Investors Real Estate Trust Annual Report 2011

Plain-text annual report

2011 Annual Report 1400 31st Avenue SW, Suite 60 P.O. Box 1988 Minot, North Dakota 58702-1988 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (cid:53) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 or (cid:133) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ____________ to ____________ 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.) 3015 16th Street SW, Suite 100 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: Common Shares of Beneficial Interest (no par value) - NASDAQ Global Select Market Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (no par value) - NASDAQ Global Select Market Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None ________________________________ Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. (cid:134) Yes (cid:59) No Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. (cid:134) Yes (cid:59) No 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:59) Yes (cid:134) No 2011 Annual Report Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). (cid:134) Yes (cid:134) 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:59) Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (cid:134) Large accelerated filer (cid:134) Non-accelerated filer (cid:134) Smaller reporting Company (cid:59) Accelerated filer Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (cid:134) Yes (cid:59) No The aggregate market value of the Registrant’s outstanding common shares of beneficial interest held by non- affiliates of the Registrant as of October 29, 2010 was $679,638,043 based on the last reported sale price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on October 29, 2010. For purposes of this calculation, the Registrant has assumed that its trustees and executive officers are affiliates. The number of common shares of beneficial interest outstanding as of June 30, 2011, was 80,771,119. 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 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on September 20, 2011 are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) hereof. 2011 Annual Report INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST INDEX PAGE PART I 5 Item 1. Business ................................................................................................................................................. Item 1A. Risk Factors ........................................................................................................................................... 11 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments .................................................................................................................. 22 Item 2. Properties ............................................................................................................................................... 22 Item 3. Legal Proceedings .................................................................................................................................. 33 Item 4. (Removed and Reserved) ....................................................................................................................... 33 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities .................................................................................................................................... 33 Item 6. Selected Financial Data ......................................................................................................................... 35 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ................. 36 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ................................................................ 62 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ...................................................................................... 63 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ................ 63 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................................................ 64 Item 9B. Other Information................................................................................................................................... 65 PART III Item 10. Trustees, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ...................................................................... 65 Item 11. Executive Compensation ....................................................................................................................... 65 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters .................................................................................................................................................. 65 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Trustee Independence ........................................ 65 Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services ................................................................................................ 65 PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ............................................................................................... 66 Exhibit Index ......................................................................................................................................................... 66 Signatures .............................................................................................................................................................. 68 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Financial Statements ........................... F-1 to F-45 2011 Annual Report 3 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; • our ability to manage rapid growth in the number of our employees and internally–managed properties; • 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; • compliance with applicable laws, including those concerning the environment and access by persons with disabilities; and • the availability and cost of casualty insurance for losses. Readers should carefully review our financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A 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. 2011 Annual Report 4 Item 1. Business Overview PART I Investors Real Estate Trust (“IRET” or the “Company”) 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 through 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, commercial medical, commercial industrial and commercial retail properties. These properties are located primarily in the upper Midwest states of Minnesota and North Dakota. For the twelve months ended April 30, 2011, our real estate investments in these two states accounted for 68.6% of our total gross revenue. Our principal executive office is located in Minot, North Dakota. We also have a corporate office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and additional property management offices in locations in Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. We seek to diversify our investments among multi-family residential, commercial office, commercial medical, commercial industrial and commercial retail properties. As of April 30, 2011, our real estate portfolio consisted of: • 78 multi-family residential properties, containing 8,661 apartment units and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $367.1 million; • 68 commercial office properties containing approximately 5.1 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $490.8 million; • 56 commercial medical properties (including senior housing) containing approximately 2.7 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $382.5 million; • 19 commercial industrial properties containing approximately 3.0 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $99.9 million; and • 33 commercial retail properties containing approximately 1.4 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $101.5 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, 2011, no individual tenant accounted for more than 10% of our total real estate rentals, although affiliated entities of Edgewood Vista together accounted for approximately 10.8% of our total commercial segments’ minimum rents. 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 our daily business operations primarily 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, 2011, IRET, Inc. owned an 80.1% interest in IRET Properties. The remaining ownership of IRET Properties is held by individual limited partners. 2011 Annual Report 5 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 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. 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 in commercial office, commercial medical, commercial industrial and commercial retail 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 Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. 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, 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, Iowa, Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Kansas. 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 Third 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. 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, 2011 and 2010, we had no junior mortgages 2011 Annual Report 6 outstanding. We had one contract for deed outstanding as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, with a balance due to us, net of reserves, of approximately $156,000 and $158,000, respectively. 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: Distributions to shareholders and holders of limited partnership units. One of the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for a REIT is that it distribute 90% of its net taxable income, excluding net capital gains, to its shareholders. There is a separate requirement to distribute net capital gains or pay a corporate level tax in lieu thereof. Our general policy has been to make 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. Distributions to our common shareholders and unitholders in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 totaled approximately 108.9% and 99.2%, respectively, on a per share and unit basis of our funds from operations. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, our Board of Trustees approved a plan to reduce the Company’s quarterly distribution to $0.1300 from $0.1715 per common share and limited partnership unit, effective with the next quarterly distribution planned for October 3, 2011. The Board currently intends to maintain this level of cash distribution for at least the next four quarters. All future distributions remain subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Trustees. Issuing senior securities. 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 generally accepted accounting principles (“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, 2011, our ratio of total indebtedness to total real estate assets was 70.8% while our ratio of total indebtedness as compared to our Net Assets (computed in accordance with our Bylaws) was 117.9%. 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: 2011 Annual Report 7 Limited partnership units issued Value at issuance $ (in thousands) 2010 390 $ 3,897 $ 2011 555 4,996 2009 362 3,730 Acquiring or repurchasing shares. As a REIT, it is our intention to invest only 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 2011, 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. 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 loans receivables (including contracts for deed), net of reserves, totaled approximately $156,000 as of April 30, 2011, and $158,000 as of April 30, 2010. 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. Information about Segments We currently operate in five reportable real estate segments: multi-family residential, commercial office, commercial medical (including senior housing), commercial industrial and commercial retail. For further information on these segments and other related information, see Note 11 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. Our Executive Officers Set forth below are the names, ages, titles and biographies of each of our executive officers as of July 1, 2011. Name Timothy P. Mihalick Thomas A. Wentz, Jr. Diane K. Bryantt Michael A. Bosh Charles A. Greenberg Ted E. Holmes Andrew Martin Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. Age 52 45 47 40 52 40 38 75 Title President and Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice President and General Counsel Senior Vice President, Commercial Asset Management Senior Vice President, Finance Senior Vice President, Residential Property Management Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer 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 served as the Chief Operating Officer from 1997 to 2009, as a Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2009, and as a member of our Board of Trustees since 1999. In September 2009, Mr. Mihalick was named President and Chief Executive Officer. 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 served as Senior Vice President of Asset Management and Finance from 2002 to 2009 and as a member of our Board of Trustees since 1996. In September 2011 Annual Report 8 2009, Mr. Wentz was named Chief Operating Officer. 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. Charles A. Greenberg joined IRET in August 2005 as Director of Commercial Asset Management, and was named Senior Vice President, Commercial Asset Management in November 2008. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has over 26 years of experience in both asset and property management of institutional- grade real estate investments. From 1989 to 2005, Mr. Greenberg was General Manager at Northco Corporation, a Minneapolis-based real estate investment firm. Ted E. Holmes joined us in 2009 as Vice President of Finance, and was promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance in December 2010. Mr. Holmes has over 15 years of experience in the finance industry, including the placement of debt and equity as a commercial and multi-family mortgage banker. From 1994 to 2002 Mr. Holmes was an Analyst and Assistant Vice President with Towle Financial Services/Midwest, a privately held mortgage banking company in Minneapolis, and he served as Director with Wells Fargo Bank, NA from 2003 to 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from St. Cloud State University and is a licensed Minnesota Broker. Andrew Martin joined IRET in October 2010 to lead the Company’s Residential Property Management division. In May 2011 Mr. Martin was promoted to Senior Vice President of Residential Property Management. He has over 17 years of experience in the commercial and multi-family property management industry. Prior to his employment with IRET, Mr. Martin was a partner with INH Companies, a property management firm based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and also worked in Minneapolis, Minnesota for United Properties as a regional property manager. Mr. Martin holds a bachelors degree in Real Estate and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Cloud State University, and has earned the designation of Certified Property Manager from the Institute of Real Estate Management. 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 President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2000 to September 2009. He currently serves on a part-time basis as Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. 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. Employees As of April 30, 2011, we had 383 employees, of whom 305 were full-time and 78 part-time employees. Of these 383 employees, 57 are corporate staff in our Minot, North Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota offices, and 326 are property management employees based at our properties or in local property management offices. 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 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 2011 Annual Report 9 (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. 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. 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. 2011 Annual Report 10 Website and Available Information Our internet address is www.iret.com. We make available, free of charge, through the “SEC filings” tab under the Investors/Financial Reporting section of our 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 and Governance Committees of our Board of Trustees are also available on our website under the heading “Corporate Governance” in the Investors/Corporate Overview 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 58702-1988. Information on our internet website does not constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 1A. Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Properties and Business Our performance and share value are subject to risks associated with the real estate industry. Our results of operations and financial condition, the value of our real estate assets, and the value of an investment in us are subject to the risks normally associated with the ownership and operation of real estate properties. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following factors which, among others, may adversely affect the income generated by our properties: • downturns in national, regional and local economic conditions (particularly increases in unemployment); • competition from other commercial and multi-family residential properties; • local real estate market conditions, such as oversupply or reduction in demand for commercial and multi- family residential space; • changes in interest rates and availability of attractive financing; • declines in the economic health and financial condition of our tenants and our ability to collect rents from our tenants; • vacancies, changes in market rental rates and the need periodically to repair, renovate and re-lease space; • • increased operating costs, including real estate taxes, state and local taxes, insurance expense, utilities, and security costs; significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as debt service payments, real estate taxes and insurance and maintenance costs, which are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in revenues from a property; • weather conditions, civil disturbances, natural disasters, or terrorist acts or acts of war which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses; and • decreases in the underlying value of our real estate. Adverse global market and economic conditions may continue to adversely affect us and could cause us to recognize additional impairment charges or otherwise harm our performance. Market and economic conditions have been challenging for several years, with tighter credit conditions developing at the end of 2008 and continuing in 2009 and 2010, and a sluggish economic recovery and persistent high unemployment continuing into 2011. Continued concerns about the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market, inflation and deflation, unemployment levels, geopolitical issues and declining real estate markets have contributed to increased market instability and diminished expectations for the U.S. economy. The commercial real estate sector in particular has been negatively affected by these market and economic conditions. These conditions may result in our tenants delaying lease commencements, requesting rent reductions, declining to extend or renew leases upon expiration and/or renewing at lower rates. These conditions also have forced some weaker tenants, in some cases, to declare bankruptcy and/or 2011 Annual Report 11 vacate leased premises. We may be unable to re-lease vacated space at attractive rents or at all. We are unable to predict whether, or to what extent or for how long, these adverse market and economic conditions will persist. The continuation and/or intensification of these conditions may impede our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow to pay expenses, maintain properties, pay distributions and repay debt. The federal conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related efforts, along with any changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the U.S. Government, may adversely affect our business. We depend on the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) for financing for the majority of our multi-family residential properties. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are U.S. Government-sponsored entities, or GSEs, but their guarantees are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In recent years, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have reported substantial losses and a need for substantial amounts of additional capital. In response to the deteriorating financial condition of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and credit market disruptions, Congress and the U.S. Treasury have undertaken a series of actions to stabilize these GSEs and the financial markets generally. In September 2008 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in federal conservatorship. The problems faced by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac resulting in their being placed into federal conservatorship have stirred debate among some federal policy makers regarding the continued role of the U.S. Government in providing liquidity for the residential mortgage market. In February 2011, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a report entitled “Reforming America’s Housing Finance Market.” The report outlines recommendations for reforming the U.S. housing system, including the financing of multi-family residential properties, and discusses specifically the roles of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in that system. It is unclear how future legislation may impact Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s involvement in multi-family residential financing. The scope and nature of the actions that the U.S. Government will ultimately undertake with respect to the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are unknown and will continue to evolve. It is possible that each of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be dissolved and the U.S. Government could decide to stop providing liquidity support of any kind to the multi-family residential mortgage market. Future legislation could further change the relationship between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the U.S. Government, and could also nationalize or eliminate such GSEs entirely. Any law affecting these GSEs may create market uncertainty and have the effect of reducing the credit available for financing multi-family residential properties. The loss or reduction of this important source of credit would be likely to result in higher loan costs for us, and could result in inability to borrow or refinance maturing debt, all of which could materially adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition. Our property acquisition activities subject us to various risks which could adversely affect our operating results. We have acquired in the past and intend to continue to pursue the acquisition of properties and portfolios of properties, including large portfolios that could increase our size and result in alterations to our capital structure. Our acquisition activities and their success are subject to numerous risks, including, but not limited to: • even if we enter into an acquisition agreement for a property, it is subject to customary closing conditions, including completion of due diligence investigations, and we may be unable to complete that acquisition after making a non-refundable deposit and incurring other acquisition-related costs; • we may be unable to obtain financing for acquisitions on favorable terms or at all; • acquired properties may fail to perform as expected; • the actual costs of repositioning or redeveloping acquired properties may be greater than our estimates; and • we may be unable quickly and efficiently to integrate new acquisitions into our existing operations. These risks could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and the amount of cash available for payment of distributions. Acquired properties may subject us to unknown liabilities which could adversely affect our operating results. We may acquire properties subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse against prior owners or other third parties, with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if liability were asserted against us based upon ownership of these properties, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle or contest it, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Unknown liabilities with respect to acquired properties might include liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination; claims by tenants, vendors or 2011 Annual Report 12 other persons against the former owners of the properties; liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business; and claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the 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, 2011, we received approximately 68.6% of our gross revenue from properties in Minnesota and North Dakota. 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. To the extent that weak economic or real estate conditions affect Minnesota and/or North Dakota more severely than other areas of the country, our financial performance could be negatively impacted. If we are not able to renew leases or enter into new leases on favorable terms or at all as our existing leases expire, our revenue, operating results and cash flows will be reduced. We may be unable to renew leases with our existing tenants or enter into new leases with new tenants due to economic and other factors as our existing leases expire or are terminated prior to the expiration of their current terms. As a result, we could lose a significant source of revenue while remaining responsible for the payment of our obligations. In addition, even if we were able to renew existing leases or enter into new leases in a timely manner, the terms of those leases may be less favorable to us than the terms of expiring leases, because the rental rates of the renewal or new leases may be significantly lower than those of the expiring leases, or tenant installation costs, including the cost of required renovations or concessions to tenants, may be significant. If we are unable to enter into lease renewals or new leases on favorable terms or in a timely manner for all or a substantial portion of space that is subject to expiring leases, our revenue, operating results and cash flows will be adversely affected. As a result, our ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest may be adversely affected. As of April 30, 2011, approximately 1.7 million square feet, or 13.9% of our total commercial property square footage, was vacant. Approximately 623 of our 8,661 apartment units, or 7.2%, were vacant. As of April 30, 2011, leases covering approximately 16.3% of our total commercial segments net rentable square footage will expire in fiscal year 2012, 7.1% in fiscal year 2013, 11.1% in fiscal year 2014, 6.9% in fiscal year 2015, and 11.1% in fiscal year 2016. We face potential adverse effects from commercial tenant bankruptcies or insolvencies. The bankruptcy or insolvency of our commercial tenants may adversely affect the income produced by our properties. If a tenant defaults, we may experience delays and incur substantial costs in enforcing our rights as landlord. If a tenant files for bankruptcy, we cannot evict the tenant solely because of such bankruptcy. A court, however, may authorize the tenant to reject and terminate its lease with us. In such a case, our claim against the tenant for unpaid future rent would be subject to a statutory cap that might be substantially less than the remaining rent actually owed under the lease, and it is unlikely that a bankrupt tenant would pay in full amounts it owes us under a lease. This shortfall could adversely affect our cash flow and results of operations. If a tenant experiences a downturn in its business or other types of financial distress, it may be unable to make timely rental payments. Under some circumstances, we may agree to partially or wholly terminate the lease in advance of the termination date in consideration for a lease termination fee that is less than the agreed rental amount. Additionally, without regard to the manner in which a lease termination occurs, we are likely to incur additional costs in the form of tenant improvements and leasing commissions in our efforts to lease the space to a new tenant, as well as possibly lower rental rates reflective of declines in market rents. Because real estate investments are generally illiquid, and various factors limit our ability to dispose of assets, we may not be able to sell properties when appropriate. Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, we have limited ability to vary our portfolio quickly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, the prohibitions under the federal income tax laws on REITs holding property for sale and related regulations may affect our ability to sell properties. Our ability to dispose of assets may also be limited by constraints on our ability to utilize disposition proceeds to make acquisitions on financially attractive terms, and the requirement that we take additional impairment charges on certain assets. More specifically, we are required to distribute or pay tax on all capital gains generated from the sale of assets, and, in addition, a significant number of our properties were acquired using limited partnership units of IRET Properties, our operating partnership, and are subject to certain agreements which restrict our ability to sell such properties in transactions that would create current taxable income to the former owners. As a result, we are motivated to structure the sale of these assets as 2011 Annual Report 13 tax-free exchanges. To accomplish this we must identify attractive re-investment opportunities. These considerations impact our decisions on whether or not to dispose of certain of our assets. Capital markets and economic conditions can materially affect our financial condition and results of operations, the value of our equity securities, and our ability to sustain payment of our distribution at current levels. Many factors affect the value of our equity securities and our ability to make or maintain at current levels distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest, including the state of the capital markets and the economy, which in recent years have negatively affected substantially all businesses, including ours. Demand for office, industrial, and retail space has declined nationwide due to bankruptcies, downsizing, layoffs and cost cutting, and real estate transactions and development opportunities have diminished. The availability of credit has been and may continue to be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets. Regulatory pressures and the burden of troubled and uncollectible loans has led some lenders and institutional investors to reduce, and in some cases, cease to provide funding to borrowers, and this may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and the liquidity and financial condition of our tenants. If these market conditions continue or recur, they may limit our ability and the ability of our tenants to timely refinance maturing liabilities and access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs, which may materially affect our financial condition and results of operations and the value of our equity securities. Declining rental revenues from our properties due to persistent negative economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on our ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. In fiscal year 2011, distributions to our common shareholders and unitholders of the Operating Partnership in cash and common shares pursuant to our Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (DRIP) totaled approximately 115.1% of our net cash provided by operating activities. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, our Board of Trustees approved a plan to reduce the Company’s quarterly distribution to $0.1300 from $0.1715 per common share and limited partnership unit, effective with the next quarterly distribution planned for October 3, 2011. The Board currently intends to maintain this level of cash distribution for at least the next four quarters. All future distributions remain subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Trustees. Inability to manage rapid growth effectively may adversely affect our operating results. We have experienced significant growth at various times in the past; 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 rapid growth presents challenges, including: • • • the need to expand our management team and staff; the need to enhance internal operating systems and controls; and the ability to consistently achieve targeted returns on individual properties. We may not be able to maintain similar rates of growth in the future, or manage our growth effectively. Additionally, an inability to make accretive property acquisitions may adversely affect our ability to increase our net income. The acquisition of additional real estate properties is critical to our ability to increase our net income. If we are unable 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 net income may be materially and adversely affected. Our failure to do so may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and ability to make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. The rapid growth in number of employees and financial and managerial resources required to implement our internal property management initiative could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We have transferred the management of the majority of our commercial and multi-family residential properties from third-party property management companies to our own employees. To accomplish this transfer, we have needed and will continue to need to hire and retain skilled employees at all levels of our property management operations. Even if we are successful in finding and hiring the appropriate personnel, there will be a significant strain placed on our managerial, operational, training, reporting and financial resources. The inability to hire needed employees on a timely basis, and/or the inability to retain those that we do hire, and the inability to put in place and maintain the necessary legal, accounting, human resource management, employee training and other relationships, resources and tools to manage this rapid growth efficiently, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 2011 Annual Report 14 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 tenant improvements. 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. High leverage on our overall portfolio may result in losses. As of April 30, 2011, 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 117.9%. As of April 30, 2010 and 2009, our percentage of total indebtedness to total Net Assets was approximately 122.9% and 141.8%, respectively. Under our Bylaws we may increase our total indebtedness up to 300.0% of our Net Assets, or by an additional approximately $1.6 billion. 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 securities 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. Additionally, our degree of leverage could adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing and may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common shares. Our inability to renew, repay or refinance our debt may result in losses. We incur a significant amount of debt in the ordinary course of our business and in connection with acquisitions of real properties. In addition, because we have a limited ability to retain earnings as a result of the REIT distribution requirements, we will generally be required to refinance debt that matures with additional debt or equity. 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. These risks increase when credit markets are tight; in general, when the credit markets are constrained, we may encounter resistance from lenders when we seek financing or refinancing for properties or proposed acquisitions, and the terms of such financing or refinancing are likely to be less favorable to us than the terms of our current indebtedness. We anticipate that only a small portion of the principal of our debt will be repaid prior to maturity. Therefore, we are likely to need to refinance a significant portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. We cannot guarantee that any refinancing of debt with other debt will be possible on terms that are favorable or acceptable to us. If we cannot refinance, extend or pay principal payments due at maturity with the proceeds of other capital transactions, such as new equity capital, our cash flows may not be sufficient in all years to repay debt as it matures. Additionally, 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 our 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 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. As of April 30, 2011, approximately 5.9% of our mortgage debt is due for repayment in fiscal year 2012. As of April 30, 2011, we had approximately $58.7 million of principal payments and approximately $57.6 million of interest payments due in fiscal year 2012 on fixed and variable-rate mortgages secured by our real estate. 2011 Annual Report 15 Additionally, as of April 30, 2011, we had $30.0 million outstanding under our $50.0 million multi-bank line of credit, which has a maturity date of August 11, 2013. The cost of our indebtedness may increase. Portions of our fixed-rate indebtedness incurred for past property acquisitions come due on a periodic basis. Rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance this existing debt when it matures, and would 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. In addition, we have incurred, and we expect to continue to incur, indebtedness that bears interest at a variable rate. As of April 30, 2011, $1.5 million, or approximately 0.2%, of the principal amount of our total mortgage indebtedness was subject to variable interest rate agreements. Additionally, our $50.0 million multi-bank line of credit bears interest at a rate of 1.0% over the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, with floor of 5.65% and a cap of 8.65%. If short-term interest rates rise, our debt service payments on adjustable rate debt would increase, which would lower our net income and could decrease our distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. We depend on distributions and other payments from our subsidiaries that they may be prohibited from making to us, which could impair our ability to make distributions to holders of our shares of beneficial interest. Substantially all of our assets are held through IRET Properties, our operating partnership, and other of our subsidiaries. As a result, we depend on distributions and other payments from our subsidiaries in order to satisfy our financial obligations and make distributions to the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. The ability of our subsidiaries to make such distributions and other payments depends on their earnings, and may be subject to statutory or contractual limitations. As an equity investor in our subsidiaries, our right to receive assets upon their liquidation or reorganization effectively will be subordinated to the claims of their creditors. To the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of such subsidiaries, our claims may still be subordinate to any security interest in or other lien on their assets and to any of their debt or other obligations that are senior to our claims. 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 and comparable to coverage customarily obtained by owners of similar properties. 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. In addition, in most cases we have to renew our insurance policies on an annual basis and negotiate acceptable terms for coverage, exposing us to the volatility of the insurance markets, including the possibility of rate increases. Any material increase in insurance rates or decrease in available coverage in the future could adversely affect our business and financial condition and results of operations, which could cause a decline in the market value of our securities. We have significant investments in commercial 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 senior housing) and may acquire more in the future. As of April 30, 2011, our real estate portfolio consisted of 56 commercial medical properties, with a total real estate investment amount, net of accumulated depreciation, of $382.5 million, or approximately 26.5% of the total real estate investment amount, net of accumulated depreciation, 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 commercial 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 commercial medical services tenants and, in turn, 2011 Annual Report 16 our lease revenues. Additional federal Medicaid funding for the states, provided under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, and under a six-month extension of the additional funding as mandated by H.R. 1586, signed into law by the President in August 2010, ended June 30, 2011. Under both the Act and H.R. 1586, states meeting certain eligibility requirements temporarily received additional money in the form of an increase in the federal medical assistance percentage. We cannot predict whether the states will have sufficient funds for their Medicaid programs, following the termination of this additional assistance and as a result of ongoing Medicaid reform efforts. 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. New federal health care reform laws may adversely affect the operators and tenants of our commercial medical (including senior housing) properties. In March 2010, the President signed into law The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) and The Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010 (the “Reconciliation Act”), which amends the PPACA (collectively, the “Health Reform Acts”). The Health Reform Acts contain various provisions that may affect us directly as an employer, and that may affect the operators and tenants of commercial medical (including senior housing) properties. While some of the provisions of these laws may have a positive impact on operators’ or tenants’ revenues, by increasing coverage of uninsured individuals, other provisions may have a negative effect on operator or tenant reimbursements, for example by changing the “market basket” adjustments for certain types of health care facilities. The Health Reform Acts also enhance certain fraud and abuse penalty provisions that could apply to our operators and tenants in the event of one or more violations of complex federal health care laws. Additionally, provisions in the Health Reform Acts may affect the health coverage that we and our operators and tenants provide to our respective employees. We currently cannot predict the impact that this far-reaching, landmark legislation will have on our business and the businesses and operations of our tenants. Any loss of revenues and/or additional expenditures incurred by us or by operators and tenants of our properties as a result of the Health Reform Acts could adversely affect our cash flow and results of operations and have a material adverse effect on 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 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 or other safety regulations and requirements may affect our costs and investment strategies. Federal, state and local laws and regulations designed to improve disabled persons’ access to and use of buildings, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 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. 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. Noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by government authorities or the award of damages to private litigants. 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. Our properties are also subject to various other federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we could incur fines or private damage awards. Additionally, in the event that existing requirements change, compliance with future requirements may require significant unanticipated expenditures that may adversely affect our cash flow and results of operations. 2011 Annual Report 17 We may be responsible for potential liabilities under environmental laws. Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, we, as 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 may impose liability without regard to whether we knew of, or were 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 our ability to sell or rent the affected property or to borrow funds using the property as collateral. In arranging for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances, we may also be liable for the costs of removal of, or remediation of, these substances at that disposal or treatment facility, whether or not we own or operate the facility. 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 at 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. Environmental laws also govern the presence, maintenance and removal of asbestos, and require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos properly manage and maintain the asbestos; notify and train those who may come into contact with asbestos; and undertake special precautions if asbestos would be disturbed during renovation or demolition of a building. Indoor air quality issues may also necessitate special investigation and remediation. These air quality issues can result from inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor or outdoor sources, or biological contaminants such as molds, pollen, viruses and bacteria. Such asbestos or air quality remediation programs could be costly, necessitate the temporary relocation of some or all of the property’s tenants or require rehabilitation of an affected property. It is generally our policy to obtain a Phase I environmental study on each property that we seek to acquire. A Phase I environmental study generally includes a visual inspection of the property and the surrounding areas, an examination of current and historical uses of the property and the surrounding areas and a review of relevant state and federal documents, but does not involve invasive techniques such as soil and ground water sampling. If the Phase I indicates any possible environmental problems, 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, and could adversely impact our relationships with lenders, industry personnel and potential tenants. 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. If we fail to manage effectively a transition to new personnel, or if we fail to attract and retain qualified and experienced personnel on acceptable terms, our business and prospects could be harmed. The location of our company headquarters in Minot, North Dakota, may make it more difficult and expensive to attract, relocate and retain current and future officers and employees. 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. Even a technical or inadvertent mistake could endanger our REIT status. The determination that we qualify as a REIT requires an ongoing analysis of various factual matters and circumstances, some of which may not be within our control. For example, in order to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of our gross income in any year must come from certain passive sources that are itemized in the REIT tax laws, and we are prohibited from owning specified amounts of debt or equity securities of some issuers. Thus, to the extent revenues from non-qualifying sources, such as income from third-party management services, represent more 2011 Annual Report 18 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. We are also required to make distributions to the holders of our securities of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains. The fact that we hold substantially all of our assets (except for qualified REIT subsidiaries) through IRET Properties, our operating partnership, and its subsidiaries, and our ongoing reliance on factual determinations, such as determinations related to the valuation of our assets, further complicates the application of the REIT requirements for us. 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 regular 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, we could be subject to increased state and local taxes, and, 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 securities because of the additional tax liability to us for the year or years involved. In addition, we would no longer be able to deduct, and would not be required to make, distributions to holders of our securities. To the extent that distributions to the holders of our securities had 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. Failure of our operating partnership to qualify as a partnership would have a material adverse effect on us. We believe that IRET Properties, our operating partnership, qualifies as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. No assurance can be given, however, that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the Internal Revenue Service were to be successful in treating IRET Properties as an entity that is taxable as a corporation (such as a publicly- traded partnership taxable as a corporation), we would cease to qualify as a REIT because the value of our ownership interest in IRET Properties would exceed 5% of our assets, and because we would be considered to hold more than 10% of the voting securities and value of the outstanding securities of another corporation. Also, the imposition of a corporate tax on IRET Properties would reduce significantly the amount of cash available for distribution by it. 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, (renamed the NASDAQ Global 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 of 9.8%, in number or value, of our outstanding securities, (ii) less than 100 people owning our securities, (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 securities 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 securities 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 securities 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 securities. In order to maintain our REIT status, we may be forced to borrow funds during unfavorable market conditions. In order to maintain our REIT status, we may need to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the REIT distribution requirements, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings. To qualify as a 2011 Annual Report 19 REIT, we generally must distribute to our shareholders at least 90% of our net taxable income each year, excluding net capital gains. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which certain distributions made by us with respect to the calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income for that year, and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. We intend to make distributions to our shareholders to comply with the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax and will rely for this purpose on distributions from our operating partnership. However, we may need short-term debt or long-term debt or proceeds from asset sales or sales of common shares to fund required distributions as a result of differences in timing between the actual receipt of income and the recognition of income for federal income tax purposes, or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt or amortization payments. The inability of our cash flows to cover our distribution requirements could have an adverse impact on our ability to raise short and long-term debt or sell equity securities in order to fund distributions required to maintain our REIT status. Complying with REIT requirements may force us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities or liquidate otherwise attractive investments. To qualify and maintain our status as a REIT, we must satisfy certain requirements with respect to the character of our assets. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any quarter, we must correct such failure within 30 days after the end of the quarter (by, possibly, selling assets notwithstanding their prospects as an investment) to avoid losing our REIT status. If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any quarter, and the failure exceeds a minimum threshold, we may be able to preserve our REIT status if (a) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, (b) we dispose of the assets causing the failure within six months after the last day of the quarter in which we identified the failure, (c) we file a schedule with the IRS describing each asset that caused the failure, and (d) we pay an additional tax of the greater of $50,000 or the product of the highest applicable tax rate multiplied by the net income generated on those assets. As a result, compliance with the REIT requirements may require us to liquidate or forego otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our shareholders. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes, such as mortgage recording taxes. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distribution to our shareholders. In addition, in order to meet the REIT qualification requirements, or to avert the imposition of a 100% tax that applies to certain gains derived by a REIT from dealer property or inventory, we may hold some of our assets through a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). We currently have one TRS, to which we lease our five Wyoming assisted living facilities. Because of the ownership structure of our Wyoming assisted living portfolio, we face potential adverse effects from changes to the applicable tax laws. Under the Internal Revenue Code, REITs are not allowed to operate assisted living facilities directly or indirectly. Accordingly, we lease our five Wyoming assisted living facilities to our TRS. While the TRS structure allows the economic benefits of ownership to flow to us, the TRS is subject to tax on its income from the operations of the assisted living facilities at the federal and state level. In addition, the TRS is subject to detailed tax regulations that affect how it may be capitalized and operated. If the tax laws applicable to a TRS are modified, we may be forced to modify the structure for owning these assisted living facilities, and such changes may adversely affect the cash flows from the facilities. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Treasury Department and Congress frequently review federal income tax legislation, and we cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new federal tax laws, regulations, interpretations or rulings will be adopted. Any of such actions may prospectively or retroactively modify the tax treatment of the TRS and, therefore, may adversely affect our after-tax returns from our Wyoming assisted living facilities. The lease of qualified health care properties to a taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to special requirements. We currently lease our Wyoming assisted living portfolio to a TRS, and we may in future lease other qualified health care properties we acquire from operators to a TRS (or a limited liability company of which the TRS is a member), which lessee will contract with such operators (or a related party) to operate the health care operations at these properties. The rents from this TRS lessee structure will be treated as qualifying rents from real property if (1) they are paid pursuant to an arms-length lease of a qualified health care property with a TRS and (2) the operator qualifies as an eligible independent contractor. If any of these conditions are not satisfied, then the rents will not be qualifying rents, which could have a material adverse affect on us and our qualification as a REIT. 2011 Annual Report 20 We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could reduce the market price of our common shares. At any time, the federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws may be amended. Any of those new laws or interpretations may take effect retroactively and could adversely affect us or the market price of our common shares of beneficial interest. The U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs are complex. We intend to operate in a manner that will qualify us as a REIT under the U.S. federal income tax laws. The REIT qualification requirements are extremely complex, however, and interpretations of the U.S. federal income tax laws governing qualification as a REIT are limited. Accordingly, we cannot be certain that we will be successful in operating so we can continue to qualify as a REIT. At any time, new laws, interpretations, or court decisions may change the federal tax laws or the U.S. federal income tax consequences of our qualification as a REIT. Our board of trustees may make changes to our major policies without approval of the holders of our shares of beneficial interest. Our operating and financial policies, including policies relating to development and acquisition of real estate, financing, growth, operations, indebtedness, capitalization and distributions, are exclusively 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. Accordingly, our shareholders do not control these policies, and policy changes could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Risks Related to the Purchase of our Shares of Beneficial Interest Our future growth depends, in part, on our ability to raise additional equity capital, which will have the effect of diluting the interests of the holders of our common shares. Our future growth depends upon, among other things, our ability to raise equity capital and issue limited partnership units of IRET Properties. The issuance of additional common shares, and of limited partnership units for which we subsequently issue common shares upon the redemption of the limited partnership units, will dilute the interests of the current holders of our common shares. Additionally, sales of substantial amounts of our common shares or preferred shares in the public market, or issuances of our common shares upon redemption of limited partnership units in our operating partnership, or the perception that such sales or issuances might occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common shares. We may issue additional classes or series of our shares of beneficial interest with rights and preferences that are superior to the rights and preferences of our common shares. Without the approval of the holders of our common shares, our board of trustees may establish additional classes or series of our shares of beneficial interest, and such classes or series may have dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, redemption prices, liquidation preferences or other rights and preferences that are superior to the rights of the holders of our common shares. Payment of distributions on our shares of beneficial interest is not guaranteed. Our board of trustees must approve our payment of distributions and may elect at any time, or from time to time, and for an indefinite duration, to reduce the distributions payable on our shares of beneficial interest or to not pay distributions on our shares of beneficial interest. Our board of trustees may reduce distributions for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, the following: • • • operating and financial results below expectations that cannot support the current distribution payment; unanticipated costs or cash requirements; or a conclusion that the payment of distributions would cause us to breach the terms of certain agreements or contracts, such as financial ratio covenants in our debt financing documents. Our distributions are not eligible for the lower tax rate on dividends except in limited situations. The tax rate applicable to qualifying corporate dividends received by shareholders taxed at individual rates has been reduced to a maximum rate of 15%. This special tax rate is generally not applicable to distributions paid by a REIT, unless such distributions represent earnings on which the REIT itself had been taxed. As a result, distributions (other than capital gain distributions) paid by us to shareholders taxed at individual rates will generally be subject to the tax rates that are otherwise applicable to ordinary income which, currently, are as high as 35%. Although the earnings of a REIT that are distributed to its shareholders are still generally subject to less federal income taxation than earnings of a non-REIT C corporation that are distributed to its shareholders net of corporate-level income tax, this law change 2011 Annual Report 21 may make an investment in our securities comparatively less attractive relative to an investment in the shares of other entities which pay dividends but are not formed as REITs. Changes in market conditions could adversely affect the price of our securities. As is the case with any publicly- traded securities, certain factors outside of our control could influence the value of our common shares, Series A preferred shares and any other securities to be issued in the future. These conditions include, but are not limited to: • market perception of REITs in general; • market perception of REITs relative to other investment opportunities; • market perception of our financial condition, performance, distributions and growth potential; • • • • prevailing interest rates; general economic and business conditions; government action or regulation, including changes in the tax laws; and relatively low trading volumes in securities of REITS. Higher market interest rates may adversely affect the market price of our securities, and low trading volume on the NASDAQ Global Select Market may prevent the timely resale of our securities. One of the factors that investors may consider important in deciding whether to buy or sell shares of a REIT is the distribution with respect to such REIT’s shares as a percentage of the price of those shares, relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates rise, prospective purchasers of REIT shares may expect a higher distribution rate in order to maintain their investment. Higher market interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and might decrease funds available for distribution. Thus, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our common shares to decline. In addition, although our common shares of beneficial interest are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the daily trading volume of our shares may be lower than the trading volume for other companies. The average daily trading volume for the period of May 1, 2010, through April 30, 2011, was 316,637 shares and the average monthly trading volume for the period of May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011 was 6,649,368 shares. As a result of this trading volume, an owner of our common shares may encounter difficulty in selling our shares in a timely manner and may incur a substantial loss. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments None. 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. These real estate investments are managed by our own employees and by third-party professional real estate management companies on our behalf. Total Real Estate Rental Revenue As of April 30, 2011, our real estate portfolio consisted of 78 multi-family residential properties and 176 commercial properties, consisting of commercial office, commercial medical, commercial industrial and commercial retail properties, comprising 25.5%, 34.1%, 26.5%, 6.9%, and 7.0%, respectively, of our total real estate portfolio, based on the dollar amount of our original investment plus capital improvements, net of accumulated depreciation, through April 30, 2011. 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: 2011 Annual Report 22 Fiscal Year Ended April 30, (in thousands) 2011 2010 2009 Multi- Commercial Family Medical Residential Gross Gross Revenue Revenue $ 66,838 28.2% $ 77,747 32.8% $ 66,048 27.8% $ 13,165 5.5% $ 13,609 $ 65,478 28.3% $ 82,079 35.4% $ 57,439 24.8% $ 13,095 5.7% $ 13,420 $ 65,632 28.7% $ 83,446 36.5% $ 52,547 23.0% $ 12,488 5.5% $ 14,403 Commercial Office Gross Revenue Commercial Retail Gross Revenue Commercial Industrial Gross Revenue % % % % % All Segments Gross Revenue 5.7% $ 237,407 5.8% $ 231,511 6.3% $ 228,516 Average Effective Annual Rent The table below sets out the average effective annual rent per square foot or unit for each of the last five fiscal years in each of our five segments: As of April 30 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 Multi-family Residential(1) 688 680 673 654 633 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Average Effective Annual Rent per square foot or unit Commercial Office(2) Commercial Medical(2) 19 18 18 18 16 13 13 13 13 14 $ $ $ $ $ Commercial Industrial(2) 4 4 4 3 4 $ $ $ $ $ Commercial Retail(2) 8 9 8 9 10 $ $ $ $ $ (1) Monthly rent per unit, calculated as annualized rental revenue divided by the occupied units as of April 30. (2) Monthly rental rate per square foot calculated as annualized contractual base rental income, net of free rent, divided by the leased square feet as of April 30. Physical Occupancy Rates Physical occupancy levels on a stabilized property and all-property basis are shown below for each property type in each of the three most recent fiscal years ended April 30. Stabilized properties are those properties owned for the entirety of both periods being compared, and, in the case of development or re-development properties, which have achieved a target level of occupancy. 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. Segments Multi - Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Certain Lending Requirements Stabilized Properties Fiscal Year Ended April 30, All Properties Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2011 2009 2010 92.8% 89.7% 93.6% 79.2% 83.9% 87.4% 95.3% 95.7% 95.6% 89.8% 90.6% 96.9% 82.6% 82.8% 84.7% 2011 2009 2010 92.8% 89.7% 93.4% 79.7% 83.4% 87.5% 96.0% 95.1% 95.0% 90.1% 90.7% 97.0% 81.6% 82.8% 84.7% 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 a number of 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 We conduct our corporate operations from offices in Minot, North Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota. We also have property management offices in Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The day-to-day management of our properties is carried out by our own employees and in certain cases by third-party property management companies. In markets where the amount of rentable square footage we own does not justify self-management, when properties acquired have effective pre-existing property management in place, or when for other reasons particular properties are in our judgment not attractive candidates for self-management, we 2011 Annual Report 23 utilize third-party professional management companies for day-to-day management. However, all decisions 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 implemented by the third-party management companies. The management and leasing of our multi-family residential properties previously was generally handled by locally-based, third-party management companies, but during fiscal year 2010 we began implementing our previously-announced plan to transfer the management of the majority of our commercial and multi-family residential properties to our own employees. As of April 30, 2011, we have under internal management 155 commercial properties and 74 multi-family residential properties. Our remaining 21 commercial and 4 multi- family residential properties are managed by third parties. We plan to continue evaluating our portfolio to identify other commercial properties and multi-family properties that may be candidates for management by our own employees. Generally, our management contracts provide for compensation ranging from 2.5% to 6.0% 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. Summary of Real Estate Investment Portfolio As of April 30, (in thousands) Real estate investments Property owned Less accumulated depreciation Development in progress Unimproved land Mortgage loans receivable Total real estate investments 2011 % 2010 % 2009 % $ $ $ 1,770,798 (328,952) 1,441,846 9,693 6,550 156 1,458,245 $ 1,800,519 (308,626) 98.9% $ 1,491,893 2,831 6,007 158 100.0% $ 1,500,889 0.7% 0.4% 0.0% $ 1,729,585 (262,871) 99.4% $ 1,466,714 0 5,701 160 100.0% $ 1,472,575 0.2% 0.4% 0.0% 99.6% 0.0% 0.4% 0.0% 100.0% Summary of Individual Properties Owned as of April 30, 2011 The following table presents information regarding our 254 properties owned as of April 30, 2011. 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. Additional information is included in Schedule III to our financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. * = Real estate not owned in fee; all or a portion is leased under a ground or air rights lease. Property Name and Location MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL 11th Street 3 Plex - Minot, ND 4th Street 4 Plex - Minot, ND Apartments on Main - Minot, ND Arbors - S Sioux City, NE Boulder Court - Eagan, MN Brookfield Village - Topeka, KS Brooklyn Heights - Minot, ND Campus Center - St. Cloud, MN Campus Heights - St. Cloud, MN Campus Knoll - St. Cloud, MN Campus Plaza - St. Cloud, MN Campus Side - St. Cloud, MN Campus View - St. Cloud, MN 2011 Annual Report 24 (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 Units 3 $ 4 10 192 115 160 72 92 49 71 24 48 48 69 90 1,299 7,916 8,954 8,274 2,283 2,754 770 1,836 391 784 770 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 75.5% 93.9% 98.8% 98.6% 96.7% 53.1% 91.5% 100.0% 83.3% 91.7% Property Name and Location MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - continued Candlelight - Fargo, ND Canyon Lake - Rapid City, SD Castlerock - Billings, MT Chateau - Minot, ND Cimarron Hills - Omaha, NE Colonial Villa - Burnsville, MN Colton Heights - Minot, ND Cornerstone - St. Cloud, MN Cottonwood - Bismarck, ND Country Meadows - Billings, MT Crestview - Bismarck, ND Crown - Rochester, MN Crown Colony - Topeka, KS East Park - Sioux Falls, SD Evergreen - Isanti, MN Fairmont - Minot, ND Forest Park - Grand Forks, ND Greenfield - Omaha, NE Heritage Manor - Rochester, MN Indian Hills - Sioux City, IA Kirkwood Manor - Bismarck, ND Lancaster - St. Cloud, MN Landmark - Grand Forks, ND Legacy - Grand Forks, ND Mariposa - Topeka, KS Monticello Village - Monticello, MN North Pointe - Bismarck, ND Northern Valley - Rochester, MN Oakmont Estates - Sioux Falls, SD Oakwood Estates - Sioux Falls, SD Olympic Village - Billings, MT Olympik Village - Rochester, MN Oxbow Park - Sioux Falls, SD Park Meadows - Waite Park, MN Pebble Springs - Bismarck, ND Pinehurst - Billings, MT Pines - Minot, ND Plaza - Minot, ND Pointe West - Rapid City, SD Prairie Winds - Sioux Falls, SD Prairiewood Meadows - Fargo, ND Quarry Ridge - Rochester, MN Ridge Oaks - Sioux City, IA Rimrock West - Billings, MT Rocky Meadows - Billings, MT Rum River - Isanti, MN Sherwood - Topeka, KS Sierra Vista - Sioux Falls, SD South Pointe - Minot, ND Southview - Minot, ND (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 Units 66 $ 109 166 64 234 240 18 24 268 133 152 48 220 84 36 12 269 96 182 120 108 83 90 358 54 60 73 16 80 160 274 140 120 360 16 21 16 71 90 48 85 156 132 78 98 72 300 44 196 24 1,886 4,838 7,086 3,643 14,026 16,715 1,074 396 20,952 9,263 5,417 3,590 12,298 3,125 3,158 374 12,036 5,101 9,270 5,901 4,428 3,961 2,527 28,257 5,819 4,601 4,486 732 5,594 7,027 13,400 8,274 5,833 14,422 847 872 342 15,607 4,917 2,351 3,735 15,044 6,186 5,122 7,187 5,706 18,164 2,344 12,029 920 84.8% 98.2% 94.6% 98.4% 78.2% 80.0% 94.4% 100.0% 96.6% 96.2% 99.3% 97.9% 94.1% 90.5% 100.0% 100.0% 96.7% 99.0% 90.1% 92.5% 88.9% 89.2% 97.8% 98.0% 96.3% 93.3% 95.9% 81.3% 98.8% 75.6% 98.2% 95.0% 98.3% 90.6% 93.8% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 95.8% 95.3% 96.2% 97.7% 97.4% 87.8% 98.6% 96.3% 88.6% 99.5% 91.7% 2011 Annual Report 25 Property Name and Location MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - continued Southwind - Grand Forks, ND Summit Park - Minot, ND Sunset Trail - Rochester, MN Sycamore Village - Sioux Falls, SD Temple - Minot, ND Terrace Heights - Minot, ND Terrace On The Green - Moorhead, MN The Meadows - Jamestown, ND Thomasbrook - Lincoln, NE University Park Place - St. Cloud, MN Valley Park - Grand Forks, ND Village Green - Rochester, MN West Stonehill - Waite Park, MN Westridge - Minot, ND Westwood Park - Bismarck, ND Winchester - Rochester, MN Woodridge - Rochester, MN TOTAL MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL Property Name and Location COMMERCIAL OFFICE 1st Avenue Building - Minot, ND 2030 Cliff Road - Eagan, MN 610 Business Center IV - Brooklyn Park, MN 7800 West Brown Deer Road - Milwaukee, WI American Corporate Center - Mendota Heights, MN Ameritrade - Omaha, NE Benton Business Park - Sauk Rapids, MN Bismarck 715 East Broadway - Bismarck, ND Bloomington Business Plaza - Bloomington, MN Brenwood - Minnetonka, MN Brook Valley I - La Vista, NE Burnsville Bluffs II - Burnsville, MN Cold Spring Center - St. Cloud, MN Corporate Center West - Omaha, NE Crosstown Centre - Eden Prairie, MN Dewey Hill Business Center - Edina, MN Farnam Executive Center - Omaha, NE Flagship - Eden Prairie, MN Gateway Corporate Center - Woodbury, MN Golden Hills Office Center - Golden Valley, MN Great Plains - Fargo, ND Highlands Ranch I - Highlands Ranch, CO Highlands Ranch II - Highlands Ranch, CO Interlachen Corporate Center - Edina, MN Intertech Building - Fenton, MO IRET Corporate Plaza - Minot, ND 2011 Annual Report 26 (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 Units 164 $ 95 146 48 4 16 116 81 264 35 168 36 313 33 65 115 110 8,661 $ 7,516 2,883 15,195 1,842 224 423 3,343 6,144 13,599 563 6,689 3,001 15,158 1,990 3,622 7,592 7,958 484,815 91.5% 98.9% 92.5% 79.2% 100.0% 100.0% 87.1% 97.5% 98.1% 88.6% 80.4% 91.7% 93.9% 100.0% 89.2% 87.8% 93.6% 92.8% Approximate Net Rentable Square Footage (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 4,427 $ 13,374 78,190 175,610 138,959 73,742 30,464 22,187 121,064 176,800 30,000 45,019 77,634 141,724 181,224 73,338 94,832 138,825 59,827 190,758 122,040 71,430 81,173 105,084 64,749 50,610 73 1,071 9,403 12,242 21,177 8,349 1,527 2,751 8,155 17,090 2,099 3,357 9,303 21,692 18,688 5,413 13,592 24,359 9,490 24,767 15,376 11,058 11,982 17,598 6,173 9,266 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 98.0% 94.2% 100.0% 88.1% 100.0% 47.5% 62.4% 50.1% 100.0% 96.4% 100.0% 51.8% 35.7% 100.0% 95.6% 0.0% 92.3% 100.0% 100.0% 57.7% 35.7% 88.0% 100.0% Property Name and Location COMMERCIAL OFFICE - continued Mendota Office Center I - Mendota Heights, MN Mendota Office Center II - Mendota Heights, MN Mendota Office Center III - Mendota Heights, MN Mendota Office Center IV - Mendota Heights, MN Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN Minot 2505 16th Street SW - Minot, ND Miracle Hills One - Omaha, NE Nicollett VII - Burnsville, MN Northgate I - Maple Grove, MN Northgate II - Maple Grove, MN Northpark Corporate Center - Arden Hills, MN Omaha 10802 Farnam Dr - Omaha, NE Pacific Hills - Omaha, NE Pillsbury Business Center - Bloomington, MN Plaza VII - Boise, ID Plymouth 5095 Nathan Lane - Plymouth, MN Plymouth I - Plymouth, MN Plymouth II - Plymouth, MN Plymouth III - Plymouth, MN Plymouth IV & V - Plymouth, MN Prairie Oak Business Center - Eden Prairie, MN Rapid City 900 Concourse Drive - Rapid City, SD Riverport - Maryland Heights, MO Southeast Tech Center - Eagan, MN Spring Valley IV - Omaha, NE Spring Valley V - Omaha, NE Spring Valley X - Omaha, NE Spring Valley XI - Omaha, NE Superior Office Building - Duluth, MN TCA Building - Eagan, MN Three Paramount Plaza - Bloomington, MN Thresher Square - Minneapolis, MN Timberlands - Leawood, KS UHC Office - International Falls, MN US Bank Financial Center - Bloomington, MN Viromed - Eden Prairie, MN Wells Fargo Center - St Cloud, MN West River Business Park - Waite Park, MN Westgate - Boise, ID Whitewater Plaza - Minnetonka, MN Wirth Corporate Center - Golden Valley, MN Woodlands Plaza IV - Maryland Heights, MO TOTAL COMMERCIAL OFFICE Approximate Net Rentable Square Footage (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 59,852 $ 88,398 60,776 72,231 18,869 15,000 83,448 118,125 79,297 26,000 146,087 58,574 143,075 42,929 28,994 20,528 26,186 26,186 26,186 126,930 36,421 75,815 122,567 58,300 15,700 24,171 24,000 24,000 20,000 103,640 75,526 117,144 90,388 30,000 153,311 48,700 86,192 24,075 103,342 61,138 74,568 61,820 5,061,573 $ 7,371 12,667 6,957 9,283 1,745 2,022 13,349 7,500 8,252 2,447 17,722 6,836 17,457 1,960 3,772 1,897 1,690 1,672 2,352 15,346 6,068 7,161 20,899 6,408 1,154 1,586 1,236 1,272 2,538 10,005 9,235 12,798 15,252 2,565 17,047 4,864 10,325 1,477 13,529 6,106 9,497 6,121 595,491 94.1% 85.1% 65.3% 100.0% 47.7% 100.0% 94.9% 60.9% 100.0% 100.0% 26.6% 98.6% 79.3% 52.4% 32.9% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 92.1% 75.8% 100.0% 100.0% 30.4% 100.0% 100.0% 70.0% 100.0% 100.0% 85.2% 73.3% 36.2% 65.1% 100.0% 92.6% 100.0% 96.0% 69.2% 100.0% 69.4% 97.3% 80.5% 79.7% 2011 Annual Report 27 Property Name and Location COMMERCIAL MEDICAL 2800 Medical Building - Minneapolis, MN 2828 Chicago Avenue - Minneapolis, MN Airport Medical - Bloomington, MN* Barry Pointe Office Park - Kansas City, MO Billings 2300 Grant Road - Billings, MT Burnsville 303 Nicollet Medical (Ridgeview) - Burnsville, MN Burnsville 305 Nicollet Medical (Ridgeview South) - Burnsville, MN Casper 1930 E 12th Street (Park Place) - Casper, WY Casper 3955 E 12th Street (Meadow Wind) - Casper, WY Cheyenne 4010 N College Drive (Aspen Wind) - Cheyenne, WY Cheyenne 4606 N College Drive (Sierra Hills) - Cheyenne, WY Denfeld Clinic - Duluth, MN Eagan 1440 Duckwood Medical - Eagan, MN Edgewood Vista - Belgrade, MT Edgewood Vista - Billings, MT Edgewood Vista - Bismarck, ND Edgewood Vista - Brainerd, MN Edgewood Vista - Columbus, NE Edgewood Vista - East Grand Forks, MN Edgewood Vista - Fargo, ND Edgewood Vista - Fremont, NE Edgewood Vista - Grand Island, NE Edgewood Vista - Hastings, NE Edgewood Vista - Hermantown I, MN Edgewood Vista - Hermantown II, MN Edgewood Vista - Kalispell, MT Edgewood Vista - Minot, ND Edgewood Vista - Missoula, MT Edgewood Vista - Norfolk, NE Edgewood Vista - Omaha, NE Edgewood Vista - Sioux Falls, SD Edgewood Vista - Spearfish, SD Edgewood Vista - Virginia, MN Edina 6363 France Medical - Edina, MN* Edina 6405 France Medical - Edina, MN* Edina 6517 Drew Avenue - Edina, MN Edina 6525 France SMC II - Edina, MN Edina 6545 France SMC I - Edina MN* Fresenius - Duluth, MN Garden View - St. Paul, MN* Gateway Clinic - Sandstone, MN* Healtheast St John & Woodwinds - Maplewood & Woodbury, MN High Pointe Health Campus - Lake Elmo, MN Laramie 1072 N 22nd Street (Spring Wind) - Laramie, WY Approximate Net Rentable Square Footage (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 53,750 $ 56,239 24,218 18,502 14,705 53,646 36,199 65,160 35,629 47,509 54,072 20,512 17,640 5,192 11,800 74,112 82,535 5,194 18,488 167,391 6,042 5,185 6,042 119,349 160,485 5,895 108,503 10,150 5,135 6,042 11,800 84,126 147,183 70,934 55,478 12,140 67,409 227,626 9,052 43,404 12,444 114,316 60,294 35,629 9,488 17,673 4,678 2,854 1,865 8,636 5,866 6,172 6,217 10,495 8,150 3,099 2,587 814 1,882 9,740 9,620 867 1,642 21,645 588 806 607 11,660 11,269 624 12,636 999 764 676 1,288 8,934 12,145 12,695 12,201 1,537 14,754 45,243 1,572 7,892 1,766 21,601 13,211 7,038 94.2% 100.0% 100.0% 92.6% 100.0% 83.9% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 50.6% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 92.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 70.5% 100.0% 2011 Annual Report 28 Property Name and Location COMMERCIAL MEDICAL – continued Mariner Clinic - Superior, WI* Minneapolis 701 25th Avenue Medical - Minneapolis, MN* Missoula 3050 Great Northern - Missoula, MT Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital - Omaha, NE* Park Dental - Brooklyn Center, MN Pavilion I - Duluth, MN* Pavilion II - Duluth, MN Ritchie Medical Plaza - St Paul, MN Sartell 2000 23rd Street South - Sartell, MN* St Michael Clinic - St Michael, MN Stevens Point - Stevens Point, WI Wells Clinic - Hibbing, MN TOTAL COMMERCIAL MEDICAL Property Name and Location COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL API Building - Duluth, MN Bloomington 2000 W 94th Street - Bloomington, MN Bodycote Industrial Building - Eden Prairie, MN Brooklyn Park 7401 Boone Avenue - Brooklyn Park, MN Cedar Lake Business Center - St. Louis Park, MN Clive 2075 NW 94th Street - Clive, IA Dixon Avenue Industrial Park - Des Moines, IA Eagan 2785 & 2795 Highway 55 - Eagan, MN Fargo 1320 45th Street N - Fargo, ND Lexington Commerce Center - Eagan, MN Lighthouse - Duluth, MN Metal Improvement Company - New Brighton, MN Minnetonka 13600 County Road 62 - Minnetonka, MN Roseville 2929 Long Lake Road - Roseville, MN Stone Container - Fargo, ND Stone Container - Roseville, MN Urbandale 3900 106th Street - Urbandale, IA Winsted Industrial Building - Winsted, MN Woodbury 1865 Woodlane - Woodbury, MN TOTAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL Approximate Net Rentable Square Footage (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 28,928 $ 57,212 14,640 61,758 9,998 45,081 73,000 52,116 59,760 10,796 47,950 18,810 2,727,205 $ 3,802 7,873 1,971 21,798 2,952 10,174 19,327 10,409 12,693 2,851 14,825 2,660 447,831 100.0% 96.6% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 58.1% 95.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 96.0% Approximate Net Rentable Square Footage (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 35,000 $ 100,850 41,880 357,111 50,400 42,510 604,886 198,600 42,244 90,260 59,292 49,620 69,984 172,057 195,075 229,072 528,353 41,685 69,600 2,978,479 $ 1,723 7,223 2,152 14,791 3,755 3,067 13,299 5,628 4,159 6,638 1,885 2,507 3,702 10,721 7,141 8,282 14,262 1,049 5,618 117,602 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 77.5% 95.2% 100.0% 79.7% 74.3% 100.0% 79.2% 84.6% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 98.1% 100.0% 100.0% 90.1% 2011 Annual Report 29 Approximate Net Rentable Square Footage (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) Physical Occupancy as of April 30, 2011 2,454 $ 10,625 8,526 8,400 26,020 137,572 16,921 37,770 15,582 23,187 12,556 34,226 6,836 100,570 28,528 59,117 213,271 100,249 52,000 16,080 9,488 41,200 47,709 78,095 10,843 3,575 26,985 4,800 63,225 118,398 104,928 25,644 14,820 1,460,200 $ $ 287 750 1,189 974 3,593 21,434 613 5,037 1,934 3,148 1,699 1,920 509 8,208 2,546 5,707 6,232 2,632 3,472 1,416 2,015 1,800 7,444 7,179 632 872 3,699 452 3,382 12,761 7,386 1,681 2,456 125,059 1,770,798 100.0% 37.6% 100.0% 62.5% 77.2% 93.3% 94.9% 69.2% 100.0% 82.5% 61.6% 88.3% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 92.8% 82.9% 88.9% 100.0% 0.0% 87.4% 100.0% 53.5% 100.0% 79.2% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 75.2% 67.6% 57.4% 0.0% 100.0% 81.6% Property Name and Location COMMERCIAL RETAIL 17 South Main - Minot, ND Anoka Strip Center - Anoka, MN Burnsville 1 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN Burnsville 2 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN Champlin South Pond - Champlin, MN Chan West Village - Chanhassen, MN Dakota West Plaza - Minot , ND Duluth Denfeld Retail - Duluth, MN Duluth NAPA - Duluth, MN Eagan Community - Eagan, MN East Grand Station - East Grand Forks, MN Fargo Express Community - Fargo, ND Forest Lake Auto - Forest Lake, MN Forest Lake Westlake Center - Forest Lake, MN Grand Forks Carmike - Grand Forks, ND Grand Forks Medpark Mall - Grand Forks, ND Jamestown Buffalo Mall - Jamestown, ND Jamestown Business Center - Jamestown, ND Kalispell Retail Center - Kalispell, MT Kentwood Thomasville Furniture - Kentwood, MI Lakeville Strip Center - Lakeville, MN Livingston Pamida - Livingston, MT Minot 1400 31st Ave - Minot, ND Minot Arrowhead - Minot, ND Minot Plaza - Minot, ND Monticello C Store - Monticello, MN Omaha Barnes & Noble - Omaha, NE Pine City C-Store - Pine City, MN Pine City Evergreen Square - Pine City, MN Rochester Maplewood Square - Rochester, MN St. Cloud Westgate - St. Cloud, MN Weston Retail - Weston, WI Weston Walgreens - Weston, WI TOTAL COMMERCIAL RETAIL SUBTOTAL 2011 Annual Report 30 Property Name and Location UNIMPROVED LAND Bismarck 2130 S 12th St - Bismarck, ND Bismarck 700 E Main - Bismarck, ND Eagan Unimproved Land - Eagan, MN Georgetown Square Unimproved Land - Grand Chute, WI IRET Corporate Plaza Retention Pond - Minot, ND Kalispell Unimproved Land - Kalispell, MT Monticello Unimproved Land - Monticello, MN River Falls Unimproved Land - River Falls, WI Urbandale Unimproved Land - Urbandale, IA Weston Unimproved Land - Weston, WI TOTAL UNIMPROVED LAND DEVELOPMENT IN PROGRESS 1st Avenue Building - Minot, ND Jamestown Buffalo Mall Theater - Jamestown, ND Georgetown Square Development - Grand Chute, WI IRET Corporate Plaza 2 - Minot, ND Quarry Ridge 2 - Rochester, MN TOTAL DEVELOPMENT IN PROGRESS (in thousands) Investment (initial cost plus improvements) $ $ $ $ 589 870 423 1,860 162 1,423 117 181 113 812 6,550 280 1,533 1,775 4,751 1,354 9,693 TOTAL UNITS – RESIDENTIAL SEGMENT TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE – COMMERCIAL SEGMENTS TOTAL INVESTMENTS 8,661 12,227,457 $1,787,041 Mortgages Payable and Line of Credit As of April 30, 2011, individual first mortgage loans on the above properties totaled $974.0 million. Of the $993.8 million total of mortgage indebtedness on April 30, 2011, $1.5 million, or 0.2%, 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. Principal payments due on our mortgage indebtedness are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Thereafter Total $ (in thousands) Mortgage Principal 58,741 50,092 65,354 92,548 77,771 649,297 993,803 $ As of April 30, 2011, the Company has a multi-bank line of credit with First International Bank & Trust as lead bank. This line of credit has lending commitments of $50.0 million as of April 30, 2011, with a minimum outstanding principal balance requirement of $10.0 million. The Company had $30.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the line as of April 30, 2011. The facility has a maturity date of August 11, 2013, and is secured by mortgages on various properties owned by IRET Properties and its subsidiaries. The interest rate on borrowings under the facility is Wall Street Journal Prime Rate +1.0%, with a floor of 5.65% and a cap of 8.65% during the initial three-year term of the facility; interest-only payments are due monthly based on the total amount of advances outstanding. The line of credit may be prepaid at par at any time. The facility includes covenants and restrictions regarding minimum debt-service ratios to be maintained in the aggregate and individually on properties in the collateral pool, and IRET Properties is also required to maintain minimum depository account(s) totaling $6.0 million with the lead bank, of which $1.5 million is to be held in a non-interest bearing account. 2011 Annual Report 31 Future Minimum Lease Receipts The future minimum lease receipts to be received under leases for commercial properties in place as of April 30, 2011, assuming that no options to renew or buy out the leases are exercised, are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Thereafter Total (in thousands) Lease Payments 111,017 100,265 88,497 75,722 64,316 302,096 741,913 $ $ 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, 2011, we spent approximately $23.2 million on capital improvements, tenant improvements and other capital expenditures. Contracts or Options to Purchase We have granted options to purchase certain of our properties to tenants in these properties, under lease agreements with the tenant. In general, these options grant the tenant the right to purchase the property at the greater of such property’s appraised value or an annual compounded increase of a specified percentage of the initial cost to us. As of April 30, 2011, our properties subject to purchase options, the cost, plus improvements, of each such property and its gross rental revenue are as follows: $ $ Investment Cost 2,522 2,135 4,274 10,903 10,667 1,481 4,996 26,087 588 1,431 606 21,510 12,359 624 999 1,332 676 3,353 9,569 17,132 4,160 15,375 21,601 (in thousands) Gross Rental Revenue $ 2011 226 191 384 1,031 1,010 131 475 2,415 72 129 76 2,404 1,170 76 96 122 80 312 642 2,054 333 1,876 2,152 $ 2010 0 196 396 1,008 988 136 465 2,387 72 132 76 2,359 1,144 76 96 124 80 312 628 2,008 0 1,876 2,152 2009 0 196 396 1,008 988 136 464 2,065 72 132 76 2,040 1,144 76 96 124 80 312 628 1,736 0 1,876 2,052 Property Billings 2300 Grant Road - Billings, MT Edgewood Vista-Belgrade, MT Edgewood Vista-Billings, MT Edgewood Vista-Bismarck, ND Edgewood Vista-Brainerd, MN Edgewood Vista-Columbus, NE Edgewood Vista-East Grand Forks, MN Edgewood Vista-Fargo, ND Edgewood Vista-Fremont, NE Edgewood Vista-Grand Island, NE Edgewood Vista-Hastings, NE Edgewood Vista-Hermantown I, MN Edgewood Vista-Hermantown II, MN Edgewood Vista-Kalispell, MT Edgewood Vista-Missoula, MT Edgewood Vista-Norfolk, NE Edgewood Vista-Omaha, NE Edgewood Vista-Sioux Falls, SD Edgewood Vista-Spearfish, SD Edgewood Vista-Virginia, MN Fargo 1320 45th Street N - Fargo, ND Great Plains - Fargo, ND Healtheast St John & Woodwinds - Maplewood & Woodbury, MN 2011 Annual Report 32 continued Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN Missoula 3050 Great Northern - Missoula, MT Sartell 2000 23rd Street South - Sartell, MN St. Michael Clinic - St. Michael, MN Stevens Point - Stevens Point, WI Total Properties by State $ Investment Cost 1,745 2,723 12,693 2,851 15,020 $ 209,412 $ $ (in thousands) Gross Rental Revenue 2011 105 243 1,209 244 1,104 20,362 $ $ 2010 164 0 1,173 241 1,356 19,645 $ $ 2009 211 0 1,292 240 1,356 18,796 The following table presents, as of April 30, 2011, the total real estate investment amount, net of accumulated depreciation, by state of each of the five major segments of properties owned by us - multi-family residential, commercial office, commercial medical, commercial industrial and commercial retail: (in thousands) State Minnesota North Dakota Nebraska Kansas Montana South Dakota Wyoming Iowa Missouri Wisconsin Colorado All Other States* Total Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial $ 120,170 $ 295,331 $ 247,032 $ 24,542 78,528 13,493 0 5,323 0 0 29,981 9,740 20,057 13,846 $ 367,097 $ 490,841 $ 382,464 $ 112,696 32,545 34,041 31,041 26,779 0 9,825 0 0 0 0 40,961 21,928 0 7,455 9,305 36,850 0 2,594 16,339 0 0 64,354 $ 8,950 0 0 0 0 0 26,585 0 0 0 0 Retail All Segments 62,558 $ 789,445 215,019 27,870 135,499 2,498 47,534 0 42,842 4,346 41,407 0 36,850 0 36,410 0 32,575 0 29,594 3,515 20,057 0 14,614 768 99,889 $ 101,555 $ 1,441,846 % of All Segments 54.8% 14.9% 9.4% 3.3% 3.0% 2.9% 2.5% 2.5% 2.3% 2.0% 1.4% 1.0% 100.0% * Idaho and Michigan 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. Item 4. (Removed and Reserved) 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 Global Select Market under the symbol IRET (formerly IRETS; we changed our symbol to IRET on July 1, 2008). On June 30, 2011, the last reported sales price per share of our common shares on the NASDAQ was $8.66. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low closing sales prices per share of our common shares as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and the distributions per common share and limited partnership unit declared with respect to each period. 2011 Annual Report 33 Quarter Ended Fiscal Year 2011 April 30, 2011 January 31, 2011 October 31, 2010 July 31, 2010 Quarter Ended Fiscal Year 2010 April 30, 2010 January 31, 2010 October 31, 2009 July 31, 2009 $ $ High 9.54 $ 9.26 8.90 9.20 High 9.37 $ 9.40 9.75 9.47 Low 8.92 8.74 7.97 8.25 Low 8.31 8.25 8.19 8.30 Distributions Declared (per share and unit) $ 0.1715 0.1715 0.1715 0.1715 Distributions Declared (per share and unit) $ 0.1715 0.1715 0.1710 0.1705 It is IRET’s policy to pay quarterly distributions to our common shareholders and unitholders, 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, 2011, the Company had 3,984 common shareholders of record, and 80,771,119 common shares of beneficial interest (plus 19,964,052 limited partnership units potentially convertible into 19,964,052 common shares) were outstanding. Unregistered Sales of Shares Sales of Unregistered Securities. During the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, we issued an aggregate of 221,573, and 431,737 and 338,286 unregistered common shares to holders of limited partnership units of IRET Properties upon redemption and conversion of an aggregate of 221,573, and 431,737 and 338,286 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 2011, except for repurchases of nominal amounts of fractional shares, at shareholder request. Comparative Stock Performance The information contained in this Comparative Stock Performance Graph section shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Set forth below is a graph that compares, for the five fiscal years commencing May 1, 2006, and ending April 30, 2011, the cumulative total returns for the Company’s common shares with the comparable cumulative total return of two indexes, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”), and the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index, which is an index prepared by the FTSE Group for the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, which includes all tax-qualified equity REITs listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ Market. The performance graph assumes that at the close of trading on April 30, 2006, the last trading day of fiscal year 2006, $100 was invested in the Company’s common shares and in each of the indexes. The comparison assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Cumulative total shareholder returns for the Company’s common shares, the S&P 500 and the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index are based on the Company’s fiscal year ending April 30. 2011 Annual Report 34 FY06 100.00 100.00 100.00 FY07 119.09 115.24 126.46 FY08 123.32 109.85 110.64 FY09 119.52 71.06 57.29 FY10 121.66 98.66 96.65 FY11 141.66 115.65 118.16 Investors Real Estate Trust S&P 500 FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Source: SNL Financial LC 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. 2011 Annual Report 35 Consolidated Income Statement Data Revenue Gain on sale of real estate, land, and other investments Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust Consolidated Balance Sheet Data Total real estate investments Total assets Mortgages payable Revolving lines of credit Total Investors Real Estate Trust shareholders’ equity (in thousands, except per share data) 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 $ 237,407 $ 231,511 $ 228,516 $ 209,674 $ 186,666 $ $ $ $ $ $ 19,365 4,480 19,871 24,351 $ $ $ $ 68 5,215 $ $ 54 10,447 $ $ 556 $ 14,516 $ 4,602 14,392 (630) $ $ 4,585 (266) $ $ 10,713 1,113 $ 15,629 $ 3,991 18,383 (4,449) $ (562) $ (2,227) $ (3,677) $ (4,299) 20,082 $ 4,001 $ 8,526 $ 12,088 $ 14,110 $1,458,245 $1,615,363 $ 993,803 30,000 $ $ 1,500,889 $ 1,660,930 $ 1,057,619 6,550 $ $ 1,472,575 $ 1,605,091 $ 1,070,158 5,500 $ $ 1,456,178 $ 1,316,534 $ 1,618,026 $ 1,435,389 $ 1,063,858 $ 951,139 0 0 $ $ $ 411,690 $ 409,523 $ 333,009 $ 344,074 $ 284,810 Consolidated Per Common Share Data (basic and diluted) Income from continuing operations - Investors Real Estate Trust Income (loss) from discontinued operations - Investors Real Estate Trust Net income Distributions $ $ $ $ CALENDAR YEAR Tax status of distributions Capital gain Ordinary income Return of capital .02 .20 .22 .69 $ $ $ $ .04 $ (.01) $ $ .03 $ .68 .10 .01 .11 .68 $ $ $ $ .17 $ .01 $ .18 $ .67 $ .18 .06 .24 .66 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 0.00% 0.09% 1.22% 0.00% 28.53% 39.17% 53.43% 51.69% 42.01% 71.47% 60.74% 46.57% 46.82% 56.77% 1.49% For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011, IRET recognized approximately $25.7 million of net capital gain for federal income tax purposes. IRET designates the entire $25.7 million of net capital gain as capital gain dividends. 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, 2011. 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, 2011, our real estate portfolio consisted of 78 multi-family residential properties containing 8,661 apartment units and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $367.1 million, and 176 commercial properties containing approximately 12.2 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $1.1 billion. Our commercial properties consist of: • 68 commercial office properties containing approximately 5.1 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $490.8 million; 2011 Annual Report 36 • • • 56 commercial medical properties (including senior housing) containing approximately 2.7 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $382.5 million; 19 commercial industrial properties containing approximately 3.0 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $99.9 million; and 33 commercial retail properties containing approximately 1.4 million square feet of leasable space and having a total real estate investment amount net of accumulated depreciation of $101.5 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. Total revenues of IRET Properties, our operating partnership, increased by $5.9 million to $237.4 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to $231.5 million in fiscal year 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of new real estate properties. We estimate that rent concessions offered to tenants during the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 lowered our operating revenues by approximately $4.5 million, compared to $2.4 million for fiscal year 2010. Expenses increased during fiscal year 2011, with utilities, maintenance, real estate taxes, and property management expense all increasing from year-earlier levels. On an all-property basis, physical occupancy levels in our total commercial property segments decreased to 86.1% in fiscal year 2011 from 87.7% in fiscal year 2010. Physical occupancy rates in our commercial medical segment increased; physical occupancy in our commercial office, commercial industrial and commercial retail segments decreased. Physical occupancy in our multi-family residential segment increased to 92.8% in fiscal year 2011 on an all-property basis, from 89.7% in fiscal year 2010. As our physical occupancy levels demonstrate, we continued to experience a challenging market environment in our commercial office, industrial and retail segments. While many of our markets appear to be emerging from recession, growth remains sluggish and unemployment high, and we continue to find it challenging to lease vacant space. We expect these leasing challenges to continue during fiscal year 2012, with correspondingly flat or modest growth in rental revenues and net operating income. Our commercial medical segment continued to show strengthening results, and remains the best performing segment in our overall commercial portfolio, with strong real estate revenue and net operating income results. Our multi-family residential properties have shown steady improvement in occupancy and real estate revenue over the past several quarters. We believe we are seeing positive results from our internal property management initiative, in terms of our ability to focus on increasing net operating income by improving occupancy, maintaining control of expenses and establishing direct relationships with our residents. In some markets we are experiencing sufficient improvement in market fundamentals (i.e., a better balance of supply of available units with demand for those units) to permit us to raise rents. While we expect to see continued favorable results in our multi-family segment in fiscal year 2012, our ability to maintain occupancy levels and selectively raise rents is dependent on continued economic recovery and employment growth, and the strength and sustainability of a recovery is currently still uncertain. While we plan to actively pursue property acquisitions and development projects throughout fiscal year 2012, which may provide future revenue and net operating income growth, in our experience potential acquisitions are fully priced, based on their current income, and accordingly we continue to find it challenging to identify in our markets accretive acquisitions that are attractively priced. During fiscal year 2011, our financing and refinancing efforts continued to make a solid contribution to our net income. Our mortgage interest expense decreased approximately 4.0% over the year-earlier period, which translated into a reduction of approximately $2.6 million in mortgage interest expense. Our overall weighted average interest rate on all outstanding mortgage debt (excluding our multi-bank line of credit and new loans for our Jamestown Mall and Trinity Hospital build-to-suit development projects, which are financed with Recovery Zone Facility Revenue Bonds) was 5.92% as of April 30, 2011, compared to 6.17% as of April 30, 2010. In fiscal year 2012, we expect that capital accessed through cash-out refinancings of existing mortgage debt will be at lower levels than in 2011 Annual Report 37 fiscal year 2011, due to fewer mortgage loans scheduled for refinancing. We continue to expect, however, based on recent experience, that we will be able successfully to refinance, on terms comparable to existing financings, those mortgage loans that are scheduled for refinancing. Additional information and more detailed discussions of our fiscal year 2011 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 costs associated with a property to its various components. As described further below, the process of allocating property costs to its components involves a considerable amount of subjective judgments to be made by Company management. 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 and a 5-12 year estimated life for furniture, fixtures and equipment. 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) 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 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 estimated based on the present value 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 or below-market intangible is amortized to rental income 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 and the Company has no significant continuing involvement with the property sold. Impairment. The Company’s long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment quarterly if events or changes in circumstances (such as adverse market conditions, including conditions resulting from an ongoing economic recession) indicate that a long-lived asset might be impaired. Judgments regarding existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance, market conditions, expected holding period of each asset and events that occur that affect the financial strength of significant tenants of the assets, including tenants who have filed for bankruptcy. For long-lived assets in which an impairment indicator is present, the Company compares 2011 Annual Report 38 the expected future undiscounted cash flows for the long-lived asset against the carrying amount of the asset, including any associated intangibles, subject to evaluation. The evaluation of undiscounted cash flows is subjective and reflects assumptions regarding current market conditions relative to the long-lived asset being evaluated, such as future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements. A worsening real estate market may cause the Company to re-evaluate the assumptions used in our impairment analysis. If there is an indication of impairment based on this evaluation because the expected undiscounted cash flows plus reversion are less than the asset’s carrying value, impairment is recorded based on the estimated fair value (typically based on a current independent appraisal) of the long-lived asset in comparison to its carrying value. The results of the Company’s evaluation of 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 (approximately $317,000 as of April 30, 2011) 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 deferred rents receivable arising from the straight-lining of rents (approximately $996,000 as of April 30, 2011) and from mortgage loans (approximately $3,000 as of April 30, 2011). The straight-lining of rents 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 increases and abated rent 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 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 reliability 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 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 has one TRS, acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, which is subject to corporate federal and state income taxes on its taxable income at regular statutory rates. For fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the Company’s TRS had a net operating loss. There were no income tax provisions or material deferred income tax items for our TRS for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. The Company’s TRS is the tenant in the Company’s Wyoming assisted living facilities. 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 and that the Company’s tax and accounting positions do not change. These factors, which impact the Company’s taxable income, are subject to 2011 Annual Report 39 change, and many are outside the control of the Company. If actual results vary, the Company’s taxable income may change. Recent Accounting Pronouncements For disclosure regarding recent accounting pronouncements and the anticipated impact they will have on our operations, please refer to Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Revenues Total revenues for fiscal year 2011 were $237.4 million, compared to $231.5 million in fiscal year 2010 and $228.5 million in fiscal year 2009. Revenues during fiscal year 2011 were $5.9 million greater than revenues in fiscal year 2010 and revenues during fiscal year 2010 were $3.0 million greater than in fiscal year 2009. For fiscal 2011, the increase in revenue of $5.9 million resulted from: Rent in Fiscal 2011 from 10 properties acquired in fiscal year 2010 in excess of that received in 2010 from the same 10 properties Rent from 8 properties acquired in fiscal year 2011 Decrease in rental income on stabilized properties due primarily to a decrease in occupancy For fiscal 2010, the increase in revenue of $3.0 million resulted from: Rent in Fiscal 2010 from 9 properties acquired in fiscal year 2009 in excess of that received in 2009 from the same 9 properties Rent from 10 properties acquired in fiscal year 2010 Decrease in rental income on stabilized properties due primarily to a decrease in occupancy (in thousands) $ $ 7,799 2,356 (4,259) 5,896 (in thousands) $ $ 2,234 4,243 (3,482) 2,995 As illustrated above, the majority of the increase in our gross revenue for fiscal years 2011 and 2010 ($10.2 million and $6.5 million respectively) resulted from the addition of new real estate properties to the IRET Properties’ portfolio. Rental Revenue in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 from stabilized properties decreased $4.3 and $3.5 million, respectively. For the next 12 months, we continue to look to acquisitions and development of new properties and recovery in our stabilized portfolio to be the most significant factors in any increases in our revenues and ultimately our net income. However, we have not observed any marked and sustained decline in the prices at which investment properties are offered for sale, which, combined with the general lack of improvement in operating fundamentals, makes identifying attractive acquisition possibilities a continuing challenge. Consequently, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding our ability to identify acquisition targets and our ability to make acquisitions accordingly could be adversely affected. Gain on Sale of Real Estate The Company realized a gain on sale of real estate, land and other investments for fiscal year 2011 of approximately $19.4 million. This compares to approximately $68,000 of gain on sale of real estate recognized in fiscal 2010 and approximately $54,000 recognized in fiscal 2009. Properties sold in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 are detailed below in the section captioned “Property Dispositions.” Net Operating Income The following tables report segment financial information. We measure the performance of our segments based on net operating income (“NOI”), which we define as total real estate revenues less real estate expenses and real estate taxes (excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate investments and impairment of real estate investments). We believe that NOI is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT’s operating real estate because it provides a measure of core operations that is unaffected by depreciation, 2011 Annual Report 40 amortization, financing and general and administrative expense. NOI does not represent cash generated by operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to net income, net income available for common shareholders or cash flow from operating activities as a measure of financial performance. The following tables show real estate revenues, real estate operating expenses and NOI by reportable operating segment for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009. For a reconciliation of net operating income of reportable segments to net income as reported, see Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. The tables also show net operating income by reportable operating segment on a stabilized property and non- stabilized property basis. Stabilized properties are properties owned for the entirety of the periods being compared, and, in the case of development or re-development properties, which have achieved a target level of occupancy. This comparison allows the Company to evaluate the performance of existing properties and their contribution to net income. Management believes that measuring performance on a stabilized property basis is useful to investors because it enables evaluation of how the Company’s properties are performing year over year. Management uses this measure to assess 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. Year Ended April 30, 2011 Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail All Segments (in thousands) Real estate revenue Real estate expenses Utilities Maintenance Real estate taxes Insurance Property management Total real estate expenses Net operating income Stabilized net operating income Non-stabilized net operating income Total net operating income $ 66,838 $ 77,747 $ 66,048 $ 13,165 $ 13,609 $ 237,407 6,479 10,755 6,537 1,205 9,153 34,129 32,709 32,467 242 32,709 $ $ $ $ 7,515 11,430 13,894 503 2,713 36,055 41,692 41,187 505 41,692 $ $ $ $ 3,359 4,581 5,726 384 8,416 22,466 43,582 39,518 4,064 43,582 $ $ $ $ 389 765 2,607 127 440 4,328 $ 8,837 $ 8,216 $ 621 8,837 $ $ $ $ $ 496 1,709 2,088 85 567 4,945 8,664 8,476 188 8,664 18,238 29,240 30,852 2,304 21,289 $ 101,923 $ 135,484 $ 129,864 5,620 $ 135,484 Year Ended April 30, 2010 Real estate revenue Real estate expenses Utilities Maintenance Real estate taxes Insurance Property management Total real estate expenses Gain on involuntary conversion Net operating income Stabilized net operating income Non-stabilized net operating income Total net operating income Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail All Segments (in thousands) $ 65,478 $ 82,079 $ 57,439 $ 13,095 $ 13,420 $ 231,511 6,303 9,549 6,316 1,664 8,783 32,615 1,660 34,523 34,474 49 34,523 $ $ $ $ 7,188 11,127 14,150 1,051 3,317 36,833 0 45,246 45,304 (58) 45,246 $ $ $ $ 2,937 4,210 5,046 479 5,232 17,904 0 39,535 38,524 1,011 39,535 $ $ $ $ 185 738 2,550 224 424 4,121 $ 0 8,974 $ 8,767 $ 207 8,974 $ $ $ $ $ 488 1,348 2,148 197 637 4,818 0 8,602 8,602 0 8,602 17,101 26,972 30,210 3,615 18,393 96,291 1,660 $ 136,880 $ $ 135,671 1,209 $ 136,880 2011 Annual Report 41 Year Ended April 30, 2009 Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail All Segments (in thousands) Real estate revenue Real estate expenses Utilities Maintenance Real estate taxes Insurance Property management Total real estate expenses Net operating income Stabilized net operating income Non-stabilized net operating income Total net operating income $ 65,632 $ 83,446 $ 52,547 $ 12,488 $ 14,403 $ 228,516 6,861 9,084 6,654 1,089 7,627 31,315 $ 34,317 $ 7,851 11,287 13,850 1,003 3,653 37,644 $ 45,802 $ 2,859 4,046 4,515 419 4,207 16,046 $ 36,501 $ 33,356 $ 961 34,317 $ 45,713 $ 89 45,802 $ 35,929 $ 572 36,501 $ 93 566 1,878 171 434 3,142 $ 9,346 $ 9,228 $ 118 9,346 $ $ $ $ $ 18,112 448 26,431 1,448 29,077 2,180 2,864 182 16,728 807 5,065 $ 93,212 9,338 $ 135,304 9,338 $ 133,564 1,740 9,338 $ 135,304 0 Changes in Expenses and Net Income Net income available to common shareholders for fiscal year 2011 was $17.7 million, compared to $1.6 million in fiscal year 2010 and $6.2 million in fiscal year 2009. On a per common share basis, net income was $.22 per common share in fiscal year 2011, compared to $.03 per common share in fiscal year 2010 and $.11 in fiscal year 2009. These changes in net income result from the changes in revenues and expenses detailed below: Changes in net income available to common shareholders for fiscal year 2011 resulted from: An increase in income from discontinued operations A decrease in interest expense primarily due to debt refinancing A decrease in impairment of real estate investment An increase in net operating income (not including involuntary conversion) An increase in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities These increases were offset by: An increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership A decrease in gain on involuntary conversion An increase in depreciation/amortization expense related to real estate investments An increase in amortization related to non-real estate investments A decrease in interest income An increase in other expenses, administrative, advisory and trustee services A decrease in other income Total increase in fiscal 2011 net income available to common shareholders (in thousands) 20,501 $ 1,644 708 264 202 (3,887) (1,660) (756) (317) (280) (265) (73) 16,081 $ 2011 Annual Report 42 Changes in net income available to common shareholders for fiscal year 2010 resulted from: A decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership An increase in gain on involuntary conversion An increase in other income (in thousands) 1,665 $ 1,660 41 These increases were offset by: An increase in depreciation/amortization expense related to real estate investments An increase in other expenses, administrative, advisory and trustee services An increase in loss from discontinued operations An increase in impairment of real estate investment An increase in interest expense primarily due to debt placed on new acquisitions An increase in amortization related to non-real estate investments A decrease in net operating income primarily due to vacancy on stabilized properties (not including involuntary conversion) A decrease in interest income A decrease in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities Total decrease in fiscal 2010 net income available to common shareholders $ (2,719) (2,409) (896) (708) (651) (302) (84) (60) (62) (4,525) Factors Impacting Net Income During Fiscal Year 2011 as Compared to Fiscal Year 2010 Physical occupancy rates in three of our five segments, on an all properties basis, decreased compared to the year- earlier period, while real estate revenue increased in four of our five segments in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010. Net income available to common shareholders increased to $17.7 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to $1.6 million in fiscal year 2010. Revenue increases during fiscal year 2011 were offset by increases in utilites, maintenance, real estate taxes and property management expense. • Physical Occupancy. During fiscal year 2011, physical occupancy levels at our properties on an all properties basis decreased over year-earlier levels in three of our five reportable segments (commercial office, commercial industrial and commercial retail), and increased in our multi-family residential and commercial medical segments. Physical occupancy rates on a stabilized property basis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 decreased in four of our five reportable segments compared to the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010, and are shown below: Segments Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Stabilized Properties All Properties Fiscal Year Ended April 30, Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2011 92.8% 79.2% 95.3% 89.8% 82.6% 2010 89.7% 83.9% 95.7% 90.6% 82.8% 2011 92.8% 79.7% 96.0% 90.1% 81.6% 2010 89.7% 83.4% 95.1% 90.7% 82.8% • Concessions. Our overall level of tenant concessions increased for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 compared to the year-earlier period. To maintain or increase physical occupancy levels at our properties, we may offer tenant incentives, generally in the form of lower or abated rents, which results in decreased revenues and income from operations at our properties. Rent concessions offered during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 lowered our operating revenues by approximately $4.5 million, as compared to an approximately $2.4 million reduction in operating revenues attributable to rent concessions offered in fiscal year 2010. 2011 Annual Report 43 The following table shows the approximate reduction in our operating revenues due to rent concessions, by segment, for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010: (in thousands) Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2011 1,539 Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office(1) 2,081 Commercial Medical(1) 284 Commercial Industrial(1) 389 Commercial Retail(1) 239 4,532 Total (1) Rent concessions are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. $ $ $ $ 2010 1,152 747 381 99 27 2,406 $ $ Change 387 1,334 (97) 290 212 2,126 • Increased Depreciation Expense. Depreciation expense increased in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010, from $54.6 million to $55.4 million, an increase of $829,000 or approximately 1.5%. Depreciation expense at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 added $1.6 million to the depreciation expense category during fiscal year 2011 while depreciation expenses at existing properties decreased by $774,000. Depreciation expense consists of depreciation on buildings and capital improvements, and does not include depreciation on property and equipment at the Company’s offices. Depreciation for property and equipment at the Company’s offices was $425,000 for a total Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments of $55.8 million for fiscal year 2011. Depreciation expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows: (in thousands) 2011 2010 Change % change (2011 vs. 2010) Multi-Family Residential $ 13,604 $ 13,105 499 $ 3.8% Commercial Office $ 19,882 $ 20,574 (692) $ (3.4%) Commercial Medical $ 15,630 $ 14,383 $ 1,247 8.7% Commercial Industrial $ 3,317 $ 3,498 (181) $ (5.2%) Commercial Retail 2,991 3,035 (44) (1.4%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 55,424 $ 54,595 829 $ 1.5% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 383 116 499 $ $ $ (945) 253 (692) $ 223 $ 1,024 $ 1,247 $ $ $ (292) 111 (181) $ $ $ (143) 99 (44) $ $ $ (774) 1,603 829 • Increased Utility Expense. Utility expense totaled $18.2 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to $17.1 million in fiscal year 2010. Utility expenses at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 added $438,000 to the utility expense category during fiscal year 2011 (with our commercial medical segment accounting for $344,000), while utility expenses at existing properties increased by $699,000, primarily due to increased heating costs in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010, for a total increase of $1.1 million or 6.6% in utility expenses in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010. Utility expenses by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows: (in thousands) 2011 2010 Change % change (2011 vs. 2010) Multi-Family Residential 6,479 6,303 176 2.8% $ $ $ Commercial Office $ 7,515 $ 7,188 327 $ 4.5% Commercial Medical $ 3,359 $ 2,937 422 $ 14.4% Commercial Industrial 389 $ 185 $ 204 $ 110.3% Commercial Retail 496 488 8 1.6% $ $ $ All Segments $ 18,238 $ 17,101 1,137 $ 6.6% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 119 57 176 $ $ $ 290 37 327 $ $ $ 78 344 422 $ $ $ 204 0 204 $ $ $ 8 0 8 $ $ $ 699 438 1,137 2011 Annual Report 44 • Increased Maintenance Expense. Maintenance expenses totaled $29.2 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to $27.0 million in fiscal year 2010. Maintenance expenses at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 added approximately $368,000 to the maintenance expense category during fiscal year 2011, while maintenance expenses at existing properties increased by approximately $1.9 million, primarily for increased snow removal costs in all segments and for payroll and tax expenses at our multi-family residential segment resulting in a net increase of approximately $2.3 million or 8.4% in maintenance expenses in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010. 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 general rent increases. Maintenance expenses by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows: (in thousands) 2011 2010 Change % change (2011 vs. 2010) Multi-Family Residential $ 10,755 9,549 $ 1,206 $ 12.6% Commercial Office $ 11,430 $ 11,127 303 $ 2.7% Commercial Medical $ 4,581 $ 4,210 371 $ 8.8% Commercial Industrial 765 $ 738 $ 27 $ 3.7% Commercial Retail 1,709 1,348 361 26.8% $ $ $ All Segments $ 29,240 $ 26,972 2,268 $ 8.4% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 1,086 120 1,206 $ $ $ 229 74 303 $ $ $ 209 162 371 $ $ $ 23 4 27 $ $ $ 353 8 361 $ $ $ 1,900 368 2,268 • Increased Real Estate Tax Expense. Real estate taxes on properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 added $264,000 to real estate tax expense, while real estate taxes on existing properties increased by approximately $378,000, for a total increase of $642,000 or 2.1% in real estate tax expense in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010, from $30.2 million to $30.9 million. The increase in real estate taxes was a net result of increased assessed values in the multi-family residential and commercial medical segments offset by decreased assessed values in the commercial office and commercial retail segments. Real estate tax expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows: (in thousands) 2011 2010 Change % change (2011 vs. 2010) Multi-Family Residential 6,537 6,316 221 3.5% $ $ $ Commercial Office $ 13,894 $ 14,150 (256) $ (1.8%) Commercial Medical $ 5,726 $ 5,046 680 $ 13.5% Commercial Industrial $ 2,607 $ 2,550 57 $ 2.2% Commercial Retail 2,088 2,148 (60) (2.8%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 30,852 $ 30,210 642 $ 2.1% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 156 65 221 $ $ $ (349) 93 (256) $ $ $ 636 44 680 $ $ $ 28 29 57 $ $ $ (93) 33 (60) $ $ $ 378 264 642 • Decreased Insurance Expense. Insurance expense decreased in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010, from $3.6 million to $2.3 million, a decrease of approximately 36.3%. Insurance expense at properties newly-acquired in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 added approximately $187,000 to insurance expense, while insurance expense at existing properties decreased by approximately $1.5 million, for a decrease of approximately $1.3 million in insurance expense in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010. The decrease in insurance expense at stabilized properties is due to reduced insurance rates because of better claims experience. 2011 Annual Report 45 Insurance expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows: (in thousands) 2011 2010 Change % change (2011 vs. 2010) Multi-Family Residential 1,205 1,664 (459) (27.6%) $ $ $ Commercial Office 503 1,051 (548) (52.1%) $ $ $ Commercial Medical 384 479 (95) (19.8%) $ $ $ Commercial Industrial 127 $ 224 $ (97) $ (43.3%) Commercial Retail 85 197 (112) (56.9%) $ $ $ All Segments 2,304 $ 3,615 $ (1,311) $ (36.3%) Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ (469) 10 (459) $ $ $ (553) 5 (548) $ $ $ (267) 172 (95) $ $ $ (97) 0 (97) $ $ $ (112) 0 (112) $ $ $ (1,498) 187 (1,311) • Increased Property Management Expense. Property management expense increased in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010, from $18.4 million to $21.3 million, an increase of $2.9 million or approximately 15.7%. Property management expenses at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 added $4.5 million to the property management category during fiscal year 2011 (with our commercial medical segment accounting for $4.4 million) while property management expenses at existing properties decreased by $1.6 million primarily as a result of a reduction in bad debt expense in the commercial medical segment of $1.0 million, offset by an increase in bad debt expense in the multi-family residential segment of $348,000 and to a lesser extent reduced management fees in the commercial office segment of $746,000. Property management expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows: (in thousands) 2011 2010 Change % change (2011 vs. 2010) Multi-Family Residential 9,153 8,783 370 4.2% $ $ $ Commercial Office 2,713 3,317 (604) (18.2%) $ $ $ Commercial Medical $ 8,416 $ 5,232 $ 3,184 60.9% Commercial Industrial 440 $ 424 $ 16 $ 3.8% Commercial Retail 567 637 (70) (11.0%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 21,289 $ 18,393 2,896 $ 15.7% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 275 95 370 $ $ $ (623) 19 (604) $ (1,175) $ 4,359 $ 3,184 $ $ $ 9 7 16 $ $ $ (76) 6 (70) $ $ $ (1,590) 4,486 2,896 • Decreased Mortgage Interest Expense. Our mortgage interest expense decreased approximately $2.6 million, or 4.0%, to approximately $61.1 million during fiscal year 2011, compared to $63.7 million in fiscal year 2010. The mortgage interest expense category does not include interest expense on the multi-bank line of credit we entered into in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, which totaled approximately $851,000 in fiscal year 2011, or interest expense totaling approximately $96,000 in fiscal year 2011 on our two loans financed with Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. Mortgage interest expense and interest expense on our line of credit and on our two loans financed with Recovery Zone Facility Bonds are all components of “Interest expense” on our consolidated statement of operations. Mortgage interest expense for properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2011 and 2010 added $321,000 to our total mortgage interest expense in fiscal year 2011, while mortgage interest expense on existing properties decreased $2.9 million. Our overall weighted average interest rate on all outstanding mortgage debt was 5.92% as of April 30, 2011, compared to 6.17% as of April 30, 2010. Our mortgage debt decreased approximately $63.8 million, or 6.0%, to approximately $993.8 million as of April 30, 2011, compared to April 30, 2010. Mortgage debt does not include our multi-bank line of credit and our two loans financed with Recovery Zone Facility Bonds, both of which appear on our consolidated balance sheet in “Other debt.” 2011 Annual Report 46 Mortgage interest expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows: (in thousands) 2011 2010 Change % change (2011 vs. 2010) Multi-Family Residential $ 16,550 $ 16,540 10 $ 0.1% Commercial Office $ 21,349 $ 22,864 $ (1,515) (6.6%) Commercial Medical $ 16,307 $ 17,023 (716) $ (4.2%) Commercial Industrial $ 3,786 $ 3,884 (98) $ (2.5%) Commercial Retail 3,151 3,392 (241) (7.1%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 61,143 $ 63,703 (2,560) $ (4.0%) Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ (159) 169 10 $ (1,608) $ 93 $ (1,515) $ $ $ (710) (6) (716) $ $ $ (163) 65 (98) $ $ $ (241) 0 (241) $ $ $ (2,881) 321 (2,560) • Decreased Amortization Expense. 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 buildings and improvements. The Company accordingly initially records additional amortization expense due to this shorter amortization period, which has the effect in the short term of decreasing the Company’s net income available to common shareholders, as computed in accordance with GAAP. Amortization expense related to in-places leases totaled $7.1 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to $8.6 million in fiscal year 2010. The decrease in amortization expense in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010 was primarily due to prior years’ acquisitions becoming completely amortized. • Increased Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses totaled $6.6 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to $5.7 million in fiscal year 2010, with the increase due primarily to higher salary and employee incentive compensation expense. Factors Impacting Net Income During Fiscal Year 2010 as Compared to Fiscal Year 2009 Physical occupancy rates in four of our five segments, on an all properties basis, decreased compared to the year- earlier period, and real estate revenue decreased in three of our five segments in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. Net income available to common shareholders decreased to $1.6 million in fiscal year 2010, compared to $6.2 million in fiscal year 2009. Revenue increases during fiscal year 2010 were offset by increases in maintenance, real estate taxes, property management and insurance expense. • Physical Occupancy. During fiscal year 2010, physical occupancy levels at our properties on an all properties basis decreased over year-earlier levels in four of our five reportable segments (multi-family, commercial office, commercial industrial and commercial retail), and increased slightly in our commercial medical segment. Physical occupancy rates on a stabilized property basis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010 decreased in all of our reportable segments compared to the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009, and are shown below: Segments Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Stabilized Properties All Properties Fiscal Year Ended April 30, Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2010 89.6% 84.2% 94.5% 90.3% 82.8% 2009 93.6% 87.4% 95.6% 96.9% 84.7% 2010 89.7% 83.4% 95.1% 90.7% 82.8% 2009 93.4% 87.5% 95.0% 97.0% 84.7% • Concessions. Our overall level of tenant concessions decreased for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010 compared to the year-earlier period. To maintain or increase physical occupancy levels at our properties, we may offer tenant incentives, generally in the form of lower or abated rents, which results in decreased revenues and income from operations at our properties. Rent concessions offered during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 lowered our operating revenues by approximately $2.4 million. 2011 Annual Report 47 The following table shows the approximate reduction in our operating revenues due to rent concessions, by segment, for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009: Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total (in thousands) Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2010 1,152 747 381 99 27 2,406 $ $ 2009 1,085 1,036 34 220 44 2,419 $ $ Change 67 (289) 347 (121) (17) (13) $ $ • Increased Depreciation Expense. Depreciation expense increased in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009, from $52.1 million to $54.6 million, an increase of $2.5 million or approximately 4.8%. Depreciation expense at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 added $1.3 million to the depreciation expense category during fiscal year 2010 while depreciation expenses at existing properties increased by $1.2 million. Depreciation expense consists of depreciation on buildings and capital improvements, and does not include depreciation on property and equipment at the Company’s offices. Depreciation for property and equipment at the Company’s offices was $498,000 for a total Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments of $55.1 million for fiscal year 2010. Depreciation expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows: (in thousands) 2010 2009 Change % change (2010 vs. 2009) Multi-Family Residential $ 13,105 $ 12,076 1,029 $ 8.5% Commercial Office $ 20,574 $ 20,760 (186) $ (0.9%) Commercial Medical $ 14,383 $ 13,109 $ 1,274 9.7% Commercial Industrial $ 3,498 $ 3,368 130 $ 3.9% Commercial Retail 3,035 2,766 269 9.7% $ $ $ All Segments $ 54,595 $ 52,079 2,516 $ 4.8% Stabilized Non-stabilized 2010 $ $ $ 697 332 1,029 $ $ $ (279) 93 (186) 535 $ $ 739 $ 1,274 $ $ $ (16) 146 130 $ $ $ 269 0 269 $ $ $ 1,206 1,310 2,516 • Decreased Utility Expense. Utility expense totaled $17.1 million in fiscal year 2010, compared to $18.1 million in fiscal year 2009. Utility expenses at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 added $313,000 to the utility expense category during fiscal year 2010 (with our commercial medical segment accounting for $311,000), while utility expenses at existing properties decreased by $1.3 million, primarily due in part to decreased heating costs compared to fiscal year 2009’s unseasonably cold temperatures and, to a lesser degree, decreased rates in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009’s higher fuel costs (notably in our commercial office segment with a decrease of $682,000), for a total decrease of $1.0 million or 5.6% in utility expenses in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. Utility expenses by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows: (in thousands) 2010 2009 Change % change (2010 vs. 2009) Multi-Family Residential 6,303 6,861 (558) (8.1%) $ $ $ Commercial Office $ 7,188 $ 7,851 (663) $ (8.4%) Commercial Medical $ 2,937 $ 2,859 78 $ 2.7% Commercial Industrial 185 $ 93 $ 92 $ 98.9% Commercial Retail 488 448 40 8.9% $ $ $ All Segments $ 17,101 $ 18,112 (1,011) $ (5.6%) Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ (542) (16) (558) $ $ $ (682) 19 (663) $ $ $ (233) 311 78 $ $ $ 93 (1) 92 $ $ $ 40 0 40 $ $ $ (1,324) 313 (1,011) 2011 Annual Report 48 • Increased Maintenance Expense. Maintenance expenses totaled $27.0 million in fiscal year 2010, compared to $26.4 million in fiscal year 2009. Maintenance expenses at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 added approximately $421,000 to the maintenance expense category during fiscal year 2010, while maintenance expenses at existing properties increased by approximately $120,000, primarily for payroll and taxes and vehicle expenses at our multi-family residential segment resulting in a net increase of approximately $541,000 million or 2.0% in maintenance expenses in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. 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 general rent increases. Maintenance expenses by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows: (in thousands) 2010 2009 Change % change (2010 vs. 2009) Multi-Family Residential 9,549 9,084 465 5.1% $ $ $ Commercial Office $ 11,127 $ 11,287 (160) $ (1.4%) Commercial Medical $ 4,210 $ 4,046 164 $ 4.1% Commercial Industrial 738 $ 566 $ 172 $ 30.4% Commercial Retail 1,348 1,448 (100) (6.9%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 26,972 $ 26,431 541 $ 2.0% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 324 141 465 $ $ $ (186) 26 (160) $ $ $ (90) 254 164 $ $ $ 172 0 172 $ $ $ (100) 0 (100) $ $ $ 120 421 541 • Increased Real Estate Tax Expense. Real estate taxes on properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 added $192,000 to real estate tax expense (with our commercial industrial segment accounting for $161,000), while real estate taxes on existing properties increased by approximately $941,000, for a total increase of $1.1 million or 3.9% in real estate tax expense in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009, from $29.1 million to $30.2 million. The increase in real estate taxes was primarily due to higher value assessments or increased tax levies on our stabilized properties. Real estate tax expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows: (in thousands) 2010 2009 Change % change (2010 vs. 2009) Multi-Family Residential 6,316 6,654 (338) (5.1%) $ $ $ Commercial Office $ 14,150 $ 13,850 300 $ 2.2% Commercial Medical $ 5,046 $ 4,515 531 $ 11.8% Commercial Industrial $ 2,550 $ 1,878 672 $ 35.8% Commercial Retail 2,148 2,180 (32) (1.5%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 30,210 $ 29,077 1,133 $ 3.9% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ (212) (126) (338) $ $ $ 262 38 300 $ $ $ 412 119 531 $ $ $ 511 161 672 $ $ $ (32) 0 (32) $ $ $ 941 192 1,133 • Increased Insurance Expense. Insurance expense increased in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009, from $2.9 million to $3.6 million, an increase of approximately 26.2%. Insurance expense at properties newly-acquired in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 added approximately $99,000 to insurance expense, while insurance expense at existing properties increased by approximately $652,000, for an increase of approximately $751,000 in insurance expense in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. The increase in insurance expense at stabilized properties is due to an increase in premiums, most notably in our multi- family residential segment of $531,000. 2011 Annual Report 49 Insurance expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows: (in thousands) 2010 2009 Change % change (2010 vs. 2009) Multi-Family Residential 1,664 1,089 575 52.8% $ $ $ Commercial Office 1,051 1,003 48 4.8% $ $ $ Commercial Medical 479 419 60 14.3% $ $ $ Commercial Industrial 224 $ 171 $ 53 $ 31.0% Commercial Retail 197 182 15 8.2% $ $ $ All Segments 3,615 $ 2,864 $ 751 $ 26.2% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 531 44 575 $ $ $ 39 9 48 $ $ $ 20 40 60 $ $ $ 47 6 53 $ $ $ 15 0 15 $ $ $ 652 99 751 • Increased Property Management Expense. Property management expense increased in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009, from $16.7 million to $18.4 million, an increase of $1.7 million or approximately 10.0%. Property management expenses at properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 added $2.4 million to the property management category during fiscal year 2010 (with our commercial medical segment accounting for $2.2 million) while property management expenses at existing properties decreased by $734,000 primarily as a result of a reduction in bad debt expense. Property management expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows: (in thousands) 2010 2009 Change % change (2010 vs. 2009) Multi-Family Residential 8,783 7,627 1,156 15.2% $ $ $ Commercial Office 3,317 3,653 (336) (9.2%) $ $ $ Commercial Medical $ 5,232 $ 4,207 $ 1,025 24.4% Commercial Industrial 424 $ 434 $ (10) $ (2.3%) Commercial Retail 637 807 (170) (21.1%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 18,393 $ 16,728 1,665 $ 10.0% Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 1,036 120 1,156 $ $ $ (362) 26 (336) $ (1,213) $ 2,238 $ 1,025 $ $ $ (25) 15 (10) $ $ $ (170) 0 (170) $ $ $ (734) 2,399 1,665 • Decreased Mortgage Interest Expense. Our mortgage interest expense decreased approximately $596,000, or 0.9%, to approximately $63.7 million during fiscal year 2010, compared to $64.3 million in fiscal year 2009. Mortgage interest expense for properties newly acquired in fiscal years 2010 and 2009 added $887,000 to our total mortgage interest expense in fiscal year 2010, while mortgage interest expense on existing properties decreased $1.5 million. Our overall weighted average interest rate on all outstanding mortgage debt was 6.17% as of April 30, 2010, compared to 6.30% as of April 30, 2009. Our mortgage debt decreased approximately $12.5 million, or 1.2%, to approximately $1.1 billion as of April 30, 2010, compared to April 30, 2009. 2011 Annual Report 50 Mortgage interest expense by reportable segment for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows: (in thousands) 2010 2009 Change % change (2010 vs. 2009) Multi-Family Residential $ 16,540 $ 16,159 381 $ 2.4% Commercial Office $ 22,864 $ 23,658 (794) $ (3.4%) Commercial Medical $ 17,023 $ 16,870 153 $ 0.9% Commercial Industrial $ 3,884 $ 3,743 141 $ 3.8% Commercial Retail 3,392 3,869 (477) (12.3%) $ $ $ All Segments $ 63,703 $ 64,299 (596) $ (0.9%) Stabilized Non-stabilized Change $ $ $ 325 56 381 $ $ $ (794) 0 (794) $ $ $ (457) 610 153 $ $ $ (80) 221 141 $ $ $ (477) 0 (477) $ $ $ (1,483) 887 (596) • Decreased Amortization Expense. 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 buildings and improvements. The Company accordingly initially records additional amortization expense due to this shorter amortization period, which has the effect in the short term of decreasing the Company’s net income available to common shareholders, as computed in accordance with GAAP. Amortization expense related to in-places leases totaled $8.6 million in fiscal year 2010, compared to $10.2 million in fiscal year 2009. The decrease in amortization expense in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009 was primarily due to prior years’ acquisitions becoming completely amortized. • Increased Administrative expenses. Administrative expenses totaled $5.7 million in fiscal year 2010, compared to $4.4 million in fiscal year 2009, with the increase due primarily to higher salary and employee incentive compensation expense associated with our internal property management initiative. Comparison of Results from Commercial and Residential Properties The following table presents an analysis of the relative investment in (corresponding to “Property owned” on the balance sheet, i.e., cost), and net operating income of, our commercial and multi-family residential properties over the past three fiscal years: Fiscal Years Ended April 30 Real Estate Investments – (cost before depreciation) Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total Net Operating Income Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total 2011 % (in thousands) 2010 % 2009 % $ 484,815 595,491 447,831 117,602 125,059 31.4% 33.0% 22.4% 6.3% 6.9% $1,770,798 100.0% $1,800,519 100.0% $1,729,585 100.0% 30.9% $ 542,547 571,565 32.4% 388,219 23.9% 108,103 6.3% 119,151 6.5% 27.4% $ 556,867 582,943 33.6% 430,229 25.3% 113,249 6.6% 117,231 7.1% $ 32,709 41,692 43,582 8,837 8,664 25.4% 33.8% 27.0% 6.9% 6.9% $ 135,484 100.0% $ 136,880 100.0% $ 135,304 100.0% 24.1% $ 30.8% 32.2% 6.5% 6.4% 34,317 45,802 36,501 9,346 9,338 34,523 45,246 39,535 8,974 8,602 25.2% 33.0% 28.9% 6.6% 6.3% 2011 Annual Report 51 Analysis of Lease Expirations and Credit Risk The following table shows the annual lease expiration percentages and base rent of expiring leases for the total commercial segments properties owned by us as of April 30, 2011, for fiscal years 2012 through 2021, and the leases that will expire during fiscal year 2022 and beyond. Our multi-family residential properties are excluded from this table, since residential leases are generally for a one-year term. Fiscal Year of Lease Expiration 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Totals Square Footage of Expiring Leases 1,991,437 871,687 1,355,201 845,870 1,354,079 1,077,571 317,263 547,109 327,955 326,605 1,386,570 10,401,347 Percentage of Total Commercial Segments Leased Square Footage Annualized Base Rent of Expiring Leases at Expiration 16,234,582 10,734,839 17,219,669 9,831,246 13,754,067 13,534,579 5,328,258 7,277,682 4,261,677 3,923,576 20,071,153 122,171,328 19.1% $ 8.4% 13.0% 8.1% 13.0% 10.4% 3.1% 5.3% 3.2% 3.1% 13.3% 100.0% $ Percentage of Total Commercial Segments Annualized Base Rent 13.3% 8.8% 14.1% 8.0% 11.3% 11.1% 4.4% 5.9% 3.5% 3.2% 16.4% 100.0% The following table lists our top ten commercial tenants on April 30, 2011, for all commercial properties owned by us, measured by percentage of total commercial segments’ minimum rents as of April 30, 2011. Our results of operations are dependent on, among other factors, the economic health of our tenants. We attempt to mitigate tenant credit risk by working to secure creditworthy tenants that meet our underwriting criteria and monitoring our portfolio to identify potential problem tenants. We believe that our credit risk is also mitigated by the fact that no individual tenant accounts for more than approximately 10% of our total real estate rentals, although affiliated entities of Edgewood Vista together accounted for approximately 10.8% of our total commercial segments’ minimum rents as of April 30, 2011. Lessee Affiliates of Edgewood Vista St. Lukes Hospital of Duluth, Inc. Fairview Health Services Applied Underwriters Affiliates of Siemens USA HealthEast Care System Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Smurfit - Stone Container (NASDAQ: SSCC) Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital Arcadis Corporate Services, Inc. All Others Total Monthly Commercial Rent as of April 30, 2011 Property Acquisitions (in thousands) % of Total Commercial Segments Minimum Rents as of April 30, 2011 10.8% 3.5% 3.1% 2.3% 2.1% 1.7% 1.4% 1.4% 1.3% 1.2% 71.2% 100.0% IRET Properties paid approximately $45.6 million for real estate properties added to its portfolio during fiscal year 2011, compared to $55.4 million in fiscal year 2010. The fiscal year 2011 and 2010 additions are detailed below. 2011 Annual Report 52 Fiscal 2011 (May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011) Acquisitions Multi-Family Residential 24 unit - North Pointe 2 - Bismarck, ND 44 unit - Sierra Vista - Sioux Falls, SD (in thousands) Land Building Intangible Assets Acquisition Cost $ 159 $ 241 400 1,713 $ 2,097 3,810 0 $ 0 0 1,872 2,338 4,210 Commercial Office 58,574 sq. ft. Omaha 10802 Farnam Dr - Omaha, NE 2,462 4,374 1,459 8,295 Commercial Medical 14,705 sq. ft. Billings 2300 Grant Road - Billings, MT 14,640 sq. ft. Missoula 3050 Great Northern - Missoula, MT 108,503 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Minot - Minot, ND 23,965 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Spearfish Expansion - Spearfish, SD1 649 1,216 657 2,522 640 1,046 1,331 11,590 752 2,545 0 2,335 2,777 16,914 0 3,954 2,723 15,181 2,777 23,203 Commercial Industrial 42,244 sq. ft. Fargo 1320 45th St N - Fargo, ND2 0 1,634 0 1,634 Commercial Retail 47,709 sq. ft. Minot 1400 31st Ave - Minot, ND 1,026 6,143 1,081 8,250 Total Property Acquisitions $ 6,223 $ 32,875 $ 6,494 $ 45,592 (1) Expansion project placed in service January 10, 2011. Approximately $497,000 of this cost was incurred in the three months ended April 30, 2011. (2) Development property placed in service June 22, 2010. Additional costs incurred in fiscal year 2010 totaled $2.3 million, for a total project cost at April 30, 2011 of $3.9 million. 2011 Annual Report 53 Fiscal 2010 (May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010) Acquisitions Multi-Family Residential (in thousands) Land Building Intangible Assets Acquisition Cost 16-unit Northern Valley Apartments - Rochester, MN 48-unit Crown Apartments - Rochester, MN $ 110 $ 261 371 610 $ 3,289 3,899 0 $ 0 0 720 3,550 4,270 Commercial Office 15,000 sq. ft. Minot 2505 16th Street SW - Minot, ND 372 1,724 304 2,400 Commercial Medical 65,160 sq. ft. Casper 1930 E. 12th Street (Park Place) - Casper, WY 35,629 sq. ft. Casper 3955 E. 12th Street (Meadow Wind) - Casper, WY 47,509 sq. ft. Cheyenne 4010 N. College Drive (Aspen Wind) - Cheyenne, WY 54,072 sq. ft. Cheyenne 4606 N. College Drive (Sierra Hills) - Cheyenne, WY 35,629 sq. ft. Laramie 1072 N. 22nd Street (Spring Wind) - Laramie, WY Commercial Industrial 439 338 628 695 5,780 1,120 7,339 5,881 1,120 7,339 9,869 1,960 12,457 7,455 1,410 9,560 406 2,506 6,634 35,619 1,265 6,875 8,305 45,000 42,180 sq. ft. Clive 2075 NW 94th Street - Clive, IA 408 2,610 332 3,350 Unimproved Land Fargo 1320 45th Street N. - Fargo, ND 395 0 0 395 Total Property Acquisitions $ 4,052 $ 43,852 $ 7,511 $ 55,415 2011 Annual Report 54 Property Dispositions During fiscal year 2011, the Company sold four multi-family residential properties and one property in each of its commercial medical, industrial and retail segments, for sales prices totaling approximately $83.3 million, compared to dispositions totaling $560,000 in fiscal year 2010. The fiscal year 2011 and 2010 dispositions are detailed below. Fiscal 2011 (May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011) Dispositions Multi-Family Residential Sales Price (in thousands) Book Value and Sales Cost Gain/(Loss) 504 unit - Dakota Hill at Valley Ranch - Irving, TX 192 unit - Neighborhood Apartments - Colorado Springs, CO 195 unit - Pinecone Apartments - Fort Collins, CO 210 unit - Miramont Apartments - Fort Collins, CO $ $ 36,100 11,200 15,875 17,200 80,375 30,909 $ 9,664 10,422 10,732 61,727 5,191 1,536 5,453 6,468 18,648 Commercial Medical 1,410 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Patio Home 4330 - Fargo, ND 205 220 (15) Commercial Industrial 29,440 sq. ft. Waconia Industrial Building - Waconia, MN 2,300 1,561 739 Commercial Retail 41,000 sq. ft. Ladysmith Pamida - Ladysmith, WI 450 457 (7) Total Property Dispositions $ 83,330 $ 63,965 $ 19,365 Fiscal 2010 (May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010) Dispositions Multi-Family Residential Sales Price (in thousands) Book Value and Sales Cost Gain/(Loss) 42 unit - Sweetwater Apartments - Grafton, ND $ 450 $ 382 $ Commercial Office 10,126 sq. ft. 12 South Main - Minot, ND 110 110 Total Property Dispositions $ 560 $ 492 $ 68 0 68 Funds From Operations 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). 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. 2011 Annual Report 55 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 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 to better 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. FFO applicable to common shares and limited partnership units for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011 was $62.2 million, compared to $61.5 million and $64.6 million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in FFO in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010 was due to those factors discussed above in the sections titled “Changes in Expenses and Net Income” and “Factors Impacting Net Income During Fiscal Year 2011 as Compared to Fiscal Year 2010.” Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust to Funds From Operations For the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009: Fiscal Years Ended April 30, 2011 (in thousands, except per share and unit amounts) 2010 2009 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) Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust Less dividends to preferred shareholders Net income available to common shareholders Adjustments: Noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership Depreciation and amortization(1) Gains on depreciable property sales Funds from operations applicable to common shares and Units $ 20,082 $ $ 4,001 $ $ 8,526 $ (2,372) (2,372) (2,372) 17,710 78,628 0.22 1,629 69,093 0.03 6,154 58,603 0.11 4,449 20,154 562 20,825 2,227 21,217 59,402 (19,365) 59,383 (68) 56,295 (54) $ 62,196 98,782 $ 0.63 $ 61,506 89,918 $ 0.69 $ 64,622 79,820 $ 0.81 (1) Real estate depreciation and amortization consists of the sum of depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments and amortization related to non-real estate investments from the Consolidated Statements of Operations, totaling $58,528, $57,455 and $54,434 and depreciation/amortization from Discontinued Operations of $1,146, $2,308 and $2,280, less corporate-related depreciation and amortization on office equipment and other assets of $272, $380 and $419 for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009. (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. 2011 Annual Report 56 Cash Distributions The following cash distributions were paid to our common shareholders and UPREIT unitholders during fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009: Quarters First Second Third Fourth Fiscal Years $ $ 2011 .1715 .1715 .1715 .1715 .6860 $ $ 2010 .1705 .1710 .1715 .1715 .6845 $ $ 2009 .1685 .1690 .1695 .1700 .6770 The fiscal year 2011 cash distributions increased 0.2% over the cash distributions paid during fiscal year 2010, and fiscal year 2010 cash distributions increased 1.1% over the cash distributions paid during fiscal year 2009. Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview The Company’s principal liquidity demands are maintaining distributions to the holders of the Company’s common and preferred shares of beneficial interest and UPREIT Units, capital improvements and repairs and maintenance to the Company’s properties, acquisition of additional properties, property development, tenant improvements and debt service and repayments. The Company has historically met its short-term liquidity requirements through net cash flows provided by its operating activities, and, from time to time, through draws on its unsecured lines of credit. Management considers the Company’s ability to generate cash from property operating activities, cash-out refinancing of existing properties and, from time to time, draws on its line of credit 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 also generally expected to be funded from existing cash on hand, cash flow generated from property operations, cash-out refinancing of existing properties, and/or new borrowings. However, the commercial and residential real estate markets continue to experience significant challenges including reduced occupancies and rental rates as well as restrictions on the availability of financing. In the event of further deterioration in property operating results, or absent the Company’s ability to successfully continue cash-out refinancing of existing properties and/or new borrowings, the Company may need to consider additional cash preservation alternatives, including scaling back development activities, capital improvements and renovations. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2011, the Company paid distributions totaling $56.3 million in cash and $11.4 million in common shares pursuant to our DRIP to common shareholders and unitholders of the Operating Partnership, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $58.8 million and funds from operations of $62.2 million. Additional cash to fund the distribution was provided by property refinancings in which the Company was able to withdraw cash following the placement of new mortgages on Company properties. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, the Board of Trustees of the Company approved a plan to reduce the Company’s quarterly distribution to $0.1300 from $0.1715 per common share and limited partnership unit (an indicated annual rate of $0.5200 per share/unit), effective with the next quarterly distribution planned for October 3, 2011. The Board of Trustees currently intends to maintain this level of cash distribution for at least the next four quarters. All future distributions remain subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Trustees. 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, 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. However, our ability to raise funds through the sale of equity securities, the sale of properties, and additional long-term secured or unsecured borrowings is dependent on, among other things, general economic conditions, general market conditions for REITs, our operating performance, and the current trading price of our common shares, and the capital and debt markets 2011 Annual Report 57 may not consistently be available at all or on terms that we consider attractive. In particular, as a result of the recent economic downturn and turmoil in the capital markets, the availability of secured and unsecured loans was for a time sharply curtailed. We cannot predict whether these conditions will recur. As a result of general economic conditions in our markets, economic downturns affecting the ability to attract and retain tenants, unfavorable fluctuations in interest rates or our share price, unfavorable changes in the supply of competing properties, or our properties not performing as expected, we may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or otherwise have access to capital on favorable terms, or at all. If we are unable to obtain capital from other sources, we may not be able to pay the distribution required to maintain our status as a REIT, make required principal and interest payments, make strategic acquisitions or make necessary routine capital improvements or undertake re-development opportunities with respect to our existing portfolio of operating assets. In addition, if a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and we are unable to meet mortgage payments, the holder of the mortgage could foreclose on the property, resulting in loss of income and asset values. Sources and Uses of Cash As of April 30, 2011, the Company had one secured line of credit with First International Bank and Trust, Watford City, North Dakota, as lead bank. This line of credit matures on August 11, 2013, and had, as of April 30, 2011, lending commitments of $50.0 million, with the capacity to grow to $60.0 million. Participants in the line of credit include several banks whose previous separate credit lines to the Company were terminated during the second quarter of fiscal year 2011 following their consolidation into the First International Bank-led facility. Participants in this secured credit facility as of April 30, 2011 included, in addition to First International Bank, the following financial institutions: The Bank of North Dakota; First Western Bank and Trust; Dacotah Bank; United Community Bank of North Dakota: American State Bank & Trust Company and Town & Country Credit Union. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had advanced $30.0 million under the line of credit. The line of credit has a minimum outstanding principal balance requirement of $10.0 million. The facility includes customary loan covenants including restrictions regarding minimum debt-service ratios to be maintained in the aggregate and individually on properties in the collateral pool, and the Company is also required to maintain minimum depository account(s) totaling $6.0 million with First International, of which $1.5 million is to be held in a non-interest bearing account. As of April 30, 2011, the management of the Company believes it is in compliance with the facility covenants. The Company also maintains compensating balances, not restricted as to withdrawal, with several financial institutions in connection with financing received from those institutions and/or to ensure future credit availability, as follows: Dacotah Bank, Minot, North Dakota, a deposit of $350,000; United Community Bank, Minot, North Dakota, deposit of $275,000; Commerce Bank, A Minnesota Banking Corporation, deposit of $250,000; First International Bank, Watford City, North Dakota, deposit of $6.0 million; Peoples State Bank of Velva, North Dakota, deposit of $150,000; Associated Bank, Green Bay, Wisconsin, deposit of $200,000, and Equity Bank, Minnetonka, Minnesota, deposit of $300,000. In September 2008, 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 October 2008. We may sell any combination of common shares and preferred shares up to an aggregate initial offering price of $150.0 million during the period that the registration statement remains effective. During fiscal year 2011, the Company sold 1.8 million common shares under this registration statement, under its continuous offering program with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated as sales agent, for net proceeds of approximately $15.0 million, before offering expenses but after underwriting discounts and commissions. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had available securities under this registration statement in the aggregate amount of approximately $18.2 million. This amount is reserved for issuance under the Company’s continuous offering program with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. In April 2010, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to register any combination of common shares and preferred shares up to an aggregate initial offering price of $150.0 million during the period that the registration statement remains effective. To date the Company has not issued any common or preferred shares under this registration statement. Economic conditions in the United States have begun to show some signs of improvement, but the sustainability of a recovery is still uncertain and economic growth has been sluggish and weak. Credit markets also appear to have stabilized, and in our experience credit availability has improved compared to the recent recessionary period, as bank earnings and liquidity recover, particularly among the larger financial institutions. In fiscal year 2011, however, we observed that while benchmark interest rates such as LIBOR remained near historic lows, underwriting 2011 Annual Report 58 on commercial real estate continued to be more conservative compared to the underwriting standards employed prior to the recessionary period, with recourse security more frequently required, lower amounts of proceeds available, and lenders limiting the amount of financing available to existing relationships in an effort to manage capital allocations and credit risk. Accordingly, while we continue to expect to be able to refinance our maturing debt in our commercial office, medical, industrial and retail segments, we also expect lenders to continue to employ conservative underwriting regarding asset quality, occupancy levels and tenant creditworthiness, and we are correspondingly cautious regarding our ability in fiscal year 2012 to rely on cash-out refinancings at levels we have achieved in recent years to provide funds for investment opportunities and other corporate purposes. Additionally, while to date there has been no material negative impact on our ability to borrow in our multi-family segment, we continue to closely monitor proposals to modify the roles of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) in financing multi-family residential properties; we consider that one of the consequences of a modification in the agencies’ roles could potentially be a narrowing of their lending focus away from the smaller secondary or tertiary markets which we generally target, to multi-family residential properties in major metropolitan markets. IRET obtains a majority of its multi-family debt from primarily Freddie Mac, and we continue to plan to refinance a majority of our maturing multi-family debt with these two entities, so any change in their ability or willingness to lend going forward would most likely result in higher loan costs and/or more constricted availability of financing for us. As of April 30, 2011, approximately 36.4%, or $11.4 million of our mortgage debt maturing in the next twelve months is placed on multi-family residential assets, and approximately 63.6%, or $19.9 million, is placed on properties in our four commercial segments. Mortgage debt maturing in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2012 consists of approximately $7.9 million on multi-family residential assets, and approximately $10.0 million on properties in our four commercial segments. Of this $17.9 million, as of June 30, 2011, we have signed commitments to refinance approximately $6.5 million in commercial debt, and are working to either refinance, renew, pay off with cash or apply credit line facilities to the remainder of the maturing debt. Despite these market uncertainties, and a continued tightening in credit standards by lenders, IRET during fiscal year 2011 acquired properties with an investment cost totaling $45.6 million. In fiscal year 2011, IRET disposed of four multi-family residential properties and one property in each of its commercial medical, industrial and retail segments, for sales prices totaling approximately $83.3 million, compared to dispositions totaling $560,000 in fiscal year 2010. The Company has a Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase 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 (currently 5%) from the market price, and to purchase additional common shares of the Company with voluntary cash contributions, also at a discount to the market price. The maximum monthly investment permitted without prior Company approval is currently $10,000. During fiscal year 2011, the Company revised its DRIP to permit the Company to issue waivers to DRIP participants to provide for investments in excess of the $10,000 maximum monthly investment. No such waivers were granted during fiscal year 2011. During fiscal year 2011, approximately 1.7 million common shares were issued under the DRIP plan, with an additional 1.4 million common shares issued during fiscal year 2010, and 1.3 million common shares issued during fiscal year 2009. The issuance of UPREIT Units for property acquisitions continues to be a source of capital for the Company. Approximately 555,000 units were issued in connection with property acquisitions during fiscal year 2011, and approximately 390,000 units and 362,000 units, respectively, were issued in connection with property acquisitions during fiscal years 2010 and 2009. As a result of the issuance of common shares pursuant to our shelf registration statement and distribution reinvestment plan, net of fractional shares repurchased, the Company’s equity capital increased during fiscal 2011 by $31.2 million. Additionally, the equity capital of the Company increased by $5.0 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 of $36.2 million from these sources during fiscal year 2011. The Company’s equity capital increased by $122.8 million and $21.1 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively, as a result of the issuance of common shares pursuant to our shelf registration statement and distribution reinvestment plan, net of fractional shares repurchased, and contributions of real estate in exchange for UPREIT units. Cash and cash equivalents on April 30, 2011 totaled $41.2 million, compared to $54.8 million and $33.2 million on the same date in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased slightly to $58.8 million in fiscal year 2011 from $61.4 million in fiscal year 2010 due primarily to changes in deferred charges and 2011 Annual Report 59 accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities. Despite a decrease in net income, net cash provided by operating activities increased slightly to $61.4 million in fiscal year 2010 from $60.1 million in fiscal year 2009, due to multiple factors including changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable and other non-cash items. Net cash provided by investing activities was $11.7 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to $79.0 million of net cash used by investing activities in fiscal year 2010. Net cash used by investing activities was $54.4 million in fiscal year 2009. The increase in net cash provided by investing activities in fiscal year 2011 compared to fiscal year 2010 was primarily a result of an increase in proceeds from the sale of real estate coupled with a reduction in expenditures for acquisitions and improvements of real estate investments. Net cash used by financing activities during fiscal year 2011 was $84.1 million, compared to $39.1 million provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2010, with the change due primarily to a decrease in proceeds from the sale of common shares, a decrease in proceeds from mortgages payable and an increase in principal payments on mortgages payable. Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal year 2010 was $39.1 million, compared to $26.0 million used by financing activities during fiscal year 2009. The difference was due primarily to an increase in proceeds from the sale of common shares and an increase in proceeds from mortgage borrowings and refinancings, net of principal payments on mortgages. Financial Condition Mortgage Loan Indebtedness. Mortgage loan indebtedness decreased to $993.8 million on April 30, 2011 from $1.1 billion on April 30, 2010, due to principal payments and loan payoffs, net of new debt. Approximately 99.8% 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, 2011, the weighted average rate of interest on the Company’s mortgage debt was 5.92%, compared to 6.17% on April 30, 2010. Revolving lines of credit. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had one secured line of credit with First International Bank and Trust, Watford City, North Dakota, as lead bank. This line of credit matures on August 11, 2013, and had, as of April 30, 2011, lending commitments of $50.0 million, with the capacity to grow to $60.0 million. Participants in the line of credit include several banks whose previous separate credit lines to the Company were terminated during the second quarter of fiscal year 2011 following their consolidation into the First International Bank-led facility. Participants in this secured credit facility as of April 30, 2011 included, in addition to First International Bank, the following financial institutions: The Bank of North Dakota; First Western Bank and Trust; Dacotah Bank; United Community Bank of North Dakota: American State Bank & Trust Company and Town & Country Credit Union. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had advanced $30.0 million under the line of credit. The line of credit has a minimum outstanding principal balance requirement of $10.0 million. The facility includes customary loan covenants including restrictions regarding minimum debt-service ratios to be maintained in the aggregate and individually on properties in the collateral pool, and the Company is also required to maintain minimum depository account(s) totaling $6.0 million with First International, of which $1.5 million is to be held in a non-interest bearing account. As of April 30, 2011, the management of the Company believes it is in compliance with the facility covenants. Mortgage Loans Receivable. Mortgage loans receivable net of allowance decreased to approximately $156,000 at April 30, 2011, from approximately $158,000 at April 30, 2010. Property Owned. Property owned was $1.8 billion at April 30, 2011 and 2010. Acquisitions and improvements to existing properties in fiscal year 2011, offset by fiscal year 2011 dispositions, resulted in no net increase in property owned as of April 30, 2011 compared to April 30, 2010. Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents on April 30, 2011 totaled $41.2 million, compared to $54.8 million on April 30, 2010. The decrease in cash on hand on April 30, 2011, as compared to April 30, 2010, was due primarily to the acquisition and development of property, as well as the paying down of mortgage debt. Marketable Securities. IRET’s investment in marketable securities classified as available-for-sale increased to approximately $625,000 on April 30, 2011, from $420,000 on April 30, 2010. 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. Operating Partnership Units. Outstanding limited partnership units in the Operating Partnership decreased to 20.1 million units on April 30, 2011, compared to 20.5 million units on April 30, 2010. The decrease in units outstanding 2011 Annual Report 60 at April 30, 2011 as compared to April 30, 2010, resulted primarily from the conversion of units to shares, net of units issued in exchange for property. Common and Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest. Common shares of beneficial interest outstanding on April 30, 2011 totaled 80.5 million compared to 75.8 million common shares outstanding on April 30, 2010. This increase in common shares outstanding from April 30, 2010 to April 30, 2011 was due to the issuance of common shares pursuant to our shelf registration statement and distribution reinvestment plan. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, the Company sold 1.8 million common shares under its continuous offering program with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated as sales agent. The net proceeds (before offering expenses but after underwriting discounts and commissions) from the offering of $15.0 million were used for general corporate purposes including the acquisition of investment properties. The Company issued common shares pursuant to our Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan, consisting of approximately 1.7 million common shares issued during fiscal year 2011, for a total value of approximately $14.5 million. Conversions of approximately 1.0 million UPREIT Units to common shares during fiscal year 2011, for a total of approximately $6.9 million in IRET shareholders’ equity, also increased the Company’s common shares of beneficial interest outstanding during the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended April 30, 2010. Preferred shares of beneficial interest outstanding on April 30, 2011 and 2010 totaled 1.2 million. Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments The primary contractual obligations of the Company relate to its borrowings under its line of credit and mortgage notes payable. The Company’s line of credit matures in August 2013, and had $30.0 million in loans outstanding at April 30, 2011. The principal and interest payments on the mortgage notes payable for the years subsequent to April 30, 2011, are included in the table below as “Long-term debt.” Interest due on variable rate mortgage notes is calculated using rates in effect on April 30, 2011. The “Other Debt” category consists of principal and interest payments on new loans for our Jamestown Mall and Trinity Hospital build-to-suit development projects, which are financed with Recovery Zone Facility Bonds, and of an unsecured promissory note issued by the Company to the sellers of an office/warehouse property located in Minnesota (a portion of the purchase price was paid by the Company in the form of a $1.0 million promissory note with a ten-year term; if the tenant defaults in the initial terms of the lease, the then-current balance of the promissory note is forfeited to the Company). As of April 30, 2011, the Company was a tenant under operating ground or air rights leases on eleven of its properties. The Company pays a total of approximately $501,000 per year in rent under these leases, which have remaining terms ranging from 1.3 to 90 years, and expiration dates ranging from July 2012 to October 2100. Purchase obligations of the Company represent those costs that the Company is contractually obligated to pay in the future. The Company’s significant purchase obligations as of April 30, 2011, which the Company expects to finance through debt and operating cash, are summarized in the following table. The significant components in the purchase obligation category are costs for construction and expansion projects and capital improvements at the Company’s properties. Purchase 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) Line of credit(1) Other Debt (principal and interest) Operating Lease Obligations Purchase Obligations Total $ 1,346,133 30,000 $ 12,649 $ 24,960 $ 5,125 $ (in thousands) Less Than 1 Year $ 116,388 0 $ 543 $ 501 $ 5,125 $ 1-3 Years $ 220,952 30,000 $ 1,162 $ 999 $ 0 $ 3-5 Years More than 5 Years $ 257,208 $ 751,585 0 0 $ $ 9,794 1,150 $ $ 22,486 974 $ $ 0 0 $ $ (1) Amount includes principal payments only. The Company will pay interest on outstanding indebtedness based on the rates and terms summarized in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 2011 Annual Report 61 Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements As of April 30, 2011, the Company had no 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, 2011, 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, 2011. On July 1, 2011, the Company paid a distribution of 17.15 cents per share on the Company’s common shares of beneficial interest, to common shareholders and UPREIT unitholders of record on June 15, 2011. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, the Company’s Board of Trustees approved a plan to reduce the Company’s quarterly distribution to $0.1300 from $0.1715 per common share and limited partnership unit, effective with the next quarterly distribution planned for October 3, 2011. The Board of Trustees currently intends to maintain this level of cash distribution for at least the next four quarters. All future distributions remain subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Trustees. Pending Acquisitions. The Company has signed purchase agreements to acquire the following properties; all of these pending acquisitions are subject to various closing conditions and contingencies, and no assurances can be given that any of these acquisitions will be completed: A 147-unit multi-family residential property in St. Cloud, Minnesota for a purchase price totaling approximately $10.9 million, of which approximately $7.2 million would consist of the assumption of existing debt, with the remaining approximately $3.7 million paid in cash (approximately $2.2 million) and by the issuance of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership valued at approximately $1.5 million; Two multi-family residential projects in Billings, Montana with a total of 36 units, for a purchase price totaling approximately $2.1 million, of which approximately $2.0 million would be paid through the issuance of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership; Two multi-family residential properties in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with 50 units and 24 units, respectively, for purchase prices of $4.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively, to be paid in cash; Six senior housing projects located in Boise, Idaho and towns surrounding Boise, with a total of approximately 209 units, for a total purchase price of approximately $29.5 million. The Company currently expects that this acquisition will close in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, although, as noted above, the acquisition is subject to various closing conditions and contingencies, and no assurance can be given that the acquisition will be completed. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, the Company terminated its previously-disclosed agreement for the purchase of a retail property located in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Development Projects. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, in June 2011, the Company commenced construction on an approximately 159-unit apartment project in Rochester, Minnesota, located adjacent to its existing Quarry Ridge Apartment Homes. The Company currently estimates that construction costs will total approximately $19.4 million, and that the project will be completed in approximately 14 months. 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. Because approximately 99.8% of our mortgage debt, as of April 30, 2011 (97.3% and 99.1% respectively, as of April 30, 2010 and 2009), is at fixed interest rates, we have little exposure to interest rate fluctuation risk on our existing mortgage debt. However, even though our goal is to maintain a fairly low exposure to interest rate risk, we are still vulnerable to significant fluctuations in interest rates on any future repricing or refinancing of our fixed or variable 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, 2011 Annual Report 62 interest-rate swaps or any other type of hedging activity to manage our interest rate risk. As of April 30, 2011, we had the following amount of future principal and interest payments due on mortgages secured by our real estate. Long Term Debt Fixed Rate Average Fixed Interest Rate Variable Rate Average Variable Interest Rate 2012 2013 2014 $ 58,460 $ 49,912 $ 64,688 $ 2015 92,476 $ 2016 Thereafter 77,695 $ 649,046 $ Total Fair Value 992,277 $ 1,012,187 Future Principal Payments (in thousands) 5.80% 5.82% 5.78% 5.65% 5.58% $ 281 $ 180 $ 666 $ 72 $ 76 $ 251 $ 1,526 $ 1,526 4.42% 4.61% 3.04% 5.59% 5.46% $ 993,803 $ 1,013,713 Long Term Debt Fixed Rate Variable Rate 2012 2013 2014 $ 57,580 $ 54,364 $ 51,052 $ 67 58 32 2015 46,284 $ 22 2016 Thereafter 40,565 $ 102,264 $ 18 24 $ Total 352,109 221 352,330 Future Interest Payments (in thousands) As of April 30, 2011, the weighted average interest rate on our fixed rate and variable rate loans was 5.93% and 4.69%, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on all of our mortgage debt as of April 30, 2011, was 5.92%. Any fluctuations in variable interest rates could increase or decrease our interest expenses. For example, an increase of one percent per annum on our $1.5 million of variable rate mortgage indebtedness would increase our annual interest expense by $15,000. Exposure to interest rate fluctuation risk on our $50.0 million secured line of credit is limited by a cap on the interest rate. The interest rate on borrowings under the facility is Wall Street Journal Prime Rate +1.0%, with a floor of 5.65% and a cap of 8.65% during the initial three-year term of the facility; interest-only payments are due monthly based on the total amount of advances outstanding. The line of credit may be prepaid at par at any time. The line of credit matures in August 2013 and had an outstanding balance of $30.0 million at April 30, 2011. 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, 2011 and 2010, respectively, IRET had approximately $625,000 and $420,000 of marketable securities classified as “available-for-sale,” consisting of bank certificates of deposit. 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, the “Bank” with respect to deposit accounts that exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) coverage. On a daily basis, account balances are swept into a repurchase account. The Bank pledges fractional interests in US Government Securities owned by the Bank at an amount equal to the excess over the uncollected balance in the repurchase account. The amounts deposited by IRET pursuant to the repurchase agreement are not insured by FDIC. At April 30, 2011 and 2010, these amounts totaled $23.5 million and $25.2 million, respectively. 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, and are incorporated herein by reference. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Not applicable. 2011 Annual Report 63 Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures: As of April 30, 2011, 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 were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by IRET in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 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. 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, 2011, 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, 2011, was 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. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2011, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report on page F-2 hereof, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2011. (The remainder of this page has been intentionally left blank.) 2011 Annual Report 64 Item 9B. Other Information During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Trustees confirmed its decisions to remove Mr. Thomas Wentz, Sr., at his request, from the group of Company executives eligible to receive an incentive bonus award for fiscal year 2011 under the Company’s Incentive Award Plan, and to establish the total potential amount of the bonus pool at approximately $1.6 million, which amount is 100% of the total of the base salaries of the Company’s executive officers (the named executive officers, including Mr. Wentz, Sr., and one other member of the Company’s management) in effect at the end of calendar year 2010. Item 10. Trustees, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 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 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. IRET has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to, among others, IRET’s principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer. This Code is available on our website at www.iret.com. Item 11. Executive Compensation The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2011 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 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. The following table provides information as of April 30, 2011 regarding compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our common shares of beneficial interest are available for issuance: Equity Compensation Plan Information Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,953,379(2) 0 1,953,379 Plan category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1) Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Total (1) The 2008 Incentive Award Plan of Investors Real Estate Trust and IRET Properties approved by shareholders on September 16, 2008. (2) All of the shares available for future issuance under the 2008 Incentive Award Plan approved by shareholders may be issued as restricted shares or performance shares. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Trustee Independence The information required by this Item will be contained in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2011 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 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference. 2011 Annual Report 65 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 4.1 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. Third Restated Trustees’ Regulations (Bylaws), dated May 16, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K , filed with the SEC on May 16, 2007. 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. Loan Agreement dated August 12, 2010 by and among IRET Properties, as borrower, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, and First International Bank & Trust as lender and lead bank, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 18, 2010. 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 10.3 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. 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. 2011 Annual Report 66 10.4 10.5 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. 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. 10.7* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed December 12, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.8 Contribution Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 17, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.9* Description of Compensation of Trustees, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed September 11, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.10 Loan and Security Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 18, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.11* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 12, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.12* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 11, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.13* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 12, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.14* Description of Compensation of Trustees, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed December 10, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.15* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed September 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.16* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed December 10, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.17* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 14, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.18* Description of Compensation of Trustees, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed September 9, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference. 12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends, filed herewith. 21.1 Subsidiaries of Investors Real Estate Trust, filed herewith. 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, 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. Section 906 Certification of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, filed herewith. 32.2 ________________________ * Indicates management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. 2011 Annual Report 67 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 14, 2011 Investors Real Estate Trust By: /s/ Timothy P. Mihalick Timothy P. Mihalick 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: Title Date Trustee & Chairman June 22, 2011 Trustee & Vice Chairman June 22, 2011 President & Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer); Trustee July 14, 2011 Trustee and Chief Operating Officer July 14, 2011 Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) July 14, 2011 Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee June 22, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 22, 2011 June 22, 2011 Signature /s/ Jeffrey L. Miller Jeffrey L. Miller /s/ Stephen L. Stenehjem Stephen L. Stenehjem /s/ Timothy P. Mihalick Timothy P. Mihalick /s/ Thomas A. Wentz, Jr. Thomas A. Wentz, Jr. /s/ Diane K. Bryantt Diane K. Bryantt /s/ Edward T. Schafer Edward T. Schafer /s/ John D. Stewart John D. Stewart /s/ Patrick G. Jones /s/ C.W. “Chip” Morgan /s/ John T. Reed John T. Reed /s/ W. David Scott W. David Scott /s/ Jeffrey K. Woodbury Jeffrey K. Woodbury 2011 Annual Report 68 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF April 30, 2011 AND 2010, AND THE RELATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS, EQUITY AND CASH FLOWS FOR EACH OF THE FISCAL YEARS IN THE THREE YEARS ENDED April 30, 2011. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED April 30, 2011 and REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM PO Box 1988 3015 16th Street SW, Suite 100 Minot, ND 58702-1988 701-837-4738 fax: 701-838-7785 info@iret.com www.iret.com 2011 Annual Report INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM..................................... CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-4 Consolidated Balance Sheets ..................................................................................................................... F-5 Consolidated Statements of Operations ..................................................................................................... Consolidated Statements of Equity ............................................................................................................ F-6 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows .................................................................................................... F-7 – F-8 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................................................................................. F-9 – F-33 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation........................................................................ Schedule IV - Investments in Mortgage Loans on Real Estate.................................................................. F-34-44 F-45 F-2 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. 2011 Annual Report F-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Trustees 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, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2011. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2011, 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 these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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 and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Investors Real Estate Trust and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial 2011 Annual Report F-2 statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota July 14, 2011 2011 Annual Report F-3 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS April 30, 2011 and 2010 ASSETS Real estate investments Property owned Less accumulated depreciation Development in progress Unimproved land Mortgage loans receivable, net of allowance of $3 and $3, respectively 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 of $996 and $912, respectively Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $317 and $257, respectively Real estate deposits Prepaid and other assets Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $42,154 and $39,571, respectively Tax, insurance, and other escrow Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,231 and $924, respectively Goodwill Deferred charges and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $13,675 and $13,131, respectively TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses Revolving lines of credit Mortgages payable Other TOTAL LIABILITIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 15) REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS – CONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES EQUITY Investors Real Estate Trust shareholder’s equity Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (Cumulative redeemable preferred shares, no par value, 1,150,000 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2011 and April 30, 2010, aggregate liquidation preference of $28,750,000) Common Shares of Beneficial Interest (Unlimited authorization, no par value, 80,523,265 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2011, and 75,805,159 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2010) Accumulated distributions in excess of net income Total Investors Real Estate Trust shareholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership (20,067,350 units at April 30, 2011 and 20,521,365 units at April 30, 2010) Noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities Total equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (in thousands) April 30, 2011 April 30, 2010 $ 1,770,798 $ (328,952) 1,441,846 9,693 6,550 156 1,458,245 1,800,519 (308,626) 1,491,893 2,831 6,007 158 1,500,889 41,191 625 18,933 5,646 329 2,351 49,832 15,268 1,704 1,127 54,791 420 17,320 4,916 516 1,189 50,700 9,301 1,392 1,388 $ $ 20,112 1,615,363 $ 18,108 1,660,930 37,879 $ 30,000 993,803 8,404 1,070,086 38,514 6,550 1,057,619 1,320 1,104,003 987 1,812 27,317 27,317 621,936 (237,563) 411,690 583,618 (201,412) 409,523 123,627 8,973 544,290 1,615,363 $ 134,970 10,622 555,115 1,660,930 $ SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 2011 Annual Report F-4 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009 (in thousands, except per share data) 2011 2010 2009 REVENUE Real estate rentals Tenant reimbursement TOTAL REVENUE EXPENSES Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments Utilities Maintenance Real estate taxes Insurance Property management expenses Administrative expenses Advisory and trustee services Other expenses Amortization related to non-real estate investments Impairment of real estate investments TOTAL EXPENSES Gain on involuntary conversion Interest expense Interest income Other income Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations NET INCOME Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust Dividends to preferred shareholders NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS Earnings per common share from continuing operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC & DILUTED DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ $ $ $ $ 192,400 $ 186,517 $ 183,349 45,167 228,516 44,994 231,511 45,007 237,407 55,849 18,238 29,240 30,852 2,304 21,289 6,617 605 1,774 2,679 0 169,447 0 (64,021) 259 282 4,480 19,871 24,351 (4,449) 180 20,082 (2,372) 17,710 $ 55,093 17,101 26,972 30,210 3,615 18,393 5,716 502 2,513 2,362 708 163,185 1,660 (65,665) 539 355 5,215 (630) 4,585 (562) 52,374 18,112 26,431 29,077 2,864 16,728 4,430 452 1,440 2,060 0 153,968 0 (65,014) 599 314 10,447 266 10,713 (2,227) (22) 4,001 (2,372) 1,629 $ 40 8,526 (2,372) 6,154 .02 $ .04 $ .10 .20 .22 $ .6860 $ (.01) .03 $ .6845 $ .01 .11 .6770 SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 2011 Annual Report F-5 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009 NUMBER OF PREFERRED SHARES 1,150 PREFERRED SHARES 27,317 $ NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES 57,732 COMMON SHARES 439,255 $ ACCUMULATED DISTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF NET INCOME (122,498) $ NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 173,557 $ $ TOTAL EQUITY 517,631 (in thousands) 8,526 (39,612) (2,372) 1,186 641 11,385 5,978 746 5,034 (1) 6 (10) 1,150 $ 27,317 60,304 $ 461,648 $ (155,956) $ 4,001 (47,085) (2,372) 1,240 13,555 10,534 108,421 707 3,755 2,134 (14,383) 3,730 (5,034) 394 160,398 $ 524 (14,261) 3,897 (3,755) (1) 1,150 $ 27,317 75,805 $ (192) (11) (537) 583,618 $ (201,412) $ (1,211) 145,592 $ 20,082 (53,861) (2,372) 4,282 (13,803) 4,996 (6,905) 1,334 2,376 11,373 19,851 1,009 6,905 (1) 1,150 $ 27,317 80,523 $ 370 (10) (171) 621,936 $ (237,563) $ (1,562) 132,600 $ SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 10,660 (53,995) (2,372) 11,385 5,978 3,730 0 6 (10) 394 493,407 4,525 (61,346) (2,372) 10,534 108,421 3,897 0 (192) (11) (1,748) 555,115 24,364 (67,664) (2,372) 11,373 19,851 4,996 0 370 (10) (1,733) 544,290 BALANCE APRIL 30, 2008 Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Distributions - common shares Distributions - preferred shares Distribution reinvestment plan Shares issued Partnership units issued Redemption of units for common shares Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests Fractional shares repurchased Other BALANCE APRIL 30, 2009 Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Distributions - common shares Distributions - preferred shares Distribution reinvestment plan Shares issued Partnership units issued Redemption of units for common shares Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests Fractional shares repurchased Other BALANCE APRIL 30, 2010 Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Distributions - common shares Distributions - preferred shares Distribution reinvestment plan Shares issued Partnership units issued Redemption of units for common shares Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests Fractional shares repurchased Other BALANCE APRIL 30, 2011 2011 Annual Report F-6 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Gain on sale of real estate, land and other investments Gain on involuntary conversion Impairment of real estate investments Donation of real estate investments Bad debt expense Changes in other assets and liabilities: Increase in receivable arising from straight-lining of rents Increase in accounts receivable Increase in prepaid and other assets Decrease (increase) in tax, insurance and other escrow Increase in deferred charges and leasing costs Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from real estate deposits Payments for real estate deposits Principal proceeds on mortgage loans receivable Proceeds from sale of marketable securities - available-for-sale Purchase of marketable securities - available-for-sale Increase in lender holdbacks for improvements Proceeds from sale of real estate - discontinued operations Proceeds from sale of real estate and other investments Insurance proceeds received Payments for acquisitions and improvements of real estate investments Net cash provided (used) by investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from mortgages payable Principal payments on mortgages payable Principal payments on revolving lines of credit and other debt Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and other debt Proceeds from sale of common shares, net of issue costs Repurchase of fractional shares and partnership units Net (payments) proceeds from noncontrolling partner – consolidated real estate entities Distributions paid to common shareholders, net of reinvestment of $10,627, $9,762 and $10,603, respectively Distributions paid to preferred shareholders Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests – Unitholders of the Operating Partnership, net reinvestment of $746, $772 and $782, respectively Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests – consolidated real estate entities Distributions paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests-consolidated real estate entities Redemption of partnership units Net cash (used) provided by financing activities NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR (in thousands) 2010 2011 2009 $ 24,351 $ 4,585 $ 10,713 61,344 (19,365) 0 0 0 733 (1,732) (914) (1,162) 1,469 (6,501) 551 58,774 2,766 (2,579) 2 95 (300) (7,436) 81,539 74 347 (62,824) 11,684 61,184 (68) (1,660) 1,678 450 1,399 (1,443) (3,371) (138) (2,040) (4,731) 57,832 (54) 0 338 0 2,472 (2,403) (603) (702) 1,381 (5,686) 5,567 61,412 (3,153) 60,135 2,588 (3,016) 2 0 0 0 103 40 1,395 (80,069) (78,957) 3,645 (2,354) 389 0 0 0 68 0 2,962 (59,077) (54,367) 73,530 (67,230) (14,073) 20,500 5,978 (10) 139,947 (213,658) (25,650) 56,300 19,598 (10) 166,490 (180,482) (15,567) 15,500 108,271 (11) (425) (475) 717 (43,234) (2,372) (37,323) (2,372) (29,009) (2,372) (13,057) (13,489) (13,601) (1,055) (1,273) (165) (442) 0 (84,058) (13,600) 54,791 41,191 $ (112) (177) (158) 0 39,092 (26,005) (20,237) 21,547 33,244 53,481 54,791 $ 33,244 $ SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 2011 Annual Report F-7 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009 SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Distribution reinvestment plan Operating partnership distribution reinvestment plan Assets acquired through the issuance of operating partnership units Operating partnership units converted to shares Real estate investment acquired through assumption of indebtedness and $ accrued costs Adjustments to accounts payable included within real estate investments Fair value adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid during the year for: (in thousands) 2011 2010 2009 10,627 746 4,996 6,905 9,895 933 370 $ 9,762 $ 10,603 782 3,730 5,034 772 3,897 3,755 2,569 324 (192) 0 (90) 6 Interest on mortgages Interest other $ $ 63,163 1,399 64,562 $ $ 67,234 $ 67,947 421 67,916 $ 68,368 682 SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 2011 Annual Report F-8 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009 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, except for taxes on undistributed REIT taxable income and taxes on the income generated by our taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). Our TRS is subject to corporate federal and state income tax on its taxable income at regular statutory rates. We have considered estimated future taxable income and have determined that there were no material income tax provisions or material net deferred income tax items for our TRS for the years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. 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, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. As of April 30, 2011, IRET owned 78 multi-family residential properties with approximately 8,661 apartment units and 176 commercial properties, consisting of commercial office, commercial medical, commercial industrial and commercial retail properties, totaling approximately 12.2 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 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 80.1% and 78.7%, respectively, as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, 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 noncontrolling interests reflecting the noncontrolling partners’ share of ownership and income and expenses. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In January 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update to the guidance contained in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, Receivables. The new guidance requires companies to provide more information about the credit quality of their financing receivables in the disclosures to financial statements including, but not limited to, significant purchases and sales of financing receivables, aging information and credit quality indicators. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 2011 Annual Report F-9 NOTE 2 • continued In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures About Fair Value (“ASU 2010-06”), which requires new disclosures about fair value measurements. Specifically, a reporting entity should disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. Additionally, the reconciliation for Level 3 fair value measurements should present separately information about purchasers, sales, issuances and settlements. To date, the Company has not had any transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, nor does it have any Level 3 fair value measurements. Therefore, ASU 2010-06 did not have any impact on the fair value disclosures included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 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 INVESTMENTS Real estate investments are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and an adjustment for impairment, if any. Acquisitions of real estate investments 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 based on the relative fair values of the tangible and intangible 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 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 fair value if acquired in a merger or in a single or portfolio acquisition. Above-market and below-market in-place lease intangibles for acquired properties are recorded at fair value 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 market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. 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 the fair value analysis include an estimate of carrying costs and foregone rental income 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 relative 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 and depreciated 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 and the Company has no significant involvement with the property sold. 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 2011 Annual Report F-10 NOTE 2 • continued performance, market conditions, expected holding period of each asset and legal and environmental concerns. 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. If our anticipated holding period for properties, the estimated fair value of properties or other factors change based on market conditions or otherwise, our evaluation of impairment charges may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is subjective and is based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses. No impairment losses were recorded in fiscal year 2011. During fiscal year 2010, the Company incurred a loss of $1.7 million due to impairment of three properties. The Company recorded a charge for impairment of approximately $818,000 on a commercial retail property in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, based upon receipt of a market offer to purchase and the Company’s probable intention to dispose of the property. The Company recorded a charge for impairment of approximately $152,000 on its former headquarters building in Minot, North Dakota, based upon receipt and acceptance of a market offer to purchase. These two properties were subsequently sold and the related impairment charges for fiscal year 2010 are reported in discontinued operations. See Note 12 for additional information. The Company also recorded an impairment charge of approximately $708,000 on a commercial retail property located in Kentwood, Michigan, in fiscal year 2010. This property’s tenant vacated the premises but continued to pay rent under a lease agreement that expired on October 29, 2010. Broker representations and market data for this commercial retail property provided the basis for the impairment charge. During fiscal year 2009, the Company incurred a loss of approximately $338,000 due to impairment of the property formerly used as IRET’s Minot headquarters. This property was subsequently sold and the related impairment charge for fiscal year 2009 is reported in discontinued operations. See Note 12 for additional information. 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. The application of current accounting principles that govern the classification of any of our properties as held-for- sale on the balance sheet requires management to make certain significant judgments. The Company makes a determination as to the point in time that it is probable that a sale will be consummated. It is not unusual for real estate sales contracts to allow potential buyers a period of time to evaluate the property prior to formal acceptance of the contract. In addition, certain other matters critical to the final sale, such as financing arrangements, often remain pending even upon contract acceptance. As a result, properties under contract may not close within the expected time period, or may not close at all. Due to these uncertainties, it is not likely that the Company can meet the criteria of the current accounting principles governing the classification of properties as held-for-sale prior to a sale formally closing. Therefore, any properties categorized as held-for-sale represent only those properties that management has determined are probable to close within the requirements set forth in current accounting principles. 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 LIABILITIES AND GOODWILL Upon acquisition of real estate, the Company records the intangible assets and liabilities 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 and liabilities that are determined to have finite lives based on the period over which the assets and liabilities are expected to affect, directly or indirectly, the future cash flows of the real estate property acquired (generally the life of the lease). In the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, the Company added approximately $6.5 million and $7.5 million of new intangible assets and $32,000 and $20,000 of new intangible liabilities. The weighted average lives of the intangible assets and intangible liabilities acquired in the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 are 9.5 years and 17.4 years, respectively. Amortization of 2011 Annual Report F-11 NOTE 2 • continued intangibles related to above or below-market leases is recorded in real estate rentals in the consolidated statements of operations. Amortization of other intangibles is recorded in depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments in the consolidated statements of operations. 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 Company’s identified intangible assets and intangible liabilities at April 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows: Identified intangible assets (included in intangible assets): Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Indentified intangible liabilities (included in other liabilities): Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (in thousands) April 30, 2011 April 30, 2010 $ $ $ $ 91,986 $ (42,154) 49,832 $ 90,271 (39,571) 50,700 1,104 $ (900) 204 $ 1,260 (940) 320 The effect of amortization of acquired below-market leases and acquired above-market leases on rental income was approximately $(72,000) and $(45,000) for the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The estimated annual amortization of acquired below-market leases, net of acquired above-market leases for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (in thousands) 45 $ 32 35 18 14 Amortization of all other identified intangible assets (a component of depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments) was $7.1 million and $8.7 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The estimated annual amortization of all other identified intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 (in thousands) 5,521 $ 4,546 4,140 3,783 3,566 The excess of the cost of an acquired business over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The Company’s goodwill has an indeterminate life and 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. Goodwill book values as of April 30, 2011 and 2010 were $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The annual reviews of goodwill compared the fair value of the business units that have been assigned goodwill to their carrying value (investment cost less accumulated depreciation), with the results for these periods indicating no impairment. In fiscal year 2011 the Company disposed of four multi-family residential properties that had goodwill assigned, and as result, approximately $261,000 of goodwill was derecognized. 2011 Annual Report F-12 NOTE 2 • continued PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consists of the equipment contained at IRET’s headquarters in Minot, North Dakota, a corporate office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and additional property management offices in Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The balance sheet reflects these assets at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. As of April 30, 2011 and 2010, the cost was $2.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was approximately $1.2 million and $924,000 as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE Mortgage loans receivable (which include contracts for deed) are stated at the outstanding principal balance, net of an allowance for uncollectibility. Interest income is accrued and reflected in the balance sheet. Non-performing loans are recognized as impaired. 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. COMPENSATING BALANCES The Company maintains compensating balances, not restricted as to withdrawal, with several financial institutions in connection with financing received from those institutions and/or to ensure future credit availability, as follows: Dacotah Bank, Minot, North Dakota, a deposit of $350,000; United Community Bank, Minot, North Dakota, deposit of $275,000; Commerce Bank, A Minnesota Banking Corporation, deposit of $250,000; First International Bank, Watford City, North Dakota, deposit of $6.0 million; Peoples State Bank of Velva, North Dakota, deposit of $150,000; Associated Bank, Green Bay, Wisconsin, deposit of $200,000, and Equity Bank, Minnetonka, Minnesota, deposit of $300,000. 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 fair value with the resulting unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of equity until realized. GAAP establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based upon our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. At April 30, 2011, our marketable securities are carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis. Fair values are determined through the use of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets, which are inputs that are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy. 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 records a charge to earnings to write 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 2011 Annual Report F-13 NOTE 2 • continued 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, as well as the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security until recovery. 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, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows: (in thousands) Balance at beginning of year Provision Write-off Balance at close of year TAX, INSURANCE, AND OTHER ESCROW 2010 2011 2009 $ 1,172 $ 1,131 $ 1,264 2,472 1,399 (2,605) (1,358) $ 1,316 $ 1,172 $ 1,131 733 (589) 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. 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 to interest expense over the life of the loan using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. NONCONTROLLING 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 noncontrolling interests in accordance with the terms of the Operating Partnership agreement. IRET reflects noncontrolling interests in Mendota Properties 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 noncontrolling interests are reflected as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests–consolidated real estate entities in the consolidated statements of operations. Noncontrolling interests are reported as a separate component of equity. Amounts attributable to the parent for income from continuing operations and discontinued operations are as follows: 2011 Annual Report F-14 NOTE 2 • continued Amounts Attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust (in thousands) For Years Ended April 30, 2011 2010 Income from continuing operations – Investors Real Estate Trust Discontinued Operations – Investors Real Estate Trust Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust $ $ 4,186 15,896 20,082 $ $ 4,490 (489) 4,001 $ $ 2009 8,328 198 8,526 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. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company distributed in excess of 90% of its taxable income and realized capital gains from property dispositions within the prescribed time limits; accordingly, no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the Company will be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates (including any alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for the four subsequent taxable years. Even as a REIT, the Company may be subject to certain state and local income and property taxes, and to federal income and excise taxes on undistributed taxable income. In general, however, if the Company qualifies as a REIT, no provisions for federal income taxes are necessary except for taxes on undistributed REIT taxable income and taxes on the income generated by a taxable REIT subsidiary (TRS). The Company has one TRS, acquired during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010, which is subject to corporate federal and state income taxes on its taxable income at regular statutory rates. For fiscal years 2011 and 2010, the Company’s TRS had a net operating loss. There were no income tax provisions or material deferred income tax items for our TRS for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011 and 2010. The Company’s TRS is the tenant in the Company’s Wyoming assisted living facilities. 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. Distributions for the calendar year ended December 31, 2010 were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 28.53% ordinary income and 71.47% return of capital. 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 generally 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. 2011 Annual Report F-15 NOTE 2 • continued 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. 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 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 Company has no potentially dilutive financial interests; the potential exchange of Units for common shares will have no effect on net income per share because Unitholders and common shareholders effectively share equally in the net income of the Operating Partnership. NOTE 3 • CREDIT RISK The Company is potentially exposed to credit risk for 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, the “Bank” with respect to deposit accounts that exceed FDIC Insurance coverage. On a daily basis, account balances are swept into a repurchase account. The Bank pledges fractional interests in US Government Securities owned by the Bank at an amount equal to the excess over the uncollected balance in the repurchase account. The amounts deposited by IRET pursuant to the repurchase agreement are not insured by FDIC. At April 30, 2011 and 2010, these amounts totaled $23.5 million and $25.2 million, respectively. NOTE 4 • PROPERTY OWNED Property, consisting principally of real estate, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and totaled $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion as of April 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Construction period interest of approximately $152,000, $19,000, and $912,000 has been capitalized for the years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The future minimum lease receipts to be received under non-cancellable leases for commercial properties as of April 30, 2011, assuming that no options to renew or buy out the lease are exercised, are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Thereafter (in thousands) $ 111,017 100,265 88,497 75,722 64,316 302,096 741,913 $ During fiscal year 2011, the Company incurred no losses due to impairment. During fiscal year 2010, the Company incurred a loss of $1.7 million due to impairment of three properties. Two of these properties were subsequently sold and the related impairment charges of $970,000 are reported in discontinued operations for fiscal year 2010. See Note 12 for additional information. For the year ended April 30, 2009, the Company incurred a loss of approximately $338,000 due to impairment of the property formerly used as IRET’s Minot headquarters. This property was subsequently sold and the related impairment charge for fiscal year 2009 is reported in discontinued operations. See Note 12 for additional information. During fiscal year 2010, the Company reached an agreement for final settlement of insurance claims related to a fiscal year 2009 fire loss and realized a $1.7 million gain from involuntary conversion, as the total proceeds of $2.4 million exceeded our estimated basis in the assets requiring replacement. 2011 Annual Report F-16 NOTE 5 • MORTGAGE LOANS RECEIVABLE - NET The mortgage loans receivable consists of one contract for deed that is collateralized by real estate. The interest rate on this loan is 7.0% and it matures in fiscal 2013. Future principal payments due under this mortgage loan as of April 30, 2011, are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 (in thousands) $ 2 157 159 (3) 156 Less allowance for doubtful accounts $ There were no non-performing mortgage loans receivable as of April 30, 2011 and 2010. NOTE 6 • MARKETABLE SECURITIES The amortized cost and fair value of marketable securities available-for-sale at April 30, 2011 and 2010 are as follows. 2011 Bank certificates of deposit 2010 Bank certificates of deposit Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses (in thousands) $ $ 625 625 $ $ 0 0 $ $ 0 0 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses (in thousands) $ $ 420 420 $ $ 0 0 $ $ 0 0 Fair Value 625 625 Fair Value 420 420 $ $ $ $ As of April 30, 2011, $275,000 of the investment in bank certificates of deposit will mature in less than one year, $50,000 will mature in May 2012 and the remaining $300,000 will mature in March 2014. There were no realized gains or losses on sales of securities available-for-sale for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009. There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses incurred on the securities available- for-sale for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009. NOTE 7 • LINE OF CREDIT IRET has a line of credit with one financial institution as lead bank as of April 30, 2011. Interest payments on outstanding borrowings are due monthly. This credit facility is summarized in the following table: (in thousands) Amount Outstanding as of April 30, 2011 Amount Outstanding as of April 30, 2010 Applicable Interest Rate as of April 30, 2011 Amount Available Maturity Date Weighted Average Int. Rate on Borrowings during fiscal year 2011 $ 50,000 $ 30,000 $ 0(1) 5.65% 8/11/13 5.73% Financial Institution First International Bank & Trust 2011 Annual Report F-17 NOTE 7 • continued As of April 30, 2011, the Company had one secured line of credit with First International Bank and Trust, Watford City, North Dakota, as lead bank. This line of credit matures on August 11, 2013, and had, as of April 30, 2011, lending commitments of $50.0 million, with the capacity to grow to $60.0 million, subject to identifying additional interested participating banks. Participants in the line of credit include several banks whose previous separate credit lines to the Company were terminated during the second quarter of fiscal year 2011 following their consolidation into the First International Bank-led facility. Participants in this secured credit facility as of April 30, 2011 included, in addition to First International Bank, the following financial institutions: The Bank of North Dakota; First Western Bank and Trust; Dacotah Bank; United Community Bank of North Dakota; American State Bank & Trust Company and Town & Country Credit Union. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had advanced $30.0 million under the line of credit. The line of credit has a minimum outstanding principal balance requirement of $10.0 million. The interest rate on borrowings under the facility is Wall Street Journal Prime Rate +1.0%, with a floor of 5.65% and a cap of 8.65% during the initial three-year term of the facility; interest-only payments are due monthly based on the total amount of advances outstanding. The line of credit may be prepaid at par at any time. The facility includes customary loan covenants including restrictions regarding minimum debt-service ratios to be maintained in the aggregate and individually on properties in the collateral pool, and the Company is also required to maintain minimum depository account(s) totaling $6.0 million with First International, of which $1.5 million is to be held in a non-interest bearing account. As of April 30, 2011, 26 properties with a total cost of $122.1 million collateralized this line of credit. As of April 30, 2011, the management of the Company believes it is in compliance with the facility covenants. (1) As of April 30, 2010, the Company had $4.0 million in borrowings outstanding under a $14.0 million line of credit with First International Bank and Trust. This $14.0 million line of credit, and three other lines of credit that were outstanding at various times during fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, with, respectively, First Western Bank and Trust, United Community Bank and Dacotah Bank, were replaced by the current multi-bank line of credit. As of April 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding borrowings at United Community Bank and Dacotah Bank of $1.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. NOTE 8 • MORTGAGES PAYABLE The Company’s mortgages payable are collateralized by substantially all of its properties owned. The majority of the Company’s mortgages payable are secured by individual properties or groups of properties, and are non-recourse to the Company, other than for standard carve-out obligations such as fraud, waste, failure to insure, environmental conditions and failure to pay real estate taxes. As of April 30, 2011, the management of the Company believes there are no defaults or material compliance issues in regard to any mortgages payable. Interest rates on mortgages payable range from 2.82% to 8.25%, and the mortgages have varying maturity dates from June 1, 2011, through June 9, 2035. Of the mortgages payable, the balance of fixed rate mortgages totaled $992.3 million at April 30, 2011 and $1.0 billion at April 30, 2010, and the balances of variable rate mortgages totaled $1.5 million and $29.0 million as of April 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to changes in market interest rates. Most of the fixed rate mortgages have substantial pre-payment penalties. As of April 30, 2011, the weighted average rate of interest on the Company’s mortgage debt was 5.92%, compared to 6.17% on April 30, 2010. The aggregate amount of required future principal payments on mortgages payable as of April 30, 2011, is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Thereafter Total payments (in thousands) 58,741 50,092 65,354 92,548 77,771 649,297 993,803 $ $ 2011 Annual Report F-18 NOTE 9 • TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES BANKING SERVICES The Company has an ongoing banking relationship with First International Bank and Trust, Watford City, North Dakota (First International). Stephen L. Stenehjem, a member of the Company’s Board of Trustees and Audit Committee, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of First International, and the bank is owned by Mr. Stenehjem and members of his family. Currently, and during fiscal year 2011, the Company has two mortgage loans outstanding with First International, with original principal balances of $3.2 million (Grand Forks MedPark Mall) and $2.4 million (Georgetown Square/Fox River), respectively, bearing interest at 6.25% and 7.25% per annum. For a portion of fiscal year 2011, the Company had outstanding a third mortgage loan with First International in the amount of approximately $406,000 (Dakota West Plaza), bearing interest at 7.63% per annum; this loan was repaid in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. The Company paid interest on these loans of approximately $190,000, $165,000 and $3,000, respectively, in fiscal year 2011, and paid $32,000 in origination fees and closing costs on the Grand Forks MedPark Mall loan. For a portion of fiscal year 2011, the Company maintained a $14.0 million unsecured line of credit with First International, for which it paid a total of approximately $72,000 in interest during fiscal year 2011. This line of credit was terminated during the second quarter of fiscal year 2011 and replaced with a multi-bank line of credit with a current capacity of $50.0 million, of which First International is the lead bank and a participant with a $12.0 million commitment. In fiscal year 2011, the Company paid First International a total of $212,000 in interest on First International’s portion of the outstanding balance of this credit line, and paid fees of $219,000. In connection with this multi-bank line of credit, the Company maintains compensating balances with First International totaling $6.0 million, of which $1.5 million is held in a non-interest bearing account, and $4.5 million is held in an account that pays the Company interest on the deposited amount of 0.75% per annum. The Company also maintains a number of checking accounts with First International. In fiscal year 2011, the Company paid less than $500 in total in various bank service and other fees charged on these checking accounts. In fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Company paid interest of approximately $238,000 and $91,000, respectively, for borrowing under the $14.0 million line of credit that was subsequently terminated in fiscal year 2011, and paid a $10,000 renewal fee for the line of credit in fiscal year 2010. In fiscal year 2010, the Company paid interest and fees on outstanding mortgage loans totaling approximately $789,000, and paid interest in fiscal year 2009 on mortgage loans outstanding of approximately $204,000. In fiscal year 2010 and 2009, the Company paid under $500 in total in various bank service and other fees charged on checking accounts maintained with First International. Total payments of interest and fees from the Company to First International Bank in fiscal year 2011 were approximately $893,000, in fiscal year 2010 were $1.0 million and in fiscal year 2009 were $295,000. NOTE 10 • ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS IN FISCAL YEARS 2011 AND 2010 PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS IRET Properties paid approximately $45.6 million for real estate properties added to its portfolio during fiscal year 2011, compared to $55.4 million in fiscal year 2010. Of the $45.6 million paid for real estate properties added to the Company’s portfolio in fiscal year 2011, approximately $5.0 million consisted of the value of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership and approximately $9.9 million consisted of the assumption of mortgage debt, with the remainder paid in cash. The Company expensed approximately $179,000 of transaction costs related to the acquisitions in fiscal year 2011. Of the $55.4 million paid in fiscal year 2010, approximately $3.9 million was paid in the form of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership and approximately $2.6 million consisted of the assumption of mortgage debt, with the remainder paid in cash. The Company expensed approximately $230,000 of transaction costs related to the acquisitions in fiscal year 2010. The fiscal year 2011 and 2010 additions are detailed below. 2011 Annual Report F-19 NOTE 10 • continued Fiscal 2011 (May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011) Acquisitions Multi-Family Residential 24 unit - North Pointe 2 - Bismarck, ND 44 unit - Sierra Vista - Sioux Falls, SD (in thousands) Land Building Intangible Assets Acquisition Cost $ 159 $ 241 400 1,713 $ 2,097 3,810 0 $ 0 0 1,872 2,338 4,210 Commercial Office 58,574 sq. ft. Omaha 10802 Farnam Dr - Omaha, NE 2,462 4,374 1,459 8,295 Commercial Medical 14,705 sq. ft. Billings 2300 Grant Road - Billings, MT 14,640 sq. ft. Missoula 3050 Great Northern - Missoula, MT 108,503 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Minot - Minot, ND 23,965 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Spearfish Expansion - Spearfish, SD1 649 1,216 657 2,522 640 1,046 1,331 11,590 752 2,545 0 2,335 2,777 16,914 0 3,954 2,723 15,181 2,777 23,203 Commercial Industrial 42,244 sq. ft. Fargo 1320 45th St N - Fargo, ND2 0 1,634 0 1,634 Commercial Retail 47,709 sq. ft. Minot 1400 31st Ave - Minot, ND 1,026 6,143 1,081 8,250 Total Property Acquisitions $ 6,223 $ 32,875 $ 6,494 $ 45,592 (1) Expansion project placed in service January 10, 2011. Approximately $497,000 of this cost was incurred in the three months ended April 30, 2011. (2) Development property placed in service June 22, 2010. Additional costs incurred in fiscal year 2010 totaled $2.3 million, for a total project cost at April 30, 2011 of $3.9 million. 2011 Annual Report F-20 NOTE 10 • continued Fiscal 2010 (May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010) Acquisitions Multi-Family Residential (in thousands) Land Building Intangible Assets Acquisition Cost 16-unit Northern Valley Apartments - Rochester, MN 48-unit Crown Apartments - Rochester, MN $ 110 $ 261 371 610 $ 3,289 3,899 0 $ 0 0 720 3,550 4,270 Commercial Office 15,000 sq. ft. Minot 2505 16th Street SW - Minot, ND 372 1,724 304 2,400 Commercial Medical 65,160 sq. ft. Casper 1930 E. 12th Street (Park Place) - Casper, WY 35,629 sq. ft. Casper 3955 E. 12th Street (Meadow Wind) - Casper, WY 47,509 sq. ft. Cheyenne 4010 N. College Drive (Aspen Wind) - Cheyenne, WY 54,072 sq. ft. Cheyenne 4606 N. College Drive (Sierra Hills) - Cheyenne, WY 35,629 sq. ft. Laramie 1072 N. 22nd Street (Spring Wind) - Laramie, WY Commercial Industrial 439 338 628 695 5,780 1,120 7,339 5,881 1,120 7,339 9,869 1,960 12,457 7,455 1,410 9,560 406 2,506 6,634 35,619 1,265 6,875 8,305 45,000 42,180 sq. ft. Clive 2075 NW 94th Street - Clive, IA 408 2,610 332 3,350 Unimproved Land Fargo 1320 45th Street N. - Fargo, ND 395 0 0 395 Total Property Acquisitions $ 4,052 $ 43,852 $ 7,511 $ 55,415 PROPERTY DISPOSITIONS During fiscal year 2011, the Company disposed of six properties and one patio home for an aggregate sale price of $83.3 million, compared to two small properties for an aggregate sale price of approximately $560,000, during fiscal year 2010. The Company’s dispositions during fiscal 2011 and 2010 are detailed below. 2011 Annual Report F-21 NOTE 10 • continued Fiscal 2011 (May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011) Dispositions Multi-Family Residential Sales Price (in thousands) Book Value and Sales Cost Gain/(Loss) 504 unit - Dakota Hill at Valley Ranch - Irving, TX 192 unit - Neighborhood Apartments - Colorado Springs, CO 195 unit - Pinecone Apartments - Fort Collins, CO 210 unit - Miramont Apartments - Fort Collins, CO $ $ 36,100 11,200 15,875 17,200 80,375 30,909 $ 9,664 10,422 10,732 61,727 5,191 1,536 5,453 6,468 18,648 Commercial Medical 1,410 sq. ft. Edgewood Vista Patio Home 4330 - Fargo, ND 205 220 (15) Commercial Industrial 29,440 sq. ft. Waconia Industrial Building - Waconia, MN 2,300 1,561 739 Commercial Retail 41,000 sq. ft. Ladysmith Pamida - Ladysmith, WI 450 457 (7) Total Property Dispositions $ 83,330 $ 63,965 $ 19,365 Fiscal 2010 (May 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010) Dispositions Multi-Family Residential Sales Price (in thousands) Book Value and Sales Cost Gain/(Loss) 42 unit - Sweetwater Apartments - Grafton, ND $ 450 $ 382 $ Commercial Office 10,126 sq. ft. 12 South Main - Minot, ND 110 110 Total Property Dispositions $ 560 $ 492 $ 68 0 68 NOTE 11 • OPERATING SEGMENTS IRET reports its results in five reportable segments: multi-family residential, commercial office, commercial medical (including senior housing), commercial industrial and commercial retail properties. The Company’s reportable segments are aggregations of similar properties. The accounting policies of each of these segments are the same as those described in Note 2. 2011 Annual Report F-22 NOTE 11 • continued Segment information in this report is presented based on net operating income, which we define as total real estate revenues less real estate expenses and real estate taxes (excluding depreciation and amortization related to real estate investments and impairment of real estate investments). The following tables present real estate revenues and net operating income for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009 from our five reportable segments, and reconcile net operating income of reportable segments to net income as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Segment assets are also reconciled to Total Assets as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total (in thousands) $ $ 66,838 34,129 32,709 $ $ 77,747 36,055 41,692 $ $ 66,048 $ 22,466 43,582 $ 13,165 $ 4,328 8,837 $ Year Ended April 30, 2011 Real estate revenue Real estate expenses Net operating income Depreciation/amortization Administrative, advisory and trustee services Other expenses Interest expense Interest and other income Income from continuing operations Income from discontinued operations Net income Year Ended April 30, 2010 Real estate revenue Real estate expenses Gain on involuntary conversion Net operating income Depreciation/amortization Administrative, advisory and trustee services Other expenses Impairment of real estate investment Interest expense Interest and other income Income from continuing operations Loss from discontinued operations Net income Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total (in thousands) $ $ 65,478 32,615 1,660 34,523 $ $ 82,079 36,833 0 45,246 $ $ 57,439 $ 17,904 0 39,535 $ 13,095 $ 4,121 0 8,974 $ 13,609 $ 237,407 4,945 101,923 135,484 8,664 (58,528) (7,222) (1,774) (64,021) 541 4,480 19,871 $ 24,351 0 8,602 13,420 $ 231,511 4,818 96,291 1,660 136,880 (57,455) (6,218) (2,513) (708) (65,665) 894 5,215 (630) 4,585 $ Year Ended April 30, 2009 Real estate revenue Real estate expenses Net operating income Depreciation/amortization Administrative, advisory and trustee fees Other expenses Interest expense Interest and other income Income from continuing operations Income from discontinued operations Net income Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total (in thousands) $ $ 65,632 31,315 34,317 $ $ 83,446 37,644 45,802 $ $ 52,547 $ 16,046 36,501 $ 12,488 $ 3,142 9,346 $ 14,403 $ 228,516 5,065 93,212 135,304 9,338 (54,434) (4,882) (1,440) (65,014) 913 10,447 266 10,713 2011 Annual Report F-23 NOTE 11 • continued Segment Assets and Accumulated Depreciation As of April 30, 2011 Segment assets Property owned Less accumulated depreciation Total property owned Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities – available-for-sale Receivables and other assets Development in progress Unimproved land Mortgage loans receivable, net of allowance Total Assets As of April 30, 2010 Segment assets Property owned Less accumulated depreciation Total property owned Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities – available-for-sale Receivables and other assets Development in progress Unimproved land Mortgage loans receivable, net of allowance Total Assets NOTE 12 • DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total (in thousands) $ 484,815 (117,718) $ 367,097 $ 595,491 (104,650) $ 490,841 $ 447,831 (65,367) $ 382,464 $ 117,602 (17,713) $ 99,889 Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total (in thousands) $ 556,867 (129,922) $ 426,945 $ 582,943 (88,656) $ 494,287 $ 430,229 (53,641) $ 376,588 $ 113,249 (15,481) $ 97,768 (23,504) $ 125,059 $ 1,770,798 (328,952) $ 101,555 $ 1,441,846 41,191 625 115,302 9,693 6,550 156 $ 1,615,363 (20,926) $ 117,231 $ 1,800,519 (308,626) $ 96,305 $ 1,491,893 54,791 420 104,830 2,831 6,007 158 $ 1,660,930 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. The Company also reports any gains or losses from the sale of a property in discontinued operations. There were no properties classified as held for sale as of April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009. The following information shows the effect on net income and the gains or losses from the sale of properties classified as discontinued operations for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009. 2011 Annual Report F-24 NOTE 12 • continued REVENUE Real estate rentals Tenant reimbursement TOTAL REVENUE EXPENSES Depreciation/amortization related to real estate investments Utilities Maintenance Real estate taxes Insurance Property management expenses Other expenses Amortization related to non-real estate investments Impairment of real estate investments TOTAL EXPENSES Interest expense Interest income Income (loss) from discontinued operations before gain on sale Gain on sale of discontinued operations INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Segment Data Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Total Property Sale Data Sales price Net book value and sales costs Gain on sale of discontinued operations NOTE 13 • EARNINGS PER SHARE 2011 5,901 36 5,937 1,142 558 708 638 110 843 1 4 0 4,004 (1,432) 5 506 19,365 19,871 19,224 0 (8) 726 (71) 19,871 (in thousands) 2010 $ $ 11,197 67 11,264 2,300 957 1,236 1,319 290 1,448 0 8 970 8,528 (3,441) 7 (698) 68 (630) 437 (169) 14 (23) (889) (630) $ $ $ $ $ $ (in thousands) 2010 2011 83,330 (63,965) 19,365 $ $ 560 $ (492) 68 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2009 11,409 80 11,489 2,272 863 1,172 1,366 187 1,351 0 8 338 7,557 (3,729) 9 212 54 266 560 (338) 11 (12) 45 266 2009 70 (16) 54 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. Units can be exchanged for shares on a one-for-one basis after a minimum holding period of one year. 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, 2011, 2010 and 2009: 2011 Annual Report F-25 NOTE 13 • continued NUMERATOR Income from continuing operations – Investors Real Estate Trust Income (loss) from discontinued operations – Investors Real Estate Trust Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust Dividends to preferred shareholders Numerator for basic earnings per share – net income available to common shareholders Noncontrolling interests – Operating Partnership Numerator for diluted earnings per share DENOMINATOR Denominator for basic earnings per share weighted average shares Effect of convertible operating partnership units Denominator for diluted earnings per share Earnings per common share from continuing operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted Earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations – Investors Real Estate Trust – basic and diluted NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE – BASIC & DILUTED NOTE 14 • RETIREMENT PLANS For Years Ended April 30, (in thousands, except per share data) 2011 2010 2009 $ 4,186 15,896 20,082 (2,372) 17,710 4,449 $ 22,159 78,628 20,154 98,782 .02 .20 .22 $ $ $ $ $ $ 4,490 $ (489) 4,001 (2,372) 8,328 198 8,526 (2,372) 1,629 562 2,191 $ 6,154 2,227 8,381 69,093 20,825 89,918 58,603 21,217 79,820 .04 $ (.01) .03 $ .10 .01 .11 IRET sponsors a defined contribution profit sharing retirement plan and a defined contribution 401(k) 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. Participation in IRET’s defined contribution 401(k) plan is available to employees over the age of 21 who have completed one year of service and who work at least 1,000 hours per calendar year, and employees participating in the 401(k) plan may contribute up to maximum levels established by the IRS. Employer contributions to the profit sharing and 401(k) plans are at the discretion of the Company’s management. IRET expects to contribute not more than 3.5% of the salary of each employee participating in the profit sharing plan, and currently matches, dollar for dollar, employee contributions to the 401(k) plan in an amount equal to up to 4.0% of the salary of each employee participating in the 401(k) plan, for a total expected contribution of not more than 7.5% of the salary of each of the employees participating in both plans. Contributions by IRET to the profit sharing plan are subject to a vesting schedule; contributions by IRET under the 401(k) plan are fully vested when made. IRET’s contributions to these plans on behalf of employees totaled approximately $598,000 in fiscal year 2011, $400,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $356,000 in fiscal year 2009. NOTE 15 • COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Ground Leases. As of April 30, 2011, the Company is a tenant under operating ground or air rights leases on eleven of its properties. The Company pays a total of approximately $501,000 per year in rent under these ground leases, which have remaining terms ranging from 1.3 to 90 years, and expiration dates ranging from July 2012 to October 2100. The Company has renewal options for five of the eleven ground leases, and rights of first offer or first refusal for the remainder. The expected timing of ground and air rights lease payments as of April 30, 2011 is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Thereafter Total (in thousands) Lease Payments 501 $ 499 500 501 473 22,486 24,960 $ 2011 Annual Report F-26 NOTE 15 • continued 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. Environmental Matters. It is generally IRET’s policy to obtain a Phase I environmental assessment of each property that the Company seeks to acquire. Such assessments have not revealed, nor is the Company aware of, any environmental liabilities that IRET believes would have a material adverse effect on IRET’s financial position or results of operations. IRET owns properties that contain or potentially contain (based on the age of the property) asbestos or lead, or have underground fuel storage tanks. For certain of these properties, the Company estimated the fair value of the conditional asset retirement obligation and chose not to book a liability, because the amounts involved were immaterial. With respect to certain other properties, the Company has not recorded any related asset retirement obligation, as the fair value of the liability cannot be reasonably estimated, due to insufficient information. IRET believes it does not have sufficient information to estimate the fair value of the asset retirement obligations for these properties because a settlement date or range of potential settlement dates has not been specified by others, and, additionally, there are currently no plans or expectation of plans to sell or to demolish these properties, or to undertake major renovations that would require removal of the asbestos, lead and/or underground storage tanks. These properties are expected to be maintained by repairs and maintenance activities that would not involve the removal of the asbestos, lead and/or underground storage tanks. Also, a need for renovations caused by tenant changes, technology changes or other factors has not been identified. Tenant Improvements. In entering into leases with tenants, IRET may commit itself to fund improvements or build- outs of the rented space to suit tenant requirements. These tenant improvements are typically funded at the beginning of the lease term, and IRET is accordingly exposed to some risk of loss if a tenant defaults prior to the expiration of the lease term, and the rental income that was expected to cover the cost of the tenant improvements is not received. As of April 30, 2011, the Company is committed to fund approximately $5.1 million in tenant improvements, within approximately the next 12 months. Purchase Options. The Company has granted options to purchase certain IRET properties to tenants in these properties, under lease agreements. In general, the options grant the tenant the right to purchase the property at the greater of such property’s appraised value or an annual compounded increase of a specified percentage of the initial cost of the property to IRET. The property cost and gross rental revenue of these properties are as follows: 2011 Annual Report F-27 NOTE 15 • continued Property Billings 2300 Grant Road - Billings, MT Edgewood Vista-Belgrade, MT Edgewood Vista-Billings, MT Edgewood Vista-Bismarck, ND Edgewood Vista-Brainerd, MN Edgewood Vista-Columbus, NE Edgewood Vista-East Grand Forks, MN Edgewood Vista-Fargo, ND Edgewood Vista-Fremont, NE Edgewood Vista-Grand Island, NE Edgewood Vista-Hastings, NE Edgewood Vista-Hermantown I, MN Edgewood Vista-Hermantown II, MN Edgewood Vista-Kalispell, MT Edgewood Vista-Missoula, MT Edgewood Vista-Norfolk, NE Edgewood Vista-Omaha, NE Edgewood Vista-Sioux Falls, SD Edgewood Vista-Spearfish, SD Edgewood Vista-Virginia, MN Fargo 1320 45th Street N - Fargo, ND Great Plains - Fargo, ND Healtheast St John & Woodwinds - Maplewood & Woodbury, MN Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN Missoula 3050 Great Northern - Missoula, MT Sartell 2000 23rd Street South - Sartell, MN St. Michael Clinic - St. Michael, MN Stevens Point - Stevens Point, WI Total $ Investment Cost 2,522 2,135 4,274 10,903 10,667 1,481 4,996 26,087 588 1,431 606 21,510 12,359 624 999 1,332 676 3,353 9,569 17,132 4,160 15,375 21,601 1,745 2,723 12,693 2,851 15,020 $ 209,412 $ (in thousands) Gross Rental Revenue $ 2011 226 191 384 1,031 1,010 131 475 2,415 72 129 76 2,404 1,170 76 96 122 80 312 642 2,054 333 1,876 $ 2010 0 196 396 1,008 988 136 465 2,387 72 132 76 2,359 1,144 76 96 124 80 312 628 2,008 0 1,876 2009 0 196 396 1,008 988 136 464 2,065 72 132 76 2,040 1,144 76 96 124 80 312 628 1,736 0 1,876 2,152 105 243 1,209 244 1,104 20,362 $ 2,152 164 0 1,173 241 1,356 19,645 $ 2,052 211 0 1,292 240 1,356 18,796 $ 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 (principal and interest payments), from two of the properties included in the portfolio. The income guarantee expired on April 30, 2009, and the final payment of approximately $215,000 was received in July 2009. Restrictions on Taxable Dispositions. Approximately 136 of the Company’s properties, consisting of approximately 7.5 million square feet of our combined commercial segment’s properties and 3,888 apartment units, are subject to restrictions on taxable dispositions under agreements entered into with some of the sellers or contributors of the properties. The real estate investment amount of these properties (net of accumulated depreciation) was approximately $854.6 million at April 30, 2011. The restrictions on taxable dispositions are effective for varying periods. The terms of these agreements generally prevent us from selling the properties in taxable transactions. The Company does not believe that the agreements materially affect the conduct of its business or its decisions whether to dispose of restricted properties during the restriction period because the Company generally holds these and its other properties for investment purposes, rather than for sale. Historically, however, where the Company has deemed it to be in its shareholders’ best interests to dispose of restricted properties, the Company has done so through transactions structured as tax-deferred transactions under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. Redemption Value of UPREIT Units. The limited partnership units (“UPREIT Units”) of the Company’s operating partnership, IRET Properties, are redeemable at the option of the holder for cash, or, at our option, for the Company’s common shares of beneficial interest on a one-for-one basis, after a minimum one-year holding period. All UPREIT Units receive the same cash distributions as those paid on common shares. UPREIT Units are redeemable for an amount of cash per Unit equal to the average of the daily market price of an IRET common share 2011 Annual Report F-28 NOTE 15 • continued for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of valuation of the Unit. As of April 30, 2011 and 2010, the aggregate redemption value of the then-outstanding UPREIT Units of the operating partnership owned by limited partners was approximately $188.0 million and $180.3 million, respectively. Joint Venture Buy/Sell Options. Certain of IRET’s joint venture agreements contain buy/sell options in which each party under certain circumstances has the option to acquire the interest of the other party, but do not generally require that the Company buy its partners’ interests. IRET has one joint venture which allows IRET’s unaffiliated partner, at its election, to require that IRET buy its interest at a purchase price to be determined by an appraisal conducted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, or at a negotiated price. The redeemable noncontrolling interests in this joint venture are presented on the consolidated balance sheets at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The Company has not recorded a liability or the related asset that would result from the acquisition in connection with the above potential obligation because the probability of the unaffiliated partner requiring IRET to buy their interest is not currently determinable. Pending Acquisitions. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had signed purchase agreements to acquire the following properties; all of these pending acquisitions are subject to various closing conditions and contingencies, and no assurances can be given that any of these acquisitions will be completed: A 147-unit multi-family residential property in St. Cloud, Minnesota for a purchase price totaling approximately $10.9 million, of which approximately $7.2 million would consist of the assumption of existing debt, with the remaining approximately $3.7 million paid in cash (approximately $2.2 million) and by the issuance of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership valued at approximately $1.5 million; and Six senior housing projects located in Boise, Idaho and towns surrounding Boise, with a total of approximately 209 units, for a total purchase price of approximately $29.5 million. The Company has solicited multiple offers for debt placement and currently expects that this acquisition will close in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. Development Projects. The Company has various contracts outstanding with third parties in connection with ongoing development projects. As of April 30, 2011, contractual commitments for development projects are as follows: Multi-Family Conversion, Minot, North Dakota: The Company is planning to convert an existing approximately 15,000 square foot commercial office building in Minot, North Dakota to a 24-unit multi-family residential property, for an estimated total cost of $2.2 million. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had incurred approximately $280,000 of these project costs. Work on this project has been postponed, as Company employees and other resources are directed to the supervision of repairs at Company properties damaged by the recent flooding in Minot, North Dakota. Buffalo Mall Theaters, Jamestown, North Dakota: The Company committed to fund the construction of six movie theaters at its existing Buffalo Mall property in Jamestown, North Dakota, for an estimated construction cost of $2.1 million and expected completion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2012. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had incurred approximately $1.5 million of these construction costs. A certificate of occupancy was issued for this project in June 2011. Senior Housing Memory Care Conversion and Additional Assisted Living Units, Wyoming: The Company has committed and funded construction and remodeling costs to convert a portion of the Company’s existing Wyoming senior housing facility at Cheyenne, Wyoming to incorporate a specialized memory care unit. In the third quarter of fiscal year 2011, the Company had incurred $309,000, the total expected cost of the memory- care conversion. A certificate of occupancy for the memory care unit was issued in March 2011. Additionally, the Company is currently constructing an additional approximately 28 assisted living units and 16 memory care units at its existing Meadow Wind senior housing facility in Casper, Wyoming. The Company estimates that construction costs for this expansion project will total approximately $4.5 million and the project will be completed in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012. 2011 Annual Report F-29 NOTE 15 • continued Trinity Hospital Build-to-Suit, Minot, North Dakota: The Company has committed to construct an approximately 25,000 square-foot, one-story medical clinic for Trinity Health, a non-profit healthcare organization based in Minot, North Dakota, on land owned by the Company adjacent to the Company’s existing headquarters building in Minot. Construction of this build-to-suit facility began in the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, with completion and occupancy by Trinity expected in the second quarter of fiscal year 2012. Estimated total project costs (excluding the value of the land) are $7.4 million, of which, as of April 30, 2011, the Company had incurred approximately $4.8 million. In addition to the above contractually committed development projects, the Company is also renovating and upgrading the eight existing condominium units at its Georgetown Square Condominium project in Grand Chute, Wisconsin (formerly known as Fox River). The Company is evaluating the construction of additional units, based on market needs. The Company estimates total renovation costs for the existing eight units at a maximum of $280,000. NOTE 16 • 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 fair value. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity. Marketable Securities. The fair values of these instruments are estimated based on quoted market prices for the security. Other Debt. The fair value of other debt is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loan using current market rates. Lines of Credit. The carrying amount approximates fair value because the variable rate debt re-prices frequently. 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. The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of April 30, 2011 and 2010, are as follows: FINANCIAL ASSETS Mortgage loans receivable Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities - available-for-sale FINANCIAL LIABILITIES Other debt Lines of credit Mortgages payable (in thousands) 2011 Carrying Amount Fair Value 2010 Carrying Amount $ 156 $ 156 $ 158 $ 41,191 625 41,191 625 54,791 420 Fair Value 158 54,791 420 8,200 30,000 993,803 7,279 30,000 1,013,713 1,000 6,550 1,057,619 1,142 6,550 1,015,879 NOTE 17 • COMMON AND PREFERRED SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST AND EQUITY Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan. During fiscal years 2011 and 2010, IRET issued 1.7 million and 1.4 million common shares, respectively, pursuant to its distribution reinvestment and share purchase plan, at a total value at issuance of $14.5 million and $11.9 million, respectively. The shares issued under the distribution reinvestment and share purchase plan during fiscal year 2011 consisted of 1.3 million shares valued at issuance at $11.4 million that were issued for reinvested distributions and approximately 372,000 shares valued at $3.1 million 2011 Annual Report F-30 NOTE 17 • continued at issuance that were sold for voluntary cash contributions. The shares issued under the distribution reinvestment and share purchase plan during fiscal year 2010 consisted of 1.2 million shares valued at issuance at $10.5 million that were issued for reinvested distributions and approximately 165,000 shares valued at $1.4 million at issuance that were sold for voluntary cash contributions. 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, and may elect to make voluntary cash contributions for the purchase of IRET common shares, at a discount (currently 5%) from the market price. Conversion of Units to Common Shares. During fiscal years 2011 and 2010, respectively, approximately 1.0 million and 707,000 Units were converted to common shares, with a total value of $6.9 million and $3.8 million included in equity. Issuance of Common Shares. In September 2008, 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 October 2008. The Company may sell any combination of common shares and preferred shares up to an aggregate initial offering price of $150.0 million during the period that the registration statement remains effective. During fiscal year 2011, the Company sold 1.8 million common shares under this registration statement, under its continuous offering program with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated as sales agent, for net proceeds of approximately $15.0 million, before offering expenses but after underwriting discounts and commissions. As of April 30, 2011, the Company had available securities under this registration statement in the aggregate amount of approximately $18.2 million. This amount is reserved for issuance under the Company’s continuous offering program with Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. In April 2010, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to register any combination of common shares and preferred shares up to an aggregate initial offering price of $150.0 million during the period that the registration statement remains effective. To date the Company has not issued any common or preferred shares under this registration statement. 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 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, 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 18 • 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, 2010 October 31, 2010 January 31, 2011 April 30, 2011 60,203 $ 59,124 $ 59,176 (149) 11,240 $ 1,393 $ (.01) .14 $ .02 $ 58,904 5,226 .07 $ $ $ $ $ $ (in thousands, except per share data) July 31, 2009 October 31, 2009 January 31, 2010 April 30, 2010 57,335 $ 59,409 $ 654 $ .01 $ 56,758 (308) .00 58,009 1,424 .02 (141) $ .00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 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. 2011 Annual Report F-31 NOTE 19 • REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Redeemable noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheets represent the noncontrolling interest in a joint venture of the Company in which the Company’s unaffiliated partner, at its election, can require the Company to buy its interest at a purchase price to be determined by an appraisal conducted in accordance with the terms of the agreement, or at a negotiated price. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the value from period to period are charged to common shares of beneficial interest on our consolidated balance sheets. As of April 30, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the estimated redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests was $987,000, $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Below is a table reflecting the activity of the redeemable noncontrolling interests. Balance at beginning of fiscal year Net income Net distributions Mark-to-market adjustments Balance at close of fiscal year NOTE 20 • SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 2011 (in thousands) 2010 2009 $ $ 1,812 (13) (442) (370) 987 $ $ 1,737 60 (177) 192 1,812 $ $ 1,802 53 (112) (6) 1,737 Common and Preferred Share Distributions. On June 30, 2011, 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, 2011. On July 1, 2011, the Company paid a distribution of 17.15 cents per share on the Company’s common shares and units, to common shareholders and Unitholders of record on June 15, 2011. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, the Company’s Board of Trustees approved a plan to reduce the Company’s quarterly distribution to $0.1300 from $0.1715 per common share and limited partnership unit, effective with the next quarterly distribution planned for October 3, 2011. The Board currently intends to maintain this level of cash distribution for at least the next four quarters. All future distributions remain subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Trustees. Pending Acquisitions. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, the Company signed purchase agreements to acquire the following properties; all of these pending acquisitions are subject to various closing conditions and contingencies, and no assurances can be given that any of these acquisitions will be completed: Two multi-family residential projects in Billings, Montana with a total of 36 units, for a purchase price totaling approximately $2.1 million, of which approximately $2.0 million would be paid through the issuance of limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership; and Two multi-family residential properties in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with 50 units and 24 units, respectively, for purchase prices of $4.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively, to be paid in cash. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, the Company terminated its previously-disclosed agreement for the purchase of a retail property located in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Development Project. In addition to the ongoing development projects discussed in Note 15 above, subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2011, in June 2011, the Company commenced construction on an approximately 159-unit apartment project in Rochester, Minnesota, located adjacent to its existing Quarry Ridge Apartment Homes. The Company currently estimates that construction costs will total approximately $19.4 million, and that the project will be completed in approximately 14 months. Flood Damage. The Company has two properties in Minot, North Dakota that were directly affected by the recent extensive Souris River flooding. The Company’s Arrowhead Shopping Center and Chateau Apartments were flooded in late June 2011. The Company carries flood insurance covering both properties, with a total deductible of $200,000. The approximately 78,095 net rentable square foot Arrowhead Shopping Center has an investment cost (initial cost plus improvements) of approximately $7.2 million, and was 100.0% occupied as of April 30, 2011. The building is insured for $7.5 million in building value, plus an additional $250,000 or 20% of the amount of damage 2011 Annual Report F-32 NOTE 20 • continued from which such costs resulted, whichever is greater, for debris removal. Additionally, the Company is insured for loss of rents at the property for one year. Total gross revenue from the Arrowhead Shopping Center in fiscal year 2011 was approximately $711,000. The 64-unit Chateau Apartment building has an investment cost of approximately $3.6 million, and was 98.4% occupied as of April 30, 2011. The building is insured for $4.5 million in building value, plus an additional $250,000 or 20% of the amount of damage from which such costs resulted, whichever is greater, for debris removal. Additionally, the Company is insured for loss of rents at the property for one year. Total gross revenue from the Chateau Apartments in fiscal year 2011 was approximately $648,000. The Company had been in the process of refinancing its mortgage on the Chateau Apartment property, which matured on July 1, 2011; the Company instead paid off the $1.7 million mortgage using available cash. The Company continues to monitor closely its Cottonwood and Westwood Apartments in Bismarck, North Dakota, both of which have been sandbagged as the Missouri River in Bismarck continues at high levels in June and July 2011. The Company’s Arbor Apartments in South Sioux City, Nebraska are also being closely monitored, as Missouri River flood risk continues there. The Company currently does not expect material financial or operational disruptions due to these above-described flood incidents and flood risk. 2011 Annual Report F-33 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) Description Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Multi-Family Residential 11th Street 3 Plex - Minot, ND 4th Street 4 Plex - Minot, ND Apartments on Main - Minot, ND Arbors - S Sioux City, NE Boulder Court - Eagan, MN Brookfield Village - Topeka, KS Brooklyn Heights - Minot, ND Campus Center - St. Cloud, MN Campus Heights - St. Cloud, MN Campus Knoll - St. Cloud, MN Campus Plaza - St. Cloud, MN(1) Campus Side - St. Cloud, MN(1) Campus View - St. Cloud, MN(1) Candlelight - Fargo, ND Canyon Lake - Rapid City, SD Castlerock - Billings, MT Chateau - Minot, ND Cimarron Hills - Omaha, NE Colonial Villa - Burnsville, MN Colton Heights - Minot, ND Cornerstone - St. Cloud, MN(1) Cottonwood - Bismarck, ND Country Meadows - Billings, MT Crestview - Bismarck, ND Crown - Rochester, MN Crown Colony - Topeka, KS East Park - Sioux Falls, SD Evergreen - Isanti, MN Fairmont - Minot, ND Forest Park - Grand Forks, ND Greenfield - Omaha, NE Heritage Manor - Rochester, MN 2011 Annual Report F-34 $ $ $ 0 $ 0 0 4,143 3,675 5,534 893 1,417 0 944 0 0 0 1,315 2,593 6,947 1,730 5,010 7,350 502 0 16,373 6,990 4,123 2,520 8,588 1,530 2,105 0 8,044 3,650 4,470 11 15 158 350 1,067 509 145 395 110 266 54 107 107 80 305 736 122 706 2,401 80 54 1,056 491 235 261 620 115 380 28 810 578 403 53 74 1,123 6,625 5,498 6,698 1,450 2,244 628 1,512 311 615 615 758 3,958 4,864 2,224 9,588 11,515 672 311 17,372 7,809 4,290 3,289 9,956 2,405 2,720 337 5,579 4,122 6,968 $ 5 $ 1 18 941 2,389 1,067 688 115 32 58 26 62 48 1,048 575 1,486 1,297 3,732 2,799 322 31 2,524 963 892 40 1,722 605 58 9 5,647 401 1,899 11 15 175 584 1,277 600 198 398 112 271 55 114 109 221 328 860 169 1,192 2,708 113 55 1,292 527 464 261 759 155 380 28 1,296 730 451 58 $ 75 1,124 7,332 7,677 7,674 2,085 2,356 658 1,565 336 670 661 1,665 4,510 6,226 3,474 12,834 14,007 961 341 19,660 8,736 4,953 3,329 11,539 2,970 2,778 346 10,740 4,371 8,819 69 $ 90 1,299 7,916 8,954 8,274 2,283 2,754 770 1,836 391 784 770 1,886 4,838 7,086 3,643 14,026 16,715 1,074 396 20,952 9,263 5,417 3,590 12,298 3,125 3,158 374 12,036 5,101 9,270 (4) (6) (91) (1,008) (1,476) (1,503) (722) (253) (72) (172) (37) (73) (71) (745) (1,063) (1,997) (1,044) (3,444) (2,922) (634) (37) (4,748) (2,722) (2,278) (87) (3,294) (735) (182) (26) (3,826) (376) (2,782) 2008 2008 1987 2006 2003 2003 1997 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 1992 2001 1998 1998 2001 2003 1984 2007 1997 1995 1994 2010 1999 2002 2008 2008 1993 2007 1998 40 years 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 12-40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 33-40 years 24-40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 24-40 years 40 years 40 years Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Description Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition Multi-Family Residential - continued Indian Hills - Sioux City, IA(1) Kirkwood Manor - Bismarck, ND Lancaster - St. Cloud, MN Landmark - Grand Forks, ND Legacy - Grand Forks, ND Mariposa - Topeka, KS Monticello Village - Monticello, MN North Pointe - Bismarck, ND Northern Valley - Rochester, MN Oakmont Estates - Sioux Falls, SD Oakwood Estates - Sioux Falls, SD Olympic Village - Billings, MT Olympik Village - Rochester, MN Oxbow Park - Sioux Falls, SD Park Meadows - Waite Park, MN Pebble Springs - Bismarck, ND(1) Pinehurst - Billings, MT Pines - Minot, ND Plaza - Minot, ND(1) Pointe West - Rapid City, SD Prairie Winds - Sioux Falls, SD Prairiewood Meadows - Fargo, ND Quarry Ridge - Rochester, MN Ridge Oaks - Sioux City, IA Rimrock West - Billings, MT Rocky Meadows - Billings, MT Rum River - Isanti, MN Sherwood - Topeka, KS Sierra Vista - Sioux Falls, SD South Pointe - Minot, ND Southview - Minot, ND(1) Southwind - Grand Forks, ND Summit Park - Minot, ND $ 0 $ 3,451 981 1,815 16,841 3,110 3,023 2,051 0 3,605 4,250 11,298 4,815 4,150 8,798 0 345 143 0 2,826 1,511 2,494 12,136 0 3,490 5,411 3,801 12,886 1,500 9,254 0 5,910 1,238 $ $ 294 449 289 184 1,362 399 490 303 110 423 543 1,164 1,034 404 1,143 7 72 35 793 240 144 280 1,312 178 330 656 843 1,145 241 550 185 400 161 2,921 2,725 2,899 1,514 21,727 5,110 3,756 3,957 610 4,838 2,784 10,441 6,109 3,152 9,099 748 687 215 0 3,538 1,816 2,531 13,362 4,073 3,489 5,726 4,823 14,684 2,097 9,548 469 5,034 1,898 $ 2,686 $ 1,254 773 829 5,168 310 355 226 12 333 3,700 1,795 1,131 2,277 4,180 92 113 92 14,814 1,139 391 924 370 1,935 1,303 805 40 2,335 6 1,931 266 2,082 824 365 537 437 273 2,018 419 612 320 111 495 758 1,433 1,116 478 1,497 39 74 40 794 349 209 340 1,335 256 402 750 844 1,487 241 1,250 219 706 241 5,536 $ 3,891 3,524 2,254 26,239 5,400 3,989 4,166 621 5,099 6,269 11,967 7,158 5,355 12,925 808 798 302 14,813 4,568 2,142 3,395 13,709 5,930 4,720 6,437 4,862 16,677 2,103 10,779 701 6,810 2,642 5,901 $ 4,428 3,961 2,527 28,257 5,819 4,601 4,486 732 5,594 7,027 13,400 8,274 5,833 14,422 847 872 342 15,607 4,917 2,351 3,735 15,044 6,186 5,122 7,187 5,706 18,164 2,344 12,029 920 7,516 2,883 (576) (1,358) (1,098) (765) (7,108) (884) (771) (972) (16) (1,186) (2,579) (3,363) (1,140) (2,163) (5,094) (254) (195) (103) (865) (1,926) (997) (955) (1,604) (1,685) (1,212) (2,401) (493) (4,834) (11) (4,109) (280) (2,571) (915) 2007 1997 2000 1997 1995-2005 2004 2004 1995-2011 2010 2002 1993 2000 2005 1994 1997 1999 2002 2002 2009 1994 1993 2000 2006 2001 1999 1995 2007 1999 2011 1995 1994 1995 1995 40 years 12-40 years 40 years 40 years 24-40 years 40 years 40 years 24-40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 24-40 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 40 years 40 years 40 years 24-40 years 24-40 years 24-40 years 24-40 years 2011 Annual Report F-35 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) Description Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Multi-Family Residential - continued Sunset Trail - Rochester, MN Sycamore Village - Sioux Falls, SD Temple - Minot, ND Terrace Heights - Minot, ND Terrace On The Green - Moorhead, MN The Meadows - Jamestown, ND(1) Thomasbrook - Lincoln, NE University Park Place - St. Cloud, MN(1) Valley Park - Grand Forks, ND Village Green - Rochester, MN West Stonehill - Waite Park, MN Westridge - Minot, ND Westwood Park - Bismarck, ND Winchester - Rochester, MN Woodridge - Rochester, MN Total Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office 1st Avenue Building - Minot, ND 2030 Cliff Road - Eagan, MN 610 Business Center IV - Brooklyn Park, MN 7800 West Brown Deer Road - Milwaukee, WI American Corporate Center - Mendota Heights, MN Ameritrade - Omaha, NE Benton Business Park - Sauk Rapids, MN Bismarck 715 East Broadway - Bismarck, ND Bloomington Business Plaza - Bloomington, MN Brenwood - Minnetonka, MN Brook Valley I - La Vista, NE Burnsville Bluffs II - Burnsville, MN Cold Spring Center - St. Cloud, MN Corporate Center West - Omaha, NE 2011 Annual Report F-36 $ $ $ 8,480 $ 861 0 206 2,236 943 6,237 0 4,057 1,407 9,077 0 2,068 3,444 1,999 336 101 0 29 24 590 600 78 294 234 939 68 116 748 370 272,594 $ 33,445 0 $ 0 7,234 11,054 9,116 3,533 687 0 0 0 1,384 1,792 5,975 17,315 30 146 975 1,455 893 327 188 389 1,300 1,688 347 300 588 3,880 $ $ $ 12,814 1,317 0 312 1,490 4,519 10,306 450 4,137 2,296 10,167 1,887 1,909 5,622 6,028 345,817 80 835 5,542 8,756 16,768 7,957 1,261 0 6,106 12,138 1,671 2,154 7,808 17,509 $ $ $ 2,045 $ 424 224 82 1,829 1,035 2,693 35 2,258 471 4,052 35 1,597 1,222 1,560 493 149 0 38 130 639 1,065 78 437 332 1,216 70 239 990 467 105,553 $ 42,696 $ (37) 90 2,886 2,031 3,516 65 78 2,362 749 3,264 81 903 907 303 33 158 980 1,475 893 327 188 401 1,305 1,697 347 301 592 4,167 $ 14,702 $ 1,693 224 385 3,213 5,505 12,534 485 6,252 2,669 13,942 1,920 3,383 6,602 7,491 15,195 $ 1,842 224 423 3,343 6,144 13,599 563 6,689 3,001 15,158 1,990 3,622 7,592 7,958 $ 442,119 $ 484,815 $ $ 40 $ 73 $ 913 8,423 10,767 20,284 8,022 1,339 2,350 6,850 15,393 1,752 3,056 8,711 17,525 1,071 9,403 12,242 21,177 8,349 1,527 2,751 8,155 17,090 2,099 3,357 9,303 21,692 (3,780) (432) (29) (149) (2,216) (1,520) (3,268) (52) (1,873) (540) (5,619) (144) (1,003) (1,379) (2,801) (117,718) 295 (219) (1,015) (2,503) (6,266) (2,412) (285) (119) (1,976) (4,201) (252) (998) (2,402) (2,048) 1999 2002 2006 2006 1970 1998 1999 2007 1999 2003 1995 2008 1998 2003 1997 1981 2007 2001 2003 2002 1999 2003 2008 2001 2002 2005 2001 2001 2006 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 33-40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 33-40 years 40 years 19-40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) Description Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Commercial Office - continued Crosstown Centre - Eden Prairie, MN Dewey Hill Business Center - Edina, MN Farnam Executive Center - Omaha, NE Flagship - Eden Prairie, MN Gateway Corporate Center - Woodbury, MN Golden Hills Office Center - Golden Valley, MN Great Plains - Fargo, ND Highlands Ranch I - Highlands Ranch, CO Highlands Ranch II - Highlands Ranch, CO Interlachen Corporate Center - Edina, MN Intertech Building - Fenton, MO IRET Corporate Plaza - Minot, ND(1) Mendota Office Center I - Mendota Heights, MN Mendota Office Center II - Mendota Heights, MN Mendota Office Center III - Mendota Heights, MN Mendota Office Center IV - Mendota Heights, MN Minnesota National Bank - Duluth, MN Minot 2505 16th Street SW - Minot, ND(1) Miracle Hills One - Omaha, NE Nicollett VII - Burnsville, MN Northgate I - Maple Grove, MN Northgate II - Maple Grove, MN Northpark Corporate Center - Arden Hills, MN Omaha 10802 Farnam Dr - Omaha, NE Pacific Hills - Omaha, NE Pillsbury Business Center - Bloomington, MN Plaza VII - Boise, ID Plymouth 5095 Nathan Lane - Plymouth, MN Plymouth I - Plymouth, MN Plymouth II - Plymouth, MN Plymouth III - Plymouth, MN Plymouth IV & V - Plymouth, MN $ $ $ 14,139 $ 0 12,160 21,565 8,700 18,500 3,140 8,640 8,447 9,293 4,631 0 3,925 5,800 3,986 4,739 917 0 8,895 0 5,504 979 13,058 5,507 16,770 0 1,107 1,274 1,234 1,234 1,518 7,168 2,884 985 2,188 1,899 1,637 3,018 126 2,268 1,437 1,650 2,130 389 835 1,121 970 1,070 287 298 1,974 429 1,062 359 2,034 2,462 4,220 284 300 604 530 367 507 1,336 14,569 3,507 11,404 21,638 7,763 18,325 15,240 8,362 9,549 14,983 3,968 5,444 6,169 10,085 5,734 7,635 1,454 1,724 10,117 6,931 6,358 1,944 14,584 4,374 11,988 1,556 3,058 1,253 1,133 1,264 1,495 12,693 1,235 $ 921 0 822 90 3,424 10 428 996 965 75 3,433 367 1,461 253 578 4 0 1,258 140 832 144 1,104 0 1,249 120 414 40 27 41 350 1,317 2,900 $ 995 2,188 2,013 1,637 3,018 126 2,268 1,437 1,652 2,130 590 835 1,121 970 1,070 288 298 2,120 436 1,077 403 2,034 2,462 4,478 284 351 604 530 367 507 1,338 15,788 $ 4,418 11,404 22,346 7,853 21,749 15,250 8,790 10,545 15,946 4,043 8,676 6,536 11,546 5,987 8,213 1,457 1,724 11,229 7,064 7,175 2,044 15,688 4,374 12,979 1,676 3,421 1,293 1,160 1,305 1,845 14,008 18,688 $ 5,413 13,592 24,359 9,490 24,767 15,376 11,058 11,982 17,598 6,173 9,266 7,371 12,667 6,957 9,283 1,745 2,022 13,349 7,500 8,252 2,447 17,722 6,836 17,457 1,960 3,772 1,897 1,690 1,672 2,352 15,346 (2,543) (1,399) (1,319) (2,817) (932) (5,494) (4,464) (987) (1,995) (3,786) (355) (590) (1,687) (3,327) (1,491) (2,077) (256) (66) (1,662) (1,785) (1,224) (625) (2,119) (41) (1,684) (437) (828) (123) (208) (233) (345) (3,823) 2004 2000 2006 2006 2006 2003 1997 2006 2004 2001 2007 2009 2002 2002 2002 2002 2004 2009 2006 2001 2004 1999 2006 2010 2006 2001 2003 2007 2004 2004 2004 2001 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 2011 Annual Report F-37 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Description Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition Commercial Office - continued Prairie Oak Business Center - Eden Prairie, MN Rapid City 900 Concourse Drive - Rapid City, SD Riverport - Maryland Heights, MO Southeast Tech Center - Eagan, MN Spring Valley IV - Omaha, NE Spring Valley V - Omaha, NE Spring Valley X - Omaha, NE Spring Valley XI - Omaha, NE Superior Office Building - Duluth, MN TCA Building - Eagan, MN Three Paramount Plaza - Bloomington, MN(1) Thresher Square - Minneapolis, MN Timberlands - Leawood, KS UHC Office - International Falls, MN US Bank Financial Center - Bloomington, MN Viromed - Eden Prairie, MN Wells Fargo Center - St Cloud, MN West River Business Park - Waite Park, MN Westgate - Boise, ID Whitewater Plaza - Minnetonka, MN Wirth Corporate Center - Golden Valley, MN Woodlands Plaza IV - Maryland Heights, MO Total Commercial Office Commercial Medical 2800 Medical Building - Minneapolis, MN 2828 Chicago Avenue - Minneapolis, MN Airport Medical - Bloomington, MN Barry Pointe Office Park - Kansas City, MO Billings 2300 Grant Road - Billings, MT Burnsville 303 Nicollet Medical (Ridgeview) - Burnsville, MN Burnsville 305 Nicollet Medical (Ridgeview South) - Burnsville, MN 2011 Annual Report F-38 $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,466 $ 2,014 19,690 1,762 824 907 841 824 1,378 7,968 0 0 13,155 1,168 14,016 907 6,336 687 4,373 3,965 3,777 4,360 531 285 1,891 560 178 212 180 143 336 627 1,261 1,094 2,375 119 3,117 666 869 235 1,000 530 970 771 343,338 $ 72,116 5,763 $ 8,669 1,640 1,493 1,976 204 726 0 384 649 7,574 1,071 4,734 189 $ $ $ 4,069 6,600 18,982 5,496 916 1,123 1,024 1,094 2,200 8,571 6,149 10,026 12,218 2,366 13,350 4,197 8,373 1,195 10,618 4,860 7,659 4,609 470,581 7,135 11,319 4,678 2,366 1,216 6,842 5,127 $ 1,468 $ 276 26 352 60 251 32 35 2 807 1,825 1,678 659 80 580 1 1,083 47 1,911 716 868 741 563 321 1,917 569 186 240 180 151 336 684 1,298 1,104 2,495 119 3,119 666 869 235 1,000 577 971 837 52,794 $ 73,828 5,505 $ 6,840 18,982 5,839 968 1,346 1,056 1,121 2,202 9,321 7,937 11,694 12,757 2,446 13,928 4,198 9,456 1,242 12,529 5,529 8,526 5,284 6,068 $ 7,161 20,899 6,408 1,154 1,586 1,236 1,272 2,538 10,005 9,235 12,798 15,252 2,565 17,047 4,864 10,325 1,477 13,529 6,106 9,497 6,121 521,663 $ 595,491 $ 2,149 $ 5,628 0 104 0 229 729 0 392 649 $ 9,259 $ 9,488 $ 16,944 4,678 2,462 1,216 17,673 4,678 2,854 1,865 (1,497) (1,838) (2,197) (1,802) (159) (203) (155) (160) (388) (2,040) (2,003) (2,859) (1,759) (445) (2,164) (1,281) (1,512) (258) (2,627) (1,345) (2,172) (663) (104,650) (1,582) (1,517) (1,263) (259) (24) 723 1,071 7,565 8,636 (591) 2003 2000 2006 1999 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004 2003 2002 2002 2006 2004 2005 1999 2005 2003 2003 2002 2002 2006 2005 2007 2002 2007 2010 2008 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 550 189 5,677 5,866 (466) 2008 40 years Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Description Commercial Medical - continued Casper 1930 E 12th Street (Park Place) - Casper, WY(1) Casper 3955 E 12th Street (Meadow Wind) - Casper, WY(1) Cheyenne 4010 N College Drive (Aspen Wind) - Cheyenne, WY(1) Cheyenne 4606 N College Drive (Sierra Hills) - Cheyenne, WY(1) Denfeld Clinic - Duluth, MN Eagan 1440 Duckwood Medical - Eagan, MN Edgewood Vista - Belgrade, MT Edgewood Vista - Billings, MT Edgewood Vista - Bismarck, ND Edgewood Vista - Brainerd, MN Edgewood Vista - Columbus, NE(1) Edgewood Vista - East Grand Forks, MN Edgewood Vista - Fargo, ND Edgewood Vista - Fremont, NE Edgewood Vista - Grand Island, NE(1) Edgewood Vista - Hastings, NE Edgewood Vista - Hermantown I, MN Edgewood Vista - Hermantown II, MN Edgewood Vista - Kalispell, MT Edgewood Vista - Minot, ND Edgewood Vista - Missoula, MT Edgewood Vista - Norfolk, NE(1) Edgewood Vista - Omaha, NE Edgewood Vista - Sioux Falls, SD Edgewood Vista - Spearfish, SD Edgewood Vista - Virginia, MN Edina 6363 France Medical - Edina, MN(1) Edina 6405 France Medical - Edina, MN Edina 6517 Drew Avenue - Edina, MN Edina 6525 France SMC II - Edina, MN Edina 6545 France SMC I - Edina MN Fresenius - Duluth, MN Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition $ 0 $ 439 $ 5,780 $ (47) $ 439 $ 5,733 $ 6,172 $ (196) 2009 40 years 0 0 0 1,859 1,894 0 2,026 5,854 5,786 0 3,087 13,720 624 0 643 17,251 6,705 645 9,865 916 0 408 1,161 3,645 14,674 0 9,347 1,192 10,500 31,836 841 338 628 695 501 521 35 115 511 587 43 290 775 56 33 49 288 719 70 1,046 109 42 89 314 315 246 0 0 353 755 3,480 50 5,881 9,869 7,455 2,597 1,547 779 1,782 9,193 8,999 824 1,383 20,870 490 773 517 9,871 10,517 502 11,590 854 722 547 1,001 8,584 11,823 12,675 12,201 660 8,054 30,743 1,520 (2) (2) 0 1 519 0 (15) 36 34 0 (31) 0 42 0 41 1,501 33 52 0 36 0 40 (27) 35 76 20 0 524 5,945 11,020 2 338 628 695 501 521 35 115 511 587 43 290 775 56 33 49 288 719 70 1,046 109 42 89 314 315 246 0 0 372 1,003 3,480 50 5,879 6,217 9,867 10,495 7,455 2,598 2,066 779 1,767 9,229 9,033 824 1,352 20,870 532 773 558 11,372 10,550 554 11,590 890 722 587 974 8,619 11,899 12,695 12,201 1,165 13,751 41,763 1,522 8,150 3,099 2,587 814 1,882 9,740 9,620 867 1,642 21,645 588 806 607 11,660 11,269 624 12,636 999 764 676 1,288 8,934 12,145 12,695 12,201 1,537 14,754 45,243 1,572 (202) (339) (256) (458) (259) (61) (142) (1,296) (1,268) (64) (109) (1,630) (129) (60) (139) (2,736) (1,482) (135) (133) (312) (56) (142) (79) (839) (2,461) (1,397) (1,232) (341) (3,955) (10,938) (268) 2009 2009 2009 2004 2008 2008 2008 2005 2005 2008 2000 2008 2008 2000 2008 2000 2005 2001 2010 1996 2008 2001 2008 2005 2002 2008 2008 2002 2003 2001 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 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 2011 Annual Report F-39 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition $ 2,270 $ 1,076 $ 0 66 7,408 1,699 $ 484 $ 1 $ 0 66 7,892 $ 1,700 7,892 $ 1,766 12,678 2,243 3,239 1,305 0 2,354 406 0 6,580 2,092 12,780 940 6,203 11,414 6,898 4,684 1,996 10,170 1,642 0 640 0 185 1,245 2,715 1,615 0 328 442 162 262,348 $ 29,063 934 $ 3,890 1,186 6,571 2,389 2,250 7,296 3,624 0 2,447 981 1,557 115 2,133 198 1,368 895 408 1,439 3,058 395 453 90 240 18,362 10,528 6,634 3,781 7,873 1,331 20,272 2,767 8,898 14,673 7,851 11,781 2,259 3,888 2,497 371,788 1,605 4,097 1,154 11,643 2,810 2,611 10,758 2,570 3,518 4,352 1,788 2,189 $ $ $ $ $ $ 0 1,378 (2) 21 3,239 1,322 406 20 0 0 1,526 0 31 1,939 943 912 264 10,495 1 0 640 0 185 1,245 2,717 1,647 0 328 442 162 46,980 $ 29,437 3 $ 993 800 1,780 50 48 1,102 0 246 1,833 7 78 115 2,133 198 1,368 895 408 1,439 3,058 395 480 90 240 18,362 11,889 6,632 3,782 7,873 1,331 21,798 2,767 8,929 16,610 8,762 12,693 2,523 14,383 2,498 21,601 13,211 7,038 3,802 7,873 1,971 21,798 2,952 10,174 19,327 10,409 12,693 2,851 14,825 2,660 418,394 $ 447,831 $ $ 1,608 $ 5,090 1,954 1,723 $ 7,223 2,152 13,423 2,860 2,659 11,860 2,570 3,764 6,158 1,795 2,267 14,791 3,755 3,067 13,299 5,628 4,159 6,638 1,885 2,507 (1,814) (299) (5,030) (2,023) (228) (669) (615) (26) (3,588) (597) (1,541) (3,691) (1,306) (2,810) (257) (1,618) (439) (65,367) (283) (533) (760) (2,861) (285) (113) (2,823) (208) (78) (1,993) (318) (526) 2002 2004 2000 2004 2009 2004 2008 2010 2004 2002 2004 2004 2005 2002 2007 2006 2004 2004 2006 1992 2007 2009 2002 2008 1999 2010 2004 2002 2009 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 Description Commercial Medical - continued Garden View - St. Paul, MN Gateway Clinic - Sandstone, MN Healtheast St John & Woodwinds - Maplewood & Woodbury, MN High Pointe Health Campus - Lake Elmo, MN Laramie 1072 N 22nd Street (Spring Wind) - Laramie, WY(1) Mariner Clinic - Superior, WI Minneapolis 701 25th Avenue Medical - Minneapolis, MN Missoula 3050 Great Northern - Missoula, MT Nebraska Orthopedic Hospital - Omaha, NE Park Dental - Brooklyn Center, MN Pavilion I - Duluth, MN Pavilion II - Duluth, MN Ritchie Medical Plaza - St Paul, MN Sartell 2000 23rd Street South - Sartell, MN St Michael Clinic - St Michael, MN Stevens Point - Stevens Point, WI Wells Clinic - Hibbing, MN Total Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial API Building - Duluth, MN Bloomington 2000 W 94th Street - Bloomington, MN Bodycote Industrial Building - Eden Prairie, MN Brooklyn Park 7401 Boone Avenue - Brooklyn Park, MN Cedar Lake Business Center - St. Louis Park, MN Clive 2075 NW 94th Street - Clive, IA Dixon Avenue Industrial Park - Des Moines, IA Eagan 2785 & 2795 Highway 55 - Eagan, MN Fargo 1320 45th Street N - Fargo, ND(1) Lexington Commerce Center - Eagan, MN Lighthouse - Duluth, MN Metal Improvement Company - New Brighton, MN 2011 Annual Report F-40 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Description Commercial Industrial - continued Minnetonka 13600 County Road 62 - Minnetonka, MN Roseville 2929 Long Lake Road - Roseville, MN Stone Container - Fargo, ND Stone Container - Roseville, MN Urbandale 3900 106th Street - Urbandale, IA Winsted Industrial Building - Winsted, MN Woodbury 1865 Woodlane - Woodbury, MN Total Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail 17 South Main - Minot, ND Anoka Strip Center - Anoka, MN Burnsville 1 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN Burnsville 2 Strip Center - Burnsville, MN Champlin South Pond - Champlin, MN Chan West Village - Chanhassen, MN Dakota West Plaza - Minot , ND Duluth Denfeld Retail - Duluth, MN Duluth NAPA - Duluth, MN Eagan Community - Eagan, MN East Grand Station - East Grand Forks, MN Fargo Express Community - Fargo, ND Forest Lake Auto - Forest Lake, MN(1) Forest Lake Westlake Center - Forest Lake, MN Grand Forks Carmike - Grand Forks, ND Grand Forks Medpark Mall - Grand Forks, ND Jamestown Buffalo Mall - Jamestown, ND(2) Jamestown Business Center - Jamestown, ND Kalispell Retail Center - Kalispell, MT Kentwood Thomasville Furniture - Kentwood, MI Lakeville Strip Center - Lakeville, MN Livingston Pamida - Livingston, MT Minot 1400 31st Ave - Minot, ND Minot Arrowhead - Minot, ND Minot Plaza - Minot, ND Monticello C Store - Monticello, MN(1) Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition $ $ $ $ $ $ 2,412 $ 5,721 2,334 3,743 10,800 411 2,810 809 1,966 440 810 3,680 100 1,108 61,356 $ 19,705 0 $ 0 461 366 1,729 13,722 379 2,624 794 1,399 110 1,041 0 4,473 1,753 3,132 1,058 590 1,419 0 1,036 1,195 0 2,356 828 0 15 123 208 291 842 5,035 92 276 130 702 150 374 50 2,446 184 681 566 297 250 225 46 227 1,026 100 50 65 $ $ $ 434 7,272 6,597 7,440 10,089 901 2,628 84,456 75 602 773 469 2,703 14,665 493 4,699 1,800 1,588 1,235 1,420 446 5,304 2,360 4,808 3,209 1,023 2,250 1,889 1,142 1,573 6,143 1,064 453 770 $ $ 2,459 $ 1,483 104 32 493 48 1,882 809 1,980 440 810 3,721 100 1,121 13,441 $ 19,800 197 $ 25 208 214 48 1,734 28 62 4 858 314 126 13 458 2 218 2,457 1,312 972 (698) 827 0 275 6,015 129 37 17 134 208 294 866 5,606 106 276 131 703 151 386 50 2,480 184 722 871 333 253 225 94 227 1,026 716 80 97 2,893 $ 8,741 6,701 7,472 10,541 949 4,497 3,702 $ 10,721 7,141 8,282 14,262 1,049 5,618 97,802 $ 117,602 $ (163) (985) (2,273) (1,744) (1,106) (282) (379) (17,713) 2006 1995 2001 2007 2000 2001 2007 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 270 $ 616 981 680 2,727 15,828 507 4,761 1,803 2,445 1,548 1,534 459 5,728 2,362 4,985 5,361 2,299 3,219 1,191 1,921 1,573 6,418 6,463 552 775 287 $ 750 1,189 974 3,593 21,434 613 5,037 1,934 3,148 1,699 1,920 509 8,208 2,546 5,707 6,232 2,632 3,472 1,416 2,015 1,800 7,444 7,179 632 872 (175) (127) (200) (148) (502) (3,410) (66) (839) (317) (488) (392) (298) (97) (1,188) (974) (1,416) (997) (616) (603) (647) (490) (323) (58) (2,464) (260) (165) 2000 2003 2003 2003 2004 2003 2006 2004 2004 2003 1999 2003-2005 2003 2003 1994 2000 2003 2003 2003 1996 2003 2003 2010 1973 1993 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 15 1/2-40 years 40 years 40 years 2011 Annual Report F-41 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Description Commercial Retail - continued Omaha Barnes & Noble - Omaha, NE Pine City C-Store - Pine City, MN Pine City Evergreen Square - Pine City, MN Rochester Maplewood Square - Rochester, MN(1) St. Cloud Westgate - St. Cloud, MN Weston Retail - Weston, WI Weston Walgreens - Weston, WI Total Commercial Retail Subtotal Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition $ $ $ 2,692 $ 310 1,906 0 3,373 0 3,200 600 83 154 3,275 1,219 79 66 51,946 $ 19,927 $ $ 3,099 357 2,646 8,610 5,535 1,575 1,718 86,496 991,582 $ 174,256 $ 1,359,138 $ $ $ $ 0 $ 12 582 876 632 27 672 600 83 385 3,652 1,242 80 67 18,636 $ 22,345 3,099 $ 369 2,997 9,109 6,144 1,601 2,389 3,699 $ 452 3,382 12,761 7,386 1,681 2,456 102,714 $ 125,059 $ (1,201) (74) (693) (2,641) (1,013) (328) (294) (23,504) 1995 2003 2003 1999 2004 2003 2006 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 40 years 237,404 $ 188,106 $ 1,582,692 $ 1,770,798 $ (328,952) 2011 Annual Report F-42 Schedule III - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (in thousands) INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Description Encumbrances(a) Land Buildings & Improvements Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Buildings & Improvements Land Accumulated Depreciation Total Life on which depreciation in latest income statement is computed Date of Construction or Acquisition Initial Cost to Company Gross amount at which carried at close of period Unimproved Land Bismarck 2130 S 12th St - Bismarck, ND Bismarck 700 E Main - Bismarck, ND Eagan Unimproved Land - Eagan, MN Georgetown Square Unimproved Land - Grand Chute, WI IRET Corporate Plaza Retention Pond - Minot, ND Kalispell Unimproved Land - Kalispell, MT Monticello Unimproved Land - Monticello, MN River Falls Unimproved Land - River Falls, WI Urbandale Unimproved Land - Urbandale, IA Weston Unimproved Land - Weston, WI Total Unimproved Land Development in Progress 1st Avenue Building - Minot, ND Jamestown Buffalo Mall Theater - Jamestown, ND Georgetown Square Development - Grand Chute, WI IRET Corporate Plaza 2 - Minot, ND(2) Quarry Ridge 2 - Rochester, MN Total Development in Progress Total $ $ $ $ $ 0 $ 0 0 2,221 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,221 $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 0 $ 576 314 423 1,860 75 1,400 115 176 5 812 5,756 0 0 240 568 942 1,750 $ $ $ $ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,436 1,708 0 412 3,556 993,803 $ 181,762 $ 1,362,694 $ $ $ $ $ 13 $ 556 0 0 87 23 2 5 108 0 794 $ 280 $ 97 (173) 4,183 0 4,387 $ $ 589 870 423 1,860 162 1,411 117 179 113 812 6,536 0 0 242 568 942 1,752 $ $ $ 0 $ 0 0 0 0 12 0 2 0 0 14 $ 280 $ 1,533 1,533 4,183 412 7,941 $ 589 $ 870 423 1,860 162 1,423 117 181 113 812 6,550 $ 280 $ 1,533 1,775 4,751 1,354 9,693 $ 2008 2008 2006 2006 2009 2003 2006 2003 2009 2006 1981 2003 2006 2009 2006 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 242,585 $ 196,394 $ 1,590,647 $ 1,787,041 $ (328,952) (a) Amounts in this column are the mortgages payable balances as of April 30, 2011. These amounts do not include amounts owing under the Company’s multi-bank line of credit or under the Company’s two loans financed with Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. (1) As of April 30, 2011, this property was included in the collateral pool securing the Company’s $50.0 million multi-bank line of credit. The Company may add and remove eligible properties from the collateral pool if certain minimum collateral requirements are satisfied. Advances under the facility may not exceed 60% of the value of properties provided as security. (2) This property is collateral for a loan to the Company financed by Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. 2011 Annual Report F-43 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 Schedule III REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION Reconciliations of total real estate carrying value for the three years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009 are as follows: Balance at beginning of year Additions during year Multi-Family Residential Commercial Office Commercial Medical Commercial Industrial Commercial Retail Improvements and Other Deductions during year Cost of real estate sold Impairment charge Other(A) Balance at close of year(B) (in thousands) 2011 2010 2009 $ 1,800,519 $ 1,729,585 $ 1,648,259 4,210 6,836 19,249 3,914 7,169 23,183 1,865,080 (86,994) 0 (7,288) 1,770,798 $ $ 4,270 2,096 38,125 3,066 0 29,343 1,806,485 (1,217) (1,678) (3,071) 1,800,519 $ 23,215 8,573 19,084 4,337 0 27,971 1,731,439 (49) (338) (1,467) 1,729,585 Reconciliations of accumulated depreciation/amortization for the three years ended April 30, 2011, 2010, and 2009, are as follows: Balance at beginning of year Additions during year Provisions for depreciation Deductions during year Accumulated depreciation on real estate sold Other(C) Balance at close of year (in thousands) 2011 2010 2009 $ 308,626 $ 262,871 $ 219,379 49,375 (25,366) (3,683) 328,952 $ 48,152 (737) (1,660) 308,626 $ 44,227 (36) (699) 262,871 $ (A) Consists of miscellaneous disposed assets and assets moved to Development in Progress. (B) The net basis of the Company’s real estate investments for Federal Income Tax purposes is approximately $1.2 billion. (C) Consists of miscellaneous disposed assets. 2011 Annual Report F-44 INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES April 30, 2011 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 Liberty Holdings, LLC 7.00% 11/01/12 Less: Allowance for Loan Losses Monthly/ Balloon 0 0 $ 167 167 $ 159 159 $ 0 0 $ $ $ (3) 156 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 2011 158 0 158 (2) 0 156 $ $ $ $ (in thousands) 2010 160 0 160 (2) 0 158 $ $ 2009 541 0 541 (381) 0 160 $ $ $ 2011 Annual Report F-45 Exhibit Index 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.1 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. Third Restated Trustees’ Regulations (Bylaws), dated May 16, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K , filed with the SEC on May 16, 2007. 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. Loan Agreement dated August 12, 2010 by and among IRET Properties, as borrower, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, and First International Bank & Trust as lender and lead bank, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on August 18, 2010. 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 10.3 10.4 10.5 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. 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. 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. 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. 10.7* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed December 12, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.8 Contribution Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 17, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.9* Description of Compensation of Trustees, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed September 11, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.10 Loan and Security Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 18, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.11* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 12, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.12* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 11, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference. 2011 Annual Report 10.13* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 12, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.14* Description of Compensation of Trustees, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed December 10, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.15* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed September 9, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.16* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed December 10, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.17* Description of Compensation of Executive Officers, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed March 14, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.18* Description of Compensation of Trustees, filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed September 9, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference. 12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends, filed herewith. 21.1 Subsidiaries of Investors Real Estate Trust, filed herewith. 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, 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. ________________________ * Indicates management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. 2011 Annual Report Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends Exhibit 12.1 The following table sets forth our ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends for the periods indicated. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed by dividing earnings by our fixed charges. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends was computed by dividing earnings by our combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends. For purposes of calculating these ratios, earnings consist of income from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest charges on all indebtedness, whether expensed or capitalized, the interest component of rental expense and the amortization of debt discounts and issue costs, whether expensed or capitalized. Preferred share dividends consist of dividends on our Series A preferred shares. 2011 1.07x Fiscal Year ended April 30, 2009 2008 2010 1.07x 1.14x 1.22x 2007 1.24x 1.03x 1.04x 1.10x 1.18x 1.20x Consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges Consolidated ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends 2011 Annual Report SUBSIDIARIES OF INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST Name of Subsidiary Dakota - IRET, Inc. Dakota Hill Properties, a Texas Limited Partnership DRF Omaha/NOH, LLC EVI Billings, LLC EVI Grand Cities, LLC EVI Sioux Falls, LLC Forest Park - IRET, Inc. Forest Park Properties, a North Dakota Limited Partnership Health Investors Business Trust IRET-1715 YDR, LLC IRET-3900 Urbandale, LLC IRET - 6405 France Medical, LLC IRET - BD, LLC IRET - Billings 2300 CBR, LLC IRET - Brenwood, LLC IRET - Candlelight, LLC IRET - Cimarron Hills, LLC IRET Corporate Plaza, LLC IRET - Country Meadows 2, LLC IRET - DMS, LLC IRET - Forest Park, LLC IRET-Golden Jack, L.L.C. IRET, Inc. IRET - Indian Hills, LLC IRET - Kentwood, LLC IRET - Kirkwood Apartments, LLC IRET - LEXCOM, LLC IRET - Minot EV, LLC IRET - Missoula 3050 CBR, LLC IRET-MR9, LLC IRET-MR9 Holding, LLC IRET - Oakmont, LLC IRET - Olympic Village (MT), LLC IRET - Plymouth, LLC IRET Properties, a North Dakota Limited Partnership IRET-QR, LLC IRET-Quarry Ridge, LLC IRET - Ridge Oaks, LLC IRET - Rimrock, LLC IRET - Rochester Crown Apartments, LLC IRET - Rocky Meadows, LLC IRET - Southbrook & Mariposa, LLC IRET - Sunset Trail, LLC IRET - Thomasbrook Apartments, LLC IRET - Valley Park Manor, LLC IRET - Westwood Park, LLC LSREF Golden Ops 14 (WY), LLC LSREF Golden Property 14 (WY), 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 Ridge Oaks, L.P. SMB Operating Company LLC Thomasbrook - IRET, Inc. Thomasbrook Properties, a Nebraska Limited Partnership Exhibit 21.1 State of Incorporation or Organization Texas Texas Minnesota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota Delaware Minnesota Delaware North Dakota Minnesota North Dakota Minnesota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota Minnesota Delaware Delaware North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota Delaware Delaware South Dakota North Dakota Minnesota North Dakota Delaware Delaware Iowa North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota Delaware North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota Delaware Delaware North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota North Dakota Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota Delaware Iowa Delaware Nebraska Nebraska 2011 Annual Report CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM EXHIBIT 23.1 We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-173568, 333-169710, 333-169205, 333-166162, 333-165977, 333-163267, 333-162349, 333-160948, 333-158001, 333-153715, 333-153714, 333- 149081, 333-148529, 333-145714, 333-141341, 333-137699, 333-131894, 333-128745, 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 and in Registration Statement Nos. 333- 173393, 333-140176 and 333-155497 on Form S-8 of our report, dated July 14, 2011, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Investors Real Estate Trust and subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of Investors Real Estate Trust and subsidiaries’ 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, 2011. /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota July 14, 2011 2011 Annual Report Certifications Exhibit 31.1 I, Timothy P. Mihalick, 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 14, 2011 By: /s/ Timothy P. Mihalick Timothy P. Mihalick, President & CEO 2011 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 14, 2011 By: /s/ Diane K. Bryantt Diane K. Bryantt, Senior Vice President & CFO 2011 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, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2011, (the “Report”), I, Timothy P. Mihalick, 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/ Timothy P. Mihalick Timothy P. Mihalick President and Chief Executive Officer July 14, 2011 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. 2011 Annual Report Exhibit 32.2 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. 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, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2011, (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 14, 2011 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. 2011 Annual Report Shareholder Information Trustees & Executive Officers Patrick G. Jones Trustee; Private Investor Jeffrey L. Miller Trustee; Private Investor Managing Partner of Miller Properties, LLP; Managing Partner of K&J Miller Holdings LLP C.W. “Chip” Morgan Trustee; President and Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Respiratory Services, LLC John T. Reed Trustee; Private Investor Edward T. Schafer Trustee; Private Investor W. David Scott Trustee; Chief Executive Officer, Tetrad Corporation (fka Magnum Resources, Inc.) Stephen L. Stenehjem Trustee; President and Chief Executive Officer, Watford City BancShares, Inc.; President and Chairman of First International Bank & Trust John D. Stewart Trustee; President of Glacial Holdings, Inc. and Glacial Holdings LLC, and Glacial Holdings Property Management, Inc. Jeffrey K. Woodbury Trustee; Vice President, Acquisitions and Development, Woodbury Corporation Timothy P. Mihalick Trustee; President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas A. Wentz, Jr. Trustee; Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael A. Bosh Senior Vice President and General Counsel Diane K. Bryantt Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Charles A. Greenberg Senior Vice President, Commercial Asset Management Ted E. Holmes Senior Vice President, Finance Andrew Martin Senior Vice President, Residential Property Management Thomas A. Wentz, Sr. Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the company will be held at 7:00 p.m. CDT on September 20, 2011, at the Grand International, 1505 North Broadway, Minot, North Dakota. Shares Listed The company’s common shares of beneficial interest are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “IRET.” The company’s Series A cumulative preferred shares of beneficial interest are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “IRETP.” Independent Accountants Deloitte & Touche LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota Legal Counsel Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. Minot, North Dakota Hunton & Williams, LLP Richmond, Virginia Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan For information on the company’s distribution reinvestment and share purchase plan, contact the Investor Relations Department 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, 2011, 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 Investors 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 shareholder about distribution payments, Questions accounts, replacement of lost share certificates, or address or name changes should be directed to: Investor Relations, Investors Real Estate Trust, PO Box 1988, Minot, ND 58702-1988.

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