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iStar

star · NYSE Real Estate
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Sector Real Estate
Industry REIT - Diversified
Employees 51-200
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FY2014 Annual Report · iStar
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iStar 
Financial  

Annual Report 
2014

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At  iStar,  we  seek  the  white  space 
beyond  commodity  capital.  After 
20  years  in  the  business,  we’ve 
had  success,  learned  from  our 
challenges  and  remain  resilient, 
opportunistic and true to our word.

Corporate Information

Headquarters

1114 Avenue of the Americas 
New York, NY 10036 
Tel: 212.930.9400 
Fax: 212.930.9494

Regional Offices

3480 Preston Ridge Road 
Suite 575 
Alpharetta, GA 30005 
Tel: 678.297.0100 
Fax: 678.297.0101

525 West Monroe Street 
Suite 1900 
Chicago, IL 60661 
Tel: 312.577.8549 
Fax: 312.612.4162

One Galleria Tower 
13727 Noel Road 
Suite 150 
Dallas, TX 75240 
Tel: 972.506.3131 
Fax: 972.646.6398

180 Glastonbury Boulevard 
Suite 201 
Glastonbury, CT 06033 
Tel: 860.815.5900 
Fax: 860.815.5901

1777 Ala Moana Boulevard 
Suite 142-33 
Honolulu, HI 96815 
Tel: 212.405.4537 
Fax: 808.944.6322

10960 Wilshire Boulevard  
Suite 1260 
Los Angeles, CA 90024 
Tel: 310.315.7019  
Fax: 310.315.7017 

4350 Von Karman Avenue 
Suite 225  
Newport Beach, CA 92660  
Tel: 949.567.2400  
Fax: 949.567.2411

One Sansome Street 
30th Floor 
San Francisco, CA 94104 
Tel: 415.391.4300  
Fax: 415.391.6259

Employees

Investor Information Services

As of January 31, 2015,  
the Company had 182 employees.

Independent Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
New York, NY

Registrar & Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust  
Company, NA 
PO Box 43078 
Providence, RI 02940-3078 
Tel: 800.756.8200

www.computershare.com

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

May 20, 2015, 9:00 a.m. ET 
Sofitel Hotel of New York City 
45 West 44th Street 
New York, NY 10036

iStar Financial is a listed company 
on the New York Stock Exchange and is  
traded under the ticker “STAR.” The  
Company has filed all required Annual  
Chief Executive Officer Certifications  
with the NYSE. In addition, the Company 
has filed with the SEC the certifications  
of the Chief Executive Officer and  
Chief Financial Officer required under  
Section 302 and Section 906 of the  
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as exhibits  
to our most recently filed Annual Report  
on Form 10-K. For help with questions  
about the Company, or to receive  
additional corporate information,  
please contact:

Investor Relations

Jason Fooks 
Vice President  
Investor Relations & Marketing 
1114 Avenue of the Americas 
New York, NY 10036 
Tel: 212.930.9484

Email:  
investors@istarfinancial.com

iStar Financial Website: 
www.istarfinancial.com

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2014 was a turning point for 
our  company.  Actively  focused  on  making  new 
investments,  and  extracting  value  from  our  existing  port-
folio, we began putting in place a plan to expand our presence 
in the market and identify areas of competitive advantage and growth.  
(In  other  words,  we  made  money  last  year  and  are  pretty  excited  for  the 
years  ahead.)  What’s  important  now  is  to  create  a  path  forward  that  will  give 
us a significant position in our industry and the investment world.  •   Let me review 
some  of  our  key  successes  in  the  past  year.  We  began  the  year  with  several  goals:  to 
accelerate our investment activity, to extend and shift our debt profile to a mostly unsecured 
structure and to position the company for increasing profitability. I am very pleased with how 
we performed on all three fronts. Our investment activity during the year totaled over $1.3 billion 
and centered on our themes of large transactions (less competition), heavily invested sponsors 
(lower risk) and gateway cities (better capital flows). On the liability side we executed a refinancing 
of our $1.3 billion in short term secured debt with the same amount of longer term unsecured  
debt, freeing up almost $2 billion in previously encumbered collateral. An unsecured balance 
sheet not only gives us additional flexibility in terms of raising capital, but it also supports the 
needs of our contrarian and adaptable investment strategy. And perhaps most importantly, 
we generated significant income from three of our business lines to push adjusted income 
solidly into positive territory. And while land continued to be a drag on earnings, we should 
begin to see several projects in that segment produce positive earnings in 2015 and 
progress made on others.  •   With land beginning to contribute, and our  investment 
team   uncovering  interesting  opportunities  to  deploy  our  cash  holdings,  we 
look forward to the coming years with renewed excitement. We’ve been 
working  to  get  each  of  our  business  lines  to  the  point  where  all  
can be a positive part of the iStar story, and can now see 
that beginning to happen. We truly appreciate 
your patience and support.

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our businesses

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Real Estate Finance 

iStar excels where high expecta-
tions demand premium, tailored 
financing solutions and thought-
ful  execution.  Delivering  what 
the capital markets can’t or won’t 
provide,  we  have  pioneered 
forward  thinking  and  non-com-
modity  investment  themes  for 
more than 20 years.

Not  many  deals  go  through  as 
many twists and turns as the W 
Fort  Lauderdale,  but  it  exempli-
fies the creative tenacity it takes 
to see complex projects through. 
We created an innovative struc-
ture to finance the separate hotel 
and  condo-hotel  components, 
despite both being constructed 
concurrently, and partnered with  
another lender to split the deal. 
When  markets  turned  difficult, 
we  offered  flexibility  through 
multiple  modifications  as  the 
sponsor  continued  to  support 
the  deal  through  the  infusion 
of  fresh  equity.  When  our  co-
lender  expressed  interest  in 
exiting the deal, we opportunisti-
cally acquired their position. We 
were confident in our basis and 
value of the property, believing 
it  was  just  a  question  of  when 
and not if the property would sell. 
Four  months  later,  the  property 
sold  at  full  value,  generating  a 
strong return on our opportunis-
tic acquisition.

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6

Net Lease 

At  the  intersection  of  corporate 
credit, capital market  pricing and 
real estate disciplines, iStar has 
completed  more  than  $4  billion 
of net lease transactions across 
office,  industrial,  retail,  hotel, 
entertainment  and  other  prop-
erty  types —  facilities  we  own 
and lease long-term primarily to 
single corporate  tenants in order 
to  generate  stable,  long-term 
and inflation-hedged cash flow.

The key lies in zeroing in on prop-
erties that are mission-critical to 
the  business.  When  Solo  Cup 
sought  to  refinance  debt  taken 
on  in  a  significant  merger,  they 
turned  to  iStar.  Our  net  lease 
transaction  involved  six  of  their 
manufacturing facilities that rep-
resented roughly three-fourths of 
Solo’s EBIDTA and included their 
most  state-of-the-art  produc-
tion  lines.  We  saw  through  to 
the underlying business and rec-
ognized the stability of the cash 
flows due to the high switching 
costs of their customers. In 2014, 
following  Solo’s  acquisition  by 
Dart Container, the new owners 
bought us out of the lease, gen-
erating  a  significant  round-trip 
return on our investment.

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8

Operating Properties

Reimagined  commercial  and 
residential  assets  form  the  core 
of  iStar’s  operating  properties 
portfolio. We unlock their value 
through  inventive  redesign,  the 
infusion of capital, repositioning 
and intensive asset management 
efforts.

Operating and revitalizing such 
properties in major cities across 
the  U.S.  has  further  honed  our 
skills, making iStar stronger in all 
parts of our business. For exam-
ple,  The  Ilikai  Hotel,  an  iconic 
Hawaiian  hotel,  had  fallen  into  
neglect and was mired in contro-
versy. When iStar took ownership 
of the hotel portion of the 30-story 
tower, we worked hard to rebuild 
trust  with  the  hotel  employees 
and condo owners, while invest-
ing  in  upgrades  and  a  lobby/ 
retail  experience  worthy  of  The 
Ilikai’s  name.  We  secured  per-
mission  to  add  kitchens  to  the 
hotel  units  as  per  the  original 
design  and  began  selling  them 
as  condos.  It  took  a  full  mix  of 
iStar  disciplines — architecture 
and  engineering,  legal,  public 
relations,  finance,  operations —  
working  in  concert  to  bring  to 
life The Ilikai’s inherent value and 
best use. 

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10

Land & Development

Creating  communities.  Reimag-
ining landscapes and the urban 
core. Breaking new ground. iStar’s  
land business focuses our creative 
energies and agile disciplines on 
transforming  bare  spaces  into 
unique developments.

Our  land  portfolio  consists 
primarily of master planned com-
munity projects, urban infill sites 
and waterfront parcels, located 
across the U.S. Successful devel-
opment  often  comes  down  to 
finding  the  right  partners.  1000 
South  Clark,  a  2.5  acre  site  in 
Chicago’s South Loop, had been 
slated to become luxury condos, 
but  we  saw  it  as  better  suited 
for premium rentals. When iStar 
took ownership, we had the land 
and capital, but needed a local 
builder’s vision and “know-how.” 
JDL  had  the  local  experience, 
expertise  and  complementary 
ideas but needed a flexible capi-
tal solution. Most importantly, we 
were on the same page from day 
one — quickly structuring a mutu-
ally beneficial joint venture, with 
iStar as both equity investor and 
lender.  As  the  29-story  tower 
has risen, our knowledge of the 
local  market  and  our  partner’s 
capabilities  has  grown,  further-
ing  the  potential  for  additional 
partnerships.

11

financials

12

Selected Financial Data 

14

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

Consolidated Statements of Operations 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Performance Graph 

Dividends 

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36

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71

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Directors and Officers 

Corporate Information 

72

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected financial data on a consolidated historical basis for iStar Financial Inc. (the “Company”). This 
 information should be read in conjunction with the discussions set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations.”

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Operating Data:
Operating lease income
Interest income
Other income
Land sales revenue

Total revenue

Interest expense
Real estate expense
Land cost of sales
Depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Impairment of assets
Other expense

Total costs and expenses

Income (loss) before earnings from equity method investments  

and other items

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net
Earnings from equity method investments
Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax (expense) benefit

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Income from sales of real estate

Net income (loss)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.

Preferred dividends
Net (income) loss allocable to HPU holders and 

Participating Security holders(1)
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders
Per common share data(2):

Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from 

continuing operations:
Basic and diluted

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.:

Basic and diluted

Per HPU share data(2):

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

$  243,100  
  122,704  
  81,033  
  15,191  
  462,028  
  224,483  
  163,389  
  12,840  
  73,571  
  88,806  
(1,714)
  34,634  
5,821  
  601,830  

 (139,802)
  (25,369)
  94,905  

–
  (70,266)
(3,912)
  (74,178)
–
–

  89,943  
  15,765  
704  
  16,469  
  (51,320)

$  234,567  
  108,015  
  48,208  

$  216,291  
  133,410  
  47,838  

$  195,872  
  226,871  
  39,722  

–

  390,790  
  266,225  
  157,441  

–

  71,266  
  92,114  
5,489  
  12,589  
8,050  
  613,174  

 (222,384)
  (33,190)
  41,520  
(7,373)
 (221,427)

659  

 (220,768)

644  
  22,233  
  86,658  
 (111,233)
(718)
 (111,951)
  (49,020)

–

  397,539  
  355,097  
  151,458  

–

  68,770  
  80,856  
  81,740  
  13,778  
  17,266  
  768,965  

 (371,426)
  (37,816)
  103,009  

–
 (306,233)
(8,445)
 (314,678)
  (17,481)
  27,257  
  63,472  
 (241,430)

1,500  

 (239,930)
  (42,320)

–

  462,465  
  342,186  
  138,714  

–

  58,091  
  105,039  
  46,412  
  13,239  
  11,070  
  714,751  

 (252,286)
  101,466  
  95,091  

–
  (55,729)

4,719  

  (51,010)
(5,514)
  25,110  
5,721  

  (25,693)

3,629  

  (22,064)
  (42,320)

$  183,443
  364,094
  51,069
–
  598,606
  313,766
  121,036
–
  56,668
  109,526
  331,487
  12,809
  16,055
  961,347

 (362,741)
  108,923
  51,908
–
 (201,910)
(7,023)
 (208,933)
  18,757
  270,382
–
  80,206
(523)
  79,683
  (42,320)

1,129  

5,202  

9,253  

1,997  

$  (33,722)

$ (155,769)

$ (272,997)

$  (62,387)

(1,084)
$  36,279

$ 

$ 

(0.40)

(0.40)

$ 

$ 

(2.09)

(1.83)

$ 

$ 

(3.37)

(3.26)

$ 

$ 

(0.91)

(0.70)

$ 

$ 

(2.62)

0.39

14

Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from 

continuing operations:
Basic and diluted

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.:

Basic and diluted
Dividends declared per common share

$ 

(75.27)

$  (396.07)

$  (638.27)

$  (173.66)

$  (497.13)

$ 
$ 

(75.27)
–

$  (346.80)
–
$ 

$  (616.87)
–
$ 

$  (133.13)
–
$ 

$ 
$ 

72.27
–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands, except per share data and ratios)
Supplemental Data:
Adjusted Income(3)
Adjusted EBITDA(3)
Ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense and preferred 

dividends(3)

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(4)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends(4)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted
Weighted average HPU shares outstanding – basic and diluted
Cash flows from:

Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities

$  109,377  
  398,717  

$  (21,677)

  $ 

  298,833  

(53,847)
  349,754  

  $ 

(3,316)
  376,464  

  $  360,525
  767,663

1.4x  
–
–

0.9x
–
–

0.9x
–
–

1.0x
–
–

  85,031  
15  

  84,990  

15

83,742  
15

88,688  
15

2.0x
–
–
93,244
15

$  (10,342)

$ (180,465)

  $  (191,932)

  $ 

  159,793  
 (190,958)

  893,447  
 (455,758)

  1,267,047  
 (1,175,597)

(28,577)
  1,461,257  
 (1,580,719)

  $ 

(45,883)
  3,738,823
 (3,412,707)

As of December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(In thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net
Total assets
Debt obligations, net
Total equity

Explanatory Notes:

  $ 2,676,714  
  285,982  
 1,377,843  
 5,463,133  
 4,022,684  
 1,248,348  

$ 2,796,181  
  360,517  
 1,370,109  
 5,642,011  
 4,158,125  
 1,301,465  

$ 2,739,099  
  635,865  
 1,829,985  
 6,159,999  
 4,691,494  
 1,313,154  

$ 2,893,482  
  677,458  
 2,860,762  
 7,523,083  
 5,837,540  
 1,573,604  

$ 2,599,203
  746,081
 4,587,352
 9,175,681
 7,345,433
 1,694,659

(1)  HPU  holders  are  current  and  former  Company  employees  who  purchased  high  performance  common  stock  units  under  the  Company’s  High  Performance  Unit  Program. 
Participating Security holders are Company employees and directors who hold unvested restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and common stock equivalents granted 
under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plans.

(2)  See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3)  Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as shown in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Adjusted income and 
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (determined in accordance with GAAP), as an indicator of our performance, or to cash flows from 
operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, nor are Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA indicative of funds available to fund our cash 
needs or available for distribution to shareholders. Rather, Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA are additional measures for us to use to analyze how our business is performing. It 
should be noted that our manner of calculating Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from the calculations of  similarly- titled measures by other companies. See computa-
tion of Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA on pages 22 and 23.

(4)  This ratio of earnings to fixed charges is calculated in accordance with SEC Regulation S-K Item 503. The Company’s unsecured debt securities have a fixed charge coverage cov-
enant which is calculated differently in accordance with the terms of the agreements governing such securities. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges by $89,948, $240,912, $305,450, $65,842 and $221,634, respectively, and earnings were not sufficient to cover fixed charges and 
preferred dividends by $141,268, $289,932, $347,770, $108,162 and $263,954, respectively.

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL 
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Certain statements in this report, other than purely histori-
cal information, including estimates, projections, statements relating 
to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, 
and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are 
“ forward- looking  statements”  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private 
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities 
Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Forward- looking statements 
are included with respect to, among other things, the Company’s current 
business plan, business strategy, portfolio management, prospects and 
liquidity. These  forward- looking statements generally are identified by 
the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” 
“strategy,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” 
“will likely result,” and similar expressions.  Forward- looking statements 
are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject 
to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results or outcomes 
to differ materially from those contained in the  forward- looking state-
ments. Important factors that the Company believes might cause such 
differences are discussed in the section entitled, “Risk Factors” in 
Part I, Item 1a of the Company’s Form 10-K or otherwise accompany 
the  forward- looking statements contained in this Annual Report. We 
undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any  forward- looking 
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or 
otherwise. In assessing all  forward- looking statements, readers are 
urged to read carefully all cautionary statements contained in this 
Annual Report. For purposes of this Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the terms 
“we,” “our” and “us” refer to iStar Financial Inc. and its consolidated sub-
sidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affect-
ing our consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity 
during the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. This discussion 
should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial state-
ments and related notes for the three-year period ended December 31, 
2014 included elsewhere in this Annual Report. These historical finan-
cial statements may not be indicative of our future performance. 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the Company’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes to conform to 
the current period presentation.

16

Introduction

iStar Financial Inc. is a fully- integrated finance and investment 
company focused on the commercial real estate industry. We provide 
 custom- tailored investment capital to high-end private and corporate 
owners of real estate and invest directly across a range of real estate 
sectors. We are taxed as a real estate investment trust, or “REIT,” and 
have invested more than $35 billion over the past two decades. Our 
primary business segments are real estate finance, net lease, operating 
properties and land.

Our  real  estate  finance  portfolio  is  comprised  of  senior 
and mezzanine real estate loans that may be either fixed-rate or 
 variable-rate and are structured to meet the specific financing needs 
of borrowers. Our portfolio also includes preferred equity investments 
and senior and subordinated loans to corporations, particularly those 
engaged in real estate or real estate related businesses, and may be 
either secured or unsecured. Our loan portfolio includes whole loans 
and loan participations.

Our net lease portfolio is primarily comprised of properties 
owned by us and leased to single creditworthy tenants where the prop-
erties are subject to long-term leases. Most of the leases provide for 
expenses at the facility to be paid by the tenant on a triple net lease 
basis. The properties in this portfolio are diversified by property type and 
geographic location. In 2014, the Company partnered with a sovereign 
wealth fund to form a venture in which the partners plan to contribute 
equity to acquire and develop net lease assets.

Our operating properties portfolio is comprised of commer-
cial and residential properties which represent a diverse pool of assets 
across a broad range of geographies and property types. We gener-
ally seek to reposition or redevelop these assets with the objective of 
maximizing their value through the infusion of capital and/or intensive 
asset management efforts. The commercial properties within this port-
folio include office, retail, hotel and other property types. The residential 
properties within this portfolio are generally luxury condominium proj-
ects located in major U.S. cities where our strategy is to sell individual 
condominium units through retail distribution channels.

Our land portfolio primarily consists of 11 master planned 
community projects, 15 infill land parcels and 6 waterfront land parcels 
located throughout the United States. Master planned communities rep-
resent large-scale residential projects that we will entitle, plan and/or 
develop and may sell through retail channels to home builders or in bulk. 
We currently have entitlements at these projects for more than 25,000 
lots. The remainder of the Company’s land includes infill and waterfront 
parcels located in and around major cities that the Company will develop, 
sell to or partner with commercial real estate developers. Waterfront 
parcels are generally entitled for residential projects and urban infill par-
cels are generally entitled for mixed-use projects. These projects are 
currently entitled for approximately 6,000 residential units, and select 
projects include commercial, retail and office uses. As of December 31, 
2014, we had 6 land projects in production, 13 in development and 13 in 
the pre- development phase.

Executive Overview

In conjunction with improving economic and commercial real 
estate market conditions, we have continued to make meaningful prog-
ress towards achieving a number of our strategic corporate objectives. 
We increased investment originations to $1.27 billion in 2014 focused pri-
marily within our core business segments of real estate finance and net 
lease, which we anticipate should drive future revenue growth. Through 
strategic ventures, we have partnered with other providers of capital 
within our net lease segment and with developers with homebuilding 
expertise within our land segment. In addition, we have made significant 
investments within our operating property and land portfolios in order 
to better position assets for sale.

Access to the capital markets has allowed us to extend our 
debt maturity profile, lower our cost of capital and become primarily an 
unsecured borrower. During 2014, we fully repaid our largest secured 
credit facility using proceeds from unsecured notes issuances. This 
repayment unencumbered $2.0 billion of collateral and provides us 
with additional liquidity as we now retain 100% of the proceeds from 
sales and repayments of these previously encumbered assets, rather 
than directing them to repay the facility. At December 31, 2014, we had 
$472.1 million of cash, which we expect to be used primarily to fund 
future investment activities.

Over the past two years, we have significantly reduced our 
level of non- performing loans. Non- performing loans, net of specific 
reserves, declined 68% to $65.0 million at December 31, 2014 from 
$203.6 million at December 31, 2013 as loans were repaid, sold or fore-
closed on.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, three of our four 
business segments, including real estate finance, net lease and operating 
properties, contributed positively to our earnings. We continue to work 
on repositioning or redeveloping our transitional operating properties 
and progressing on the entitlement and development of our land assets 
in order to maximize their value. We intend to continue these efforts, 
with the objective of having these assets contribute positively to earn-
ings in the future. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recorded 
net loss allocable to common shareholders of $(33.7) million, compared 
to a loss of $(155.8) million during the prior year. Adjusted income (loss) 
allocable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 
2014 was $109.4 million, compared to $(21.7) million during the prior year.

17

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2013

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

$ Change

% Change

(in thousands)
Operating lease income
Interest income
Other income
Land sales revenue

Total revenue

Interest expense
Real estate expenses
Cost of land sales
Depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Impairment of assets
Other expense

Total costs and expenses
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
Earnings from equity method investments
Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary
Income tax (expense) benefit
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Income from sales of real estate
Net income (loss)

$ 243,100  
 122,704  
  81,033  
  15,191  
 462,028  
 224,483  
 163,389  
  12,840  
  73,571  
  88,806  
  (1,714)
  34,634  
  5,821  
 601,830  
 (25,369)
  94,905  

–
  (3,912)
–
–

  89,943  
$  15,765  

$  234,567  
  108,015  
  48,208  

–

  390,790  
  266,225  
  157,441  

–

  71,266  
  92,114  
5,489  
  12,589  
8,050  
  613,174  
  (33,190)
  41,520  
(7,373)

659  
644  
  22,233  
  86,658  

$ (111,233)

$  8,533    
  14,689    
  32,825    
  15,191    
  71,238    
 (41,742)
  5,948    
  12,840    
  2,305    
  (3,308)
  (7,203)
  22,045    
  (2,229)
 (11,344)
  7,821    
  53,385    
  7,373    
  (4,571)
(644)
 (22,233)
  3,285    
$ 126,998    

4%
14%
68%
100%
18%
(16)%
4%
100%
3%
(4)%
>(100)%
>100%
(28)%
(2)%
24%
>100%
100%
>(100)%
(100)%
(100)%
4%
>100%

Revenue – Operating lease income, which primarily includes 
income from net lease assets and commercial operating properties, 
increased to $243.1 million in 2014 from $234.6 million in 2013.

Operating lease income from net lease assets increased to 
$151.9 million in 2014 from $147.3 million in 2013. The net lease portfolio 
generated an unleveraged yield of 7.5% for 2014 as compared to 7.2% for 
2013 as rental rates for new leases were greater than rental rates for 
leases that terminated since December 31, 2013. Operating lease income 
for same store net lease assets, defined as net lease assets we owned 
on or prior to January 1, 2013 and were in service through December 31, 
2014, increased to $148.3 million in 2014 from $146.2 million in 2013 due 
primarily to an increase in rent per occupied square foot for same store 
net lease assets, which was $9.86 for 2014 as compared to $9.62 for 
2013. The increase in operating lease income was also due to higher 
occupancy rates for same store net lease assets, which was 95.2% at 
December 31, 2014 as compared to 93.0% at December 31, 2013. We had 
two net lease assets which were sold to our Net Lease Venture in 2014 
that, prior to their sale, contributed an additional $2.0 million of operating 
lease income in 2014 as compared to 2013.

Operating lease income from commercial operating properties 
increased to $87.7 million in 2014 from $86.4 million in 2013 as rental 
rates for new leases were greater than leases that terminated since 
December 31, 2013. Operating lease income for same store commer-
cial operating properties, defined as commercial operating properties, 
excluding hotels, we owned on or prior to January 1, 2013 and were in 
service through December 31, 2014, decreased to $81.6 million in 2014 
from $84.9 million in 2013 due primarily to a decline in rent per occupied 

square foot for same store commercial operating properties, which was 
$24.52 for 2014 and $26.06 for 2013. The decline was partially offset by 
an increase in occupancy rates for same store commercial operating 
properties, which increased to 65.0% at December 31, 2014 from 62.8% 
at December 31, 2013. In addition, we acquired title to additional com-
mercial operating properties in 2014, which contributed $4.5 million to 
operating lease income in 2014. Ancillary operating lease income for 
residential operating properties increased $2.6 million in 2014 as com-
pared to 2013.

Interest income increased to $122.7 million in 2014 as com-
pared to $108.0 million in 2013 due primarily to increases in the volume 
and interest rates of performing loans. New investment originations 
and additional fundings of existing loans raised our average balance 
of performing loans to $1.27 billion for 2014 from $1.23 billion for 2013. 
The weighted average yield of our performing loans increased to 9.1%, 
excluding $6.3 million amortization of discounts, for 2014 from 7.6% for 
2013 due primarily to higher interest rates for new loan originations in 
2014 and payoffs of loans with lower interest rates.

Other income increased to $81.0 million in 2014 as compared 
to $48.2 million in 2013. The increase was due to gains on sales of 
non- performing loans of $19.1 million as well as $16.5 million of income 
related to asset related settlements, $3.8 million of ancillary income 
from properties acquired in 2014 and $2.3 million of prior year tax 
refunds. The increases were offset in part by a decline of $7.2 million 
due primarily to the conversion of hotel rooms to residential units to 
be sold at a property and $4.0 million received for the settlement of a 
 property- related lawsuit in 2013.

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Land sales and costs – In 2014, we sold residential lots from 
three of our master planned community properties for proceeds of 
$15.2 million which had associated cost of sales of $12.8 million.

Costs and expenses – Interest expense decreased to $224.5 mil-
lion in 2014 as compared to $266.2 million in 2013 due to a lower average 
outstanding debt balance and a lower weighted average cost of debt. 
The average outstanding balance of our debt declined to $4.08 billion for 
2014 from $4.46 billion for 2013. Our weighted average effective cost of 
debt decreased to 5.5% for 2014 from 5.9% for 2013. The decline was pri-
marily a result of the refinancing of higher interest rate senior unsecured 
notes with lower interest rate senior unsecured notes during 2013.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net – In 2014 and 2013, we 
incurred losses on early extinguishment of debt of $25.4 million and 
$33.2 million, respectively. Together with cash on hand, net proceeds 
from the 2014 issuances of our 4.00% senior unsecured notes due 
November 2017 and our 5.00% senior unsecured notes due July 2019 
were used to fully repay and terminate our secured credit facility entered 
into in February 2013. As a result, in 2014, we expensed $22.8 million 
relating to accelerated amortization of discount and fees associated with 
the payoff of that secured credit facility. We also recorded $2.6 million of 
losses related to the accelerated amortization of discounts and fees in 
connection with amortization payments that we made on our secured 
credit facilities.

Real estate expenses increased to $163.4 million in 2014 as 
compared to $157.4 million in 2013. Expenses for commercial operating 
properties increased to $87.9 million in 2014 from $81.1 million in 2013. 
In 2014, expenses for same store commercial operating properties, 
excluding hotels, increased to $53.3 million from $51.7 million in 2013 due 
primarily to higher operating expenses at two properties. We acquired 
title to additional commercial operating properties in 2014, which 
contributed $9.2 million to real estate expenses in 2014. Additionally, 
expenses for hotel properties decreased to $22.7 million in 2014 from 
$28.5 million in 2013 due primarily to the conversion of hotel rooms to 
residential units being sold at a hotel property. Costs associated with 
residential units increased to $25.6 million in 2014 from $19.8 million in 
2013 due to sales assessments at one of our residential properties and 
carrying costs for additional residential units where construction was 
completed, offset by a reduction of expenses due to the sale of resi-
dential units since December 31, 2013. Carry costs and other expenses 
on our land assets decreased to $26.9 million in 2014 as compared to 
$33.8 million in 2013, primarily related to a decrease in costs incurred 
on certain land assets prior to development.

General and administrative expenses decreased to $88.8 mil-
lion in 2014 as compared to $92.1 million in 2013, primarily due to a 
reduction in stock-based compensation expense, based on the full 
amortization of certain previously issued awards, which were fully 
amortized in 2013.

The net recovery of loan losses was $1.7 million in 2014 as 
compared to a net provision for loan losses of $5.5 million in 2013. 
Included in the net recovery for 2014 were recoveries of previously 
recorded loan loss reserves of $10.1 million, provisions for specific 
reserves of $4.1 million and an increase of $4.3 million in the general 
reserve due primarily to new investment originations. Included in the net 
recovery for 2013 were specific reserves of $72.5 million, which were 
established on non- performing loans, offset by recoveries of previously 
recorded loan loss reserves of $63.1 million during the year.

In 2014, we recorded impairments on real estate assets total-
ing $34.6 million resulting from changes in business strategies for a 
residential property and a land asset, continued unfavorable local market 
conditions at two real estate properties and the sale of net lease assets. 
In 2013, we recorded $14.4 million of impairments on real estate assets, 
including $1.8 million recorded in discontinued operations, due primarily 
to a changes in local market conditions and a change in business strat-
egy for a residential property.

In 2013, we incurred $7.7 million of losses on the early extin-
guishment of debt due to the accelerated amortization of discounts and 
fees in connection with the refinancing of a secured credit facility. We 
also recorded $13.2 million of losses related to the accelerated amortiza-
tion of discounts and fees in connection with amortization payments that 
we made on our secured credit facilities. We also redeemed our 5.95% 
senior unsecured notes due October 2013 and 5.70% senior unsecured 
notes due March 2014 prior to maturity and incurred $12.3 million of 
losses related to prepayment penalties and the acceleration of amorti-
zation of discounts.

Earnings from equity method investments – Earnings from equity 
method investments increased to $94.9 million in 2014 as compared 
to $41.5 million in 2013. In 2014, we recognized $56.8 million of income 
resulting from asset sales by two of our equity method investees and 
a legal settlement received by one of the investees. We also recog-
nized $14.7 million of earnings related to sales activity from an equity 
method investee and $9.0 million of income related to carried interest 
from a previously held strategic investment. The increase was offset 
by $12.0 million of income primarily related to asset sales by one of 
our strategic investments in 2013 and the sale of our interest in LNR 
Property Corp. in April 2013. We had no equity in earnings from LNR 
during 2014 as compared to 2013 in which we recorded net equity in 
earnings of $14.5 million.

Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary – In 2013, 
we entered into a venture with a national homebuilder to jointly develop 
residential lots in the first phase of Spring Mountain Ranch, a 1,400-lot 
master planned community. We contributed the initial phase of land, 
which had a carrying value of $24.1 million, to the venture in exchange 
for a retained interest of $16.7 million, resulting in a $7.4 million loss.

Income tax (expense) benefit – Income taxes are primarily gen-
erated by assets held in our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS’s”). Income 
taxes increased to a net tax expense of $3.9 million in 2014 as compared 
to a tax benefit of $0.7 million in 2013. The period to period difference was 
due primarily to taxable income generated by sales of TRS properties.

19

Discontinued operations – In 2014, we adopted ASU 2014-08 
(see Note 3), which raised the threshold for discontinued operations 
reporting to disposals of components that are considered strategic 
shifts in a company’s business. There were no disposals that met this 
threshold during 2014. Income (loss) from discontinued operations in 
2013 includes operating results from net lease assets and commer-
cial operating properties held for sale or sold as of December 31, 2013. 
During 2013, we sold commercial operating properties with a total 

carrying value of $72.6 million, which resulted in a net gain of $18.6 mil-
lion and net lease assets with a total carrying value of $18.7 million which 
resulted in a net gain of $2.2 million.

Income from sales of real estate – In 2014 and 2013, we sold 
residential condominiums for total net proceeds of $236.2 million and 

$269.7 million, respectively, that resulted in income of $79.1 million and 
$82.6 million, respectively. In 2014, we sold net lease assets with a car-
rying value of $8.0 million resulting in a net gain of $5.7 million and a 
commercial operating property with a carrying value of $29.4 million 
resulting in a gain of $4.6 million. In 2013, we sold land for proceeds of 
$36.7 million that resulted in income of $4.0 million.

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2013 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2012

For the Years Ended December 31,

(in thousands)
Operating lease income
Interest income
Other income

Total revenue

Interest expense
Real estate expenses
Depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Provision for loan losses
Impairment of assets
Other expense

Total costs and expenses
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
Earnings from equity method investments
Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary
Income tax (expense) benefit
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Income from sales of real estate
Net income (loss)

2013

2012

$ Change

% Change

$  234,567  
  108,015  
  48,208  
  390,790  
  266,225  
  157,441  
  71,266  
  92,114  
5,489  
  12,589  
8,050  
  613,174  
  (33,190)
  41,520  
(7,373)

659  
644  
  22,233  
  86,658  

$  216,291  
  133,410  
  47,838  
  397,539  
  355,097  
  151,458  
  68,770  
  80,856  
  81,740  
  13,778  
  17,266  
  768,965  
  (37,816)
  103,009  

–
(8,445)
  (17,481)
  27,257  
  63,472  

$ (111,233)

$ (241,430)

$  18,276    

  (25,395)

370    

(6,749)
  (88,872)

5,983    
2,496    
  11,258    
  (76,251)
(1,189)
(9,216)
 (155,791)

4,626    

  (61,489)
(7,373)
9,104    
  18,125    
(5,024)
  23,186    
$  130,197    

8%
(19)%
1%
(2)%
(25)%
4%
4%
14%
(93)%
(9)%
(53)%
(20)%
12%
(60)%
(100)%
>100%
>100%
(18)%
37%
54%

Revenue – Operating lease income, which includes income 
from net lease assets and commercial operating properties, increased 
to $234.6 million in 2013 from $216.3 million in 2012.

Operating lease income from net lease assets decreased to 
$147.3 million in 2013 from $149.1 million in 2012. The net lease port-
folio generated a weighted average effective yield of 7.2% for 2013 as 
compared to 7.5% for 2012 as rental rates for new leases were less 
than rental rates for leases that terminated since December 31, 2012. 
Operating lease income for same store net lease assets, defined as 
net lease assets we owned on or prior to January 1, 2012 and were 
in service through December 31, 2013, decreased to $146.8 million in 
2013 from $149.1 million in 2012 due primarily to a decline in occupancy 
rates for same store net lease assets, which was 93.1% at December 31, 
2013 as compared to 93.8% at December 31, 2012. The decrease was 
partially offset by an increase in rent per occupied square foot for same 
store net lease assets, which was $9.50 for 2013 as compared to $9.28 
for 2012. Additionally, a new net lease asset commenced in 2013, which 
resulted in an additional $0.5 million of operating lease income in 2013 
as compared to 2012.

Operating lease income from commercial operating proper-
ties increased to $86.4 million in 2013 from $65.7 million in 2012 due 
primarily to the acquisition of a commercial operating property at the 
end of 2012. Operating lease income for same store commercial operat-
ing properties, defined as commercial operating properties, excluding 

hotels, we owned on or prior to January 1, 2012 and were in service 
through December 31, 2013, increased to $70.2 million in 2013 from 
$64.5 million in 2012 due primarily to an increase in occupancy for 
same store commercial operating properties, which was 55.9% at 
December 31, 2013 and 50.1% at December 31, 2012. The increase was 
also due to higher rent per occupied square foot for same store com-
mercial operating properties, which increased to $28.64 for 2013 from 
$27.12 at December 31, 2012. In addition, we acquired title to additional 
commercial operating properties at the end of 2012, which contributed 
$15.0 million to the increase in operating lease income in 2013.

Interest income declined to $108.0 million in 2013 as compared 
to $133.4 million in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the average bal-
ance of performing loans to $1.23 billion for 2013 from $1.67 billion for 
2012. The decrease in performing loans was primarily due to loan repay-
ments received during 2013. Offsetting the decline were new investment 
originations that increased our weighted average effective yield and our 
interest income. For 2013, performing loans generated a weighted aver-
age effective yield of 7.6% as compared to 7.5% for 2012.

Other income increased to $48.2 million in 2013 as compared 
to $47.8 million in 2012. The increase was due to $4.0 million received for 
the settlement of a  property- related lawsuit and $3.5 million recognized 
for the termination of certain leases. Other income includes revenue 
related to hotel properties included in the operating property portfolio, 
which decreased to $29.3 million in 2013 from $32.6 million in 2012 due 

20

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
to a reduction in ancillary revenue related to a hotel property and the 
conversion of some hotel rooms to condo units within one property. In 
addition, there was a decline of $3.9 million in loan related income due 
primarily to the sale of a loan in 2012.

Costs and expenses – Interest expense decreased $88.9 million 
to $266.2 million in 2013 as compared to $355.1 million in 2012 due to 
a lower average outstanding debt balance and a lower weighted aver-
age cost of debt. The average outstanding balance of our debt declined 
to $4.46 billion for 2013 from $5.49 billion for 2012. Due to an upgrade 
in our credit ratings in late 2012 and strong credit markets in 2013, we 
refinanced our largest senior secured credit facility to a lower inter-
est rate in February 2013 and refinanced higher rate senior unsecured 
notes with lower rate senior unsecured notes during 2013. As a result, 
our weighted average effective cost of debt decreased to 5.9% for 2013 
as compared to 6.5% for 2012.

Real estate expenses increased to $157.4 million in 2013 as 
compared to $151.5 million in 2012. Expenses for commercial operating 
properties increased to $81.1 million in 2013 from $73.7 million in 2012. 
For 2013, expenses for same store commercial operating properties, 
excluding hotels, increased to $41.5 million from $41.0 million for 2012 
due primarily to increased operating expenses at a property. At the end 
of 2012, we acquired title to a property, which contributed $10.3 million to 
real estate expenses for 2013. The increase was offset by a reduction in 
ancillary expenses related to a hotel property. Carrying costs and other 
expenses on our land assets increased to $33.8 million in 2013 from 
$27.3 million in 2012, primarily related to increased pre- development 
activities. The increases were offset by a decrease in costs associated 
with residential units to $19.8 million in 2013 from $26.6 million in 2012 
due to continued unit sales, which reduced our homeowners’ associa-
tion fees and other related expenses. Additionally, operating expenses 
for net lease assets decreased to $22.7 million in 2013 from $23.9 million 
in 2012 due primarily to improvements in collectability of receivables 
in 2013. For 2013 and 2012, expenses for same store net lease assets 
were $22.7 million as there was no significant changes year over year.

Depreciation and amortization increased to $71.3 million in 
2013 from $68.8 million in 2012 primarily due to the acquisition of addi-
tional operating properties in late 2012 and during 2013.

General and administrative expenses increased to $92.1 mil-
lion in 2013 as compared to $80.9 million in 2012 primarily due to an 
increase in compensation related costs pertaining to annual perfor-
mance based bonuses.

Provision for loan losses declined to $5.5 million in 2013 as 
compared to $81.7 million in 2012 as less specific reserves were required 
on a lower balance of non- performing loans. Included in the provision 
for the year ended December 31, 2013 were specific reserves totaling 
$72.5 million which were established on non- performing loans offset 
by recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $63.1 million.

Impairment of assets in 2013 resulted from changes in local 
market conditions and business strategy for certain assets and con-
sisted of $14.4 million related to real estate properties. Of these amounts, 
$1.8 million of impairments related to real estate assets held for sale or 
sold and were therefore included in discontinued operations in 2013. In 
2012, we recorded impairments of $27.7 million on operating properties 

and $7.7 million on net lease assets, which resulted from changes in 
local market conditions and business strategy for certain assets. Of 
these amounts, $22.6 million related to real estate assets held for sale 
or sold and therefore, were included in discontinued operations for the 
year ended December 31, 2012.

Other expense decreased to $8.1 million in 2013 as com-
pared to $17.3 million in 2012 due primarily to $8.1 million of third party 
expenses incurred in 2012 in connection with the refinancing of our 2011 
Secured Credit Facilities with our October 2012 Credit Facility.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net – In 2013, we incurred 
losses on the early extinguishment of debt due to accelerated amortiza-
tion of discounts and fees of $7.7 million relating to the refinancing of our 
October 2012 Secured Credit Facility in February 2013 and $13.2 million 
relating to accelerated amortization of discount and fees associated with 
repayments on our 2012 and 2013 Secured Credit Facilities. We also 
redeemed our 5.95% senior unsecured notes due October 2013 and 
our 5.70% senior unsecured notes due March 2014 prior to maturity and 
incurred $12.3 million of losses related to a prepayment penalty and the 
acceleration of amortization of discounts.

In  2012,  net  losses  on  the  early  extinguishment  of  debt 
included a $14.9 million prepayment fee on the early redemption of our 
8.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due in June 2013 as well as $12.1 mil-
lion related to the accelerated amortization of discounts and fees in 
connection with the refinancing of our 2011 Secured Credit Facilities 
in October 2012 (see Liquidity and Capital Resources below). We also 
recorded $13.8 million of losses in 2012 related to the accelerated amor-
tization of discounts and fees in connection with amortization payments 
that we made on our 2011 and 2012 Secured Credit Facilities. These 
losses were partially offset by gains on the repurchases of unsecured 
notes during 2012.

Earnings from equity method investments – Earnings from equity 
method investments decreased to $41.5 million in 2013 as compared to 
$103.0 million in 2012. For one of our real estate equity investments, our 
equity in earnings decreased to $4.3 million in 2013 from $25.2 million 
in 2012 due to lower income from sales of residential property units for 
a building that was approaching complete sell-out. Our equity in earn-
ings from LNR decreased to $47.3 million in 2013 from $60.7 million in 
2012 due to the sale of our interest in LNR in April 2013. Our equity in 
earnings in 2013 was offset by an other than temporary impairment 
of $30.9 million arising from the terms of the sale of the Company’s 
investment in LNR. The Company and other owners of LNR entered into 
negotiations with potential purchasers of LNR beginning in September 
2012. After an extensive due diligence and negotiation process, the LNR 
owners entered into a definitive contract to sell LNR in January 2013 
at a fixed sale price which, from the Company’s perspective, reflected 
in part the Company’s then- current expectations about the future 
results of LNR and potential volatility in its business. The definitive sale 
contract provided that LNR would not make cash distributions to its 
owners during the fourth quarter of 2012 through the closing of the sale. 
Notwithstanding the fixed terms of the contract, our investment balance 
in LNR increased due to equity in earnings recorded which resulted in 
our recognition of other than temporary impairment on our investment 
during 2013.

21

Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary – In 2013, 
we entered into a venture with a national homebuilder to jointly develop 
residential lots in the first phase of Spring Mountain Ranch, a 1,400-lot 
master planned community. We contributed the initial phase of land, 
which had a carrying value of $24.1 million, to the venture in exchange 
for a retained interest of $16.7 million, resulting in a $7.4 million loss.

Income tax (expense) benefit – Income taxes are primarily gen-
erated by assets held in our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS’s”). Income 
taxes decreased to a net benefit of $0.7 million in 2013 as compared to a 
net expense of $8.4 million in 2012 due primarily to a tax benefit gener-
ated by certain property level expenses as well as lower taxable income 
from LNR, which was sold in April 2013.

Discontinued operations – In 2013, we sold commercial operat-
ing properties with a total carrying value of $72.6 million which resulted 
in a gain of $18.6 million and net lease assets with a total carrying value 
of $18.7 million which resulted in a net gain of $2.2 million. In 2012, we 
sold net lease assets with a carrying value of $115.5 million and recorded 
gains of $27.3 million.

Income (loss) from discontinued operations includes operat-
ing results from net lease assets and commercial operating properties 
held for sale or sold as of December 31, 2013. In 2013 and 2012, income 
(loss) from discontinued operations includes impairment of assets of 
$1.8 million and $22.6 million, respectively.

Income from sales of real estate – In 2013 and 2012, we sold 
residential condominiums for total net proceeds of $269.7 million and 
$319.3 million, respectively, that resulted in income from sales of resi-
dential properties totaling $82.6 million and $63.5 million, respectively. 
In 2013, we also sold land for proceeds of $36.7 million that resulted in 
income of $4.0 million.

Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA

In addition to net income (loss), we use Adjusted income and 
Adjusted EBITDA to measure our operating performance. Adjusted 
income represents net income (loss) allocable to common sharehold-
ers, prior to the effect of depreciation and amortization, provision for 
(recovery of) loan losses, impairment of assets, loss on transfer of inter-
est to unconsolidated subsidiary, stock-based compensation expense, 
and the non-cash portion of gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt. 
Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) plus the sum of inter-
est expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, provision for 
(recovery of) loan losses, impairment of assets, loss on transfer of inter-
est to unconsolidated subsidiary, stock-based compensation expense 
and gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt.

We believe Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA are useful 
measures to consider, in addition to net income (loss), as they may help 
investors evaluate our core operating performance prior to certain non-
cash items.

Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA should be examined 
in conjunction with net income (loss) as shown in our Consolidated 
Statements of Operations. Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA 
should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (deter-
mined in accordance with GAAP), as an indicator of our performance, 
or to cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance 
with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, nor are Adjusted income and 
Adjusted EBITDA indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs 
or available for distribution to shareholders. Rather, Adjusted income 
and Adjusted EBITDA are additional measures for us to use to analyze 
how our business is performing. It should be noted that our manner of 
calculating Adjusted income and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from the 
calculations of  similarly- titled measures by other companies.

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(in thousands)
Adjusted income

Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders
Add: Depreciation and amortization(1)
Add/Less: Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Add: Impairment of assets(2)
Add: Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated 

subsidiary

Add: Stock-based compensation expense
Add: Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of debt, net(3)
Less: HPU/Participating Security allocation
Adjusted income (loss) allocable to common shareholders

22

$ (33,722)

$ (155,769)

$ (272,997)

$  (62,387)

  76,287  
  (1,714)
  34,634  

  72,439  
5,489  
  14,353  

  70,786  
  81,740  
  36,354  

  63,928  
  46,412  
  22,386  

–

  13,314  
  25,369  
  (4,791)
$ 109,377  

7,373  
  19,261  
  19,655  
(4,478)
$  (21,677)

–

–

  15,293  
  22,405  
(7,428)
$  (53,847)

  29,702  
 (101,466)
(1,891)
(3,316)

$ 

$  36,279
  70,786
  331,487
  22,381

–
  19,355
 (110,075)
(9,688)
$  360,525

Explanatory Notes:

(1)  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, depreciation and amortization includes $264, $2,016, $5,837 and $14,117, respectively, of depreciation and amortization 
reclassified to discontinued operations. Depreciation and amortization also includes our proportionate share of depreciation and amortization expense for equity method invest-
ments and excludes the portion of depreciation and amortization expense allocable to noncontrolling interests.

(2)  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, impairment of assets includes $1,764, $22,576, $9,147 and $9,572, respectively, of impairment of assets reclassified to 

discontinued operations.

(3)  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2010, loss on early extinguishment of debt excludes the portion of losses paid in cash of $13,535, $15,411 and $1,152, respectively.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

(in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA

Net income (loss)
Add: Interest expense(1)
Add: Income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Depreciation and amortization(2)
EBITDA
Add: Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Add: Impairment of assets(3)
Add: Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated 

subsidiary

Add: Stock-based compensation expense
Add: Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of debt, net(4)

Adjusted EBITDA

Explanatory Notes:

$  15,765  
 228,395  
  3,912  
  79,042  
 327,114  
  (1,714)
  34,634  

–

  13,314  
  25,369  
$ 398,717  

$ (111,233)

$ (241,430)

$  (25,693)

  269,921  
(659)
  74,673  
  232,702  
5,489  
  14,353  

  356,161  
8,445  
  70,786  
  193,962  
  81,740  
  36,354  

  345,914  
(4,719)
  63,928  
  379,430  
  46,412  
  22,386  

7,373  
  19,261  
  19,655  
$  298,833  

–

–

  15,293  
  22,405  
$  349,754  

  29,702  
 (101,466)
$  376,464  

$  80,206
  346,500
7,023
  70,786
  504,515
  331,487
  22,381

–
  19,355
 (110,075)
$  767,663

(1)  For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, interest expense includes $1,064, $3,728 and $32,734, respectively, of interest expense reclassified to discontinued opera-

tions. Interest expense includes our proportionate share of interest for equity method investments.

(2)  For  the  years  ended  December  31,  2013,  2012,  2011  and  2010  depreciation  and  amortization  includes  $264,  $2,016,  $5,837  and  $14,117,  respectively,  of  depreciation  and  amor-
tization  reclassified  to  discontinued  operations.  Depreciation  and  amortization  also  includes  our  proportionate  share  of  depreciation  and  amortization  expense  for  equity 
method investments.

(3)  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010 impairment of assets includes $1,764, $22,576, $9,147 and $9,572, respectively, of impairment of assets reclassified to 

discontinued operations.

(4)  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2010, loss on early extinguishment of debt excludes the portion of losses paid in cash of $13,535, $15,411 and $1,152, respectively.

Risk Management

Loan Credit Statistics – The table below summarizes our non- 
performing loans and the reserves for loan losses associated with our 
loans ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

2014

2013

Non- performing loans
Carrying value(1)
As a percentage of total carrying value of loans
Reserve for loan losses
Impaired loan asset- specific reserves for 

loan losses

As a percentage of gross carrying  

value of impaired loans

Total reserve for loan losses

As a percentage of total loans before  

loan loss reserves

$65,047
5.5%

$203,604
16.6%

$64,990

$348,004

46.5%
$98,490

46.3%
$377,204

7.6%

23.5%

Explanatory Note:

(1)  As  of  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  carrying  values  of  non- performing  loans  are 
net  of  asset- specific  reserves  for  loan  losses  of  $64.2  million  and  $317.0  million, 
respectively.

Non- Performing Loans – We designate loans as non- performing 
at such time as: (1) the loan becomes 90 days delinquent; (2) the loan 
has a maturity default; or (3) management determines it is probable that 
it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual 
terms of the loan. All non- performing loans are placed on non- accrual 
status and income is only recognized in certain cases upon actual cash 
receipt. As of December 31, 2014, we had non- performing loans with an 
aggregate carrying value of $65.0 million compared to non- performing 
loans of $203.6 million at December 31, 2013. Our non- performing 
loans decreased during the year ended December 31, 2014 as we sold 
two non- performing loans with a total carrying value of $30.8 million 

and received title to and equity interests in properties that served as 
collateral in full satisfaction for other non- performing loans with a 
total carrying value of $103.7 million. We expect that our level of non- 
performing loans will fluctuate from period to period.

Reserve for Loan Losses – The reserve for loan losses was 
$98.5 million as of December 31, 2014, or 7.6% of total loans, compared 
to $377.2 million or 23.5% at December 31, 2013. The reduction in the 
balance of the reserve was the result of $277.0 million of  charge-offs 
associated with the resolutions of non- performing loans and $10.1 mil-
lion of recoveries of loan losses during the year ended December 31, 
2014. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the provision for loan 
losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves 
of $10.1 million offset by provisions for specific reserves of $4.1 million 
and an increase of $4.3 million in the general reserve due primarily to 
new investment originations. We expect that our level of reserve for 
loan losses will fluctuate from period to period. Due to the volatility of 
the commercial real estate market, the process of estimating collateral 
values and reserves requires the use of significant judgment. In addition, 
the process of estimating values and reserves for our European loan 
assets, which had a carrying value of $19.5 million as of December 31, 
2014, is subject to additional risks related to the economic uncertainty 
in the Eurozone. We currently believe there are adequate collateral and 
reserves to support the carrying values of the loans.

The reserve for loan losses includes an asset- specific com-
ponent and a  formula-based component. An asset- specific reserve is 
established for an impaired loan when the estimated fair value of the 
loan’s collateral less costs to sell is lower than the carrying value of the 
loan. As of December 31, 2014, asset- specific reserves decreased to 
$65.0 million compared to $348.0 million at December 31, 2013, primarily 
due to  charge-offs on non- performing loans that were sold and non- 
performing loans where we received title to properties that served as 
collateral in full satisfaction of such loans.

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  formula-based general reserve is derived from estimated 
principal default probabilities and loss severities applied to groups of 
performing loans based upon risk ratings assigned to loans with simi-
lar risk characteristics during our quarterly loan portfolio assessment. 
During this assessment, we perform a comprehensive analysis of our 
loan portfolio and assign risk ratings to loans that incorporate man-
agement’s current judgments about their credit quality based on all 
known and relevant factors that may affect collectability. We consider, 
among other things, payment status, lien position, borrower financial 
resources and investment in collateral, collateral type, project econom-
ics and geographical location as well as national and regional economic 
factors. This methodology results in loans being segmented by risk clas-
sification into risk rating categories that are associated with estimated 
probabilities of default and principal loss. We estimate loss rates based 
on historical realized losses experienced within our portfolio and take 
into account current economic conditions affecting the commercial real 
estate market when establishing appropriate time frames to evaluate 
loss experience.

The general reserve increased to $33.5 million or 2.9% of per-
forming loans as of December 31, 2014, compared to $29.2 million or 
2.7% of performing loans at December 31, 2013. This increase was pri-
marily attributable to the increase in the balance of performing loans, 
which was driven by new investment originations.

Risk  concentrations –  Concentrations  of  credit  risks  arise 
when a number of borrowers or tenants related to our investments 
are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geo-
graphic region, or have similar economic features that would cause their 
ability to meet contractual obligations, including those to us, to be simi-
larly affected by changes in economic conditions.

Substantially all of our real estate as well as assets collat-
eralizing our loans receivable are located in the United States. As of 
December 31, 2014, the only states with a concentration greater than 
10.0% were California with 14.6% and New York with 13.9%. As of that 
date, we also had approximately 26.3% of the carrying value of our assets 
related to properties located in the northeastern U.S., 19.2% related 
to properties located in the western U.S., 15.2% related to properties 
located in the mid- Atlantic U.S., 14.7% related to properties located in the 
southeastern U.S. and 13.4% related to properties located in the south-
western region of the U.S. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, we had 
$25.5 million of European assets. As of December 31, 2014, our portfolio 
contains concentrations in the following asset types: office/industrial 
26.7%, land 21.7%, mixed use/mixed collateral 13.0% and entertainment/
leisure 11.0%. Additional information regarding property/collateral type 
and geographical region for each segment is in Item 1 – “Business.”

We underwrite the credit of prospective borrowers and ten-
ants and often require them to provide some form of credit support 
such as corporate guarantees, letters of credit and/or cash security 
deposits. Although our loans and real estate assets are geographically 
diverse and the borrowers and tenants operate in a variety of industries, 
to the extent we have a significant concentration of interest or operating 
lease revenues from any single borrower or tenant, the inability of that 
borrower or tenant to make its payment could have an adverse effect 
on us. As of December 31, 2014, our five largest borrowers or tenants 
collectively accounted for approximately 21% of our 2014 revenues, of 
which no single customer accounts for more than 6%.

24

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we committed to 
new investments totaling $1.27 billion, of which we funded $905.8 million. 
The fundings included $624.1 million in lending and other investments, 
$116.3 million to acquire and invest in net lease assets and $165.4 mil-
lion of capital to reposition or redevelop our operating properties and 
develop our land assets. Also during the year ended December 31, 2014, 
we generated $1.10 billion of proceeds from loan repayments and asset 
sales within our portfolio, comprised of $584.2 million from real estate 
finance, $272.7 million from operating properties, $118.4 million from 
other investments, $103.6 million from net lease assets and $22.2 million 
from land. These amounts are inclusive of fundings and proceeds from 
both consolidated and equity method investments. As of December 31, 
2014, we had unrestricted cash of $472.1 million.

The  following  table  outlines  our  capital  expenditures  on 
real estate assets reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Cash 
Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, by segment 
($ in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,

Land
Operating Properties
Net Lease

2014

2013
  $  74,323   $  36,346
  43,329
  29,728

  58,631  
  9,833  

Total capital expenditures on real 

estate assets

  $ 142,787   $ 109,403

Our primary cash uses over the next 12 months are expected 
to be capital expenditures, repayments of debt, funding of investments 
and funding ongoing business operations. We have debt maturities of 
$105.8 million due before December 31, 2015. Over the next 12 months, 
we currently expect to fund in the range of $200 million to $275 million of 
capital expenditures within our portfolio. The majority of these amounts 
relate to our land, multifamily and residential development activities and 
operating properties. The amount spent will depend on the pace of our 
development activities as well as the extent to which we strategically 
partner with others to complete these projects. As of December 31, 
2014, we also had approximately $630 million of maximum unfunded 
commitments under our investments, assuming borrowers and tenants 
meet all milestones and performance hurdles and all other conditions 
to fundings are met. See “Unfunded Commitments” below. Our capital 
sources to meet expected cash uses through the next 12 months will 
primarily include cash on hand, income from our portfolio, loan repay-
ments from borrowers, proceeds from asset sales and capital raised 
through debt refinancings or equity capital transactions.

We cannot predict with certainty the specific transactions we 
will undertake to generate sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations as 
they come due. We will adjust our plans as appropriate in response to 
changes in our expectations and changes in market conditions. While 
economic trends have continued to improve, it is not possible for us to 
predict whether the improving trends will continue or to quantify the 
impact of these or other trends on our financial results.

 
 
Contractual Obligations – The following table outlines the contractual obligations related to our long-term debt agreements and operating 

lease obligations as of December 31, 2014 (see Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

(in thousands)
Long-Term Debt Obligations:
Secured credit facilities
Unsecured notes
Secured term loans
Other debt obligations

Total principal maturities

Interest Payable(1)
Operating Lease Obligations

Total(2)

Explanatory Notes:

Total

Less Than  
1 Year

1–3 Years

3–5 Years

5–10 Years

After 10 Years

Amounts Due By Period

$  358,504  
 3,326,890  
  248,955  
  100,000  
 4,034,349  
  704,202  
  32,065  
$ 4,770,616  

–

$ 
 105,765  
  8,723  

$  358,504  
 1,851,125  
  19,132  

–

$ 
 1,370,000  
  49,427  

–

–

–

 114,488  
 207,079  
  5,598  
$ 327,165  

 2,228,761  
  324,699  
  10,580  
$ 2,564,040  

 1,419,427  
  126,711  
7,621  
$ 1,553,759  

$ 

–
–

 169,296  

–

 169,296  
  26,203  
  6,809  
$ 202,308  

$ 

–
–
  2,377
 100,000
 102,377
  19,510
  1,457
$ 123,344

(1)  All  variable-rate debt assumes a 3-month LIBOR rate of 0.23%.
(2)  We also have issued letters of credit totaling $3.7 million in connection with our investments. See Unfunded Commitments below, for a discussion of certain unfunded commitments 

related to our lending and net lease businesses.

February 2013 Secured Credit Facility – On February 11, 2013, we 
entered into a $1.71 billion senior secured credit facility due October 15, 
2017 (the “February 2013 Secured Credit Facility”) that amended and 
restated our $1.82 billion senior secured credit facility, dated October 15, 
2012 (the “October 2012 Secured Credit Facility”). The February 2013 
Credit Facility amended the October 2012 Secured Credit Facility by: 
(i) reducing the interest rate from LIBOR plus 4.50%, with a 1.25% LIBOR 
floor, to LIBOR plus 3.50%, with a 1.00% LIBOR floor; and (ii) extend-
ing the call protection period for the lenders from October 15, 2013 to 
December 31, 2013.

In connection with the February 2013 Secured Credit Facility 
transaction, we incurred $17.1 million of lender fees, of which $14.4 mil-
lion was capitalized in “Debt obligations, net” on our Consolidated 
Balance Sheets and $2.7 million was recorded as a loss in “Loss on 
early extinguishment of debt, net” on our Consolidated Statements of 
Operations as it related to the lenders who did not participate in the 
new facility. We also incurred $3.8 million in third party fees, of which 
$3.6 million was recognized in “Other expense” on our Consolidated 
Statements of Operations, as it related primarily to those lenders from 
the original facility that modified their debt under the new facility, and 
$0.2 million was recorded in “Deferred expenses and other assets, net” 
on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as it related to the new lenders.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, net proceeds from 
the issuances of our $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.00% 
senior unsecured notes and $770.0 million aggregate principal amount of 
5.00% senior unsecured notes, together with cash on hand, were used 
to fully repay and terminate the February 2013 Secured Credit Facility. 
The transaction supported our strategy to become primarily an unse-
cured borrower. The refinancing allowed us to reduce our percentage 
of secured debt outstanding down to 16% of total debt from 49% prior 
to the transaction. Through the transaction, we also unencumbered 
$2.0 billion of collateral, which included more than $1.5 billion of net lease 

assets and performing loans. Furthermore, the transaction provides us 
with additional liquidity as we will now retain 100% of proceeds from the 
sales and repayments of these previously encumbered assets rather 
than directing them to repay the February 2013 Secured Credit Facility.

From February 2013 through full payoff in June 2014, we made 
cumulative amortization repayments of $388.5 million. During the year 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, amortization repayments made 
by us resulted in losses on early extinguishment of debt of $1.1 million 
and $7.0 million, respectively, related to the accelerated amortization of 
discounts and unamortized deferred financing fees on the portion of the 
facility that was repaid. In connection with the repayment and termina-
tion of the facility in 2014, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment 
of debt of $22.8 million related to unamortized discounts and financing 
fees at the time of refinancing. These amounts were included in “Loss 
on early extinguishment of debt, net” on our Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities – In March 2012, we entered 
into an $880.0 million senior secured credit agreement providing for two 
tranches of term loans: a $410.0 million 2012 A-1 tranche due March 
2016, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 4.00% (the “2012 Tranche 
A-1 Facility”), and a $470.0 million 2012 A-2 tranche due March 2017, 
which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 5.75% (the “2012 Tranche A-2 
Facility,” together the “March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities”). The 2012 
A-1 and A-2 tranches were issued at 98.0% of par and 98.5% of par, 
respectively, and both tranches include a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. Proceeds 
from the March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities, together with cash on 
hand, were used to repurchase and repay at maturity $606.7 million 
aggregate principal amount of our convertible notes due October 2012, 
to fully repay the $244.0 million balance on our unsecured credit facility 
due June 2012, and to repay, upon maturity, $90.3 million outstanding 
principal balance of our 5.50% senior unsecured notes.

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities are collateralized by 
a first lien on a fixed pool of assets. Proceeds from principal repayments 
and sales of collateral are applied to amortize the March 2012 Secured 
Credit Facilities. Proceeds received for interest, rent, lease payments 
and fee income are retained by us. We may also make optional prepay-
ments, subject to prepayment fees. The 2012 Tranche A-1 Facility was 
fully repaid in August 2013. Additionally, through December 31, 2014, we 
made cumulative amortization repayments of $111.5 million on the 2012 
Tranche A-2 Facility. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
repayments of the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility prior to maturity resulted 
in losses on early extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million and $1.0 million, 
respectively, related to the accelerated amortization of discounts and 
unamortized deferred financing fees on the portion of the facility that 
was repaid. These amounts were included in “Loss on early extinguish-
ment of debt, net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Repayments of the 2012 Tranche A-1 Facility prior to sched-
uled amortization dates resulted in losses on early extinguishment of 
debt of $4.4 million and $8.1 million during the years ended December 31, 
2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the accelerated amortization of 
discounts and unamortized deferred financing fees on the portion of 
the facility that was repaid. These amounts were included in “Loss on 
early extinguishment of debt, net” on our Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

Unsecured Notes – In June 2014, we issued $550.0 million 
aggregate principal amount of 4.00% senior unsecured notes due 
November 2017 and $770.0 million aggregate principal amount of 

5.00% senior unsecured notes due July 2019. Net proceeds from these 
transactions, together with cash on hand, were used to fully repay and 
terminate the February 2013 Secured Credit Facility which had an out-
standing balance of $1.32 billion.

In November 2013, we issued $200.0 million aggregate princi-
pal of 1.50% convertible senior unsecured notes due November 2016. 
Proceeds from the transaction, together with cash on hand, were used 
to fully repay the remaining $200.6 million of outstanding 5.70% senior 
unsecured notes due March 2014. In connection with the repayment of 
the 5.70% senior unsecured notes, we incurred $2.8 million of losses 
related to a prepayment penalty and the accelerated amortization of 
discounts, which was recorded in “Loss on early extinguishment of debt, 
net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended 
December 31, 2013.

In May 2013, we issued $265.0 million aggregate principal of 
3.875% senior unsecured notes due July 2016 and issued $300.0 million 
aggregate principal of 4.875% senior unsecured notes due July 2018. Net 
proceeds from these transactions, together with cash on hand, were 
used to fully repay the remaining $96.8 million of outstanding 8.625% 
senior unsecured notes due June 2013 and the remaining $448.5 million 
of outstanding 5.95% senior unsecured notes due in October 2013. In 
connection with the repayment of the 5.95% senior unsecured notes, we 
incurred $9.5 million of losses related to a prepayment penalty and the 
accelerated amortization of discounts, which was recorded in “Loss on 
early extinguishment of debt, net” on the our Consolidated Statements 
of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Encumbered/Unencumbered Assets – As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of our encumbered and unencumbered assets 

by asset type are as follows ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

2014

2013

Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net(1)
Other investments
Cash and other assets
Total

Encumbered 
Assets
$ 620,378  
  10,496  
  46,515  
  17,708  

–

$ 695,097  

Unencumbered 
Assets
$ 2,056,336  
  275,486  
 1,364,828  
  336,411  
  768,475  
$ 4,801,536  

Encumbered 
Assets
$ 1,644,463  
  152,604  
  860,557  
  24,093  

–

$ 2,681,717  

Unencumbered 
Assets
$ 1,151,718
  207,913
  538,752
  183,116
  907,995
$ 2,989,494

Explanatory Note:

(1)  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amounts presented exclude general reserves for loan losses of $33.5 million and $29.2 million, respectively.

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt Covenants

Our outstanding unsecured debt securities contain corporate 
level covenants that include a covenant to maintain a ratio of unencum-
bered assets to unsecured indebtedness of at least 1.2x and a restriction 
on debt incurrence based upon the effect of the debt incurrence on 
our fixed charge coverage ratio. If any of our covenants are breached 
and not cured within applicable cure periods, the breach could result 
in acceleration of our debt securities unless a waiver or modification is 
agreed upon with the requisite percentage of the bondholders. While our 
ability to incur new indebtedness under the fixed charge coverage ratio 
is currently limited, which may put limitations on our ability to make new 
investments, we are permitted to incur indebtedness for the purpose 
of refinancing existing indebtedness and for other permitted purposes 
under the indentures.

Our March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities contain certain cov-
enants, including covenants relating to collateral coverage, dividend 
payments, restrictions on fundamental changes, transactions with affili-
ates, matters relating to the liens granted to the lenders and the delivery 
of information to the lenders. In particular, we are required to maintain 
collateral coverage of 1.25x outstanding borrowings. In addition, for so 
long as we maintain our qualification as a REIT, the March 2012 Secured 
Credit Facilities permit us to distribute 100% of our REIT taxable income 
on an annual basis. We may not pay common dividends if we cease to 
qualify as a REIT.

Our March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities contain cross default 
provisions that would allow the lenders to declare an event of default 
and accelerate our indebtedness to them if we fail to pay amounts due 
in respect of our other recourse indebtedness in excess of specified 
thresholds or if the lenders under such other indebtedness are other-
wise permitted to accelerate such indebtedness for any reason. The 
indentures governing our unsecured public debt securities permit 
the bondholders to declare an event of default and accelerate our 
indebtedness to them if our other recourse indebtedness in excess of 
specified thresholds is not paid at final maturity or if such indebtedness 
is accelerated.

Derivatives – Our use of derivative financial instruments is pri-
marily limited to the utilization of interest rate swaps, interest rate caps 
or other instruments to manage interest rate risk exposure and foreign 
exchange contracts to manage our risk to changes in foreign curren-
cies. In 2013, we entered into a $500 million notional interest rate cap 
agreement to reduce exposure to expected increases in future interest 
rates and the resulting payments associated with variable interest rate 
debt. The agreement was effective in July 2014, matures in July 2017 
and has a LIBOR interest rate cap of 1.00%. See Note 10 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Off- Balance Sheet Arrangements – We are not dependent on the 
use of any off- balance sheet financing arrangements for liquidity. We 
have made investments in various unconsolidated ventures. See Note 6 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of 
our unconsolidated investments. Our maximum exposure to loss from 
these investments is limited to the carrying value of our investments and 
any unfunded commitments (see below).

Unfunded Commitments – We generally fund construction and 
development loans and build-outs of space in net lease assets over a 

period of time if and when the borrowers and tenants meet established 
milestones and other performance criteria. We refer to these arrange-
ments as  Performance-Based Commitments. In addition, we sometimes 
establish a maximum amount of additional funding which we will make 
available to a borrower or tenant for an expansion or addition to a proj-
ect if we approve of the expansion or addition in our sole discretion. 
We refer to these arrangements as Discretionary Fundings. Finally, we 
have committed to invest capital in several real estate funds and other 
ventures. These arrangements are referred to as Strategic Investments. 
As of December 31, 2014, the maximum amounts of the fundings we 
may make under each category, assuming all performance hurdles 
and milestones are met under the  Performance-Based Commitments, 
that we approve all Discretionary Fundings and that 100% of our capi-
tal committed to Strategic Investments is drawn down, are as follows 
(in thousands):

Loans and  
Other Lending  
Investments

Real 
Estate

Other 
Investments

Total

 Performance-Based 

Commitments

Strategic Investments
Discretionary Fundings
Total

$537,924 $14,667
–
–
$542,924 $14,667

–
5,000

$27,004 $579,595
45,714
5,000
$72,718 $630,309

45,714
–

Stock Repurchase Programs – In September 2013, our Board 
of Directors approved an increase in the repurchase limit under our 
previously approved stock repurchase program to $50.0 million. The 
program authorizes the repurchase of Common Stock from time to time 
in open market and privately negotiated purchases, including pursu-
ant to one or more trading plans. During the year ended December 31, 
2013, we repurchased 1.7 million shares of our outstanding Common 
Stock for $21.0 million, at an average cost of $12.35 per share. There 
were no stock repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2014. 
As of December 31, 2014, we had up to $29.0 million of Common Stock 
available to repurchase under our Board authorized stock repur-
chase program.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with 
GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments in cer-
tain circumstances that affect amounts reported as assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses. We have established detailed policies and con-
trol procedures intended to ensure that valuation methods, including any 
judgments made as part of such methods, are well controlled, reviewed 
and applied consistently from period to period. We base our estimates on 
historical corporate and industry experience and various other assump-
tions that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. For all 
of these estimates, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly 
as forecasted, and, therefore, routinely require adjustment.

During 2014, management reviewed and evaluated these 
critical accounting estimates and believes they are appropriate. Our 
significant accounting policies are described in Note 3 of the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements. The following is a summary of 
accounting policies that require more significant management estimates 
and judgments:

27

Reserve for loan losses – The reserve for loan losses reflects 
management’s estimate of loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio as 
of the balance sheet date. If we determine that the collateral value is less 
than the carrying value of a  collateral- dependent loan, we will record a 
reserve. The reserve is increased (decreased) through “Provision for 
(recovery of) loan losses” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations 
and is decreased by  charge-offs. During delinquency and the foreclosure 
process, there are typically numerous points of negotiation with the bor-
rower as we work toward a settlement or other alternative resolution, 
which can impact the potential for loan repayment or receipt of collat-
eral. Our policy is to charge off a loan when we determine, based on a 
variety of factors, that all commercially reasonable means of recovering 
the loan balance have been exhausted. This may occur at different times, 
including when we receive cash or other assets in a pre- foreclosure 
sale or take control of the underlying collateral in full satisfaction of 
the loan upon foreclosure or deed-in-lieu, or when we have otherwise 
ceased significant collection efforts. We consider circumstances such 
as the foregoing to be indicators that the final steps in the loan collec-
tion process have occurred and that a loan is uncollectible. At this point, 
a loss is confirmed and the loan and related reserve will be charged 
off. We have one portfolio segment, represented by commercial real 
estate lending, whereby we utilize a uniform process for determining our 
reserves for loan losses. The reserve for loan losses includes a general, 
 formula-based component and an asset- specific component.

The general reserve component covers performing loans and 
reserves for loan losses are recorded when (i) available information as of 
each balance sheet date indicates that it is probable a loss has occurred 
in the portfolio and (ii) the amount of the loss can be reasonably esti-
mated. The  formula-based general reserve is derived from estimated 
principal default probabilities and loss severities applied to groups of 
loans based upon risk ratings assigned to loans with similar risk char-
acteristics during our quarterly loan portfolio assessment. During this 
assessment, we perform a comprehensive analysis of our loan portfolio 
and assign risk ratings to loans that incorporate management’s current 
judgments about their credit quality based on all known and relevant 
internal and external factors that may affect collectability. We consider, 
among other things, payment status, lien position, borrower financial 
resources and investment in collateral, collateral type, project econom-
ics and geographical location as well as national and regional economic 
factors. This methodology results in loans being segmented by risk clas-
sification into risk rating categories that are associated with estimated 
probabilities of default and principal loss. Ratings range from “1” to “5” 
with “1” representing the lowest risk of loss and “5” representing the 
highest risk of loss. We estimate loss rates based on historical realized 
losses experienced within our portfolio and take into account current 
economic conditions affecting the commercial real estate market when 
establishing appropriate time frames to evaluate loss experience.

The asset- specific reserve component relates to reserves for 
losses on impaired loans. We consider a loan to be impaired when, based 
upon current information and events, we believe that it is probable that 
we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms 
of the loan agreement. This assessment is made on a loan-by-loan basis 
each quarter based on such factors as payment status, lien position, 
borrower financial resources and investment in collateral, collateral type, 
project economics and geographical location as well as national and 
regional economic factors. A reserve is established for an impaired loan 

when the present value of payments expected to be received, observ-
able market prices, or the estimated fair value of the collateral (for loans 
that are dependent on the collateral for repayment) is lower than the 
carrying value of that loan.

Substantially all of our impaired loans are collateral dependent 
and impairment is measured using the estimated fair value of collat-
eral, less costs to sell. We generally use the income approach through 
internally developed valuation models to estimate the fair value of the 
collateral for such loans. In more limited cases, we obtain external “as 
is” appraisals for loan collateral, generally when third party participa-
tions exist. Valuations are performed or obtained at the time a loan is 
determined to be impaired and designated non- performing, and they are 
updated if circumstances indicate that a significant change in value has 
occurred. In limited cases, appraised values may be discounted when 
real estate markets rapidly deteriorate.

A loan is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in a 
troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). A TDR occurs when we grant a con-
cession to a debtor that is experiencing financial difficulties. Impairments 
on TDR loans are generally measured based on the present value of 
expected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate of 
the original loan.

The provision for (recovery of) loan losses for the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $(1.7) million, $5.5 mil-
lion and $81.7 million, respectively. The total reserve for loan losses 
at December 31, 2014 and 2013, included asset specific reserves of 
$65.0 million and $348.0 million, respectively, and general reserves of 
$33.5 million and $29.2 million, respectively.

Acquisition of real estate – We generally acquire real estate 
assets through cash purchases or through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu 
of foreclosure in full or partial satisfaction of non- performing loans. 
When we acquire assets through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclo-
sure, based on our strategic plan to realize the maximum value from the 
collateral received, these properties are classified as “Real estate, net” 
or “Real estate available and held for sale” on our Consolidated Balance 
Sheets. When we intend to hold, operate or develop the property for a 
period of at least 12 months, assets are classified as “Real estate, net,” 
and when we intend to market these properties for sale in the near 
term, assets are classified as “Real estate available and held for sale.” 
Assets classified as real estate are initially recorded at their estimated 
fair value and assets classified as assets held for sale are recorded at 
their estimated fair value less costs to sell. The excess of the carrying 
value of the loan over these amounts is  charged-off against the reserve 
for loan losses. In both cases, upon acquisition, tangible and intangible 
assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at their estimated fair values.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we 
received title to properties in satisfaction of senior mortgage loans with 
fair values of $77.9 million, $31.1 million and $267.5 million, respectively, 
for which those properties had served as collateral.

Impairment or disposal of long-lived assets – Real estate assets 
to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or 
estimated fair value less costs to sell and are included in “Real estate 
available and held for sale” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The 
difference between the estimated fair value less costs to sell and the 

28

carrying value will be recorded as an impairment charge. Impairment 
for real estate assets disposed of or classified as held for sale on or 
before December 31, 2013 are included in “Income (loss) from discon-
tinued operations” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. 
Impairment for real estate assets disposed of or classified as held for 
sale after December 31, 2013 are included in “Impairment of assets” on 
our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Once the asset is classified 
as held for sale and represents a strategic shift, depreciation expense 
is no longer recorded and historical operating results are reclassified 
to “Income (loss) from discontinued operations” on our Consolidated 
Statements of Operations.

We periodically review long-lived assets to be held and used for 
impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances indi-
cate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. 
A held for use long-lived asset’s value is impaired only if management’s 
estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and with-
out interest charges) to be generated by the asset (taking into account 
the anticipated holding period of the asset) is less than the carrying 
value. Such estimate of cash flows considers factors such as expected 
future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects 
of demand, competition and other economic factors. To the extent 
impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of 
the carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the asset 
and reflected as an adjustment to the basis of the asset. Impairments 
of real estate assets are recorded in “Impairment of assets,” on our 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
recorded impairments on real estate assets totaling $34.6 million 
resulting from continued unfavorable local market conditions, changes 
in business strategy and the sale of a property. During the years ended 
December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded impairments on 
real estate assets totaling $14.4 million and $35.4 million, respectively, 
resulting from changes in local market conditions and business strat-
egy for certain assets. Of these amounts, $1.8 million and $22.6 million 
for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, have 
been recorded in “Income (loss) from discontinued operations” on the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations due to the assets 
being disposed of or classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2013.

Identified intangible assets and liabilities – We record intan-
gible assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair values, and 
determine whether such intangible assets and liabilities have finite or 
indefinite lives. As of December 31, 2014, all such acquired intangible 
assets and liabilities have finite lives. We amortize finite lived intangible 
assets and liabilities based on the period over which the assets and lia-
bilities are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash 
flows of the business acquired. We review finite lived intangible assets 
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If we determine the 
carrying value of an intangible asset is not recoverable we will record an 
impairment charge to the extent its carrying value exceeds its estimated 
fair value. Impairments of intangibles are recorded in “Impairment of 
assets” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Valuation of deferred tax assets – Deferred income taxes reflect 
the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying 

amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the 
amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as operating loss and 
tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred 
tax assets and recognize a valuation allowance if, based on the available 
evidence, both positive and negative, it is more likely than not that some 
portion or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evalu-
ating the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we consider, among 
other matters, estimates of expected future taxable income, nature of 
current and cumulative losses, existing and projected book/tax differ-
ences, tax planning strategies available, and the general and industry 
specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently sub-
jective, as it requires us to forecast our business and general economic 
environment in future periods. Changes in estimate of deferred tax asset 
realizability, if any are included in “Income tax (expense) benefit” on the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

While certain entities with net operating losses (“NOLs”) may 
generate profits in the future, which may allow us to utilize the NOLs, 
we continue to record a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax 
asset due to the history of losses and the uncertainty of the entities’ 
ability to generate such profits. We recorded a full valuation allow-
ance of $54.3 million and $56.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.

Variable interest entities – We evaluate our investments and 
other contractual arrangements to determine if our interests constitute 
variable interests in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and if we are the 
primary beneficiary. There is a significant amount of judgment required 
to determine if an entity is considered a VIE and if we are the primary 
beneficiary. We first perform a qualitative analysis, which requires cer-
tain subjective decisions regarding our assessment, including, but not 
limited to, which interests create or absorb variability, the contractual 
terms, the key decision making powers, impact on the VIE’s economic 
performance and related party relationships. An iterative quantitative 
analysis is required if our qualitative analysis proves inconclusive as 
to whether the entity is a VIE or we are the primary beneficiary and 
consolidation is required.

Fair value of assets and liabilities – The degree of management 
judgment involved in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities is 
dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable 
market parameters. For financial and nonfinancial assets and liabili-
ties that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable 
market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring 
fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully 
available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. 
In addition, changes in market conditions may reduce the availability 
of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in 
the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could 
result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. Therefore, 
when market data is not available, we would use valuation techniques 
requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair 
value measurement.

See Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for a complete discussion on how we determine fair value of financial 
and non- financial assets and financial liabilities and the related measure-
ment techniques and estimates involved.

29

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES  
ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risks

Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in 
interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and 
equity prices. In pursuing our business plan, the primary market risk 
to which we are exposed is interest rate risk. Our operating results 
will depend in part on the difference between the interest and related 
income earned on our assets and the interest expense incurred in 
connection with our  interest- bearing liabilities. Changes in the general 
level of interest rates prevailing in the financial markets will affect the 
spread between our floating rate assets and liabilities subject to the net 
amount of floating rate assets/liabilities and the impact of interest rate 
floors and caps. Any significant compression of the spreads between 
 interest- earning assets and  interest- bearing liabilities could have a 
material adverse effect on us.

In the event of a significant rising interest rate environment 
or economic downturn, defaults could increase and cause us to incur 
additional credit losses which would adversely affect our liquidity and 
operating results. Such delinquencies or defaults would likely have an 
adverse effect on the spreads between  interest- earning assets and 
 interest- bearing liabilities. In addition, an increase in interest rates could, 
among other things, reduce the value of our fixed-rate  interest- bearing 
assets and our ability to realize gains from the sale of such assets.

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including 
governmental monetary and tax policies, domestic and international 
economic and political conditions, and other factors beyond our con-
trol. We monitor the spreads between our  interest- earning assets and 
 interest- bearing liabilities and may implement hedging strategies to limit 
the effects of changes in interest rates on our operations, including 
engaging in interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and other inter-
est rate- related derivative contracts. Such strategies are designed to 
reduce our exposure, on specific transactions or on a portfolio basis, 
to changes in cash flows as a result of interest rate movements in the 
market. We do not enter into derivative contracts for speculative pur-
poses or as a hedge against changes in our credit risk or the credit risk 
of our borrowers.

While a REIT may utilize derivative instruments to hedge inter-
est rate risk on its liabilities incurred to acquire or carry real estate 
assets without generating non- qualifying income, use of derivatives for 
other purposes will generate non- qualified income for REIT income test 
purposes. This includes hedging asset related risks such as credit, for-
eign exchange and prepayment or interest rate exposure on our loan 
assets. As a result our ability to hedge these types of risks is limited. 
There can be no assurance that our profitability will not be adversely 
affected during any period as a result of changing interest rates.

30

The following table quantifies the potential changes in net 
income should interest rates increase by 50 or 100 basis points and 
decrease by 10 basis points, assuming no change in the shape of the 
yield curve (i.e., relative interest rates). The base interest rate scenario 
assumes the one-month LIBOR rate of 0.17% as of December 31, 2014. 
Actual results could differ significantly from those estimated in the table.

Estimated Percentage Change In Net Income

Change in Interest Rates

-10 Basis Points
Base Interest Rate
+50 Basis Points
+100 Basis Points

Explanatory Note:

Net Income(1)

$ 

(713)
–
  4,680
 10,438

(1)  We  have  an  overall  net   variable-rate  asset  position,  which  results  in  an  increase  in 
net income when rates increase and a decrease in net income when rates decrease. 
As of December 31, 2014, $282.5 million of our floating rate loans have a cumulative 
weighted average interest rate floor of 0.4% and $358.5 million of our floating rate debt 
has a cumulative weighted average interest rate floor of 1.25%.

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL  
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange 
Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of 
the disclosure committee and other members of management, includ-
ing the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management 
carried out its evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's inter-
nal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal 
Control – Integrated Framework issued in 2013 by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on management's assessment under the framework 
in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management has concluded 
that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of 
December 31, 2014.

The Company's internal control over financial reporting as 
of December 31, 2014, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their 
report which appears on page 31.

 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of iStar Financial Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets 
and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehen-
sive income (loss), changes in equity and cash flows present fairly, in 
all material respects, the financial position of iStar Financial Inc. and 
its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) at December 31, 2014 and 
December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, 
in all material respects, effective internal control over financial report-
ing as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The 
Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, 
for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and 
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over 
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these 
financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over finan-
cial reporting based on our integrated 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 audits 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 exam-
ining, 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 finan-
cial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness 
of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our 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.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial state-
ments, the Company adopted accounting standards update (“ASU”) 
No. 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of 
Disposals of Components of an Entity”, which changed the criteria for 
reporting discontinued operations in 2014.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a pro-
cess designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes 
those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of 
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) provide reason-
able assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized 
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have 
a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over 
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, pro-
jections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject 
to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes 
in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or pro-
cedures may deteriorate.

New York, New York
March 2, 2015

31

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31,

(In thousands, except per share data)
Assets
Real estate

Real estate, at cost
Less: accumulated depreciation
Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale

Total real estate

Loans receivable and other lending investments, net
Other investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net
Deferred operating lease income receivable
Deferred expenses and other assets, net

Total assets

Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Debt obligations, net

Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Equity:
iStar Financial Inc. shareholders’ equity:
Preferred Stock Series D, E, F, G and I, liquidation preference $25.00 per share (see Note 11)
Convertible Preferred Stock Series J, liquidation preference $50.00 per share (see Note 11)
High Performance Units
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 145,807 issued and 85,191 outstanding at December 31, 

2014 and 144,334 issued and 83,717 outstanding at December 31, 2013

Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings (deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (see Note 11)
Treasury stock, at cost, $0.001 par value, 60,617 shares at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013

Total iStar Financial Inc. shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

32

2014

2013

  $  3,145,563   $  3,220,634
  (424,453)
  2,796,181
  360,517
  3,156,698
  1,370,109
  207,209
  513,568
48,769
14,941
92,737
  237,980
  $  5,463,133   $  5,642,011

  (468,849)
  2,676,714  
  285,982  
  2,962,696  
  1,377,843  
  354,119  
  472,061  
19,283  
16,367  
98,262  
  162,502  

  4,022,684  
  4,203,586  

  $  180,902   $  170,831
  4,158,125
  4,328,956
–
11,590

11,199  

–

22  
4  
9,800  

22
4
9,800

146  
  4,007,514  
 (2,556,469)
(971)
  (262,954)
  1,197,092  
51,256  
  1,248,348  

144
  4,022,138
 (2,521,618)
(4,276)
  (262,954)
  1,243,260
58,205
  1,301,465
  $  5,463,133   $  5,642,011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues:

Operating lease income
Interest income
Other income
Land sales revenue
Total revenues

Costs and expenses:

Interest expense
Real estate expense
Land cost of sales
Depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Impairment of assets
Other expense

Total costs and expenses

Income (loss) before earnings from equity method investments and other items

Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
Earnings from equity method investments
Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax (expense) benefit

Income (loss) from continuing operations(1)

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Income from sales of real estate

Net income (loss)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.

Preferred dividends
Net (income) loss allocable to HPU holders and Participating Security holders(2)(3)

Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders
Per common share data(1):

2014

2013

2012

$  243,100  
  122,704  
  81,033  
  15,191  
  462,028  

$  234,567  
  108,015  
  48,208  

–

  390,790  

  224,483  
  163,389  
  12,840  
  73,571  
  88,806  
(1,714)
  34,634  
5,821  
  601,830  
 (139,802)
  (25,369)
  94,905  

–
  (70,266)
(3,912)
  (74,178)
–
–

  89,943  
  15,765  
704  
  16,469  
  (51,320)

1,129  

  266,225  
  157,441  

–

  71,266  
  92,114  
5,489  
  12,589  
8,050  
  613,174  
 (222,384)
  (33,190)
  41,520  
(7,373)
 (221,427)

659  

 (220,768)

644  
  22,233  
  86,658  
 (111,233)
(718)
 (111,951)
  (49,020)

5,202  

$  (33,722)

$ (155,769)

$  216,291
  133,410
  47,838
–
  397,539

  355,097
  151,458
–
  68,770
  80,856
  81,740
  13,778
  17,266
  768,965
 (371,426)
  (37,816)
  103,009
–
 (306,233)
(8,445)
 (314,678)
  (17,481)
  27,257
  63,472
 (241,430)
1,500
 (239,930)
  (42,320)
9,253
$ (272,997)

Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from continuing operations – Basic and diluted  
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. – Basic and diluted
Weighted average number of common shares – Basic and diluted

(0.40)
$ 
$ 
(0.40)
  85,031  

$ 
$ 

(2.09)
(1.83)
  84,990  

$ 
$ 

(3.37)
(3.26)
  83,742

Per HPU share data(1)(2):

Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from continuing operations – Basic and diluted  
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. – Basic and diluted
Weighted average number of HPU share – Basic and diluted

$ 
$ 

(75.27)
(75.27)

15  

$  (396.07)
$  (346.80)
15

$  (638.27)
$  (616.87)
15

Explanatory Notes:

(1) 

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. was $(73.5) million, $(221.5) million and $(313.2) million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012, respectively. See Note 13 for details on the calculation of earnings per share.

(2)  HPU holders are current and former Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company’s High Performance Unit Program.
(3)  Participating Security holders are non- employee directors who hold common stock equivalents granted under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plans that are eligible to partici-

33

pate in dividends (see Note 12 and Note 13).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Years Ended December 31,

(In thousands)
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss):

Reclassification of (gains)/losses on  available-for-sale securities into earnings upon 

realization(1)

Reclassification of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges into earnings upon realization(2)
Realization of (gains)/losses on cumulative translation adjustment into earnings 

upon realization(3)

Unrealized gains/(losses) on  available-for-sale securities
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cumulative translation adjustment

Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.

2014

2013

2012

$ 15,765  

$ (111,233)

$ (241,430)

(90)
  4,116  

968  
  3,367  
 (5,187)

131  
  3,305  
 19,070  
710  
$ 19,780  

(859)
310  

–
(44)

(1,310)
(302)
(255)
(675)
(3,091)
 (114,324)
(718)
$ (115,042)

–
278
(1,335)
244
(857)
 (242,287)
1,500
$ (240,787)

Explanatory Notes:

(1)  For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, $90 and $266, respectively, are included in “Other income” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the year 

ended December 31, 2013, $593 is included in “Earnings from equity method investments” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(2)  For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014,  $3,634  is  included  in  “Other  expense”  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations  (see  Note  10)  and  $420  is  included  in 
“Earnings from equity method investments” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Included in “Interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of 
Operations are $62, $310 and $(44) for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Included in “Earnings from equity method investments” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(3) 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

iStar Financial Inc. Shareholders’ Equity

For the Years Ended  
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Balance at December 31, 2011
Dividends declared – preferred
Repurchase of stock
Issuance of stock/restricted stock unit 

Preferred 

Preferred 
Stock 

Stock(1)
$22
–
–

Series J(1) HPU’s
$ 9,800
–
–

$–
–
–

Accumulated 
Other Com- 
prehensive 
Income  
(Loss)

Common 
Stock at 
Par

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital

Retained 
Earnings 
(Deficit)

$ 140 $   3,834,460 $   (2,078,397)  
(42,320)  
–
–  
–

–
–

Treasury 
Stock at 
Cost

Non- 
controlling 
Interests

Total  
Equity
$  (328) $  (237,341) $  45,248 $   1,573,604
(42,320)
(4,628)

–
(4,628)

–
–

–
–

amortization, net

Net loss for the period(2)
Change in accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss)
Repurchase of convertible notes
Additional paid in capital attributable to 
redeemable noncontrolling interest

Contributions from noncontrolling 

interests(3)

Distributions to noncontrolling 

interests

Balance at December 31, 2012
Issuance of Preferred Stock
Dividends declared – preferred
Repurchase of stock
Issuance of stock/restricted stock unit 

amortization, net

Net income (loss) for the period(2)
Change in accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss)

Additional paid in capital attributable 

to redeemable noncontrolling 
interest(4)

Contributions from noncontrolling 

interests(5)

Distributions to noncontrolling 

interests(4)

Balance at December 31, 2013
Dividends declared – preferred
Issuance of stock/restricted stock unit 

amortization, net

Net income for the period(2)
Change in accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss)

Additional paid in capital attributable to 
redeemable noncontrolling interest

Contributions from noncontrolling 

interests

Distributions to noncontrolling 

interests

Change in noncontrolling interests(6)
Balance at December 31, 2014

–
–

–
–

–

–

–
$22
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
$22
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
$22

–
–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–

3
–

–
–

–

–

2,705
–

–  
(239,930)  

–
(2,728)

(1,657)

–

–  
–  

–  

–  

–
–

  (857)
–

–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–

–
(688)

2,708
(240,618)

–
–

–

(857)
(2,728)

(1,657)

32,654

32,654

–
$–
4
–
–

–
$ 9,800
–
–
–

–

–  
–
$ 143 $   3,832,780 $   (2,360,647)  
–  
(49,020)  
–  

193,506
–
–

–
–
–

–

–

(3,004)

(3,004)
$ (1,185) $  (241,969) $  74,210 $   1,313,154
193,510
(49,020)
(20,985)

–
–
(20,985)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

1
–

–

–

–

(1,376)
–

–  
(111,951)  

–
–

–

–  

 (3,091)

(2,772)

–

–  

–  

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
3,837

(1,375)
(108,114)

–

–

(3,091)

(2,772)

10,264

10,264

–

–
$4 $ 9,800
–

–

–

–  
–
$ 144 $   4,022,138 $   (2,521,618)  
(51,320)  
–

–

–

(30,106)
$ (4,276) $  (262,954) $  58,205 $   1,301,465
(51,320)

(30,106)

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

2
–

–

–

–

(13,091)
–

–  
16,469  

–

(1,533)

–

–  

–  

–  

–
–

  3,305

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
1,221

(13,089)
17,690

–

–

3,305

(1,533)

565

565

–
–

–
–
$4 $9,800

–
–

–  
–
–  
–
$146 $4,007,514 $(2,556,469)  

–
–

(4,820)
(3,915)
$  (971) $(262,954) $51,256 $1,248,348

(4,820)
(3,915)

–
–

35

Explanatory Notes:

(1)  See Note 11 for details on the Company’s Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.
(2)  For  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014,  2013  and  2012  net  (loss)  income  shown  above  excludes  $(1,925),  $(3,119)  and  $(812)  of  net  loss  attributable  to  redeemable 

noncontrolling interests.
Includes $27.3 million of land assets contributed by a noncontrolling partner.
Includes an $8.8 million payment to redeem a noncontrolling member’s interest (see Note 4).
Includes $9.4 million of operating property assets contributed by a noncontrolling partner.

(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6)  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold its 72% interest in a previously consolidated entity to one of its unconsolidated ventures (see Note 4 and Note 6).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities:

Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Impairment of assets
Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary
Depreciation and amortization
Payments for withholding taxes upon vesting of stock-based compensation
Non-cash expense for stock-based compensation
Amortization of discounts/premiums and deferred financing costs on debt
Amortization of discounts/premiums and deferred interest on loans
(Gain) loss from sales of loans
Earnings from equity method investments
Distributions from operations of equity method investments
Deferred operating lease income
Income from sales of real estate
Gain from discontinued operations
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
Repayments and repurchases of debt – debt discount and prepayment penalty
Other operating activities, net
Changes in assets and liabilities:

Changes in accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net
Changes in deferred expenses and other assets, net
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Investment originations and fundings
Capital expenditures on real estate assets
Acquisitions of real estate assets
Repayments of and principal collections on loans
Net proceeds from sales of loans
Net proceeds from sales of real estate
Net proceeds from sale of other investments
Distributions from other investments
Contributions to other investments
Changes in restricted cash held in connection with investing activities
Other investing activities, net

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Borrowings from debt obligations
Repayments of debt obligations
Preferred dividends paid
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
Payments for deferred financing costs
Other financing activities, net

Cash flows from financing activities
Changes in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

36

  $ 

15,765   $  (111,233)

  $  (241,430)

(1,714)
34,634  

–

73,571  
(21,250)
13,314  
16,891  
(59,747)
(19,067)
(94,905)
80,116  
(8,492)
(92,294)
–

25,369  
(14,888)
31,935  

5,489
14,507  
7,373
71,530  
(14,098)
19,261  
20,915  
(37,383)
596
(41,520)
17,252  
(12,077)
(86,658)
(22,233)
19,655  
(24,001)
6,917

81,740
38,077
–
70,786
(12,589)
15,293
31,981
(40,912)
(6,367)
  (103,009)
  105,586
(11,812)
(63,472)
(27,257)
22,405
(74,712)
9,427

(1,426)
4,601  
7,245  

2,310
(23,012)
5,945
  $  (180,465)

1,337
1,271
11,725
  $  (191,932)

  $ 

(10,342)

  $ 

  $  (622,428)
  (142,787)
(4,666)
  512,528  
65,438  
  419,527  

(47,603)
(83,070)
(9,750)
  728,657
56,998
  562,705
–
78,238
(10,640)
(5,127)
(3,361)
  $  159,793   $  893,447   $  1,267,047

  $  (257,600)
  (109,403)
  (102,364)
  613,615  
81,614  
  437,817  
  220,281  
36,918  
(12,784)
(19,388)
4,741

29,283  
1,291  

  (159,424)

61,031  

–

  1,349,822  
 (1,471,174)
(51,320)
–
(19,595)

  3,498,794
  1,444,565  
 (4,608,133)
 (1,984,102)
(42,320)
(49,020)
–
  193,510  
(21,662)
(17,539)
(2,276)
(43,172)
  $  (455,758)
  $ (1,175,597)
  $  257,224   $  (100,482)
  356,826
  $  472,061   $  513,568   $  256,344

  $  (190,958)
(41,507)
  $ 
  513,568  

  256,344  

1,309  

Cash paid during the period for interest, net of amount capitalized

  $  194,605   $  237,457   $  329,546

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Business and Organization

Business – iStar Financial Inc., or the “Company,” is a fully- 
integrated finance and investment company focused on the commercial 
real estate industry. The Company provides  custom- tailored investment 
capital to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate and 
invests directly across a range of real estate sectors. The Company, 
which is taxed as a real estate investment trust, or “REIT,” has invested 
more than $35 billion over the past two decades. The Company’s pri-
mary business segments are real estate finance, net lease, operating 
properties and land (see Note 15).

Organization – The Company began its business in 1993 through 
the management of private investment funds and became publicly traded 
in 1998. Since that time, the Company has grown through the origination 
of new investments, as well as through corporate acquisitions.

Note 2 – Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying audited Consolidated 
Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with gener-
ally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America 
(“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The preparation of financial 
statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, 
liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of 
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from 
those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in 
the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes 
to conform to the current period presentation.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company deter-
mined that its classification of proceeds received from land sales for the 
quarterly periods ended March 31, June 30 and September 30, 2014 
was incorrectly classified as a component of cash flows from operating 
activities rather than cash flows from investing activities. The Company 
evaluated the impact on the previously issued statements of cash flows 
for the aforementioned periods and concluded that it was not material. 
However, in order to correctly present such cash flows, the Company 
will revise the amounts as those financial statements are presented in 
future filings. The impact of the correction is as follows:

As 
Previously 
Reported

Change

As 
Revised

Cash flows from operating activities:
Three months ended  

March 31, 2014
Six months ended  
June 30, 2014

Nine months ended 

September 30, 2014

 $ (60,678)

 $  (4,143)

 $ (64,821)

   (83,477)

    (8,630)

   (92,107)

    1,570

   (11,920)

   (10,350)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Three months ended  

March 31, 2014
Six months ended  
June 30, 2014

Nine months ended 

September 30, 2014

 $  31,318

 $  4,143

 $  35,461

    58,691     8,630

    67,321

   295,785    11,920    307,705

Principles  of  Consolidation –  The  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements include the financial statements of the Company, its wholly 
owned subsidiaries, controlled partnerships and variable interest 
entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All 
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been elimi-
nated in consolidation. The Company’s involvement with VIEs affects 
its financial performance and cash flows primarily through amounts 
recorded in “Operating lease income,” “Earnings from equity method 
investments,” “Real estate expense” and “Interest expense” in the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company has 
not provided financial support to those VIEs that it was not previously 
contractually required to provide.

Consolidated VIEs – As of December 31, 2014, the Company 
consolidated 4 VIEs for which it is considered the primary beneficiary. 
At December 31, 2014, the total assets of these consolidated VIEs 
were $156.3 million and total liabilities were $10.3 million. The clas-
sifications of these assets are primarily within “Real estate, net” and 
“Other investments” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
The classifications of liabilities are primarily within “Accounts payable, 
accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Balance Sheets. The liabilities of these VIEs are non- recourse to the 
Company and can only be satisfied from each VIE’s respective assets. 
The Company’s total unfunded commitments related to consolidated 
VIEs was $38.8 million as of December 31, 2014.

Unconsolidated VIEs – As of December 31, 2014, 26 of the 
Company’s investments were in VIEs where it is not the primary ben-
eficiary and accordingly the VIEs have not been consolidated in the 
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. As of December 31, 
2014, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss from these invest-
ments does not exceed the sum of the $177.3 million carrying value 
of the investments, which are classified in “Other investments” on the 
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, and $20.5 million of related 
unfunded commitments.

Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Real estate – Real estate assets are recorded at cost less accu-

mulated depreciation and amortization, as follows:

Capitalization  and  depreciation –  Certain  improvements  and 
replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life of the 
asset. For real estate projects, the Company begins to capitalize qualified 
development and construction costs, including interest, real estate taxes, 
compensation and certain other carrying costs incurred which are spe-
cifically identifiable to a development project once activities necessary to 
get the asset ready for its intended use have commenced. If specific allo-
cation of costs is not practicable, the Company will allocate costs based 
on relative fair value prior to construction or relative sales value, relative 
size or other value methods as appropriate during construction. The 
Company ceases capitalization on the portions substantially completed 
and ready for their intended use. Repairs and maintenance costs are 
expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the  straight-line 
method of cost recovery over the estimated useful life, which is generally 
40 years for facilities, five years for furniture and equipment, the shorter 
of the remaining lease term or expected life for tenant improvements 
and the remaining useful life of the facility for facility improvements.

37

Purchase price allocation – Upon acquisition of real estate, the 
Company determines whether the transaction is a business com-
bination, which is accounted for under the acquisition method, or an 
acquisition of assets. For both types of transactions, the Company rec-
ognizes and measures identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed 
and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree based on their relative 
fair values. For business combinations, the Company recognizes and 
measures goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase, if applicable, and 
expenses  acquisition- related costs in the periods in which the costs 
are incurred and the services are received. For acquisitions of assets, 
 acquisition- related costs are capitalized and recorded in “Real estate, 
net” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company accounts for its acquisition of properties by 
recording the purchase price of tangible and intangible assets and 
liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. The value of 
the tangible assets, consisting of land, buildings, building improvements 
and tenant improvements is determined as if these assets are vacant. 
Intangible assets may include the value of above- market leases, in-place 
leases and the value of customer relationships, which are each recorded 
at their estimated fair values and included in “Deferred expenses and 
other assets, net” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Intangible liabilities may include the value of below- market leases, which 
are recorded at their estimated fair values and included in “Accounts 
payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. In-place leases and customer relation-
ships are amortized over the remaining non- cancelable term and the 
amortization expense is included in “Depreciation and amortization” 
on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The capi-
talized above- market (or below- market) lease value is amortized as a 
reduction of (or, increase to) operating lease income over the remaining 
non- cancelable term of each lease plus any renewal periods with fixed 
rental terms that are considered to be below- market. The Company 
also engages in sale/leaseback transactions and typically executes 
leases with the occupant simultaneously with the purchase of the net 
lease asset.

Impairments – The Company reviews long-lived assets to be 
held and used, for impairment in value whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets 
may not be recoverable. The value of a long-lived asset held for use is 
impaired only if management’s estimate of the aggregate future cash 
flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by 
the asset (taking into account the anticipated holding period of the asset) 
is less than the carrying value. Such estimate of cash flows consid-
ers factors such as expected future operating income trends, as well 
as the effects of demand, competition and other economic factors. To 
the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the 
excess of the carrying amount of the property over the estimated fair 
value of the asset and reflected as an adjustment to the basis of the 
asset. Impairments of real estate assets that are not held for sale are 
recorded in “Impairment of assets” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations. Impairments of real estate assets that are 
disposed of or classified as held for sale after December 31, 2013 and 
which do not represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major 
effect on the Company’s operations and financial results are also 
recorded in “Impairments of assets” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations.

Real estate available and held for sale – The Company reports real 
estate assets to be sold at the lower of their carrying amount or esti-
mated fair value less costs to sell and classifies them as “Real estate 
available and held for sale” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance 
Sheets. If the estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the car-
rying value, the difference will be recorded as an impairment charge. 
Impairment for real estate assets sold or classified as held for sale on 
or before December 31, 2013 are included in “Income (loss) from dis-
continued operations” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of 
Operations. Impairment for real estate assets disposed of or classified 
as held for sale after December 31, 2013 are included in “Impairment 
of assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. 
Once a real estate asset is classified as held for sale and represents a 
strategic shift, depreciation expense is no longer recorded and histori-
cal operating results, including impairments, are reclassified to “Income 
(loss) from discontinued operations” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations.

If circumstances arise that were previously considered unlikely 
and, as a result the Company decides not to sell a property previously 
classified as held for sale, the property is reclassified as held and 
used and included in “Real estate, net” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Balance Sheets. The Company measures and records a property that 
is reclassified as held and used at the lower of (i) its carrying amount 
before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any 
depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property 
been continuously classified as held and used, or (ii) the estimated fair 
value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

The Company reports residential property units to be disposed 
of at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less 
costs to sell and classifies them as “Real estate available and held for 
sale” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. If the estimated 
fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying value, the difference 
will be recorded as an impairment charge and included in “Impairment 
of assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. 
The net carrying costs for residential property units are recorded in 
“Real estate expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

Dispositions – Revenue from sales of land and gains or losses 
on the sale of other real estate assets, including residential property, 
are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 
(“ASC”) 360-20, Real Estate Sales. Sales of land and the associated gains 
on sales for residential property are recognized for full profit recognition 
upon closing of the sale transactions, when the profit is determinable, 
the earnings process is virtually complete, the parties are bound by the 
terms of the contract, all consideration has been exchanged, any per-
manent financing for which the seller is responsible has been arranged 
and all conditions for closing have been performed. The Company pri-
marily uses specific identification and the relative sales value method to 
allocate costs. Revenues from sales of land are included in “Land sales 
revenue” and costs of land sales are included in “Land cost of sales” 
on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains on 
sales of net lease assets or commercial operating properties disposed 
of or classified as held for sale on or before December 31, 2013 are 
recorded in “Gains from discontinued operations” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gain on sales of net lease 

38

assets or commercial operating properties disposed of or classified as 
held for sale after December 31, 2013 and profits on sales of residential 
property within the operating property segment are included in “Income 
from sales of real estate” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

Loans receivable and other lending investments, net – Loans 
receivable and other lending investments, net includes the following 
investments: senior mortgages, subordinate mortgages, corporate/
partnership loans, preferred equity investments and debt securities. 
Management considers nearly all of its loans to be held-for- investment, 
although certain investments may be classified as held-for-sale or 
 available-for-sale.

Loans receivable classified as held-for- investment and debt 
securities classified as held-to- maturity are reported at their out-
standing unpaid principal balance, and include unamortized acquisition 
premiums or discounts and unamortized deferred loan costs or fees. 
These loans and debt securities also include accrued and paid-in-kind 
interest and accrued exit fees that the Company determines are prob-
able of being collected. Debt securities classified as  available-for-sale 
are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in 
“Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Loans receivable and other lending investments designated 
for sale are classified as held-for-sale and are carried at lower of 
amortized historical cost or estimated fair value. The amount by which 
carrying value exceeds fair value is recorded as a valuation allow-
ance. Subsequent changes in the valuation allowance are included 
in the determination of net income (loss) in the period in which the 
change occurs.

For held-to- maturity and  available-for-sale debt securities held 
in “Loans receivable and other lending investments, net,” management 
evaluates whether the asset is other-than- temporarily impaired when 
the fair market value is below carrying value. The Company considers 
debt securities other-than- temporarily impaired if (1) the Company has 
the intent to sell the security, (2) it is more likely than not that it will be 
required to sell the security before recovery, or (3) it does not expect to 
recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. If it is determined 
that an other-than- temporary impairment exists, the portion related to 
credit losses, where the Company does not expect to recover its entire 
amortized cost basis, will be recognized as an “Impairment of assets” on 
the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. If the Company 
does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the 
entity will not be required to sell the security, but the security has suf-
fered a credit loss, the impairment charge will be separated. The credit 
loss component of the impairment will be recorded as an “Impairment of 
assets” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, and 
the remainder will be recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss)” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company acquires properties through foreclosure or by 
deed-in-lieu of foreclosure in full or partial satisfaction of non- performing 
loans. Based on the Company’s strategic plan to realize the maximum 
value from the collateral received, property is classified as “Real estate, 
net” or “Real estate available and held for sale” at its estimated fair value 
when title to the property is obtained. Any excess of the carrying value 

of the loan over the estimated fair value of the property (less costs to 
sell for assets held for sale) is  charged-off against the reserve for loan 
losses as of the date of foreclosure.

Equity  and  cost  method  investments –  Equity  interests  are 
accounted for pursuant to the equity method of accounting if the 
Company can significantly influence the operating and financial policies 
of an investee. This is generally presumed to exist when ownership 
interest is between 20% and 50% of a corporation, or greater than 
5% of a limited partnership or certain limited liability companies. The 
Company’s periodic share of earnings and losses in equity method 
investees is included in “Earnings from equity method investments” on 
the Consolidated Statements of Operations. When the Company’s own-
ership position is too small to provide such influence, the cost method 
is used to account for the equity interest. Equity and cost method 
investments are included in “Other investments” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

To the extent that the Company contributes assets to an 
unconsolidated subsidiary, the Company’s investment in the subsid-
iary is recorded at the Company’s cost basis in the assets that were 
contributed to the unconsolidated subsidiary. To the extent that the 
Company’s cost basis is different from the basis reflected at the sub-
sidiary level, when required, the basis difference is amortized over the 
life of the related assets and included in the Company’s share of equity 
in net income (loss) of the unconsolidated subsidiary, as appropriate. 
The Company recognizes gains on the contribution of real estate to 
unconsolidated subsidiaries, relating solely to the outside partner’s 
interest, to the extent the economic substance of the transaction is a 
sale. The Company recognizes a loss when it contributes property to 
an unconsolidated subsidiary and receives a disproportionately small 
interest in the subsidiary based on a comparison of the carrying amount 
of the property with the cash and other consideration contributed by 
the other investors.

The Company periodically reviews equity method investments 
for impairment in value whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount of such investments may not be recov-
erable. The Company will record an impairment charge to the extent that 
the estimated fair value of an investment is less than its carrying value 
and the Company determines the impairment is other-than- temporary. 
Impairment charges are recorded in “Earnings from equity method 
investments” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include 
cash held in banks or invested in money market funds with original 
maturity terms of less than 90 days.

Restricted cash – Restricted cash represents amounts required 
to be maintained under certain of the Company’s debt obligations, loans, 
leasing, land development, sale and derivative transactions.

Variable interest entities – The Company evaluated its invest-
ments  and  other  contractual  arrangements  to  determine  if  they 
constitute variable interests in a VIE. A VIE is an entity where a control-
ling financial interest is achieved through means other than voting rights. 
A VIE is consolidated by the primary beneficiary, which is the party that 
has the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activi-
ties of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to 

39

receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. 
This overall consolidation assessment includes a review of, among other 
factors, which interests create or absorb variability, contractual terms, 
the key decision making powers, their impact on the VIE’s economic 
performance, and related party relationships. Where qualitative assess-
ment is not conclusive, the Company performs a quantitative analysis. 
The Company reassesses its evaluation of the primary beneficiary of a 
VIE on an ongoing basis and assesses its evaluation of an entity as a VIE 
upon certain reconsideration events.

The Company has investments in certain funds that meet the 
deferral criteria in Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-10 and 
will continue to assess consolidation of these entities under the overall 
guidance on the consolidation of VIEs in ASC 810-10. The consolidation 
evaluation is similar to the process noted above, except that the primary 
beneficiary is the party that will receive a majority of the VIE’s anticipated 
losses, a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns, or both. In addi-
tion, for entities that meet the deferral criteria, the Company reassesses 
its initial evaluation of the primary beneficiary and whether an entity is a 
VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events.

Deferred expenses – Deferred expenses include leasing costs 
and financing fees. Leasing costs include brokerage, legal and other 
costs which are amortized over the life of the respective leases. External 
fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing have been deferred 
and are amortized over the term of the respective borrowing using the 
effective interest method. Amortization of leasing costs is included in 
“Depreciation and amortization” and amortization of deferred financing 
fees is included in “Interest expense” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations.

Identified intangible assets and liabilities – Upon the acquisition of 
a business, the Company records intangible assets or liabilities acquired 
at their estimated fair values and determines whether such intangible 
assets or liabilities have finite or indefinite lives. As of December 31, 
2014, all such intangible assets and liabilities acquired by the Company 
have finite lives. Intangible assets are included in “Deferred expenses 
and other assets, net” and intangible liabilities are included in “Accounts 
payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company amortizes finite lived intan-
gible assets and liabilities based on the period over which the assets 
are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows 
of the business acquired. The Company reviews finite lived intangible 
assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the 
Company determines the carrying value of an intangible asset is not 
recoverable it will record an impairment charge to the extent its carrying 
value exceeds its estimated fair value. Impairments of intangible assets 
are recorded in “Impairment of assets” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations.

Revenue recognition – The Company’s revenue recognition poli-

cies are as follows:

Operating lease income: The Company’s leases have all been 
determined to be operating leases based on an analysis performed in 
accordance with ASC 840. Operating lease income is recognized on 
the  straight-line method of accounting, generally from the later of the 
date the lessee takes possession of the space and it is ready for its 

intended use or the date of acquisition of the facility subject to existing 
leases. Accordingly, contractual lease payment increases are recognized 
evenly over the term of the lease. The periodic difference between lease 
revenue recognized under this method and contractual lease payment 
terms is recorded as “Deferred operating lease income receivable,” on 
the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company also recognizes revenue from certain tenant 
leases for reimbursements of all or a portion of operating expenses, 
including common area costs, insurance, utilities and real estate taxes 
of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the same periods 
as the expense is incurred and is recorded as “Operating lease income” 
on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Revenue is 
also recorded from certain tenant leases that is contingent upon tenant 
sales exceeding defined thresholds. These rents are recognized only 
after the defined threshold has been met for the period.

Management estimates losses within its operating lease 
income receivable and deferred operating lease income receivable bal-
ances as of the balance sheet date and incorporates an asset- specific 
component, as well as a general,  formula-based reserve based on 
management’s evaluation of the credit risks associated with these 
receivables. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for doubt-
ful accounts related to real estate tenant receivables was $1.3 million 
and $3.4 million, respectively, and the allowance for doubtful accounts 
related to deferred operating lease income was $2.4 million and $2.4 mil-
lion, respectively.

Interest Income: Interest income on loans receivable is recog-

nized on an accrual basis using the interest method.

On occasion, the Company may acquire loans at premiums or 
discounts. These discounts and premiums in addition to any deferred 
costs or fees, are typically amortized over the contractual term of the 
loan using the interest method. Exit fees are also recognized over the 
lives of the related loans as a yield adjustment, if management believes it 
is probable that such amounts will be received. If loans with premiums, 
discounts, loan origination or exit fees are prepaid, the Company imme-
diately recognizes the unamortized portion, which is included in “Other 
income” or “Other expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

The Company considers a loan to be non- performing and 
places loans on non- accrual status at such time as: (1) the loan becomes 
90 days delinquent; (2) the loan has a maturity default; or (3) manage-
ment determines it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts 
due according to the contractual terms of the loan. While on non- accrual 
status, based on the Company’s judgment as to collectability of principal, 
loans are either accounted for on a cash basis, where interest income is 
recognized only upon actual receipt of cash, or on a cost- recovery basis, 
where all cash receipts reduce a loan’s carrying value. Non- accrual 
loans are returned to accrual status when a loan has become contrac-
tually current and management believes all amounts contractually owed 
will be received.

Certain of the Company’s loans contractually provide for 
accrual of interest at specified rates that differ from current payment 
terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject 
to management’s determination that accrued interest and outstanding 

40

principal are ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and 
operations of the borrower.

Prepayment penalties or yield maintenance payments from 
borrowers are recognized as additional income when received. Certain 
of the Company’s loan investments provide for additional interest based 
on the borrower’s operating cash flow or appreciation of the underlying 
collateral. Such amounts are considered contingent interest and are 
reflected as interest income only upon receipt of cash.

Other income: Other income includes revenues from hotel oper-
ations, which are recognized when rooms are occupied and the related 
services are provided. Revenues include room sales, food and beverage 
sales, parking, telephone, spa services and gift shop sales. Other income 
also includes gains from sales of loans, lease termination fees and other 
ancillary income.

Reserve for loan losses – The reserve for loan losses reflects 
management’s estimate of loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio 
as of the balance sheet date. If the Company determines that the col-
lateral value is less than the carrying value of a  collateral- dependent 
loan, the Company will record a reserve. The reserve is increased 
(decreased) through “Provision for (recovery of) loan losses” on the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and is decreased 
by  charge-offs. During delinquency and the foreclosure process, there 
are typically numerous points of negotiation with the borrower as the 
Company works toward a settlement or other alternative resolution, 
which can impact the potential for loan repayment or receipt of collat-
eral. The Company’s policy is to charge off a loan when it determines, 
based on a variety of factors, that all commercially reasonable means of 
recovering the loan balance have been exhausted. This may occur at dif-
ferent times, including when the Company receives cash or other assets 
in a pre- foreclosure sale or takes control of the underlying collateral in 
full satisfaction of the loan upon foreclosure or deed-in-lieu, or when 
the Company has otherwise ceased significant collection efforts. The 
Company considers circumstances such as the foregoing to be indica-
tors that the final steps in the loan collection process have occurred and 
that a loan is uncollectible. At this point, a loss is confirmed and the loan 
and related reserve will be charged off. The Company has one portfolio 
segment, represented by commercial real estate lending, whereby it uti-
lizes a uniform process for determining its reserve for loan losses. The 
reserve for loan losses includes a general,  formula-based component 
and an asset- specific component.

The general reserve component covers performing loans and 
reserves for loan losses are recorded when (i) available information as of 
each balance sheet date indicates that it is probable a loss has occurred 
in the portfolio and (ii) the amount of the loss can be reasonably esti-
mated. The  formula-based general reserve is derived from estimated 
principal default probabilities and loss severities applied to groups of 
loans based upon risk ratings assigned to loans with similar risk char-
acteristics during the Company’s quarterly loan portfolio assessment. 
During this assessment, the Company performs a comprehensive analy-
sis of its loan portfolio and assigns risk ratings to loans that incorporate 
management’s current judgments about their credit quality based on 
all known and relevant internal and external factors that may affect col-
lectability. The Company considers, among other things, payment status, 
lien position, borrower financial resources and investment in collateral, 

collateral type, project economics and geographical location as well as 
national and regional economic factors. This methodology results in 
loans being segmented by risk classification into risk rating categories 
that are associated with estimated probabilities of default and principal 
loss. Ratings range from “1” to “5” with “1” representing the lowest risk 
of loss and “5” representing the highest risk of loss. The Company esti-
mates loss rates based on historical realized losses experienced within 
its portfolio and takes into account current economic conditions affect-
ing the commercial real estate market when establishing appropriate 
time frames to evaluate loss experience.

The asset- specific reserve component relates to reserves for 
losses on impaired loans. The Company considers a loan to be impaired 
when, based upon current information and events, it believes that it is 
probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due 
under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. This assessment 
is made on a loan-by-loan basis each quarter based on such factors as 
payment status, lien position, borrower financial resources and invest-
ment in collateral, collateral type, project economics and geographical 
location as well as national and regional economic factors. A reserve is 
established for an impaired loan when the present value of payments 
expected to be received, observable market prices, or the estimated fair 
value of the collateral (for loans that are dependent on the collateral for 
repayment) is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

Substantially all of the Company’s impaired loans are collateral 
dependent and impairment is measured using the estimated fair value 
of collateral, less costs to sell. The Company generally uses the income 
approach through internally developed valuation models to estimate the 
fair value of the collateral for such loans. In more limited cases, the 
Company obtains external “as is” appraisals for loan collateral, gener-
ally when third party participations exist. Valuations are performed or 
obtained at the time a loan is determined to be impaired and designated 
non- performing, and they are updated if circumstances indicate that 
a significant change in value has occurred. In limited cases, appraised 
values may be discounted when real estate markets rapidly deteriorate.

A loan is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in 
a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). A TDR occurs when the Company 
has granted a concession and the debtor is experiencing financial diffi-
culties. Impairments on TDR loans are generally measured based on the 
present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the effective 
interest rate of the original loan.

Loss on debt extinguishments – The Company recognizes the 
difference between the reacquisition price of debt and the net carrying 
amount of extinguished debt currently in earnings. Such amounts may 
include prepayment penalties or the write-off of unamortized debt issu-
ance costs, and are recorded in “Loss on early extinguishment of debt, 
net” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

41

Derivative instruments and hedging activity – The Company’s use 
of derivative financial instruments is primarily limited to the utilization of 
interest rate swaps, interest rate caps or other instruments to manage 
interest rate risk exposure and foreign exchange contracts to manage 
our risk to changes in foreign currencies.

The Company recognizes derivatives as either assets or lia-
bilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. If 

certain conditions are met, a derivative may be specifically designated 
as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized 
asset or liability, a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of 
cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability.

For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, the effec-
tive portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as part of the cumulative 
translation adjustment. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value 
of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts are reclas-
sified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into earnings 
when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated.

Derivatives that are not designated hedges are considered 
economic hedges, with changes in fair value reported in current earn-
ings in “Other expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trad-
ing purposes.

Stock-based compensation – Compensation cost for stock-based 
awards is measured on the grant date and adjusted over the period of 
the employees’ services to reflect (i) actual forfeitures and (ii) the out-
come of awards with performance or service conditions through the 
requisite service period. The Company recognizes compensation cost 
for  performance-based awards if and when the Company concludes 
that it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. 
Compensation cost for market  condition-based awards is determined 
using a Monte Carlo model to simulate a range of possible future stock 
prices for the Company’s Common Stock, which is reflected in the 
grant date fair value. All compensation cost for  market- condition based 
awards in which the service conditions are met is recognized regard-
less of whether the market condition is satisfied. Compensation costs 
are recognized ratably over the applicable vesting/service period and 
recorded in “General and administrative” on the Company’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations.

Income taxes – The Company has elected to be qualified and 
taxed as a REIT under section 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company is subject to 
federal income taxation at corporate rates on its REIT taxable income, 
however, the Company is allowed a deduction for the amount of divi-
dends paid to its shareholders, thereby subjecting the distributed net 
income of the Company to taxation at the shareholder level only. While it 
must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income in order to maintain its 
REIT status, the Company typically distributes all of its taxable income, 
if any, in order to minimize any tax on undistributed taxable income. In 
addition, the Company is allowed several other deductions in computing 
its REIT taxable income, including non-cash items such as deprecia-
tion expense and certain specific reserve amounts that the Company 
deems to be uncollectable. These deductions allow the Company to 
reduce its dividend payout requirement under federal tax laws. In addi-
tion, the Company has made foreclosure elections for certain properties 
acquired through foreclosure which allows the Company to operate 
these properties within the REIT but subjects them to certain tax obli-
gations. The carrying value of assets with foreclosure elections as of 
December 31, 2014 is $909.3 million. The Company intends to operate in 
a manner consistent with, and its election to be treated as, a REIT for tax 
purposes. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had $759.8 million of 

net operating loss carryforwards at the corporate REIT level, which can 
generally be used to offset both ordinary and capital taxable income in 
future years and will expire through 2033 if unused. The amount of net 
operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2014 will be subject 
to finalization of the Company’s 2014 tax return. During the year ended 
December 31, 2014, the Company did not have REIT taxable income. The 
Company recognizes interest expense and penalties related to uncertain 
tax positions, if any, as “Income tax (expense) benefit” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company can participate in certain activities from which 
it would be otherwise precluded in order to maintain its qualification as 
a REIT, as long as these activities are conducted in entities which elect 
to be treated as taxable subsidiaries under the Code, subject to certain 
limitations. As such, the Company, through its taxable REIT subsidiaries 
(“TRSs”), is engaged in various real estate related opportunities, primar-
ily related to managing activities related to certain foreclosed assets, 
as well as managing various investments in equity affiliates. As of 
December 31, 2014, $541.7 million of the Company’s assets were owned 
by TRS entities. The Company’s TRS entities are not consolidated for 
federal income tax purposes and are taxed as corporations. For finan-
cial reporting purposes, current and deferred taxes are provided for on 
the portion of earnings recognized by the Company with respect to its 
interest in TRS entities.

The following represents the Company’s TRS income tax 

expense ($ in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,
Current tax (expense) benefit
Deferred tax (expense) benefit
Total income tax (expense) benefit

2014
  $ (3,912)
–
  $ (3,912)

2013
2012
$ 659   $ (8,445)
–
$ 659   $ (8,445)

  –

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s TRS 
entities generated taxable income of $19.3 million, which was partially 
offset by the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, resulting in a 
current tax expense of $3.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 
2013, the Company’s TRS entities generated taxable loss of $1.8 mil-
lion, which was partially offset by the utilization of net operating loss 
carryforwards, resulting in current tax benefit of $0.7 million. During 
the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company’s TRS entities gener-
ated taxable income of $42.2 million, which was partially offset by the 
utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, resulting in a current tax 
expense of $8.4 million.

Total cash paid for taxes for the years ended December 31, 
2014,  2013  and  2012  was  $1.3 million,  $9.2 million  and  $5.5 mil -
lion, respectively.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of tempo-
rary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities 
for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax 
purposes, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The 
Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets and rec-
ognizes a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, both 
positive and negative, it is more likely than not that some portion or 
all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. When evaluating the 

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
realizability of its deferred tax assets, the Company considers, among 
other matters, estimates of expected future taxable income, nature of 
current and cumulative losses, existing and projected book/tax differ-
ences, tax planning strategies available, and the general and industry 
specific economic outlook. This realizability analysis is inherently sub-
jective, as it requires the Company to forecast its business and general 
economic environment in future periods. Based on an assessment of all 
factors, including historical losses and continued volatility of the activities 
within the TRS entities, it was determined that full valuation allowances 
were required on the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 
and 2013, respectively. Changes in estimates of deferred tax asset real-
izability, if any, are included in “Income tax (expense) benefit” on the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities of the Company’s TRS enti-

ties were as follows ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

Deferred tax assets(1)
Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

2014

2013
  $  54,318   $ 55,962
 (55,962)
–

 (54,318)
–

  $ 

  $ 

Explanatory Note:

(1)  Deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 include timing differences related pri-
marily  to  real  estate  basis  of  $39.3  million,  investment  basis  of  $5.9  million  and  net 
operating loss carryforwards of $4.1 million. Deferred tax assets as of December 31, 
2013, include timing differences related to real estate basis of $33.0 million, invest-
ment basis of $8.1 million, and net operating loss carryforwards of $14.9 million.

Earnings per share – The Company uses the two-class method 
in calculating EPS when it issues securities other than common stock 
that contractually entitle the holder to participate in dividends and earn-
ings of the Company when, and if, the Company declares dividends on 
its common stock. Vested HPU shares are entitled to dividends of the 
Company when dividends are declared. Basic earnings per share (“Basic 
EPS”) for the Company’s Common Stock and HPU shares are computed 
by dividing net income allocable to common shareholders and HPU 
holders by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock 
and HPU shares outstanding for the period, respectively. Diluted earn-
ings per share (“Diluted EPS”) is calculated similarly, however, it reflects 
the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to 
issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, 
where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower earnings 
per share amount.

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non- 
forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or 
unpaid) are deemed a “Participating Security” and are included in the 
computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. 
The Company’s common stock equivalents granted under its Long-Term 
Incentive Plans that are eligible to participate in dividends are considered 
Participating Securities and have been included in the two-class method 
when calculating EPS.

New accounting pronouncements – In April 2014, the FASB 
issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures 
of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). This guidance 
requires disposals of a component of an entity or group of components 
of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major 

effect on an entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as 
discontinued operations. Assets and liabilities of a disposal group that 
includes a discontinued operation must be presented separately in 
asset and liability sections, respectively, of the Company’s Consolidated 
Balance Sheets for each comparative period. Expanded disclosures 
about the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of discontinued 
operations are also required. For individually significant disposals that 
do not qualify as discontinued operations, disclosure of pre-tax income 
is required. ASU 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual periods 
beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted for 
disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported 
in  previously- issued financial statements. The Company has elected to 
early adopt ASU 2014-08 beginning with disposals and classifications of 
assets as held for sale that occurred after December 31, 2013.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) which supersedes existing 
 industry- specific guidance, including ASC 360-20, Real Estate Sales. The 
new standard is  principles-based and requires more estimates and 
judgment than current guidance. Certain contracts with customers, 
including lease contracts and financial instruments and other contrac-
tual rights, are not within the scope of the new guidance. ASU 2014-09 
is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after 
December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Management is 
evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company’s Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting 
for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a 
Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period 
(“ASU 2014-12”) which requires a performance target that affects 
vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period 
be treated as a performance condition in accordance with Topic 718, 
Compensation – Stock Compensation. ASU 2014-12 is effective for 
interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 
2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management does not believe the 
guidance will have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure 
of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern 
(“ASU 2014-15”) which requires management to evaluate whether there 
is substantial doubt that the Company is able to continue operating as 
a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements 
are issued or available to be issued. If there is substantial doubt, addi-
tional disclosure is required, including the principal condition or event 
that raised the substantial doubt, the Company’s evaluation of the con-
dition or event in relation to its ability to meet its obligations and the 
Company’s plan to alleviate (or, which is intended to alleviate) the sub-
stantial doubt. ASU 2014-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting 
periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. 
Management does not believe the guidance will have a significant impact 
on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, Determining 
Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the 
Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (“ASU 2014-16”) which 
eliminates the diversity in practice for the accounting for hybrid financial 

43

 
 
instruments issued in the form of a share. ASU 2014-16 requires man-
agement to consider all terms and features, whether stated or implied, 
of a hybrid instrument when determining whether the nature of the 
instrument is more akin to a debt instrument or an equity instrument. 
Embedded derivative features, which are accounted for separately from 
host contracts, should also be considered in the analysis of the hybrid 
instrument. ASU 2014-16 is effective for interim and annual reporting 
periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. 
Management does not believe the guidance will have a significant impact 
on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments 
to the Consolidation Analysis (“ASU 2015-02”) which updates the con-
solidation model for limited partnerships and similar legal entities. ASU 
2015-02 includes the evaluation of fees paid to a decision maker as 
a variable interest and amends the effect of fee arrangements and 
related parties on the primary beneficiary determination. The guid-
ance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning 
after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. Management is 
evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company’s Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Note 4 – Real Estate

The Company’s real estate assets were comprised of the following ($ in thousands):

As of December 31, 2014
Land and land improvements
Buildings and improvements
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale
Total real estate
As of December 31, 2013
Land and land improvements
Buildings and improvements
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale
Total real estate

Real Estate Available and Held for Sale – As of December 31, 
2014 and 2013 the Company had $155.8 million and $221.0 million, 
respectively, of residential properties available for sale in its operating 
properties portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
reclassified land with a carrying value of $6.5 million from held for sale 
to held for investment due to a change in the Company’s strategy and 
its plan to re- entitle the property. The asset is included in “Real estate, 
net” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were no 
operations to reclassify on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations as a result of this change. During the same period, the 
Company reclassified units with a carrying value of $56.7 million to held 
for sale due to the conversion of hotel rooms to residential units to be 
sold. The Company also reclassified net lease assets with a carrying 
value of $4.0 million to held for sale due to executed contracts with 
third parties.

44

Net Lease

Operating 
Properties

Land

Total

  $  311,890  
 1,240,593  
  (364,323)
 1,188,160  
4,521  
  $ 1,192,681  

  $  350,817  
  1,346,071  
  (338,640)
  1,358,248  

–

  $  1,358,248  

$ 146,417  
 578,013  
 (96,159)
 628,271  
 162,782  
$ 791,053  

$ 132,934  
 587,574  
  (82,420)
 638,088  
 228,328  
$ 866,416  

$ 868,650   $ 1,326,957
 1,818,606
  (468,849)
 2,676,714
  285,982
$ 978,962   $ 2,962,696

–
  (8,367)
 860,283  
 118,679  

$ 803,238   $  1,286,989
  1,933,645
  (424,453)
  2,796,181
  360,517
$ 932,034   $  3,156,698

–
(3,393)
 799,845  
 132,189  

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company 
reclassified two land properties with a carrying value of $49.7 mil-
lion from held for sale to held for investment due to changes in the 
Company’s business plan for the properties. These assets are included 
in “Real estate, net” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
There were no operations to reclassify on the Company’s Consolidated 
Statement of Operations as a result of this change. During the same 
period, the Company reclassified three land assets with a carrying value 
of $31.8 million and a net lease asset with a carrying value of $9.8 mil-
lion to held for sale due to executed contracts with third parties. The 
net lease asset was disposed of for a gain of $3.6 million during the 
year ended December 31, 2013. The gain was recorded in “Gain from 
discontinued operations” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of 
Operations. The results of operations for the net lease assets that were 
reclassified are included in “Income (loss) from discontinued operations” 
on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods 
presented (see table in “Discontinued Operations” below). The three land 
properties were sold during the year ended December 31, 2013 for a 
gain of $0.6 million. These gains were recorded in “Income from sales of 
real estate” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions – The following acquisitions of real estate were 
reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 
the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014(1)

2013(2)(3)

2012(4)

Acquisitions of real estate assets

$4,666

$102,364

$9,750

Explanatory Notes:

(1)  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased two condominium 

units for $3.0 million and one land parcel for $1.7 million.

(2)  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company acquired a net lease asset 
for  a  purchase  price  of  $93.6  million,  including  intangible  assets  of  $36.1  million, 
intangible liabilities of $11.9 million and  acquisition- related costs of $0.2 million, which 
was leased back to the seller. The Company concluded that the transaction was a real 
estate asset acquisition and capitalized the  acquisition- related costs. The intangible 
assets were included in “Deferred expenses and other assets, net” and the intangible 
liabilities  were  included  in  “Accounts  payable,  accrued  expenses  and  other  liabili-
ties” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The lease was classified as an 
operating lease. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the net lease asset was 
sold to its Net Lease Venture for net proceeds of $93.7 million, which approximated 
carrying value.

(3)  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company paid $8.8 million to redeem a 

noncontrolling member’s interest.

(4)  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company acquired approximately 900 

parking spaces adjacent to an owned property for $9.8 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
acquired, via deed-in-lieu, title to three commercial operating properties 
and a land asset, which had a total fair value of $77.9 million and previ-
ously served as collateral for loans receivable held by the Company. No 
gain or loss was recorded in connection with these transactions. The 
following unaudited table summarizes the Company’s pro forma rev-
enues and net income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
as if the acquisition of these properties acquired during the year ended 
December 31, 2014 was completed on January 1, 2013 ($ in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,

Pro forma total revenues
Pro forma net income (loss)

2014
$466,327
(245)

2013
$399,885
(112,355)

From the date of acquisition in May 2014 through December 31, 
2014, $8.3 million in total revenues and $2.9 million in net loss associ-
ated with the properties were included in the Company’s Consolidated 
Statements of Operations. The pro forma revenues and net income are 
presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of 
what the actual results of operations of the Company would have been 
assuming the transaction occurred on January 1, 2013, nor do they pur-
port to represent the Company’s results of operations for future periods.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company 
acquired, via foreclosure, title to a residential operating property and 
two land properties, each of which previously served as collateral for 
loans receivable held by the Company. The total fair value of the land 
properties was $15.6 million. The Company contributed the residential 
operating property, which had a fair value of $25.5 million, to an entity of 
which it owns 63%. Based on the control provisions in the partnership 
agreement, the Company consolidates the entity and reflects its part-
ner’s 37% share of equity in “Noncontrolling interests” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The acquisition was accounted for at fair 
value. No gain or loss was recorded in connection with this transaction.

Dispositions – During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 
and 2012, the Company sold residential condominiums for total net pro-
ceeds of $236.2 million, $269.7 million and $319.3 million, respectively, 
and recorded income from sales of real estate totaling $79.1 million, 
$82.6 million and $63.5 million, respectively. During the year ended 
December 31, 2014, the Company sold residential lots from three of 
our master planned community properties for proceeds of $15.2 mil-
lion which had associated cost of sales of $12.8 million. During the 
same period, the Company also sold properties with a carrying value of 
$6.8 million for proceeds that approximated carrying value.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
sold net lease assets with a carrying value of $8.0 million resulting in a 
net gain of $5.7 million. The Company also sold a commercial operat-
ing property with a carrying value of $29.4 million resulting in a gain 
of $4.6 million. These gains were recorded as “Income from sales of 
real estate” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. 
Additionally, during the same period, the Company sold a net lease asset 
for net proceeds of $7.8 million. The Company recorded an impairment 
loss of $3.0 million in connection with the sale.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold 
its 72% interest in a previously consolidated entity, which owned a net 
lease asset subject to a non- recourse mortgage of $26.0 million at the 
time of sale, to its Net Lease Venture for net proceeds of $10.1 million 
that approximated carrying value. During the same period, the Company 
contributed land with a carrying value of $9.5 million to a newly formed 
unconsolidated entity. See Note 6.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold 
land for net proceeds of $21.4 million to a newly formed unconsolidated 
entity in which the Company also received a preferred partnership 
interest and a 47.5% equity interest. The Company recognized a gain of 
$3.4 million, reflecting the proportionate share of the sold interest, which 
was recorded as “Income from sales of real estate” in the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also sold land 
with a carrying value of $18.9 million for proceeds that approximated 
carrying value.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company 
contributed land with carrying value of $24.1 million to a newly formed 
unconsolidated entity in which the Company received an equity inter-
est of 75.6%. As a result of the transfer, the Company recognized a 
$7.4 million loss, which was recorded as “Loss on transfer of interest to 
unconsolidated subsidiary” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2013, 
the Company contributed land with a carrying value of $2.8 million to a 
newly formed unconsolidated entity in which the Company also received 
a 50.0% equity interest. No gain or loss was recorded in conjunction 
with the transaction.

Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2013, the 
Company sold five net lease assets with a carrying value of $18.7 mil-
lion resulting in a net gain of $2.2 million. During the same period, the 
Company sold six commercial operating properties with a carrying 
value of $72.6 million resulting in a net gain of $18.6 million. These gains 
were recorded as “Gain from discontinued operations” in the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company also sold other 
land assets with a carrying value of $14.8 million resulting in a gain of 

45

$0.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company 
transferred title of net lease assets with a carrying value of $8.7 million 
to its tenant for consideration that approximated our carrying value.

Discontinued Operations – The Company has elected to early 
adopt ASU 2014-08 beginning with disposals and classifications of 
assets as held for sale that occurred after December 31, 2013. During 
the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no disposals or assets 
classified as held for sale which were individually significant or repre-
sented a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the 
Company’s operations and financial results.

The following table summarizes income (loss) from discon-
tinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 
($ in thousands):

Note 5 – Loans Receivable and Other Lending Investments, net

The following is a summary of the Company’s loans receivable 

and other lending investments by class ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

Type of Investment
Senior mortgages
Subordinate mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Total gross carrying value of loans

Reserves for loan losses

Total loans receivable, net

Other lending investments – securities

Total loans receivable and other 

lending investments, net(1)

2014

2013

 $  737,535   $ 1,071,662
  60,679
  473,045
 1,605,386
  (377,204)
 1,228,182
  141,927

53,331  
    497,796  
   1,288,662  
(98,490)
   1,190,172  
    187,671  

 $ 1,377,843   $ 1,370,109

Explanatory Note:

(1)  The  Company’s  recorded  investment  in  loans  as  of  December  31,  2014  and  2013 
also  includes  accrued  interest  of  $7.0  million  and  $6.5  million,  respectively,  which 
are included in “Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net” on the 
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 
the Company sold loans with total carrying values of $30.8 million, 
$95.1 million and $53.9 million, respectively, which resulted in a real-
ized gain of $19.1 million, a net realized loss of $0.6 million and a net 
gain of $6.4 million, respectively. Gains and losses on sales of loans are 
included in “Other income” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

Reserve for Loan Losses – Changes in the Company’s reserve 

for loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Reserve for loan losses at 

beginning of period

Provision for (recovery of) loan 

losses(1)
 Charge-offs
Reserve for loan losses at end 

 $  377,204   $  524,499  $  646,624

(1,714)
   (277,000)

5,489
 (152,784)

    81,740
   (203,865)

of period

 $  98,490   $  377,204  $  524,499

Explanatory Note:

(1)  For  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014,  2013  and  2012,  the  provision  for  loan 
losses includes recoveries of previously recorded loan loss reserves of $10.1 million, 
$63.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

For the Years Ended December 31,

Revenues
Total expenses
Impairment of assets
Income (loss) from discontinued operations

2013

2012
$  5,545   $ 14,132
  (9,037)
 (22,576)
$  644   $ (17,481)

 (3,138)
 (1,763)

Impairments – During the year ended December 31, 2014, the 
Company recorded impairments on real estate assets totaling $34.6 mil-
lion, of which $15.6 million resulted from changes in business strategies 
for a residential property and a land asset, $15.4 million resulted from 
continued unfavorable local market conditions for two real estate 
properties and $3.6 million resulted from the sale of net lease assets. 
During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company 
recorded impairments on real estate assets totaling $14.4 million and 
$35.4 million, respectively, resulting from changes in local market con-
ditions and business strategy for certain assets. Of these amounts, 
$1.8 million and $22.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 
and 2012, respectively, have been recorded in “Income (loss) from dis-
continued operations” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of 
Operations due to the assets being sold or classified as held for sale as 
of December 31, 2013 (see above).

Tenant Reimbursements – The Company receives reimburse-
ments from tenants for certain facility operating expenses including 
common area costs, insurance, utilities and real estate taxes. Tenant 
expense reimbursements were $30.0 million, $31.8 million and $30.9 mil-
lion for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 
These  amounts  are  included  in  “Operating  lease  income”  on  the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

46

Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments – Future minimum 
operating lease payments under non- cancelable leases, excluding cus-
tomer reimbursements of expenses, in effect at December 31, 2014, are 
as follows ($ in thousands):

Year

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019

Net Lease  
Assets
$126,316
125,653
120,918
118,384
116,348

Operating 
Properties
$52,823
51,437
49,592
44,288
38,707

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
The Company’s recorded investment in loans (comprised of a loan’s carrying value plus accrued interest) and the associated reserve for 

loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):

As of December 31, 2014
Loans
Less: Reserve for loan losses

Total

As of December 31, 2013
Loans
Less: Reserve for loan losses

Total

Explanatory Notes:

Individually 
Evaluated for 

Impairment(1)

Collectively 
Evaluated for 

Impairment(2)

Loans Acquired 
with Deteriorated 

Credit Quality(3)

$ 139,672
  (64,990)
$  74,682

$  752,425
 (348,004)
$  404,421

$ 1,156,031
(33,500)
$ 1,122,531

$  849,613
(29,200)
$  820,413

$ 

$ 

–  
–
–  

$ 9,889  

–

$ 9,889  

Total

$ 1,295,703
(98,490)
$ 1,197,213

$  1,611,927
  (377,204)
$  1,234,723

(1)  The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $0.2 million and a net premium of $0.5 million as 
of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s loans individually evaluated for impairment primarily represent loans on non- accrual status and therefore, the unamor-
tized amounts associated with these loans are not currently being amortized into income.

(2)  The carrying value of these loans include unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net discount of $10.6 million and $4.6 million as of December 31, 

2014 and 2013, respectively.

(3)  The carrying value of the loan includes unamortized discounts, premiums, deferred fees and costs aggregating to a net premium of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2013. The loan had 

a cumulative principal balance of $10.2 million as of December 31, 2013. The loan was repaid during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Credit Characteristics – As part of the Company’s process for monitoring the credit quality of its loans, it performs a quarterly loan portfolio 
assessment and assigns risk ratings to each of its performing loans. Risk ratings are based on judgments which are inherently uncertain and there 
can be no assurance that actual performance will be similar to current expectation.

The Company’s recorded investment in performing loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating, was as fol-

lows ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

2014

2013

Senior mortgages
Subordinate mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Total

$  611,009    
53,836    
  501,620    
$ 1,166,465    

2.73  
2.87  
3.88  
3.23  

Performing Loans

Weighted Average 
Risk Ratings

Performing Loans

Weighted Average 
Risk Ratings
2.50
3.37
3.88
3.11

$  591,145    
  61,364    
  438,831    
$ 1,091,340    

As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s recorded investment in loans, aged by payment status and presented by class, were as follows 

($ in thousands):

Senior mortgages
Subordinate mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Total

Explanatory Note:

Current
$  644,190  
  53,836  
  501,620  
$ 1,199,646  

Less Than and 
Equal to 90 Days
$ –
 –
 –
$ –

Greater Than  

90 Days(1)
$ 96,057  

Total Past Due

$ 96,057  

–
–

–
–

$ 96,057  

$ 96,057  

Total
$  740,247
  53,836
  501,620
$ 1,295,703

47

(1)  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had three loans which were greater than 90 days delinquent and were in various stages of resolution, including legal proceedings, environ-

mental concerns and  foreclosure- related proceedings, and ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 years outstanding.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired Loans – The Company’s recorded investment in impaired loans, presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands)(1):

With no related allowance recorded:

Senior mortgages

With an allowance recorded:

Senior mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Subtotal

Total:

Senior mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Total

Explanatory Note:

As of December 31, 2014

As of December 31, 2013

Recorded 
Investment

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance

Related 
Allowance

Recorded 
Investment

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance

Related 
Allowance

$ 

–

$ 

–

$ 

–

$  3,012  

$  2,992  

$ 

–

 130,645  
  9,027  
 139,672  

 129,744  
  9,057  
 138,801  

 (64,440)
(550)
 (64,990)

 650,337  
  99,076  
 749,413  

 645,463  
  99,067  
 744,530  

 (304,544)
  (43,460)
 (348,004)

 130,645  
  9,027  
$ 139,672  

 129,744  
  9,057  
$ 138,801  

 (64,440)
(550)
$ (64,990)

 653,349  
  99,076  
$ 752,425  

 648,455  
  99,067  
$ 747,522  

 (304,544)
  (43,460)
$ (348,004)

(1)  All of the Company’s non- accrual loans are considered impaired and included in the table above. In addition, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, certain loans modified through trou-
bled debt restructurings with a recorded investment of $10.4 million and $231.8 million, respectively, are also included as impaired loans in accordance with GAAP although they are 
performing and on accrual status.

The Company’s average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recognized, presented by class, were as follows 

($ in thousands):

With no related allowance recorded:

Senior mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:

Total:

Senior mortgages
Subordinate mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Subtotal

Senior mortgages
Subordinate mortgages
Corporate/Partnership loans

Total

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Average 
Recorded 
Investment

Interest 
Income 
Recognized

Average 
Recorded 
Investment

Interest 
Income 
Recognized

Average 
Recorded 
Investment

Interest 
Income 
Recognized

$  35,659  

–

  35,659  

$ 1,922  

–
 1,922  

$  31,409  
  8,062  
  39,471  

$  9,269  
  6,050  
 15,319  

$  162,093  
  10,110  
  172,203  

 334,351  

–

  52,963  
 387,314  

 370,010  

–

  52,963  
$ 422,973  

  158  
–
  181  
  339  

 2,080  
–
  181  
$ 2,261  

 794,247  
  32,382  
  77,661  
 904,290  

 825,656  
  32,382  
  85,723  
$ 943,761  

  1,976  

–

  323  
  2,299  

 1,064,045  
  52,208  
  62,248  
 1,178,501  

 11,245  

–

  6,373  
$ 17,618  

 1,226,138  
  52,208  
  72,358  
$ 1,350,704  

$ 2,765
  160
 2,925

 3,865
–
  312
 4,177

 6,630
–
  472
$ 7,102

48

There was no interest income related to the resolution of non- performing loans recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 
2012. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded interest income of $13.3 million related to the resolution of non- performing 
loans. Interest income was not previously recorded while the loans were on non- accrual status.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings – During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company modified loans that were determined 
to be troubled debt restructurings. The recorded investment in these loans was impacted by the modifications as follows, presented by class 
($ in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

Pre- 
Modification 
Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment
$7,040

Post- 
Modification 
Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment
$7,040

2013

Pre- 
Modification 
Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment
$179,030

Post- 
Modification 
Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment
$154,278

Number of 
Loans
6

Number of 
Loans
1

Senior mortgages

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
restructured one non- performing loan with a recorded investment of 
$7.0 million to grant a maturity extension of one year and included con-
ditional extension options.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company 
restructured  six  loans  that  were  considered  troubled  debt 
restructurings. The Company restructured two performing loans 
with a combined recorded investment of $4.6 million to grant maturity 
extensions of one year each. Non- performing loans with a combined 
investment of $174.5 million were also modified during the year ended 
December 31, 2013. Included in this balance were two loans with a 
combined recorded investment of $98.3 million in which the Company 
received $15.4 million of paydowns and accepted discounted payoff 
options on these loans. At the time of the restructuring, the Company 
reclassified the loans from non- performing to performing status as the 
Company believed the borrowers would perform under the modified 

terms of the agreements. The loans were repaid in January 2014 and 
July 2014 at the discounted payoff amount.

Generally when granting concessions, the Company will seek 
to protect its position by requiring incremental pay downs, additional 
collateral or guarantees and in some cases lookback features or equity 
kickers to offset concessions granted should conditions impacting the 
loan improve. The Company’s determination of credit losses is impacted 
by troubled debt restructurings whereby loans that have gone through 
troubled debt restructurings are considered impaired, assessed for 
specific reserves, and are not included in the Company’s assessment 
of general loan loss reserves. Loans previously restructured under 
troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default are reassessed 
to incorporate the Company’s current assumptions on expected cash 
flows and additional provision expense is recorded to the extent neces-
sary. As of December 31, 2014, there were no unfunded commitments 
associated with modified loans considered troubled debt restructurings.

Securities – Other lending investments – securities includes the following ($ in thousands):

As of December 31, 2014
 Available-for-Sale Securities

Municipal debt securities

Held-to- Maturity Securities

Corporate debt securities

Total
As of December 31, 2013
 Available-for-Sale Securities

Municipal debt securities

Held-to- Maturity Securities

Corporate debt securities

Total

Face Value

Amortized 
Cost Basis

Net Unrealized 
Gain (Loss)

Estimated Fair 
Value

Net Carrying 
Value

$  1,020  

$  1,020  

$ 147  

$  1,167  

$  1,167

 176,254  
$ 177,274  

 186,504  
$ 187,524  

  –
$ 147  

 190,199  
$ 191,366  

 186,504
$ 187,671

$  1,055  

$  1,055  

$  (18)

$  1,037  

$  1,037

 139,842  
$ 140,897  

 140,890  
$ 141,945  

–
$  (18)

 140,890  
$ 141,927  

 140,890
$ 141,927

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014, the contractual maturities of the Company’s securities were as follows ($ in thousands):

Maturities

Within one year
After one year through 5 years
After 5 years through 10 years
After 10 years

Total

Note 6 – Other Investments

Held-to- Maturity Securities

 Available-for-Sale Securities

Amortized 
Cost Basis

Estimated  
Fair Value

Amortized 
Cost Basis

Estimated  
Fair Value

–

$ 
 186,504  

–

$ 
 190,199  

–
–

–
–

$ 186,504  

$ 190,199  

$ 

–
–
–
 1,020  
$ 1,020  

$ 

–
–
–
 1,167
$ 1,167

The Company’s other investments and its proportionate share of results from equity method investments were as follows ($ in thousands):

Real estate equity investments
Madison Funds
Other equity method investments(1)(2)
Oak Hill Funds
LNR

Total equity method investments

Other

Total other investments

Explanatory Notes:

Carrying Value

Equity in Earnings

As of December 31,

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014
$ 244,886  
  45,971  
  30,415  
  17,658  

–

 338,930  
  15,189  
$ 354,119  

2013
$  62,205  
  67,782  
  45,954  
  21,366  

–

 197,307  
  9,902
$ 207,209

2014
$ 53,428  
  3,092  
 35,172  
  3,213  

–

$ 94,905  

2013
$  2,753  
 14,796  
  3,332  
  4,174  
 16,465  
$ 41,520  

2012
$  21,636
  10,246
  4,614
  5,844
  60,669
$ 103,009

(1)  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $23.4 million of earnings from equity method investments resulting from asset sales and a legal settlement by one 

(2) 

of its equity method investees.
In conjunction with the sale of the Company’s interests in Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. in 2011, the Company retained interests in its share of carried interest related to various funds. During 
the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $9.0 million of carried interest income.

Real  Estate  Equity  Investments  –   During  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014, the Company partnered with a sovereign wealth 
fund to form a new unconsolidated entity in which the Company has 
a noncontrolling equity interest of approximately 51.9%. This entity is 
not a VIE and the Company does not have controlling interest due to 
substantive participating rights of its partner. The partners plan to con-
tribute up to an aggregate $500 million of equity to acquire and develop 
net lease assets over time. The Company is responsible for sourcing 
new opportunities and managing the venture and its assets in exchange 
for a promote and management fee. Several of the Company’s senior 
executives whose time is substantially devoted to the net lease venture 
own a total of 0.6% equity ownership in the venture via co- investment. 
These executives are also entitled to an amount equal to 50% of any 
promote payment received based on the 47.5% partner’s interest. During 
the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold a net lease asset 
for net proceeds of $93.7 million, which approximated carrying value, 
to the venture. The Company also sold its 72% interest in a previously 
consolidated entity, which owned a net lease asset subject to a non- 
recourse mortgage of $26.0 million at the time of sale, to the venture 
for net proceeds of $10.1 million, which approximated carrying value. 
During the same period, the venture purchased a portfolio of 58 net 

lease assets for a purchase price of $200.0 million from a third party. As 
of December 31, 2014, the venture’s carrying value of total assets was 
$348.1 million and the Company had a recorded equity interest in the 
venture of $125.4 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, an unconsolidated 
entity for which the Company held a 50.0% noncontrolling equity inter-
est sold all of its properties. As a result of the transaction, the Company 
received net proceeds of $48.1 million and recognized a gain of $33.3 mil-
lion, which is included in “Earnings from equity method investments” in 
its Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014 and 
2013, the Company had an equity interest in the entity of $0.2 million and 
$16.4 million, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
contributed land to a newly formed unconsolidated entity in which the 
Company received an initial equity interest of 85.7%. This entity is a 
VIE and the Company does not have controlling interest due to shared 
power of the entity with its partner. As of December 31, 2014, the 
Company had a recorded equity interest of $9.4 million. Additionally, the 
Company committed to provide $45.7 million of mezzanine financing to 
the entity. As of December 31, 2014, the loan balance was $14.6 million 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and is included in “Loans receivable and other lending investments, net” 
on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company and a 
consortium of co- lenders formed a new unconsolidated entity, in which 
the Company received an initial 15.7% equity interest, which acquired, 
via foreclosure sale, title to a land asset which previously served as 
collateral for a loan receivable held by the consortium. This entity is not 
a VIE and the Company does not have controlling interest in the entity 
as the Company’s voting rights is based on its ownership percentage in 
the entity. As a result of the transaction, the Company recorded an addi-
tional provision of $2.8 million in “Provision for (recovery of) loan losses” 
in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014, 
the Company had a recorded equity interest of $23.5 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold 
land for net proceeds of $21.4 million to a newly formed unconsolidated 
entity in which the Company had a preferred partnership interest and a 
47.5% equity interest. This entity is a VIE and the Company does not have 
controlling interest due to shared power of the entity with its partner. 
The Company’s proportionate share of the assets retained on a car-
ryover basis on the date of sale was $10.6 million. The Company held a 
preferred partnership interest of $6.6 million, which was repaid and no 
longer outstanding at December 31, 2013. During 2014, the Company 
acquired an additional preferred partnership interest in the entity of 
$10.0 million and recognized $14.7 million of income related to sales 
activity, which is included in “Earnings from equity method investments” 
in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014 
and 2013, the Company had a recorded equity interest of $30.7 million 
and $5.5 million, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company 
contributed land to a newly formed unconsolidated entity in which the 
Company received an equity interest of 75.6%. As of December 31, 2014 
and 2013, the Company had a recorded equity interest of $21.1 mil-
lion and $18.0 million, respectively. In addition, during the year ended 
December 31, 2013, the Company contributed land to a newly formed 
unconsolidated entity in which the Company also received a 50.0% 
equity interest. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had 
a recorded equity interest of $7.8 million and $3.5 million, respectively. 
These entities are VIEs and the Company does not have controlling 
interests due to shared power of the entities with its partners.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s other real estate 
equity investments included equity interests in real estate ventures 
ranging from 31% to 70%, comprised of investments of $13.2 million in 
operating properties and $13.8 million in land assets. As of December 31, 
2013, the Company’s real estate equity investments included $16.0 mil-
lion in operating properties and $2.7 million in land assets.

Madison  Funds –  As  of  December 31,  2014,  the  Company 
owned a 29.5% interest in Madison International Real Estate Fund II, 
LP, a 32.9% interest in Madison International Real Estate Liquidity 
Fund III, LP (“MIRELF III”), a 32.9% interest in Madison International Real 
Estate Liquidity Fund III AIV, LP (“MIRELF III AIV”) and a 29.5% interest 
in Madison GP1 Investors, LP (collectively, the “Madison Funds”). The 
Madison Funds invest in ownership positions of entities that own real 
estate assets. The Company determined that these entities are VIEs and 
that the Company is not the primary beneficiary.

Oak Hill Funds – As of December 31, 2014, the Company owned 
a 5.9% interest in OHA Strategic Credit Master Fund, L.P. (“OHASCF”). 
OHASCF was formed to acquire and manage a diverse portfolio of 
assets, investing in distressed, stressed and undervalued loans, bonds, 
equities and other investments. The Company determined that this 
entity is a VIE and that the Company is not the primary beneficiary.

LNR – In July 2010, the Company acquired an ownership inter-
est of approximately 24% in LNR Property Corporation (“LNR”). LNR is a 
servicer and special servicer of commercial mortgage loans and CMBS 
and a diversified real estate investment, finance and management com-
pany. In the transaction, the Company and a group of investors, including 
other creditors of LNR, acquired 100% of the common stock of LNR in 
exchange for cash and the extinguishment of existing senior notes of 
LNR’s parent holding company (the “Holdco Notes”). The Company con-
tributed $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of Holdco Notes and 
$100.0 million in cash in exchange for an equity interest of $120.0 million.

Beginning in September 2012, the Company and other owners 
of LNR entered into negotiations with potential purchasers of LNR. 
After an extensive due diligence and negotiation process, the LNR 
owners entered into a definitive contract to sell LNR in January 2013 
at a fixed sale price which, from the Company’s perspective, reflected 
in part the Company’s then- current expectations about the future 
results of LNR and potential volatility in its business. The definitive sale 
contract provided that LNR would not make cash distributions to its 
owners during the fourth quarter of 2012 through the closing of the 
sale. Notwithstanding the fixed terms of the contract, our investment 
balance in LNR increased due to equity in earnings recorded which 
resulted in our recognition of other than temporary impairment on our 
investment during the year ended December 31, 2013. In April 2013, 
the Company completed the sale of its 24% equity interest in LNR and 
received $220.3 million in net proceeds. Approximately $25.2 million of 
net proceeds, which were placed in escrow for potential indemnification 
obligations, were released to the Company in April 2014.

51

The following table represents investee level summarized financial information for LNR ($ in thousands)(1):

Income Statements
Total revenue(2)
Income tax (expense) benefit
Net income attributable to LNR(3)
iStar’s ownership percentage
iStar’s equity in earnings from LNR
Cash Flows
Operating cash flows
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash flows
Cash distributions
iStar’s ownership percentage
Cash distributions received by iStar

For the 
Period from 
October 1, 
2012 to 
April 19, 2013

For the 
Year Ended 
September 30, 
2012

$  179,373  
(2,137)
  113,478  
24%  
$  45,375  

$ (127,075)
  (36,543)
  217,241  
  53,623  

–
24%  
–

$ 

$ 332,902
  (6,731)
 253,039
24%
$  60,669

$ (85,909)
 (55,686)
 229,634
  88,039
  61,179
24%
$  14,690

Explanatory Notes:

(1)  The Company recorded its investment in LNR, which was sold in April 2013, on a one 
quarter  lag.  Therefore,  the  amounts  in  the  Company’s  financial  statements  for  the 
year ended December 31, 2013 was based on balances and results from LNR for the 
period from October 1, 2012 to April 19, 2013. The amounts in the Company’s financial 
statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012  are  based  on  the  balances  and 
results from LNR for the year ended September 30, 2012.

(2)  LNR  consolidates  certain  commercial   mortgage- backed  securities  and  collateral-
ized debt obligation trusts that are considered VIEs (and for which it is the primary 
beneficiary),  that  have  been  included  in  the  amounts  presented  above.  Total  rev-
enue  presented  above  includes  $55.5  million  and  $95.4  million  for  the  period  from 
October 1, 2012 to April 19, 2013 and for the year ended September 30, 2012, respec-
tively, of servicing fee revenue that is eliminated upon consolidation of the VIE’s at the 
LNR level. This income is then added back through consolidation at the LNR level as an 
adjustment to income allocable to noncontrolling entities and has no net impact on net 
income attributable to LNR.

(3)  Subsequent to the sale of the Company’s interest in LNR, LNR reported a reduction in 
their earnings of $66.2 million related to a purchase price allocation adjustment. The 
reduction  was  reflected  in  LNR’s  operations  for  the  three  months  ended  March  31, 
2013, which resulted in a net loss for the period. Because the Company recorded its 
investment in LNR on a one quarter lag, the adjustment was reflected in the quarter 
ended June 30, 2013. There was no net impact on the Company’s previously reported 
equity in earnings as the Company limited its proportionate share of earnings from 
LNR pursuant to the definitive sale agreement as described above.

The following table reconciles the activity related to the Company’s investment in LNR for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 

June 30, 2013, the six months ended December 31, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands):

Carrying value of LNR at beginning of period
Equity in earnings of LNR for the period(1)
Balance before other than temporary impairment
Other than temporary impairment(1)
Sales proceeds pursuant to contract
Carrying value of LNR at end of period

Explanatory Note:

$ 205,773  
  45,375  
 251,148  
 (30,867)
–

 220,281  

For the Three 
Months Ended 
March 31, 2013

For the Three 
Months Ended 
June 30, 2013

For the Six 
Months Ended 
December 31, 2013
$ –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

For the  
Year Ended 
December 31, 2013
$  205,773
  45,375(a)
  251,148
  (30,867)(b)
 (220,281)
–

$  220,281  

–

  220,281  

–
 (220,281)
–

(1)  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded an other than temporary impairment of $30.9 million. Subsequent to the sale of the Company’s interest in LNR, LNR 
reported a reduction in their earnings of $66.2 million related to a purchase price allocation adjustment. The reduction was reflected in LNR’s operations for the three months ended 
March 31, 2013, which resulted in a net loss for the period. Because the Company recorded its investment in LNR on a one quarter lag, the adjustment was reflected in the quarter 
ended June 30, 2013. There was no net impact on the Company’s previously reported equity in earnings as the Company limited its proportionate share of earnings from LNR pursu-
ant to the definitive sale agreement as described above.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, the amount that was 
recognized as income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of 
Operations is the sum of items (a) and (b), and $1.7 million of income 
recognized for the release of other comprehensive income related to 
LNR upon sale, or $16.5 million.

52

Other Investments – As of December 31, 2014, the Company 
also had smaller investments in real estate related funds and other stra-
tegic investments in several other entities that were accounted for under 
the equity method or cost method.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summarized investee financial information – The following tables 
present the investee level summarized financial information of the 
Company’s equity method investments, excluding LNR which is pre-
sented above ($ in thousands):

Revenues

Expenses

Net Income 
Attributable 
to Parent 
Entities

As of December 31,
Balance Sheets
Total assets
Total liabilities
Noncontrolling interests
Total equity

2014

2013

$3,464,984
479,298
3,297
2,982,389

$2,980,737
303,100
333
2,677,304

Note 7 – Other Assets and Other Liabilities

Deferred expenses and other assets, net, consist of the follow-

  $ 233,130   $  (15,433)   $ 217,697

ing items ($ in thousands):

 114,125  
  78,262  

  (77,120)  
(951)  

  37,005
  77,311

  25,760  
  20,293  

(224)  
(1,401)  

  25,536
  18,846

  13,826  

(9,917)  

  3,691

As of December 31,

Intangible assets, net(1)
Other assets
Deferred financing fees, net(2)
Leasing costs, net(3)
Other receivables
Corporate furniture, fixtures and  

equipment, net(4)

Deferred expenses and other assets, net

2014

2013
  $  50,088   $ 100,652
  40,726
  33,591
  21,799
  34,655

  37,085  
  36,774  
  20,031  
  13,115  

  5,409  

  6,557
  $ 162,502   $ 237,980

For the Year Ended 

December 31, 2014

Alinda Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. 

(“Alinda”)(1)

Marina Palms, LLC  
(“Marina Palms”)

OHASCF
Moor Park Real Estate  

Partners II L.P., Incorporated 
(“Moor Park”)

MIRELF III
iStar Net Lease I LLC  

(“Net Lease Venture”)(2)
Outlets at Westgate, LLC 

(“Westgate”)
MIRELF III AIV
Other

Total
For the Year Ended 

December 31, 2013

Alinda(1)
OHASCF
MIRELF III AIV
MIRELF III
Westgate
Moor Park
Marina Palms(3)
Other

Total
For the Year Ended 

December 31, 2012

OHASCF
Alinda(1)
MIRELF III
Westgate
Moor Park
MIRELF III AIV
Other

Total

Explanatory Notes:

  13,118  
  (1,194)  
 128,719  

  3,500
  (1,578)
  58,202
  $ 626,039   $ (185,603)   $ 440,210

(9,618)  
(384)  
  (70,555)  

  $ 123,447   $  (17,927)   $ 105,520
  70,671
  25,181
  17,739
  3,558
  1,069
(3,452)
  (14,088)
  $ 284,513   $  (77,633)   $ 206,198

  72,313  
  26,348  
  19,460  
  12,447  
  1,373  
73  
  29,052  

(1,642)  
(1,167)  
(1,675)  
(8,889)  
(304)  
(3,525)  
(42,504)  

  $ 109,234   $ 
 104,364  
  13,490  
  1,935  
  1,225  
  (12,762)  
 184,384  

(2,700)   $ 106,534
  87,430
  9,550
(267)
790
  (14,493)
 115,416
  $ 401,870   $  (95,391)   $ 304,960

(16,934)  
(3,894)  
(2,202)  
(435)  
(1,731)  
(67,495)  

(1)  The Company recorded its 1% investment in Alinda on a quarter lag. Therefore, the 
amounts  in  the  Company’s  financial  statements  for  the  years  ended  December  31, 
2014, 2013 and 2012 were based on balances and results from Alinda for the years 
ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(2)  The  Company  began  accounting  for  its  investment  in  Net  Lease  Venture  under  the 
equity  method  of  accounting  on  February  13,  2014.  The  amounts  in  the  Company’s 
financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  are  based  on  the  bal-
ances and results from Net Lease Venture for the period from February 13, 2014 to 
December 31, 2014.

(3)  The Company began accounting for its investment in Marina Palms under the equity 
method of accounting on April 17, 2013. The amounts in the Company’s financial state-
ments for the year ended December 31, 2013 are based on the balances and results 
from Marina Palms for the period from April 17, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

Explanatory Notes:

(1) 

Intangible  assets,  net  are  primarily  related  to  the  acquisition  of  real  estate  assets. 
Accumulated  amortization  on  intangible  assets  was  $45.1  million  and  $38.1  mil-
lion  as  of  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The  amortization  of  above 
market  leases  decreased  operating  lease  income  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated 
Statements  of  Operations  by  $7.7  million,  $7.0  million  and  $5.8  million  for  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012,  respectively.  The  amortization  expense 
for other intangible assets was $6.7 million, $8.2 million and $7.0 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. These amounts are included 
in  “Depreciation  and  amortization”  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Statements 
of Operations.

(2)  Accumulated amortization on deferred financing fees was $15.4 million and $9.9 mil-

lion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(3)  Accumulated  amortization  on  leasing  costs  was  $9.0  million  and  $7.1  million  as  of 

December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(4)  Accumulated  depreciation  on  corporate  furniture,  fixtures  and  equipment  was 

$7.1 million and $6.2 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities con-

sist of the following items ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

Accrued expenses
Accrued interest payable
Other liabilities(1)
Intangible liabilities, net(2)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and 

2014

2013
  $  62,866   $  58,840
  40,015
  45,753
  26,223

  57,895  
  48,256  
  11,885  

other liabilities

  $ 180,902   $ 170,831

Explanatory Notes:

(1)  As  of  December  31,  2014,  “Other  liabilities”  includes  $6.8  million  related  to  a  profit 
sharing  payable  to  a  developer  for  residential  units  sold.  “Other  liabilities”  also 
includes  $7.7  million  related  to  tax  increment  financing  (“TIF”)  bonds  which  were 
issued by a governmental entity to fund the installation of infrastructure within one of 
the Company’s master planned community developments. The balance represents a 
special assessment associated with each individual land parcel, which will decrease 
as the Company sells parcels.
Intangible liabilities, net are primarily related to the acquisition of real estate assets. 
Accumulated amortization on intangible liabilities was $6.2 million and $4.6 million as 
of  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The  amortization  of  intangible  liabili-
ties  increased  operating  lease  income  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Statements 
of  Operations  by  $2.5  million,  $2.8  million  and  $1.4  million  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(2) 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets and liabilities – The estimated aggregate amor-
tization costs of lease intangible assets and liabilities for each of the five 
succeeding fiscal years are as follows ($ in thousands):

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019

$5,929
5,677
5,308
4,987
4,830

Note 8 – Debt Obligations, net

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s debt obligations were as follows ($ in thousands):

Secured credit facilities and term loans:
2012 Tranche A-2 Facility
February 2013 Secured Credit Facility
Term loans collateralized by net lease assets

Total secured credit facilities and term loans
Unsecured notes:

6.05% senior notes
5.875% senior notes
3.875% senior notes
3.0% senior convertible notes(4)
1.50% senior convertible notes(5)
5.85% senior notes
9.0% senior notes
4.00% senior notes
7.125% senior notes
4.875% senior notes
5.00% senior notes

Total unsecured notes
Other debt obligations:

Other debt obligations

Total debt obligations

Debt discounts, net

Total debt obligations, net

Explanatory Notes:

Carrying Value as of December 31,

2014

2013

Stated Interest Rates

Scheduled Maturity Date

$  358,504  

–

  248,955  
  607,459  

$  431,475
 1,379,407
  278,817
 2,089,699

LIBOR + 5.75%(1)
LIBOR + 3.50%(2)
4.851% – 7.26%(3)

March 2017
–
Various through 2026

  105,765  
  261,403  
  265,000  
  200,000  
  200,000  
99,722  
  275,000  
  550,000  
  300,000  
  300,000  
  770,000  
 3,326,890  

  105,765
  261,403
  265,000
  200,000
  200,000
  99,722
  275,000
–
  300,000
  300,000
–
 2,006,890

  100,000  
 4,034,349  
(11,665)
$ 4,022,684  

  100,000
 4,196,589
(38,464)
$ 4,158,125

6.05%
5.875%
3.875%
3.0%
1.50%
5.85%
9.0%
4.00%
7.125%
4.875%
5.00%

April 2015
March 2016
July 2016
November 2016
November 2016
March 2017
June 2017
November 2017
February 2018
July 2018
July 2019

LIBOR + 1.50%

October 2035

54

(1)  The loan has a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. As of December 31, 2014, inclusive of the floor, the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility loan incurred interest at a rate of 7.00%.
(2)  This loan had a LIBOR floor of 1.00%.
(3)  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, includes a loan with a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%. As of December 31, 2013, includes a loan with a floating rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%. As of 

December 31, 2014, the weighted average interest rate of these loans is 5.3%.

(4)  The Company’s 3.0% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 (“3.0% Convertible Notes”) are convertible at the option of the holders, into 85.0 shares per $1,000 prin-

cipal amount of 3.0% Convertible Notes, at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.

(5)  The Company’s 1.50% senior convertible fixed rate notes due November 2016 (“1.50% Convertible Notes”) are convertible at the option of the holders, into 57.8 shares per $1,000 

principal amount of 1.50% Convertible Notes, at any time prior to the close of business on November 14, 2016.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future Scheduled Maturities – As of December 31, 2014, future 
scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt obligations are as 
follows ($ in thousands):

the time of refinancing. These amounts were included in “Loss on early 
extinguishment of debt, net” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total principal maturities
Unamortized debt discounts, net
Total long-term debt obligations, 

  $ 

Unsecured 
Debt
 $  105,765
    926,403
    924,722
    600,000
    770,000
    100,000
   3,426,890  

(8,371)

Secured 
Debt
–
–

Total
 $  105,765
    926,403
 358,504    1,283,226
  15,239     615,239
  32,312     802,312
 201,404     301,404
 607,459    4,034,349
(11,665)
  (3,294)

net

 $ 3,418,519   $ 604,165  $ 4,022,684

February 2013 Secured Credit Facility – On February 11, 2013, 
the Company entered into a $1.71 billion senior secured credit facil-
ity due October 15, 2017 (the “February 2013 Secured Credit Facility”) 
that amended and restated its $1.82 billion senior secured credit facility, 
dated October 15, 2012 (the “October 2012 Secured Credit Facility”). The 
February 2013 Credit Facility amended the October 2012 Secured Credit 
Facility by: (i) reducing the interest rate from LIBOR plus 4.50%, with a 
1.25% LIBOR floor, to LIBOR plus 3.50%, with a 1.00% LIBOR floor; and 
(ii) extending the call protection period for the lenders from October 15, 
2013 to December 31, 2013.

In connection with the February 2013 Secured Credit Facility 
transaction, the Company incurred $17.1 million of lender fees, of which 
$14.4 million was capitalized in “Debt obligations, net” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets and $2.7 million was recorded as a 
loss in “Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations as it related to the lenders 
who did not participate in the new facility. The Company also incurred 
$3.8 million in third party fees, of which $3.6 million was recognized 
in “Other expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of 
Operations, as it related primarily to those lenders from the original facil-
ity that modified their debt under the new facility, and $0.2 million was 
recorded in “Deferred expenses and other assets, net” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Balance Sheets, as it related to the new lenders.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, net proceeds 
from the issuances of the Company’s $550.0 million aggregate principal 
amount of 4.00% senior unsecured notes and $770.0 million aggre-
gate principal amount of 5.00% senior unsecured notes, together with 
cash on hand, were used to fully repay and terminate the February 
2013 Secured Credit Facility. From February 2013 through full payoff 
in June 2014, the Company made cumulative amortization repayments 
of $388.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 
amortization repayments made by the Company resulted in losses on 
early extinguishment of debt of $1.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively, 
related to the accelerated amortization of discounts and unamortized 
deferred financing fees on the portion of the facility that was repaid. 
In connection with the repayment and termination of the facility in 
2014, the Company recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt 
of $22.8 million related to unamortized discounts and financing fees at 

March  2012  Secured  Credit  Facilities –  In  March  2012,  the 
Company entered into an $880.0 million senior secured credit agree-
ment providing for two tranches of term loans: a $410.0 million 2012 A-1 
tranche due March 2016, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 4.00% 
(the “2012 Tranche A-1 Facility”), and a $470.0 million 2012 A-2 tranche 
due March 2017, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR + 5.75% (the 
“2012 Tranche A-2 Facility,” together the “March 2012 Secured Credit 
Facilities”). The 2012 A-1 and A-2 tranches were issued at 98.0% of par 
and 98.5% of par, respectively, and both tranches include a LIBOR floor of 
1.25%. Proceeds from the March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities, together 
with cash on hand, were used to repurchase and repay at maturity 
$606.7 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s convertible 
notes due October 2012, to fully repay the $244.0 million balance on the 
Company’s unsecured credit facility due June 2012, and to repay, upon 
maturity, $90.3 million outstanding principal balance of its 5.50% senior 
unsecured notes.

The March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities are collateralized by 
a first lien on a fixed pool of assets. Proceeds from principal repay-
ments and sales of collateral are applied to amortize the March 2012 
Secured Credit Facilities. Proceeds received for interest, rent, lease pay-
ments and fee income are retained by the Company. The Company may 
also make optional prepayments, subject to prepayment fees. The 2012 
Tranche A-1 Facility was fully repaid in August 2013. Additionally, through 
December 31, 2014, the Company made cumulative amortization repay-
ments of $111.5 million on the 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility. For the years 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, repayments of the 2012 Tranche 
A-2 Facility prior to maturity resulted in losses on early extinguishment 
of debt of $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to the accel-
erated amortization of discounts and unamortized deferred financing 
fees on the portion of the facility that was repaid. These amounts were 
included in “Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net” on the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Repayments of the 2012 Tranche A-1 Facility prior to sched-
uled amortization dates resulted in losses on early extinguishment of 
debt of $4.4 million and $8.1 million during the years ended December 31, 
2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the accelerated amortization of 
discounts and unamortized deferred financing fees on the portion of the 
facility that was repaid. These amounts were included in “Loss on early 
extinguishment of debt, net” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

Unsecured  Notes  –   In  June  2014,  the  Company  issued 
$550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.00% senior unsecured 
notes due November 2017 and $770.0  million aggregate principal 
amount of 5.00% senior unsecured notes due July 2019. Net proceeds 
from these transactions, together with cash on hand, were used to fully 
repay and terminate the February 2013 Secured Credit Facility which 
had an outstanding balance of $1.32 billion.

In  November  2013,  the  Company  issued  $200.0  million 
aggregate principal of 1.50% convertible senior unsecured notes due 
November 2016. Proceeds from the transaction, together with cash on 
hand, were used to fully repay the remaining $200.6 million of outstanding 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
5.70% senior unsecured notes due March 2014. In connection with the 
repayment of the 5.70% senior unsecured notes, the Company incurred 
$2.8 million of losses related to a prepayment penalty and the acceler-
ated amortization of discounts, which was recorded in “Loss on early 
extinguishment of debt, net” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

In May 2013, the Company issued $265.0 million aggregate 
principal of 3.875% senior unsecured notes due July 2016 and issued 
$300.0 million aggregate principal of 4.875% senior unsecured notes 

due July 2018. Net proceeds from these transactions, together with 
cash on hand, were used to fully repay the remaining $96.8 million of 
outstanding 8.625% senior unsecured notes due June 2013 and the 
remaining $448.5 million of outstanding 5.95% senior unsecured notes 
due in October 2013. In connection with the repayment of the 5.95% 
senior unsecured notes, the Company incurred $9.5 million of losses 
related to a prepayment penalty and the accelerated amortization of 
discounts, which was recorded in “Loss on early extinguishment of debt, 
net” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 
year ended December 31, 2013.

Encumbered/Unencumbered Assets – As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of the Company’s encumbered and unencum-

bered assets by asset type are as follows ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

2014

2013

Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale
Loans receivable and other lending investments, net(1)
Other investments
Cash and other assets
Total

Encumbered 
Assets
$ 620,378  
  10,496  
  46,515  
  17,708  

–

$ 695,097  

Unencumbered 
Assets
$ 2,056,336  
  275,486  
 1,364,828  
  336,411  
  768,475  
$ 4,801,536  

Encumbered 
Assets
$ 1,644,463  
  152,604  
  860,557  
  24,093  

–

$ 2,681,717  

Unencumbered 
Assets
$ 1,151,718
  207,913
  538,752
  183,116
  907,995
$ 2,989,494

Explanatory Note:

(1)  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amounts presented exclude general reserves for loan losses of $33.5 million and $29.2 million, respectively.

Debt Covenants

The Company’s outstanding unsecured debt securities con-
tain corporate level covenants that include a covenant to maintain a 
ratio of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness of at least 
1.2x and a restriction on debt incurrence based upon the effect of the 
debt incurrence on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio. If any of 
the Company’s covenants are breached and not cured within applicable 
cure periods, the breach could result in acceleration of its debt securi-
ties unless a waiver or modification is agreed upon with the requisite 
percentage of the bondholders. While the Company’s ability to incur new 
indebtedness under the fixed charge coverage ratio is currently limited, 
which may put limitations on its ability to make new investments, it is 
permitted to incur indebtedness for the purpose of refinancing existing 
indebtedness and for other permitted purposes under the indentures.

56

The Company’s March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities contain 
certain covenants, including covenants relating to collateral coverage, 
dividend payments, restrictions on fundamental changes, transactions 
with affiliates, matters relating to the liens granted to the lenders and 

the delivery of information to the lenders. In particular, the Company is 
required to maintain collateral coverage of 1.25x outstanding borrow-
ings. In addition, for so long as the Company maintains its qualification 
as a REIT, the March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities permit the Company 
to distribute 100% of its REIT taxable income on an annual basis. The 
Company may not pay common dividends if it ceases to qualify as a REIT.

The Company’s March 2012 Secured Credit Facilities con-
tain cross default provisions that would allow the lenders to declare 
an event of default and accelerate the Company’s indebtedness to 
them if the Company fails to pay amounts due in respect of its other 
recourse indebtedness in excess of specified thresholds or if the lenders 
under such other indebtedness are otherwise permitted to acceler-
ate such indebtedness for any reason. The indentures governing the 
Company’s unsecured public debt securities permit the bondholders to 
declare an event of default and accelerate the Company’s indebtedness 
to them if the Company’s other recourse indebtedness in excess of 
specified thresholds is not paid at final maturity or if such indebtedness 
is accelerated.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies

Unfunded Commitments – The Company generally funds con-
struction and development loans and build-outs of space in net lease 
assets over a period of time if and when the borrowers and tenants meet 
established milestones and other performance criteria. The Company 
refers to these arrangements as  Performance-Based Commitments. In 
addition, the Company sometimes establishes a maximum amount of 
additional funding which it will make available to a borrower or tenant 
for an expansion or addition to a project if it approves of the expansion 
or addition in its sole discretion. The Company refers to these arrange-
ments as Discretionary Fundings. Finally, the Company has committed 
to invest capital in several real estate funds and other ventures. These 
arrangements are referred to as Strategic Investments.

As of December 31, 2014, the maximum amount of fund-
ings the Company may be required to make under each category, 
assuming all performance hurdles and milestones are met under the 
 Performance-Based Commitments, that it approves all Discretionary 
Fundings and that 100% of its capital committed to Strategic Investments 
is drawn down, are as follows ($ in thousands):

Loans 
and Other 
Lending 
Investments

Real  
Estate

Other 
Investments

Total

 Performance-Based 

Commitments

Strategic Investments
Discretionary 
Fundings

Total

$537,924
–

$14,667
–

$27,004
45,714

$579,595
45,714

5,000
$542,924

–
$14,667

–
$72,718

5,000
$630,309

Other Commitments – Total operating lease expense for the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $5.8 million, $6.1 million 
and $6.5 million, respectively. Future minimum lease obligations under 
non- cancelable operating leases are as follows ($ in thousands):

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter

$5,598
5,598
4,982
4,179
3,442
8,266

The Company has also issued letters of credit totaling $3.7 mil-

lion in connection with its investments.

Legal Proceedings – The Company and/or one or more of its 
subsidiaries is party to various pending litigation matters that are con-
sidered ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Company’s business 
as a finance and investment company focused on the commercial real 
estate industry, including loan foreclosure and  foreclosure- related pro-
ceedings. In addition to such matters, the Company is a party to the 
following legal proceedings:

On March 7, 2014, a shareholder action purporting to assert 
derivative, class and individual claims was filed in the Circuit Court for 
Baltimore City, Maryland naming the Company, a number of its cur-
rent and former senior executives (including its chief executive officer) 
and current and former directors as defendants. The complaint sought 
unspecified damages and other relief and alleged breach of fiduciary 
duty, breach of contract and other causes of action arising out of shares 
of common stock issued by the Company to its senior executives pur-
suant to restricted stock unit awards granted in December 2008 and 
modified in July 2011. On October 30, 2014, the Court granted the 
defendants’ Motions to Dismiss and plaintiffs’ claims against all of the 
defendants in this action were dismissed. Plaintiffs have filed a notice 
of appeal.

On January 22, 2015, the United States District Court for the 
District of Maryland (the “Court”) entered a judgment in favor of the 
Company in the matter of U.S. Home Corporation (“Lennar”) v. Settlers 
Crossing, LLC, et al. (Civil Action No. DKC 08-1863). The litigation involved 
a dispute over the purchase and sale of approximately 1,250 acres of 
land in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Court found that the 
Company was entitled to specific performance and awarded dam-
ages to it in the aggregate amount of: (i) the remaining purchase price 
to be paid by Lennar of $114.0 million; plus (ii) interest on the unpaid 
amount at a rate of 12% per annum, calculated on a per diem basis, 
from May 27, 2008, until Lennar proceeds to settlement on the land; plus 
(iii) real estate taxes paid by the Company in the amount of approximately 
$1.6 million; plus (iv) actual and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs 
incurred by the Company in connection with the litigation. The Court 
ordered Lennar to proceed to settlement on the land and to pay the 
total amounts awarded to the Company within 30 days of the judgment. 
A third party is entitled to a 15% participation interest in all proceeds. 
Lennar has filed a notice of appeal of the Court’s judgment, orders and 
rulings in the action. There can be no assurance as to the timing or 
actual receipt by the Company of amounts awarded by the Court or to 
the outcome of any appeal.

The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments 
in legal proceedings that could require a liability to be accrued and/
or disclosed. Based on its current knowledge, and after consultation 
with legal counsel, the Company believes it is not a party to, nor are 
any of its properties the subject of, any pending legal proceeding that 
would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

57

Note 10 – Risk Management and Derivatives

Risk management

In the normal course of its on-going business operations, 
the Company encounters economic risk. There are three main com-
ponents of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market 
risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its 
 interest- bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different points in time 
and potentially at different bases, than its  interest- earning assets. Credit 
risk is the risk of default on the Company’s lending investments or leases 
that result from a borrower’s or tenant’s inability or unwillingness to 
make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes 
in the value of loans and other lending investments due to changes in 
interest rates or other market factors, including the rate of prepayments 
of principal and the value of the collateral underlying loans, the valua-
tion of real estate assets by the Company as well as changes in foreign 
currency exchange rates.

Risk concentrations – Concentrations of credit risks arise when 
a number of borrowers or tenants related to the Company’s investments 
are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geo-
graphic region, or have similar economic features that would cause their 
ability to meet contractual obligations, including those to the Company, 
to be similarly affected by changes in economic conditions.

Substantially all of the Company’s real estate as well as assets 
collateralizing its loans receivable are located in the United States. As 
of December 31, 2014, the only states with a concentration greater 
than 10.0% were California with 14.6% and New York with 13.9%. As of 

December 31, 2014, the Company’s portfolio contains concentrations in 
the following asset types: office/industrial 26.7%, land 21.7%, mixed use/
mixed collateral 13.0% and entertainment/leisure 11.0%.

The Company underwrites the credit of prospective borrow-
ers and tenants and often requires them to provide some form of credit 
support such as corporate guarantees, letters of credit and/or cash 
security deposits. Although the Company’s loans and real estate assets 
are geographically diverse and the borrowers and tenants operate in a 
variety of industries, to the extent the Company has a significant concen-
tration of interest or operating lease revenues from any single borrower 
or tenant, the inability of that borrower or tenant to make its payment 
could have an adverse effect on the Company. As of December 31, 2014, 
the Company’s five largest borrowers or tenants collectively accounted 
for approximately $115 million of the Company’s 2014 revenues, of which 
no single customer accounts for more than 6%.

Derivatives

The Company’s use of derivative financial instruments is 
primarily limited to the utilization of interest rate swaps, interest rate 
caps and foreign exchange contracts. The principal objective of such 
financial instruments is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated 
with the Company’s operating and financial structure and to manage its 
exposure to interest rates and foreign exchange rates. Derivatives not 
designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the 
Company’s exposure to interest rate movements, foreign exchange rate 
movements, and other identified risks, but may not meet the strict hedge 
accounting requirements.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated 

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands):

Derivative Assets as of December 31,

Derivative Liabilities as of December 31,

2014

2013

2014

2013

Balance Sheet 
Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet 
Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet 
Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet 
Location

Fair Value

Derivatives Designated in 
Hedging Relationships
Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate cap

Total

Derivatives not Designated in 

Hedging Relationships
Foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate cap

Total

Other Assets  
Other Assets  
Other Assets  

Other Assets  
Other Assets  

$ 

$ 

–
52
–
52

$ 1,534
 4,775
$ 6,309

58

Other Assets  
Other Assets  
Other Assets  

$  393 Other Liabilities  
N/A  
N/A  

  650
  9,107
$ 10,150

$ 478
  –
  –
$ 478

N/A  
N/A  
N/A  

Other Assets  
N/A  

$  1,025
–
$  1,025

N/A  
N/A  

$  – Other Liabilities  
N/A  

  –
$  –

$ 

$ 

–
–
–
–

$ 1,653
–
$ 1,653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The tables below present the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and 

the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 ($ in thousands):

Derivatives Designated in  
Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss) 
Recognized in Income

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Interest rate cap
Interest rate cap
Interest rate cap

Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swap

Interest Expense
Other Expense
Earnings from equity method 

investments
Interest Expense
Earnings from equity method 

investments

Foreign exchange contracts

Earnings from equity method 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Interest rate cap
Interest rate swap
Foreign exchange contracts

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Interest rate swap

investments

Interest Expense
Interest Expense
Earnings from equity method 

investments

Amount of Gain 
(Loss) Recognized in 
Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Income 
(Effective Portion)

Amount of Gain (Loss) 
Reclassified from 
Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive  
Income into Earnings  
(Effective Portion)

Amount of Gain (Loss) 
Reclassified from 
Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive  
Income into Earnings  
(Ineffective Portion)

$ 

–  
 (2,984)  
(9)  

  (970)  
  (753)  

  (471)  

 (1,517)  
  869  
  393  

$  (56)  
–  
–  

(6)  
 (420)  

–  

–  
 (310)  
–  

  N/A
 (3,634)
  N/A

  N/A
  N/A

  N/A

  N/A
  N/A
  N/A

Interest Expense

(968)  

  44  

  N/A

Derivatives not Designated in  
Hedging Relationships
Interest rate cap
Foreign exchange contracts

Location of Gain or (Loss) 
Recognized in Income
Other Expense
Other Expense

Foreign Exchange Contracts – The Company is exposed to fluc-
tuations in foreign exchange rates on investments it holds in foreign 
entities. The Company uses foreign exchange contracts to hedge its 
exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates on its foreign invest-
ments. Foreign exchange contracts involve fixing the U.S. dollar (“USD”) 
to the respective foreign currency exchange rate for delivery of a 
specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. The foreign 
exchange contracts are typically cash settled in USD for their fair value 
at or close to their settlement date.

For derivatives designated as net investment hedges, the effec-
tive portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income as part of the cumulative 
translation adjustment. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value 
of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts are reclas-
sified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into earnings 

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014
$ (1,347)  
  7,257  

2013
$  –  
 880  

$ 

2012
–
 (8,920)

when the hedged foreign entity is either sold or substantially liquidated. 
In January 2014, the Company entered into a foreign exchange con-
tract to hedge its exposure in a subsidiary whose functional currency is 
Indian rupee (“INR”). The foreign exchange contract replaced an existing 
contract which matured in January 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the 
Company had the following outstanding foreign currency derivatives that 
were used to hedge its net investments in foreign operations that were 
designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Sells INR/Buys USD 

Forward

Notional 
Amount

Notional (USD 
Equivalent)

Maturity

Rs 456,000

$6,534

June 2015

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For derivatives not designated as net investment hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations within “Other Expense.” As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the following outstanding foreign cur-
rency derivatives that were used to hedge its net investments in foreign operations that were not designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Sells euro (“EUR”)/Buys USD Forward
Sells pound sterling (“GBP”)/Buys USD Forward
Sells Canadian dollar (“CAD”)/Buys USD Forward

Notional Amount
€18,800
£3,000
C$10,000

Notional (USD 
Equivalent)
$ 23,807
$  4,830
$  8,933

Maturity
January 2015
January 2015
January 2015

The Company marks its foreign investments each quarter based on current exchange rates and records the gain or loss through 
“Other expense” on its Consolidated Statements of Operations for loan investments or “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” on its 
Consolidated Balance Sheets for net investments in foreign subsidiaries. The Company recorded net gains (losses) related to foreign investments of 
$0.1 million, $(2.0) million and $(0.7) million during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in its Consolidated Statements 
of Operations.

Interest Rate Hedges – For derivatives designated as interest rate hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives 
are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized 
directly in earnings. In October 2012, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to convert its variable rate debt to fixed rate on a $28.0 mil-
lion secured term loan maturing in 2019. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swap that was used 
to hedge its variable rate debt that was designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Interest rate swap

Notional Amount
$27,456

Variable Rate
LIBOR + 2.00%

Fixed Rate
3.47%

Effective Date
October 2012

Maturity
November 2019

For derivatives not designated as interest rate hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reported in the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations within “Other Expense.” In August 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement to reduce 
exposure to expected increases in future interest rates and the resulting payments associated with variable interest rate debt. In June 2014, in 
connection with the full repayment and termination of the Company’s February 2013 Secured Credit Facility referenced in Note 8, the Company 
realized amounts in earnings from other comprehensive income (loss) as a portion of a hedge related to the Company’s variable rate debt was no 
longer expected to be highly effective. The amount realized was a loss of $3.6 million recorded as a component of “Other expense” in the Company’s 
Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate cap that was used to 
hedge its variable rate debt that was not designated ($ in thousands):

Derivative Type

Interest rate cap

Notional Amount
$500,000

Variable Rate
LIBOR

Fixed Rate
1.00%

Effective Date
July 2014

Maturity
July 2017

Over the next 12 months, the Company expects that $0.1 mil-
lion related to terminated cash flow hedges will be reclassified from 
“Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” into interest expense 
and $0.7 million relating to other cash flow hedges will be reclassified 
from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” into earnings.

In connection with its foreign currency derivatives, as of 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has posted collateral of 
$3.0 million and $7.2 million, respectively, which is included in “Restricted 
cash” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

60

Credit Risk- Related Contingent Features – The Company has 
agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a 
provision where if the Company either defaults or is capable of being 
declared in default on any of its indebtedness, then the Company could 
also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

 
 
 
Note 11 – Equity

Preferred Stock – The Company had the following series of Cumulative Redeemable and Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock outstand-

ing as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:

Series
D
E
F
G
I
J

Shares Issued and 
Outstanding (in thousands)
4,000
5,600
4,000
3,200
5,000
4,000
25,800

Explanatory Notes:

Cumulative Preferential Cash Dividends(1)(2)

Par Value
$0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.001

Liquidation Preference
$25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
50.00

Rate per Annum
8.000%
7.875%
7.8%
7.65%
7.50%
4.50%

Equivalent to Fixed  
Annual Rate (per share)
$2.00
1.97
1.95
1.91
1.88
2.25

(1)  Holders of shares of the Series D, E, F, G, I and J preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for 
the payment of dividends. Dividends are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or before the 15th day of each March, June, September and 
December or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Any dividend payable on the preferred stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 
360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as of the close of business on the first day of the calendar month in which the appli-
cable dividend payment date falls or on another date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days 
prior to the dividend payment date.

(2)  The Company declared and paid dividends of $8.0 million, $11.0 million, $7.8 million, $6.1 million and $9.4 million on its Series D, E, F, G and I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 
during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company declared and paid dividends of $9.0 million and $6.7 million on its Series J Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock 
during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. All of the dividends qualified as return of capital for tax reporting purposes. There are no dividend arrearages on 
any of the preferred shares currently outstanding.

High Performance Unit Program

In May 2002, the Company’s shareholders approved the iStar 
Financial High Performance Unit (“HPU”) Program. The program enti-
tled employee participants (“HPU Holders”) to receive distributions if 
the total rate of return on the Company’s Common Stock (share price 
appreciation plus dividends) exceeded certain performance thresholds 
over a specified valuation period. The Company established seven HPU 
plans that had valuation periods ending between 2002 and 2008 and 
the Company has not established any new HPU plans since 2005. HPU 
Holders purchased interests in the High Performance Common Stock 
for an aggregate initial purchase price of $9.8 million. The remaining four 
plans that had valuation periods which ended in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 
2008, did not meet their required performance thresholds, none of the 
plans were funded and the Company redeemed the participants’ units.

The 2002, 2003 and 2004 plans all exceeded their perfor-
mance thresholds and are entitled to receive distributions equivalent to 
the amount of dividends payable on 819,254 shares, 987,149 shares and 
1,031,875 shares, respectively, of the Company’s Common Stock as and 
when such dividends are paid on the Company’s Common Stock. Each 
of these three plans has 5,000 shares of High Performance Common 
Stock associated with it, which is recorded as a separate class of stock 
within shareholders’ equity on the Company’s Consolidated Balance 
Sheets. High Performance Common Stock carries 0.25 votes per share. 
Net income allocable to common shareholders is reduced by the HPU 
holders’ share of earnings.

Dividends – In order to maintain its election to qualify as a 
REIT, the Company must currently distribute, at a minimum, an amount 
equal to 90% of its taxable income, excluding net capital gains, and 
must distribute 100% of its taxable income (including net capital gains) 
to avoid paying corporate federal income taxes. The Company has 
recorded net operating losses and may record net operating losses 
in the future, which may reduce its taxable income in future periods 
and lower or eliminate entirely the Company’s obligation to pay divi-
dends for such periods in order to maintain its REIT qualification. As of 
December 31, 2013, the Company had $759.8 million of net operating 
loss carryforwards at the corporate REIT level that can generally be 
used to offset both ordinary and capital taxable income in future years 
and will expire through 2033 if unused. The amount of net operating 
loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2014 will be determined upon 
finalization of the Company’s 2014 tax return. Because taxable income 
differs from cash flow from operations due to non-cash revenues and 
expenses (such as depreciation and certain asset impairments), in cer-
tain circumstances, the Company may generate operating cash flow in 
excess of its dividends or, alternatively, may need to make dividend pay-
ments in excess of operating cash flows. The Company’s 2012 Tranche 
A-2 Facility permits the Company to distribute 100% of its REIT tax-
able income on an annual basis, for so long as the Company maintains 
its qualification as a REIT. The 2012 Tranche A-2 Facility restricts the 
Company from paying any common dividends if it ceases to qualify as a 
REIT. The Company did not declare or pay any Common Stock dividends 
for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

61

Stock  Repurchase  Programs  –   In  September  2013,  the 
Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase in the repurchase 
limit under the Company’s previously approved stock repurchase 
program to $50.0 million. The program authorizes the repurchase of 
Common Stock from time to time in open market and privately negoti-
ated purchases, including pursuant to one or more trading plans. During 
the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 1.7 mil-
lion shares of its outstanding Common Stock for $21.0 million, at an 
average cost of $12.35 per share. There were no stock repurchases 
during the year ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the 
Company had up to $29.0 million of Common Stock available to repur-
chase under its Board authorized stock repurchase program.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – “Accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss)” reflected in the Company’s share-
holders’ equity is comprised of the following ($ in thousands):

As of December 31,

2014

2013

Unrealized gains (losses) on  available-for-sale 

securities

  $  2,983  

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges  
Unrealized losses on cumulative translation 

(409)

$ 

(294)
  662

adjustment

 (3,545)

 (4,644)

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

(loss)

  $ 

(971)

$ (4,276)

Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits

On May 22, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 
2013 Performance Incentive Plan (“iPIP”) which is designed to provide, 
primarily to senior executives and select professionals engaged in the 
Company’s investment activities, long-term compensation which has 
a direct relationship to the realized returns on investments included 
in the plan. In 2014, the Company granted 83 iPIP points for the ini-
tial 2013-2014 investment pool. All decisions regarding the granting of 
points under iPIP are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors 
or a committee of the Board of Directors. The fair value of points are 
determined using a model that forecasts the Company’s projected 
investment performance. The payout of iPIP is based on the amount 
of invested capital, investment performance and the Company’s total 
shareholder return, or TSR, as compared to the average TSR of the 
NAREIT All REIT Index and the Russell 2000 Index during the relevant 
performance period for the investments in each pool. The Company, 
as well as any companies not included in each index at the beginning 
and end of the performance period, are excluded from calculation of 
the performance of such index. Point holders will not receive a distri-
bution until the Company has received a full return of its capital plus 
a preferred return distribution, which is based on a preferred return 
hurdle rate of 9% per annum. Subject to certain vesting and employ-
ment requirements, point holders will be paid a combination of cash and 
stock. iPIP is a  liability- classified award which will be remeasured each 
reporting period at fair value until the awards are settled. Compensation 
costs relating to iPIP are included in “General and administrative” on the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2009 
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2009 LTIP”) which is designed to pro-
vide incentive compensation for officers, key employees, directors and 
advisors of the Company. The 2009 LTIP provides for awards of stock 
options, shares of restricted stock, phantom shares, restricted stock 
units, dividend equivalent rights and other share-based performance 
awards. A maximum of 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be 
awarded under the 2009 LTIP, plus up to an additional 500,000 shares 
to the extent that a corresponding number of equity awards previously 
granted under the Company’s 1996 Long-Term Incentive Plan expire or 
are canceled or forfeited. All awards under the 2009 LTIP are made at 
the discretion of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board 
of Directors.

The Company’s 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 
LTIP”) is designed to provide  equity-based incentive compensation 
for officers, key employees, directors, consultants and advisors of the 
Company. The 2006 LTIP provides for awards of stock options, shares 
of restricted stock, phantom shares, dividend equivalent rights and other 
share-based performance awards. A maximum of 4,550,000 shares of 
Common Stock may be subject to awards under the 2006 LTIP provided 
that the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for grants of 
options designated as incentive stock options is 1.0 million, subject to 
certain anti- dilution provisions in the 2006 LTIP. All awards under this 
Plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors or a committee of 
the Board of Directors.

As of December 31, 2014, an aggregate of 4.0 million shares 
remain available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the 
Company’s 2006 and 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plans.

The Company’s 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan (“Incentive 
Plan”) was approved and adopted by the Board of Directors in 2007 in 
order to establish performance goals for selected officers and other 
key employees and to determine bonuses that will be awarded to those 
officers and other key employees based on the extent to which they 
achieve those performance goals.  Equity-based awards may be made 
under the Incentive Plan, subject to the terms of the Company’s equity 
incentive plans.

Stock-Based Compensation – The Company recorded stock-
based  compensation  expense  of  $13.3  million,  $19.3  million  and 
$15.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 in 
“General and administrative” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements 
of Operations. As of December 31, 2014, there was $2.2 million of total 
unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted 
stock units that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average 
remaining vesting/service period of 1.42 years. As of December 31, 2014, 
approximately $8.7 million of stock-based compensation was included 
in “Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities” on the 
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

62

 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Units

Changes in non- vested restricted stock units, or Units, during 
the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows ($ in thousands, 
except per share amounts):

Weighted 
Average Grant 
Date Fair Value 
Per Share

Number of 
Shares

2,779
306
(2,757)
(8)

$  5.85  
$ 15.31
$  6.09
$ 15.69

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value

$ 39,659

320  

$ 12.57  

$  4,367

Non- vested at 

December 31, 2013
Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Non- vested at 

December 31, 2014

The total fair value of Units vested during the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $39.2 million, $31.6 million and 
$29.1 million, respectively.

2014 Activity – During the year ended December 31, 2014, the 
Company issued a total of 1,369,809 shares of our Common Stock to 
employees, net of statutory minimum required tax withholdings, upon 
the vesting of 2,757,427 Units that were previously granted. These 
vested Units were primarily comprised of the following:

 – 1,696,053  service-based Units granted to certain employ-

ees in 2008 that vested in January 2014;

 – 80,000  service-based Units granted to certain employees 

in 2011 and 2013 that vested in 2014; and

 – 600,000  service-based Units granted to the Company’s 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 that 
vested in June 2014.

 – 381,374  of   per formance-based  Units,  granted  on 
February 1, 2013. The Units vested based on the Company’s 
total shareholder return, or TSR, measured over a perfor-
mance period ending on the vesting date of December 31, 
2014. Under the terms of these Units, vesting ranged from 
0% to 200% of the target amount of the awards, depending 
on the Company’s TSR performance relative to the NAREIT 
All REITs Index (one-half of the target amount of the award) 
and the Russell 2000 Index (one-half of the target amount 
of the award) during the performance period. The Company 
and any companies not included in the index at the begin-
ning and end of the performance period were excluded 
from calculation of the performance of such index. Based 
on the Company’s TSR performance, the Units vested in an 
amount equal to 195.5% of the target amount of the original 
awards of 195,076 Units resulting in an additional 186,298 
shares granted.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
granted new stock-based compensation awards to certain employees 
in the form of long-term incentive awards, comprised of the following:

 – Effective January 10, 2014, the Company granted 67,637 
 service-based Units representing the right to receive an 
equivalent number of shares of our Common Stock (after 
deducting shares for minimum required statutory withhold-
ings) if and when the Units vest. The Units will cliff vest 
in one installment on December 31, 2016, if the employee 
remains employed by the Company on the vesting date, 
subject to certain accelerated vesting rights. Dividends 
will accrue as and when dividends are declared by the 
Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will not be 
paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled. As of 
December 31, 2014, 64,552 of such  service-based Units 
were outstanding.

 – Effective January 10, 2014, the Company granted 51,726 
target amount of  performance-based Units based on the 
Company’s TSR measured over a performance period 
ending on December 31, 2016, which is the date the awards 
cliff vest. Vesting will range from 0% to 200% of the target 
amount of the award, depending on the Company’s TSR 
performance relative to the NAREIT All REITs Index (one-
half of the target amount of the award) and the Russell 
2000 Index (one-half of the target amount of the award) 
during the performance period. The Company, as well as 
any companies not included in each index at the beginning 
and end of the performance period, are excluded from cal-
culation of the performance of such index. To the extent 
Units vest based on the Company’s TSR performance, 
holders will receive an equivalent number of shares of 
our Common Stock (after deducting shares for minimum 
required statutory withholdings), if the employee remains 
employed by the Company on the vesting date, subject to 
certain accelerated vesting rights. Dividends will accrue 
as and when dividends are declared by the Company on 
shares of its Common Stock, but will not be paid unless 
and until the Units vest and are settled. The fair values of 
the  performance-based Units were determined by utiliz-
ing a Monte Carlo model to simulate a range of possible 
future stock prices for the Company’s Common Stock. 
The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these 
 performance-based awards were 0.76% for risk-free inter-
est rate and 44.84% for expected stock price volatility. As 
of December 31, 2014, 50,116 of such  performance-based 
Units were outstanding.

63

 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the following addi-

tional stock-based compensation awards outstanding:

 – 194,582  service-based Units, granted on February 1, 2013, 
representing the right to receive an equivalent number of 
shares of the Company’s Common Stock (after deducting 
shares for minimum required statutory withholdings) if and 
when the Units vest. The Units will cliff vest in one install-
ment on February 1, 2016, three years from the grant date, 
if the employee remains employed by the Company on the 
vesting date, subject to certain accelerated vesting rights. 
Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared 
by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will 
not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled.

 – 10,666  service-based Units granted on various dates to 
employees with an original vesting term of three years. 
Upon vesting of these units, holders will receive shares of 
the Company’s Common Stock in the amount of the vested 
units, net of statutory minimum required tax withholdings. 
Dividends will accrue as and when dividends are declared 
by the Company on shares of its Common Stock, but will 
not be paid unless and until the Units vest and are settled.

Restricted Shares

 – During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
granted 235,414 shares of our Common Stock to certain 
employees as part of annual incentive awards that included 
a mix of cash and equity awards. The weighted average 
grant date fair value per share of these awards was $14.89 
and the total fair value was $3.5 million. The shares are 
fully- vested and 132,653 shares were issued net of statu-
tory minimum required tax withholdings. The employees 
are restricted from selling these shares for up to two years 
from the date of grant.

Note 13 – Earnings Per Share

Directors’ Awards – Non- employee directors are awarded 
common stock equivalents, or CSEs, or restricted shares at the time 
of the annual shareholders’ meeting in consideration for their services 
on the Company’s Board of Directors. The CSEs and restricted shares 
generally vest at the time of the next annual shareholders meeting and 
pay dividends in an amount equal to the dividends paid on an equivalent 
number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock from the date of 
grant, as and when dividends are paid on the Common Stock.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company 
awarded a total of 8,602 CSEs and 39,570 restricted shares to non- 
employee  Directors  pursuant  to  the  Company’s  Non- Employee 
Directors Deferral Plan, at a fair value per share of $14.46 at the time 
of grant. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2014, the 
Company issued 55,076 shares of our Common Stock to a former direc-
tor in settlement of previously vested CSE awards granted under the 
Non- Employee Directors Deferral Plan. As of December 31, 2014, a total 
of 278,471 CSEs and restricted shares of our Common Stock granted to 
members of the Company’s Board of Directors remained outstanding 
under such Plan, with an aggregate intrinsic value of $3.8 million.

401(k) Plan – The Company has a savings and retirement plan 
(the “401(k) Plan”), which is a voluntary, defined contribution plan. All 
employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan following comple-
tion of three months of continuous service with the Company. Each 
participant may contribute on a pretax basis up to the maximum per-
centage of compensation and dollar amount permissible under Section 
402(g) of the Internal Revenue Code not to exceed the limits of Code 
Sections 401(k), 404 and 415. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, 
the Company may make matching contributions on the participant’s 
behalf of up to 50% of the first 10% of the participant’s annual compen-
sation. The Company made gross contributions of $0.9 million each year 
for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

EPS is calculated using the two-class method, which allocates earnings among common stock and participating securities to calculate EPS 
when an entity’s capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. HPU hold-
ers are current and former Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company’s High Performance 
Unit (HPU) Program. These HPU units are treated as a separate class of common stock.

The following table presents a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations used in the basic and diluted earnings per share 

calculations ($ in thousands, except for per share data):

64

For the Years Ended December 31,

Income (loss) from continuing operations
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
Income from sales of real estate
Preferred dividends
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common 

2014
$ (74,178)

704  
  89,943  
 (51,320)

2013
$ (220,768)
(718)
  86,658  
  (49,020)

2012
$ (314,678)
1,500
  63,472
  (42,320)

shareholders, HPU holders and Participating Security Holders

$ (34,851)

$ (183,848)

$ (292,026)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Years Ended December 31,

Earnings allocable to common shares:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

2014

2013

2012

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to 

common shareholders

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders

$ (33,722)
–
–
$ (33,722)

$ (177,907)

623  
  21,515  

$ (155,769)

$ (282,452)
  (16,908)
  26,363
$ (272,997)

Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per common share  

  85,031  

  84,990  

  83,742

Basic and diluted earnings per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to 

common shareholders

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders

$ 

$ 

(0.40)
–
–
(0.40)

$ 

$ 

(2.09)
0.01  
0.25  
(1.83)

$ 

$ 

(3.37)
(0.20)
0.31
(3.26)

For the Years Ended December 31,

Earnings allocable to High Performance Units:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:

2014

2013

2012

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to 

HPU holders

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders

$ (1,129)
–
–
$ (1,129)

$  (5,941)

21  
718  

$  (5,202)

$  (9,574)
(573)
894
$  (9,253)

Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:

Weighted average High Performance Units outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share  

15  

15  

15

Basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to 

HPU holders

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Gain from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders

$ (75.27)
–
–
$ (75.27)

$ (396.07)

1.40  
  47.87  

$ (346.80)

$ (638.27)
  (38.20)
  59.60
$ (616.87)

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the following shares were not included in the diluted EPS calculation because 

they were anti- dilutive (in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,

Joint venture shares
3.00% convertible senior unsecured notes
Series J convertible perpetual preferred stock
1.50% convertible senior unsecured notes

Explanatory Note:

2014 (1)
298
16,992
15,635
11,567

2013 (1)
298
16,992
15,635
11,567

2012 (1)
298
–
–
–

(1)  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the effect of the Company’s unvested Units,  performance-based Units and CSEs were anti- dilutive.

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 14 – Fair Values

Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell 
an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between 
market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value 
hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to be used in valuation techniques to 
measure fair value:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are 
accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets 
or liabilities;

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs 
which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the 
full term of the asset or liability; and

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that 
are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., 
supported by little or no market activity).

Certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities are recorded at 
fair value either on a recurring or non- recurring basis. Assets required 
to be  marked-to- market and reported at fair value every reporting period 
are classified as being valued on a recurring basis. Assets not required 
to be recorded at fair value every period may be recorded at fair value if 
a specific provision or other impairment is recorded within the period to 
mark the carrying value of the asset to market as of the reporting date. 
Such assets are classified as being valued on a non- recurring basis.

The following fair value hierarchy table summarizes the Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring and non- 

recurring basis by the above categories ($ in thousands):

Fair Value Using

Quoted market 
prices in active 
markets  
(Level 1)

Significant other 
observable inputs  
(Level 2)

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs  
(Level 3)

Total

As of December 31, 2014
Recurring basis:

Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
 Available-for-sale securities

Non- recurring basis:

Impaired loans(1)
Impaired real estate(2)

As of December 31, 2013
Recurring basis:

Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
 Available-for-sale securities

Non- recurring basis:

Impaired loans
Impaired real estate

Explanatory Notes:

$  6,361  
478  
  7,906  

  37,169  
  7,102  

$  11,175  
  1,653  
505  

 115,423  
  35,680  

$ 

–  
–
 7,906  

–
–

$ 

–
–
  505  

–
–

$  6,361  
  478  

$ 

–

–
–

  37,169
  7,102

–
–
–

–
–
–

$ 11,175  
  1,653  

$ 

–

–

  5,744  

 115,423
  29,936

66

(1)  The Company recorded a recovery of loan losses on one loan with a fair value of $8.5 million based on the loan’s remaining term of 1.50 years and interest rate of 4.7% using dis-
counted cash flow analysis. The Company also recorded a provision for loan losses on one loan with a fair value of $5.2 million based on an appraisal. In addition, the Company 
recorded a provision for loan losses on one loan, collateralized by a land asset, with a fair value of $23.5 million based upon a foreclosure sale agreement. The land asset was acquired 
by an unconsolidated entity in which the Company is a partner.

(2)  The Company recorded impairment on one real estate asset with a fair value of $7.1 million based on a discount rate of 15.0% using discounted cash flows over a 10 year lease term.

Fair values of financial instruments – The Company’s estimated 
fair values of its loans receivable and other lending investments and 
debt obligations were $1.4 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively, as of 
December 31, 2014 and $1.4 billion and $4.5 billion, respectively, as 
of December 31, 2013. The Company determined that the significant 
inputs used to value its loans receivable and other lending investments 
and debt obligations fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The 
carrying value of other financial instruments including cash and cash 
equivalents, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable and accounts 
payable, approximate the fair values of the instruments. Cash and cash 

equivalents and restricted cash values are considered Level 1 on the fair 
value hierarchy. The fair value of other financial instruments, including 
derivative assets and liabilities, are included in the fair value hierarchy 
table above.

Given the nature of certain assets and liabilities, clearly deter-
minable market based valuation inputs are often not available, therefore, 
these assets and liabilities are valued using internal valuation techniques. 
Subjectivity exists with respect to these internal valuation techniques, 
therefore, the fair values disclosed may not ultimately be realized by the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company if the assets were sold or the liabilities were settled with third 
parties. The methods the Company used to estimate the fair values 
presented in the three tables above are described more fully below for 
each type of asset and liability.

Derivatives – The Company uses interest rate swaps, inter-
est rate caps and foreign exchange contracts to manage its interest 
rate and foreign currency risk. The valuation of these instruments is 
determined using discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash 
flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of 
the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable 
 market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, foreign exchange 
rates, and implied volatilities. The Company incorporates credit valua-
tion adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non- performance 
risk and the respective counterparty’s non- performance risk in the 
fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative 
contracts for the effect of non- performance risk, the Company has con-
sidered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, 
such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees. 
Derivative financial instruments subject to master netting agreements 
are measured on a net basis. The Company has determined that the 
significant inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the 
fair value hierarchy.

Impaired  loans – The Company’s loans identified as being 
impaired are nearly all collateral dependent loans and are evaluated 
for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the underly-
ing collateral, less costs to sell, to the carrying value of each loan. Due 
to the nature of the individual properties collateralizing the Company’s 
loans, the Company generally uses a discounted cash flow methodol-
ogy through internally developed valuation models to estimate the fair 
value of the collateral. This approach requires the Company to make 
judgments in respect to significant unobservable inputs, which may 
include discount rates, capitalization rates and the timing and amounts 
of estimated future cash flows. For income producing properties, cash 
flows generally include property revenues, operating costs and capital 
expenditures that are based on current observable market rates and 
estimates for market rate growth and occupancy levels. For other real 
estate, cash flows may include lot and unit sales that are based on cur-
rent observable market rates and estimates for annual revenue growth, 
operating costs and costs of completion and the remaining inventory 
sell out periods. The Company will also consider market comparables 
if available. In more limited cases, the Company obtains external “as is” 
appraisals for loan collateral, generally when third party participations 
exist, and appraised values may be discounted when real estate markets 
rapidly deteriorate. The Company has determined that significant inputs 
used in its internal valuation models and appraisals fall within Level 3 of 
the fair value hierarchy.

Impaired real estate – If the Company determines a real estate 
asset available and held for sale is impaired, it records an impairment 
charge to adjust the asset to its estimated fair market value less costs to 
sell. Due to the nature of individual real estate properties, the Company 
generally uses a discounted cash flow methodology through internally 
developed valuation models to estimate the fair value of the assets. 
This approach requires the Company to make judgments with respect 
to significant unobservable inputs, which may include discount rates, 

capitalization rates and the timing and amounts of estimated future cash 
flows. For income producing properties, cash flows generally include 
property revenues, operating costs and capital expenditures that are 
based on current observable market rates and estimates for market 
rate growth and occupancy levels. For other real estate, cash flows may 
include lot and unit sales that are based on current observable market 
rates and estimates for annual market rate growth, operating costs and 
costs of completion and the remaining inventory sell out periods. The 
Company will also consider market comparables if available. In more 
limited cases, the Company obtains external “as is” appraisals for real 
estate assets and appraised values may be discounted when real estate 
markets rapidly deteriorate. The Company has determined that signifi-
cant inputs used in its internal valuation models and appraisals fall within 
Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, in certain cases, if the 
Company is under contract to sell an asset, it will mark the asset to the 
contracted sales price less costs to sell. The Company considers this to 
be a Level 2 input under the fair value hierarchy.

Loans receivable and other lending investments – The Company 
estimates the fair value of its performing loans and other lending 
investments using a discounted cash flow methodology. This method 
discounts estimated future cash flows using rates management deter-
mines best reflect current market interest rates that would be offered 
for loans with similar characteristics and credit quality. The Company 
determined that the significant inputs used to value its loans and other 
lending investments fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. For 
certain lending investments, the Company uses market quotes, to the 
extent they are available, that fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy 
or broker quotes that fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Debt obligations, net – For debt obligations traded in second-
ary markets, the Company uses market quotes, to the extent they are 
available, to determine fair value and are considered Level 2 on the fair 
value hierarchy. For debt obligations not traded in secondary markets, 
the Company determines fair value using a discounted cash flow meth-
odology, whereby contractual cash flows are discounted at rates that 
management determines best reflect current market interest rates that 
would be charged for debt with similar characteristics and credit qual-
ity. The Company has determined that the inputs used to value its debt 
obligations under the discounted cash flow methodology fall within Level 
3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Note 15 – Segment Reporting

The Company has determined that it has four reportable seg-
ments based on how management reviews and manages its business. 
These reportable segments include: Real Estate Finance, Net Lease, 
Operating Properties and Land. The Real Estate Finance segment 
includes all of the Company’s activities related to senior and mezzanine 
real estate loans and real estate related securities. The Net Lease seg-
ment includes all of the Company’s activities related to the ownership 
and leasing of corporate facilities. The Operating Properties segment 
includes all of the Company’s activities and operations related to its 
commercial and residential properties. The Land segment includes the 
Company’s activities related to its developable land portfolio.

67

The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment. The Company’s segment information 

is as follows ($ in thousands):

Real Estate 
Finance

Net Lease

Operating 
Properties

Land

Corporate/

Other(1)

Company  
Total

$ 151,934  

$  90,331  

$ 

835  
–

$ 

–
–

Year Ended December 31, 2014:
Operating lease income
Interest income
Other income
Land sales revenue

Total revenue

Earnings (loss) from equity method investments
Income from sales of real estate

Revenue and other earnings

Real estate expense
Land cost of sales
Other expense
Allocated interest expense
Allocated general and administrative(2)
Segment profit (loss)(3)
Other significant non-cash items:

Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Impairment of assets
Depreciation and amortization

Capitalized expenditures
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Operating lease income
Interest income
Other income

Total revenue

Earnings (loss) from equity method investments
Income from sales of real estate
Income (loss) from discontinued operations(4)
Gain from discontinued operations

Revenue and other earnings

Real estate expense
Other expense
Allocated interest expense(5)
Allocated general and administrative(2)
Segment profit (loss)(3)
Other significant non-cash items:

Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Impairment of assets(5)
Loss on transfer of interest to 
unconsolidated subsidiary

Depreciation and amortization(5)

Capitalized expenditures

68

$  243,100
  122,704
  81,033
  15,191
  462,028
  94,905
  89,943
  646,876
 (163,389)
  (12,840)
(5,821)
 (224,483)
  (75,492)
$  164,851

  10,052  

–

  10,052  
  75,010  

–

  85,062  

–
–
  (5,578)
 (25,384)
 (22,588)
$  31,512  

$ 

–
–

  1,148  

–

$ 

(1,714)
  34,634
  73,571
  145,238

$ 

–
–
  3,572
  3,572
  38,606
–
–
–
  42,178
–
  (6,425)
 (32,332)
 (23,783)
$ (20,362)

$  234,567
  108,015
  48,208
  390,790
  41,520
  86,658
2,735
  22,233
  543,936
 (157,441)
(8,050)
 (266,225)
  (72,853)
$  39,367

  3,327  
  15,191  
  19,353  
  14,966  

–

  34,319  
 (26,918)
 (12,840)
–
 (29,432)
 (13,170)
$ (48,041)

–

$ 
  22,814  
  1,440  
  80,119  

902  
–

  1,474  
  2,376  
  (5,331)
  4,055  

–
–

  1,100  
 (33,832)
–
 (30,368)
 (12,365)
$ (75,465)

–

–

  4,437  

  42,000  

–

–

 156,371  
  3,260  
  6,206  
 165,837  
 (22,967)
–
–
 (72,089)
 (16,736)
$  54,045  

  132,331  
1,669  
  83,737  
  217,737  
 (113,504)
–
–
  (39,535)
(9,684)
$  55,014  

$  (1,714)
–
–
–

–

$ 
  3,689  
  38,841  
  3,933  

$ 

–
8,131  
  32,142  
  61,186  

$ 147,313  

$  86,352  

$ 

–
250  
 147,563  
  2,699  

–

  1,484  
  3,395  
 155,141  
  (22,565)
–
  (80,034)
  (14,330)
$  38,212  

–

  38,164  
  124,516  
5,546  
  82,603  
1,251  
  18,838  
  232,754  
 (101,044)
–
(49,114)
(9,189)
$  73,407  

–

$ 
 122,704  
  21,217  

–

 143,921  

–
–

 143,921  

–
–
(243)
 (58,043)
 (13,314)
$  72,321  

–

$ 
 108,015  
  4,748  
 112,763  

–
–
–
–

 112,763  

–
(1,625)
  (74,377)
  (13,186)
$  23,575  

$  5,489  

–

–
–
–

–

$ 
  1,176  

$ 
  12,449  

–

$ 

–
728  

$ 

–
–

$ 

5,489
  14,353

–

–

  38,582  
  34,076  

  30,599  
  41,131  

  7,373  
  1,105  
  36,346  

–
  1,244
–

7,373
  71,530
  111,553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue and other earnings

  142,023  

Year Ended December 31, 2012
Operating lease income
Interest income
Other income

Total revenue

Earnings (loss) from equity method investments
Income from sales of real estate
Income (loss) from discontinued operations(4)
Gain from discontinued operations

Real estate expense
Other expense
Allocated interest expense(5)
Allocated general and administrative(2)
Segment profit (loss)(3)
Other significant non-cash items:

Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Impairment of assets(5)
Depreciation and amortization(5)

Capitalized expenditures
As of December 31, 2014
Real estate

Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale

Total real estate

Loans receivable and other lending investments, net
Other investments

Total portfolio assets

Cash and other assets

Total assets

As of December 31, 2013
Real estate

Real estate, net
Real estate available and held for sale

Total real estate

Loans receivable and other lending investments, net
Other investments

Total portfolio assets

Cash and other assets

Total assets

Explanatory Notes:

Real Estate 
Finance

Net Lease

Operating 
Properties

Corporate/

Other(1)

Company  
Total

  $ 

–

  $  149,058  

  133,410  
8,613
  142,023  

–
–
–
–

–
(4,775)
  (111,898)
(14,263)
11,087

  $ 

  $ 

–
–

  149,058  
2,632
–
7,289
27,257  
  186,236  
(23,886)
–
(92,579)
(10,618)
59,153

$  65,706   $ 
–

  32,615  
  98,321  
  25,142  
  63,472  
886  
–

  187,821  
 (100,258)
–
  (69,259)
(7,572)

$  10,732   $ 

Land

1,527
–
2,635
4,162
(6,138)
–
–
–
(1,976)
(27,314)
–
(44,125)
(7,405)
(80,820)

$ 

–
–
  3,975
  3,975
  81,373
–
–
–
  85,348
–
  (12,491)
  (38,300)
  (25,705)

  $  216,291
  133,410
47,838
  397,539
  103,009
63,472
8,175
27,257
  599,452
  (151,458)
(17,266)
  (356,161)
(65,563)
9,004

$  8,852   $ 

  $ 

  $ 

81,740
–
–
–

–
6,670
39,250  
10,994  

  $ 

–

$ 
  28,501  
  28,450  
  51,579  

  $ 

–
205
1,276
20,497  

$ 

–
978
  1,810
–

81,740
36,354
70,786
83,070

–
–
–

 1,188,160  
4,521  
 1,192,681  

 628,271  
 162,782  
 791,053  

  860,283  
  118,679  
  978,962  

 1,377,843  

–

–

–

  125,360  
  $ 1,377,843   $ 1,318,041  

–

  13,220  

  106,155  
$ 804,273   $ 1,085,117  

–
–
–
–

 2,676,714
  285,982
 2,962,696
 1,377,843
  354,119
 4,694,658
  768,475
  $ 5,463,133

 109,384  
$ 109,384  

–
–
–

  1,358,248  

–

  1,358,248  

  638,088  
  228,328  
  866,416  

  799,845  
  132,189  
  932,034  

  1,370,109  

–

–

–

16,408  
  $  1,370,109   $  1,374,656  

–

  16,032  

29,765  
$  882,448   $  961,799  

–
–
–
–
 145,004
$ 145,004  

  2,796,181
  360,517
  3,156,698
  1,370,109
  207,209
  4,734,016
  907,995
  $  5,642,011

(1)  Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to consolidated Company totals. This caption 

also includes the Company’s joint venture investments and strategic investments that are not included in the other reportable segments above.

(2)  General and administrative excludes stock-based compensation expense of $13.3 million, $19.3 million and $15.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(3)  The following is a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to net income (loss) ($ in thousands):

For the Years Ended December 31,

Segment profit (loss)
Less: (Provision for) recovery of loan losses
Less: Impairment of assets(4)
Less: Loss on transfer of interest to unconsolidated subsidiary
Less: Stock-based compensation expense
Less: Depreciation and amortization(4)
Less: Income tax (expense) benefit(4)
Less: Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
Net income (loss)

2014
$ 164,851  
  1,714  
 (34,634)
–
 (13,314)
 (73,571)
  (3,912)
 (25,369)
$  15,765  

2013
$  39,367  
(5,489)
  (14,353)
(7,373)
  (19,261)
  (71,530)

596  

  (33,190)
$ (111,233)

$ 

2012
9,004
  (81,740)
  (36,354)
–
  (15,293)
  (70,786)
(8,445)
  (37,816)
$ (241,430)

69

(4)  For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, excludes certain amounts reclassified to discontinued operations on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(5)  For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, includes related amounts reclassified to discontinued operations on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 16 – Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following table sets forth the selected quarterly financial data for the Company ($ in thousands, except per share amounts).

For the Quarters Ended

2014:
Revenue
Net income (loss)
Earnings per common share data:

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.

Basic(1)
Diluted(1)

Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average number of common shares

Basic
Diluted
Earnings per HPU share data:

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.

Basic
Diluted

Earnings per share

December 31,

September 30,

June 30,

March 31,

$ 109,950  
$  (1,955)

$ 113,486  
$  35,491  

$ 129,843  
$  (3,594)

$ 108,749
$ (14,177)

$ (13,270)
$ (13,270)

$  22,327  
$  27,608  

$ (16,207)
$ (16,207)

$ (26,572)
$ (26,572)

$ 
$ 

(0.16)
(0.16)

$ 
$ 

0.26  
0.21  

$ 
$ 

(0.19)
(0.19)

$ 
$ 

(0.31)
(0.31)

  85,188  
  85,188  

  85,163  
 130,160  

  84,916  
  84,916  

  84,819
  84,819

$ 
$ 

(442)
(442)

$ 
$ 

744  
602  

$ 
$ 

(542)
(542)

$ 
$ 

(889)
(889)

Basic
Diluted
Weighted average number of HPU shares – basic and diluted

$  (29.47)
$  (29.47)

15  

$  49.60  
$  40.13  
15  

$  (36.13)
$  (36.13)

15  

$  (59.27)
$  (59.27)
15

2013:
Revenue
Net income (loss)
Earnings per common share data:

$ 101,073  
$  (45,992)

$  95,696  
$  (18,590)

$  99,919  
$  (14,398)

$  94,102
$  (32,253)

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Weighted average number of common shares – basic and diluted

$  (57,934)
(0.68)
$ 
  84,617  

$  (30,571)
(0.36)
$ 
  85,392  

$  (26,001)
(0.31)
$ 
  85,125  

$  (41,263)
(0.49)
$ 
  84,824

Earnings per HPU share data:

Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.
Basic and diluted earnings per share
Weighted average number of HPU shares – basic and diluted

$ 
(1,939)
$  (129.26)
15

$ 
$ 

(1,016)
(67.73)
15

$ 
$ 

(866)
(57.74)
15

$ 
$ 

(1,381)
(92.07)
15

Explanatory Note:

(1)  For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, includes net income attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to Participating Security Holders of $2 and $2 on a basic and dilutive 

basis, respectively.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Graph

Dividends

The following graph compares the total cumulative share-
holder returns on our Common Stock from December 31, 2009 to 
December 31, 2014 to that of: (1) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index 
(the “S&P 500”); and (2) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Financials Index (the 
“S&P 500 Financials”).

$305.47

$206.64

$115.06

$117.48

$100.0

$112.13

$93.00

$318.36

$136.26

$119.73

$557.42

$533.20

$180.37

$162.34

$205.05

$186.98

12/31/09

12/31/10

12/31/11

12/31/12

12/31/13

12/31/14

iStar Financial

S&P 500

S&P 500 Financials

Source: Bloomberg

COMMON STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDENDS (UNAUDITED)

The Company’s Common Stock trades on the New York Stock 
Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “STAR.” The high and low sales 
prices per share of Common Stock are set forth below for the peri-
ods indicated.

Quarter Ended

December 31
September 30
June 30
March 31

2014

High
$ 14.60  
$ 15.27  
$ 15.19  
$ 15.91  

Low
$ 12.30  
$ 13.26  
$ 13.94  
$ 13.79  

2013

High
$ 14.65  
$ 12.25  
$ 12.55  
$ 11.00  

Low
$ 11.57
$ 10.20
$  9.99
$  8.26

On February 20, 2015, the closing sale price of the Common 
Stock as reported by the NYSE was $13.50 The Company had 2,094 
holders of record of Common Stock as of February 20, 2015.

At December 31, 2014, the Company had six series of pre-
ferred stock outstanding: 8.000% Series D Preferred Stock, 7.875% 
Series E Preferred Stock, 7.8% Series F Preferred Stock, 7.65% Series G 
Preferred Stock, 7.50% Series I Preferred Stock and 4.50% Series J 
Preferred Stock. Each of the Series D, E, F, G and I preferred stock 
is listed on the NYSE. The Series J Preferred Stock is not listed on 
an exchange.

The Board of Directors has not established any minimum 
distribution level. In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, the 
Company intends to pay dividends to its shareholders that, on an annual 
basis, will represent at least 90% of its taxable income (which may not 
necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP), 
determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and 
excluding any net capital gains. The Company has recorded net oper-
ating losses and may record net operating losses in the future, which 
may reduce its taxable income in future periods and lower or eliminate 
entirely the Company’s obligation to pay dividends for such periods in 
order to maintain its REIT qualification.

S&P 500

Holders of Common Stock, vested High Performance Units 
and certain unvested restricted stock units and common share equiva-
lents will be entitled to receive distributions if, as and when the Board 
of Directors authorizes and declares distributions. However, rights to 
S&P 500 Financials
distributions may be subordinated to the rights of holders of preferred 
stock, when preferred stock is issued and outstanding. In addition, 
the Company’s Secured Credit Facilities (see Note 8 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements) permit the Company to distrib-
ute 100% of its REIT taxable income on an annual basis for so long as 
the Company maintains its qualification as a REIT. The Secured Credit 
Facilities generally restrict the Company from paying any common divi-
dends if it ceases to qualify as a REIT. In any liquidation, dissolution or 
winding up of the Company, each outstanding share of Common Stock 
and HPU share equivalent will entitle its holder to a proportionate share 
of the assets that remain after the Company pays its liabilities and any 
preferential distributions owed to preferred shareholders.

SFI

The Company did not declare or pay dividends on its Common 
Stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company 
declared and paid dividends of $8.0 million, $11.0 million, $7.8 million, 
$6.1 million, and $9.4 million on its Series D, E, F, G, and I preferred stock, 
respectively, during each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 
2013. During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company 
also declared and paid dividends of $9.0 million and $6.7 million, respec-
tively, on its Series J preferred stock, which was issued in March 2013. 
All of the dividends qualified as return of capital for tax reporting pur-
poses. There are no dividend arrearages on any of the preferred shares 
currently outstanding.

Distributions to shareholders will generally be taxable as 
ordinary income, although all or a portion of such distributions may 
be designated by the Company as capital gain or may constitute a tax-
free return of capital. The Company annually furnishes to each of its 
shareholders a statement setting forth the distributions paid during the 
preceding year and their characterization as ordinary income, capital 
gain or return of capital.

71

No assurance can be given as to the amounts or timing of 
future distributions, as such distributions are subject to the Company’s 
taxable income after giving effect to its net operating loss carryforwards, 
financial condition, capital requirements, debt covenants, any change 
in the Company’s intention to maintain its REIT qualification and such 
other factors as the Company’s Board of Directors deems relevant. The 
Company may elect to satisfy some of its REIT distribution requirements, 
if any, through qualifying stock dividends.

 
 
 
 
Directors And Officers

Directors

Jay Sugarman  
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, 
iStar Financial Inc.

Dale Anne Reiss (1) (3) 
Senior Consultant,  
Global Real Estate Center 
Global & Americas Director of Real 
Estate, Ernst & Young, LLP (Retired)

Robert W. Holman, Jr. (1) (2) (4) 
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, 
National Warehouse  
Investment Company

Barry W. Ridings (1) (2) (3) 
Vice Chairman of  
US Investment Banking 
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC

Robin Josephs (2) (4) 
Lead Director, iStar Financial Inc.

John G. McDonald (2) (3) (4) 
Stanford Investors Professor,  
Stanford University Graduate School 
of Business

(1)  Audit Committee
(2)  Compensation Committee
(3)  Investment Committee
(4)  Nominating & Governance Committee

Executive Officers

Executive Vice Presidents

Jay Sugarman 
Chairman &  
Chief Executive Officer

Nina B. Matis 
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Investment Officer &  
Chief Legal Officer

David M. DiStaso 
Chief Financial Officer

Chase S. Curtis, Jr. 
Credit

Karl Frey 
Land & Development

Barclay G. Jones III 
Investments

Michelle M. MacKay 
Investments / Head of  
Capital Markets

Steven Magee 
Land & Development

Barbara Rubin 
iStar Asset Services, Inc.

Vernon B. Schwartz 
Investments

72

At  iStar,  we  seek  the  white  space 
beyond  commodity  capital.  After 
20  years  in  the  business,  we’ve 
had  success,  learned  from  our 
challenges  and  remain  resilient, 
opportunistic and true to our word.

Corporate Information

Headquarters

1114 Avenue of the Americas 
New York, NY 10036 
Tel: 212.930.9400 
Fax: 212.930.9494

Regional Offices

3480 Preston Ridge Road 
Suite 575 
Alpharetta, GA 30005 
Tel: 678.297.0100 
Fax: 678.297.0101

525 West Monroe Street 
Suite 1900 
Chicago, IL 60661 
Tel: 312.577.8549 
Fax: 312.612.4162

One Galleria Tower 
13727 Noel Road 
Suite 150 
Dallas, TX 75240 
Tel: 972.506.3131 
Fax: 972.646.6398

180 Glastonbury Boulevard 
Suite 201 
Glastonbury, CT 06033 
Tel: 860.815.5900 
Fax: 860.815.5901

1777 Ala Moana Boulevard 
Suite 142-33 
Honolulu, HI 96815 
Tel: 212.405.4537 
Fax: 808.944.6322

10960 Wilshire Boulevard  
Suite 1260 
Los Angeles, CA 90024 
Tel: 310.315.7019  
Fax: 310.315.7017 

4350 Von Karman Avenue 
Suite 225  
Newport Beach, CA 92660  
Tel: 949.567.2400  
Fax: 949.567.2411

One Sansome Street 
30th Floor 
San Francisco, CA 94104 
Tel: 415.391.4300  
Fax: 415.391.6259

Employees

Investor Information Services

As of January 31, 2015,  
the Company had 182 employees.

Independent Auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
New York, NY

Registrar & Transfer Agent

Computershare Trust  
Company, NA 
PO Box 43078 
Providence, RI 02940-3078 
Tel: 800.756.8200

www.computershare.com

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

May 20, 2015, 9:00 a.m. ET 
Sofitel Hotel of New York City 
45 West 44th Street 
New York, NY 10036

iStar Financial is a listed company 
on the New York Stock Exchange and is  
traded under the ticker “STAR.” The  
Company has filed all required Annual  
Chief Executive Officer Certifications  
with the NYSE. In addition, the Company 
has filed with the SEC the certifications  
of the Chief Executive Officer and  
Chief Financial Officer required under  
Section 302 and Section 906 of the  
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as exhibits  
to our most recently filed Annual Report  
on Form 10-K. For help with questions  
about the Company, or to receive  
additional corporate information,  
please contact:

Investor Relations

Jason Fooks 
Vice President  
Investor Relations & Marketing 
1114 Avenue of the Americas 
New York, NY 10036 
Tel: 212.930.9484

Email:  
investors@istarfinancial.com

iStar Financial Website: 
www.istarfinancial.com

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iStar 
Financial  

Annual Report 
2014

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