PART II 2 tm2016198-1_1k.htm PART II

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 1-K

ANNUAL REPORT

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO REGULATION A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Commission File Number: 024-10927

 

Delaware   83-2156701
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
11 Dupont Circle NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC
(Address of principal executive offices)
  20036
(Zip Code)

 

(202) 584-0550
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 

 

Common Shares
(Title of each class of securities issued pursuant to Regulation A)

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information 3
Business 5
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 7
Directors and Officers 14
Security Ownership of Management and Certain Securityholders 15
Interest of Management and Others in Certain Transactions 15
Other Information 15
Index to Financial Statements of Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC 16
Exhibits 17

 

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Part II.

 

STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

We make statements in this Annual Report on Form 1-K (“Annual Report”) that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The words “outlook,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “projected,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “may,” “could” and similar expressions or statements regarding future periods are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from any predictions of future results, performance or achievements that we express or imply in this Annual Report or in the information incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

 

The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report are based upon our current expectations, plans, estimates, assumptions and beliefs that involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, our actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to:

 

·our ability to effectively deploy the proceeds raised in our initial and subsequent offerings (the “Offering(s)”);

 

·our ability to attract and retain shareholders to the online investment platform located at www.fundrise.com (the “Fundrise Platform”) of Rise Companies Corp. (our “Sponsor”);

 

·risks associated with breaches of our data security;

 

·public health crises, pandemics and epidemics, such as those caused by new strains of viruses such as H5N1 (avian flu), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and, most recently, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19);

 

·changes in economic conditions generally and the real estate and securities markets specifically;

 

·limited ability to dispose of assets because of the relative illiquidity of real estate investments;

 

·increased interest rates and operating costs;

 

·our failure to obtain necessary outside financing;

 

·risks associated with derivatives or hedging activity;

 

·our level of debt and the terms and limitations imposed on us by our debt agreements;

 

·our ability to retain our executive officers and other key personnel of our advisor, our property manager and their affiliates;

 

·expected rates of return provided to investors;

 

·the ability of our Sponsor and its affiliates to source, originate and service our loans and other assets, and the quality and performance of these assets;

 

·our ability to retain and hire competent employees and appropriately staff our operations;

 

·legislative or regulatory changes impacting our business or our assets (including changes to the laws governing the taxation of REITs and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance related to Regulation A (“Regulation A”) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”));

 

·changes in business conditions and the market value of our assets, including changes in interest rates, prepayment risk, operator or borrower defaults or bankruptcy, and generally the increased risk of loss if our investments fail to perform as expected;

 

·our ability to implement effective conflicts of interest policies and procedures among the various real estate investment opportunities sponsored by our Sponsor;

 

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·our ability to access sources of liquidity when we have the need to fund redemptions of common shares in excess of the proceeds from the sales of our common shares in our continuous offering and the consequential risk that we may not have the resources to satisfy redemption requests;

 

·our failure to maintain our status as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”);

 

·our compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and other laws; and

 

·changes to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

Any of the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements could be inaccurate. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Annual Report and the risk that actual results will differ materially from the expectations expressed in this Annual Report will increase with the passage of time. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report, including, without limitation, the risks described under “Risk Factors,” the inclusion of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the objectives and plans set forth in this Annual Report will be achieved.

 

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Item 1. Business

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company formed on October 5, 2018 to originate, invest in, and manage a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate investments and other real estate-related assets. We may also invest in real estate-related debt securities (including commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), and REIT senior unsecured debt) and other real estate-related assets. We may make our investments through majority-owned subsidiaries, some of which may have rights to receive preferred economic returns. The use of the terms “Fundrise Income eREIT III”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” in this Annual Report refer to Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC unless the context indicates otherwise.

 

As a limited liability company, we have elected to be taxed as a C corporation. Commencing with the taxable year ending December 31, 2019, the Company operates in a manner intended to qualify for treatment as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our portfolio was comprised of approximately $43.9 million and $0 million, respectively, of gross capital deployed in real estate investments, that in the opinion of Fundrise Advisors, LLC (our “Manager”) meets our investment objectives. See Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Recent Developments for information concerning our investments since December 31, 2019. We intend to diversify our portfolio by investment type, investment size and investment risk with the goal of attaining a portfolio of real estate assets that provide attractive and stable returns to our investors. We make our investments through direct loan origination, the acquisition of individual loan or securities assets or by acquiring portfolios of assets, other mortgage REITs or companies with investment objectives similar to ours.

 

We are externally managed by our Manager, which is an investment adviser registered with the SEC, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Sponsor, the parent company of Fundrise, LLC, our affiliate. Fundrise, LLC owns and operates the Fundrise Platform, which allows investors to hold interests in real estate opportunities that may have been historically difficult to access for some investors. Our Manager has the authority to make all of the decisions regarding our investments, subject to the limitations in our operating agreement and the direction and oversight of our Manager’s investment committee. Our Sponsor also provides asset management, marketing, investor relations and other administrative services on our behalf. Accordingly, we do not currently have any employees nor do we currently intend to hire any employees who will be compensated directly by us.

 

Investment Strategy

 

We intend to originate, acquire, asset manage, selectively leverage, syndicate and opportunistically sell investments in a variety of commercial real estate loans (including senior mortgage loans, subordinated mortgage loans (“B-Notes”), mezzanine loans, and participations in such loans) and investments in commercial real estate (through majority-owned subsidiaries with rights to receive preferred economic returns). We may also invest in commercial real estate-related debt securities (including CMBS, CDOs and REIT senior unsecured debt), and other real estate-related assets.

 

We will seek to create and maintain a portfolio of investments that generate a low volatility income stream that provide attractive and consistent cash distributions. Our focus on investing in debt and debt-like instruments will emphasize the payment of current returns to investors and the preservation of invested capital, with a lesser emphasis on seeking capital appreciation. We expect that our portfolio of investments will be secured primarily by U.S. based collateral and diversified by security type, property type and geographic location.

 

Our Manager directly structures, underwrites and originates many of the debt products in which we invest, as this provides for the best opportunity to manage our borrower and partner relationships and optimize the terms of our investments. Our proven underwriting process, which our management team has successfully developed over their extensive real estate careers in a variety of market conditions and implemented at our Sponsor, will involve comprehensive financial, structural, operational and legal due diligence of our borrowers and partners in order to optimize pricing and structuring and mitigate risk. We feel the current and future market environment (including any existing or future government-sponsored programs) provides a wide range of opportunities to generate compelling investments with strong risk-return profiles for our shareholders.

 

In executing on our business strategy, we believe that we benefit from our Manager’s affiliation with our Sponsor given our Sponsor’s strong track record and extensive experience and capabilities as an online real estate origination and funding platform. These competitive advantages include:

 

·our Sponsor’s experience and reputation as a leading real estate investment manager, which historically has given it access to a large investment pipeline similar to our targeted assets and the key market data we use to underwrite and portfolio manage assets;

 

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·our Sponsor’s direct and online origination capabilities, which are amplified by a proprietary technology platform, business process automation, and a large user base, of which a significant portion are seeking capital for real estate projects;

 

·our Sponsor’s relationships with financial institutions and other lenders that originate and distribute commercial real estate debt and other real estate-related products and that finance the types of assets we intend to acquire and originate;

 

·our Sponsor’s experienced portfolio management team which actively monitors each investment through an established regime of analysis, credit review and protocol; and

 

·our Sponsor’s management team, which has a successful track record of making commercial real estate investments in a variety of market conditions.

 

Investment Objectives

 

Our primary investment objectives are:

 

·to pay attractive and consistent cash distributions; and

 

·to preserve, protect and return shareholders’ capital contributions.

 

We will also seek to realize growth in the value of our investments by timing their sale to maximize value. However, there is no assurance that our investment objectives will be met. We cannot assure you that we will attain these objectives or that the value of our assets will not decrease. Furthermore, within our investment objectives and policies, our Manager has substantial discretion with respect to the selection of specific investments and the purchase and sale of our assets. Our Manager’s investment committee will review our investment guidelines at least annually to determine whether our investment guidelines continue to be in the best interests of our shareholders.

 

Competition

 

Our net income depends, in large part, on our ability to source, acquire and manage investments with attractive risk-adjusted yields. In originating these investments, we compete with other mortgage REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, private funds, other lenders, governmental bodies and other entities, as well as online lending platforms that compete with the Fundrise Platform, many of which have greater financial resources and lower costs of capital available to them than we have. In addition, there are numerous mortgage REITs with asset acquisition objectives similar to ours, and others may be organized in the future, which may increase competition for the investments suitable for us. Competitive variables include market presence and visibility, size of loans offered and underwriting standards. To the extent that a competitor is willing to risk larger amounts of capital in a particular transaction or to employ more liberal underwriting standards when evaluating potential investments than we are, our investment volume and profit margins for our investment portfolio could be impacted. Our competitors may also be willing to accept lower returns on their investments and may succeed in buying the assets that we have targeted for acquisition. Although we believe that we are well positioned to compete effectively in each facet of our business, there is enormous competition in our market sector and there can be no assurance that we will compete effectively or that we will not encounter increased competition in the future that could limit our ability to conduct our business effectively.

 

Risk Factors

 

We face risks and uncertainties that could affect us and our business as well as the real estate industry generally. These risks are outlined under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in our latest offering circular filed with the SEC (the “Offering Circular”), which may be accessed here, as the same may be updated from time to time by our future filings under Regulation A. In addition, new risks may emerge at any time and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance. These risks could result in a decrease in the value of our common shares.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes thereto contained in this Annual Report. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the “Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information.” Unless otherwise indicated, latest results discussed below are as of December 31, 2019.

 

Offering Results

 

We have offered, are offering, and will continue to offer up to $50.0 million in our common shares in our Offering. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had raised total gross offering proceeds of approximately $49.1 million and $5,000, respectively, from settled subscriptions (including $100,000 received in the private placements to our Sponsor, and Fundrise, L.P., an affiliate of our Sponsor, and $5,000 received in the private placement to our Sponsor, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively), and had settled subscriptions in our Offering and private placements for an aggregate of approximately 4,914,000 and 500, respectively, of our common shares. Assuming the settlement for all subscriptions received as of December 31, 2019, approximately 95,000 of our previously qualified common shares remained available for sale to the public under our Offering.

 

We expect to offer common shares in our Offering until we raise the maximum amount permitted based on the maximum number of common shares we are able to qualify under Regulation A at any given time, unless terminated by our Manager at an earlier time. Until December 31, 2019, the per share purchase price for our common shares was $10.00, an amount that was arbitrarily determined by our Manager. Thereafter, the per share purchase price for our common shares will be adjusted at the end of each semi-annual period (or such other period as determined by our Manager in its sole discretion, but no less frequently than annually). Our Manager has initially determined to adjust the per share purchase price semi-annually as of January 1st and July 1st of each year (or as soon as commercially reasonable and announced by us thereafter), to the greater of (i) $10.00 per share or (ii) our net asset value (“NAV”), divided by the number of our common shares outstanding as of the end of the prior semi-annual period (“NAV per share”). Accordingly, beginning on January 1, 2020, the per share purchase price of our common shares was updated to $10.06 per share through June 30, 2020.

 

Distributions

 

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we will be required to make aggregate annual distributions to our shareholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain), and to avoid federal income and excise taxes on retained taxable income and gains we must distribute 100% of such income and gains annually. Our Manager may authorize distributions in excess of those required for us to maintain REIT status and/or avoid such taxes on retained taxable income and gains depending on our financial condition and such other factors as our Manager deems relevant. Provided we have sufficient available cash flow, we intend to authorize and declare distributions based on daily record dates and pay distributions on a quarterly or other periodic basis. We have not established a minimum distribution level.

 

While we are under no obligation to do so, we have in the past and expect in the future to declare and pay distributions monthly or quarterly in arrears; however, our Manager may declare other periodic distributions as circumstances dictate. In order that investors may generally begin receiving distributions immediately upon our acceptance of their subscription, we expect to authorize and declare distributions based on daily record dates.

 

When calculated on a tax basis, distributions were made 100% from return of capital for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

On July 11, 2019, we paid our first distribution to shareholders for the distribution period of June 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019. In addition, our Manager has declared daily distributions for shareholders of record as of the close of business on each day from July 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020, as shown in the table below. Linked in the table is the relevant Form 1-U detailing each distribution.

 

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Distribution Period   Daily Distribution 
Amount/Common 
Share
  Date of 
Declaration
  Payment Date
(1)
  Annualized Yield
(2)
  Link  
 06/01/2019 – 06/30/2019   0.0013698630   05/30/2019   07/11/2019   5.00%   Form 1-U  
 07/01/2019 – 07/31/2019   0.0024657534   06/28/2019   10/09/2019   9.00%   Form 1-U  
 08/01/2019 – 08/31/2019   0.0023287671   07/30/2019   10/09/2019   8.50%   Form 1-U  
 09/01/2019 – 10/01/2019   0.0023287671   08/29/2019   10/09/2019   8.50%   Form 1-U  
 10/02/2019 – 10/31/2019   0.0020547945   10/01/2019   01/13/2020   7.50%   Form 1-U  
 11/01/2019 – 11/30/2019   0.0024657534   10/31/2019   01/13/2020   9.00%   Form 1-U  
 12/01/2019 – 12/31/2019   0.0028767123   11/26/2019   01/13/2020   10.50%   Form 1-U  
 01/01/2020 – 01/31/2020   0.0026027397   12/23/2019   04/09/2020   9.50%   Form 1-U  
 02/01/2020 – 02/29/2020   0.0026027397   01/29/2020   04/09/2020   9.50%   Form 1-U  
 03/01/2020 – 03/31/2020   0.0035616438   02/26/2020   04/09/2020   13.00%   Form 1-U  
 04/01/2020 – 04/30/2020   0.0023287671   03/30/2020   07/21/2020   8.50%   Form 1-U  
 Weighted Average   0.0024571662 (3) -   -   8.97%(4)      

 

  (1) Dates presented are the dates on which the distributions were, or are, scheduled to be distributed; actual distribution dates may vary.
  (2) Annualized yield numbers represent the annualized yield amount of each distribution calculated on an annualized basis at the then current rate, assuming a $10.00 per share purchase price. While the Manager is under no obligation to do so, each annualized basis return assumes that the Manager would declare distributions in the future similar to the distributions for each period presented, and there can be no assurance that the Manager will declare such distributions in the future or, if declared, that such distributions would be of a similar amount.
  (3) Weighted average daily distribution amount per common share is calculated as the average of the daily declared distribution amounts from June 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020.
  (4) Weighted average annualized yield is calculated as the annualized yield of the average daily distribution amount for the periods presented, using a $10.00 per share purchase price.

 

Any distributions that we make directly impacts our NAV by reducing the amount of our assets. Our goal is to provide a reasonably predictable and stable level of current income, through quarterly or other periodic distributions, while at the same time maintaining a fair level of consistency in our NAV. Over the course of your investment, your distributions plus the change in NAV per share (either positive or negative) will produce your total return.

 

Our distributions will generally constitute a return of capital to the extent that they exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that a distribution is treated as a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it will reduce a holder’s adjusted tax basis in the holder’s shares, and to the extent that it exceeds the holder’s adjusted tax basis will be treated as gain resulting from a sale or exchange of such shares.

 

Redemption Plan

 

Although we do not intend to list our common shares for trading on a stock exchange or other trading market, we have adopted a redemption plan designed to provide our shareholders with limited liquidity for their investment in our shares. Through December 31, 2019, our redemption plan provided that, on a monthly basis, after observing a mandatory 60-day waiting period, a shareholder could obtain liquidity as described in detail in our Offering Circular. Our Manager may, in its sole discretion, amend, suspend, or terminate the redemption plan at any time, including to protect our operations and our non-redeemed shareholders, to prevent an undue burden on our liquidity, to preserve our status as a REIT, following any material decrease in our NAV, or for any other reason.

 

As of December 31, 2019, approximately 158,000 common shares had been submitted for redemption and 100% of such redemption requests have been honored.

 

Effective as of January 1, 2020, we have adopted revisions to our Redemption Plan to implement quarterly instead of monthly redemption requests, and the elimination of the 60-day waiting period. Further, our new policy includes the provision for separate redemption rights in the case of death or “qualifying disability” that eliminates any penalty for redemption in such circumstances and permits the redemption of shares at 100% of the per share price for our common shares in effect at the time of the redemption request.

 

Effective as of March 31, 2020, our Manager has determined to (i) suspend the processing and payment of redemptions under our redemption plan until further notice, and (ii) delay the consideration and processing of all outstanding redemption requests until further notice. At this time, investors may continue to submit redemption requests, but should know that such redemption requests may not be processed and, ultimately, may be rejected.

 

Accordingly, all redemption requests, including outstanding redemption requests as of March 31, 2020, may be, at a later date, either (i) considered and processed or (ii) rejected. We intend to reinstate the processing and payment of redemptions under our redemption plan as soon as business prudence allows, but can make no assurances as to when such redemptions will resume.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our accounting policies have been established to conform with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to use judgment in the application of accounting policies, including making estimates and assumptions. These judgments may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Management believes that we have made these estimates and assumptions in an appropriate manner and in a way that accurately reflects our financial condition. We continually test and evaluate these estimates and assumptions using our historical knowledge of the business, as well as other factors, to ensure that they are reasonable for reporting purposes. However, actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. If our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions had been different, it is possible that different accounting policies would have been applied, thus resulting in a different presentation of the financial statements.

 

We believe our critical accounting policies govern the significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements. Please refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in our financial statements, for a more thorough discussion of our accounting policies and procedures.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has released several Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) that may have an impact on our financial statements. See Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in our financial statements for discussion of the relevant ASUs. We are currently evaluating the impact of the various ASUs on our financial statements and determining our plan for adoption.

 

Extended Transition Period

 

Under Section 107 of the JOBS Act, we are permitted to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This permits us to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B). By electing to extend the transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that adopt accounting standard updates upon the public business entity effective dates.

 

Sources of Operating Revenues and Cash Flows

 

We expect to primarily generate revenues from net interest income on our real estate debt investments and for income to primarily be derived through the difference between revenue and the cost at which we are able to finance our investments. We may also seek to acquire investments which generate attractive returns without any leverage. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Revenue Recognition, in our financial statements for further detail.

 

Results of Operations

 

On February 22, 2019, we substantially commenced operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we had total net loss of approximately $6.4 million, primarily attributable to equity losses from our equity method investments. We did not have any net income or loss for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, as operations had not yet commenced.

 

Revenue

 

Interest Income

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, we earned interest income of approximately $355,000 and $0 respectively, from our real estate debt investments. The increase in interest income is due to the commencement of operations in February 2019.

 

Equity in Earnings (Losses)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, we incurred equity in earnings (losses) of approximately $(6.7) million and $0 from our equity method investees, respectively. The decrease in equity in earnings is primarily attributable to a net loss generated by our first equity method investment, acquired in May 2019.

 

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Other Income

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, we recognized other income of approximately $181,000 and $0, respectively. The increase in other income is due to the commencement of operations in February 2019.

 

Expenses

 

Asset Management and Other Fees – Related Party

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, we incurred asset management fees of approximately $102,000 and $0 from our investments, respectively. The increase in the amount of asset management fees is primarily attributable to the Manager’s decision to waive its asset management fees through September 30, 2019.

 

General and Administrative

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, we incurred general and administrative expenses of approximately $189,000 and $0, respectively, which included auditing and professional fees, software subscription costs and other costs associated with operating our business. The increase in general and administrative expense is due to operations commencing in February 2019.

 

Our Investments

 

As of December 31, 2019, we had entered into the following investments. See “Recent Developments” for a description of investments we have made since December 31, 2019. Note: the use of the term “controlled subsidiary” is not intended to conform with U.S. GAAP definition and does not correlate to a subsidiary that would require consolidation under U.S. GAAP.

 

Senior Secured
Loans
  Location   Type of
Property
  Date of
Acquisition
  Interest
Rate(1)
    Maturity
Date(2)
    Total
Commitment(3)
  LTV
(4)
    LTC
(5)
      Overview
(Form 1-U)
Hampton Senior Loan (6)   Greenville, SC   Land   03/13/2019   5.5 %   03/13/2020   $ 2,745,000   -     95.0 %   Initial Update
Hauser SGS Senior Loan   Los Angeles, CA   Land   10/08/2019   9.0 %   12/02/2020   $ 4,500,000   83.0 %   -     Initial N/A
SF Senior Loan   Los Angeles, CA   Land   10/15/2019   9.0 %   04/15/2021   $ 3,350,000   83.8 %   -     Initial N/A
1500 FTL Senior Loan   Los Angeles, CA   Land   10/16/2019   9.0 %   04/15/2021   $ 6,650,000   90.5 %   -     Initial N/A

 

  (1) Interest Rate refers to the projected the annual interest rate on each senior loan. The interest rate presented does not distinguish between interest that is paid current and interest that accrues to the maturity date, nor does it include any increases in interest rate that may occur in the future.
  (2) Maturity Date refers to the initial maturity date of each senior loan, and does not take into account any extensions that may be available.
  (3) Total Commitment refers to the total commitment made by the Company to fund the senior loan, not all of which may have been funded on the acquisition date.
  (4) LTV, or loan-to-value ratio, is the approximate amount of the total commitment amount plus any other debt on the asset, divided by the anticipated future value of the underlying asset at stabilization as determined by our Manager. LTVs presented are as of the date of acquisition by the Company, and have not been subsequently updated. There can be no assurance that such value will be achieved. We generally use LTV for properties that are generating cash flow.
  (5) LTC, or loan-to-cost ratio, is the approximate amount of the total commitment plus any other debt on the asset, divided by the anticipated cost to complete the project. We generally use LTC for properties that are subject to construction. LTCs presented are as of the date of acquisition by the Company, and have not been subsequently updated. There can be no assurance that the anticipated completion cost will be achieved.
  (6) On August 16, 2019, the Hampton Senior Loan investment was paid off and is no longer outstanding.

 

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Real Property Controlled Subsidiaries
(JV Equity Investments)
  Location   Property Type   Date of Acquisition   Purchase Price(1)     Overview
(Form 1-U)
RSE Carter Portfolio Controlled Subsidiary (2)   GA   Multifamily   05/31/2019   $ 39,076,177     Initial Update

 

  (1) Purchase Price refers to the total price paid by us for our pro rata share of the equity in the controlled subsidiary.
  (2) Approximately $10 million of the total committed capital was funded to the RSE Carter Portfolio Controlled Subsidiary on the date of closing for the acquisition of 6 stabilized garden-style residential properties. On July 18, 2019, the RSE Carter Portfolio Controlled Subsidiary executed an amendment to its operating agreement and we concurrently contributed an additional approximately $19 million, as the RSE Carter Portfolio Controlled Subsidiary closed on the acquisition of 5 additional stabilized garden-style residential properties.

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Company's investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting included the initial contribution to National Lending, LLC (“National Lending”) in exchange for ownership interests. See Note 7, Related Party Arrangements for further information regarding National Lending, LLC.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We require capital to fund our investment activities and operating expenses. Our capital sources may include net proceeds from our Offering, cash flow from operations, net proceeds from asset repayments and sales, borrowings under credit facilities, other term borrowings and securitization financing transactions.

 

We are dependent upon the net proceeds from our Offering to conduct our operations. We obtain the capital required to primarily originate, invest in and manage a diversified portfolio of real estate investments and conduct our operations from the proceeds of our Offering and from secured or unsecured financings from banks and other lenders and from any undistributed funds from our operations. As of December 31, 2019, we had deployed approximately $43.9 million for five investments, and had approximately $5.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. In addition to our investments of approximately $43.9 million as of December 31, 2019, we had future funding commitments up to an additional $10.5 million related to our investments. As of December 31, 2019, we anticipate that proceeds from our Offering will provide sufficient liquidity to meet future funding commitments and costs of operations.

 

We receive distributions from our equity method investees that represent cash flow from operations from the investment. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, we received cash distributions of approximately $687,000 and $0, respectively.

 

We currently have no outstanding fund level debt as of April 23, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Our targeted portfolio-wide leverage after we have acquired an initial substantial portfolio of diversified investments is between 40-60% of the greater of the cost (before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves) or fair market value of our assets. During the period when we are growing our portfolio, we may employ greater leverage on individual assets (that will also result in greater leverage of the initial portfolio) in order to quickly build a diversified portfolio of assets. Our Manager may from time to time modify our leverage policy in its discretion in light of then-current economic conditions, relative costs of debt and equity capital, market values of our assets, general conditions in the market for debt and equity securities, growth and acquisition opportunities or other factors. However, other than during our initial period of operations, it is our policy to not borrow more than 75% of the greater of cost (before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves) or fair market value of our assets. We cannot exceed the leverage limit of our leverage policy unless any excess in borrowing over such level is approved by our Manager’s investment committee.

 

Having completed our initial Offering, we face additional challenges in order to ensure liquidity and capital resources on a long-term basis. If we are unable to raise additional funds from the issuance of common shares, we will make fewer investments resulting in less diversification in terms of the type, number and size of investments we make. We may be subject to more fluctuations based on the performance of the specific assets we acquire. Further, we have certain direct and indirect operating expenses. Our inability to raise substantial funds would increase our fixed operating expenses as a percentage of gross income and would limit our ability to make distributions.

 

Outlook and Recent Trends

 

As a result of the global outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, economic uncertainties have arisen that continue to have an adverse impact on economic and market conditions. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving, and the outbreak presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to the Company’s future performance and future financial results. The Company is unable to quantify the impact COVID-19 may have on its future financial results at this time.

 

11

 

 

While we are encouraged by the stability of residential real estate markets, the country has entered a period of a high degree of uncertainty and volatility as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Although that is likely to mean a period of economic stress, broadly speaking, we believe the Fundrise Income eREIT III is well positioned to withstand potential economic shocks or slowdown in the economy.

 

First, approximately 100% of Fundrise Income eREIT III is invested in stabilized rental property and apartment development. Housing, like food, is a basic good rather than a discretionary expense so we believe that it should perform more resiliently in a downturn. Second, our real estate portfolio is only invested in senior loans and joint ventures structured with preferred equity economics (i.e., priority to the common equity), typically with more than 15% equity junior to our investment. Our belief is a portfolio of residential loans and preferred equity investments is likely to be more stable than most other assets.

 

Lastly, the current interest rate environment has dramatically eased as a result of the Federal Reserve materially lowering rates. Capital markets expect the Federal Reserve to continue to inject more liquidity into the market (similar to previous quantitative easing). Historically when the market recovers, hard assets, such as real estate, see an increase in value as a result of the expanded monetary base.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Related Party Arrangements

 

For further information regarding “Related Party Arrangements,” please see Note 7, Related Party Arrangements in our financial statements.

 

Recent Developments

 

Investments

 

There have been no real estate investments acquired by or repaid to the Company since December 31, 2019 through April 23, 2020.

 

Other

 

Event   Date   Description
Declaration of
February 2020
Distributions
  01/29/2020   On January 29, 2020, our Manager declared a daily distribution of $0.0026027397 per share for shareholders of record as of the close of business on each day of the period commencing on February 1, 2020 and ending on February 29, 2020. More information can be found here.
Declaration of
March 2020

Distributions
  02/26/2020   On February 26, 2020, our Manager declared a daily distribution of $0.0035616438 per share for shareholders of record as of the close of business on each day of the period commencing on March 1, 2020 and ending on March 31, 2020. More information can be found here.
Declaration of
April 2020

Distributions
  03/30/2020   On March 30, 2020, our Manager declared a daily distribution of $0.0023287671 per share for shareholders of record as of the close of business on each day of the period commencing on April 1, 2020 and ending on April 30, 2020. More information can be found here.
Share Purchase
Price Update
  01/01/2020   Beginning on January 1, 2020 the per share purchase price of our common shares was updated to $10.06 due to a quarterly change in NAV. More information can be found here.
Status of our
Offering
  04/23/2020   As of April 23, 2020, we had raised total gross offering proceeds of approximately $49.4 million from settled subscriptions (including the $100,000 received in the private placements to our Sponsor and Fundrise, L.P., an affiliate of our Sponsor), and had settled subscriptions in our Offering and private placements for an aggregate of approximately 4,936,000 of our common shares.

 

12

 

 

Revisions to the
Redemption Plan
  01/01/2020   On December 31, 2019, we filed an offering circular supplement pursuant to Rule 253(g)(2), revising our Redemption Plan to reflect the following changes effective January 1, 2020: (1) quarterly instead of monthly redemption requests and elimination of the 60-day waiting period; and (2) separate redemption rights in the case of death or “qualifying disability” that eliminate any penalty for redemption in such circumstances and permit the redemption of shares at 100% of the per share price for our common shares in effect at the time of the redemption request.
    03/31/2020   Effective as of March 31, 2020, our Manager has determined to (i) suspend the processing and payment of redemptions under our redemption plan until further notice, and (ii) delay the consideration and processing of all outstanding redemption requests until further notice. At this time, investors may continue to submit redemption requests, but should know that such redemption requests may not be processed and, ultimately, may be rejected.

Accordingly, all redemption requests, including outstanding redemption requests as of March 31, 2020, may be, at a later date, either (i) considered and processed or (ii) rejected. We intend to reinstate the processing and payment of redemptions under our redemption plan as soon as business prudence allows, but can make no assurances as to when such redemptions will resume.
 January 2020
Contribution to
National Lending
  01/15/2020   On January 15, 2020, the Company made an additional contribution of $649,000 to National Lending, bringing its total contributions to approximately $1.4 million.
March 2020
Contribution to
National Lending
  03/23/2020   On March 23, 2020 the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement with National Lending, which increased the contribution for partnership interest from 3% to 5% of a partner’s assets under management. Accordingly, the Company made an additional contribution of $944,000 to National Lending, bringing its total contributions to approximately $2.4 million for a 5.07% ownership in National Lending as of March 23, 2020.

 

13

 

 

Item 3. Directors and Officers

 

Our Manager

 

We operate under the direction of our Manager, which is responsible for directing the management of our business and affairs, managing our day-to-day affairs, and implementing our investment strategy. Our Manager has established an investment committee that makes decisions with respect to all acquisitions and dispositions. The Manager and its officers and directors are not required to devote all of their time to our business and are only required to devote such time to our affairs as their duties require.

 

We follow investment guidelines adopted by our Manager and the investment and borrowing policies set forth in our Offering Circular unless they are modified by our Manager. Our Manager may establish further written policies on investments and borrowings and will monitor our administrative procedures, investment operations and performance to ensure that the policies are fulfilled. Our Manager may change our investment objectives at any time without approval of our shareholders.

 

Our Manager performs its duties and responsibilities pursuant to our operating agreement. Our Manager maintains a contractual, as opposed to a fiduciary, relationship with us and our shareholders. Furthermore, we have agreed to limit the liability of our Manager and to indemnify our Manager against certain liabilities.

 

Executive Officers of Our Manager

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, the executive officers of our Manager and their positions and offices are as follows:

 

Name   Age   Position
Benjamin S. Miller   43   Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Brandon T. Jenkins   34   Chief Operating Officer
Bjorn J. Hall   39   General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary

 

Benjamin S. Miller currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of our Manager and has served as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of our Sponsor since its inception on March 14, 2012. As of the date of this Annual Report, Mr. Miller is also serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of our Manager. Prior to Rise Companies Corp., Mr. Miller had been a Managing Partner of the real estate company WestMill Capital Partners from October 2010 to June 2012, and before that, was President of Western Development Corporation one of the largest mixed-use real estate companies in the Washington, DC metro area, from April 2006 to October 2010, after joining the company in early 2005 as its Chief Operating Officer. From 2003 until 2005, Mr. Miller was an Associate and part of the founding team of Democracy Alliance, a progressive investment collaborative. In 2001, Mr. Miller co-founded and was a Managing Partner of US Nordic Ventures, a private equity and operating company that works with Scandinavian green building firms to penetrate the U.S. market. Mr. Miller has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.

 

Brandon T. Jenkins currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of our Manager and has served in such capacities with the Sponsor since February of 2014, prior to which time he served as Head of Product Development and Director of Real Estate which he continues to do currently. Additionally, Mr. Jenkins has served as Director of Real Estate for WestMill Capital Partners since March of 2011. Previously, Mr. Jenkins spent two and a half years as an investment advisor and sales broker at Marcus & Millichap, the largest real estate investment sales brokerage in the country. Prior to his time in brokerage, Mr. Jenkins also worked for Westfield Corporation, a leading shopping center owner. Mr. Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Economics from Duke University.

 

Bjorn J. Hall currently serves as the General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary of our Manager and has served in such capacities with our Sponsor since February 2014. Prior to joining our Sponsor in February 2014, Mr. Hall was a counsel at the law firm of O’Melveny & Myers LLP, where he was a member of the Corporate Finance and Securities Group. Mr. Hall has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Dakota and received a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

 

Compensation of Executive Officers

 

Each of the executive officers of our Sponsor also serves as an executive officer of our Manager. Each of these individuals receives compensation for his services, including services performed for us on behalf of our Manager, from our Sponsor. As executive officers of our Manager, these individuals serve to manage our day-to-day affairs, oversee the review, selection and recommendation of investment opportunities, service acquired investments and monitor the performance of these investments to ensure that they are consistent with our investment objectives. Although we indirectly bear some of the costs of the compensation paid to these individuals, through fees and reimbursements we pay to our Manager, we do not pay any compensation directly to these individuals.

 

Compensation of our Manager

 

For information regarding the compensation of our Manager, please see “Management Compensation” in our Offering Circular and Note 7, Related Party Arrangements – Fundrise Advisors, LLC, Manager in our financial statements.

 

14

 

 

Item 4. Security Ownership of Management and Certain Securityholders

 

Principal Shareholders

 

The following table sets forth the approximate beneficial ownership of our common shares as of March 15, 2020 for each person or group that holds more than 5.0% of our common shares, for each director and executive officer of our Manager and for the directors and executive officers of our Manager as a group. To our knowledge, each person that beneficially owns our common shares has sole voting and disposition power with regard to such shares.

 

 Name of Beneficial Owner(1)(2)   Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
    Percent of
All Shares
 
 Benjamin S. Miller     5       *  
 Brandon T. Jenkins     -       -  
 Bjorn J. Hall     116       *  
All directors and executive officers of our Manager as a group (3 persons)     121       *  

 

* Represents less than 1.0% of our outstanding common shares.
   
(1) Under SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person also is deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities which that person has a right to acquire within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she has no economic or pecuniary interest.
   
(2) Each listed beneficial owner, person or entity has an address in care of our principal executive offices at 11 Dupont Circle NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036.

 

Item 5. Interest of Management and Others in Certain Transactions

 

For further details, please see Note 7 , Related Party Arrangements in Item 7, Financial Statements.

 

Item 6. Other Information

 

None.

 

15

 

 

Item 7. Financial Statements

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF 

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

 

Independent Auditor’s Report F-1
   
Balance Sheets F-2
   
Statements of Operations F-3
   
Statements of Members’ Equity F-4
   
Statements of Cash Flows F-5
   
Notes to Financial Statements F-6 to F-17

 

16

 

 

Independent Auditor’s Report

 

 

To the Members

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

 

 

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC (the Company), which comprise the balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statements of operations, members’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the period from October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, and the related notes to the financial statements.

 

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

 

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the period from October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018 in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ RSM US LLP

 

McLean, Virginia

April 23, 2020

 

F-1

 

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

 

Balance Sheets

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

   As of
December 31,
2019
   As of
December 31,
2018
 
ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents  $5,213   $5 
Interest receivable   26    - 
Other assets   10    - 
Real estate debt investments   14,000    - 
Investments in equity method investees   22,511    - 
Total Assets  $41,760   $5 
           
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $114   $- 
Due to related party   393    - 
Settling subscriptions   3    - 
Redemptions payable   334    - 
Distributions payable   1,473    - 
Other liabilities   11    - 
Interest paid in advance reserve   1,007    - 
Total Liabilities   3,335    - 
           
Commitments and Contingencies          
           
Members’ Equity:          
Common shares; unlimited shares authorized; 4,914,406 and 500 shares issued and 4,756,234 and 500 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively   48,834    5 
Redemptions - common shares   (1,541)   - 
Retained Earnings (Accumulated deficit)   (8,868)   - 
Total Members’ Equity   38,425    5 
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity  $41,760   $5 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-2

 

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

 

Statements of Operations

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

   For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2019
   For the Period
October 5, 2018
(Inception) through
December 31,
2018
 
Income (loss)          
Interest income  $355   $- 
Equity in earnings (losses)   (6,664)   - 
Other income   181    - 
Total income (loss)   (6,128)   - 
           
Expenses          
Asset management and other fees – related party   102    - 
General and administrative expenses   189    - 
Total expenses   291    - 
           
Net income (loss)  $(6,419)  $- 
           
Net income (loss) per common share  $(2.51)  $- 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding   2,554,460    358 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

 

Statements of Members’ Equity

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

   Common Shares   Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
   Total Members’ 
   Shares   Amount   deficit)   Equity 
October 5, 2018 (Inception)   -   $-   $-   $- 
Proceeds from issuance of common shares   500    5    -    5 
December 31, 2018   500    5    -    5 
Proceeds from issuance of common shares   4,913,906    49,139    -    49,139 
Offering costs   -    (310)   -    (310)
Distributions declared on common shares   -    -    (2,449)   (2,449)
Redemptions of common shares   (158,172)   (1,541)   -    (1,541)
Net income (loss)   -    -    (6,419)   (6,419)
December 31, 2019   4,756,234   $47,293   $(8,868)  $38,425 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

 

Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in thousands)

 

   For the Year Ended
December 31, 2019
   For the Period
October 5, 2018
(Inception) through
December 31, 2018
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net income (loss)  $(6,419)  $- 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Organizational expense   14    - 
Equity in (earnings) losses   6,664    - 
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Net (increase) decrease in interest receivable   (26)   - 
Net (increase) decrease in other assets   (10)   - 
Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses   78    - 
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities   11    - 
Net increase (decrease) in due to related party   105    - 
Net increase (decrease) in interest paid in advance reserve   602    - 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   1,019    - 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Investment in real estate debt investments   (16,340)   - 
Repayment of real estate debt investments   2,745    - 
Investment in equity method investees   (29,862)   - 
Distributions received from equity method investees   687    - 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (42,770)   - 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from issuance of common shares   49,109    5 
Proceeds from settling subscriptions   3    - 
Cash paid for shares redeemed   (1,207)   - 
Distributions paid   (946)   - 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   46,959    5 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   5,208    5 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   5    - 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year  $5,213   $5 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITY:          
Distributions payable  $1,473   $- 
Redemptions payable  $334   $- 
Distributions reinvested in Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC through programs offered by Fundrise Advisors, LLC  $30   $- 
Interest paid in advance reserve holdback  $405   $- 
Offering costs payable  $36   $- 
Offering costs accrued  $288   $- 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC

 

Notes to Financial Statements

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 and

For the Period October 5, 2018 (Inception)

through December 31, 2018

 

1. Formation and Organization

 

Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC was formed on October 5, 2018, as a Delaware limited liability company and substantially commenced operations on February 22, 2019. As used herein, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC except where the context otherwise requires.

 

The Company was organized primarily to originate, invest in and manage a diversified portfolio of real estate loans, real estate, and may also invest in real estate-related debt securities and other real estate-related assets. The Company may make its investments through majority-owned subsidiaries, some of which may have rights to receive preferred economic returns.

 

The Company’s business is externally managed by Fundrise Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”), a Delaware limited liability company and an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Subject to certain restrictions and limitations, the Manager is responsible for managing the Company’s affairs on a day-to-day basis and for identifying and making acquisitions and investments on behalf of the Company.

 

We believe we have operated in such a manner as to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes beginning with the year ended December 31, 2019. We hold substantially all of our assets directly, and as of December 31, 2019 have not established an operating partnership or any taxable REIT subsidiary or qualified REIT subsidiary, though we may form such entities as required in the future to facilitate certain transactions that might otherwise have an adverse impact on our status as a REIT.

 

The Offering is being conducted as a continuous offering pursuant to Rule 251(d)(3) of Regulation A, meaning that while the offering of securities is continuous, active sales of securities may happen sporadically over the term of the Offering. A maximum of $50.0 million of the Company’s common shares may be sold to the public in its Offering in any given twelve-month period. However, each Offering is subject to qualification by the SEC. The Manager has the authority to issue an unlimited number of common shares. Most recently, the Company qualified approximately $600,000 of shares on March 11, 2020, which represents the value of shares available to be offered as of the date of its most recent offering circular out of the rolling 12-month maximum offering amount of $50.0 million.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, after redemptions, the Company has net common shares outstanding of approximately 4,756,000 and 500, respectively, including common shares to Rise Companies Corp. (the “Sponsor”), the owner of the Manager. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Sponsor owned 500 and 500 common shares, respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2019, Fundrise, L.P., an affiliate of the Sponsor, had purchased an aggregate of 9,500 common shares at $10.00 per share in a private placement, for an aggregate purchase price of $95,000. At December 31, 2018, Fundrise, L.P. had committed to purchase 9,500 common shares at $10.00, but had not yet purchased any common shares. 

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the total amount of equity outstanding by the Company on a gross basis was approximately $47.6 million and $0 million, respectively, and the total amount of settling subscriptions was approximately $3,000 and $0, respectively. Both of these amounts were based on a $10.00 per share price.

 

The Company’s Manager, Fundrise Advisors, LLC, has established various plans by which individual clients of the Manager may elect to have distributions received from eREITs and eFunds reinvested across such individual client’s Fundrise portfolio according to such individual client’s selected preferences (“Reinvestment Plans”). Shares purchased through such Reinvestment Plans are done so at the effective price at the time of distribution issuance. For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, approximately $30,000 and $0, respectively, of distributions declared by the Company have been reinvested directly into the Company through such Reinvestment Plans.

 

F-6

 

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and Article 8 of Regulation S-X of the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

We consolidate entities when we own, directly or indirectly, a majority interest in the entity or are otherwise able to control the entity. We consolidate variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation, if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE as determined by our power to direct the VIE’s activities and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits, which are potentially significant to the VIE. A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity’s activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights.

 

Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures 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 materially differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents may consist of money market funds, demand deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Cash may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance limit of $250,000 per institution. The Company mitigates credit risk by placing cash with major financial institutions. To date, the Company has not experienced any losses with respect to cash.

 

Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated on the basis of weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to members by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year.

 

Organizational and Offering Costs

 

Organizational and offering costs of the Company were initially paid by the Manager on behalf of the Company. These organizational and offering costs may include all expenses to be paid by the Company in connection with the formation of the Company and the qualification of the Offering, and the distribution of shares, including, without limitation, expenses for printing, and amending offering statements or supplementing offering circulars, mailing and distributing costs, telephones, internet and other telecommunications costs, charges of experts and fees, expenses and taxes related to the filing, registration and qualification of the sale of shares under federal and state laws, including taxes and fees and accountants’ and attorneys’ fees. Pursuant to the Company’s second amended and restated operating agreement (the “Operating Agreement”), the Company will be obligated to reimburse the Manager, or its affiliates, as applicable, for organizational and offering costs paid by them on behalf of the Company. The Manager has decided that the Company shall only reimburse the Manager for the organizational and offering costs subject to a minimum net asset value (“NAV”), as described below.

 

After the Company has reached a NAV greater than $10.00 per share (“Hurdle Rate”), the Company is obligated to start reimbursing the Manager, without interest, for organizational and offering costs incurred, both, before and after the date that the Hurdle Rate was reached. The total amount payable to the Manager will be based on the dollar amount that the NAV exceeds the Hurdle Rate, multiplied by the number of shares outstanding. Reimbursement payments will be made in monthly installments, but the aggregate monthly amount reimbursed shall not exceed 0.50% of the aggregate gross offering proceeds from the offering provided. No reimbursement shall be made if the reimbursement would cause the NAV to be less than the Hurdle Rate. If the sum of the total unreimbursed amount of such organizational and offering costs, plus new costs incurred since the last reimbursement payment, exceeds the reimbursement limit described above for the applicable monthly installment, the excess will be eligible for reimbursement in subsequent months (subject to the 0.50% limit), calculated on an accumulated basis, until the Manager has been reimbursed in full.

 

The Company recognizes a liability for organizational costs and offering costs payable to the Manager when it is probable and estimable that a liability has been incurred in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies. As a result, there will be no liability recognized until the Company reaches the Hurdle Rate. When the Company’s NAV exceeds the Hurdle Rate, it will recognize a liability with a corresponding reduction to equity for offering costs, and a liability and a corresponding expense to general and administrative expenses for organizational costs.

 

F-7

 

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Manager had incurred cumulative organizational and offering costs of approximately $293,000 and $211,000, respectively, on behalf of the Company. The Hurdle Rate was met as of December 31, 2019 and approximately $288,000 and $0 of offering costs were reimbursable to the Manager at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, the Company did not reimburse the Manager for any offering costs. As such, approximately $288,000 and $0 of organizational and offering costs remained payable as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has directly incurred cumulative offering costs of approximately $36,000 and $0, respectively.

 

Settling Subscriptions

 

Settling subscriptions presented on the balance sheets represent equity subscriptions for which funds have been received but common shares have not yet been issued. Under the terms of the Offering Circular for our common shares, subscriptions will be accepted or rejected within thirty days of receipt by us. Once a subscription agreement is accepted, settlement of the shares may occur up to fifteen days later, depending on the volume of subscriptions received; however, we generally issue shares the later of five business days from the date that an investor’s subscription is approved by our Manager or when funds settle in our bank account. We rely on our Automated Clearing House (ACH) provider to notify us that funds have settled for this purpose, which may differ from the time that cash is posted to our bank statement.

 

Investments in Equity Method Investees

 

If it is determined that we do not have a controlling interest in a joint venture through our financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) or through our voting interest in a voting interest entity and we have the ability to provide significant influence, the equity method of accounting is used. Under this method, the investment, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize our share of net earnings or losses of the affiliate as they occur, with losses limited to the extent of our investment in, advances to, and commitments to the investee.

 

The Company evaluates its investment in equity method investees for impairment semi-annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that there may be an other-than-temporary decline in value. To do so, the Company would calculate the estimated fair value of the investment using various valuation techniques, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, the Company’s intent and ability to retain its investment in the entity, the financial condition and long-term prospects of the entity, and the expected term of the investment. If the Company determined any decline in value is other-than-temporary, the Company would recognize an impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of its investment to fair value. No impairment losses were recorded related to equity method investees for year ended December 31, 2019. There were no equity method investees during the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018.

 

Real Estate Debt Investments

 

Our real estate debt investments are classified as held to maturity, as we have both the intent and ability to hold these investments until maturity. Accordingly, these assets are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, discounts, repayments and unfunded commitments, if applicable, unless such loans or investments are deemed to be impaired. The Company’s real estate debt investments are subject to quarterly analysis for potential loan impairment.

 

A debt related investment is impaired when, based on current information and events (including economic, industry and geographical factors), it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the agreement. When an investment is deemed impaired, the impairment is measured based on the expected future cash flows discounted at the investment’s effective interest rate. As a practical expedient, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASC Topic 310, Receivables, which permits a creditor to measure an observable market price for the impaired debt related investment as an alternative to discounting expected future cash flows. Regardless of the measurement method, a creditor should measure impairment based on the fair value of the collateral when the creditor determines that foreclosure is probable. A real estate debt investment is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”). A TDR occurs when we grant a concession to a borrower in financial difficulty by modifying the original terms of the loan. Impairments on TDR loans are generally measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate of the original loan. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, none of our real estate debt investments were considered impaired.

 

We have certain investments that are legally structured as equity investments in majority-owned subsidiaries with rights to receive preferred economic returns (referred to throughout these Notes as “preferred equity” investments). We report these investments as real estate debt securities when the common equity holders have a contractual obligation to redeem our preferred equity interest at a specified date.

 

F-8

 

 

Share Redemptions

 

Share repurchases are recorded as a reduction of common share par value under our redemption plan, pursuant to which we may elect to redeem shares at the request of our members, subject to certain exceptions, conditions, and limitations. The maximum number of shares purchasable by us in any period depends on a number of factors and is at the discretion of our Manager.

 

Through December 31, 2019, the Company’s redemption plan provided that, on a monthly basis, an investor had the opportunity to obtain liquidity monthly, following a minimum 60-day waiting period after submitting their redemption request. Pursuant to the Company’s redemption plan, a member may only (a) have one outstanding redemption request at any given time and (b) request that we redeem up to the lesser of 5,000 shares or $50,000 worth of shares per each redemption request. In addition, the redemption plan is subject to certain liquidity limitations, which may fluctuate depending on the liquidity of the real estate assets held by the Company. Redemptions are also subject to declining discounts on the redemption price over the course of the time the member has held the shares being redeemed.

 

In light of the SEC’s current guidance on redemption plans, we generally intend to limit redemptions in any calendar month to shares whose aggregate value (based on the repurchase price per share in effect as of the redemption date) is less than or equal to 0.50% of the NAV of all of our outstanding shares as of the first day of such calendar month, and generally intend to limit the amount redeemed in any calendar quarter to shares whose aggregate value (based on the repurchase price per share in effect as of the redemption date) is 1.25% of the NAV of all of our outstanding shares as of first day of the last month of such calendar quarter (e.g., March 1, June 1, September 1, or December 1), with excess capacity carried over to later calendar quarters in that calendar year. However, as we intend to make a number of real estate investments of varying terms and maturities, our Manager may elect to increase or decrease the number of common shares available for redemption in any given month or quarter, as these real estate assets are paid off or sold, but we generally do not intend to redeem more than 5.00% of the common shares outstanding during any calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are not obligated to redeem common shares under the redemption plan.

 

In addition, our Manager may, in its sole discretion, amend, suspend, or terminate the redemption plan at any time without prior notice, including to protect our operations and our non-redeemed members, to prevent an undue burden on our liquidity, to preserve our status as a REIT, following any material decrease in our NAV, or for any other reason. However, in the event that we amend, suspend or terminate our redemption plan, we will file an offering circular supplement and/or Form 1-U, as appropriate, and post such information on the Fundrise Platform to disclose such amendment. Our Manager may also, in its sole discretion, decline any particular redemption request if it believes such action is necessary to preserve our status as a REIT.

 

Therefore, a member may not have the opportunity to make a redemption request prior to any potential termination of the Company’s redemption plan.

 

Income Taxes

 

As a limited liability company, we have elected to be taxed as a C corporation. Commencing with the taxable year ending December 31, 2019, the Company operates in a manner intended to qualify for treatment as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of the Company’s annual REIT taxable income to its members (which is computed without regard to the distributions paid deduction or net capital gain and which does not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP). As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent it distributes qualifying distributions to its members. Even if the Company qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed income. No material provisions have been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying financial statements during the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018. No gross deferred tax assets or liabilities have been recorded as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

All tax periods since inception remain open to examination by the major taxing authorities in all jurisdictions where we are subject to taxation.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and any related premium, discount, origination costs and fees are amortized over the life of the investment using the effective interest method. Interest income is recognized on real estate debt investments classified as held to maturity securities, and investments in joint ventures that are accounted for using the cost method if the terms of the equity investment includes terms that are akin to interest on a debt instrument.

 

F-9

 

 

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year, which would make the guidance effective for the Company’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard under the modified retrospective approach, effective January 1, 2019. After performing an assessment, we determined that the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact or require an initial transition adjustment on our financial statements.

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updated 2016-18 (“ASU 2016-18”) Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, which clarifies the presentation requirements of restricted cash within the statement of cash flows. The changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents during the period should be included in the beginning and ending cash and cash equivalents balance reconciliation on the statement of cash flows. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one-line item within the statement of financial position, an entity shall calculate a total cash amount in a narrative or tabular format that agrees to the amount shown on the statement of cash flows. Details on the nature and amounts of restricted cash should also be disclosed. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, and the Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”), Financial Instruments – Overall, which changes the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The FASB also clarifies the guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases, which changes the accounting for leases for both lessors and lessees. The guidance requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for virtually all of their leases, including leases embedded in other contractual arrangements, among other changes. In July 2019, the FASB voted to delay the fiscal year effective date of this standard by one year, and in November 2019, the FASB voted to delay the interim period effective date by one year. The standard will now be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. We are currently assessing the impact of this update on the presentation of these financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”), Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2020. In November 2019, the FASB voted to delay the effective date of this standard by two years. The standard will now be effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our financial statements.

 

F-10

 

 

Extended Transition Period

 

Under Section 107 of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, we are permitted to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This permits us to delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to use the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have difference effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B). By electing to extend the transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that adopt accounting standard updates upon the public business entity effective dates.

 

3. Investments in Equity Method Investees

 

The table below presents the activity of the Company’s investments in equity method investees as of and for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

Investments in Equity Method Investees:  For the Year
Ended December
31, 2019
   For the Period
October 5, 2018
(Inception) through
December 31, 2018
 
Beginning balance  $-   $                - 
New investments in equity method investees   29,862    - 
Distributions received   (687)   - 
Equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investees   (6,664)   - 
Ending balance  $22,511   $- 

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting consist of the following:

 

  (1) Acquired in 2019, a 49.4% non-controlling member interest in CMF RSE Holdings, LLC, whose activities are carried out through the following wholly-owned asset: RSE Carter Portfolio, 11 garden-style residential properties in Savannah, GA and neighboring cities, for which the Company has an outstanding commitment of approximately $10 million as of December 31, 2019.
  (2) Acquired in 2019, a 4.1% non-controlling member interest in National Lending, LLC (“National Lending”), whose activities are further described in Note 7, Related Party Arrangements.

 

As of and for the year ending December 31, 2019, the condensed financial position and results of operations of the Company’s equity basis investments are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

Condensed balance sheet information:  CMF RSE Holdings
As of
December 31, 2019
   National Lending, LLC
As of
December 31, 2019
 
Real estate assets, net  $198,835   $- 
Other assets   5,343    19,313 
Total assets  $204,178   $19,313 
           
Mortgage notes payable  $150,232   $- 
Other liabilities   4,750    - 
Equity   49,196    19,313 
Total liabilities and equity  $204,178   $19,313 
Company’s equity investment  $21,716   $795 

 

F-11

 

 

Condensed income statement information: 

CMF RSE
Holdings

From May
31, 2019
(Inception) to
December
31, 2019

  

National
Lending, LLC

From July 15,
2019
(Inception) to

December 31,
2019

 
Total revenue  $11,258   $             242 
Total expenses   23,459    27 
Net income (loss)  $(12,201)  $215 
Company’s equity in income (loss) of investee  $(6,033)  $9 
Company’s share of origination costs within equity  $(640)  $- 

 

The Company did not have any investments in companies accounted for under the equity method of accounting as of December 31, 2018.

 

4. Real Estate Debt Investments

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, none of our real estate debt investments are considered impaired, and no impairment charges have been recorded in these financial statements. The following table describes our real estate investment activity (amounts in thousands):

 

Real Estate Debt investments:  For the Year
Ended
December
31, 2019
   For the
Period
October 5,
2018
(Inception)
through
December
31, 2018
 
Beginning balance  $-   $                 - 
Investments(1)   16,745    - 
Principal repayments(2)   (2,745)   - 
Ending balance  $14,000   $- 

 

  (1) Investments as of December 31, 2019 include four senior debt investments added during the year ended December 31, 2019. No investments were added during the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018.
     
  (2) The principal repayment includes full repayment from one senior debt instrument during the year ended December 31, 2019. No investments were repaid during the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no discount or origination costs or fees that were includable in the carrying value of our real estate debt investments.

 

The following table presents the Company’s investments in real estate debt investments, as of December 31, 2019 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

Asset Type  Number   Principal
Amount
or
cost(1)
   Future
Funding
Commitments
   Carrying
Value
 
Senior Debt   3   $14,000   $500   $14,000 
Balance as of December 31, 2019   3   $14,000   $500   $14,000 

 

  (1) This only includes the stated amount of funds disbursed to date and interest that was contractually converted to principal.

 

The Company did not have any debt investments as of December 31, 2018.

 

F-12

 

 

The following table presents certain information about the Company’s investments in real estate debt investments, as of December 31, 2019, by contractual maturity grouping (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

Asset Type  Number   Amounts
Maturing
Within
One
Year
   Amounts
Maturing
After
One Year
Through Five
Years
   Amounts
Maturing
After
Five Years
Through
Ten
Years
   Amounts
Maturing
After Ten
Years
 
Senior Debt   3   $4,000   $10,000   $              -   $              - 
Balance as of December 31, 2019   3   $4,000   $10,000   $-   $- 

 

Credit Quality Monitoring

 

The Company’s real estate debt investments that earn interest based on debt-like terms are typically secured by senior liens on real estate properties, mortgage payments, mortgage loans, or interests in entities that have preferred interests in real estate similar to the interests just described. The Company evaluates its real estate debt investments at least semi-annually and differentiates the relative credit quality principally based on: (i) whether the borrower is currently paying contractual debt service or guaranteed preferred equity payments in accordance with its contractual terms; and (ii) whether the Company believes the borrower will be able to perform under its contractual terms in the future, as well as the Company’s expectations as to the ultimate recovery of principal at maturity. The Company considered investments for which it expects to receive full payment of contractual principal and interest payments as “performing.” As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, all investments are considered to be performing. In the event that an investment is deemed other than performing, the Company will evaluate the instrument for any required impairment.

 

5. Distributions

 

Distributions are calculated based on members of record each day during the distribution period.

 

The table below outlines the Company’s total distributions declared to members and distributions relating to the Sponsor and its affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2019 (all tabular amounts are in thousands except per share data):

 

   Members  Related Parties(1) 
Distributions for the Period:  Daily
Distribution
Per-Share
Amount
   Total
Declared
   Date of
Declaration
  

Total Paid/Reinvested as of

December 31, 2019

   Payment
Date
  Total
Declared
 
June 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019   0.0013698630   $68    5/30/19   $              68    7/11/19  $                - 
July 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019   0.0024657534    239    6/28/19    239    10/9/19   - 
August 1, 2019 through August 31, 2019   0.0023287671    337    7/30/19    337    10/9/19   1 
September 1, 2019 through October 1, 2019   0.0023287671    344    8/29/19    344    10/9/19   1 
October 2, 2019 through October 31, 2019   0.0020547945    296    10/1/19    -    1/13/20   - 
November 1, 2019 through November 30, 2019   0.0024657534    355    10/31/19    -    1/13/20   1 
December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019   0.0028767123    427    11/26/19    -    1/13/20   1 
January 1, 2020 through January 31, 2020   0.0026027397    383(2)   12/23/19    -    4/9/20   - 
Total       $2,449        $988      $4 

 

  (1) Total distributions declared to related parties are included in total distributions declared to all members.
  (2) The liability for the January 2020 distribution was estimated based on the daily distribution per-share amount multiplied by the number of members as of the date of the preparation of the December 31, 2019 financial statements, and is scheduled to be paid within three weeks after the end of March 31, 2020.

 

F-13

 

 

6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

We are required to disclose an estimate of fair value of our financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate the value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which such financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation. For certain of our financial instruments, fair values are not readily available since there are no active trading markets as characterized by current exchanges by willing parties.

 

We determine the fair value of certain investments in accordance with the fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs. The fair value hierarchy includes the following three levels based on the objectivity of the inputs, which were used for categorizing the assets or liabilities for which fair value is being measured and reported:

 

Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs (e.g., quoted prices for similar items in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar items in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rate and yield curves, and market-corroborated inputs).

 

Level 3 – Valuation generated from model-based techniques that use inputs that are significant and unobservable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques, which incorporate management’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument or valuations that require significant management judgment or estimation.

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s significant financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, interest receivable, and real estate debt investments. With the exception of real estate debt investments, the carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments approximates their fair values due to their short-term nature. The aggregate fair value of our real estate debt investments including PIK interest is based on unobservable Level 3 inputs which management has determined to be its best estimate of current market values. The methods utilized generally included a discounted cash flow method (an income approach) and recent investment method (a market approach). Significant inputs and assumptions include the market-based interest or preferred return rate, loan to value ratios, and expected repayment and prepayment dates.

 

As a result of this assessment, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, management estimated the fair value of our real estate debt investments to be approximately $14.0 million and $0 million, respectively.

  

7. Related Party Arrangements

  

Fundrise Advisors, LLC, Manager

 

The Manager and certain affiliates of the Manager will receive fees and compensation in connection with the Company’s Offering, and the acquisition, management and sale of the Company’s real estate investments.

 

The Manager is reimbursed for organizational and offering expenses incurred in conjunction with the Offering upon meeting the Hurdle Rate. See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Organizational and Offering Costs for the amount of organizational and offering costs incurred and payable for the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018.

 

The Company will reimburse the Manager for actual expenses incurred on behalf of the Company in connection with the selection, acquisition or origination of an investment, to the extent not reimbursed by the borrower, whether or not the Company ultimately acquires or originates the investment. The Company will reimburse the Manager for out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties in connection with providing services to the Company. This does not include the Manager’s overhead, employee costs borne by the Manager, utilities or technology costs. Expense reimbursements payable to the Manager also may include expenses incurred by the Sponsor in the performance of services pursuant to a shared services agreement between the Manager and the Sponsor, including any increases in insurance attributable to the management or operation of the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, the Manager incurred approximately $14,000 and $0 of costs on our behalf, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $3,000 and $0 were due and payable as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

F-14

 

 

The Company will pay the Manager a quarterly asset management fee of one-fourth of 0.85% of our NAV, which, until December 31, 2019, will be based on our net offering proceeds as of the end of each quarter, and thereafter will be based on our NAV at the end of each prior semi-annual period.

 

The Manager has agreed, for a period from inception until June 30, 2019 (the “Fee Waiver Period”), to waive its asset management fee. Following the conclusion of the Fee Waiver Period, the Manager may, in its sole discretion, continue to waive its asset management fee, in whole or in part. The Manager will forfeit any portion of the asset management fee that is waived. The Manager decided to further waive its asset management fees through September 30, 2019.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, we have incurred asset management fees of approximately $101,000 and $0, respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately $101,000 and $0, respectively, of asset management fees remain payable to the Manager.

 

The Company may be charged by the Manager a development management fee of 5.00% of total development costs, excluding property. However, such development fee is only intended to be charged if it is net of a fee being charged by the developer of the direct equity investment project or if there is no outside developer of the direct equity investment project. Our Manager may, in its sole discretion, waive its development management fee, in whole or in part. The Manager will forfeit any portion of the development management fee that is waived.

 

The Company will reimburse the Manager for actual expenses incurred on our behalf in connection with the special servicing of non-performing assets. The Manager will determine, in its sole discretion, whether an asset is non-performing. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Manager has not designated any asset as non-performing and no special servicing fees have been incurred or paid to the Manager.

 

The Company will reimburse the Manager for actual expenses incurred on our behalf in connection with the liquidation of any of our equity investments in real estate, and we will also pay the Manager an equity disposition fee of up to 1.50% of the gross proceeds from such sale if our Manager is acting as the real estate developer or is engaged by the developer to sell the project. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, no equity investments had been disposed of, and accordingly no disposition expenses were incurred or reimbursed.

 

Fundrise Lending, LLC

 

As an alternative means of acquiring loans or other investments for which we do not yet have sufficient funds, and in order to comply with certain state lending requirements, Fundrise Lending, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Sponsor, Rise Companies Corp., or its affiliates may close and fund a loan or other investment prior to it being acquired by us. This allows us the flexibility to deploy our offering proceeds as funds are raised. We then will acquire such investment at a price equal to the fair market value of the loan or other investment (including reimbursements for servicing fees and accrued interest, if any), so there is no mark-up (or mark-down) at the time of our acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, the Company purchased four investments and zero investments, respectively, that were owned by Fundrise Lending, LLC.

 

For situations where our Sponsor, Manager or their affiliates have a conflict of interest with us that is not otherwise covered by an existing policy we have adopted or a transaction is deemed to be a “principal transaction”, the Manager has appointed an independent representative (the “Independent Representative”) to protect the interests of the members and review and approve such transactions. Any compensation payable to the Independent Representative for serving in such capacity on our behalf will be payable by us. Principal transactions are defined as transactions between our Sponsor, Manager or their affiliates, on the one hand, and us or one of our subsidiaries, on the other hand. Our Manager is only authorized to execute principal transactions with the prior approval of the Independent Representative and in accordance with applicable law. Such prior approval may include but not be limited to pricing methodology for the acquisition of assets and/or liabilities for which there are no readily observable market prices. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, fees of approximately $11,000 and $0, respectively, were paid to the Independent Representative as compensation for those services.

 

F-15

 

 

Fundrise, L.P., Member

 

Fundrise, L.P. is a member of the Company and held 9,500 shares as of December 31, 2019. Fundrise, L.P. did not hold any shares at December 31, 2018, but was committed to purchase 9,500 shares. One of our Sponsor’s wholly-owned subsidiaries is the general partner of Fundrise, L.P.

 

As an alternative means of acquiring loans or other investments for which we do not yet have sufficient funds, Fundrise, L.P. may provide capital to Fundrise Lending, LLC for the purposes of acquiring investments where there would otherwise be insufficient capital. During the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, Fundrise, L.P. did not provide capital to Fundrise Lending, LLC for the purposes of acquiring investments on behalf of the Company.

 

Rise Companies Corp, Member and Sponsor

 

Rise Companies Corp is a member of the Company and held 500 common shares as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the period October 5, 2018 (inception) through December 31, 2018, the Sponsor incurred approximately $13,000 and $0 of costs on our behalf, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $1,000 and $0 were due and payable as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Investment in National Lending, LLC

 

In July 2019, our Manager formed a self-sustaining lending entity, National Lending, LLC (“National Lending”), which is financed by each of the eREITs affiliated with our Sponsor. National Lending is managed by an independent manager (the “Independent Manager”) through a management agreement at a market rate. Each eREIT contributes an amount to National Lending in exchange for ownership interests, generally not to exceed 3% of its assets under management to National Lending. National Lending then may provide short-term bridge financing through promissory notes to any of the eREITs who have contributed in order to maintain greater liquidity and better finance their individual real estate investment strategies. The promissory notes bear a market rate of interest and are generally repaid via the capital raised by each of the borrowing eREITs’ Offerings. All transactions between National Lending and the borrowers are reviewed by the Independent Manager. As of December 31, 2019, we have contributed $786,000 to National Lending and have not entered into any promissory notes with National Lending.

 

8.Economic Dependency

 

Under various agreements, the Company has engaged or will engage Fundrise Advisors, LLC and its affiliates to provide certain services that are essential to the Company, including asset management services, asset acquisition and disposition decisions, the sale of the Company’s common shares available for issue, as well as other administrative responsibilities for the Company including accounting services and investor relations. As a result of these relationships, the Company is dependent upon Fundrise Advisors, LLC and its affiliates. In the event that these companies were unable to provide the Company with the respective services, the Company would be required to find alternative providers of these services.

 

9.Commitments and Contingencies

 

Reimbursable Organizational and Offering Costs

 

The Company has a contingent liability related to potential future reimbursements to the Manager for organizational and offering costs that were paid by the Manager on the Company’s behalf. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately $5,000 and $211,000 of organizational and offering costs incurred by the Manager may be subject to reimbursement by the Company in future periods, based on achieving specific performance hurdles as described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesOrganizational and Offering Costs.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

As of the date of the financial statements we are not currently named as a defendant in any active or pending litigation. However, it is possible that the company could become involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. Although we are unable to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, management is not aware of any litigation likely to occur that we currently assess as being significant to us.

 

10.Subsequent Events

 

In connection with the preparation of the accompanying financial statements, we have evaluated events and transactions occurring through April 23, 2020, for potential recognition or disclosure.

 

F-16

 

 

Offering

 

As of April 23, 2020, we had raised total gross offering proceeds of approximately $49.4 million from settled subscriptions (including the $100,000 received in the private placements to our Sponsor, Rise Companies Corp., and Fundrise, L.P., an affiliate of our Sponsor), and had settled subscriptions in our Offering and private placements for a gross aggregate of approximately 4,936,000 of our common shares.

 

Additional Contributions to National Lending, LLC

 

On January 15, 2020, the Company made an additional contribution of $649,000 to National Lending, bringing its total contributions to approximately $1.4 million.

 

On March 23, 2020, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement with National Lending, which increased the contribution for partnership interests from 3% to 5% of a partner’s assets under management. Accordingly, the Company made an additional contribution of $944,000 to National Lending, bringing its total contributions to approximately $2.4 million, which is equivalent to approximately 5.07% ownership in National Lending as of April 23, 2020.

 

As of April 23, 2020, the Company has not entered into any promissory notes with National Lending.

 

Revisions to the Redemption Plan

 

Effective as of January 1, 2020, we have adopted revisions to our Redemption Plan to implement quarterly instead of monthly redemption requests, and the elimination of the 60-day waiting period. Further, our new policy includes the provision for separate redemption rights in the case of death or “qualifying disability” that eliminates any penalty for redemption in such circumstances and permits the redemption of shares at 100% of the per share price for our common shares in effect at the time of the redemption request.

 

Effective as of March 31, 2020, our Manager has determined to (i) suspend the processing and payment of redemptions under our redemption plan until further notice, and (ii) delay the consideration and processing of all outstanding redemption requests until further notice. At this time, investors may continue to submit redemption requests. However, such redemption requests may not be processed and, ultimately, may be rejected. 

Accordingly, all redemption requests, including outstanding redemption requests as of March 31, 2020, may be, at a later date, either (i) considered and processed or (ii) rejected. We intend to reinstate the processing and payment of redemptions under our redemption plan as soon as business prudence allows, but can make no assurances as to when such redemptions will resume.

 

Coronavirus Impact

 

As a result of the global outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, economic uncertainties have arisen that continue to have an adverse impact on economic and market conditions. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving, and the outbreak presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to the Company’s performance and financial results, such as the potential negative impact to occupancy and corresponding rental income from its investments in equity method investees or interest receivable from its real estate debt investments. The Company is unable to quantify the impact COVID-19 may have on its financial results at this time.

 

F-17

 

 

Item 8. Exhibits

 

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.   Description
2.1**   Certificate of Formation (incorporated by reference to the copy thereof submitted as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 1-A filed on December 21, 2018)
2.2**   Form of Amended and Restated Operating Agreement (incorporated by reference to the copy thereof submitted as Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Form 1-A filed on December 21, 2018) 
4.1**   Form of Subscription Package (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Company’s Form 1-A/POS filed on February 10, 2020)
6.1**   Form of License Agreement between Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC and Fundrise, LLC (incorporated by reference to the copy thereof submitted as Exhibit 6.1 to the Company’s Form 1-A filed on December 21, 2018)
6.2**   Form of Distribution Support Agreement between Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC and Fundrise, LP (incorporated by reference to the copy thereof submitted as Exhibit 6.2 to the Company’s Form 1-A filed on December 21, 2018)
6.3**   Form of Shared Services Agreement between Rise Companies Corp. and Fundrise Advisors, LLC (incorporated by reference to the copy thereof submitted as Exhibit 6.3 to the Company’s Form 1-A filed on December 21, 2018)
11.1*   Consent of RSM US LLP

 

Filed herewith
**

Filed previously

 

 

17

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, the issuer has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 2020.

 

  Fundrise Income eREIT III, LLC 
  By: Fundrise Advisors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, its Manager
       
    By:  /s/ Benjamin S. Miller
      Name:  Benjamin S. Miller
      Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the issuer in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Benjamin S. Miller   Chief Executive Officer of   April 23, 2020
Benjamin S. Miller   Fundrise Advisors, LLC    
    (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Benjamin S. Miller   Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of   April 23, 2020
Benjamin S. Miller   Fundrise Advisors, LLC    
    (Principal Financial Officer and    
    Principal Accounting Officer)    

 

18