hmg10k.htm
U. S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

[X] Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended   December 31, 2008

[ ] Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number: 1-7865

HMG/COURTLAND PROPERTIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant in its Charter)

Delaware
59-1914299
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
   

 
1870 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida
33133
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Issuer's telephone number, including area code: (305) 854-6803

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

   
Name of each exchange
 
Title of class
on which registered:
 
Common Stock - Par value $1.00 per share
NYSE Amex

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act
Yes   [  ]    No   [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes   [  ]    No   [X]

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

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




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check One):

Large accelerated filer________       Accelerated filer__________

Non-accelerated filer ______        Smaller reporting company___X__

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the exchange Act).   Yes [ ]     No [ X]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant (excludes shares of voting stock held by directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of the Registrant’s voting stock; however, this does not constitute an admission that any such holder is an "affiliate" for any purpose) based on the closing price of the stock as traded on the American Stock Exchange on March 20, 2009 was $987,302. The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, $1 par value as of the latest practicable date: 1,022,583 shares of common stock, $1 par value, as of March 20, 2009.
 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
PAGE
PART I
 
   
Item 1.
Description of Business
Item 2.
Description of Property
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
     
PART II
 
   
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
     
PART III
 
   
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
PART IV
 
   
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
     




Part I.

Cautionary Statement.  This Annual Report contains certain statements relating to future results of the Company that are considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in political and economic conditions; interest rate fluctuation; competitive pricing pressures within the Company's market; equity and fixed income market fluctuation; technological change; changes in law; changes in fiscal, monetary, regulatory and tax policies; monetary fluctuations as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed elsewhere in this Annual Report or from time-to-time in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Item 1. Description of Business.
HMG/Courtland Properties, Inc. and subsidiaries (“HMG”, or the “Company”), is a Delaware corporation organized in 1972.  The Company’s business is the ownership and management of income-producing commercial properties and will consider other investments if they offer growth or profit potential.
 
HMG (excluding its 95% owned subsidiary Courtland Investments, Inc. (“CII”), which files a separate tax return) qualifies for taxation as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. In order for a company to qualify as a REIT, it must comply with certain rules specified in the Internal Revenue Code. These include: investing at least 75 percent of total assets in real estate; deriving at least 75 percent of gross income as rents from real property or interest from mortgages on real property; and distributing annually at least 90 percent of taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends.
 
The Company’s commercial properties are located in the Coconut Grove section of Miami, Florida and consist of a luxury resort on a private island known as “Grove Isle” with a 50-room hotel, restaurant/banquet facilities, spa, tennis courts and marina with 85 dockage slips and a 50% leasehold interest in “Monty’s”, a facility consisting of a 16,000 square foot indoor/outdoor seafood restaurant adjacent to a marina with 132 dockage slips and a 40,000 square foot office/retail mall building. The Monty’s facility is subject to a ground lease with the City of Miami, Florida which expires in 2035. The Company’s corporate office is also located in Coconut Grove in a 5,000 square foot building.

The Company’s rental and related revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were generated approximately 70% from the Grove Isle property and 30% from the Monty’s property.  Marina and related revenues were generated approximately 70% from the marina at the Monty’s facility, with the other 30% coming from the marina at the Grove Isle facility. The Company’s food and beverage revenue is entirely from the restaurant at the Monty’s facility. Spa revenue is from the Company’s 50% owned spa at Grove Isle. The other 50% of the Spa is owned by the tenant operator of Grove Isle.
 

2

 
The Company also owns two properties held for development, consisting of a 70% interest in a 13,000 square foot commercial building in Montpelier, Vermont, and approximately 50 acres of vacant land held for development in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
 
The Company’s other investments consist primarily of nominal equity interests in various privately-held entities, including limited partnerships whose purpose is to invest venture capital funds in growth-oriented enterprises.  The Company does not have significant influence over any investee and the Company’s investment represents less than 3% of the investee’s ownership.  Some of these investments give rise to exposure resulting from the volatility in capital markets.  The Company mitigates its risks by diversifying its investment portfolio. Information with respect to the amounts and types of other investments including the nature of the declines in value is set forth in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company’s investments in marketable securities include equity and debt securities issued primarily by large capital companies or government agencies with readily determinable fair values in varying industries. This includes real estate investment trusts and mutual funds focusing in commercial real estate activities.  Substantially all of the Company’s marketable securities investments are in companies listed on major national stock markets, however the overall investment portfolio and some of the Company’s investment strategies could be viewed as risky and the market values of the portfolio may be subject to fluctuations. Consistent with the Company's overall investment objectives and activities, management classifies all marketable securities as being held in a trading portfolio.  Accordingly, all unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investments in marketable securities are recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Marketable securities are stated at market value as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date. Information regarding the amounts and types of investments in marketable securities is set forth in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company acquires its real estate and other investments utilizing available cash, trading securities or borrowing funds.

The Company may realize gains and losses in its overall investment portfolio from time to time to take advantage of market conditions and/or manage the portfolio's resources and the Company's tax liability. The Company may utilize margin for its marketable securities purchases through the use of standard margin agreements with national brokerage firms. The use of available leverage is guided by the business judgment of management. The Company may also use options and futures to hedge concentrated stock positions and index futures to hedge against market risk and enhance the performance of the Company's portfolio while reducing the overall portfolio's risk and volatility.

Reference is made to Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions for discussion of the Company’s organizational structure and related party transactions.

3


Investment in affiliate.
The Company’s investment in affiliate consists of a 49% equity interest in T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc. (TGIF).  TGIF is a Texas Corporation with investments primarily consisting of promissory notes receivable from its shareholders including CII and Maurice Wiener, the Chairman of the Company. This investment’s carrying value as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $2.9 and $3.1 million. CII’s note payable to TGIF which is due on demand was approximately $3.7 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. Reference is made to Item 6. Liquidity, Capital Expenditure Requirements and Capital Resources.

Insurance, Environmental Matters and Other.
In the opinion of management, all significant assets of the Company are adequately covered by insurance and the cost and effects of complying with environmental laws do not have a material impact on the Company's operations.

The Company’s subsidiary which operates a restaurant is subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting its business.  In particular, this restaurant is subject to licensing and regulation by the alcoholic beverage control, health, sanitation, safety and fire department agencies of Miami-Dade County, Florida.  To the extent that the Company’s restaurant sells alcoholic beverages it is subject to the State of Florida’s liquor liability statutes or “dram shop laws” which allow a person injured by an “obviously intoxicated person” to bring a civil suit against the business (or social host) who had served intoxicating liquors to an already “obviously intoxicated person”.  Dram shop claims normally involve traffic accidents and the Company would generally not learn of such claims until such claims are filed.  At the present time, there are no dram shop cases pending against the Company.  The Company has in place insurance coverage to protect it from losses, if any. The deductible amount on the restaurant’s general liability policy is $5,000 per claim.

Competition.
The Company competes for suitable opportunities for real estate investments with other real estate investment trusts, foreign investors, pension funds, insurance companies and other investors.  The Company also competes with other real estate investors and borrowers for available sources of financing.

In addition, to the extent the Company leases properties it must compete for tenants with other lessors offering similar facilities.  Tenants are sought by providing modern, well-maintained facilities at competitive rentals.  The Company has attempted to facilitate successful leasing of its properties by investing in facilities that have been developed according to the specifications of tenants and special local needs.

The food and beverage industry is highly competitive and is often affected by changes in taste and entertainment trends among the public, by local, national and economic conditions affecting spending habits, and by population and traffic patterns.  The Company’s Monty’s restaurant is primarily outdoors and subject to climate and seasonal conditions.

4

The Company has the right to certain trademarks and service marks commonly known as “Monty Trainer’s”, “Monty’s Stone Crab”, “Monty’s Conch”, “Monty’s” and “Monty’s Marina”, together with certain other trademarks, trade secrets, unique features, concepts, designs, operating procedures, recipes and materials used in connection with the operation of the restaurant.  The Company regards its trademarks and other proprietary rights as valuable assets which are essential to the related operations.  The Company will vigorously monitor and protect its trademarks against infringement and dilution where legally feasible and appropriate.

Employees.
The Company’s management is provided in accordance with its Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the HMG Advisory Corp. (“the Adviser”), as described below under “Terms of the Agreement”. Reference is also made to Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. There is one employee at an 80%-owned subsidiary of CII which performs services in real estate leasing for which the Company receives commissions.

As of December 31, 2008 the Company’s 50%-owned subsidiary and operator of the Monty’s restaurant, Bayshore Rawbar, LLC (“BSRB”), employed approximately 94 hourly employees and two salaried employees. Reference is made to discussion of restaurant, marina and mall in
Item 2. Description of Property.

The restaurant operation is subject to federal and state laws governing such matters as wages, working conditions, citizenship requirements and overtime.  Some states, including Florida, have set minimum wage requirements higher than the federal level.  Significant  numbers of hourly  personnel at our restaurants  are  paid  at  rates  related  to the  Florida  minimum  wage  and, accordingly,  increases in the minimum wage will  increase  labor costs.  We are also subject to the Americans With Disability Act of 1990 (ADA),  which,  among other  things,  may  require  certain  renovations  to our  restaurants  to meet federally  mandated  requirements.  The cost of any such renovations is not expected to materially affect us.

We are not aware of any statute, ordinance, rule or regulation under present consideration which would significantly limit or restrict our business as now conducted. None of our employees are represented by collective bargaining organizations. We consider our labor relations to be favorable.

Terms of the Advisory Agreement.  Under the terms of the Agreement, the Adviser serves as the Company's investment adviser and, under the supervision of the directors of the Company, administers the day-to-day operations of the Company.  All officers of the Company who are officers of the Adviser are compensated solely by the Adviser for their services.  The Agreement is renewable annually upon the approval of a majority of the directors of the Company who are not affiliated with the Adviser and a majority of the Company's shareholders.  The contract may be terminated at any time on 120 days written notice by the Adviser or upon 60 days written notice by a majority of the unaffiliated directors of the Company or the holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding shares.

5

 
On August 14, 2008, the shareholders approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser for a term commencing January 1, 2009, and expiring December 31, 2009.

The Adviser is majority owned by Mr. Wiener with the remaining shares owned by certain officers, including Mr. Rothstein.  The officers and directors of the Adviser are as follows: Maurice Wiener, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive officer; Larry Rothstein, President, Treasurer, Secretary and Director; and Carlos Camarotti, Vice President - Finance and Assistant Secretary.

Advisory Fees.   For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company and its subsidiaries incurred Adviser fees of approximately $1,076,000 and $989,000, respectively, of which $1,020,000 and $900,000 represented regular compensation for 2008 and 2007, respectively and approximately $56,000 and $89,000 represented incentive compensation for 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Adviser is also the manager for certain of the Company's affiliates and received management fees of approximately $44,000 and $41,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively for such services. Included in fees for 2008 and 2007 was $25,000 of management fees earned relating to management of the Monty’s restaurant operations.

Item 2. Description of Property.

Grove Isle Hotel, Club and Marina (“Grove Isle”) (Coconut Grove, Florida).   The Company has owned Grove Isle since 1993 and leases the property to a qualified luxury resort manager to operate the resort.  The Grove Isle resort includes a 50 room hotel, renowned restaurant and banquet facilities, a first class spa, tennis courts and an 85-boat slip marina.  It is located on 7 acres of a private island in Coconut Grove, Florida, known as "Grove Isle".

In November 2008 the lessee of Grove Isle, Westgroup Grove Isle Associates, Ltd., an affiliate of Noble House Resorts, Inc. (“NHR”) assigned its leasehold interest to Grove Hotel Partners, LLC an affiliate of Grand Heritage Hotel Group, LLC (“GH”). GH operates over a dozen independent hotels and resorts across North America and Mexico. The Company approved the assignment of the lease to GH which assumed all terms of the original lease with NHR.  The lease termination date remains November 30, 2016, if not extended as provided in the lease. Base rent was $1,137,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 and increases to $1,184,000 in 2009 after annual inflation adjustment provided in the lease. The lease also calls for participation rent consisting of a portion of operating surplus, as defined.  Participation rent when and if due is payable at end of each lease year. There has been no participation rent since the inception of the lease.

In conjunction with the aforementioned lease assignment, NHR also assigned its 50% interest in the Grove Isle Spa, LLC (“GS”) to GH which will manage the day to day operations of the spa.  The Grove Isle spa began operations in the first quarter of 2005. The spa operates under the name “Spa Terre at the Grove” and offers a variety of body treatments, salon services, facial care and massage therapies.

6

The Grove Isle property is encumbered by a mortgage note payable with an outstanding balance of approximately $3.8 million and $3.9 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  This loan calls for monthly principal payments of $10,000 with all outstanding principal and interest due at maturity on September 29, 2010.  Interest on outstanding principal is due monthly at an annual rate of 2.5% plus the one-month LIBOR Rate. In December 2004, this loan was modified to include an increase in the loan balance outstanding of $1 million.  This additional borrowed amount (less loan costs) was loaned to GS to partially fund the construction of the Spa Property. In November 2008, in conjunction with the aforementioned lease assignment this note was repaid in full.

As of December 31, 2008, 6 of the 85 yacht slips at the facility are owned by the Company and the other 79 are owned by unrelated individuals or their entities. The Company operates and maintains all aspects of the Grove Isle marina for an annual management fee from the slip owners to cover operational expenses. In addition the Company rents the unsold slips to boat owners on a short term basis.

Restaurant, marina and mall (“Monty’s”) (Coconut Grove, Florida).
In August 2004, the Company, through two 50%-owned entities, Bayshore Landing, LLC (“Landing”) and Bayshore Rawbar, LLC (“BSRB”), (collectively, “Bayshore”) purchased a restaurant, office/retail and marina property located in Coconut Grove (Miami), Florida known as Monty’s.  The other 50% owner of Bayshore is The Christoph Family Trust (the “Trust” or “CFT”). Members of the Trust are experienced real estate and marina operators.
 
The Monty’s property consists of a two story building with approximately 40,000 rentable square feet and approximately 3.7 acres of land and submerged land with a 132-boat slip marina. It includes a 16,000 square foot indoor-outdoor raw bar restaurant known as Monty’s Raw Bar and 24,000 net rentable square footage of office/retail space leased to tenants operating boating and marina related businesses.  Monty’s Raw Bar has operated in the same location since 1969 and is an established culinary landmark in South Florida.  It is a casual restaurant and bar located next to the picturesque Monty’s marina.
 
Total cost of improvements to the Monty’s property since its acquisition in 2004 is approximately $6 million as of December 31, 2008.
 
The Monty’s property is subject to a ground lease with the City of Miami, Florida expiring in 2035. Under the lease, Landing pays percentage rent ranging from 5% to 15% of gross revenues from various components of the property.
 
The Monty’s property is encumbered by a loan mortgage payable to a bank with an outstanding principal balance of $11.8 million as of December 31, 2008. The loan is repayable in equal monthly principal payments necessary to fully amortize the principal amount over the remaining term of the loan maturing in February 2021, plus accrued interest.  In conjunction with this loan Bayshore entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage their exposure to interest rate fluctuation through the entire term of the mortgage.  The effect of the swap agreement is to provide a fixed interest rate of 7.57%.
 
7

Through March 31, 2007 the operations of the Monty’s restaurant were managed by RMI, Inc. (the “RMI”) whose principal and his related entities had managed the restaurant for the last 16 years.  Effective April 1, 2007 the Company, through its 50% owned subsidiary, BSRB took over the operations and hired a restaurant general manager.  Essentially all employees of RMI as of March 31, 2007 were hired by BSRB and there was no disruption in operations. Under an amended management agreement BSRB retained RMI to perform accounting related administrative functions only. For the year ended December 31, 2008 and under the amended management agreement with RMI, BSRB paid RMI $114,000 (or $9,500 per month) for accounting and related service.  The amended management agreement is renewable on an annual basis. In October 2008 the agreement with RMI was renewed and extended through the year ended December 31, 2009 under the same terms of the prior agreement.
 
Land held for development (Vermont and Rhode Island).
The Company owns approximately 50 acres of vacant land held for development located in Hopkinton, Rhode Island.   There are no current plans for development of this land.

The Company also owns a 70% interest in a vacant building located in Montpelier, Vermont which is being held for development.

Executive offices (Coconut Grove, Florida).  The principal executive offices of the Company and the Adviser are located at 1870 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida, 33133, in premises owned by the Company and leased to the Adviser pursuant to a lease agreement dated December 1, 1999 (as renewed in 2004). The lease provides for base rent of $48,000 per year payable in equal monthly installments during the five year term of the lease.  The Adviser, as tenant, pays utilities, certain maintenance and security expenses relating to the leased premises.

The Company regularly evaluates potential real estate acquisitions for future investment or development and would utilize funds currently available or from other resources to implement its strategy.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
None.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
At the Company’s annual meeting, held on August 14, 2008, the shareholders approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser for a term commencing January 1, 2009 and expiring December 31, 2009 (Reference is made to Item 1. Business), and reelected the Company's Board of Directors by the following votes:

8

 
Number of votes
 
For
Against/Withheld
Directors:
   
   Walter G. Arader
965,464
31,599
   Harvey Comita
965,464
31,599
   Lawrence Rothstein
971,864
25,199
   Maurice Wiener
971,864
25,199
   Clinton A. Stuntebeck
971,864
25,199
     
Renewal of Advisory Agreement
633,100
116,708

The number of votes for the renewal and amendment of the Advisory Agreement represents a majority of the votes cast at the meeting.

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
 
9

Part II.

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

The high and low per share closing sales prices of the Company's stock on the NYSE Amex Exchange (ticker symbol: HMG) for each quarter during the past two years were as follows:

 
High
Low
March 31, 2008
$10.00
$8.60
June 30, 2008
$8.80
$7.20
September 30, 2008
$7.59
$4.56
December 31, 2008
$5.20
$2.05
     
March 31, 2007
$13.94
$12.09
June 30, 2007
$13.11
$12.47
September 30, 2007
$13.20
$11.06
December 31, 2007
$12.40
$10.20
     

No dividends were declared or paid during 2008 and 2007. The Company's policy has been to pay dividends as are necessary for it to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code.

As of March 20, 2009, there were 409 holders of record of the Company's common stock.

In 2008 the Company purchased 1,372 shares of its common stock for $4,801 representing the aggregate market value paid for the shares.

The following table illustrates securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plan:
 
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
Equity compensation plan approved by shareholders
102,100
$8.83
16,000
Equity compensation plan not approved by shareholders
--
--
--
Total
102,100
$8.83
16,000

10


Item 6. Selected Financial Data:
Not applicable to the Company.

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.
Securities and Exchange Commission Financial Reporting Release No. 60 requires all companies to include a discussion of critical accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the financial statements.  Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements, included elsewhere on this Annual Report of Form 10-K, includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The Company believes the following critical accounting policies affect the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements:

Marketable Securities.  Consistent with the Company's overall investment objectives and activities, management has classified its entire marketable securities portfolio as trading. As a result, all unrealized gains and losses on the Company's investment portfolio are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Our investments in trading equity and debt marketable securities are carried at fair value and based on quoted market prices or other observable inputs. Marketable securities are subject to fluctuations in value in accordance with market conditions.

Other Investments.  The Company’s other investments consist primarily of nominal equity interests in various privately-held entities, including limited partnerships whose purpose is to invest venture capital funds in growth-oriented enterprises.  The Company does not have significant influence over any investee and the Company’s investment represents less than 3% of the investee’s ownership. None of these investments meet the criteria of accounting under the equity method and are carried at cost less distributions and other than temporary unrealized losses. These investments do not have available quoted market prices, so we must rely on valuations and related reports and information provided to us by those entities. These valuations are by their nature subject to estimates which could change significantly from period to period. The Company regularly reviews the underlying assets in its other investment portfolio for events, including but not limited to bankruptcies, closures and declines in estimated fair value, that may indicate the investment has suffered an other-than-temporary decline in value.  When a decline is deemed other-than-temporary, we permanently reduce the cost basis component of the investments to its estimated fair value, and the loss is recorded as a component of net income from other investments. As such, any recoveries in the value of the investments will not be recognized until the investments are sold.

Our estimates of each of these items historically have been adequate. However, due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is reasonably possible that the actual resolution of any of these items could vary significantly from the estimate and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that the estimates may not materially change in the near term.

11

Real Estate.  Land, buildings and improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost. Tenant improvements, which are included in buildings and improvements, are also stated at cost. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as they are incurred. Renovations and/or replacements, which improve or extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

Depreciation is computed utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and five to ten years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Tenant improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases.

The Company is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of its properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to reflect on an annual basis with respect to those properties. These assessments have a direct impact on the Company's net income. Should the Company lengthen the expected useful life of a particular asset, it would be depreciated over more years, and result in less depreciation expense and higher annual net income.

Assessment by the Company of certain other lease related costs must be made when the Company has a reason to believe that the tenant will not be able to execute under the term of the lease as originally expected.

The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of certain of its properties and long-lived assets in relation to historical results, current business conditions and trends to identify potential situations in which the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable.  If such reviews indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, the Company would estimate the undiscounted sum of the expected future cash flows of such assets or analyze the fair value of the asset, to determine if such sum or fair value is less than the carrying value of such assets to ascertain if a permanent impairment exists.  If a permanent impairment exists, the Company would determine the fair value by using quoted market prices, if available, for such assets, or if quoted market prices are not available, the Company would discount the expected future cash flows of such assets and would adjust the carrying value of the asset to fair value.  Judgments as to impairments and assumptions used in projecting future cash flow are inherently imprecise.

Results of Operations:
For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company reported a net loss of approximately $1,617,000 (or $1.58 per share) and $443,000 (or $.43 per share), respectively.

Revenues:
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared with that of 2007 increased by approximately $589,000 (or 6%).  This increase was primarily due to an increase in real estate rentals and related revenues and increased restaurant revenues, as discussed below.

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Real estate and related revenue:
Real estate rentals and related revenue increased by approximately $138,000 (or 9%) for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared with 2007.  This increase was the result of increased rental income from the Monty’s office/retail space of approximately $106,000 and increased rental revenue from Grove Isle of $32,000 due to inflation adjustments.  As of December 31, 2008 approximately 21,000 square feet of office/retail space is leased and expected to generate approximately $419,000 total rent and related revenue on annualized basis.

Monty’s restaurant operations:
Summarized statement of income of the Monty’s restaurant operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented below (Note: the information below represents 100% of the restaurant operations while the Company’s ownership percentage in these operations is 50%):
 
Summarized statements of income of
Monty’s restaurant
 
Year ended
December 31, 2008
   
Percentage
of sales
   
Year ended
December 31, 2007
   
Percentage of sales
 
Revenues:
                       
Food and Beverage Sales
  $ 6,697,000       100 %   $ 6,344,000       100 %
 
Expenses:
                               
Cost of food and beverage sold
    1,794,000       26.8 %     1,720,000       27.1 %
Labor, entertainment and related costs
    1,557,000       23.2 %     1,451,000       22.9 %
Other food and beverage related costs
    287,000       4.3 %     246,000       3.9 %
Other operating costs
    529,000       7.9 %     555,000       8.7 %
Insurance
    318,000       4.7 %     332,000       5.2 %
Management and accounting fees
    140,000       2.1 %     325,000       5.1 %
Utilities
    255,000       3.8 %     209,000       3.3 %
Rent (as allocated)
    688,000       10.3 %     651,000       10.3 %
Total Expenses
    5,568,000       83.1 %     5,489,000       86.5 %
                                 
Income before loss on disposal of assets,
depreciation and minority interest
  $ 1,129,000       16.9 %   $ 855,000       13.5 %


The Monty’s restaurant is subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales.  January through May sales typically account for over 50% of annual sales.

Sales in 2008 as compared with 2007 increased by approximately 6% primarily due to menu price increases.

Expenses in 2008 were generally consistent with that in 2007.  The decrease in Management and accounting fees was due to the change in April 2007 of the management of the restaurant which resulted in the hiring of in-house general manager. In 2007 management fees paid to the former manager were included in management and accounting fees whereas in 2008 the in-house

 
13

 
manger’s salary is included in labor costs. The former management company was retained to perform accounting and related services only for $114,000 per year.
 
Grove Isle and Monty’s marina operations:
The Grove Isle marina operates for the benefit of the slip owners and maintains all aspects of the marina in exchange for an annual maintenance fee from the slip owners to cover operational expenses. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, 79 of the 85 slips were owned by unrelated individuals or entities, the remaining 6 slips are owned by the Company.  The Company rents the unsold slips to boat owners on a short term basis.

The Monty’s marina consists of 132 boat slips of which approximately 30 slips are leased on a long term basis (more than one year) to tenants of the upland property, and the others are available for rent to the public.

Total marina revenues increased by approximately $40,000 (or 2%) for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared with 2007 primarily as a result of increased member dues at the Grove Isle marina. Marina expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared with 2007 remained consistent with the exception of decreased utilities expense resulting from increased electrical usage reimbursements from tenants at Monty’s marina and decreased repairs and maintenance at the Grove Isle marina.
 
Summarized and combined statements of income from marina operations:
(The Company owns 50% of the Monty’s marina and 95% of the Grove Isle marina)
 
 
Grove Isle Marina
Monty’s Marina
Combined marina operations
Combined marina operations
Summarized statements of income of marina operations
Year ended December 31, 2008
Year ended December 31, 2008
Year ended December 31, 2008
Year ended December 31, 2007
Revenues:
       
Dockage fees and related income
$104,000
$1,235,000
$1,339,000
$1,336,000
Grove Isle marina slip owners dues
420,000
-
420,000
383,000
Total marina revenues
524,000
1,235,000
1,759,000
1,719,000
 
Expenses:
       
Labor and related costs
247,000
-
247,000
232,000
Insurance
59,000
135,000
194,000
201,000
Management fees
40,000
37,000
77,000
73,000
Utilities (net of reimbursements)
25,000
-
25,000
60,000
Bay bottom lease
38,000
198,000
236,000
237,000
Repairs and maintenance
41,000
74,000
115,000
154,000
Other
24,000
50,000
74,000
104,000
Total Expenses
474,000
494,000
968,000
1,061,000
         
Income before interest, depreciation and minority interest
$50,000
$741,000
$791,000
$658,000

14

 
Grove Isle spa operations:
 
Spa revenues increased by $58,000 (or 8%), primarily in increased massage revenue. This was partially the result of continued exposure to guests of the Grove Isle resort which has increased promotions of hotel accommodations offering spa packages.

Spa expenses decreased by $159,000 (or 19%), primarily due to the reversal of approximately $86,000 in certain technical fees which had been charged to the Spa by the former tenant-operator of the Spa since 2005. This was done in conjunction with the aforementioned Grove Isle lease assumption in November 2008.  Employee wages and related costs also decreased by approximately $63,000 in 2008 as compared with 2007 as a result of a reduction in staff.

Below is a summarized income statement for these operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  The Company owns 50% of the Grove Isle Spa with the other 50% owned by an affiliate of the Grand Heritage Hotel Group, the tenant operator of the Grove Isle Resort.
 
 
Grove Isle Spa
Summarized statement of income
For the year
ended
December 31, 2008
For the year
ended
December 31, 2007
Revenues:
   
Services provided
$754,000
$688,000
Membership and other
45,000
53,000
Total spa revenues
799,000
741,000
 
Expenses:
   
Cost of sales (commissions and other)
246,000
188,000
Salaries, wages and related
233,000
296,000
Other operating costs
145,000
259,000
Management and administrative fees
43,000
45,000
Other
-
44,000
Total Expenses
667,000
832,000
     
Income (loss) before interest, depreciation, minority interest and income taxes
$132,000
($91,000)


15

 
Expenses:
Total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to that of 2007 increased by approximately $55,000 (or less than 1%). Food and beverage costs are solely from the Monty’s restaurant operations.  Spa expenses are solely from the Grove Isle spa operations.  Marina expenses are from both the Monty’s and Grove Isle marinas. Summarized income statements and discussion of significant changes in expenses for each of these operations are presented above.

Operating expenses of rental and other properties for the year ended December 31, 2008 were consistent with 2007.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $87,000 (or 7%) primarily increased purchases of fixed assets and improvements at the Monty’s restaurant in 2008 and the write off of unamortized deferred loan costs at Grove Isle Spa.

Interest expense decreased by approximately $262,000 (or 16%) for year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007.  This was due to decreased interest rates and as a result of loan principal reductions of approximately $684,000 during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Adviser’s base fee expense increased by $120,000 (or 13%) for year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007 as a result of the amendment to the Advisory Agreement effective January 1, 2008, as previously reported.

General and administrative expense decreased by approximately $31,000 (or 9%) for year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007.  This was due to decreased corporate general liability insurance of approximately $17,000 and decreased other taxes of approximately $14,000.

Professional fees decreased by approximately $20,000 (or 6%) for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007.  This was primarily due to decreased legal and consulting expenses relating to the Monty’s facility.

Other Income:

Net gain (loss) from investments in marketable securities:
Net gain from investments in marketable securities, including marketable securities distributed by partnerships in which the Company owns minority positions, for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, is as follows:

Description
2008
2007
Net realized (loss) gain from sales of
marketable securities
($53,000)
$249,000
Unrealized net loss in marketable
securities
(1,383,000)
(135,000)
Total net gain (loss) from investments
in marketable securities
($1,436,000)
$114,000
 
 
16

Net realized gain from sales of marketable securities consisted of approximately $435,000 of gains net of $488,000 of losses for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The comparable amounts in fiscal year 2007 were gains of approximately $516,000 net of $267,000 of losses.
 
Consistent with the Company’s overall current investment objectives and activities, the entire marketable securities portfolio is classified as trading (versus available for sale, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles).  Unrealized gains or losses from marketable securities are recorded as other income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Investment gains and losses on marketable securities may fluctuate significantly from period to period in the future and could have a significant impact on the Company's net earnings. However, the amount of investment gains or losses on marketable securities for any given period has no predictive value and variations in amount from period to period have no practical analytical value.

Investments in marketable securities give rise to exposure resulting from the volatility of capital markets.  The Company attempts to mitigate its risk by diversifying its marketable securities portfolio.
 
17

 
Net income from other investments is summarized below:
   
2008
   
2007
 
Partnerships owning stocks and bonds (a)
  $ 392,000     $ 143,000  
Venture capital funds – diversified businesses (b)
    208,000       438,000  
Real estate and related
    (38,000 )     (6,000 )
Venture capital funds – technology & communications
    22,000       (125,000 )
Income from investment in 49% owned affiliate (c)
    40,000       107,000  
Restaurant development & operation (d)
    -       (150,000 )
Other
    4,000       320,000  
Totals
  $ 628,000     $ 727,000  

(a)  
In 2008 and 2007 amounts consist of gains from the full redemption of investments in private capital funds that invested in equities, debt or debt like securities.
(b)  
In 2008 and 2007 amounts consist primarily of gains from distributions of investments in two private limited partnerships which own interests in various diversified businesses, primarily in the manufacturing and production related sectors.
(c)  
This gain represents income from the Company’s 49% owned affiliate, T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc. (“TGIF”). In December 2008 and 2007 TGIF declared and paid a cash dividend of the Company’s portion of which was approximately $224,000 and $140,000, respectively. These dividends were recorded as reduction in the investment carrying value as required under the equity method of accounting for investments.
(d)  
In September 2007, the Company elected to write off $150,000 of its investment in a restaurant development and franchise entity which is being restructured and which, in the Company’s opinion, will result in an other-than-temporary decline in value.  The Company had invested $200,000 in this entity, representing approximately 1% of its equity. This franchise entity was restructured in a reverse merger in which the Company invested an additional $75,000 in December 2007.

Net income or loss from other investments may fluctuate significantly from period to period in the future and could have a significant impact on the Company's net earnings. However, the amount of investment gain or loss from other investments for any given period has no predictive value and variations in amount from period to period have no practical analytical value.

Interest, dividend and other income
Interest, dividend and other income for years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $509,000 and $541,000, respectively. The decrease of approximately $32,000 (or 6%) was primarily due to lower interest rates, repayments of notes receivable and lower dividend income as a result of sales of securities. This decrease was partially offset by increased real estate commissions earned by Courtland Houston, Inc. of approximately $151,000.
 
18


 
Benefit from income taxes:
Benefit from income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $130,000 and $157,000, respectively.

The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities at each year-end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. As a result of timing differences associated with the carrying value of other investments, unrealized gains and losses of marketable securities, depreciable assets and the future benefit of a net operating loss, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company has recorded a net deferred tax asset of $366,000 and $233,000, respectively.  A valuation allowance against deferred tax asset has not been established as management believes it is more likely than not, based on the Company’s previous history and expectation of future taxable income before expiration, that these assets will be realized.

Effect of Inflation.
Inflation affects the costs of operating and maintaining the Company's investments.  In addition, rentals under certain leases are based in part on the lessee's sales and tend to increase with inflation, and certain leases provide for periodic adjustments according to changes in predetermined price indices.

Liquidity, Capital Expenditure Requirements and Capital Resources. The Company's material commitments primarily consist of maturities of debt obligations of approximately $4.4 million in 2009 and contributions committed to other investments of approximately $1.1 million due upon demand.  The funds necessary to meet these obligations are expected from the proceeds from the sales of properties or investments, bank construction loan, refinancing of existing bank loans, distributions from investments and available cash.  Included in the maturing debt obligations for 2009 is a note payable to the Company’s 49% owned affiliate, T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc. (“TGIF”) ( Reference is made to Item 12 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions) of approximately $3.7 million.  This amount is due on demand.  The obligation due to TGIF will be paid with funds available from distributions from its investment in TGIF and from available cash.

A summary of the Company’s contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2008 is as follows:

   
Payments Due by Period
 
Contractual
Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
1 – 3 years
   
4 – 5 years
   
After 5 years
 
Mortgages and
notes payable
  $ 19,298,000     $ 4,388,000     $ 5,077,000     $ 1,598,000     $ 8,235,000  
Other
investments
commitments (a)
    1,121,000       1,121,000       --       --       --  
Total
  $ 20,419,000     $ 5,509,000     $ 5,077,000     $ 1,598,000     $ 8,235,000  
 
19


 
(a)  
The timing of amounts due under commitments for other investments is determined by the managing partners of the individual investments.  These amounts are reflected as due in less than one year although the actual funding may not be required until some time in the future.

Material Changes in Operating, Investing and Financing Cash Flows.
The Company’s cash flows are generated primarily from its real estate net rental and related activities, sales of marketable securities, distributions from other investments and borrowings.

For the year ended December 31, 2008 the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $241,000.  This was primarily from real estate net rental and related activities. The Company believes that there will be sufficient cash flows in the next year to meet its operating requirements.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, the net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $1.8 million.  This included sources of cash consisting of proceeds from the sales and redemptions of marketable securities of $3.8 million, cash distributions from other investments of $1.8 million and collections of mortgages and notes receivable of $612,000.  These sources of cash were partially offset by purchases of marketable securities of $3.2 million, contributions to other investments of $659,000 and improvements of properties of $601,000.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, net cash used in financing activities was approximately $1.2 million.  This consisted of $2.4 million cash deposited and restricted relating to the loan modification obtained from the lender bank of the Monty’s facility, as previously reported, repayments of mortgages and notes payable of $684,000 less contributions from minority partners of $1.8 million.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks.
Not Applicable to the Company.
 
20

 
 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data


 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
22.
     
 
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
23.
     
 
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the
 
 
years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
24.
     
 
Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity
 
 
for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
25.
     
 
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the
 
 
years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
26.
     
 
Notes to consolidated financial statements
  27.

 
21

 
 
Berenfeld Spritzer Shechter & Sheer LLP; Certified Public Accountants and Advisors
401 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1090
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida  33301
Telephone (954) 728-3740 Fax (954) 728-3798

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of HMG/Courtland Properties, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balances sheets of HMG/Courtland Properties, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HMG/Courtland Properties, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Berenfeld Spritzer Shechter & Sheer LLP


Berenfeld Spritzer Shechter & Sheer LLP;
Certified Public Accountants and Advisors
March 20, 2009
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
 
 
22

 
 
HMG/COURTLAND PROPERTIES, INC. AND            
SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS            
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007            
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
ASSETS
           
Investment properties, net of accumulated depreciation:
           
Commercial properties
  $ 7,961,765     $ 7,604,490  
Commercial properties- construction in progress
    -       320,617  
Hotel, club and spa facility
    4,338,826       4,885,328  
Marina properties
    2,566,063       2,793,155  
Land held for development
    27,689       27,689  
Total investment properties, net
    14,894,343       15,631,279  
                 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    3,369,577       2,599,734  
Cash and cash equivalents-restricted
    2,390,430       -  
Investments in marketable securities
    3,295,391       4,818,330  
Other investments
    3,733,101       4,623,801  
Investment in affiliate
    2,947,758       3,132,117  
Loans, notes and other receivables
    621,630       1,218,559  
Notes and advances due from related parties
    587,683       616,968  
Deferred taxes
    366,000       233,000  
Goodwill
    7,728,627       7,728,627  
Other assets
    888,535       727,534  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 40,823,075     $ 41,329,949  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Mortgages and notes payable
  $ 19,297,560     $ 19,981,734  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    1,577,115       1,530,464  
Interest rate swap contract payable
    2,156,000       525,000  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    23,030,675       22,037,198  
                 
Minority interests
    3,989,561       3,052,540  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    -       -  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 2,000,000 shares
               
authorized; none issued
    -       -  
Excess common stock, $1 par value;500,000 shares authorized;
               
none issued
    -       -  
Common stock, $1 par value; 1,500,000 shares authorized and
               
1,317,535 shares issued as of December 31, 2008 & 2007
    1,317,535       1,317,535  
Additional paid-in capital
    26,585,595       26,585,595  
Undistributed gains from sales of properties, net of losses
    41,572,120       41,572,120  
Undistributed losses from operations
    (52,023,776 )     (50,406,705 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (1,078,000 )     (262,500 )
      16,373,474       18,806,045  
Less: Treasury stock, at cost (294,952 and 293,580 shares as of
               
December 31, 2008 & 2007, respectively)
    (2,570,635 )     (2,565,834 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    13,802,839       16,240,211  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 40,823,075     $ 41,329,949  
                 
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
               


23


 
HMG/COURTLAND PROPERTIES, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
           
             
REVENUES
 
2008
   
2007
 
Real estate rentals and related revenue
  $ 1,677,949     $ 1,539,906  
Food & beverage sales
    6,696,816       6,344,133  
Marina revenues
    1,759,386       1,718,933  
Spa revenues
    799,011       740,890  
Total revenues
    10,933,162       10,343,862  
                 
EXPENSES
               
Operating expenses:
               
  Rental and other properties
    773,251       763,839  
  Food and beverage cost of sales
    1,793,807       1,719,911  
  Food and beverage labor and related costs
    1,556,906       1,451,142  
  Food and beverage other operating costs
    2,216,260       2,301,804  
  Marina expenses
    967,696       1,061,494  
  Spa expenses
    667,134       831,765  
  Depreciation and amortization
    1,384,928       1,298,047  
  Adviser's base fee
    1,020,000       900,000  
  General and administrative
    316,020       346,884  
  Professional fees and expenses
    309,458       329,880  
  Directors' fees and expenses
    115,072       99,160  
Total operating expenses
    11,120,532       11,103,926  
                 
Interest expense
    1,332,706       1,594,246  
Minority partners' interests in operating loss of
               
         consolidated entities
    (72,030 )     (371,930 )
Total expenses
    12,381,208       12,326,242  
                 
Loss before other income and income taxes
    (1,448,046 )     (1,982,380 )
                 
Net realized and unrealized (loss) gain from investments in marketable securities
    (1,436,224 )     113,993  
Net income from other investments
    627,936       727,461  
Interest, dividend and other income
    509,263       541,330  
Total other income (loss)
    (299,025 )     1,382,784  
                 
Loss before income taxes
    (1,747,071 )     (599,596 )
                 
Benefit from income taxes
    (130,000 )     (157,000 )
Net loss
  $ (1,617,071 )   $ (442,596 )
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
   Unrealized loss on interest rate swap agreement
  $ (815,500 )   $ (240,000 )
       Total other comprehensive loss
    (815,500 )     (240,000 )
                 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (2,432,571 )   $ (682,596 )
                 
                 
     Basic and diluted Net Loss per Common Share
  $ (1.58 )   $ (0.43 )
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic and diluted
    1,023,919       1,023,955  
                 
                 
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
               
 
24


 
HMG/COURTLAND PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
                         
                                                             
   
Common Stock
   
Additional Paid-In
   
Undistributed Gains from Sales of Properties Net
   
Undistributed Losses from
   
Comprehensive
   
Accumulated Other Compre-hensive
   
Treasury Stock
   
Total Stockholders'
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
of Losses
   
Operations
   
Income (loss)
   
Income (loss)
   
Shares
   
Cost
   
Equity
 
                                                             
Balance as of January 1, 2007
    1,317,535     $ 1,317,535     $ 26,585,595     $ 41,572,120     $ (49,964,109 )         $ (22,500 )     293,580     $ (2,565,834 )   $ 16,922,807  
                                                                               
Net loss
                                    (442,596 )     (442,596 )                             (442,596 )
Other comprehensive income:
                                                         
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap contract
      (240,000 )     (240,000 )                     (240,000 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
                      (682,596 )                                
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
Balance as of December 31, 2007
    1,317,535       1,317,535       26,585,595       41,572,120       (50,406,705 )             (262,500 )     293,580       (2,565,834 )     16,240,211  
                                                                                 
Net loss
                                    (1,617,071 )     (1,617,071 )                             (1,617,071 )
Other comprehensive income:
                                                         
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
contract
      (815,500 )     (815,500 )                     (815,500 )
Comprehensive loss
                                      (2,432,571 )                                
                                                                                 
Purchase of treasury stock
                                              1,372       (4,801 )     (4,801 )
                                                                                 
Balance as of December 31, 2008
    1,317,535     $ 1,317,535     $ 26,585,595     $ 41,572,120     $ (52,023,776 )           $ (1,078,000 )     294,952     $ (2,570,635 )   $ 13,802,839  
                                                                                 
                                                                                 
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
         

 
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HMG/COURTLAND PROPERTIES, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
           
             
   
2008
   
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
  Net loss
  $ (1,617,071 )   $ (442,596 )
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in)
               
     operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    1,384,928       1,298,047  
     Net income from other investments
    (627,936 )     (727,461 )
     Net gain from investments in marketable securities
    1,436,224       (113,993 )
     Minority partners' interest in operating losses
    (72,030 )     (371,930 )
     Deferred income tax benefit
    (133,000 )     (157,000 )
     Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
       Increase in other assets and other receivables
    (122,767 )     (346,350 )
       Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (6,927 )     (150,901 )
    Total adjustments
    1,858,492       (569,588 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    241,421       (1,012,184 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
    Purchases and improvements of properties
    (601,321 )     (766,490 )
    Decrease in notes and advances from related parties
    29,285       36,671  
    Increase in mortgage loans and notes receivables
    (100,000 )     (211,000 )
    Collections of mortgage loans and notes receivables
    612,025       1,209,000  
    Net proceeds from sales and redemptions of securities
    3,762,483       3,571,190  
    Increase in investments in marketable securities
    (3,247,411 )     (2,475,289 )
    Distributions from other investments
    1,759,205       1,398,236  
    Contributions to other investments
    (658,716 )     (1,333,567 )
    Distribution from affiliate
    224,019       140,013  
    Net cash provided by investing activities
    1,779,569       1,568,764  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
    Repayment of mortgages and notes payables
    (684,174 )     (949,567 )
    Deposit to restricted cash
    (2,390,430 )     -  
    Contributions from minority partners
    1,828,258       579,850  
    Purchase of treasury stock
    (4,801 )     -  
    Net cash used in financing activities
    (1,251,147 )     (369,717 )
                 
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    769,843       186,863  
                 
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
    2,599,734       2,412,871  
                 
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
  $ 3,369,577     $ 2,599,734  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
  Cash paid during the year for interest
  $ 1,333,000     $ 1,594,000  
  Cash paid during the year for income taxes
    -       -  
See notes to the consolidated financial statements
               
 
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HMG/COURTLAND PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 and 2007


1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business and Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HMG/Courtland Properties, Inc. (the "Company") and entities in which the Company owns a majority voting interest or controlling financial interest. The Company was organized in 1972 and (excluding its 95% owned subsidiary Courtland Investments, Inc., which files a separate tax return) qualifies for taxation as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company’s business is the ownership and management of income-producing commercial properties and its management considers other investments if such investments offer growth or profit potential.  The Company’s recurring operating revenue comes from food and beverage operations, marina dockage operations, commercial property rental operations and spa operations.

All material transactions and balances with consolidated and unconsolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation or as required under the equity method.

The Company's consolidated subsidiaries are described below:

Courtland Investments, Inc. (“CII”). A 95% owned corporation in which the Company holds a 95% non-voting interest and Masscap Investments Company, Inc. ("Masscap") which holds a 5% voting interest in CII.  The Company and Masscap have had a continuing arrangement with regard to the ongoing operations of CII, which provides the Company with complete authority over all decision making relating to the business, operations and financing of CII consistent with the Company’s status as a real estate investment trust.  Masscap is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transco Realty Trust which is a 46% shareholder of the Company.  CII files a separate tax return and its operations are not part of the REIT tax return.

Courtland Bayshore Rawbar, LLC (“CBSRB”).  This Florida limited liability company is wholly owned by CII.  CBSRB owns a 50% interest in Bayshore Rawbar, LLC (“BSRB”) which operates the Monty’s restaurant.  The other 50% owner of BSRB is The Christoph Family Trust (“CFT”), an unrelated entity.

HMG Bayshore, LLC (“HMGBS”).  This Florida limited liability company owns a 50% interest in the real property and marina operations of Bayshore Landing, LLC (“BSL”).  HMGBS and the CFT formed BSL for the purposes of acquiring and operating the Monty’s property in Coconut Grove, Florida.

Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. (“GIA”). This limited partnership (owned 85% by the Company and 15% by CII) owns and leases the Grove Isle Resort to a tenant-operator. The Grove Isle resort includes a 50 room hotel, renowned restaurant and banquet facilities, a first class spa, tennis courts and an 85-boat slip marina.  It is located on 7 acres of a private island in the Coconut
 
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Grove section of Miami, Florida. The tenant-operator of Grove Isle is Grove Hotel Partners LLC, as discussed below.

In November 2008 the lessee of Grove Isle, Westgroup Grove Isle Associates, Ltd., an affiliate of Noble House Resorts, Inc. (“NHR”) assigned its leasehold interest to Grove Hotel Partners, LLC an affiliate of Grand Heritage Hotel Group, LLC (“GH”). GH operates over a dozen independent hotels and resorts across North America and Mexico.  The Company approved the assignment of the lease to GH which assumed all terms of the original lease with NHR.

CII Spa, LLC (“CIISPA”). This Florida single-member limited liability company was formed in 2004 and is wholly-owned by CII.  CIISPA owns a 50% interest in Grove Spa, LLC (“GS”), as discussed below.

In conjunction with the aforementioned lease assignment, NHR also assigned its 50% interest in the Grove Isle Spa to GH which will manage the day to day operations of the spa.  The Grove Isle spa began operations in the first quarter of 2005. The spa, which operates under the name “Spa Terre at the Grove”, offers a variety of body treatments, salon services, facial care and massage therapies.

Grove Isle Yacht Club Associates (“GIYCA”).  This partnership (wholly-owned by CII) was the developer of the 85 boat slips located at Grove Isle of which the Company owns six as of December 31, 2008. All other slips are privately owned.  Grove Isle Marina, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of GIYCA, operates all aspects of the Grove Isle marina.

260 River Corp (“260”).  This is a wholly-owned corporation which owns a 70% interest in a vacant retail store location in Montpelier, Vermont. Development of this property is expected to begin in 2009.

Courtland Houston, Inc. (“CHI”). This Florida corporation, formed in April 2007, is 80% owned by CII and 20% owned by its sole employee.  CHI was formed with a $140,000 investment by CII and engages in commercial leasing activities in Texas and earns commission revenue.

South Bayshore Associates (“SBA”).  This is a 75% owned joint venture with its sole asset being a receivable from the Company's 46% shareholder, Transco Realty Trust.

Courtland/Key West, Inc. (“CKWI”). This Florida corporation was the former owner of a 10% interest in a limited liability company (Monty’s Key West, LLC) which owned and operated a restaurant in Key West, Florida.  In February 2007 the restaurant was sold.

Preparation of Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
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Income Taxes.  The Company’s 95%-owned subsidiary, CII, files a separate income tax return and its operations are not included in the REIT’s income tax return. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. SFAS No. 109 requires a Company to use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred income taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Deferred taxes only pertain to CII.  The Company (excluding CII) qualifies as a real estate investment trust and distributes its taxable ordinary income to stockholders in conformity with requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and is not required to report deferred items due to its ability to distribute all taxable income. In addition, net operating losses can be carried forward to reduce future taxable income but cannot be carried back. Distributed capital gains on sales of real estate as they relate to REIT activities are not subject to taxes; however, undistributed capital gains are taxed as capital gains.  State income taxes are not significant.
 
 
We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
 
Based on our evaluation, we have concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in our financial statements. Our evaluation was performed for the tax years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the tax years which remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions as of December 31, 2008.

We may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results. In the event we have received an assessment for interest and/or penalties, it has been classified in the financial statements as selling, general and administrative expense.

Depreciation and Amortization.   Depreciation of properties held for investment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the properties, which range up to 39.5 years.  Deferred mortgage and leasing costs are amortized over the shorter of the respective term of the related indebtedness or life of the asset.  Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $1,385,000 and $1,298,000, respectively. The Grove Isle yacht slips were being depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life of 20 years and are fully depreciated as of December 31, 2008.  The Monty’s marina is being depreciated on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of 15 years.
 
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  The carrying value of financial instruments including other receivables, notes and advances due from related parties, accounts payable and accrued expenses and mortgages and notes payable approximate their fair values at December 31, 2008 and 2007, due to their relatively short terms or variable interest rates.

We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The standard provides a consistent definition of fair value which focuses on an exit price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The standard also prioritizes, within the measurement of fair value, the use of market-based information over entity specific information and establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements based on the nature of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date.

The three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements is defined as follows:

·  
Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
·  
Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability other than quoted prices, either directly or indirectly including inputs in markets that are not considered to be active;
·  
 Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement

An investment’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Cash equivalents are classified with Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of transparency.

The valuation of non-public investments requires significant judgment by the Company’s management due to the absence of quoted market values, inherent lack of liquidity and long-term nature of such assets.  Such investments are valued initially based upon transaction price.  Valuations are reviewed periodically utilizing available market data and additional factors to determine if the carrying value of these investments should be adjusted.  In determining valuation adjustments, emphasis is placed on market participants’ assumptions and market-based information over entity-specific information.  Nonpublic investments are included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

Marketable Securities.  The entire marketable securities portfolio is classified as trading consistent with the Company's overall investment objectives and activities. Accordingly, all
 
30

 
unrealized gains and losses on the Company's marketable securities investment portfolio are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Gross gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities are based on the first-in first-out method of determining cost.

Marketable securities from time to time are pledged as collateral pursuant to broker margin requirements.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007 there are no margin balances outstanding.

Notes and other receivables.  Management periodically performs a review of amounts due on its notes and other receivable balances to determine if they are impaired based on factors affecting the collectibility of those balances. Management's estimates of collectibility of these receivables requires management to exercise significant judgment about the timing, frequency and severity of collection losses, if any, and the underlying value of collateral, which may affect recoverability of such receivables.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, there were no receivables that required an allowance.

Equity investments.  Investments in which the Company does not have a majority voting or financial controlling interest but has the ability to exercise influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, even though the Company may have a majority interest in profits and losses. The Company follows EITF Topic D-46 in accounting for its investments in limited partnerships.  This guidance requires the use of the equity method for limited partnership investments of more than 3 to 5 percent.

The Company has no voting or financial controlling interests in its other investments which include entities that invest venture capital funds in growth oriented enterprises.  These other investments are carried at cost less adjustments for other than temporary declines in value.

Comprehensive Income (Loss).  The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in both its consolidated statements of comprehensive income and the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity.  Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in equity from transactions and other events from nonowner sources.  Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 comprehensive loss consisted of unrealized loss from interest rate swap agreement of approximately $815,500 and $240,000, respectively.
 
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(Loss) earnings per common share. Net (loss) income per common share (basic and diluted) is based on the net (loss) income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year.  Diluted net (loss) income per share includes the dilutive effect of options to acquire common stock.  Common shares outstanding include issued shares less shares held in treasury.

Gain on Sales of Properties.  Gain on sales of properties is recognized when the minimum investment requirements have been met by the purchaser and title passes to the purchaser.  There were no sales of property in 2008 and 2007.

Cash and Cash Equivalents.  For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risk.  Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are cash and cash equivalent deposits in excess of federally insured limits, marketable securities, other receivables and notes and mortgages receivable. From time to time the Company may have bank deposits in excess of federally insured limits.  The Company evaluates these excess deposits and transfers amounts to brokerage accounts and other banks to mitigate this exposure. As of December 31, 2008 the Company had approximately $2.4 million in excess of insured limits in one bank. The federally insured limit is presently $250,000.

Interest Rate Swap Contract.
The Company may or may not use interest rate swap contracts to reduce interest rate risk.

Interest rate swap contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges are reported at fair value. The gain or loss on the effective portion of the hedge initially is included as a component of other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings when interest on the related debt is paid.

Inventories.   Inventories consist primarily of food and beverage and are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis.

Intangible Assets.  Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill and deferred loan costs.  Goodwill is carried at historical cost if its estimated fair value is greater than its carrying value.  However, if its estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, goodwill is reduced to its estimated fair value through an impairment charge to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
 
Goodwill relates to the Company’s real estate rentals and food and beverage sales segments and is assessed for impairment annually on December 31st and, more frequently, if a triggering event occurs utilizing a valuation study. In performing this assessment, management relies on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated
 

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future cash flows, and transactions and market place data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. Since judgment is involved in performing goodwill valuation analyses, there is a risk that the carrying value of our goodwill may be overstated or understated. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company was not aware of any items or events that would cause it to adjust the recorded value of goodwill for impairment. Based upon the assessment performed as of December 31, 2008, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount by approximately $1.7 million.
 
Management believes the most significant assumption which would have an effect on the estimated fair value of goodwill is the discount rate. The Company estimates that each one percentage point increase in the discount rate would decrease the fair value of the reporting unit by approximately $800,000.

Deferred loan costs are amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the loan.  This method approximates the effective interest rate method.

 Reclassifications.  Certain amounts in the prior year's consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation.

Minority Interest. Minority interest represents the minority partners' proportionate share of the equity of the Company's majority owned subsidiaries. A summary of minority interest for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
   
2008
   
2007
 
Minority interest balance at beginning of year
  $ 3,052,000     $ 3,127,000  
Minority partners’ interest in operating losses of consolidated subsidiaries
    (72,000 )     (372,000 )
Net contributions from minority partners
    1,828,000       579,000  
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap agreement
    (815,000 )     (240,000 )
Other
    (3,000 )     (42,000 )
 
Minority interest balance at end of year
  $ 3,990,000     $ 3,052,000  


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Revenue Recognition.  The Company is the lessor of various real estate properties.  All of the lease agreements are classified as operating leases and accordingly all rental revenue is recognized as earned based upon total fixed cash flow over the initial term of the lease, using the straight line method.  Percentage rents are based upon tenant sales levels for a specified period and are recognized on the accrual basis, based on the lessee’s monthly sales.  Reimbursed expenses for real estate taxes, common area maintenance, utilities and insurance are recognized in the period in which the expenses are incurred, based upon the provisions of the tenant’s lease.
In addition to base rent, the Company may receive participation rent consisting of a portion of the tenant’s operating surplus, as defined in the lease agreement.  Participation rent is due at end of each lease year and recognized when earned. Revenues earned from restaurant and marina operations are in cash or cash equivalents with an insignificant amount of customer receivables.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of its properties and long-lived assets in relation to historical results, current business conditions and trends to identify potential situations in which the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable.  If such reviews indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, the Company would estimate the undiscounted sum of the expected future cash flows of such assets or analyze the fair value of the asset, to determine if such sum or fair value is less than the carrying value of such assets to ascertain if a permanent impairment exists.  If a permanent impairment exists, the Company would determine the fair value by using quoted market prices, if available, for such assets, or if quoted market prices are not available, the Company would discount the expected future cash flows of such assets and would adjust the carrying value of the asset to fair value.

Share-Based Compensation.
The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123 (revised 2004), ‘Share-Based Payments: (SFAS 123(R)’). The Company has used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options on the dates of grant.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and provides entities with a framework for selecting the principles used in preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The current GAAP hierarchy has been criticized because it is directed to the auditor rather than the entity, it is complex, and it ranks FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts, which are subject to the same level of due process as FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, below industry practices that are widely recognized as generally accepted but that are not subject to due process. The Board believes the GAAP hierarchy should be directed to entities because it is the entity (not its auditors) that is responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. The adoption of FASB 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In May, 2008 the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) APB 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement).” APB 14-1 requires the issuer to separately account for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The guidance will result in companies recognizing higher interest expense in the statement of operations due to amortization of the discount that results from separating the liability and equity components. APB 14-1 will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting APB 14-1 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
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In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”, (FSP 142-3). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of FSP-142-3 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 161"). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirement for FASB Statement No. 133, "Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"). It requires enhanced disclosure about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)), which replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141). SFAS 141(R) retains the underlying concepts of SFAS 141 in that all business combinations are still required to be accounted for at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting but SFAS 141(R) changed the method of applying the acquisition method in a number of significant aspects. Acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred; noncontrolling interests will be valued at fair value at the acquisition date; in-process research and development will be recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset at the acquisition date, until either abandoned or completed, at which point the useful lives will be determined; restructuring costs associated with a business combination will generally be expensed subsequent to the acquisition date; and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense. SFAS 141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008, with the exception of the accounting for valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies. SFAS 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS 109) such that adjustments made to valuation allowances on deferred taxes and acquired tax contingencies associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS 141(R) would also apply the provisions of SFAS 141(R). Early adoption is not permitted. Upon adoption, SFAS 141(R) will not have a significant impact on our Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations; however, any business combination entered into after the adoption may significantly impact our consolidated financial position and results of operations when compared to acquisitions accounted for under existing GAAP.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of
 
35

 
retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on our consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations.

Recently adopted accounting principles
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected should be reported in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value options is determined on an instrument by instrument basis, it should be applied to an entire instrument, and it is irrevocable. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to the fair value option should be reported separately in the balance sheet from those instruments measured using another measurement attribute. SFAS No. 159 was effective for the Company as January 1, 2008. As of December 31, 2008 the Company did not elect such option for its financial instruments and liabilities.


 
36

 
2. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
 
The components of the Company’s investment properties and the related accumulated depreciation information follow:
   
December 31, 2008
 
         
Accumulated
       
   
Cost
   
Depreciation
   
Net
 
Commercial Properties:
                 
Monty’s restaurant and retail mall (Coconut Grove, FL) - Building & Improvements (1)
  $ 6,679,686     $ 688,473     $ 5,991,213  
Monty’s restaurant and retail mall (Coconut Grove, FL) -  furniture, fixtures and equipment (F,F &E) (1)
    1,851,876       750,145       1,101,731  
Corporate Office - (Coconut Grove, FL) – Building
    641,572       198,012       443,560  
Corporate Office – (Coconut Grove, FL) – Land
    325,000       -       325,000  
Other (Montpelier, Vermont) – Buildings
    52,000       52,000       -  
Other (Montpelier, Vermont) - Land and improvements
    100,261       -       100,261  
      9,650,395       1,688,630       7,961,765  
Grove Isle Hotel, club and spa facility (Coconut Grove, FL):
                       
Land
    1,338,518       -       1,338,518  
Hotel and club building and improvements
    6,819,032       5,815,975       1,003,057  
Spa building and improvements
    2,272,944       418,644       1,854,300  
Spa F, F & E
    429,457       286,506       142,951  
      10,859,951       6,521,125       4,338,826  
Marina Properties (Coconut Grove, FL):
                       
Monty’s marina - 132 slips and improvements (1)
    3,465,480       917,104       2,548,376  
Grove Isle marina (6 slips company owned, 79 privately owned)
    333,334       315,647       17,687  
      3,798,814       1,232,751       2,566,063  
Land Held for Development:
                       
Hopkinton, Rhode Island (approximately 50 acres)
    27,689       -       27,689  
      27,689       -       27,689  
                         
Totals
  $ 24,336,849     $ 9,442,506     $ 14,894,343  

(1)  
The Monty’s property is subject to a ground lease with the City of Miami, Florida expiring in 2035.  Lease payments due under the lease consist of percentage rent ranging from 5% to 15% of gross revenues from various components of the property.
 

37

 
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
         
Accumulated
       
   
Cost
   
Depreciation
   
Net
 
Commercial Properties:
                 
Monty’s restaurant and retail mall (Coconut Grove, FL) - Building & Improvements (1)
  $ 5,947,000     $ 468,412     $ 5,478,588  
Monty’s restaurant and retail mall (Coconut Grove, FL) -  furniture, fixtures and equipment (F,F &E) (1)
    1,685,225       443,273       1,241,952  
Corporate Office - (Coconut Grove, FL) – Building
    641,572       182,152       459,420  
Corporate Office – (Coconut Grove, FL) – Land
    325,000       -       325,000  
Other (Montpelier, Vermont) – Buildings
    52,000       52,000       -  
Other (Montpelier, Vermont) - Land and improvements
    99,530       -       99,530  
      8,750,327       1,145,837       7,604,490  
Commercial Properties- Construction in Progress:
                       
Monty’s restaurant and retail mall (Coconut Grove, FL) (1)
    320,617       -       320,617  
      320,617       -       320,617  
Grove Isle Hotel, club and spa facility (Coconut Grove, FL):
                       
Land
    1,338,518       -       1,338,518  
Hotel and club building and improvements
    6,819,032       5,446,810       1,372,222  
Spa building and improvements
    2,261,197       305,153       1,956,044  
Spa F, F & E
    429,457       210,913       218,544  
      10,848,204       5,962,876       4,885,328  
Marina Properties (Coconut Grove, FL):
                       
Monty’s marina - 132 slips and improvements (1)
    3,465,479       685,189       2,780,290  
Grove Isle marina (6 slips company owned, 79 privately owned)
    323,211       310,346       12,865  
      3,788,690       995,535       2,793,155  
Land Held for Development:
                       
Hopkinton, Rhode Island (approximately 50 acres)
    27,689       -       27,689  
      27,689       -       27,689  
                         
Totals
  $ 23,735,527     $ 8,104,248     $ 15,631,279  
 
(1)   The Monty’s property is subject to a ground lease with the City of Miami, Florida expiring in 2035.  Lease payments due under the lease consist of percentage rent ranging from 5% to 15% of gross revenues from various components of the property.
 

38



3. MONTY’S RESTAURANT, MARINA AND OFFICE/RETAIL PROPERTY, COCONUT GROVE, FLORIDA

The Company owns a 50% equity interest in two entities, Bayshore Landing, LLC (“Landing”) and Bayshore Rawbar, LLC (“Rawbar”), (collectively, “Bayshore”) which own and operate a restaurant, office/retail and marina property located in Coconut Grove (Miami), Florida known as Monty’s (“Monty’s”). The other 50% owner of Bayshore is The Christoph Family Trust (“CFT”). Members of CFT are experienced real estate and marina operators.  The Monty’s property is subject to a ground lease with the City of Miami, Florida which expires on May 31, 2035.  Under the lease Bayshore pays percentage rents ranging from 5% to 15% of gross revenues from various components of the project.  Total rent paid for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $838,000 and $826,000, respectively.
 
The Monty’s property consists of a two story building with approximately 40,000 rentable square feet and approximately 3.7 acres of submerged land with a 132-boat slip marina. It includes a 16,000 square foot indoor-outdoor raw bar restaurant and 24,000 square feet of office/retail space of which approximately 21,000 are presently leased to tenants operating boating and marina related businesses.  Total cost of improvements to the Monty’s property since its acquisition in 2004 is approximately $6 million. As of December 31, 2008 there are approximately 3,000 square feet of potential leased retail space to be leased.
 
The excess of capitalized cost assigned to specific assets over the 2004 purchase price of Monty’s is approximately $7,729,000 and was recorded as goodwill.  Since goodwill is an indefinite-lived intangible asset it is reviewed for impairment at each reporting period or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce fair value below carrying amount. Goodwill is carried at historical cost if its estimated fair value is greater than its carrying amounts.  However, if its estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, goodwill is reduced to its estimated fair value through an impairment charge to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  There was no impairment of goodwill at December 31, 2008 and 2007.
 
Since the acquisition in August 2004, improvements totaling approximately $6 million have been made to the Monty’s property, net of disposals.  These improvements primarily consisted of the expansion of the restaurant to provide an indoor area, improvements to the office/retail space which includes approximately 24,000 square feet leased or available for lease as of December 31, 2008 and parking lot and landscaping improvement to the property.
 
The Monty’s property was purchased with proceeds from an acquisition and construction bank loan secured by the property in the amount of $13.3 million plus approximately $3.9 million in cash.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the outstanding balance of the loan was $11.8 million and $12.4 million, respectively. The loan calls for monthly principal payments necessary to fully amortize the principal amount over the remaining life of the loan maturing in February 2021, plus accrued interest. The outstanding principal balance of the bank loan bears interest at a rate of 2.45% per annum in excess of the LIBOR Rate.  However, Bayshore entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the same lender to manage its exposure to interest rate fluctuation
 
 
39

 
through the entire term of the mortgage.  The effect of the swap agreement is to provide a fixed interest rate of 7.57%.
 
Effective April 1, 2007 the Company amended the restaurant management contract with RMI (the former manager) and took over management of the restaurant. The amendment provided for a one-time payment of $100,000 to the former manager for termination of the management services portion of the contract.  RMI continues to perform accounting and certain administrative services and was paid $15,000 per month from April 1 through December 31, 2007.  Effective January 1, 2008 RMI will be paid $9,500 per month for these accounting services.  RMI is also a tenant of Landing and pays monthly base rent of $1,500.
 
Summarized combined statements of income for Landing and Rawbar for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented below (Note: the Company’s ownership percentage in these operations is 50%):
 
Summarized combined statements of income
Bayshore Landing, LLC and
Bayshore Rawbar, LLC
 
For the year
ended
December
31, 2008
   
For the year
ended
December
31, 2007
 
             
Revenues:
           
Food and Beverage Sales
  $ 6,697,000     $ 6,344,000  
Marina dockage and related
    1,235,000       1,244,000  
Retail/mall rental and related
    476,000       371,000  
Total Revenues
    8,408,000       7,959,000  
                 
Expenses:
               
Cost of food and beverage sold
    1,794,000       1,720,000  
Labor and related costs
    1,336,000       1,233,000  
Entertainers
    221,000       218,000  
Other food and beverage related costs
    588,000       568,000  
Other operating costs
    267,000       380,000  
Repairs and maintenance
    435,000       392,000  
Insurance
    626,000       645,000  
Management fees
    267,000       398,000  
Utilities
    308,000       311,000  
Rent
    838,000       826,000  
Interest
    930,000       972,000  
Depreciation
    779,000       698,000  
Total Expenses
    8,389,000       8,361,000  
                 
Net income (loss) before minority interest
  $ 19,000     $ (402,000 )
 
40

 
4.INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Investments in marketable securities consist primarily of large capital corporate equity and debt securities in varying industries or issued by government agencies with readily determinable fair values (see table below).  These securities are stated at market value, as determined by the most recently traded price of each security at the balance sheet date. Consistent with the Company's overall current investment objectives and activities its entire marketable securities portfolio is classified as trading. Accordingly all unrealized gains and losses on this portfolio are recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 net unrealized loss on trading securities were approximately $1,383,000 and $135,000, respectively.

   
December 31, 2008 
   
  December 31, 2007 
 
                                     
   
Cost
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Cost
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
Description
 
Basis
   
Value
   
Gain (loss)
   
Basis
   
Value
   
Gain (loss)
 
                                     
Real Estate
Investment Trusts
  $ 417,000     $ 266,000     $ (151,000 )   $ 403,000     $ 588,000     $ 185,000  
 
Mutual Funds
    804,000        583,000       (221,000 )     1,014,000        1,129,000       115,000  
Other Equity
Securities
    1,768,000       1,269,000       (499,000 )     1,558,000       1,823,000       265,000  
Total Equity
Securities
 
 
    2,989,000       2,118,000       (871,000 )     2,975,000       3,540,000       565,000  
Debt Securities
    1,211,000       1,177,000       (34,000 )     1,365,000       1,278,000       (87,000 )
                                                 
 
Total
  $ 4,200,000     $ 3,295,000     $ (905,000 )   $ 4,340,000     $ 4,818,000     $ 478,000  
                                                 
As of December 31, 2008, debt securities are scheduled to mature as follows:
     
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
               
 
2009 – 2013
    $ 514,000     $ 462,000  
 
2014-2018
      444,000       453,000  
 
2019 – thereafter
      253,000       262,000  
        $ 1,211,000     $ 1,177,000  


41


 
Net gain from investments in marketable securities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 is summarized below:

Description
 
2008
   
2007
 
Net realized (loss) gain from sales
of securities
  $ (53,000 )   $ 249,000  
Unrealized net loss in marketable
securities
    (1,383,000 )     (135,000 )
Total net (loss) gain
  $ (1,436,000 )   $ 114,000  

Net realized gain from sales of marketable securities consisted of approximately $435,000 of gains net of $488,000 of losses for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The comparable amounts in fiscal year 2007 were gains of approximately $516,000 net of $267,000 of losses.
 
Consistent with the Company’s overall current investment objectives and activities the entire marketable securities portfolio is classified as trading (versus available for sale, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles).  Unrealized gains or loss of marketable securities on hand are recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Investment gains and losses on marketable securities may fluctuate significantly from period to period in the future and could have a significant impact on the Company's net earnings. However, the amount of investment gains or losses on marketable securities for any given period has no predictive value and variations in amount from period to period have no practical analytical value.

Investments in marketable securities give rise to exposure resulting from the volatility of capital markets.  The Company attempts to mitigate its risk by diversifying its marketable securities portfolio.
 
42



5. OTHER INVESTMENTS

The Company’s other investments consist primarily of nominal equity interests in various privately-held entities, including limited partnerships whose purpose is to invest venture capital funds in growth-oriented enterprises.  The Company does not have significant influence over any investee and the Company’s investment represents less than 3% of the investee’s ownership.  None of these investments meet the criteria of accounting under the equity method and are carried at cost less distributions and other than temporary unrealized losses.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s portfolio of other investments includes approximately 30 investments with an aggregate carrying value of $3.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively.  The Company has committed to fund an additional $1.1 million as required by agreements with the investees.  The carrying value of these investments is equal to contributions less distributions and loss valuation adjustments.  During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 the Company contributed approximately $659,000 and $1.3 million, respectively, toward these commitments and received distributions from these investments (consisting of cash and stock distributions) of $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

The Company’s other investments are summarized below.

   
Carrying values as of December 31,
 
Investment Focus
 
2008
   
2007
 
Venture capital funds – technology and
communications
  $ 637,000     $ 562,000  
Venture capital funds – diversified
businesses
    1,404,000       1,009,000  
Real estate and related
    1,387,000       1,368,000  
Stock and debt funds
    300,000       1,555,000  
Other
    5,000       130,000  
Totals
  $ 3,733,000     $ 4,624,000  
                 
 
The Company regularly reviews the underlying assets in its investment portfolio for events, including but not limited to bankruptcies, closures and declines in estimated fair value, that may indicate the investment has suffered other-than-temporary decline in value.  When a decline is deemed other-than-temporary, an investment loss is recognized. There were no valuation losses for the year ended December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2007 valuation losses were approximately $514,000.
 
43


 

Net income from other investments (including valuation losses) is as follows:

Net income from other investments is summarized below:
   
2008
   
2007
 
Partnerships owning stocks and bonds (a)
  $ 392,000     $ 143,000  
Venture capital funds – diversified businesses (b)
    208,000       438,000  
Real estate and related
    (38,000 )     (6,000 )
Venture capital funds – technology & communications
    22,000       (125,000 )
Income from investment in 49% owned affiliate (c)
    40,000       107,000  
Restaurant development & operation (d)
    -       (150,000 )
Other
    4,000       320,000  
Totals
  $ 628,000     $ 727,000  

(a)  
In 2008 and 2007 amounts consist of gains from the full redemption of investments in private capital funds that invested in equities, debt or debt like securities.
(b)  
In 2008 and 2007 amounts consist primarily of gains from distributions of investments in two private limited partnerships which own interests in various diversified businesses, primarily in the manufacturing and production related sectors.
(c)  
This gain represents income from the Company’s 49% owned affiliate, T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc. (“TGIF”). In December 2008 and 2007 TGIF declared and paid a cash dividend of the Company’s portion of which was approximately $224,000 and $140,000, respectively. These dividends were recorded as reduction in the investment carrying value as required under the equity method of accounting for investments.
(d)  
In September 2007, the Company elected to write off $150,000 of its investment in a restaurant development and franchise entity which is being restructured and which, in the Company’s opinion, will result in an other-than-temporary decline in value.  The Company had invested $200,000 in this entity, representing approximately 1% of its equity. This franchise entity was restructured in a reverse merger in which the Company invested an additional $75,000 in December 2007.

Net gain or loss from other investments may fluctuate significantly from period to period in the future and could have a significant impact on the Company's net earnings. However, the amount of investment gain or loss from other investments for any given period has no predictive value and variations in amount from period to period have no practical analytical value.


44


 
6.  INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACT

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk through its borrowing activities.  In order to minimize the effect of changes in interest rates, the Company has entered into an interest rate swap contract under which the Company agrees to pay an amount equal to a specified rate of 7.57% times a notional principal approximating the outstanding loan balance, and to receive in return an amount equal to 2.45% plus the one-month LIBOR Rate times the same notional amount.  The Company designated this interest rate swap contract as a cash flow hedge.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the fair value (net of 50% minority interest) of the cash flow hedge was a loss of approximately $1,078,000 and $262,000, respectively, which has been recorded as other comprehensive loss and will be reclassified to interest expense over the life of the swap contract.

7. FAIR VALUE INSTRUMENTS
 
In accordance with SFAS 157, the Company measures cash equivalents, marketable securities, other investments and interest rate swap contract at fair value. Our cash equivalents, marketable securities and interest rate swap contract are classified within Level 1 or Level 2. This is because our cash equivalents, marketable securities and interest rate swap are valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs. Our other investments are classified within Level 3 because they are valued using valuation models which use some inputs that are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity and are significant.
 
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
                         
         
Fair value measurement at reporting date using
 
Description
 
December 31,
2008
   
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Assets
                       
Cash equivalents:
                       
Time deposits
  $ 50,000           $ 50,000        
Money market
mutual funds
    1,556,000       1,556,000              
Cash equivalents –
restricted
                               
Money market
mutual funds
    2,390,000       2,390,000              
Marketable securities:
                               
Corporate debt
securities
    1,177,000             1,177,000        
Marketable
equity
securities
    2,118,000       2,118,000              
                                 
Total assets
  $ 7,291,000     $ 6,064,000     $ 1,227,000     $  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Interest rate swap contract
  $ 2,156,000     $     $ 2,156,000     $  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $ 2,156,000     $     $ 2,156,000     $  
                                 
 
45

 
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:  
                               
Description
December 31,
2008
 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Loss
 
Investment in
various
technology
related
partnerships
  $ 303,000     $     $     $ 303,000     $ 924,000  
 
In prior years from 2001 through 2007 the Company’s investments in four technology and communication related partnerships with an aggregate carrying value of approximately $1,227,000 were written down to fair value of approximately $303,000, resulting in an “other-than-temporary” impairment charge of $924,000, which was included in results of operations in the years in which the impairment was recognized.  For the year ended December 31, 2007 an impairment of $164,000 was recorded. No other than temporary impairments were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we also adopted SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, which allows an entity to choose to measure certain financial instruments and liabilities at fair value on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent fair value measurement for the financial instruments and liabilities an entity chooses to measure will be recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2008, we did not elect such option for our financial instruments and liabilities.

8.   INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE
Investment in affiliate consists of CII’s 49% equity interest in T.G. I.F. Texas, Inc. (T.G.I.F.).  T.G.I.F. is a Texas Corporation which holds promissory notes receivable from its shareholders, including CII and Maurice Wiener, the Chairman of the Company and T.G.I.F.  Reference is made to Notes 8 and 10 for discussion on notes payable by CII to T.G. I.F. and notes payable by Mr. Wiener to T.G.I.F. This investment is recorded under the equity method of accounting.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 income from investment in affiliate amounted to approximately $40,000 and $107,000, respectively and is included in net income from other investments in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  In December 2008 and 2007 T.G.I.F. declared and paid a cash dividend of $.08 and $.05 per share, respectively.  CII received $224,000 and $140,000, respectively in 2008 and 2007 from this dividend and it was recorded as a reduction in the carrying amount of CII investment in T.G.I.F. as required under the equity method of accounting.

 
46


9.  LOANS, NOTES AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

   
As of December 31,
 
Description
 
2008
   
2007
 
Mortgage loan participation
  $ 111,000     $ 111,000  
Promissory note and accrued interest due from individual (a)
    403,000       402,000  
Promissory note and accrued interest due from principal of Grove Isle tenant (b)
    -       500,000  
Other
    107,000       206,000  
Total loans, notes and other receivables
  $ 621,000     $ 1,219,000  

(a)  
In December 2007 the Company loaned $400,000 to a local real estate developer who is well known to the Company and which loan is secured by numerous real estate interests.  The loan calls for interest only payments at an annual rate of 9% with all principal due on June 30, 2009 (as extended). All interest payments due have been received.
(b)  
In 1997, GIA advanced $500,000 to the principal owner of the tenant of the Grove Isle property. All principal and accrued interest was received in January 2008.
 
 
10. NOTES AND ADVANCES DUE FROM AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The Company has an agreement (the "Agreement") with HMG Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser") for its services as investment adviser and administrator of the Company's affairs.  All officers of the Company who are officers of the Adviser are compensated solely by the Adviser for their services.

The Adviser is majority owned by Mr. Wiener, the Company’s Chairman, with the remaining shares owned by certain officers including Mr. Rothstein.  The officers and directors of the Adviser are as follows: Maurice Wiener, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; Larry Rothstein, President, Treasurer, Secretary and Director; and Carlos Camarotti, Vice President - Finance and Assistant Secretary.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Adviser serves as the Company's investment adviser and, under the supervision of the directors of the Company, administers the day-to-day operations of the Company.  All officers of the Company, who are officers of the Adviser are compensated solely by the Adviser for their services.  The Agreement is renewable annually upon the approval of a majority of the directors of the Company who are not affiliated with the Adviser and a majority of the Company's shareholders.  The contract may be terminated at any time on 120 days written notice by the Adviser or upon 60 days written notice by a majority of the
 
47

 
unaffiliated directors of the Company or the holders of a majority of the Company's outstanding shares.

In 2008 the shareholders approved the renewal and amendment of the Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser for a term commencing January 1, 2009, and expiring December 31, 2009.

For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company and its subsidiaries incurred Adviser fees of approximately $1,076,000 and $989,000, respectively, of which $1,020,000 and $900,000, respectively, represented regular compensation and approximately $56,000 and $89,000 represented incentive compensation for 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Adviser is also the manager for certain of the Company's affiliates and received management fees of approximately $44,000 and $41,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively for such services. Included in fees for 2008 and 2007 was $25,000 of management fees earned relating to management of the Monty’s restaurant operations.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had amounts due from the Adviser and subsidiaries of approximately $288,000 and $317,000, respectively. The amount due from the Adviser and subsidiaries bears interest at prime plus 1% and is due on demand.

The Adviser leases its executive offices from CII pursuant to a lease agreement.  This lease agreement is at the going market rate for similar property and calls for base rent of $48,000 per year payable in equal monthly installments.  Additionally, the Adviser is responsible for all utilities, certain maintenance, and security expenses relating to the leased premises.  The lease term is five years, expiring in November 2009.

In August 2004 HMG Advisory Bayshore, Inc. (“HMGABS”) (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) was formed for the purposes of overseeing the Monty’s restaurant operations acquired in August 2004.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 HMGABS earned approximately $25,000, in such management fees.

The Company, via its 75% owned joint venture (SBA), has a note receivable from Transco (a 46% shareholder of the Company) of $300,000.  This note bears interest at the prime rate and is due on demand.

Mr. Wiener is an 18% shareholder and the chairman and director of T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc., a 49% owned affiliate of CII (See Note 6).  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, T.G.I.F. had amounts due from CII in the amount of approximately $3,661,000.  These amounts are due on demand and bear interest at the prime rate.  All interest due has been paid. T.G.I.F. also owns 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock it purchased at market value in 1996.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 T.G.I.F. had amounts due from Mr. Wiener in the amount of approximately $707,000.  These amounts bear interest at the prime rate and principal and interest are due on demand.  All interest due has been paid.
 
48


 
Mr. Wiener received consulting and director’s fees from T.G.I.F totaling $37,000 and $52,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
11. OTHER ASSETS

The Company’s other assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2008 and 2007:


Description
 
2008
   
2007
 
Deferred loan costs, net of accumulated amortization
  $ 170,000     $ 185,000  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    343,000       266,000  
Food/beverage & spa inventory
    80,000       89,000  
Utility deposits
    75,000       76,000  
Deferred leasing costs
    221,000       112,000  
     Total other assets
  $ 889,000     $ 728,000  

 
12. MORTGAGES AND NOTES PAYABLES
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Collateralized by Investment Properties (Note 2)
           
Monty’s restaurant, marina and retail rental space:
Mortgage loan payable with interest 7.57% after taking
into effect interest rate swap; principal and interest
payable in equal monthly payments of approximately
$127,000 per month until maturity on 2/19/21. (a).
  $ 11,818,000     $ 12,382,000  
Grove Isle hotel, private club, yacht slips and spa:
Mortgage loan payable with interest at 2.5% plus the
one-month LIBOR Rate (2.97% as of 12/31/08).   
Monthly payments of principal of $10,000 (plus accrued
interest) with all unpaid principal and interest payable at
maturity on 9/29/10.
    3,819,000       3,939,000  
Other (unsecured) (Note 8):
               
Note payable to affiliate:
Note payable is to affiliate T.G.I.F., interest at prime
 (3.25% at 12/31/08) payable monthly. Principal
outstanding is due on demand.
    3,661,000       3,661,000  
Totals
  $ 19,298,000     $ 19,982,000  
                 
(a)  
The loan is guaranteed by the Company as well as a personal guaranty from the trustee of CFT.  The loan includes certain covenants including debt service coverage. The Company is in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2008.
 
49


 
      See Note 6 for discussion of interest rate swap agreement related to this loan.

A summary of scheduled principal repayments or reductions for all types of notes and mortgages payable is as follows:

Year ending December 31,
 
Amount
 
2009
  $ 4,388,000  
2010
    4,362,000  
2011
    715,000  
2012
    768,000  
2013
    831,000  
2014 and thereafter
    8,234,000  
            Total
  $ 19,298,000  
 
13.  LEASE COMMITMENTS

The Company’s 50% owned subsidiary (Landing), as lessee, leases land and submerged lands on which it operates the Monty’s property under a lease with the City of Miami which expires on May 31, 2035.  Under the lease, the Company pays percentage rents ranging from 5% to 15% of gross revenues from various components of the property’s operations.  Total rent paid to the City of Miami for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $838,000 and $826,000, respectively.

14.  INCOME TAXES

The Company (excluding CII) qualifies as a real estate investment trust and distributes its taxable ordinary income to stockholders in conformity with requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and is not required to report deferred items due to its ability to distribute all taxable income. In addition, net operating losses can be carried forward to reduce future taxable income but cannot be carried back. Distributed capital gains on sales of real estate as they relate to REIT activities are not subject to taxes; however, undistributed capital gains may be subject to corporate tax.

The Company’s 95%-owned subsidiary, CII, files a separate income tax return and its operations are not included in the REIT’s income tax return.
 
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. SFAS No. 109 requires a Company to use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred income taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Deferred taxes only pertain to CII. As a result of timing differences associated with the carrying value of other investments and depreciable assets and the future benefit of a net operating loss, the Company has recorded a net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 of $366,000 and
 
50

 
$233,000, respectively.  A valuation allowance against deferred tax asset has not been established as it is more likely than not, based on the Company’s previous history, that these assets will be realized.
 
As of December 31, 2008 the Company (excluding CII) has an estimated net operating loss carryover of approximately $2.7 million of which $881,000 expires in 2028, $500,000 expires in 2027, $786,000 expires in 2026 and $571,000 in 2025.
 
As of December 31, 2008 CII has estimated net operating loss carryover of approximately $417,000 of which $12,000 expires in 2026, $13,000 expires in 2024 and $392,000 expires in 2022.
 
 
51

 
 
The components of income before income taxes and the effect of adjustments to tax computed at the federal statutory rate for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

                                                                                                                                 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Loss before income taxes
  $ (1,747,000 )   $ (600,000 )
Computed tax at federal statutory rate of 34%
  $ (594,000 )   $ (204,000 )
State taxes at 5.5%
    (96,000 )     (33,000 )
REIT related adjustments – current year
    419,000       83,000  
Unrealized loss from marketable securities for book not tax
    390,000       53,000  
Investment (gains) losses for book in excess of tax
    (161,000 )     203,000  
Recaptured tax loss from investments
    49,000       348,000  
Utilization of net operating loss carry forward
    (14,000 )     (390,000 )
Other items, net
    (123,000 )     (217,000 )
Benefit from income taxes
  $ (130,000 )   $ (157,000 )

The REIT related adjustments – current year represents the difference between estimated taxes on undistributed income and/or capital gains and book taxes computed on the REIT’s income before income taxes.  In 2008 the Company incurred recorded unrealized losses from investments in marketable securities which are not deductible for tax purposes of approximately $990,000.  The estimated tax effect of these book losses in excess of tax losses was $390,000.   Also, in 2008 the Company redeemed certain of its other investments and recorded a book gain in excess of estimated tax gain of approximately $629,000. The estimated tax effect of these book gains in excess of tax gains was approximately $161,000.

The (benefit from) provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income consists of the following:

Year ended December 31,
 
2008
   
2007
 
Current:
           
     Federal
    -       -  
     State
    3,000       -  
      -       -  
Deferred:
               
     Federal
  $ (114,000 )   $ (141,000 )
     State
    (19,000 )     (16,000 )
      (133,000 )     (157,000 )
Total
  $ (130,000 )   $ (157,000 )
 
 
52


As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

   
As of December 31, 2008
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Deferred tax
   
Deferred tax
 
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
Net operating loss carry forward
  $ 146,000           $ 73,000        
Excess of book basis of 49% owned
corporation over tax basis
                           
            717,000               702,000  
Excess of tax basis over book basis of      
investment property
    273,000               260,000          
Unrealized gain/loss on marketable securities
    278,000                       94,000  
Excess of tax basis over book basis of other
investments
    488,000       102,000       758,000       62,000  
Totals
  $ 1,185,000     $ 819,000     $ 1,091,000     $ 858,000  


15.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In November 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the 2000 Stock Option Plan, which was approved by the shareholders in June 2001. The Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to 120,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to the officers and directors of the Company.  Under the 2000 Plan, options are vested immediately upon grant and may be exercised at any time within ten years from the date of grant.  Options are not transferable and expire upon termination of employment, except to a limited extent in the event of retirement,
disability or death of the grantee.  On June 25, 2001, options were granted to all officers and directors to purchase an aggregate of 86,000 common shares at no less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. The average exercise price of the options granted in 2001 was $7.84 per share.  The Company’s stock price on the date of grant was $7.57 per share.

There were no options granted, exercised or forfeited in 2008 and 2007.


53



A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plan as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and changes during the years ending on those dates are presented below:

   
As of December 31, 2008
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
 
                         
Outstanding at beginning of year
    102,100     $ 8.83       102,100     $ 8.83  
Granted
    --       --       --       --  
Exercised
    --       --       --       --  
Forfeited
    --       --       --       --  
                                 
                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    102,100     $ 8.83       102,100     $ 8.83  
                                 
                                 
Options exercisable at year-end
    102,100     $ 8.83       102,100     $ 8.83  
Weighted average fair value of
options granted during the year
    --       --       --       --  


16.  OPERATING LEASES AS LESSOR

Lease of Grove Isle hotel property. In November 2008 the lessee of Grove Isle, Westgroup Grove Isle Associates, Ltd., an affiliate of Noble House Resorts, Inc. (“NHR”) assigned its leasehold interest to Grove Hotel Partners, LLC an affiliate of Grand Heritage Hotel Group, LLC (“GH”). GH operates over a dozen independent hotels and resorts across North America and Mexico. The Company approved the assignment of the lease to GH which assumed all terms of the original lease with NHR.  The lease termination date remains November 30, 2016, if not extended as provided in the lease. Base rent was $1,137,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008 increases to $1,184,000 in 2009 after annual inflation adjustment provided in the lease. The lease also calls for participation rent consisting of a portion of operating surplus, as defined.  Participation rent when and if due is payable at end of each lease year. There has been no participation rent since the inception of the lease.

In conjunction with the aforementioned lease assignment, NHR also assigned its 50% interest in the Grove Isle Spa (“GS”) to GH which will manage the day to day operations of the spa under the same management agreement as the Company previously had with NHR. GS sub-leases the Grove Isle Spa property from GH under a lease agreement which expires on November 30, 2016, with GS having the right to extend the term for two additional consecutive 20 year terms.  Annual base rent of the sublease is $10,000, plus GS pays real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and all other costs relating to operation of the spa. GS began operations in the first quarter of 2005. The spa operates under the name “Spa Terre at the Grove” and offers a variety of body treatments, salon services, facial care and massage therapies.
 
54

 
Lease of Monty’s property.  Bayshore, as landlord, leases various office and dock space under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2035.  Annual minimum lease payments due from leases to non-combined, third party tenants under non-cancelable operating leases are included in the table below.

Minimum lease payments receivable.   The Company leases its commercial and industrial properties under agreements for which substantially all of the leases specify a base rent and a rent based on tenant sales (or other benchmark) exceeding a specified percentage.  There was no percentage rent in 2008 and 2007.

These leases are classified as operating leases and generally require the tenant to pay all costs associated with the property.  Minimum annual rentals on non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 2008, are as follows:


Year ending December 31,
   
Amount
 
2009
    $ 2,032,000  
2010
      2,029,000  
2011
      1,866,000  
2012
      1,825,000  
 2013
      1,840,000  
Subsequent years
      8,253,000  
  Total
 
  $ 17,845,000  
 
55

 
17.  SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has three reportable segments: Real estate rentals; Food and Beverage sales; and other investments and related income.  The Real estate and rentals segment primarily includes the leasing of its Grove Isle property, marina dock rentals at both Monty’s and Grove Isle marinas, and the leasing of office and retail space at its Monty’s property.  The Food and Beverage sales segment consists of the Monty’s restaurant operation.  Lastly, the Other investment and related income segment includes all of the Company’s other investments, marketable securities, loans, receivables and the Grove Isle spa operations which individually do not meet the criteria as a reportable segment.
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Revenues:
           
Real estate rentals
  $ 3,437,335     $ 3,258,839  
Food and beverage sales
    6,696,816       6,344,133  
  Spa revenues
    799,011       740,890  
Total Net Revenues
  $ 10,933,162     $ 10,343,862  
                 
(Loss) income before income taxes and sales of
property:
               
Real estate and marina rentals
  $ 364,518     $ 152,255  
Food and beverage sales
    29,537       (95,453 )
Other investments and related income
    (2,141,126 )     (656,398 )
Total loss before sales of properties and income taxes
  $ (1,747,071 )   $ (599,596 )
                 
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
Identifiable Assets:
 
2008
   
2007
 
Real estate rentals
  $ 17,748,637     $ 15,894,385  
Food and beverage sales
    957,182       1,014,080  
Other investments and related income
    14,388,629       16,776,127  
Total Identifiable Assets
  $ 33,094,448     $ 33,684,592  
                 
 
 
56

 
A summary of changes in the Company’s goodwill
during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
is as follows:
 
                 
Summary of changes in goodwill:
 
01/01/08
   
Acquisitions
   
12/31/08
 
Real estate rentals
  $ 4,776,291       -     $ 4,776,291  
Food & Beverage sales
    2,952,336       -       2,952,336  
Other investments and related income
    -       -       -  
Total goodwill
  $ 7,728,627       -     $ 7,728,627  
                         
   
01/01/07
   
Acquisitions
   
12/31/07
 
Real estate rentals
  $ 4,776,291       -     $ ,776,291  
Food & Beverage sales
    2,952,336       -       2,952,336  
Other investments and related income
    -       -       -  
Total goodwill
  $ 7,728,627       -     $ 7,728,627  


57

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

None.

Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures.
(a)  
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K have concluded that, based on such evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries, which we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act, was made known to them by others within those entities and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
(b)  
There was no change in our internal controls or in other factors that could affect these controls during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
(c)  
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Conrol-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.  This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 9B.   Other Information.
None.


58


 
Part III.

Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Listed below is certain information relating to the executive officers and directors of the Company:
 
 
Name and Office
Age
Principal Occupation and Employment other than With the
Company During the Past Five
Years - Other Directorships
     
Maurice Wiener; Chairman of
the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer
67
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the  Adviser; Executive Trustee, Transco; Director, T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc
     
Larry Rothstein; Director,
President, Treasurer and
Secretary
56
Director, President and Secretary of the Adviser; Trustee and Vice President of Transco; Vice President and Secretary, T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc.
     
Carlos Camarotti; Vice
President-Finance and Assistant
Secretary
48
Vice President - Finance and Assistant Secretary of the Adviser;
     
Walter Arader; Director
90
President, Walter G. Arader and Associates (financial and management consultants).
     
Harvey Comita; Director
79
Business Consultant; Trustee of Transco Realty Trust.
     
Clinton Stuntebeck; Director
70
Attorney/Business and Investment Consultant; Partner Emeritus, Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, LLP, Philadelphia, PA.

All executive officers of the Company were elected to their present positions to serve until their successors are elected and qualified at the 2009 annual organizational meeting of directors immediately following the annual meeting of shareholders.  All directors of the Company were elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until the election and qualification of their successors.  All directors and executive officers have been in their present position for more than five years.

Code of Ethics.
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to directors and officers including principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller and HMG Advisory Corp. and subsidiaries (“HMGA”) and its employees in all instances in which HMGA is acting on behalf of the Company. The Company will provide to any person without charge, upon written request, a copy of the Code of Ethics including any amendments as well as any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or the NYSE Amex Stock Exchange.

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The Company has a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a) (58) (A) of the Securities Exchange act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
 
59

 
Act"). The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Arader and Comita. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Arader and Comita is (1) an " audit committee financial expert," as that term is defined in Item 401(e) of Regulation S-B of the Exchange Act, and (2) independent as defined by the listing standards of the NYSE Amex Stock Exchange and Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Executive officers received no cash compensation from the Company in their capacity as executive officers.  Reference is made to Item 1. Business and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information concerning fees paid to the Adviser.

Compensation of  Directors.  The following table summarizes director’s compensation for the year ended December 31, 2008:
 
Director
 
Annual Fee
   
Board
Meeting Fee
   
Committee
Meeting Fee
   
Total
Compensation
 
Maurice Wiener
  $ 17,000     $ 2,250       -     $ 19,250  
Larry Rothstein
    17,000       2,250       5,250     $ 24,500  
Walter Arader
    12,000       1,500       4,500     $ 18,000  
Harvey Comita
    12,000       2,250       5,250     $ 19,500  
Clinton Stuntebeck
    12,000       2,250       5,250     $ 19,500  
Totals
  $ 70,000     $ 10,500     $ 20,250     $ 100,750  

Annual director's fees are paid at the beginning of each quarter and board and committee meeting fees are paid for each meeting a director attends.  Effective April 1, 2007, the annual fee for outside directors was increased from $8,000 per year to $12,000 per year and all meeting fees were increased from $500 per meeting to $750 per meeting.

Outstanding Equity Awards to Executive Officers.
The following table summarizes all outstanding equity awards to the Company’s executive officers as of December 31, 2008.  These options are all exercisable and there are no unearned options outstanding.

Executive Officer
Number of Options
Exercise Price
Expiration Date
Maurice Wiener
28,500
$8.33 per share
June 25, 2011
Maurice Wiener
12,000
$12.25 per share
June 25, 2011
Larry Rothstein
24,900
$7.57 per share
June 25, 2011
Larry Rothstein
5,000
$12.10 per share
June 25, 2011


Stock Options.  In November 2000, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the 2000 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), which was approved by the shareholders in June 2001. The Plan, which permits the grant of qualified and non-qualified options expires in 2010, and is intended to provide incentives to the directors and employees (the “employees") of the Company, as well as
 
60

 
to enable the Company to obtain and retain the services of such employees.  The Plan is administered by a Stock Option Committee (the "Committee") appointed by the Board of Directors.  The Committee selects those key officers and employees of the Company to whom options for shares of common stock of the Company shall be granted.  The Committee determines the purchase price of shares deliverable upon exercise of an option; such price may not, however, be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date the option is granted. Payment of the purchase price may be made in cash, Company stock, or by delivery of a promissory note, except that the par value of the stock must be paid in cash or Company stock. Shares purchased by delivery of a note must be pledged to the Company.  Shares subject to an option may be purchased by the optionee within ten years from the date of the grant of the option.  However, options automatically terminate if the optionee's employment with the Company terminates other than by reason of death, disability or retirement.  Further, if, within one year following exercise of any option, an optionee terminates his employment other than by reason of death, disability or retirement, the shares acquired upon exercise of such option must be sold to the Company at a price equal to the lesser of the purchase price of the shares or their fair market value.

On June 25, 2001, options were granted to all officers and directors to purchase an aggregate of 86,000 common shares at no less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. The average exercise price of the options granted in 2001 is $7.84 per share.  The Company’s stock price on the date of grant was $7.57 per share.

There were no options granted, exercised or forfeited in 2008 and 2007.


61


Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Set forth below is certain information concerning common stock ownership by directors, executive officers, directors and officers as a group, and holders of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock.
 
                            Shares Held as of March 20, 2009
 
Name (7), (8)
Shares Owned by Named Persons & Members of HisFamily (1)
Additional Shares in Which the named Person Has, or Participates in, the Voting or Investment Power (2)
Total Shares &
Percent of Class
 
Maurice Wiener
51,100
(4)
 
541,830
(3), (5)
592,930
53%
 
Lawrence Rothstein
47,900
(4)
 
541,830
(3)
589,730
52%
 
Walter G. Arader
15,400
(4)
     
15,400
1%
 
Harvey Comita
10,000
(4)
 
477,300
(6)
487,300
43%
 
Clinton Stuntebeck
5,000
(4)
     
5,000
*
 
All Directors and Officers as a Group
156,000
(4)
 
541,830
(3)
697,830
62%
 
Emanuel Metz
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp.
One World Financial Center 200 Liberty Street
New York, NY  10281
 
59,500
       
59,500
5%
 
Transco Realty Trust
1870 S. Bayshore Drive
Coconut Grove, FL  33133
477,300
(5)
     
477,300
42%
 

* less than 1%
___________________________
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership is based on sole voting and investment power.
   
(2) Shares listed in this column represent shares held by entities with which directors or officers are associated. Directors,  officers  and  members  of  their  families  have  no ownership interest in these shares.
 
(3)
This number includes the number of shares held by Transco Realty Trust (477,300 shares), HMG Advisory Corp. (54,530 shares) and T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc. (10,000 shares).  Several of the directors of the Company are directors, trustees, officers or shareholders of certain of those firms.

(4)
This number includes options granted under the 2000 Stock Option Plan.  These options have been granted to Mr. Wiener, 40,500; Mr. Rothstein, 29,900; 5,000 each to Mr. Arader, Mr. Comita and Mr. Stuntebeck; and 16,700 to two officers.  Reference is made to Item 11.  Executive Compensation for further information about the 2000 Stock Option Plan.

(5)
Mr. Wiener holds approximately 34% and 57% of the stock of Transco and HMG Advisory Corp., respectively, and may therefore be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of the Company held by Transco and HMG Advisory Corp.
 
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(6)
This number represents the number of shares held by Transco Realty Trust, of which, Mr. Comita is a Trustee.
   
(7) Except as otherwise set forth, the address for theses individuals is 1870 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133.
   
(8)  No shares of stock of the executive officers and directors have been pledged as collateral.
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.  The following discussion describes the organizational structure of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates.

Transco Realty Trust (“Transco”).
Transco is a 47% shareholder of the Company of which Mr. Wiener is its executive trustee and holds 34% of its stock.

HMG Advisory Corp. (the “Adviser”) and subsidiaries.
The day-to-day operations of the Company are handled by the Adviser, as described above under Item 1. Business "Advisory Agreement."  The Adviser is majority owned by Mr. Wiener, its Chairman and CEO.

In November 2007 Courtland Group, Inc (“CGI”) (the former Adviser) was merged into a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser (HMG Advisory Newco Inc.).  Amounts previously due from CGI are now due from HMG Advisory Newco, Inc. and there is no impact to the Company as a result of this merger.

In August 2004 the HMG Advisory Bayshore, Inc. (“HMGABS”) (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) was formed for the purposes of overseeing the Monty’s restaurant operations acquired in August 2004.  HMGABS will receive a management fee of $25,000 per year from Bayshore Rawbar, LLC.  For each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, HMGABS earned $25,000 in management fees.  HMGABS is owed approximately $108,000 from Bayshore Rawbar, LLC for such fees as of December 31, 2008.

Reference is made to Item 1. Business  and  Item 1. Business and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further information about the remuneration of the Adviser.

Courtland Investments, Inc. (“CII”).
The Company holds a 95% non-voting interest and Masscap Investment Company ("Masscap") holds a 5% voting interest in CII.  In May 1998, the Company and Masscap entered into a written agreement in order to confirm and clarify the terms of their previous continuing arrangement with regard to the ongoing operations of CII, all of which provide the Company with complete authority over all decision making relating to the business, operation, and financing of CII consistent with the Company’s status as a real estate investment trust.
 
 
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CII and its wholly-owned subsidiary own 100% of Grove Isle Club, Inc., Grove Isle Yacht Club Associates, Grove Isle Marina, Inc., CII Spa, LLC, Courtland Bayshore Rawbar, LLC and it also owns 15% of Grove Isle Associates, Ltd., (the Company owns the other 85%).

T.G.I.F. Texas, Inc. (“T.G.I.F.”).
CII owns approximately 49% of the outstanding shares of T.G.I.F.   Mr. Wiener is a director and chairman of T.G.I.F. and owns, directly and indirectly, approximately 18% of the outstanding shares of T.G.I.F.  T.G.I.F also owns 10,000 shares of the Company’s stock.

The following discussion describes all material transactions, receivables and payables involving related parties.  All of the transactions described below were on terms as favorable to the Company as comparable transactions with unaffiliated third parties.

The Adviser.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the Adviser owed the Company (net of amounts due to HMGABS described above) approximately $288,000 and $317,000, respectively.  Amounts due from the Adviser bear interest at the prime rate plus 1% payable monthly, with principal due on demand.  In December 2007 the Advisor made a principal payment of $40,000 on amounts due to the Company.

In November 2007 Courtland Group, Inc (“CGI”) (the former Adviser) was merged into a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser (HMG Advisory Newco Inc.).  This was done for administrative purposes as the owners of the Adviser and CGI were essentially the same individuals.  Amounts previously due from CGI are now due from HMG Advisory Newco, Inc. and there is no impact to the Company as a result of this merger.

The Adviser leases its executive offices from CII pursuant to a lease agreement.  This lease agreement is at the going market rate for similar property and calls for base rent of $48,000 per year payable in equal monthly installments.  Additionally, the Adviser is responsible for all utilities, maintenance, and security expenses relating to the leased premises.  The lease term is five years expiring in November 2009.

In August 2004 the HMG Advisory Bayshore, Inc. (“HMGABS”) (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser) was formed for the purposes of overseeing the Monty’s restaurant operations acquired in August 2004.  HMGABS will receive a management fee of $25,000 per year from Bayshore Rawbar, LLC.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, HMGBS earned approximately $25,000 in such management fees.

South Bayshore Associates (“SBA”).
SBA is a joint venture in which Transco and the Company hold interests of 25% and 75%, respectively.  The sole major asset of SBA is a demand note from Transco, bearing interest at the prime rate, with an outstanding balance of approximately $300,000 in principal and interest as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.
 
 
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The Company also holds a demand note from SBA bearing interest at the prime rate plus 1% with an outstanding balance as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 of approximately $1,106,000 and $1,081,000, in principal and accrued interest, respectively. Interest payments of $15,000 and $24,000 were made in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Accrued and unpaid interest is not added to the principal.  Because the Company consolidates SBA, the note payable and related interest income is eliminated in consolidation.

CII.
The Company holds a demand note due from its 95%-owned consolidated subsidiary, CII, bearing interest at the prime rate plus 1% with an outstanding balance of $2,563,000 and $3,975,000 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  During 2008 there was $210,000 in advances from the Company to CII. During 2007 there were no advances from the Company to CII.  Repayments from CII to the Company during 2008 and 2007 were $1.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  Because CII is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, the note payable and related interest is eliminated in consolidation.

In 1986, CII acquired from the Company the rights to develop the marina at Grove Isle for a promissory note of $620,000 payable at an annual rate equal to the prime rate.  The principal is due on demand.  Interest payments are due annually in January.  Because the Company consolidates CII, the note payable and related interest income is eliminated in consolidation.

In April 2007 Courtland Houston, Inc. (“CHI”) was formed.  CHI is 80%-owned by CII and 20% owned by Bernard Lerner, its sole employee.  CHI was formed with a $140,000 investment by CII and engages in commercial leasing activities in Texas and earns commission revenue.  Mr. Lerner is a cousin of the Company’s Chairman and CEO Mr. Maurice Wiener. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 Mr. Lerner was paid a salary of $85,000.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 CHI earned commission revenue of approximately $168,000 and $17,000, respectively.

CII Spa, LLC.
As more fully discussed in Item 2.Description of Property, in September 2004 the Company entered into an agreement with the lessee and operator of the Grove Isle property to develop and operate the Grove Isle Spa.  A subsidiary of the Company, CII Spa, LLC (“CIISPA”) and the lessee formed a Delaware limited liability company, Grove Spa, LLC (“GS”) which is owned 50% by CIISPA and 50% by the lessee. Construction of Grove Isle Spa was completed in the first quarter of 2005 and operations commenced in March 2005. GS sub-leases the Grove Isle Spa property from the lessee.  The initial term of the sublease commenced on September 15, 2004 and ends on November 30, 2016, with the GS having the right to extend the term for two additional consecutive 20 year terms on the same terms as the original sublease.  Annual base rent of the sublease is $10,000, plus GS shall pay real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and all other costs relating to Grove Isle Spa.

T.G.I.F.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, CII owed approximately $3,661,000 to T.G.I.F.  All advances between CII and T.G.I.F. are due on demand and bear interest at the prime rate plus
 
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1%.  All interest due has been paid.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, T.G.I.F. had amounts due from Mr. Wiener of approximately $707,000.  These amounts are due on demand and bear interest at the prime rate.  All interest due has been paid.  Mr. Wiener received consulting and director’s fees from T.G.I.F of approximately $37,000 and $52,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Also, T.G.I.F. owns 10,000 shares of the Company which were purchased in 1996 at the market value.  In December 2008 and 2007 T.G.I.F. declared and paid a cash dividend of $.08 and $.05 per share, respectively.  CII’s portion of the dividends was approximately $224,000 and $140,000, respectively.

Item 14. Principal Accountants Fees and Services.
The following table sets forth fees billed to the Company by the Company's independent auditors for the year ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 for (i) services rendered for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements and the review of the Company's quarterly financial statements, (ii) services rendered that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company's financial statements that are not reported as Audit Fees, and (iii) services rendered in connection with tax preparation, compliance, advice and assistance.  The Audit Committee pre-approved all services rendered by the Company’s independent auditors.
 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
For the fiscal year ended
 
December 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Audit fees including quarterly reviews
  $ 101,000     $ 103,000  
Tax return preparation fees
    22,000       26,000  
Total Fees
  $ 123,000     $ 129,000  


Part IV.

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

      (a)   Exhibits listed in the Index to Exhibits.


 
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SIGNATURES


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

 
HMG/Courtland Properties, Inc.
     
March 20, 2009
 
by: /s/Maurice Wiener
   
Maurice Wiener
   
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     
 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
     
/s/Maurice Wiener
 
March 20, 2009
Maurice Wiener
   
Chairman of the Board
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
     
     
/s/Larry Rothstein
 
March 20, 2009
Larry Rothstein
   
Director, President, Treasurer and Secretary
   
Principal Financial Officer
   
     
/s/Walter G. Arader
 
March 20, 2009
Walter G. Arader, Director
   
     
     
/s/Harvey Comita
 
March 20, 2009
Harvey Comita, Director
   
     
     
/s/Clinton Stuntebeck
 
March 20, 2009
Clinton Stuntebeck, Director
   
     
     
/s/Carlos Camarotti
 
March 20, 2009
Carlos Camarotti
   
Vice President - Finance and Controller
   
Principal Accounting Officer
   
 

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
Description
   
(3)
(a)
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
Incorporated by reference to Annex A of the May 29, 2001 Proxy Statement.
         
 
(b)
By-laws
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.1 to the Registration Statement of Hospital Mortgage Group, Inc. on Form S-14, No. 2-64, 789, filed July 2, 1979.
         
(10)
(a)
Amended and restated lease agreement between Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. and Westgroup Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. dated November 19, 1996.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to the 1996 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(b)
Master agreement between Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. Grove Isle Clubs Inc., Grove Isle Investments, Inc. and Westbrook Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. dated November 19, 1996.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to the 1996 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(c)
Agreement Re: Lease Termination between Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. and Grove Isle Club, Inc. dated November 19, 1996.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the 1996 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(d)
Amended and restated agreement between NAF Associates and the Company, dated August 31, 1999.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to the 1999 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(e)
Amendment to Amended and restated lease agreement between Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. and Westgroup Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. dated December 1, 1999.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the 1999 Form 10-KSB
         
  
(f)
Lease agreement between Courtland Investments, Inc. and HMG Advisory Corp. dated December 1, 1999.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the 1999 Form 10-KSB
         
 
 
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(g)
2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan of HMG/ Courtland Properties, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the 2001 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(h)
Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement between the Company and HMG Advisory Corp. effective January 1, 2003.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) and 10(j) to the 2002 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(i)
Second Amendment to Amended and restated lease agreement included herein between Grove Isle Associated, Ltd. and Westgroup Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. dated September 15, 2004
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(j)
Operating Agreement of Grove Spa, LLC dated September 15, 2004
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
 
(k)
Sublease between Westgroup Grove Isle Associates, Ltd. and Grove Spa, LLC dated September 15, 2004
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB Included herein.
         
 
(l)
Purchase and Sale Agreement (“Acquisition of Monty’s”) between Bayshore Restaurant Management Corp. and Bayshore Landing, LLC dated August 20, 2004
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(l) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(m)
Ground Lease between City of Miami and Bayshore Landing, LLC dated August 20, 2004 and related document
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(m) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(n)
Loan Agreement between Wachovia Bank and Bayshore Landing, LLC dated August 20, 2004
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(n) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(o)
Operating Agreement of Bayshore Landing, LLC dated August 19, 2004
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(o) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(p)
Management Agreement for Bayshore Rawbar , LLC executed by RMI, LLC
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(p) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
 
 
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(q)
Management Agreement for Bayshore Rawbar, LLC executed by HMG Advisory Bayshore, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
 
(r)
Management and Leasing Agreement for Bayshore Landing, LLC executed by RCI Bayshore, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(r) to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
   
         
   
         
   
         
   
         
   
         
(14)
 
Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers dated May 2003
 
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the 2004 Form 10-KSB
         
(21)
   
         
(31)
 
         
   
         

 
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(32)
 
         
   

 
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EXHIBIT 10 (s): Assignment and Assumption of Management Agreement by Noble House Grove Isle, Ltd.  To GH-Grove Isle Management LLC and Consent by Grove Spa, LLC 
(included as an attachment to this filing).

EXHIBIT 10 (t): Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement
(included as an attachment to this filing).

EXHIBIT 10 (u):  Assignment and Assumption of Lease and Consent of Landlord
(included as an attachment to this filing).

EXHIBIT 10 (v):  Amendment to Operating Agreement of Grove Spa, LLC, A Delaware Limited Liability Company (included as an attachment to this filing).

EXHIBIT 10 (w):  First Amendment to Management Agreement (included as an attachment to this filing).



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