,  with  the  proceeds  of 
such  repurchases  being  transferred  to  IRET’s  deposit  accounts  to  bring  the  amount  on  deposit  back  up  to  the 
threshold amount. The amounts invested by IRET pursuant to the repurchase agreement are not insured by FDIC. 

IRET has entered into a cash management arrangement with US Bank with respect to IRET depository accounts at 
multiple US Bank locations. Account balances are swept daily to an IRET master account. Amounts in the master 
account are invested overnight in short-term U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements secured by U.S. 
Government securities. Amounts invested were $2.0 million as of April 30, 2005, $7.5 million as of April 30, 2004, 
and $3.5 million as of April 30, 2003. 

Deposits  exceeding  FDIC  insurance.  The  Company  is  potentially  exposed  to  off-balance-sheet  risk  in  respect  of 
cash deposited with FDIC-insured financial institutions in accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured 
limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Financial statements required by this item appear with an Index to Financial Statements and Schedules, starting on 
page F-1 of this report. 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

Not applicable. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures  

Disclosure Controls and Procedures:  As of April 30, 2005, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on 
Form  10-K,  our  management  carried  out  an  evaluation,  under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  the 
Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the 
design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the 
Securities Exchange act of 1934, as amended).  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, 
Chief  Operating  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  concluded  that  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are 
effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in our periodic SEC filings. 

Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting:    There  have  been  no  changes  in  the  Company’s  internal  control  over 
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during 
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely 
to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

2005 Annual Report  50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

Management  of  Investors  Real  Estate  Trust  (together  with  its  consolidated  subsidiaries,  the  “Company’),  is 
responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.    The  Company’s 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  under  the  supervision  of  the  Company’s  principal 
executive  and  principal  financial  officers  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial 
reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance 
with United States generally accepted accounting principles. 

As of April 30, 2005, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting, based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by 
the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).    Based  on  this  assessment, 
management  has  determined  that  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  April  30,  2005,  is 
effective. 

The  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes  policies  and  procedures  that  pertain  to  the 
maintenance  of  records  that,  in  reasonable  detail,  accurately  and  fairly  reflect  transactions  and  acquisitions  and 
dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts 
and  expenditures  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  the  trustees  of  the 
Company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, 
use or disposition of Company assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. 

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 
30, 2005, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in 
their  report  appearing  below,  which  expresses  unqualified  opinions  on  management’s  assessment  and  on  the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2005.  

(The remainder of this page has been intentionally left blank.) 

2005 Annual Report  51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of 
Investors Real Estate Trust 
Minot, North Dakota 

We  have  audited  management's  assessment,  included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Report  on  Internal 
Control  Over  Financial  Reporting,  that  Investors  Real  Estate  Trust  and  subsidiaries  (the  “Company”)  maintained 
effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  April  30,  2005,  based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal 
Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission.  The Company's  management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial 
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.  Our responsibility is 
to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal 
control over financial reporting based on our audit. 

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

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

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion 
or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or 
detected  on  a  timely  basis.    Also,  projections  of  any  evaluation  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  internal  control  over 
financial  reporting  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  the  controls  may  become  inadequate  because  of 
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

In  our  opinion,  management's  assessment  that  the  Company  maintained  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as of April 30, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal 
Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of April 30, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the consolidated financial statements  as of and for the year ended April 30, 2005, of the Company and our 
report dated June 28, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 

Minneapolis, MN 
June 28, 2005 

2005 Annual Report  52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9B.  Other Information 

None. 

Item 10. Trustees and Executive Officers of the Registrant 

PART III 

Information regarding executive officers required by this Item is set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K. Other information required by this Item will 
be included in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and such information is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  our  definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2005  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item  12.  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  Related  Stockholder 
Matters 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  our  definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2005  Annual 
Meeting  of  Shareholders  and  such  information  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  We  do  not  have  any  equity 
compensation  plans  and,  accordingly,  are  not  required  to  include  the  disclosure  required  by  Item  201(d)  of 
Regulation S-K. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  our  definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2005  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The  information  required  by  this  Item  will  be  contained  in  our  definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2005  Annual 
Meeting of Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 

2005 Annual Report  53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules  

(a) 

The following documents are filed as part of this report:  

1.  Financial Statements  

The  response  to  this  portion  of  Item  15  is  submitted  as  a  separate  section  of  this  report.  See  the  table  of 
contents to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.  

2. Financial Statement Schedules  

The  response  to  this  portion  of  Item  15  is  submitted  as  a  separate  section  of  this  report.  The  following 
financial statement schedules should be read in conjunction with the financial statements referenced in Part II, 
Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:  

III Real Estate Owned and Accumulated Depreciation  

IV Investments in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate  

3. Exhibits  

See the list of exhibits set forth in part (b) below. 

(b) 

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

3.4 

The  following  is  a  list  of  Exhibits  to  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  We  will  furnish  a  copy  of  any 
exhibit listed below to any security holder who requests it upon payment of a fee of 15 cents per page. All 
Exhibits  are  either  contained  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  or  are  incorporated  by  reference  as 
indicated below. 

Articles of Amendment and Third Restated Declaration of Trust of Investors Real Estate Trust, dated 
September 23, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy 
Statement on Schedule 14A for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the SEC on August 13, 
2003. 

Second Restated Trustees’ Regulations (Bylaws), dated September 24, 2003, and incorporated herein by 
reference  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarterly  period  ended  October  31, 
2003, filed with the SEC on December 15, 2003. 

Agreement  of  Limited  Partnership  of  IRET  Properties,  A  North  Dakota  Limited  Partnership,  dated 
January  31,  1997,  filed  as  Exhibit  3(ii)  to  the  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-11,  effective  March  14, 
1997  (SEC  File  No.  333-21945)  filed  for  the  Registrant  on  February  18,  1997,  (File  No.  0-14851)  and 
incorporated herein by reference. 

Articles  Supplementary  classifying  and  designating  8.25%  Series  A  Cumulative  Redeemable  Preferred 
Shares of Beneficial Interest, filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed on April 22, 2004, and 
incorporated herein by reference. 

10.1  Member  Control  and  Operating  Agreement  dated  September  30,  2002,  filed  as  Exhibit  10  to  the 

Company’s Form 8-K filed October 15, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference. 

10.2  Letter Agreement dated January 31, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10(i) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed February 

27, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference. 

10.3  Option  Agreement  dated  January  31,  2003,  filed  as  Exhibit  10(ii)  to  the  Company’s  Form  8-K  filed 

February 27, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference. 

2005 Annual Report  54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.4  Financial Statements of T.F. James Company filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed January 

31, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference. 

10.5  Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Property dated February 13, 2004, by and between IRET Properties 
and the Sellers specified therein, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed July 20, 2004, and 
incorporated herein by reference. 

10.6  Description  of  Compensation  of  Executive  Officers,  filed  as  Exhibit  10  to  the  Company’s  Form  10-Q 

filed March 11, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference. 

21.1 

Subsidiaries of Investors Real Estate Trust, filed herewith.  

23.1  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, filed herewith.  

23.2  Consent of Brady, Martz & Associates P.C., filed herewith.  

31.1 

Section 302 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer, filed herewith. 

31.2 

Section 302 Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, filed herewith. 

32.1 

Section 906 Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer, filed herewith. 

32.2   Section 906 Certification of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, filed herewith. 

2005 Annual Report  55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signatures 

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

Date: July 13, 2005 

Investors Real Estate Trust 

By: 

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

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

Signature 

/s/ Jeffrey L. Miller  

Jeffrey L. Miller 

/s/ Daniel L. Feist  

Daniel L. Feist 

/s/ Thomas A. Wentz. Sr. 

Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. 

/s/ Timothy P. Mihalick  

Timothy P. Mihalick 

/s/ Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.  

Thomas A. Wentz, Jr. 

/s/ Diane K. Bryantt 

 Diane K. Bryantt 

/s/ Charles Wm. James 

 Charles Wm. James 

/s/ John D. Stewart 

 John D. Stewart 

/s/ Patrick G. Jones  

Patrick G. Jones 

/s/ Stephen L. Stenehjem  

Stephen L. Stenehjem 

Title 

Date 

Trustee & Chairman 

July 13, 2005

Trustee & Vice Chairman  

July 13, 2005

President & Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer)  

Trustee, Senior Vice President & Chief 
Operating Officer 

July 13, 2005

July 13, 2005

Trustee & Senior Vice President 

July 13, 2005

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

July 13, 2005

Trustee & Senior Vice President 

July 13, 2005

Trustee 

Trustee 

Trustee 

July 13, 2005

July 13, 2005

July 13, 2005

2005 Annual Report  56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST 
AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED 
April 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 
April 30, 2005 

and 

REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED 
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS 

PO Box 1988 
12 South Main Street 
Minot, ND 58702-1988 
701-837-4738 
fax: 701-838-7785 
info@iret.com 
www.iret.com 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms on Additional Information 
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 
Investments in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate 

PAGE 
F-2 – F-3 

F-4 – F-5 
F-6 
F-7 
F-8 – F-9 
F-10 – F-30

F-31 – F-32
F-33 – F-43
F-44 

Schedules  other  than  those  listed  above  are  omitted  since  they  are  not  required  or  are  not  applicable,  or  the 
required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereon. 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of 
Investors Real Estate Trust 
Minot, North Dakota 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Investors Real Estate Trust and subsidiaries (the 
“Company”)  as  of  April  30,  2005  and  2004,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  shareholders' 
equity, and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's 
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 
Investors Real Estate Trust and subsidiaries  as of April 30, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations, and 
their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2005, based on 
the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 28, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion 
on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting and an 
unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 

Minneapolis, MN 
June 28, 2005 

2005 Annual Report F-2   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

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

We have audited the consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of Investors Real 
Estate Trust and Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2003.  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 audit 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  misstatement.  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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
consolidated results of operations and cash flows of Investors Real Estate Trust and Subsidiaries for the year ended 
April 30, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

BRADY, MARTZ & ASSOCIATES, P.C.  
Minot, North Dakota, USA 
May 22, 2003 (June 23, 2005, as to the effects of discontinued operations in Note 12 and Note 13) 

2005 Annual Report F-3  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
April 30, 2005 and 2004 

ASSETS 
Real estate investments 

Property owned 
Less accumulated depreciation 

Undeveloped land 
Mortgage loans receivable, net of allowance 

Total real estate investments 
Other Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Marketable securities - available-for-sale 
Receivable arising from straight-lining of rents, net of allowance 
Accounts receivable – net of allowance 
Real estate deposits 
Prepaid and other assets, net of accumulated amortization 
Tax, insurance, and other escrow 
Property and equipment, net 
Goodwill 
Deferred charges and leasing costs – net 

TOTAL ASSETS 

(in thousands) 

2005 

2004

$ 1,179,856 
(118,512) 
1,061,344 
5,382 
619 
1,067,345 

$ 1,082,773
(98,923)
983,850
3,180
4,893
991,923

23,538 
2,459 
7,213 
1,390 
2,542 
25,677 
9,068 
2,462 
1,441 
8,023 
$ 1,151,158 

31,704
2,336
5,976
2,155
1,567
18,825
11,301
2,292
1,441
6,797
$ 1,076,317

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 

2005 Annual Report F-4  

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued) 
April 30, 2005 and 2004 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
LIABILITIES 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Notes payable 
Mortgages payable 
Investment certificates issued 
Other debt 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 16) 
MINORITY INTEREST IN OTHER PARTNERSHIPS 
MINORITY INTEREST OF UNIT HOLDERS IN OPERATING PARTNERSHIP 
(13,114,460  units at April 30, 2005 and 11,819,350  units at April 30, 2004) 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (Cumulative redeemable preferred shares, no 
par value, 1,150,000 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2005 and 2004, 
aggregate liquidation preference of $28,750,000) 

Common Shares of Beneficial Interest (Unlimited authorization, no par value, 

45,187,676 shares at April 30, 2005, and 41,693,256 shares outstanding at April 
30, 2004) 

Accumulated distributions in excess of net income 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

Total shareholders’ equity 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

(in thousands) 

2005

2004

$

22,914  $
0 
708,558 
4,636 
847 
736,955 

15,860 
103,171 

22,639
25,000
633,124
7,074
843
688,680

16,386
92,622

27,317 

27,343

324,180 
(56,303)
(22)
295,172 

292,400
(41,083)
(31)
278,629
$ 1,151,158  $ 1,076,317

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 

2005 Annual Report F-5  

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
for the years ended April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003 

(in thousands, except per share data) 

2005

2004

2003

REVENUE 

Real estate rentals 
Tenant reimbursement 

TOTAL REVENUE 
OPERATING EXPENSE 

$

$ 130,906
25,541
156,447

Interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments 
Utilities 
Maintenance 
Real estate taxes 
Insurance 
Property management expenses 
Property management related party 
Administrative expense 
Advisory and trustee services 
Other operating expenses 
Amortization 
Amortization of related party costs 

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE 
Operating income 
Non-operating income 
Income before minority interest and discontinued operations and gain 

on sale of other investments 
Gain on sale of other investments 
Minority interest portion of operating partnership income 
Minority interest portion of other partnerships’ income 
Income from continuing operations 
Discontinued operations, net 
NET INCOME 

Dividends to preferred shareholders 

NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS 
Earnings per common share from continuing operations 
Earnings per share common from discontinued operations 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC & DILUTED 

$
$

$

46,994
33,675
10,845
16,344
18,618
2,614
10,287
284
3,845
103
1,434
1,623
58
146,724
9,723
986

10,709
3
(1,918)
(379)
8,415
6,661
15,076
(2,372)
12,704
.14
.16
.30

$
$

$

112,575 
21,021 
133,596 

41,400 
23,842 
9,550 
14,943 
16,579 
2,834 
8,618 
743 
2,673 
104 
1,136 
919 
45 
123,386 
10,210 
648 

10,858 
158 
(2,320)
(757)
7,939 
1,501 
9,440 
(33)
9,407 
.20 
.04 
.24 

$

97,463
14,608
112,071

35,251
18,263
7,445
11,319
12,993
2,060
7,232
504
2,051
113
876
667
22
98,796
13,275
1,062

14,337
315
(3,341)
(934)
10,377
1,871
12,248
0
12,248
.32
.06
.38

$
$

$

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 

2005 Annual Report F-6  

 
  
  
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
for the years ended April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003 

(in thousands) 

NUMBER OF 
PREFERRED 
SHARES
0 

PREFERRED
SHARES
0

$

NUMBER OF 
COMMON 
SHARES
27,847

COMMON 
SHARES
$ 163,377

ACCUMULATED
DISTRIBUTIONS 
IN EXCESS OF 
NET INCOME

$

(17,798) $

ACCUMULATED
OTHER 
COMPRE-
HENSIVE 
(LOSS)
0 

BALANCE MAY 1, 2002 
Comprehensive Income 

Net income 

Total comprehensive income 
Distributions 
Distribution reinvestment 

plan 

Sale of shares 
Redemption of units for 

common shares 
Fractional shares 
repurchased 

BALANCE APRIL 30, 2003 
Comprehensive Income  

Net income 
Unrealized loss for the 
period on securities 
available-for-sale 

Total comprehensive income 
Distributions - common 

shares 

Distributions – preferred 

shares 

Distribution reinvestment 

plan 

Sale of shares 
Redemption of units for 

common shares 
Fractional shares 
repurchased 

BALANCE APRIL 30, 2004 
Comprehensive Income 

Net income 
Unrealized gain for the 
period on securities 
available- for-sale 
Total comprehensive income 
Distributions – common 

shares 

Distributions – preferred 

shares 

Distribution reinvestment 

plan 

Sale of shares 
Redemption of units for 

common shares 
Fractional shares 
repurchased 

0

0

971
7,027

324

0

0

9,463
65,245

2,589

0 

0

(3)
36,166

(29)
240,645

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1,150 

27,343

1,150 

27,343

1,067
4,068

393

10,157
38,307

3,303

(1)
41,693

(12)
292,400

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(26)

1,146
1,652

701

10,738
15,774

5,306

12,248

(20,334)

0
0

0
(25,884)

9,440

0

(24,606)

(33)

0
0

0
(41,083)

15,076

0

(27,892)

(2,404)

0  
0

TOTAL 
SHARE-
HOLDERS’ 
EQUITY
145,579

12,248
12,248
(20,334)

9,463
65,245

2,589

(29)
214,761

9,440

(31)
9,409

(24,606)

(33)

10,157
65,650

3,303

(12)
278,629

15,076

9
15,085

(27,892)

(2,404)

10,738
15,748

5,306

$

$

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 

(31)

$

0 

0 

0 
0 

0 
(31)

0 

9 

0 

0 

0 
0 

$

BALANCE APRIL 30, 2005 

1,150 

$

27,317

(4)
45,188

(38)
$ 324,180

$

0
(56,303) $

0 
(22) $

(38)
295,172

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 

2005 Annual Report F-7  

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
for the years ended April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003 

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 income 
Gain on sale of real estate, land and other investments 
Interest reinvested in investment certificates 
Mortgage interest income 
Loss on impairment of real estate investment 
Bad debt expense 

Changes in other assets and liabilities: 

Increase in receivable arising from straight-lining of rents 
(Increase)decrease in accounts receivable 
(Increase)decrease in prepaid and other assets 
(Increase)decrease in tax, insurance and other escrow 
Increase in deferred charges and leasing costs 
Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Net cash provided by operating activities 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities - available-for-sale 
Proceeds/payments of real estate deposits 
Principal payments on mortgage loans receivable 
Investment in mortgage loans receivable 
Purchase of marketable securities - available-for-sale 
Proceeds from sale of real estate, land and investments 
Payments for acquisitions and improvement of properties 
Proceeds from notes receivable 
Net cash used by investing activities 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Proceeds from sale of common shares, net of issuance costs 
Proceeds from sale of preferred shares, net of issuance costs 
Proceeds from mortgages payable 
Proceeds from minority partner Brenwood/Dixon 
Proceeds from notes payable 
Repurchase of shares and minority interest units 
Distributions paid to common shareholders, net of reinvestment 
Distributions paid to preferred shareholders 
Distributions paid to unitholders of operating partnership 
Distributions paid to other minority partners 
Redemption of investment certificates 
Principal payments on mortgages payable 
Principal payments on notes payable and other debt 
Net cash provided by financing activities 
NET INCREASE(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH 
EQUIVALENTS 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR 

2005

(in thousands) 
2004 

2003

$

15,076

$

9,440 

$

12,248

35,803
4,252
(8,605)
243
(79)
570  
438

(1,314)
457
1,517
2,233
(2,921)
611
48,281

0
(975)
4,274
0
(35)
47,877
(121,544)
0
(70,403)

15,742
(26)
115,460
161
13
(38)
(17,923)
(2,207)
(7,318)
(1,064)
(2,682)
(61,097)
(25,065)
13,956

26,034 
3,509 
 (662)
303 
0 
62 
360 

(1,731)
(1,183)
(2,746)
(3,098)
(2,426)
3,469 
28,727 

2,500 
(2,604)
3,232 
(6,625)
(4,867)
3,743 
(135,658)
0 
(137,675)

38,307 
27,343 
130,191 
0 
49,988 
(12)
(15,173)
(33)
(6,330)
(1,555)
(2,264)
(62,125)
(35,649)
122,688 

20,307
4,833
(1,595)
375
0
0
215

(1,560)
1,967
1,208
(1,698)
(1,909)
3,386
37,862

0
85
5,889
(2,969)
0
10,527
(82,664)
3,500
(65,717)

31,913
0
43,925
0
14,100
(29)
(11,663)
0
(5,461)
(1,015)
(16,527)
(25,354)
(6,903)
22,986

(8,166)
31,704
23,538

13,740 
17,964 
31,704 

$

(4,869)
22,833
17,964

$

$

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 

2005 Annual Report F-8  

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) 
for the years ended April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003 

SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Distribution reinvestment plan 
UPREIT distribution reinvestment plan 
Preferred dividends payable 
Property acquired through issue of shares 
Real estate investment acquired through assumption of mortgage loans 

payable and accrual of costs 

Real estate investment acquired through assumption of notes payable 
Mortgage loan receivable transferred to other assets 
Mortgage loan receivable from sale of property 
Mortgage loan receivable acquired through assumption of mortgage loans 

payable and accrual of costs 

Other assets acquired 
Assets acquired through the issuance of minority interest units in the 

operating partnership 
Minority partner interest 
Operating partnership units converted to shares 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION 
Cash paid during the year for: 

Interest on mortgages 
Interest on investment certificates 
Interest on margin account and other 

(in thousands) 
2004

2005

$

9,969 $
769
197
32

9,433 $
724
33
0

21,071
0
0
0

0
134

20,071
0
5,306

25,660
0
158
475

0
0

19,851
2,701
3,303

$

$

46,647 $
254
370
47,271 $

41,197 $
376
991
42,564 $

2003

8,678
785
0
33,333

61,258
4,051
0
0

175
0

8,860
1,486
2,589

35,950
989
104
37,043

SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 

2005 Annual Report F-9  

 
  
  
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003 

NOTE 1 • ORGANIZATION  

Investors  Real  Estate  Trust  (“IRET”  or  the  “Company”)  is  a  self-advised  real  estate  investment  trust  engaged  in 
acquiring,  owning  and  leasing  multi-family  and  commercial  real  estate.  IRET  has  elected  to  be  taxed  as  a  Real 
Estate  Investment  Trust  (“REIT”)  under  Sections  856-860  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  of  1986,  as  amended. 
REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute 
90% of ordinary taxable income to shareholders, and, generally, are not subject to federal income tax on net income. 
IRET’s  multi-family  residential  properties  and  commercial  properties  are  located  mainly  in  the  states  of  North 
Dakota and Minnesota, but also in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South 
Dakota, Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin. As of April 30, 2005, IRET owned 65 multi-family residential properties 
with approximately 8,610 apartment units and 146 commercial properties, consisting of office, medical, industrial 
and  retail  properties,  totaling  approximately  8.0  million  net  rentable  square  feet.  IRET  conducts  a  majority  of  its 
business  activities  through  its  consolidated  operating  partnership,  IRET  Properties,  a  North  Dakota  Limited 
Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), as well as through a number of other subsidiary entities. 

All references to IRET or the Company refer to Investors Real Estate Trust and its consolidated subsidiaries. 

NOTE 2 • BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

BASIS OF PRESENTATION 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IRET and all subsidiaries in which it 
maintains  a  controlling  interest.  All  significant  intercompany  balances  and  transactions  are  eliminated  in 
consolidation. The Company’s fiscal year ends April 30th. 

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  IRET  and  its  general  partnership 
interest in the Operating Partnership. The Company’s interest in the Operating Partnership was 77.5% as of April 
30, 2005, which includes 100% of the general partnership interest. The limited partners have a redemption option 
that  they  may  exercise.  Upon  exercise  of  the  redemption  option  by  the  limited  partners,  IRET  has  the  option  of 
redeeming the limited partners’ interests (“Units”) for IRET common shares of beneficial interest, on a one-for-one 
basis, or for cash payment to the unitholder. The redemption generally may be exercised by the limited partners at 
any time after the first anniversary of the date of the acquisition of the Units (provided, however, that not more than 
two  redemptions  by  a  limited  partner  may  occur  during  each  calendar  year,  and  each  limited  partner  may  not 
exercise the redemption for less than 1,000 Units, or, if such limited partner holds less than 1,000 Units, for all of 
the  Units  held  by  such  limited  partner).  Some  limited  partners  have  contractually  agreed  to  a  holding  period  of 
greater than one year. 

The consolidated financial statements also reflect the ownership by the Operating Partnership of certain joint venture 
entities  in  which  the  Operating  Partnership  has  a  general  partner  or  controlling  interest.  These  entities  are 
consolidated  into  IRET’s  other  operations  with  minority  interests  reflecting  the  minority  partners’  share  of 
ownership and income and expenses. 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS 

On  December  16,  2004,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  issued  Statement  of  Financial 
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - Amendment of APB Opinion No. 
29”.    The  amendments  made  by  SFAS  No.  153  are  based  on  the  principle  that  exchanges  of  nonmonetary  assets 
should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged.  Further, the amendments eliminate the narrow 
exception  for  nonmonetary  exchanges  of  similar  productive  assets  and  replace  it  with  a  broader  exception  for 
exchanges  of  nonmonetary  assets  that  do  not  have  “commercial  substance.”    SFAS  No.  153  is  effective  for 
nonmonetary  asset  exchanges  occurring  in  fiscal  periods  beginning  after  June  15,  2005.    The  Company  does  not 
believe  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  153  will  have  a  material  effect  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

2005 Annual Report F-10  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 2 • continued 

USE OF ESTIMATES 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States  of  America  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  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. 

REAL ESTATE ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION OF INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE 

Real  estate  is  recorded  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  less  an  adjustment  for  impairment,  if  any.  Asset 
acquisitions are recorded based upon preliminary allocations of the purchase price which are subject to adjustment 
as additional information is obtained, but in no case more than one year after the date of acquisition. The Company 
allocates the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes the land, 
building, and personal property) which are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant and to fair value 
of  the  intangible  assets  (which  include  in-place  leases.)  The  as-if-vacant value  is  allocated  to  land,  buildings,  and 
personal property based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets. The estimated fair 
value of the property is the amount that would be recoverable upon the disposition of the property. Techniques used 
to estimate fair value include discounted cash flow analysis, independent appraisals, and reference to recent sales of 
comparables.  A  land  value  is  assigned  based  on  the  purchase  price  if  land  is  acquired  separately  or  based  on 
estimated market value if acquired in a merger or in a single or portfolio acquisition. 

Above-market  and  below-market  in-place  lease  values  for  acquired  properties  are  recorded  based  on  the  present 
value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) 
the  contractual  amounts  to  be  paid  pursuant  to  the  in-place  leases  and  (ii)  management’s  estimate  of  fair  market 
lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term 
of the lease. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are amoritized over the remaining non-
cancelable terms of the respective leases as depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments. 

Other  intangible  assets  acquired  include  amounts  for  in-place  lease  values  that  are  based  upon  the  Company’s 
evaluation of the specific characteristics of the leases. Factors considered in these analyses include an estimate of 
carrying  costs  during  hypothetical  expected  lease-up  periods,  considering  current  market  conditions,  and  costs  to 
execute  similar  leases.  The  Company  also  considers  information  about  each  property  obtained  during  its  pre-
acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible 
assets acquired. 

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company uses a 
20-40 year estimated life for buildings and improvements and a 5-12 year estimated life for furniture, fixtures and 
equipment. 

Expenditures  for  ordinary  maintenance  and  repairs  are  expensed  to  operations  as  incurred.  Renovations  and 
improvements that improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized over their estimated useful life, 
generally  five  to  ten  years.  Property  sales  or  dispositions  are  recorded  when  title  transfers  and  sufficient 
consideration has been received by the Company.  

The  Company  periodically  evaluates  its  long-lived  assets,  including  its  investments  in  real  estate,  for  impairment 
indicators. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational 
performance, market conditions, expected holding period of each asset and legal and environmental concerns. Future 
events could occur which would cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and an impairment 
loss  is  warranted.  If  indicators  exist,  the  Company  compares  the  expected  future  undiscounted  cash  flows  for  the 
long-lived asset against the carrying amount of that asset. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less 
than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between the estimated fair 
value and the carrying amount of the asset. 

2005 Annual Report F-11  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 2 • continued 

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE 

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 IRET will receive offers to purchase its properties, either solicited or unsolicited. 
For  those  offers  that  are  accepted,  the  prospective  buyer  will  usually  require  a  due  diligence  period  before 
completion 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 probable, 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. 

The  Company  reports,  in  discontinued  operations,  the  results  of  operations  of  a  property  that  has  either  been 
disposed of or is classified as held for sale and the related gains or losses. 

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL 

Upon  acquisition  of  real  estate,  the  Company  records  the  intangible  assets  acquired  (for  example,  if  the  leases  in 
place  for  the  real  estate  property  acquired  carry  rents  above  the  market  rent,  the  difference  is  classified  as  an 
intangible asset) at their estimated fair value separate and apart from goodwill.  The Company amortizes identified 
intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives based on the period over which the assets are expected to 
contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the real estate property acquired (generally the life of the 
lease).    Intangible  assets  subject  to  amortization  are  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable.  An impairment loss is recognized if the 
carrying amount of an intangible asset is not recoverable and its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. 

The  excess  of  the  cost  of  an  acquired  entity  over  the  net  of  the  amounts  assigned  to  assets  acquired  (including 
identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.  Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested 
for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset 
might be impaired.  

As of April 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, the net carrying amounts of the Company’s identified intangible assets, 
which are included in prepaids and other assets, were $24,517,000 (this amount is net of accumulated depreciation 
and amortization totaling $7,617,000) and $16,147,000 (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization totaling 
$1,328,000). 

As  of  April  30,  2005  and  2004,  respectively,  the  net  carrying  amounts  of  the  Company’s  identified 
intangible liabilities  were  $1,119,000  (this  amount  is  net  of  accumulated depreciation  and  amortization  totaling 
$503,000) and $1,653,000 (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization totaling $94,000). 

Goodwill  of $1,645,000  was  recorded by  the  Company  in  July  2000  from  the  purchase  of  the  Company’s former 
advisor, Odell-Wentz & Associates LLC. Prior to its adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company elected to amortize 
the goodwill over a fifteen-year period. Following adoption of SFAS No. 142 on May 1, 2002, the Company ceased 
amortization and annually reviews the fair market value of the asset, the carrying amount of which was $1,441,000 
as  of  April  30,  2005,  for  impairment.  The  annual  reviews  for  years  ended  April  30,  2005  and  2004  indicated  no 
impairment. 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 

Property  and  equipment  consists  of  the  administrative  office  buildings  and  equipment  contained  at  IRET’s 
headquarters  in  Minot,  North  Dakota,  and  the  office  and  other  locations  in  Minneapolis,  Minnesota.  The  balance 
sheet reflects these assets at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. As of April 30, 2005 and 2004, the cost was $3.2 
million and $2.9 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $0.7 million and $.6 million as of April 30, 
2005 and 2004, respectively. 

2005 Annual Report F-12  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 2 • continued 

MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE 

Mortgage  loans  receivable  is  stated  at  the  outstanding  principal  balance,  net  of  an  allowance  for  uncollectibility. 
Interest  income  is  accrued  and  reflected  in  the  balance.  Non-performing  loans  are  recognized  as  impaired  in 
conformity  with  SFAS  No.  114,  Accounting  by  Creditors  for  Impairment  of  a  Loan.  The  Company  evaluates  the 
collectibility of both interest and principal of each of its loans, if circumstances warrant, to determine whether the 
loan is impaired. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable 
that  the  Company  will  be  unable  to  collect  all  amounts  due  according  to  the  existing  contractual  terms.  An 
allowance is recorded to reduce impaired loans to their estimated fair value. Interest on impaired loans is recognized 
on a cash basis. 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months 
or  less.  Cash  and  cash  equivalents  consist  of  the  Company’s  bank  deposits  and  short-term  investment  certificates 
acquired subject to repurchase agreements, and the Company’s deposits in a money market mutual fund. 

MARKETABLE SECURITIES 

IRET’s  investments  in  marketable  securities  are  classified  as  “available-for-sale.”  The  securities  classified  as 
“available-for-sale” represent investments in debt and equity securities which the Company intends to hold for an 
indefinite period of time. These securities are valued at current market value with the resulting unrealized gains and 
losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Gains or 
losses on these securities are computed based on the amortized cost of the specific securities when sold. 

All  securities  with  unrealized  losses  are  subjected  to  the  Company’s  process  for  identifying  other-than-temporary 
impairments. The Company writes down to fair value securities that it deems to be other-than-temporarily impaired 
in  the  period  the  securities  are  deemed  to  be  other-than-temporarily  impaired.  The  assessment  of  whether  such 
impairment  has  occurred  is  based  on  management’s  case-by-case  evaluation  of  the  underlying  reasons  for  the 
decline  in  fair  value.  Management  considers  a  wide  range  of  factors  in  making  this  assessment.  Those  factors 
include, but are not limited to, the length and severity of the decline in value and changes in the credit quality of the 
issuer or underlying assets. The Company does not engage in trading activities. 

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS 

Management  evaluates  the  appropriate  amount  of  the  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  by  assessing  the 
recoverability of individual real estate mortgage loans and rent receivables, through a comparison of their carrying 
amount with  their  estimated  realizable  value.  Management considers  tenant  financial  condition,  credit  history  and 
current  economic  conditions  in  establishing  these  allowances.  Receivable  balances  are  written  off  when  deemed 
uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables previously written off, if any, are recorded when received. A summary of 
the  changes  in  the  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  for  fiscal  years  ended  April  30,  2005,  2004  and  2003  is  as 
follows: 

Balance at beginning of year 
Provision  
Write-off 
Balance at close of year 

TAX, INSURANCE, AND OTHER ESCROW 

$

$

$

(in thousands) 
2004
115 $
360
0
475 $

$

2005
475 
438 
(188)
725 

2003
141
215
(241)
115

Tax, insurance, and other escrow includes funds deposited with a lender for payment of real estate tax and insurance, 
and  reserves  for  funds  to  be  used  for  replacement  of  structural  elements  and  mechanical  equipment  of  certain 
projects.  The  funds  are  under  the  control  of  the  lender.  Disbursements  are  made  after  supplying  written 
documentation to the lender. 

2005 Annual Report F-13  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
NOTE 2 • continued 

REAL ESTATE DEPOSITS 

Real  estate  deposits  include  funds  held  by  escrow  agents  to  be  applied  toward  the  purchase  of  real  estate  or  the 
payment of loan costs associated with loan placement or refinancing. 

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 INTERESTS 

Interests in the Operating Partnership held by limited partners are represented by Units. The Operating Partnership’s 
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. 

IRET  reflects  minority  interests  in  Minnesota  Medical  Investors  LLC,  Mendota  Properties  LLC,  IRET–BD  LLC, 
IRET-Candlelight LLC, IRET-Golden Jack LLC, and IRET-1715 YDR LLC on the balance sheet for the portion of 
properties consolidated by IRET that are not wholly owned by IRET. The earnings or losses from these properties 
attributable to the minority interests are reflected as  minority interest portion of other partnerships’ income in the 
consolidated statements of operations. 

INCOME TAXES 

IRET  operates  in  a  manner  intended  to  enable  it  to  continue  to  qualify  as  a  REIT  under  Sections  856-860  of  the 
Internal  Revenue  Code  of  1986,  as  amended.    Under  those  sections,  a  REIT  which  distributes  at  least  90%  of  its 
REIT taxable income as a dividend to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not 
be  taxed  on  that  portion  of  its  taxable  income  which  is  distributed  to  shareholders.  The  Company  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 accompanying consolidated 
financial statements. 

IRET conducts its business activity as an Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust (“UPREIT”) through 
its Operating Partnership. UPREIT status allows IRET to accept the contribution of real estate in exchange for Units. 
Generally, such a contribution to a limited partnership allows for the deferral of gain by an owner of appreciated real 
estate. 

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 are reflected as receivable arising from 
straight-lining of rents, net of allowance for doubtful accounts.  Rent concessions, including free rent, are amortized 
on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. 

Reimbursements  from  tenants  for  real  estate  taxes  and  other  recoverable  operating  expenses  are  recognized  as 
revenue in the period the applicable expenditures are incurred. IRET receives payments for these reimbursements 
from substantially all of its multi-tenant commercial tenants throughout the year. 

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. 

2005 Annual Report F-14  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 2 • continued 

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 above in the Mortgage Loans Receivable 
section of this Note 2. 

NET INCOME PER SHARE 

Basic net income per share is computed as net income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted 
average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The potential exchange of Units for common shares 
will  have  no  effect  on  diluted  net  income  per  share  as  Unitholders  and  common  shareholders  effectively  share 
equally in the net income of the Operating Partnership. 

RECLASSIFICATIONS 

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

NOTE 3 • CREDIT RISK  

The  Company  is  potentially  exposed  to  credit  risk  in  respect  of  cash  deposited  with  FDIC-insured  financial 
institutions in accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any 
losses in such accounts. 

IRET has entered into a cash  management  arrangement with First Western Bank with respect to deposit accounts 
that exceed FDIC Insurance coverage. On a daily basis, account balances are invested in United States government 
securities sold to IRET by First Western Bank. IRET can require First Western Bank to repurchase such securities at 
any  time,  at  a  purchase  price  equal  to  what  IRET  paid  for  the  securities  plus  interest.  First  Western  Bank 
automatically repurchases securities when collected amounts on deposit in IRET’s deposit accounts fall below the 
maximum insurance amount, with the proceeds of such repurchases being transferred to IRET’s deposit accounts to 
bring  the  amount  on  deposit  back  up  to  the  threshold  amount.  The  amounts  invested  by  IRET  pursuant  to  the 
repurchase agreement are not insured by FDIC. 

IRET has entered into a cash management arrangement with US Bank with respect to IRET depository accounts at 
multiple US Bank locations. Amounts in the master account are invested in short-term U.S. Government securities 
and repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Government securities. Amounts invested were $2.0 million as of April 
30, 2005, and $7.5 million as of April 30, 2004. 

NOTE 4 • PROPERTY OWNED  

Property, consisting principally of real estate, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation of $1,061.3 million and 
983.9 million as of April 30, 2005, and April 30, 2004, respectively. 

In  addition,  as  of  April  30,  2005,  the  Company  had  signed  purchase  agreements  to  acquire  two  medical  office 
buildings  in  St.  Paul  and  Minneapolis,  Minnesota,  respectively,  for  purchase  prices  totaling  $19,750,000.    These 
purchases closed on June 7, 2005.  See Note 20, Subsequent Events, for further information. 

Construction period interest of $137,591, $148,922, and $90,939, has been capitalized for the years ended April 30, 
2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. 

2005 Annual Report F-15  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 4 • continued 

The  future  minimum  lease  payments  to  be  received  under  leases  for  commercial  properties  as  of  April  30,  2005, 
assuming that no options to renew or buy out the lease are exercised, are as follows: 

 Year Ended April 30, 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
Thereafter 

(in thousands) 
$

64,075
59,556
52,111
44,847
39,854
215,881
476,324

$

During  fiscal  2005,  the  Company  incurred  a  loss  of  $570,000  due  to  impairment  of  two  properties.  For  the  year 
ended April 30, 2004,  the  Company  incurred  a  loss  of $62,000 due  to impairment  on  one property.   For  the  year 
ended April 20, 2003, the Company did not record any losses due to impairment. 

NOTE 5 • MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE - NET  

Mortgage loans receivable consists of two separate loans that are collateralized by real estate. Contract terms vary in 
regard to payment of principal and interest. Interest rates range from 6.0% to 7.5%. Future principal payments due 
under these mortgage loans as of April 30, 2005, are as follows: 

Year Ended April 30, 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
Later Years 

(in thousands) 
$

27 
28 
202 
25 
362 
0 
644 
(25)
619 

Less allowance for doubtful accounts 

$

There were no non-performing mortgage loans receivable as of April 30, 2005, or 2004. 

NOTE 6 • MARKETABLE SECURITIES  

The amortized cost and fair value (estimated market values) of marketable securities available-for-sale at April 30, 
2005  and  2004  are  as  follows.  These  marketable  securities  are  securities  of  various  issuers,  primarily  U.S. 
government,  U.S.  agency  and  corporate  bonds,  held  in  IRET  Properties’  security  deposit  account  with  Merrill 
Lynch: 

2005 
US Government & Agency Debt Securities 
Agency MBS 
Corporate Bonds 
Bank Certificates of Deposit 
Other 

(in thousands) 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Amortized Cost

$

$

159
777
570
869
106
2,481

$

$

0
0
0
0
0
0

$

$

4
13
5
0
0
22

$

$

155
764
565
869
106
2,459

2005 Annual Report F-16  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
NOTE 6 • continued 

2004 
US Government & Agency Debt Securities 
Agency MBS 
Corporate Bonds 
Bank Certificates of Deposit 
Other 

(in thousands) 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Amortized Cost

$

$

237
936
292
852
50
2,367

$

$

0
0
0
0
0
0

$

$

5
21
5
0
0
31

$

$

232
915
287
852
50
2,336

There were no realized losses on sales of securities available-for-sale for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2005, 2004 
and 2003. None of the securities with an unrealized loss at April 30, 2005, have been in such a position for more 
than one year, and are not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired. 

NOTE 7 • NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT  

IRET has lines of credit with three financial institutions as of April 30, 2005, and had one unsecured bridge loan 
with a fourth financial institution that matured in July 2004. Interest payments on outstanding borrowings are due 
monthly. These credit facilities and bridge loan are summarized in the following table: 

(in thousands) 

Amount 
Outstanding 
as of April 30, 
2005

Amount 
Outstanding as 
of April 30, 
2004

Applicable 
Interest Rate 
as of April 30, 
2005

Maturity 
Date

Amount 
Available

Financial Institution 

Lines of Credit 

First Western Bank & Trust  $ 10,000
5,000
First Int’l Bank & Trust 
10,000
Bremer Bank 

$

Unsecured Bridge Loan 
Wells Fargo Bank 

0

Total 

$ 25,000

$

0
0
0

0

0

$

0
0
0

5.75% 09/01/05
5.75% 12/07/05
5.75% 09/15/05

25,000

N/A Matured

$

25,000

Weighted 
Average Int. 
Rate on
Borrowings 
during fiscal 
year 2005

0.00%
0.00%
3.75%

3.35%

The three lines of credit bear interest at a variable interest rate tied to the prime lending rate as published in the Wall 
Street Journal (in the case of the First Western Bank & Trust and First International Bank & Trust credit facilities) 
and  the  Bremer  Financial  Corporation  Reference  Rate  (in  respect  of  the  Bremer  Bank  credit  facility).    The 
promissory note in respect to Wells Fargo bridge loan interest was based upon the thirty-day LIBOR rate plus two 
percent. 

The other debt balance of $847 at April 30, 2005, primarily relates to a $562 mortgage note collateralized by the 
IRET Minneapolis office. The interest rate is fixed at 6.5%, and the maturity date is February 1, 2009.  Two other 
debt  balances  of  $230  and  $55  relate  to  unsecured  promissory  notes  for  leasehold  improvements  at  Southdale 
Medical  Center  located  at  Edina,  Minnesota  and  Wells  Fargo  located  at  St.  Cloud,  Minnesota,  respectively.  The 
Southdale  elevator  note  current  variable  interest  rate  is  5.3%,  and  the  maturity  date  is  April  17,  2006.  The  Wells 
Fargo boiler loan interest rate is fixed at 5.69%, and the maturity date is July 10, 2007.  

Future minimum payments are as follows: 

Year Ended April 30, 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
Total payments 

(in thousands) 
275
$
56
36
480
847

$

2005 Annual Report F-17  

  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 8 • MORTGAGES PAYABLE  

The Company’s mortgages payable are collateralized by substantially all of its properties owned. Interest rates on 
mortgages  payable  range  from  4.46%  to  8.25%,  and  the  mortgages  have  varying  maturity  dates  from  January  1, 
2007, through August 1, 2036. 

Of  the  mortgages  payable,  the  balances  of  fixed  rate  mortgages  totaled  $681,517,000  and  $591,176,000,  and  the 
balances  of  variable  rate  mortgages  totaled  $27,041,000  and  $41,948,000  as  of  April  30,  2005,  and  2004, 
respectively.  Most  of  the  fixed  rate  mortgages  have  substantial  pre-payment  penalties.  As  of  April  30,  2005,  the 
weighted  average  rate  of  interest  on  the  Company’s  mortgage  debt  was  6.08%,  compared  to  7.17%  on  April  30, 
2004. The aggregate amount of required future principal payments on mortgages payable as of April 30, 2005, is as 
follows: 

Year Ended April 30, 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
Later Years 
Total payments 

$

(in thousands) 
18,893
21,150
40,130
45,710
106,034
476,641
$ 708,558

NOTE 9 • INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES ISSUED  

IRET has sold unsecured investment certificates to the public. The fixed interest rates vary from 6.5% to 9.0% per 
annum,  depending  on  the  term  of  the  security.  Interest  is  paid  annually,  semiannually,  or  quarterly  on  the 
anniversary  date  of  issuance.  IRET  has  discontinued  the  sale  of  investment  certificates  and  the  outstanding 
certificates will be redeemed at maturity as follows: 

Year Ended April 30, 
2006 
2007 
2008 

(in thousands) 
2,253
$
2,372
11
4,636

$

NOTE 10 • TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES  

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES 

Hoyt Properties, Inc., (“Hoyt Properties”), a provider of property management services to the Company, is owned by 
Steven B. Hoyt, formerly a member of the Company’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Hoyt resigned from the Company’s 
Board of Trustees on September 21, 2004 at the expiration of his term of office.  During the fiscal year ended April 
30,  2005,  Hoyt  Properties  managed  18  office  properties  or  complexes  for  the  Company  pursuant  to  written 
management contracts. 

In  Fiscal  2005,  the  Company  paid  management  fees  to  Hoyt  Properties  in  the  amount  of  $682,286.  A  portion  of 
these  fees  were  reimbursed  by  the  tenants.  Additionally,  during  that  same  period,  the  Company  paid  leasing 
commissions to Hoyt Properties in the amount of $49,309. 

In  Fiscal  2004  and  2003,  the  Company  paid  management  fees  to  Hoyt  Properties  in  the  amount  of  $743,000  and 
$503,976, respectively, a portion of which was reimbursed by tenants. Additionally, during those same periods, the 
Company paid leasing commissions to Hoyt Properties in the amount of $93,000 and $179,553, respectively. 

PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS 

Plymouth  and  Northgate  Office/Warehouse  Buildings.    During  fiscal  year  2005,  the  Company  acquired  four 
office/warehouse buildings from a limited liability company in which Steven B. Hoyt was a member.  The Company 
closed on its purchase of these buildings, the Plymouth I, II and III office buildings in Plymouth, Minnesota, and the  

2005 Annual Report F-18  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 10 • continued 

Northgate I office building in Maple Grove, Minnesota, on June 30, 2004.  At the time of the transaction, Mr. Hoyt 
was a trustee of the Company.  The buildings together contain approximately 157,935 square feet.  The Company 
paid approximately $14,000,000 for these properties, excluding closing costs.  Of the $14,000,000 purchase price, 
$13,900,000 was paid in cash, and the remainder was paid through the issuance to the sellers of 10,000 Units valued 
at $10 per Unit. 

Brenwood Office Complex. During fiscal year 2003, the Company acquired four office buildings from affiliates of 
Steven  B.  Hoyt.  On  October  1,  2002,  the  Company  acquired  a  51%  ownership  interest  in  IRET-BD,  LLC,  a 
Minnesota  limited  liability  company,  for  $13,107,000.  The  Brenwood  Office  project  consists  of  the  four  office 
buildings  contributed  as well  as  three  industrial/warehouse  buildings purchased  by  IRET-BD,  LLC  on  October  1, 
2002, for $11,800,000. 

Independent appraisals were obtained by the Company for each of the above property acquisitions, and the purchase 
prices were based on the results of these appraisals. 

SECURITY SALE SERVICES 

D.A. Davidson & Co. is an investment banking firm that has participated in offerings of the Company’s shares of 
beneficial  interest,  and  may  in  the  future  continue  to  participate  in  sales  of  the  Company’s  shares  and  provide 
investment  banking  services  to  the  Company.  John  F.  Decker,  formerly  a  member  of  the  Company’s  Board  of 
Trustees,  is  an  employee  of  D.A.  Davidson.  Mr.  Decker  resigned  from  the  Company’s  Board  of  Trustees  on 
September 21, 2004, at the expiration of his term of office.   

During  fiscal  year  2005,  D.A.  Davidson  did  not  participate  in  either  of  the  Company’s  two  offerings  of  common 
shares.  The Company paid no fees to Mr. Decker or to D.A. Davidson during fiscal year 2005. 

In  the  first  of  the  Company’s  two  offerings  of  common  shares  of  beneficial  interest  during  fiscal  year  2004, 
conducted  in  September  2003,  D.A.  Davidson  participated,  on  a  best-efforts  basis,  as  a  member  of  the  selling 
syndicate,  and  sold  250,000  shares.  In  connection  with  this  offering,  the  Company  authorized  and  paid  D.A. 
Davidson  commissions  in  the  amount  of  $150,000.  D.A.  Davidson  did  not  participate  in  the  Company’s  second 
offering of common shares of beneficial interest in April 2004. 

D.A.  Davidson  served  as  book-running  manager  and  representative  of  the  underwriters  for  the  Company’s  April 
2004  offering  of  Series  A  cumulative  redeemable  preferred  shares  of  beneficial  interest.  In  connection  with  this 
offering, the Company paid D.A. Davidson a fee of $1,078,125 and reimbursed D.A. Davidson for legal and other 
expenses in the amount of $100,000. 

In October 2003 and April 2004, the Company paid D.A. Davidson fees of $19,500 and $77,849, respectively, for 
the services of Mr. Decker’s son as a broker-dealer in representing certain clients who contributed real property in 
exchange for Units. 

The Company did not pay any commissions or expenses to D. A. Davidson during the fiscal year ended April 30, 
2003. 

PURCHASE OPTIONS 

On February 1, 2003, the Company entered into a merger agreement with the T. F. James Company. As part of the 
merger agreement, two affiliated entities of the T. F. James Company were granted the right to purchase certain real 
property  acquired  by  the  Company  as  a  result  of  the  merger.  Charles  Wm.  James,  a  member  of  the  Company’s 
Board of Trustees, has an ownership interest in these entities.  Under the terms of the agreement, one of the entities , 
has the option, but not the obligation, to purchase a commercial strip mall located in Excelsior, Minnesota, for the 
price the Company paid to acquire the property, plus an annual Consumer Price Index increase.  Until such time as 
the option is exercised, the Company will continue to operate the property and collect all rents from the tenants. 

2005 Annual Report F-19  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 10 • continued 

VEHICLE PURCHASES 

During fiscal year 2005, the Company purchased four vehicles from Fisher Motors, Inc., an automobile dealership 
wholly-owned  by  John  D.  Stewart,  a  member  of  the  Company’s  Board  of  Trustees.    The  Company  paid 
approximately  $100,000  for  these  four  vehicles,  which  were  purchased  for  the  use  of  Company  employees, 
including the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. 

NOTE 11 • ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS IN FISCAL YEARS 2005 AND 2004  

PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS 

IRET  Properties  added  $146.4  million  of  real  estate  investments  to  its  portfolio  during  fiscal  2005,  compared  to 
$170.3 million added in fiscal 2004. The fiscal 2005 and 2004 additions are detailed below. 

Fiscal 2005 (May 1, 2004 to April 30, 2005) 

Fiscal 2005 Acquisitions 
Multi-Family Residential 

54-unit Southbrook Court and Mariposa Lane Townhomes - Topeka, KS 
36-unit Legacy 5 - Grand Forks, ND 
36-unit Legacy 6 - Grand Forks, ND 
140-unit Olympik Village - Rochester, MN 

Commercial Property – Office 

26,186 sq. ft. Plymouth I Office Building - Plymouth, MN 
26,186 sq. ft. Plymouth II Office Building - Plymouth, MN  
26,186 sq. ft. Plymouth III Office Building - Plymouth, MN 
79,377 sq. ft. Northgate I Office Building - Maple Grove, MN 
185,000 sq. ft. Crosstown Circle Office Building - Eden Prairie, MN 
81,173 sq. ft. Highlands Ranch II Office Building - Highlands Ranch, CO 
86,428 sq. ft. Wells Fargo Center - Bloomington, MN 
153,947 sq. ft. US Bank - Bloomington, MN 

Commercial Property – Medical 

52,300 sq. ft. Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital Expansion Project - Omaha, NE 
45,081 sq. ft. Pavilion I Clinic - Duluth, MN 
60,294 sq. ft. High Pointe Health Campus Phase I (East Metro Medical Building) -  
Lake Elmo, MN 

Commercial Property – Retail 

46,720 sq. ft. Sleep Inn Hotel - Brooklyn Park, MN 
4,000 sq. ft. single tenant retail building (former Payless building) - Fargo, ND 

Undeveloped Property 

* Legacy VII - Grand Forks, ND 

Total Fiscal 2005 Property Acquisitions 

* = Property not placed in service at April 30, 2005. Additional costs were still to be incurred. 

(in thousands) 

Purchase Price

$

5,500
2,738
2,607
7,100
17,945

1,864
1,748
2,214
8,175
22,000
12,800
9,201
20,300
78,302

20,597
10,900

13,050
44,547

2,750
375
3,125

2,443
2,443
146,362

$

2005 Annual Report F-20  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 11 • continued 

Fiscal 2004 (May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004) 

Fiscal 2004 Acquisitions 
Multi-Family Residential 

240-unit Colonial Villa - Burnsville, MN 
115-unit Boulder Court Apartments - Eagan, MN 
151-unit Winchester/Village Green Townhouses - Rochester, MN 
160-unit Brookfield Village - Topeka, KS 
60-unit Monticello Village Apartments - Monticello, MN 

Commercial Property – Office 

30,464 sq. ft. Benton Business Park - Sauk Rapids, MN 
24,000 sq. ft. West River Business Park - Waite Park, MN 
190,758 sq. ft. Golden Hills Office Center - Golden Valley, MN 
175,610 sq. ft. Brown Deer Road - Milwaukee, WI 
106,207 sq. ft. TCA Building - Eagan, MN 
20,000 sq. ft. Metris - Duluth, MN 
27,000 sq. ft. Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN 
30,000 sq. ft. UHC Office - International Falls, MN 

Commercial Property – Medical 

76,870 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Phase II - Virginia, MN 
9,052 sq. ft. Fresenius - Duluth, MN 
28,928 sq. ft. Mariner Clinic - Superior, WI 
20,512 sq. ft. Denfeld Clinic - Duluth, MN 
18,810 sq. ft. Wells Clinic - Hibbing, MN 
74,800 sq. ft. Pavilion II - Duluth, MN 
12,444 sq. ft. Gateway Clinic - Sandstone, MN 

Commercial Property - Industrial (miscellaneous commercial property) 

35,000 sq. ft. API Building - Duluth, MN 
59,600 sq. ft. Lighthouse - Duluth, MN 

Commercial Property – Retail 

213,271 sq. ft. Buffalo Mall - Jamestown, ND 
104,928 sq. ft. Westgate Shopping Center - St. Cloud, MN 
36,542 sq. ft. Denfeld Retail Center – Duluth, MN 
25,400 sq. ft. South Pond Retail Center - Champlin, MN 
15,597 sq. ft. Tool Crib - Duluth, MN 

Undeveloped Property 

** Legacy V - Grand Forks, ND 
** Legacy VI - Grand Forks, ND 
** Legacy VII - Grand Forks, ND 

Total Fiscal 2004 Property Acquisitions 

(in thousands) 

Purchase Price

$

13,850
6,600
8,900
7,250
4,200
40,800

1,600
1,500
27,500
13,500
13,000
2,950
2,100
2,500
64,650

5,100
1,800
4,100
3,336
2,900
19,500
1,900
38,636

2,000
2,100
4,100

4,275
6,575
5,164
3,700
2,000
21,714

214
93
93
400
170,300

$

** = Property not placed in service at April 30, 2004. Additional costs were still to be incurred. 

PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS 

During fiscal year 2005, IRET Properties disposed of 17 properties and one undeveloped property for an aggregate 
sale price of $48.9 million, compared to six properties and two parcels of undeveloped land sold for $4.4 million in 
total during fiscal year 2004. Real estate assets sold by IRET during fiscal 2005 were as follows: 

2005 Annual Report F-21  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands) 

Book Value
and Sales Cost

Sales Price

Gain/Loss

180
0
0
259
1,275
1,941
54
50

0

1,534
76
74
75
327

1,674
951

132

0
8,602

2005 Dispositions 
Multi-Family Residential 

204-unit Ivy Club Apartments – Vancouver, WA 
26-unit Beulah Condominiums - Beulah, ND 
36-unit Parkway Apartments - Beulah, ND 
18-unit Dakota Arms Apartments - Minot, ND 
100-unit Van Mall Woods Apartments - Vancouver, WA 
192-unit Century Apartments - Williston, ND 
18-unit Bison Apartments - Carrington, ND 
17-unit Bison Apartments - Cooperstown, ND 

Commercial – Office 

62,585 sq. ft. Flying Cloud Building – Eden Prairie, MN  

Commercial - Medical (assisted living facility) 
97,821 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Minot, ND 
5,100 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Belgrade, MT 
5,100 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Columbus, NE 
5,100 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Grand Island, NE        
16,392 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - East Grand Forks, MN 

Commercial – Retail 

30,000 sq. ft. Barnes & Noble Store – Fargo, ND 
18,040 sq. ft. Petco Store - Fargo, ND 
4,800 sq. ft. single tenant retail building (former Tom Thumb store) 
- Ham Lake, MN 
Undeveloped Property 

$

$

12,250
96
159
825
6,900
4,599
215
185

5,750

7,210
509
509
509
1,639

4,590
2,160

650

$

12,070
96
159
566
5,625
2,658
161
135

5,750

5,676
433
435
434
1,312

2,916
1,209

518

205,347 sq. ft. parcel of vacant land - Libby, MT 

Total Fiscal 2005 Property Dispositions 

151
48,906

$

151
40,304

$

$

Properties sold by IRET during fiscal 2004 were as follows: 

2004 Dispositions 
Multi-Family Residential 

20-unit MCA Royal Suites - Minot, ND 
Commercial - Medical (assisted living facility) 
11,800 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Billings, MT 
11,800 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista - Sioux Falls, SD 

Commercial – Industrial 

13,600 sq. ft. Pioneer Seed - Moorhead, MN 

Commercial – Retail 

6,225 sq. ft. Interstate Bakery - St. Paul, MN 
3,575 sq. ft. Tom Thumb - Sauk Rapids, MN 

Undeveloped Property 

159,866 sq. ft. Sunset Trail III - Rochester, MN 
35,697 sq. ft. Prior Lake II - Prior Lake, MN 

Total Fiscal 2004 Property Dispositions 

NOTE 12 • OPERATING SEGMENTS  

(in thousands) 

Book Value
and Sales Cost

Sales Price

Gain/Loss

$

410

$

364

$

1,101
1,101

500

420
275

941
936

498

317
247

400
160
4,367

$

364
52
3,719

$

$

46

160
165

2

103
28

36
108
648

IRET  is  engaged  in  acquiring,  owning  and  leasing  multi-family  residential  and  commercial  real  estate.  Each 
property is considered a separate operating segment.  Each segment on a stand-alone basis is less than 10% of the 
revenues, profit or loss, and assets of the combined reported operating segments, and meets the aggregation criteria 
under  SFAS  No.  131.  Previously,  IRET’s  operating  segments  were  aggregated  and  classified  as  multi-family 
residential  and  commercial  properties,  producing  two  reportable  segments.    Beginning  with  the  first  quarter  of 
IRET’s fiscal year 2005, IRET is reporting its results in five segments: multi-family residential properties, and  

2005 Annual Report F-22  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 12 • continued  

commercial  office,  medical  (including  assisted  living  facilities),  industrial  (including  miscellaneous  commercial 
properties) and retail properties.  The revenues, profit (loss) and assets for these reportable segments are summarized 
as  follows,  as  of  and  for  the  fiscal  years  ended  April  30,  2005,  2004  and  2003,  along  with  reconciliations  to  the 
consolidated financial statements: 

Year Ended April 30, 2005 

Commercial-
Office

Commercial-
Medical

Commercial-
Industrial

Commercial-
Retail 

Multi-Family 
Residential

Total

(in thousands) 

Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

Mortgage interest 
Depreciation related to real estate 

investments 

Utilities and maintenance 
Real estate taxes 
Insurance 
Property management 

Total segment expense 
Segment operating profit 

$ 

48,648

$ 25,794

$

6,459

$

15,339 

$ 60,207  $ 156,447

12,730

12,783
9,701
7,165
538
2,100
45,017
3,631

$ 

8,923

5,305
3,012
1,616
277
1,273
20,406
5,388

$

2,302

1,523
245
797
78
104
5,049
1,410

$

4,125 

18,247 

46,327

2,788 
1,471 
1,983 
200 
289 
10,856 
4,483 

11,075 
12,760 
7,057 
1,521 
6,805 
57,465 
2,742 

$

33,474
27,189
18,618
2,614
10,571
138,793
17,654

$

Reconciliation to consolidated operations: 
Interest discounts and fee revenue 
Other interest expense 
Depreciation – furniture and fixtures 
Administrative, advisory and trustee fees 
Operating expenses 
Amortization 

Income before minority interest and discontinued operations and gain on sale of other investments 

Year Ended April 30, 2004 

986
(667)
(201)
(3,948)
(1,434)
(1,681)
$ 10,709

(in thousands) 

Commercial-
Office

Commercial-
Medical

Commercial-
Industrial

Commercial-
Retail

Multi-Family 
Residential

Total

$

39,919

$ 15,876

$

6,634

$

11,873 

$ 59,294 $ 133,596

11,030

7,132
8,416
5,757
451
1,764
34,550
5,369

5,841

2,977
2,226
1,491
149
1,156
13,840
2,036

$

2,092

1,253
251
768
66
98
4,528
2,106

$

3,275 

17,647

39,885

2,007 
1,104 
1,888 
167 
118 
8,559 
3,314 

10,310
12,496
6,675
2,001
6,225
55,354
3,940

$

23,679
24,493
16,579
2,834
9,361
116,831
16,765

$

Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

Mortgage interest 
Depreciation related to real estate 

investments 

Utilities and maintenance 
Real estate taxes 
Insurance 
Property management 

Total segment expense 
Segment operating profit 

$
Reconciliation to consolidated operations: 
Interest discounts and fee revenue 
Other interest expense 
Depreciation – furniture and fixtures 
Administrative, advisory and trustee fees 
Operating expenses 
Amortization 

Income before minority interest and discontinued operations and gain on sale of other investments 

648
(1,515)
(163)
(2,777)
(1,136)
(964)
$ 10,858

2005 Annual Report F-23  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 12 • continued  

Year Ended April 30, 2003 

Real Estate Revenue 
Expenses 

Mortgage interest 
Depreciation/amortization related to 

real estate investments 
Utilities and maintenance 
Real estate taxes 
Insurance 
Property management 

Total segment expense 
Segment operating profit 

$
Reconciliation to consolidated operations: 
Interest discounts and fee revenue 
Other interest expense 
Depreciation – furniture and fixtures 
Administrative, advisory and trustee fees 
Operating expenses 
Amortization 

(in thousands) 

Commercial-
Office

Commercial-
Medical

Commercial-
Industrial

Commercial-
Retail 

Multi-Family
Residential

Total

$

31,159

$

13,168

$

5,846

$

5,862 

$ 56,036  $ 112,071

1,815 

16,387 

34,213

9,343

2,222
5,401
4,543
356
1,286
23,151
8,008

5,126

3,477
2,039
1,112
108
801
12,663
505

1,542

1,047
124
491
44
55
3,303
2,543

$

$

2,035 
395 
461 
92 
99 
4,897 
965 

9,390 
10,805 
6,386 
1,460 
5,495 
49,923 
6,113 

$

$

18,171
18,764
12,993
2,060
7,736
93,937
18,134

1,062
(1,038)
(92)
(2,164)
(876)
(689)
14,337

Income before minority interest and discontinued operations and gain on sale of other investments 

$

Segment Assets and Accumulated Depreciation 

Year Ended April 30, 2005 

Segment assets 

Property owned 
Less accumulated 

depreciation/amortization 

Total property owned 

Cash 
Marketable securities 
Receivables and other assets 
Undeveloped land 
Mortgage receivables 

Total Assets 

Commercial-
Office

Commercial-
Medical

Commercial-
Industrial

Commercial-
Retail

Multi-Family 
Residential

Total

(in thousands) 

$ 353,536

$ 205,333

$ 58,233

$ 120,645 

$ 442,109  $1,179,856

(23,198)
$ 330,338

(12,855)
$ 192,478

(5,193)
$ 53,040

(9,732)
$ 110,913 

(67,534)

(118,512)
$ 374,575  $1,061,344
23,538
2,459
57,816
5,382
619
$1,151,158

2005 Annual Report F-24  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 12 • continued  

Year Ended April 30, 2004 

Commercial-
Office

Commercial-
Medical

Commercial-
Industrial

Commercial-
Retail

Multi-Family 
Residential

Total

(in thousands) 

Segment assets 

Property owned 
Less accumulated 

$ 287,943

$ 169,791

depreciation/amortization 

Total property owned 

(16,120)
$ 271,823

(9,129)
$ 160,662

$

$

58,053

(3,852)
54,201

$

$

121,001 

$  445,985  $ 1,082,773

(8,211)
112,790 

  (61,611)

(98,923)
$  384,374  $ 983,850
31,704
2,336
50,354
3,180
4,893
$1,076,317

Cash 
Marketable securities 
Receivables and other assets 
Undeveloped land 
Mortgage receivables 

Total Assets 

Year Ended April 30, 2003 

Segment assets 

Property owned 
Less accumulated 

depreciation/amortization 

Total property owned 

Cash 
Receivables and other assets 
Undeveloped land 
Mortgage receivables 

Total Assets 

Commercial-
Office

Commercial-
Medical

Commercial-
Industrial

Commercial-
Retail

Multi-Family 
Residential

Total

(in thousands) 

$ 235,065

$ 128,693

(9,989)
$ 225,076

(6,146)
$ 122,547

$

$

55,056

(2,773)
52,283

$

$

99,290 

$ 398,653  $ 916,757

(6,178)
93,112 

(50,553)

(75,639)
$ 348,100  $ 841,118
18,642
21,714
3,024
1,183
$ 885,681

NOTE 13 • DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  

SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets,” requires the Company to report 
in discontinued operations the results of operations of a property that has either been disposed of or is classified as 
held  for  sale.  It  also  requires  that  any  gains  or  losses  from  the  sale  of  a  property  be  reported  in  discontinued 
operations. There were no properties held for sale as of April 30, 2005 or 2004. The following information shows 
the  effect on  net  income,  net  of  minority  interest,  and  the gains  or  losses  from  the  sale of  properties  classified  as 
discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003. 

2005 Annual Report F-25  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 13 • continued  

REVENUE 

Real Estate Rentals 
Tenant Reimbursements 

Total Revenue 
OPERATING EXPENSE 

Interest 
Depreciation/Amortization 
Utilities and Maintenance 
Real Estate Taxes 
Insurance 
Property Management Expenses 
Operating Expense 
Amortization 
Amortization of Related Party Costs 
Loss on Impairment of Real Estate 

Total Operating Expenses 
Operating Income (Loss) 
Non-Operating Income 
Income (Loss) Before Minority Interest and Gain on Sale 

Minority Interest 
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Discontinued Operations 
Discontinued Operations, Net 
Segment Data 

Multi-Family Residential 
Commercial - Office 
Commercial – Medical 
Commercial – Industrial 
Commercial - Retail 
Undeveloped Land 

Total 
Property Sale Data 

Sales Price 
Net Book Value and Sales Costs 

Gain (loss) 

(in thousands) 

2005

2004

2003

$

2,400  $ 6,303 
508 
6,811 

226 
2,626 

$ 7,142
490
7,632

1,764 
678 
1,186 
434 
1,086 
460 
542 
206 
115 
39 
585 
212 
6 
1 
16 
5 
26 
8 
62 
570 
5,388 
2,613 
1,423 
13 
6 
1 
1,429 
14 
(432)
(1,955)
8,602 
504 
6,661  $ 1,501 

2,997  $
(403)
1,883 
0 
2,184 
0 

270 
60 
818 
(26)
382 
(3)
6,661  $ 1,501 

$

$

$

$ 48,906  $ 4,367 
3,719 
648 

40,304 
8,602  $

$

2,325
1,343
1,319
700
126
650
9
(4)
16
0
6,484
1,148
2
1,150
(558)
1,279
$ 1,871

$ 1,442
65
546
2
(184)
0
$ 1,871

$ 11,242
9,647
$ 1,595

2005 Annual Report F-26  

 
  
  
 
NOTE 14 • EARNINGS PER SHARE  

Basic  earnings  per  share  is  computed  by  dividing  net  income  available  to  common  shareholders  by  the  weighted 
average  number  of  common  shares  outstanding  during  the  period.  The  Company  has  no  outstanding  options, 
warrants,  convertible  stock  or  other  contractual  obligations  requiring  issuance  of  additional  common  shares  that 
would  result  in  a  dilution  of  earnings.  While  Units  can  be  exchanged  for  shares  on  a  one-for-one  basis  after  a 
minimum holding period of one year, the exchange of Units for common shares has no effect on diluted earnings per 
share,  as  Unitholders  and  common  shareholders  effectively  share  equally  in  the  net  income  of  the  Operating 
Partnership. The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used to calculate basic 
and diluted earnings per share reported in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended April 30, 
2005, 2004, and 2003: 

NUMERATOR 
Income from continuing operations 
Discontinued operations 
Net income 
Dividends to preferred shareholders 
Numerator for basic earnings per share – net income available to common 
shareholders 
Minority interest portion of operating partnership income 
Numerator for diluted earnings per share 
DENOMINATOR 
Denominator for basic earnings per share weighted average shares 
Effect of dilutive securities convertible operating partnership units 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share 
Earnings per common share from continuing operations – basic and diluted 
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations – basic and diluted 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC & DILUTED 

NOTE 15 • RETIREMENT PLANS  

For Years Ended April 30, 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

2005

2004

2003

$

8,415  $
6,661 
15,076 
(2,372)

7,939  $ 10,377
1,871
1,501 
12,248
9,440 
0
(33)

12,704 
3,873 

12,248
3,899
$ 16,577  $ 12,159  $ 16,147

9,407 
2,752 

43,214 
12,621 
55,835 

39,257 
11,176 
50,433 

$

$

.14  $
.16 
.30  $

.20  $
.04 
.24  $

32,574
10,041
42,615
.32
.06
.38

IRET sponsors a defined contribution profit sharing retirement plan and a defined contribution 401K plan. IRET’s 
defined contribution profit sharing retirement plan is available to employees over the age of 21 who have completed 
one year of service. Contributions to the profit sharing plan are at the discretion of the Company’s management. All 
employees over the age of 21 are immediately eligible to participate in IRET’s defined contribution 401K plan and 
may contribute up to maximum levels established by the I.R.S. IRET matches up to 3% of participating employees’ 
wages. Plan expenses to IRET for the years ended April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003, were $204,141, $133,800, and 
$46,875. 

NOTE 16 • COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  

Ground Leases. As of April 30, 2005, the Company is a tenant under operating ground leases on six of its properties. 
The Company pays a total of approximately $292,222 per year in rent under these ground leases, which have terms 
ranging from 7 to 90 years, and expiration dates ranging from July 2012 to April 2095. The Company has renewal 
options for three of the six ground leases, and rights of first offer or first refusal for the remainder. 

Legal  Proceedings.  IRET  is  involved  in  various  lawsuits  arising  in  the  normal  course  of  business.  Management 
believes that such matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. 

Purchase  Options.  The  Company  has  granted  options  to  purchase  certain  IRET  properties  to  various  parties.  In 
general, the options grant the parties the right to purchase these properties at the greater of their appraised value or 
an  annual  compounded  increase  of 2%  to 2.5%  of  the  initial  cost  of  the property  to  IRET.  The property  cost  and 
gross rental revenue of these properties are as follows: 

2005 Annual Report F-27  

 
 
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 16 • continued 

Property 
East Grand Station - East Grand Forks, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Fremont, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Hastings, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Kalispell, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Missoula, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Omaha, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Virginia, MN 
Excelsior Retail Center - Excelsior, MN 
Great Plains Software - Fargo, ND 
Healtheast - Woodbury & Maplewood, MN 
Wedgewood Sweetwater - Lithia Springs, GA 
Sleep Inn - Brooklyn Park, MN 
TOTAL 

(in thousands) 
Property Cost 
1,392
$
11,709
552
572
588
962
641
12,181
929
15,375
21,601
4,622
2,750
73,874

$

$

$

(in thousands) Gross Rental Revenue 

2005
152
1,406
59
61
62
120
67
1,320
82
1,876
2,032
509
247
7,993

$

$

2004
152
1,278
59
61
62
120
67
893
129
1,875
1,948
502
0
7,146

$

$

2003
152
1,246
59
61
62
120
67
759
22
1,875
1,917
475
0
6,815

Income Guarantees. In connection with its acquisition in April 2004 of a portfolio of properties located in and near 
Duluth,  Minnesota,  the  Company  received  from  the  seller  of  the  properties  a  guarantee,  for  five  years  from  the 
closing date of the acquisition, of a specified minimum amount of annual net operating income, before debt service, 
from two of the properties included in the portfolio.  As of April 30, 2005, the Company has recorded a receivable 
for  payment  of  $157,373 under  this guarantee.    Separately,  in  connection with  its  acquisition  of  Olympik  Village 
Apartments, a multi-family resident property in Rochester, Minnesota, the Company received from the seller of the 
property a guarantee of 12.5% return on IRET’s equity or $150,000 per year whichever is greater, for a period of 24 
months  ending  March  1,  2007.  As  of  April  30,  2005,  no  amounts  were  due  under  the  Olympik  Village  income 
guarantee. 

Crosstown  Circle  Office  Building,  Eden  Prairie,  MN.  The  Company’s  Crosstown  Circle  Office  Building  in  Eden 
Prairie, Minnesota was acquired in October 2004 from Best Buy Company, which is leasing all but 7,500 square feet 
of  the  185,000  square  foot  building  under  a  master  lease  expiring  September 30,  2010.  Under  the  terms  of  the 
financing obtained by the Company for this building, the Company is obligated to fund a leasing reserve account in 
the event that a specified occupancy level is not met at the time the Best Buy master lease expires. The amount to be 
deposited in the leasing reserve account would be calculated by multiplying a specified amount per square foot by 
the difference between the specified occupancy level and the building’s actual occupied square feet. The maximum 
amount  the  Company  would  be  required  to  deposit  in  such  leasing  reserve  account  is  $4,625,000.  Funds  in  the 
leasing reserve account would be released as leases for vacant space in the building are executed. 

Pending  Acquisitions  at  the  year  end.  Ritchie  Medical  Plaza  and  2800  Medical  Building.    On  June  7,  2005,  the 
Company  closed  on  its  acquisition  of  two  medical  office  buildings  in  St.  Paul  and  Minneapolis,  Minnesota, 
respectively.    The  Company  paid  $10,750,000  to  acquire  seven  condominium  units  totaling  50,409  square  feet  in 
Ritchie  Medical  Plaza  in  St.  Paul  and  $9,000,000  to  acquire  the  2800  Medical  Building  in  Minneapolis,  an 
approximately 54,971 square foot building.  Additionally, as of April 30, 2005, the Company had signed purchase 
agreements  to  acquire  five  office/industrial  properties  located  in  or  near  Omaha,  Nebraska,  for  purchase  prices 
totaling $7,250,000. These pending acquisitions are subject to certain closing conditions and contingencies, and no 
assurances can be given that these transactions will be completed. 

NOTE 17 • FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments. 

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. Terms are short term in nature and carrying value approximates the estimated 
market value. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity. 

2005 Annual Report F-28  

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 17 • continued 

Marketable  Securities.  The  fair  values  of  these  instruments  are  estimated  based  on  quoted  market  prices  for  the 
security. 

Notes Payable. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of such notes. 

Other Debt. The fair value of other debt is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loan using current 
market rates. 

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 at financial institutions with similar remaining maturities. 

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of April 30, 2005 and 2004, are as follows: 

FINANCIAL ASSETS 

Mortgage loans receivable 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Marketable securities - available-for-sale 

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES 

Notes payable 
Other debt 
Mortgages payable 
Investment certificates issued 

(in thousands) 

2005 

Carrying 
Amount

$

$

619
23,538
2,459

0
847
708,558
4,636

$

$

Fair Value

619
23,538
2,459

0
869
763,591
4,609

2004 

Carrying 
Amount

Fair Value

4,893  $
31,704 
2,336 

4,893
31,704
2,336

25,000  $
843 
633,124 
7,074 

25,000
861
643,673
7,021

$

$

NOTE 18 • COMMON AND PREFERRED SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST AND 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Distribution  Reinvestment  Plan.    During  fiscal  years  2005  and  2004,  IRET  issued  1.2  million  and  1.1  million 
common  shares,  respectively,  pursuant  to  its  distribution  reinvestment  plan,  at  a  total  value  at  issuance  of  $10.7 
million and $10.2 million, respectively. IRET’s distribution reinvestment plan is available to common shareholders 
of  IRET  and  all  limited  partners  of  IRET  Properties.  Under  the  distribution  reinvestment  plan,  shareholders  or 
limited partners may elect to have all or a portion of their distributions used to purchase additional IRET common 
shares.   

Conversion  of  Units  to  Common  Shares.    During  fiscal  years  2005  and  2004,  respectively,  0.7  million  and  0.4 
million  Units  were  converted  to  common  shares,  with  a  total  value  of  $5.3  million  and  $3.3  million  included  in 
shareholders’ equity. 

Issuance  of  Common  Shares.    In  November  2004,  the  Company  concluded  a  “best  efforts”  offering  of  up  to  1.5 
million  common  shares  at  $10.15  per  share.    In  this  offering,  1.4  million  common  shares  were  sold,  for  gross 
proceeds to the Company of approximately $14.3 million, before payment of commissions of six percent per share 
to  the  broker-dealers  selling  the  shares,  and  before  payment  of  other  expenses  of  the  offering.    In  May  2004,  the 
Company  concluded  a  “best  efforts” offering  under which  approximately  .2  million  common  shares were  sold,  at 
$10.10  per  share.,  for  gross  proceeds  to  the  Company  of  approximately  $2.6  million,  before  payment  of 
commissions of six percent per share to the broker-dealers selling the shares, and before payment of other expenses 
of the offering. 

Series  A  Cumulative  Redeemable  Preferred  Shares  of  Beneficial  Interest.  During  fiscal  year  2004,  the  Company 
issued 1,150,000 shares of 8.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest for total 
proceeds  of  $27.3  million,  net  of  selling  costs.  Holders  of  the  Company’s  Series  A  Cumulative  Redeemable 
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest are entitled to receive dividends at an annual rate of 8.25% of the liquidation 

2005 Annual Report F-29  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
preference of $25 per share, or $2.0625 per share per annum. These dividends are cumulative and payable quarterly 
in arrears. The shares are not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or any other securities of the 
Company  at  the  election  of  the  holders.  However,  on  or  after  April  26,  2009,  (or  sooner,  under  limited 
circumstances), the Company, at its option may redeem the shares at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus 
any  accrued  and  unpaid  distributions  through  the  date  of  redemption.  The  shares  have  no  maturity  date  and  will 
remain outstanding indefinitely unless redeemed by the Company. 

NOTE 19 • QUARTERLY RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (unaudited) 

QUARTER ENDED 
Revenues 
Net Income available to common shareholders 
Net Income per common share - basic & diluted 

QUARTER ENDED 
Revenues 
Net Income available to common shareholders 
Net Income per common share - basic & diluted 

(in thousands, except per share data) 
July 31, 2004 October 31, 2004 January 31, 2005  April 30, 2005
39,326
$
1,824
$
.04
$

38,478 $
2,643 $
.06 $

39,168
3,360
.08

39,475
4,877
.12

$
$
$

$
$
$

July 31, 2003 October 31, 2003 January 31, 2004 April 30, 2004
34,903
$
1,383
$
.03
$

33,949 $
2,489 $
.06 $

32,513
2,615
.07

32,231
2,920
.08

$
$
$

$
$
$

The above 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. 

NOTE 20 • SUBSEQUENT EVENTS  

Common and Preferred Share Distributions. On June 30, 2005, the Company paid a distribution of 51.56 cents per 
share on the Company’s Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares to preferred shareholders of record on 
June  15,  2005.  On  July  1,  2005,  the  Company  paid  a  distribution  of  16.25  cents  per  share  on  the  Company’s 
common shares, to common shareholders and Unitholders of record on June 17, 2005. This distribution represented 
an  increase  of  .05  cents  or  0.3%  over  the  previous  regular  quarterly  distribution  of  16.20  cents  per  common 
share/unit paid April 1, 2005. 

Acquisitions.  The Company closed on the following acquisitions subsequent to its fiscal year ended April 30, 2005: 

Ritchie Medical Plaza and 2800 Medical Building.  On June 7, 2005, the Company closed on its acquisition of two 
medical office buildings in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, respectively.  The Company paid approximately 
$10.8 million to acquire seven condominium units totaling 50,409 square feet in Ritchie Medical Plaza in St. Paul, 
and  approximately  $9.0  million  to  acquire  the  2800  Medical  Building  in  Minneapolis,  an  approximately  54,971 
square foot building.   

2005 Annual Report F-30  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC 
ACCOUNTING FIRM ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of 
Investors Real Estate Trust 
Minot, North Dakota 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Investors Real Estate Trust and subsidiaries as of April 30, 
2005 and 2004, and for the years then ended and have issued our report thereon dated June 28, 2005; such report is 
included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits also included the fiscal 2005 and 2004 information included in the 
consolidated  financial  statement  schedules  listed  in  the  table  of  contents  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements. 
These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to 
express  an  opinion  based  on  our  audits.  In  our  opinion,  the  information  included  in  such  financial  statement 
schedules,  when  considered  in  relation  to  the  basic  2005  and  2004  consolidated  financial  statements  taken  as  a 
whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the fiscal 2005 and 2004 information set forth therein. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP  

Minneapolis, Minnesota 
June 28, 2005 

2005 Annual Report F-31  

 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC 
ACCOUNTING FIRM ON ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

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

We have audited the consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of  Investors Real 
Estate Trust and subsidiaries for the year ended April 30, 2003, and have issued our report thereon dated May 22, 
2003, (June 23, 2005, as to the effects of discontinued operations in Note 12 and Note 13); such report is included 
elsewhere in this Form 10-K.  Those audits were made for the purpose of  forming an opinion on such consolidated 
financial statements taken as a whole. The information as listed in the table of contents related to the consolidated 
statements  of  operations,  shareholders'  equity,  and  cash  flows  for  the  year  ended  April  30,  2003,  is  presented  for 
purposes  of  additional  analysis  and  is  not  a  required  part  of  the  basic  consolidated  financial  statements.  Such 
information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic consolidated financial 
statements, and, in our opinion, the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated 
statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of Investors Real Estate Trust for the year ended April 
30, 2003, taken as a whole.  

BRADY, MARTZ & ASSOCIATES, P.C.  
Minot, North Dakota, USA 
May 22, 2003 

2005 Annual Report F-32  

 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL  

ENCUMBRANCES

INITIAL COST TO COMPANY
BUILDINGS & 
IMPROVEMENTS

LAND

COST CAPITALIZATION
 SUBSEQUENT TO ACQUISITION
CARRYING 
COSTS

IMPROVEMENTS 

405 Grant Ave - Harvey, ND 
408 1st Street SE - Minot, ND 
Applewood On The Green - Omaha, NE 
Boulder Court - Eagan, MN 
Brookfield Village - Topeka, KS 
Candlelight Apts. - Fargo, ND 
Canyon Lake Apts. - Rapid City, SD 
Castle Rock - Billings, MT 
Chateau Apts. - Minot, ND 
Clearwater - Boise, ID 
Colonial Villa - Burnsville, MN 
Colton Heights - Minot, ND 
Cottonwood Lake I - Bismarck, ND 
Cottonwood Lake II - Bismarck, ND 
Cottonwood Lake III - Bismarck, ND 
Country Meadows I - Billings, MT 
Country Meadows II - Billings, MT 
Crestview Apts. - Bismarck, ND 
Crown Colony - Topeka, KS 
Dakota Hill at Valley Ranch - Irving, TX 
East Park Apartments - Sioux Falls, SD 
Forest Park Estates - Grand Forks, ND 
Heritage Manor - Rochester, MN 
Jenner Properties - Grand Forks, ND 
Kirkwood Apts. - Bismarck, ND 
Lancaster Apts. - St. Cloud, MN 
Legacy Apts. I & II - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy Apts. III - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy IV- Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy V - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy VI - Grand Forks, ND 
Magic City Apts. - Minot, ND 
Meadows Phase I - Jamestown, ND 
Meadows Phase II - Jamestown, ND 
Meadows Phase III - Jamestown, ND 
Miramont - Fort Collins, CO 
Monticello Apts. - Monticello, MN 
Neighborhood Apts. - Co. Springs, CO 
North Pointe - Bismarck, ND 
Oakmont Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Oakwood - Sioux Falls, SD 
Olympic Village - Billings, MT 
Olympik Village - Rochester, MN 
Oxbow - Sioux Falls, SD 
Park East Apts. - Fargo, ND 
Park Meadows I - Waite Park, MN 
Park Meadows II & III - Waite Park, MN 
Pebble Springs - Bismarck, ND 
Pine Cone Apts. - Fort Collins, CO 
Pinehurst Apts. - Billings, MT 
Pointe West Apts. - Rapid City, SD 
Prairie Winds Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Prairiewood Meadows - Fargo, ND 
Ridge Oaks Apts. - Sioux City, IA 
Rimrock Apts. - Billings, MT 
Rocky Meadows - Billings, MT 

$

$

106  $
0
7,316 
4,756 
5,205 
1,520 
2,880 
3,640 
1,918 
2,437 
9,512 
623 
2,570 
2,682 
2,512 
2,306 
2,304 
3,453 
6,918 
24,211 
1,694 
6,872 
4,099 
1,763 
2,124 
1,482 
3,349 
2,245 
2,659 
0
0
3,078 
950 
950 
1,090 
11,125 
3,351 
6,418 
1,546 
3,952 
3,722 
8,072 
0
4,056 
3,872 
2,826 
7,533 
403 
10,390 
492 
2,091 
1,234 
1,848 
2,776 
2,418 
3,436 

14 
10 
706 
1,067 
509 
80 
305 
736 
122 
585 
2,401 
80 
264 
264 
264 
246 
246 
235 
620 
3,650 
115 
810 
403 
201 
449 
289 
908 
454 
252 
137 
137 
412 
57 
55 
56 
1,470 
490 
1,034 
144 
423 
543 
1,164 
1,034 
404 
83 
572 
572 
7 
905 
72 
240 
144 
280 
178 
330 
656 

$

246
37
11,223
5,691
6,915
1,590
3,926
5,427
2,612
3,339
11,799
912
4,270
4,025
4,483
4,026
4,138
5,016
10,570
34,785
2,544
7,336
7,658
1,814
3,465
3,118
6,292
3,328
6,491
214
93
4,504
1,784
1,875
2,145
13,411
3,775
11,114
2,145
4,867
5,470
11,150
6,109
4,811
5,274
3,761
8,054
782
12,900
697
4,376
1,955
2,788
4,674
3,696
6,070

$

2  
0 
161  
(14)
189  
 36  
 20  
126  
 26  
 30  
240  
 19  
 33  
 27  
 10  
7  
 10  
 21  
 98  
191  
 36  
163  
 85  
 54  
 51  
 91  
 65  
 31  
 28  
2,420  
2,616  
125  
3  
1  
2  
107  
 28  
269  
 12  
 22  
146  
127  
 17  
 59  
 69  
 58  
184  
 12  
136  
7  
 37  
 31  
130  
 83  
 18  
 43  

0
0
95 
0
0
0
73 
0
0
0
0
0
38 
37 
40 
39 
81 
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
112 
112 
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
124 
27 
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6 
0
0
0
0
0
103 

2005 Annual Report F-33  

 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - continued 

ENCUMBRANCES

INITIAL COST TO COMPANY
BUILDINGS & 
IMPROVEMENTS

LAND

COST CAPITALIZATION
 SUBSEQUENT TO ACQUISITION
CARRYING 
COSTS

IMPROVEMENTS

$

$

$

Sherwood Apts. - Topeka, KS 
Southbrook & Mariposa - Topeka, KS 
South Pointe - Minot, ND 
Southview Apts. - Minot, ND 
Southwind Apts. - Grand Forks, ND 
Sunset Trail Phase I - Rochester, MN 
Sunset Trail Phase II - Rochester, MN 
Sweetwater Properties – Devils Lake and 

Grafton, ND 

Sycamore Village Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Terrace On The Green - Moorhead, MN 
Thomasbrook - Lincoln, NE 
Valley Park Manor - Grand Forks, ND 
West Stonehill - St. Cloud, MN 
Westwood Park - Bismarck, ND 
Winchester/Village Green - Rochester, MN 
Woodridge Apts. - Rochester, MN 
TOTAL MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 

OFFICE BUILDINGS 
1st Avenue Building - Minot, ND 
17 South Main - Minot, ND 
401 South Main - Minot, ND 
2030 Cliff Road - Eagan, MN 
Ameritrade - Omaha, NE 
Benton Business Park - Sauk Rapids, MN 
Bloomington Business Plaza – Blmngtn., MN 
Brenwood - Minnetonka, MN 
Brown Deer Road - Milwaukee, WI 
Burnsville Bluffs - Burnsville, MN 
Cold Spring Center - St. Cloud, MN 
Crosstown Centre - Eden Prairie, MN 
Dewey Hill Business Center - Edina, MN 
Eden Prairie Ctrl Bank Office - E. Prairie, MN 
Golden Hills Office Ctr. - Golden Valley, MN 
Great Plains Software - Fargo, ND 
Greenwood Chiropractic - Greenwood, MN 
Highlands Ranch - Highlands Ranch, CO 
Interlachen Corp Center - Eagan, MN 
Mendota Center I - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center II - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center III - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center IV - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Northland Ctr. - M. Heights, MN 
Metris - Duluth, MN 
Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN 
Minnetonka Office Bldg. - Minnetonka, MN 
Nicollett VII - Burnsville, MN 
Northgate I - Maple Grove, MN 
Northgate II - Maple Grove, MN 
Pillsbury Business Center - Edina, MN 
Plaza VII - Boise, ID 
Plymouth I - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth II - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth III - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth IV & V - Plymouth, MN 
900 Concourse Drive - Rapid City, SD 

$

$

$

$

$

$

10,377  $
3,391 
6,890 
0
3,728 
4,175 
4,095 

1,150 
399
550 
185 
400 
168 
168 

819 
953 
1,522 
5,646 
3,761 
6,896 
1,107
6,278 
3,340 

90 
100 
24 
600 
293 
938 
161 
982 
370 
263,763  $ 34,462 

$

0
0
0
584 
5,121 
990 
4,725 
8,396 
6,215 
1,485 
4,807 
16,395 
2,924 
2,410 
15,000 
8,819 
221 
9,784 
10,882 
4,265 
6,829 
3,880 
5,038 
10,755 
1,867 
1,242 
0
4,490 
6,314 
1,452 
1,132 
1,378 
1,415 
1,415 
1,742 
8,722 
3,862 

30 
15 
71 
146 
327 
188 
1,300 
1,762 
1,455 
300 
588 
2,884 
985 
531 
3,018 
126 
189 
1,437 
1,650 
1,570 
1,074 
1,501 
1,385 
1,331 
336 
287 
40 
429 
1,063 
358 
284 
300 
530 
367 
507 
641 
285 

15,447
5,101
9,533
586
5,940
6,935
7,425

1,684
1,408
2,708
9,793
5,135
12,280
2,272
8,085
6,646
396,548

518
87
557
837
8,022
1,265
6,250
12,657
9,268
2,499
8,022
14,569
3,954
4,129
18,361
15,250
145
9,549
14,883
5,470
10,482
5,249
7,320
16,329
2,200
1,454
361
6,953
6,352
2,007
1,558
3,100
1,128
1,260
1,490
14,247
6,762

$

$

$

139  
 48  
125  
 33  
124  
 15  
9  

 28  
 64  
 94  
260  
142  
190  
 74  
(259)
125  
9,809  

7  
8  
2  
0 
0 
 22  
188  
205  
299  
161  
0 
242  
219  
 45  
695  
(1)
0 
254  
2  
 36  
 76  
(2)
0 
0 
3  
2  
0 
2  
 40  
7  
 52  
 45  
 14  
 13  
 15  
1  
0 

0
0
403 
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,290 

0
0
0
0
0
0
39 
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
191 
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

2005 Annual Report F-34  

 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

OFFICE BUILDINGS - continued 

ENCUMBRANCES

INITIAL COST TO COMPANY
BUILDINGS & 
IMPROVEMENTS

LAND

COST CAPITALIZATION
 SUBSEQUENT TO ACQUISITION
CARRYING 
COSTS

IMPROVEMENTS

Southeast Tech Center - Eagan, MN 
TCA Building - Eagan, MN 
Three Paramount Plaza - Bloomington, MN 
Thresher Square East - Minneapolis, MN 
Thresher Square West - Minneapolis, MN 
UHC Office - International Falls, MN 
US Bank Financial Ctr. - Bloomington, MN 
Viromed - Eden Prairie, MN 
Wayroad - Minnetonka, MN 
Wells Fargo Ctr. - St Cloud, MN 
West River Business Park - Waite Park, MN 
Westgate - Boise, ID 
Wirth Corp Center - Golden Valley, MN 
TOTAL OFFICE BUILDINGS 

MEDICAL 
Abbott Northwest - Sartell, MN 
Airport Medical - Bloomington, MN 
Denfeld Clinic - Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Fremont, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Hastings, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Kalispell, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Missoula, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Omaha, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Virginia, MN 
Edgewood Vista Phase II - Virginia, MN 
Fresenius - Duluth, MN 
Garden View - St. Paul, MN 
Gateway Clinic - Sandstone, MN 
Healtheast Med Ctr. - Wdbry. & St. Johns, MN 
High Pointe Health Campus - Lake Elmo, MN 
Mariner Clinic - Superior, WI 
Nebraska Orthopaedic - Omaha, NE 
Park Dental - Brooklyn, MN 
Pavilion I - Duluth, MN 
Pavilion II - Duluth, MN 
Paul Larson Clinic - Edina, MN 
Southdale Expansion - Edina, MN 
Southdale Medical Center - Edina, MN 
Wedgewood - Sweetwater, GA 
Wells Clinic - Hibbing, MN 
TOTAL MEDICAL 

INDUSTRIAL 
API Building - Duluth, MN 
Bodycote Industrial Bldg. - Eden Prairie, MN 
Dixon Avenue Industrial Park - Des Moines, IA 
Lexington Commerce Center - Eagan, MN 
Lighthouse - Duluth, MN 
Metal Improvement Co. - New Brighton, MN 
Stone Container - Fargo, ND 
Stone Container - Roseville, MN 
Waconia Industrial Bldg. - Waconia, MN 
Wilson's Leather - Brooklyn Park, MN 
Winsted Industrial Bldg. - Winsted, MN 
TOTAL INDUSTRIAL 

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,928  $

560
627
1,261
646
449
119
2,960
666
530
1,016
235
1,000
970
204,215  $ 40,329

 10,127 
4,775 
0
0
1,583 
0
2,241 
3,311 
0
990 
7,647 
5,057 

7,868  $
2,869 
2,354 
3,857 
306 
316 
320 
564 
365 
4,719 
3,417 
1,139 
4,352 
1,363 
17,497 
5,782 
2,982 
14,695 
1,646 
7,857 
14,458 
0
9,500 
23,116 
1,216 
2,079 

0
0
501
390
56
14
70
109
89
246
0
50
0
66
3,238
1,305
0
0
185
1,245
2,715
351
0
3,500
334
162
134,637  $ 14,626

1,266  $
1,527 
8,612 
3,159 
1,329 
1,406 
4,413 
4,871 
0
8,493 
0
35,076  $

115
198
1,439
453
90
240
440
810
165
1,368
100
5,418

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,557
8,907
6,608
5,914
4,109
2,366
14,047
4,198
4,953
8,373
1,198
10,668
7,645
309,087

13,866
4,678
2,613
11,319
496
558
518
854
553
6,766
5,111
1,520
7,605
1,699
18,363
10,528
3,813
20,272
2,767
8,895
16,559
662
12,733
29,424
3,638
2,497
188,307

1,605
1,954
11,465
5,378
1,788
2,205
6,612
7,275
1,502
11,685
907
52,376

$

$

$

$

$

$

219   $
351  
 39  
131  
150  
 12  
0 
(1)
 39  
0 
 20  
 70  
150  
3,832   $

$

0 
0 
1  
0 
0 
0 
0 
(1)
(1)
0 
0 
2  
 93  
0 
0 
195  
7  
240  
0 
4  
 51  
0 
314  
785  
650  
2  
2,342   $

3   $
0 
 76  
 81  
6  
0 
0 
0 
0 
 15  
0 
181   $

0
0
0
5 
4 
0
0
0
20 
0
0
0
29 
288 

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
58
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
58

0
0
0
0
0
4 
89 
165 
0
0
0
258 

2005 Annual Report F-35  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III  
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

RETAIL  

ENCUMBRANCES

INITIAL COST TO COMPANY
BUILDINGS & 
IMPROVEMENTS

LAND

COST CAPITALIZATION
 SUBSEQUENT TO ACQUISITION
CARRYING 
COSTS

IMPROVEMENTS

Andover C Store - Andover, MN 
Anoka Strip Center - Anoka, MN 
Blaine Strip Center - Blaine, MN 
Buffalo Strip Center - Buffalo, MN 
Burnsville 1 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN 
Burnsville 2 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN 
Centerville C Store - Centerville, MN 
Champlin South Pond - Champlin, MN 
Chan West Village - Chanhassen, MN 
Duluth Denfeld Retail - Duluth, MN 
Duluth Tool Crib - Duluth, MN 
E Bethel C Store - Bethel, MN 
Eagan 1 Retail Center - Eagan, MN 
Eagan 2 Retail Center - Eagan, MN 
Eagan 3 C Store - Eagan, MN 
East Grand Station - East Grand Forks, MN 
Excelsior Strip Center - Excelsior, MN 
Fargo Express Center - Fargo, ND 
Fargo Express SC Pad 1 - Fargo, ND 
Faribault Checker Auto - Faribault, MN 
Forest Lake Auto - Forest Lake, MN 
Forest Lake Westlake Center - Forest Lake, MN 
Glencoe C Store - Glencoe, MN 
Grand Forks Carmike - Grand Forks, ND 
Grand Forks Medpark Mall - Grand Forks, ND 
Howard Lake C Store - Howard Lake, MN 
IGH Strip Center - Inver Grove Heights, MN 
Jamestown Buffalo Mall - Jamestown, ND 
Jamestown Business Center - Jamestown, ND 
Kalispell Retail Center - Kalispell, MT 
Kentwood Thomasville Furniture - Kntwd., MI 
Ladysmith Pamida - Ladysmith, WI 
Lakeland C Store - Lakeland, MN 
Lakeville Strip Center – Lakeville, MN 
Lindstrom C Store - Lindstrom, MN 
Lino Lake Strip Center - Lino Lakes, MN 
Livingston Pamida - Livingston, MT 
Long Prairie C Store - Long Prairie, MN 
Minot Arrowhead SC - Minot, ND 
Minot Plaza - Minot, ND 
Monticello C Store - Monticello, MN 
Mora C Store - Mora, MN 
Mound Strip Center - Mound, MN 
Moundsview Bakery - Mounds View, MN 
Oakdale Strip Center - Oakdale, MN 
Omaha Barnes & Noble - Omaha, NE 
Paynesville C Store - Paynesville, MN 
Pine City C Store - Pine City, MN 
Pine City Evergreen Square - Pine City, MN 
Prior Lake 1 Strip Center - Prior Lake, MN 
Prior Lake 3 Strip Center - Prior Lake, MN 
Rochester Auto - Rochester, MN 
Rochester Maplewood Square – Rochester, MN 
Schofield Plaza SC – Schofield, WI 
Shoreview C Store – Shoreview, MN 
Sleep Inn – Brooklyn Park , MN 
St. Cloud Westgate SC – St. Cloud, MN 
St. Louise Park Retail – St. Louis Park, MN 
Wilmar Sam Goody – Willmar, MN 
Winsted C Store - Winsted, MN 
TOTAL RETAIL 
SUBTOTAL 

$

$
$

187  $
469 
364 
301 
637 
506 
219 
2,342 
15,350 
3,555 
1,076 
338 
1,674 
0
0
655 
0
1,283 
0
214 
0
5,354 
0
2,266 
3,183 
239 
626 
2,507 
881 
1,750 
1,072 
1,204 
294 
1,283 
212 
283 
1,431 
0
1,154 
0
0
0
0
0
475 
3,325 
0
369 
2,269 
905 
0
280 
5,646 
0
0
0
4,210 
221 
0
258 

104 
123 
121 
131 
208 
291 
78 
842 
5,035 
276 
130 
32 
196 
291 
214 
150 
275 
305 
69 
83 
50 
2,397 
52 
184 
681 
22 
221 
566 
297 
250 
225 
89 
86 
121 
67 
121 
227 
39 
100 
50 
86 
55 
100 
47 
351 
600 
31 
83 
154 
202 
48 
76 
3,275 
175 
63 
633 
1,219 
168 
170 
35 
70,867  $ 22,370 
$ 117,205
708,558

$

$
$

176
608
413
340
788
486
252
2,703
15,739
4,699
1,800
478
319
1,067
568
1,242
643
1,122
300
257
448
5,700
478
2,295
4,982
358
726
3,229
1,099
2,250
1,896
1,411
357
1,843
254
331
1,573
661
2,997
472
770
245
260
243
388
3,099
334
357
2,783
774
434
364
8,632
1,600
267
2,118
5,559
177
238
376
96,378
1,042,696

$

$
$

1  
2  
3  
5  
0 
 12  
3  
2  
 30  
9  
3  
0 
0 
1  
1  
0 
 11  
7  
(1)
1  
0 
 29  
0 
0 
 26  
1  
0 
428  
 51  
917  
0 
0 
0 
 65  
1  
2  
0 
1  
 98  
 52  
7  
1  
0 
2  
0 
0 
2  
2  
 37  
3  
1  
0 
7  
1  
2  
(1) 
1  
2  
2  
0 
1,830  
17,994 

$

$
$

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
67
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
67
1,961

2005 Annual Report F-36  

 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III  
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION - (in thousands) 

UNDEVELOPED LAND 

ENCUMBRANCES

INITIAL COST TO COMPANY
BUILDINGS & 
IMPROVEMENTS

LAND

COST CAPITALIZATION
 SUBSEQUENT TO ACQUISITION
CARRYING 
COSTS

IMPROVEMENTS

17 S Main 2nd Floor - Minot, ND 
Andover, MN 
Centerville, MN 
Cottonwood Lake IV - Bismarck, ND 
IGH Land, MN 
Jamestown Buffalo Mall Theater - Jmstwn., ND 
Kalispell, MT 
Legacy VII - Grand Forks, ND 
Long Prairie, MN 
River Falls, WI 
TOTAL UNDEVELOPED LAND 

TOTAL 

$

$

$

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

$

$

0
150 
100 
264 
560 
0
1,400 
137 
150 
200 
2,961 

708,558

$ 120,166

$

$

$

0
0
2
0
3
0
12
93
0
2
112

1,042,808

$

$

$

 12  
0 
2  
1  
1  
 67  
3  
2,214  
6  
3  
2,309  

20,303 

$

$

$

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

1,961

2005 Annual Report F-37  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III  
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 

LAND 

IMPROVEMENTS TOTAL 

BUILDING & 

ACCUMULATED 
DEPRECIATION 

DATE 
ACQUIRED 

$

405 Grant Ave - Harvey, ND 
408 1st Street SE - Minot, ND 
Applewood On The Green - Omaha, NE 
Boulder Court - Eagan, MN 
Brookfield Village - Topeka, KS 
Candlelight Apts. - Fargo, ND 
Canyon Lake Apts. - Rapid City, SD 
Castle Rock - Billings, MT 
Chateau Apts. - Minot, ND 
Clearwater - Boise, ID 
Colonial Villa - Burnsville, MN 
Colton Heights - Minot, ND 
Cottonwood Lake I - Bismarck, ND 
Cottonwood Lake II - Bismarck, ND 
Cottonwood Lake III - Bismarck, ND 
Country Meadows I - Billings, MT 
Country Meadows II - Billings, MT 
Crestview Apts. - Bismarck, ND 
Crown Colony - Topeka, KS 
Dakota Hill at Valley Ranch - Irving, TX 
East Park Apartments - Sioux Falls, SD 
Forest Park Estates - Grand Forks, ND 
Heritage Manor - Rochester, MN 
Jenner Properties - Grand Forks, ND 
Kirkwood Apts. - Bismarck, ND 
Lancaster Apts. - St. Cloud, MN 
Legacy Apts. I & II - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy Apts. III - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy IV- Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy V - Grand Forks, ND 
Legacy VI - Grand Forks, ND 
Magic City Apts. - Minot, ND 
Meadows Phase I - Jamestown, ND 
Meadows Phase II - Jamestown, ND 
Meadows Phase III - Jamestown, ND 
Miramont - Fort Collins, CO 
Monticello Apts. - Monticello, MN 
Neighborhood Apts. - Co. Springs, CO 
North Pointe - Bismarck, ND 
Oakmont Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Oakwood - Sioux Falls, SD 
Olympic Village - Billings, MT 
Olympik Village - Rochester, MN 
Oxbow - Sioux Falls, SD 
Park East Apts. - Fargo, ND 
Park Meadows I - Waite Park, MN 
Park Meadows II & III - Waite Park, MN 
Pebble Springs - Bismarck, ND 
Pine Cone Apts. - Fort Collins, CO 
Pinehurst Apts. - Billings, MT 
Pointe West Apts. - Rapid City, SD 
Prairie Winds Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Prairiewood Meadows - Fargo, ND 
Ridge Oaks Apts. - Sioux City, IA 
Rimrock Apts. - Billings, MT 
Rocky Meadows - Billings, MT 
Sherwood Apts. - Topeka, KS 

$

14 
10 
706
1,067 
509 
80 
305 
736 
122 
585 
2,401 
80 
264 
264 
264 
246 
246 
235 
620 
3,650 
115 
810 
403 
201 
449 
289 
908 
454 
252 
137 
137 
412 
57 
55 
56 
1,470 
490 
1,034 
144 
423 
543 
1,164 
1,034 
404 
83 
572 
572 
7 
905 
72 
240 
144 
280 
178 
330 
656 
1,150 

$

248  $
37 
11,479 
5,677 
7,104 
1,626 
4,019 
5,553 
2,638 
3,369 
12,039 
931 
4,341 
4,089 
4,533 
4,072 
4,229 
5,037 
10,668 
34,976 
2,580 
7,499 
7,743 
1,868 
3,516 
3,209 
6,469 
3,471 
6,519 
2,634 
2,709 
4,629 
1,787 
1,876 
2,147 
13,518 
3,803 
11,383 
2,281 
4,916 
5,616 
11,277 
6,126 
4,870 
5,343 
3,819 
8,238 
794 
13,036 
710 
4,413 
1,986 
2,918 
4,757 
3,714 
6,216 
15,586 

262 
47 
12,185 
6,744 
7,613 
1,706 
4,324 
6,289 
2,760 
3,954 
14,440 
1,011 
4,605 
4,353 
4,797 
4,318 
4,475 
5,272 
11,288 
38,626 
2,695 
8,309 
8,146 
2,069 
3,965 
3,498 
7,377 
3,925 
6,771 
2,771 
2,846 
5,041 
1,844 
1,931 
2,203 
14,988 
4,293 
12,417 
2,425 
5,339 
6,159 
12,441 
7,160 
5,274 
5,426 
4,391 
8,810 
801 
13,941 
782 
4,653 
2,130 
3,198 
4,935 
4,044 
6,872 
16,736 

79
35
1,032
256
273
461
369
918
484
574
538
525
783
746
547
752
565
1,411
1,529
4,612
190
2,227
1,369
377
737
429
1,476
650
874
39
19
928
256
247
174
2,881
115
2,457
545
383
1,544
1,375
20
1,263
951
1,295
1,604
115
3,211
58
1,227
609
360
646
551
1,355
2,236

1991 
2001 
2001 
2003 
2003 
1993 
2001 
1999 
1997 
1999 
2003 
1996 
1999 
1999 
1999 
1995 
1997 
1994 
2000 
2000 
2002 
1993 
1999 
1996 
1997 
2000 
1996 
1996 
2000 
2000 
2000 
1997 
2000 
2000 
2002 
1996 
2004 
1996 
1995 
2002 
1996 
2001 
2005 
1994 
1997 
1997 
1997 
2000 
1994 
2002 
1994 
1993 
2001 
2001 
2000 
1996 
2000 

LIFE ON 
WHICH 
LATEST 
INCOME 
STATEMENT IS 
COMPUTED 

24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
12-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
33-40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
12-40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
12-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
12-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

2005 Annual Report F-38  

 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III  
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

MULTI-FAMILY RES. - continued 

LAND 

IMPROVEMENTS TOTAL 

BUILDING & 

ACCUMULATED 
DEPRECIATION 

DATE 
ACQUIRED 

Southbrook & Mariposa - Topeka, KS 
South Pointe - Minot, ND 
Southview Apts. - Minot, ND 
Southwind Apts. - Grand Forks, ND 
Sunset Trail Phase I - Rochester, MN 
Sunset Trail Phase II - Rochester, MN 
Sweetwater Properties – Devils Lake and 

Grafton, ND 

Sycamore Village Apts. - Sioux Falls, SD 
Terrace On The Green - Moorhead, MN 
Thomasbrook - Lincoln, NE 
Valley Park Manor - Grand Forks, ND 
West Stonehill - St. Cloud, MN 
Westwood Park - Bismarck, ND 
Winchester/Village Green - Rochester, MN 
Woodridge Apts. - Rochester, MN 
TOTAL MULTI-FAMILY 
RESIDENTIAL 

OFFICE BUILDINGS 
1st Avenue Building - Minot, ND 
17 South Main - Minot, ND 
401 South Main - Minot, ND 
2030 Cliff Road - Eagan, MN 
Ameritrade - Omaha, NE 
Benton Business Park - Sauk Rapids, MN 
Bloomington Bus. Plaza – Blmngtn., MN 
Brenwood - Minnetonka, MN 
Brown Deer Road - Milwaukee, WI 
Burnsville Bluffs - Burnsville, MN 
Cold Spring Center - St. Cloud, MN 
Crosstown Centre - Eden Prairie, MN 
Dewey Hill Business Center - Edina, MN 
Eden Prairie Ctrl Bank Office - E. Prairie, 

MN 

Golden Hills Office Ctr. - Golden Valley, 

MN 

Great Plains Software - Fargo, ND 
Greenwood Chiropractic - Greenwood, MN 
Highlands Ranch - Highlands Ranch, CO 
Interlachen Corp Center - Eagan, MN 
Mendota Center I - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center II - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center III - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Center IV - Mendota Heights, MN 
Mendota Northland Ctr. - M. Heights, MN 
Metris - Duluth, MN 
Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN 
Minnetonka Office Bldg. - Minnetonka, 

MN 

Nicollett VII - Burnsville, MN 
Northgate I - Maple Grove, MN 
Northgate II - Maple Grove, MN 
Pillsbury Business Center - Edina, MN 
Plaza VII - Boise, ID 
Plymouth I - Plymouth, MN 

$

399
550
185
400
168
168

90
100
24
600
293
938
161
982
370

$ 34,462

$

30
15
71
146
327
188
1,300
1,762
1,455
300
588
2,884
985

531

3,018
126
189
1,437
1,650
1,570
1,074
1,501
1,385
1,331
336
287

40
429
1,063
358
284
300
530

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,149
10,061
619
6,064
6,950
7,434

1,712
1,472
2,802
10,053
5,277
12,470
2,346
7,826
6,771

5,548
10,611
804
6,464
7,118
7,602

1,802
1,572
2,826
10,653
5,570
13,408
2,507
8,808
7,141

407,647

$

442,109

$

525
95
559
837
8,022
1,287
6,477
12,862
9,567
2,660
8,022
14,811
4,173

555
110
630
983
8,349
1,475
7,777
14,624
11,022
2,960
8,610
17,695
5,158

48
2,259
166
1,422
803
690

1,136
105
1,881
1,645
834
2,968
437
361
1,497

67,534

480
10
227
85
1,209
57
590
902
498
249
843
206
463

2004 
1995 
1994 
1996 
2001 
2002 

1972 
2002 
1970 
2000 
2000 
1995 
1999 
2003 
1996 

1981 
2001 
1987 
1986 
1999 
2003 
2001 
2002 
2003 
2001 
2001 
2004 
2001 

LIFE ON 
WHICH 
LATEST 
INCOME 
STATEMENT IS 
COMPUTED 

40 years 
24-40 years 
24-40 years 
24-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

5-40 years 
40 years 
33-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

33-40 years 
40 years 
24-40 years 
19-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

4,174

4,705

228

2003 

40 years 

19,056
15,249
145
9,803
15,076
5,506
10,558
5,247
7,320
16,329
2,203
1,456

361
6,955
6,392
2,014
1,610
3,145
1,142

22,074
15,375
334
11,240
16,726
7,076
11,632
6,748
8,705
17,660
2,539
1,743

401
7,384
7,455
2,372
1,894
3,445
1,672

766
2,176
8
92
1,413
498
960
451
587
1,290
57
38

82
706
139
266
159
182
25

2003 
2000 
2003 
2004 
2001 
2002 
2002 
2002 
2002 
2002 
2004 
2004 

2001 
2001 
2004 
2000 
2001 
2003 
2004 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

2005 Annual Report F-39  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

OFFICE BUILDINGS - continued 

LAND 

IMPROVEMENTS TOTAL 

BUILDING & 

ACCUMULATED 
DEPRECIATION 

DATE 
ACQUIRED 

$

$

$

$

$

Plymouth II - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth III - Plymouth, MN 
Plymouth IV & V - Plymouth, MN 
Rapid City, SD - 900 Concourse Drive 
Southeast Tech Center - Eagan, MN 
TCA Building - Eagan, MN 
Three Paramount Plaza - Bloomington, MN 
Thresher Square East - Minneapolis, MN 
Thresher Square West - Minneapolis, MN 
UHC Office - International Falls, MN 
US Bank Financial Ctr. - Bloomington, MN 
Viromed - Eden Prairie, MN 
Wayroad - Minnetonka, MN 
Wells Fargo Ctr. - St Cloud, MN 
West River Bus. Park - Waite Park, MN 
Westgate - Boise, ID 
Wirth Corp Center - Golden Valley, MN 
TOTAL OFFICE BUILDINGS 

$

367
507
641
285
560
627
1,261
646
449
119
2,960
666
530
1,016
235
1,000
970
$ 40,329

MEDICAL 
Abbott Northwest - Sartell, MN 
Airport Medical - Bloomington, MN 
Denfeld Clinic - Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Duluth, MN 
Edgewood Vista - Fremont, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Hastings, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Kalispell, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Missoula, MT 
Edgewood Vista - Omaha, NE 
Edgewood Vista - Virginia, MN 
Edgewood Vista Phase II - Virginia, MN 
Fresenius - Duluth, MN 
Garden View - St. Paul, MN 
Gateway Clinic - Sandstone, MN 
Healtheast Med Ctr. - Wdbry. & St. Johns, 

MN 

High Pt. Health Campus - Lake Elmo, MN 
Mariner Clinic - Superior, WI 
Nebraska Orthopaedic - Omaha, NE 
Park Dental - Brooklyn, MN 
Pavilion I - Duluth, MN 
Pavilion II - Duluth, MN 
Paul Larson Clinic - Edina, MN 
Southdale Expansion - Edina, MN 
Southdale Medical Center - Edina, MN 
Wedgewood - Sweetwater, GA 
Wells Clinic - Hibbing, MN 
TOTAL MEDICAL 

$

0
0
501
390
56
14
70
109
89
246
0
50
0
66

3,238
1,305
0
0
185
1,245
2,715
351
0
3,500
334
162
$ 14,626

$

INDUSTRIAL 
API Building - Duluth, MN 
Bodycote Indus. Bldg. - Eden Prairie, MN 
Dixon Ave. Indus. Park - Des Moines, IA 
Lexington Commerce Center - Eagan, MN 
Lighthouse - Duluth, MN 
Metal Improvement Co. – N. Brighton, MN 
Stone Container - Fargo, ND 
Stone Container - Roseville, MN 
Waconia Industrial Bldg. - Waconia, MN 

115
198
1,439
453
90
240
440
810
165

$

$

$

$

$

1,273 $
1,505
14,248
6,762
5,776
9,258
6,647
6,050
4,263
2,378
14,047
4,197
5,012
8,373
1,218
10,738
7,824
313,207 $

13,866 $
4,678
2,614
11,319
496
558
518
853
552
6,824
5,111
1,522
7,698
1,699

18,363
10,723
3,820
20,512
2,767
8,899
16,610
662
13,047
30,209
4,288
2,499
190,707 $

1,608 $
1,954
11,541
5,459
1,794
2,209
6,701
7,440
1,502

1,640
2,012
14,889
7,047
6,336
9,885
7,908
6,696
4,712
2,497
17,007
4,863
5,542
9,389
1,453
11,738
8,794
353,536

13,866
4,678
3,115
11,709
552
572
588
962
641
7,070
5,111
1,572
7,698
1,765

21,601
12,028
3,820
20,512
2,952
10,144
19,325
1,013
13,047
33,709
4,622
2,661
205,333

1,723
2,152
12,980
5,912
1,884
2,449
7,141
8,250
1,667

28
33
1,419
810
771
357
527
489
341
63
44
651
394
26
54
635
614
23,198

898
307
68
1,026
54
58
54
181
57
519
154
40
526
44

2,276
212
99
491
182
195
545
44
590
3,425
745
65
12,855

42
467
749
701
47
168
1,268
628
177

2004 
2004 
2001 
2001 
2000 
2003 
2002 
2002 
2002 
2004 
2005 
1999 
2002 
2005 
2003 
2003 
2002 

2002 
2002 
2004 
2000 
2001 
2001 
2001 
1997 
2001 
2002 
2004 
2004 
2002 
2004 

2001 
2004 
2004 
2004 
2002 
2004 
2004 
2002 
2003 
2001 
1996 
2004 

2004 
1992 
2002 
2000 
2004 
2002 
1995 
2001 
2001 

LIFE ON 
WHICH 
LATEST 
INCOME 
STATEMENT IS 
COMPUTED 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

2005 Annual Report F-40  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

INDUSTRIAL – continued 

LAND 

IMPROVEMENTS TOTAL 

BUILDING & 

ACCUMULATED 
DEPRECIATION 

DATE 
ACQUIRED 

LIFE ON 
WHICH 
LATEST 
INCOME 
STATEMENT IS 
COMPUTED 

$

$

$

Wilson's Leather - Brooklyn Park, MN 
Winsted Industrial Bldg. - Winsted, MN 
TOTAL INDUSTRIAL 

$  1,368
100
$  5,418

RETAIL 
Andover C Store - Andover, MN 
Anoka Strip Center - Anoka, MN 
Blaine Strip Center - Blaine, MN 
Buffalo Strip Center - Buffalo, MN 
Burnsville 1 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN 
Burnsville 2 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN 
Centerville C Store - Centerville, MN 
Champlin South Pond - Champlin, MN 
Chan West Village - Chanhassen, MN 
Duluth Denfeld Retail - Duluth, MN 
Duluth Tool Crib - Duluth, MN 
E Bethel C Store - Bethel, MN 
Eagan 1 Retail Center - Eagan, MN 
Eagan 2 Retail Center - Eagan, MN 
Eagan 3 C Store - Eagan, MN 
East Grand Station - East Grand Forks, MN 
Excelsior Strip Center - Excelsior, MN 
Fargo Express Center - Fargo, ND 
Fargo Express SC Pad 1 - Fargo, ND 
Faribault Checker Auto - Faribault, MN 
Forest Lake Auto - Forest Lake, MN 
Forest Lake Westlake Ctr. – Forest Lake, 

MN 

Glencoe C Store - Glencoe, MN 
Grand Forks Carmike - Grand Forks, ND 
Grand Forks Medpk. Mall - Grand Forks, 

ND 

Howard Lake C Store - Howard Lake, MN 
IGH Strip Ctr - Inver Grove Heights, MN 
Jamestown Buffalo Mall - Jamestown, ND 
Jamestown Business Ctr. - Jamestown, ND 
Kalispell Retail Center - Kalispell, MT 
Kntwood Thomasville Furn. - Kentwood., 

MI 

Ladysmith Pamida - Ladysmith, WI 
Lakeland C Store - Lakeland, MN 
Lakeville Strip Center – Lakeville, MN 
Lindstrom C Store - Lindstrom, MN 
Lino Lake Strip Center - Lino Lakes, MN 
Livingston Pamida - Livingston, MT 
Long Prairie C Store - Long Prairie, MN 
Minot Arrowhead SC - Minot, ND 
Minot Plaza - Minot, ND 
Monticello C Store - Monticello, MN 
Mora C Store - Mora, MN 
Mound Strip Center - Mound, MN 
Moundsview Bakery - Mounds View, MN 
Oakdale Strip Center - Oakdale, MN 
Omaha Barnes & Noble - Omaha, NE 
Paynesville C Store - Paynesville, MN 
Pine City C Store - Pine City, MN 
Pine City Evergreen Square – P. City, MN 
Prior Lake 1 Strip Center - Prior Lake, MN 
Prior Lake 3 Strip Center - Prior Lake, MN 

$ 

104
123
121
131
208
291
78
842
  5,035
276
130
32
196
291
214
150
275
305
69
83
50

  2,397
52
184

681
22
221
566
297
250

225
89
86
121
67
121
227
39
100
50
86
55
100
47
351
600
31
83
154
202
48

$

$

$

11,700 $
907
52,815 $

13,068
1,007
58,233

177 $
610
416
345
788
498
255
2,705
15,769
4,708
1,803
478
319
1,068
569
1,242
654
1,129
299
258
448

5,729
478
2,362

5,008
359
726
3,657
1,150
3,167

1,896
1,411
357
1,908
255
333
1,573
662
3,095
524
777
246
260
245
388
3,099
336
359
2,820
777
435

281
733
537
476
996
789
333
3,547
20,804
4,984
1,933
510
515
1,359
783
1,392
929
1,434
368
341
498

8,126
530
2,546

5,689
381
947
4,223
1,447
3,417

2,121
1,500
443
2,029
322
454
1,800
701
3,195
574
863
301
360
292
739
3,699
367
442
2,974
979
483

839
107
5,193

2002 
2001 

40 years 
40 years 

10
34
23
19
45
30
14
70
873
123
47
26
17
58
31
169
35
62
2
14
22

310
26
620

664
20
40
125
68
131

402
78
20
110
14
18
87
36
2,368
149
42
14
14
13
21
736
18
20
156
42
21

2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2004 
2003 
2004 
2004 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2000 
2003 
2003 
2005 
2003 
2003 

2003 
2003 
1994 

2000 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 

1996 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
1973 
1993 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
1995 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2003 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
15 1/2-40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

2005 Annual Report F-41  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) 

RETAIL - continued 

LAND 

BUILDING & 
IMPROVEMENTS

TOTAL 

ACCUMULATED 
DEPRECIATION 

DATE 
ACQUIRED 

LIFE ON WHICH 
LATEST 
INCOME 
STATEMENT IS 
COMPUTED 

76

$

364 $

440

$

20

2003 

40 years 

Rochester Auto - Rochester, MN 
Rochester Maplewood Square – Rochester, 

$

MN 

Schofield Plaza SC – Schofield, WI 
Shoreview C Store – Shoreview, MN 
Sleep Inn – Brooklyn Park , MN 
St. Cloud Westgate SC – St. Cloud, MN 
St. Louise Park Retail – St. Louis Park, 

MN 

Wilmar Sam Goody – Willmar, MN 
Winsted C Store - Winsted, MN 
TOTAL RETAIL 

$

3,275
175
63
633
1,219

168
170
35
22,370

SUBTOTAL 

$ 117,205

UNDEVELOPED LAND 
17 S Main 2nd Floor - Minot, ND 
Andover, MN 
Centerville, MN 
Cottonwood Lake IV - Bismarck, ND 
IGH Land, MN 
Jamestown Buffalo Mall Theatre - 
Jmstwn., ND 
Kalispell, MT 
Legacy VII - Grand Forks, ND 
Long Prairie, MN 
River Falls, WI 
TOTAL UNDEVELOPED LAND 

$

$

0
150
100
264
560

0
1,400
137
150
200
2,961

TOTAL 

$ 120,166

8,639
1,601
269
2,117
5,560

11,914
1,776
332
2,750
6,779

179
240
376
98,275 $

347
410
411
120,645

1,062,651 $ 1,179,856

12 $
0
4
1
4

67
15
2,307
6
5
2,421 $

12
150
104
265
564

67
1,415
2,444
156
205
5,382

1,065,072 $ 1,185,238 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2000 
2003 
2003 
2004 
2004 

2003 
2003 
2003 

2001 
2003 
2003 
1999 
2003 

2003 
2003 
2000 
2003 
2003 

1,255
88
15
46
157

10
13
21
9,732

118,512

0
0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0

118,512

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 
40 years 

2005 Annual Report F-42  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule III 
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION 

Reconciliations of total real estate carrying value for the three years ended April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003 are as 
follows: 

Balance at beginning of year 
Additions during year 

Residential Real Estate 
Commercial Office Real Estate 
Commercial Medical Real Estate 
Commercial Industrial Real Estate 
Commercial Retail Real Estate 
Improvements and Other 

Deductions during year 

Cost of Real Estate Sold 
Reclassification 
Impairment charge 
Balance at close of year 

(in thousands) 
2004

2005

2003

$ 1,082,773

$ 916,757  $740,055

12,643
67,532
42,245
0
3,120
17,118
$ 1,225,431

40,993 
50,387 
35,465 
3,596 
20,781 
18,442 

3,938
41,178
40,725
24,883
63,723
14,574
$1,086,421  $929,076

(45,575)
0
0
$ 1,179,856

(3,586)
0 
(62)

(11,908)
(411)
0
$1,082,773  $916,757

Reconciliations of accumulated depreciation/amortization for the three years ended April 30, 2005, 2004, and 2003, 
are as follows: 

Balance at beginning of year 
Additions during year 

Provisions for depreciation 

Deductions during year 

Accumulated depreciation on real estate sold 

Balance at close of year 

(in thousands) 
2004

2005

2003

$

98,923

$

75,639 

$ 58,926

27,605

23,758 

19,606

(8,016)
$ 118,512

$

(474)
98,923 

(2,893)
$ 75,639

2005 Annual Report F-43  

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES 
April 30, 2005 

Schedule IV 
INVESTMENTS IN MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE 

Interest 
Rate

Final 
Maturity 
Date

Payment 
Terms

Prior 
Liens

Face Amt. of 
Mortgages 

Prin. Amt 
of Loans 
Subject to 
Delinquent 
Prin. or Int.

Carrying 
Amt. of 
Mortgages

(in thousands) 

First Mortgage 

Martin Property – Pioneer Seed 

6.00% 05/01/09

Junior Mortgage 

C. Grueber - Cottage Grove 

7.50% 10/04/07

Monthly/ 
Balloon

Monthly/ 
Balloon

0

0

$
$

$
$

Less: 

Unearned Discounts 
Deferred Gain from Property Dispositions 
Allowance for Loan Losses 

475 
475 

200 
675 

$
$

$
$

  $

  $

455 
455 

189 
644 

0 
0 
(25)
619 

MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE, BEGINNING OF YEAR 
New participations in and advances on mortgage loans 

Collections 
Transferred to other assets 
MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE, END OF YEAR 

2005
4,893
0
4,893
(4,274)
0
619

$

$

$

$

(in thousands) 
2004 
1,183  $
7,100 
8,283  $
(3,232)
(158)
4,893  $

$

$

0

0

2003
3,953
1,024
4,977
(3,794)
0
1,183

2005 Annual Report F-44  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
SUBSIDIARIES OF INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST 

Name of Subsidiary 

Applewood - IRET Properties, a Nebraska Limited Partnership 
Applewood - IRET, Inc. 
Dakota - IRET, Inc. 
Dakota Hill Properties, a Texas Limited Partnership 
DRF Omaha/NOH, LLC 
Forest Park - IRET, Inc. 
Forest Park Properties, a North Dakota Limited Partnership 
France Medical LLC 
France Medical MM LLC 
Health Investors Business Trust 
IRET - BD, LLC 
IRET - Brenwood, LLC 
IRET - DMS, LLC 
IRET - Oakmont, LLC 
IRET - Ridge Oaks, LLC 
IRET – Westlake, Inc. 
IRET Properties, a North Dakota Limited Partnership 
IRET, Inc. 
IRET-1715 YDR, LLC 
IRET-Brown Deer, LLC 
IRET-Candlelight, LLC 
IRET-Golden Jack, L.L.C. 
IRET-Plymouth, LLC 
Meadow 2 - IRET, Inc. 
Meadow 2 Properties, L.P. 
MedPark - IRET, Inc. 
Medpark Properties Limited Partnership 
Mendota Office Holdings LLC 
Mendota Office Three & Four LLC 
Mendota Properties, LLC 
Minnesota Medical Investors LLC 
Miramont - IRET, Inc. 
Ridge Oaks, L.P. 
SMB MM LLC 
SMB Operating Company LLC 
Thomasbrook - IRET, Inc. 
Thomasbrook Properties, a Nebraska Limited Partnership 
West Stonehill - IRET, Inc. 

Exhibit 21.1 

State of 
Incorporation or 
Organization 

Nebraska 
Nebraska 
Texas 
Texas 
Minnesota 
North Dakota 
North Dakota 
Delaware 
Delaware 
Delaware 
Minnesota 
Minnesota 
Minnesota 
South Dakota 
Iowa 
Minnesota 
North Dakota 
North Dakota 
Minnesota 
North Dakota 
North Dakota 
Delaware 
Minnesota 
North Dakota 
North Dakota 
North Dakota 
North Dakota 
Minnesota 
Minnesota 
Minnesota 
Delaware 
Colorado 
Iowa 
Delaware 
Delaware 
Nebraska 
Nebraska 
Minnesota 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 23.1 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-122289, 333-119547, 333-117121, 
333-115082,  333-112465,  333-114162,  333-112272,  333-110003,  333-109387,  333-107729,  333-106748,  333-
104267,  333-102610,  333-101782,  333-100272,  333-98575,  333-91788,  333-85930,  333-85352,  333-76034,  333-
76266,  333-57676,  333-89761  and  333-67317  on  Form  S-3  of  our  reports  dated  June  28,  2005,  relating  to  the 
financial statements and financial statement schedules of Investors Real Estate Trust, and management’s report on 
the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  appearing  in  the  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  of 
Investors Real Estate Trust for the year ended April 30, 2005. 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP  

Minneapolis, Minnesota 
July 12, 2005 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-122289, 333-119547, 333-117121, 
333-115082,  333-112465,  333-114162,  333-112272,  333-110003,  333-109387,  333-107729,  333-106748,  333-
104267,  333-102610,  333-101782,  333-100272,  333-98575,  333-91788,  333-85930,  333-85352,  333-76034,  333-
76266, 333-57676, 333-89761 and 333-67317 of Investors Real Estate Trust on Form S-3 of our reports dated May 
22,  2003  (June  23,  2005  as  to  the  effects  of  discontinued  operations  in  Note  12  and  Note  13),  appearing  in  the 
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Investors Real Estate Trust for the year ended April 30, 2005. 

EXHIBIT 23.2 

/s/ BRADY, MARTZ & ASSOCIATES, P.C.  

Minot, North Dakota, USA 
July 12, 2005 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
Certifications 

Exhibit 31.1 

I, Thomas A. Wentz, Sr., certify that:  

1.  I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Investors Real Estate Trust; 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 

in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date:  July 13, 2005  

By: 

/s/ Thomas A. Wentz, Sr.  
Thomas A. Wentz, Sr., President & CEO 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2 

I, Diane K. Bryantt, certify that:  

1.  I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Investors Real Estate Trust; 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b)  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 

in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date:  July 13, 2005  

By: 

/s/ Diane K. Bryantt 
Diane K. Bryantt, Senior Vice President & CFO 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following certification is furnished as provided by Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1934 
and Item 601(b) (32) (ii) of Regulation S-K. 

Exhibit 32.1 

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

In connection with the Annual Report of Investors Real Estate Trust (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year 
ended April 30, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2005, (the “Report”), I, 
Thomas  A.  Wentz,  Sr.,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  Company,  certify,  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C. 
Section  1350,  as  adopted  pursuant  to  Section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002,  that  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge: 

1.  The  Report  fully  complies  with  the  requirements  of  Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of 

1934, as amended; and 

2.  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and 

results of operations of the Company. 

/s/ Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. 
Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
July 13, 2005 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be 
retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following certification is furnished as provided by Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1934 
and Item 601(b) (32) (ii) of Regulation S-K. 

Exhibit 32.2 

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

In connection with the Annual Report of Investors Real Estate Trust (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year 
ended  April  30,  2005,  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  July  14,  2005,  (the  “Report”),  I 
Diane K. Bryantt, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 
Section  1350,  as  adopted  pursuant  to  Section  906  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002,  that  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge: 

1.  The  Report  fully  complies  with  the  requirements  of  Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of 

1934, as amended; and 

2.  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and 

results of operations of the Company. 

/s/ Diane K. Bryantt  
Diane K. Bryantt  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
July 13, 2005 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be 
retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 

2005 Annual Report  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDER  INFORMATION

TRUSTEES

Daniel L. Feist (2)(6)(8)
President 
Feist Construction & Realty
(construction and real estate development company)

Charles Wm. James
Senior Vice President
Investors Real Estate Trust

Patrick G. Jones (6)(8)
Private Investor

Jeffrey L. Miller (1)(4)(5)(7)
President
M&S Concessions, Inc.
(food service and facility management company)

Timothy P. Mihalick
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Investors Real Estate Trust

Stephen L. Stenehjem (3)(6)(8)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Watford City BancShares, Inc.
(bank holding company)

John D. Stewart (4)(6)(8)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fisher Motors, Inc.

Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.
Senior Vice President
Investors Real Estate Trust

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

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

Timothy P. Mihalick
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Diane K. Bryantt
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Charles Wm. James
Senior Vice President - Development & Asset Management

Thomas A. Wentz, Jr.
Senior Vice President - Asset Management & Finance

Michael A. Bosh
General Counsel & Cor porate Secretary 

(1) Chairman, Board of Trustees
(2) Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees
(3) Chairman, Audit Committee
(4) Member, Audit Committee
(5) Chairman, Compensation Committee
(6) Member, Compensation Committee
(7) Chairman, Nominating Committee
(8) Member, Nominating Committee

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be
held at 7:00 p.m. on September 20, 2005, at the International
Inn, 1505 North Broadway, Minot, North Dakota.

SHARES LISTED

The Company’s common shares of beneficial interest are listed
on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “IRETS.”

The  Company’s  series  A  cumulative  preferred  shares  of
beneficial  interest  are  listed  on  the  NASDAQ  Stock  Market
under the symbol “IRETP.”

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota

INTERNAL AUDITORS

Brady, Martz & Associates. P.C.
Minot, North Dakota

LEGAL COUNSEL

Pringle & Herigstad, P.C.
Minot, North Dakota

Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT PLAN

The Company has a distribution reinvestment plan for current
and  future  shareholders. Interested  participants  can  obtain
more information by contacting the Company at 701-837-4738
or at info@iret.com.

FORM 10-K

A copy of the annual report on Form 10-K for the Company’s
fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, is available without charge by request
to IRET, Investor Relations, PO Box 1988, Minot, ND 58702-
1988, by  visiting  the  Investor  Relations  section  of
the
Company’s  website  at  www.iret.com, or  by  accessing  the
EDGAR  database  on 
the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission’s Website at www.sec.gov.

TRANSFER AGENT

Questions about distribution payments, shareholder accounts,
replacement of lost share certificates, address or name changes
should  be  directed  to: Transfer  Agent, Investors  Real  Estate
Trust, PO Box 1988, Minot, ND 58702-1988.

COMPANY HEADQUARTERS

Investors Real Estate Trust
12 South Main Street • PO Box 1988
Minot, ND 58702-1988
Telephone: (701)837-4738
Fax: (701)838-7785
info@iret.com
www.iret.com

Investors Real Estate Trust
12 South Main Street
PO Box 1988
Minot, ND 58702-1988
www.iret.com