Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE B — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared by management on the accrual basis of accounting and in accordance with principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information as contained in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), and in conjunction with rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures required for annual financial statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include accounts and related adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim period. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 contained herein has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014, but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

Management Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Impairment of Long Lived Assets

When circumstances indicate the carrying value of a property may not be recoverable, the Company reviews the asset for impairment. This review is based on an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to result from the property’s use and eventual disposition. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, market and other applicable trends and residual value, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If impairment exists, due to the inability to recover the carrying value of a property, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property for properties to be held and used. For properties held for sale, the impairment loss is the adjustment to fair value less estimated cost to dispose of the asset. These assessments have a direct impact on net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net income.

Derivative Instruments

The Company may use derivative financial instruments to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. Certain of the techniques used to hedge exposure to interest rate fluctuations may also be used to protect against declines in the market value of assets that result from general trends in debt markets. The principal objective of such agreements is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with the Company’s operating and financial structure as well as to hedge specific anticipated transactions.

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

The accounting for subsequent changes in the fair value of these derivatives depends on whether each has been designed and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment. If the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting treatment, any changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments is recognized immediately in gains (losses) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statement of operations. If the derivative is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent that it is effective. Any ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.

Investments in Real Estate and Fixed Assets

Investments in real estate and fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are primarily 3 to 40 years. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for property betterments and renewals are capitalized. Upon sale or other disposition of a depreciable asset, cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in other income (expense).

The Company periodically evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the estimated useful lives of fixed assets or whether the remaining balance of fixed assets should be evaluated for possible impairment. The Company uses an estimate of the related undiscounted cash flows over the remaining life of the fixed assets in measuring their recoverability.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing bank deposits, money market accounts, short-term certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less, and short-term instruments with a liquidation provision of one month or less.

Revenue Recognition

Interest is recognized as revenue on performing loans when earned according to the terms of the loans, using the effective interest method. We do not accrue interest income on loans once they are determined to be non-performing. A loan is non-performing when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement or when the payment of interest is 90 days past due. Cash receipts will be allocated to interest income, except when such payments are specifically designated by the terms of the loan as principal reduction. Interest is fully allowed for on impaired loans and is recognized on a cash basis method. The receipt of previous loan or note receivable allowances or impairments are recognized as revenue.

All leases are accounted for as non-cancelable operating leases. We recognize rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental income related to the leases is recognized on an accrual basis in accordance with the terms of the leases. Advanced receipts of rental income are deferred and classified as liabilities until earned.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the 2014 consolidated financial statements regarding investment in equity method investee have been reclassified to conform to the September 30, 2015 presentation. This reclassification resulted in no net effect on the 2014 consolidated financial statements.

Investments in Real Estate Loans

We may, from time to time, acquire or sell investments in real estate loans from or to our manager or other related parties pursuant to the terms of our Management Agreement without a premium. The primary purpose is to either free up capital to provide liquidity for various reasons, such as loan diversification, or place excess capital in investments to maximize the use of our capital. Selling or buying loans allows us to diversify our loan portfolio within these parameters. Due to the short-term nature of the loans we make and the similarity of interest rates in loans we normally would invest in, the fair value of a loan typically approximates its carrying value. Accordingly, discounts or premiums typically do not apply upon sales of loans and therefore, generally no gain or loss is recorded on these transactions, regardless of whether to a related or unrelated party.

Investments in real estate loans are secured by deeds of trust or mortgages. Generally, our real estate loans require interest only payments with a balloon payment of the principal at maturity. We have both the intent and ability to hold real estate loans until maturity and therefore, real estate loans are classified and accounted for as held for investment and are carried at amortized cost. Loans sold to or purchased from affiliates are accounted for at the principal balance and no gain or loss is recognized by us or any affiliate. Loan-to-value ratios are initially based on appraisals obtained at the time of loan origination and are updated when new appraisals are received or when management’s assessment of the value has changed, to reflect subsequent changes in value estimates. Original appraisals are generally dated within 12 months of the date of loan origination and may be commissioned by the borrower.

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it believes it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company’s impaired loans include troubled debt restructuring, and performing and non-performing loans in which full payment of principal or interest is not expected. The Company calculates an allowance required for impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of its collateral.

Loans that have been modified from their original terms are evaluated to determine if the loan meets the definition of a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) as defined by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-40. When the Company modifies the terms of an existing loan that is considered a TDR, it is considered performing as long as it is in compliance with the modified terms of the loan agreement. If the modification calls for deferred interest, it is recorded as interest income as cash is collected.

Allowance for Loan Losses

We maintain an allowance for loan losses on our investments in real estate loans for estimated credit impairment. Our manager’s estimate of losses is based on a number of factors including the types and dollar amounts of loans in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, prevailing economic conditions and the underlying collateral securing the loan. Additions to the allowance are provided through a charge to earnings and are based on an assessment of certain factors, which may indicate estimated losses on the loans. Actual losses on loans are recorded as a charge-off or a reduction to the allowance for loan losses. Generally, subsequent recoveries of amounts previously charged off are added back to the allowance and included as income.

Estimating allowances for loan losses requires significant judgment about the underlying collateral, including liquidation value, condition of the collateral, competency and cooperation of the related borrower and specific legal issues that affect loan collections or taking possession of the property. As a commercial real estate lender willing to invest in loans to borrowers who may not meet the credit standards of other financial institutional lenders, the default rate on our loans could be higher than those generally experienced in the real estate lending industry. We and our manager generally approve loans more quickly than other real estate lenders and, due to our expedited underwriting process; there is a risk that the credit inquiry we perform will not reveal all material facts pertaining to a borrower and the security.

Additional facts and circumstances may be discovered as we continue our efforts in the collection and foreclosure processes. This additional information often causes management to reassess its estimates. In recent years, we have revised estimates of our allowance for loan losses. Circumstances that have and may continue to cause significant changes in our estimated allowance include, but are not limited to:

Declines in real estate market conditions, which can cause a decrease in expected market value;

Discovery of undisclosed liens for community improvement bonds, easements and delinquent property taxes;

Lack of progress on real estate developments after we advance funds. We customarily utilize disbursement agents to monitor the progress of real estate developments and approve loan advances. After further inspection of the related property, progress on construction occasionally does not substantiate an increase in value to support the related loan advances;

Unanticipated legal or business issues that may arise subsequent to loan origination or upon the sale of foreclosed property; and

Appraisals, which are only opinions of value at the time of the appraisal, may not accurately reflect the value of the property.

Discontinued Operations

We have reclassified for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, the amounts related to discontinued operations and real estate held for sale, in accordance with the applicable accounting criteria. In addition, the assets and liabilities related to the discontinued operations are reported separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as real estate held for sale, assets held for sale, and liabilities related to assets held for sale.

Real Estate Owned Held for Sale

Real estate held for sale (“REO”) includes real estate acquired through foreclosure and will be carried at the lower of the recorded amount, inclusive of any senior indebtedness, or the property's estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, with fair value based on appraisals and knowledge of local market conditions. While pursuing foreclosure actions, we seek to identify potential purchasers of such property. We seek to sell properties acquired through foreclosure as quickly as circumstances permit, taking into account current economic conditions. The carrying values of REO are assessed on a regular basis from updated appraisals, comparable sales values or purchase offers.

Management classifies REO when the following criteria are met:

Management commits to a plan to sell the properties;

The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary;

An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete a sale have been initiated;

The sale of the property is probable;

The property is being actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price; and

Withdrawal or significant modification of the sale is not likely.

Classification of Operating Results from Real Estate Held for Sale

Generally, operating results and cash flows from long-lived assets held for sale are to be classified as discontinued operations as a separately stated component of net income. Our operations related to REO are separately identified in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Secured Borrowings

Secured borrowings provide an additional source of capital for our lending activity. Secured borrowings allow us to increase the diversification of our loan portfolio and to invest in loans that we might not otherwise invest in. We do not receive any fees for entering into secured borrowing arrangements; however, we may receive revenue for any differential of the interest spread, if applicable. Loans in which unaffiliated investors have participated through inter-creditor agreements (“Inter-creditor Agreements”) are accounted for as secured borrowings.

The Inter-creditor Agreements provide us additional funding sources for real estate loans whereby an unaffiliated investor (the “Investor”) may participate on a non-pari-passu basis in certain real estate loans with us and/or VRM II (collectively, the “Lead Lenders”). In the event of borrower non-performance, the Inter-creditor Agreements generally provide that the Lead Lenders must repay the Investor’s loan amount either by (i) continuing to remit to the Investor the interest due on the participated loan amount; (ii) substituting an alternative loan acceptable to the Investor; or (iii) repurchasing the participation from the Investor for the outstanding balance plus accrued interest.

Additionally, an Investor may participate in certain loans with the Lead Lenders through Participation Agreements. In the event of borrower non-performance, the Participation Agreement may allow the Investor to be repaid up to the amount of the Investor’s investment prior to the Lead Lender being repaid. Real estate loan financing under the Participation Agreements are also accounted for as a secured borrowing. We do not receive any revenues for entering into secured borrowing arrangements.

Investment in Marketable Securities and Investment in Marketable Securities – Related Party

Investment in marketable securities and investment in marketable securities– related party consists of stock in VRM II and MVP REIT. The securities are stated at fair value as determined by the closing market price as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. All securities are classified as available-for-sale.

We are required to evaluate our available-for-sale investment for other-than-temporary impairment charges. We will determine when an investment is considered impaired (i.e., decline in fair value below its amortized cost), and evaluate whether the impairment is other-than-temporary (i.e., investment value will not be recovered over its remaining life). If the impairment is considered other-than-temporary, we will recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between the investment’s basis and its fair value.

According to the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin, Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting, M - Other Than Temporary Impairment of Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, there are numerous factors to be considered in such an evaluation and their relative significance will vary from case to case. The following are a few examples of the factors that, individually or in combination, indicate that a decline is other than temporary and that a write-down of the carrying value is required:

The length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost;

The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer such as changes in technology that may impair the earnings potential of the investment or the discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential; or

The intent and ability of the holder to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been exercised. We had no outstanding common share equivalents during the periods ended September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Common Stock Dividends

During June 2008, our Board of Directors decided to suspend the payment of dividends. Our Board of Directors will closely monitor our operating results in order to determine when dividends should be reinstated; however, we do not expect our Board or Directors to reinstate dividends in the foreseeable future.

Treasury Stock

On February 21, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $5 million worth of our common stock. Depending upon market conditions, shares may be repurchased from time to time at prevailing market prices through open market or privately negotiated transactions. We are not obligated to purchase any shares. Subject to applicable securities laws, including SEC Rule 10b-18, repurchases may be made at such times and in such amounts, as our management deems appropriate. The repurchases will be funded from our available cash. Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, shares of its own stock acquired by a corporation constitute authorized but unissued shares.

Segments

We are currently authorized to operate two reportable segments, investments in real estate loans and investments in real property. As of September 30, 2015, the Company operates in both segments.

Our objective is to invest approximately 97% of our assets in real estate loans and real estate investments, while maintaining approximately 3% as a working capital cash reserve.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs incurred in the normal course of operations are expensed as incurred. The Company had no advertising expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of VRM I and VREO XXV, LLC, in which we have a controlling interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) revised the authoritative guidance for business combinations, establishing principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired (including goodwill), the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. Subsequently, on April 1, 2009, the FASB amended and clarified certain aspects of its authoritative guidance on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. We apply the FASB authoritative guidance to all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009, and to certain future income tax effects related to our prior business combinations, should they arise.

Non-controlling Interests

The FASB issued authoritative guidance for non-controlling interests in December 2007, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The guidance clarifies that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as an unconsolidated investment, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, the guidance requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts attributable to both the parent and the non-controlling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for its income taxes under the assets and liabilities method, which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets that do not meet the criteria for recognition. In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, they would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Company follows the accounting guidance which provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized initially and in subsequent periods. Also included is guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

Vestin Realty Mortgage I, Inc. 10-Q