NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- iStar (NYSE: STAR) today reported results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

2016 Highlights


    --  Company exceeded its target of 50% year-over-year earnings growth.
    --  Net income (loss) for the fiscal year was $0.55 per diluted common
        share, versus $(0.62) for the prior year.
    --  Adjusted income for the fiscal year was $1.15 per diluted common share,
        versus $0.35 for the prior year.
    --  Originated $692 million of investments within the real estate finance
        and net lease portfolios.
    --  Monetized operating properties for $377 million, generating $109 million
        of income.
    --  Achieved target entitlement on approximately 90% of land portfolio.
    --  Ended the year with $749 million of liquidity.
    --  Reduced diluted shares outstanding by 38 million shares or 30% via stock
        buybacks and repayment of convertible bonds.
    --  Added as a constituent to the MSCI US REIT Index (RMZ).
    --  Hired Geoffrey Jervis in the newly created role of COO and CFO.

Fiscal Year 2016 Results

iStar grew net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders for the year by over 100% to $44.0 million, or $0.55 per diluted common share, compared to $(52.7) million, or $(0.62) per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The Company's management uses adjusted income as an internal performance measure and supplies it to investors as a supplemental non-GAAP performance measure. Management believes that adjusted income provides a useful measure of income because it excludes the effects of certain non-cash charges that management believes are not necessarily indicative of iStar's operating performance and it includes the effect of gains or losses on investments when realized. In addition, the Board of Directors determines compensation in part based upon adjusted income. Adjusted income represents net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP, prior to the effects of certain non-cash items. The calculation of adjusted income and reconciliation to GAAP net income is presented in the financial tables that follow the text of this press release.

In the second quarter of 2016, the Company modified its presentation of adjusted income to reflect the effect of gains and losses on certain non-cash charge-offs and dispositions on book value gross of loan loss reserves and impairments.

The Company also exceeded its 50% year-over-year growth target for adjusted income per share. Adjusted income allocable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $1.15 per diluted common share, or $112.6 million, net of a $14.8 million loss associated with the modified definition of adjusted income. This compares to adjusted income allocable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $0.35 per diluted common share, or $29.7 million, net of a $55.4 million loss associated with the modified definition of adjusted income.

Fourth Quarter 2016 Results

iStar reported net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of $(19.3) million, or $(0.27) per diluted common share, versus $7.7 million, or $0.09 per diluted common share for the fourth quarter 2015.

Adjusted income (loss) allocable to common shareholders for the fourth quarter was $2.7 million, or $0.04 per diluted common share, versus $(13.2) million, or $(0.16) per diluted common share for the fourth quarter 2015.

"We made progress this year," said Jay Sugarman, iStar's chairman and chief executive officer. "We made investments in attractive real estate finance and net lease opportunities throughout the year and, during the second and third quarters, advanced on our goal of strategically monetizing certain assets within our operating portfolio. During the year, we also reached several value-creating milestones in our land portfolio. Transaction-driven earnings continue to be material to our results, which also means that earnings can be lumpy quarter to quarter. We expect this to continue in 2017 as we make further progress in transitioning our portfolio towards assets that generate recurring income streams."

Earnings Guidance

iStar announced net income and adjusted income per share guidance for the fiscal year 2017. The Company currently targets net income per diluted common share of approximately $0.65 and adjusted income per diluted common share of approximately $1.50 per share in 2017. This guidance assumes that general macro economic conditions continue to remain favorable. Please see the financial tables that follow the text of this press release for a reconciliation from GAAP net income guidance to adjusted income guidance.

Investment Activity

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company originated $202.5 million of new investments bringing total originations for the year to $691.8 million. During the quarter, iStar funded a total of $283.8 million associated with new investments, prior financing commitments and ongoing development across its four segments, bringing the total fundings for the year to $767.3 million. In addition, the portfolio generated $426.5 million of repayments and sales during the quarter, bringing total proceeds received to $1.28 billion for the year.


                                                                                                                                             Investing Activity

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 $ in millions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 -------------

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Real         Net   Operating    Land &    Corporate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Lease                                               Total
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Estate               Properties     Dev      / Other
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Finance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -------

    Q4'16

    Originations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          $169.8        $32.7            -        -            -               $202.5

    Fundings                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              $197.1        $43.0        $15.2     $28.2          $0.3                $283.8

    Proceeds received                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     $302.3        $13.6        $34.0     $58.2         $18.4                $426.5


    FY'16

    Originations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          $432.0       $259.8            -        -            -               $691.8

    Fundings                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              $474.0        $86.9        $69.9    $135.9          $0.6                $767.3

    Proceeds received                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     $614.2       $123.4       $377.2    $134.8         $32.1              $1,281.7
    -----------------

    Note: Originations represent total commitments on new investments made during the quarter. Fundings represent capital expenditures and fundings on new investments and existing assets during the quarter. Net lease originations represent the total value of originations by iStar
     and by its net lease joint venture in which the Company owns a 52% interest.

New real estate finance investments originated in the fourth quarter are expected to generate a weighted average unlevered IRR of 10.2% over the life of the investments, while the net lease originations made in the fourth quarter are expected to generate a 9.4% IRR on our equity contributions over the term of the leases.((1))

New real estate finance investments originated in 2016 are expected to generate a weighted average unlevered IRR of 11.0% over the life of the investments, while the net lease originations made in 2016 are expected to generate a 9.3% IRR on our equity contributions over the term of the leases.((1))



    _______________________

    (1) IRRs are based on contractual investment terms such as
     coupon, rent and term. The Company makes assumptions as to the
     pace of fundings, timing of construction and residual value of
     real estate at the end of the lease term. The net lease joint
     venture can elect to take on leverage and the Company makes
     assumptions as to the amount of debt and the cost of debt the
     venture will take on. The net lease IRR includes the Company's
     estimate of the value of the residual at the end of the lease
     term. While the Company believes its assumptions are
     reasonable, they are dependent on future real estate market
     conditions, capital market conditions,  interest rates and
     decisions by iStar and its joint venture partner. No assurance
     can be made that the Company's assumptions will reflect actual
     results.

Portfolio Overview

At December 31, 2016, the Company's portfolio totaled $4.63 billion, which is gross of $421.4 million of accumulated depreciation and $23.3 million of general loan loss reserves.

A summary of quarterly activity is below:



                                                                                                                                                       Portfolio Rollforward

                                                                                                                                                                                                 $ in millions
                                                                                                                                                                                                 -------------

                                                                                         Real                     Net                  Operating              Land &         Corporate
                                                                                                                  Lease                                                                              Total
                                                                                        Estate                                         Properties              Dev             / Other
                                                                                        Finance
                                                                                        -------

    Net book value (9/30/16)                                                                        $1,632.2                                      $1,105.2                               $487.1                           $1,115.0              $53.4 $4,392.9

    Investments(1)                                                                         197.1                                 27.3                              12.8                     20.4                      0.3                 257.9

    Asset transfers between segments                                                      (31.5)                                   -                             96.7                   (65.2)                       -                    -

    Principal received / basis sold(2)                                                   (302.3)                              (17.5)                           (31.1)                  (38.1)                  (21.4)              (410.4)

    Other(3)                                                                              (45.1)                               (5.5)                            (3.3)                   (1.7)                     1.0                (54.6)
                                                                                           -----                                 ----                              ----                     ----                      ---                 -----

    Net book value (12/31/16)                                                            1,450.4                              1,109.5                             562.2                  1,030.4                     33.3               4,185.8

    Add: Accumulated                                                                        23.3                                368.7                              46.2                      6.5                        -                444.7

    depreciation and general loan

    loss reserves


    Gross book value (12/31/16)                                                                     $1,473.7                                      $1,478.2                               $608.4                           $1,036.9              $33.3 $4,630.5
    ---------------------------

    Note: The table above include the Company's pro rata share of equity method investments.

    (1) Includes fundings, capital expenditures, accruals, and deferred capitalized interest on loans.

    (2) Includes repayment of deferred interest on loans.

    (3) Real Estate Finance activity primarily represents repayment of a loan participation that was consolidated on iStar's balance sheet.

Real Estate Finance

iStar's real estate finance business targets sophisticated and innovative investors by providing one-stop capabilities that encompass financial alternatives ranging from full envelope senior loans to custom-tailored mezzanine and preferred equity capital positions.

At December 31, 2016, the Company's real estate finance portfolio totaled $1.47 billion. The portfolio is categorized into iStar 3.0 loans, made post January 1, 2008, and legacy loans, which were all made on or prior to December 31, 2007.

The following table summarizes statistics for our real estate finance portfolio:



                                                                                                                                          Real Estate Finance Statistics

                                                                                                                                                                 $ in millions
                                                                                                                                                                 -------------

                                                                                                        iStar 3.0                                                                    Legacy

                                                                                Q4'16         Q3'16        Q4'15                        Q4'16        Q3'16          Q4'15
                                                                                -----         -----        -----                        -----        -----          -----

    Gross book value                                                                         $1,223.5                                   $1,365.9                                    $1,195.8                                                  $250.3                                   $287.5                                   $442.2

    % of total loan portfolio                                                        83%                        83%                         73%                                        17%                         17%                        27%


    Performing loans                                                                         $1,223.5                                   $1,365.9                                    $1,195.8                                                   $58.6                                    $65.0                                   $381.9

    Non-performing loans                                                               $            -                            $            -                             $            -                                                 $191.7                                   $222.5                                    $60.3

    % Performing / Non-performing                                              100% / 0%                 100% / 0%                  100% / 0%                                 23% / 77%                  23% / 77%                 86% / 14%


    First mortgages / senior loans                                                   74%                        72%                         66%                                        38%                         44%                        32%

    Mezzanine / subordinated debt                                                    26%                        28%                         34%                                        62%                         56%                        68%
                                                                                     ---                         ---                          ---                                         ---                          ---                         ---

    Total                                                                           100%                       100%                        100%                                       100%                        100%                       100%


    Wtd. avg. LTV (1)                                                              64.1%                      61.5%                       60.0%                                      61.4%                       65.4%                      90.2%

    Unlevered yield (1)                                                             8.9%                       9.0%                        8.8%                                       8.5%                        9.1%                       6.9%

    Wtd. avg. maturity (years) (1)                                                   2.1                         1.6                          2.1                                         1.8                          1.9                         2.7

    Weighted avg. risk rating (1)                                                   3.07                        2.61                         2.93                                        2.20                         2.36                        3.50
    ----------------------------

    Note: Gross book value represents the carrying value of iStar's loans, gross of general reserves. Risk rating scale based on 1 as lowest risk and 5 as highest risk. Risk ratings are based on internal metrics developed by management. They reflect management's current assessment and are not intended to predict outcomes. Actual performance of the
     assets may differ materially from management's current assessment of risk. See the "Loan Receivable Credit Statistics" table for additional detail on the Company's NPL and specific reserves.

    (1) Includes performing loans only.

At December 31, 2016, the Company's non-performing loans (NPLs) were exclusively derived from its legacy loan portfolio and had a carrying value of $191.7 million, down from $222.5 million in the third quarter. The decline was primarily related to taking title to a parcel of land in downtown Chicago, IL.

Our remaining NPLs include a $144.7 million loan secured in part by pledges of equity in a portfolio of hotels and is recourse to the borrower. The borrower ceased paying current interest after it filed for bankruptcy protection during the third quarter.

Net Lease

iStar's net lease business seeks to create stable cash flows through long-term leases to single tenants on its properties. The Company targets mission-critical facilities leased on a long-term basis to tenants, offering structured solutions that combine iStar's capabilities in underwriting, lease structuring, asset management and build-to-suit construction. Since 2014, the Company has invested in new net lease investments primarily through its net lease joint venture with a sovereign wealth fund.

At the end of the year, iStar's net lease portfolio totaled $1.48 billion, gross of $368.7 million of accumulated depreciation.



                                        Net Lease Portfolio Overview

                                                                              $ in millions
                                                                                  ---------

    Wholly owned assets held for investment                                                $1,384.3

    Wholly owned assets available and held for sale                                             1.2

    Joint venture investments (1)                                                              92.7
                                                                                               ----

    Total                                                                                  $1,478.2
    -----

    (1) Represents iStar's 52% interest in its net lease joint venture, which
     is an equity method investment. The venture's carrying value of total
     assets was $511.3 million

During the quarter, the Company closed a new sale-leaseback in which it acquired two office/industrial campuses in Texas and Oklahoma for $32.7 million, or a 7.75% going in cap rate, and leased them back to an investment grade tenant for a 15-year term. The Company obtained an amortizing $19.6 million, 15-year non-recourse senior loan financing on the asset at a fixed interest rate of 3.875%. The Company intends to contribute this investment to its net lease joint venture. The Company's interest and commitment to deals within the joint venture fund is 52% of equity.

In addition, the Company recorded a gain of $5.2 million during the quarter associated with the sale of one asset.


                                                                                  Net Lease Statistics

                                                                                                                                                      Q4'16  Q3'16 Q4'15
                                                                                                                                                      -----  ----- -----

    Square feet (000s)                                                                                                                                17,214        17,022 17,807

    % Leased                                                                                                                                             98%          99%   96%

    Wtd. avg. lease term (years)                                                                                                                        14.7          14.6   14.9

    Same store NOI (millions) (1)                                                                                                                      $33.2         $31.1  $31.9

    Yield                                                                                                                                               9.1%         8.2%  8.4%
    -----

    (1) Same store net operating income includes net lease assets owned on or prior to January 1, 2015 and were in service through December 31, 2016.

Operating Properties

At the end of the year, iStar's operating property portfolio totaled $608.4 million, gross of $46.2 million of accumulated depreciation, and was comprised of $525.9 million of commercial and $82.5 million of residential real estate properties. During the quarter, the Company invested $15.2 million within its operating properties portfolio and received $34.0 million of proceeds from sales. These sales generated $5.1 million of gains.

Commercial Operating Properties

The Company's commercial operating properties represent a diverse pool of assets across a broad range of geographies and collateral types including office, retail and hotel properties. These properties generated $21.0 million of revenue offset by $17.5 million of expenses during the quarter. At the end of the year, the Company had $337.2 million of stabilized assets and $188.7 million of transitional assets. iStar generally seeks to reposition transitional assets with the objective of maximizing their values through the infusion of capital and intensive asset management efforts. The Company made significant progress on this goal, having either stabilized or sold approximately $450 million of operating properties including land developments repositioned into operating properties in 2016.


                     Commercial Operating Property Statistics

                                                                                                                    $ in millions
                                                                                                                    -------------

                                                              Stabilized Operating Transitional Operating               Total

                                                                      Q4'16                 Q3'16          Q4'15                  Q4'16    Q3'16    Q4'15       Q4'16    Q3'16    Q4'15
                                                                      -----                 -----          -----                  -----    -----    -----       -----    -----    -----

    Gross book value                                                        $337.2                  $243.8   $123.8                  $188.7    $184.7    $448.0       $525.9    $428.5   $571.8

    % of total                                                                 64%                    57%     22%                    36%      43%      78%        100%     100%     100%

    Occupancy                                                                  86%                    86%     89%                    54%      55%      65%         74%      72%      74%

    Yield                                                                     8.5%                   8.4%    8.8%                   1.5%     2.4%     2.8%        5.5%     5.9%     4.4%
    -----                                                                      ---                     ---

Residential Operating Properties

At the end of the year, the $82.5 million residential operating portfolio was comprised of 48 condominium units generally located within luxury projects in major U.S. cities.


                Residential Operating Property Statistics

                      (excluding fractional units)

                                                          $ in millions

                                                                        Q4'16 Q3'16  Q4'15
                                                                        ----- -----  -----

    Condominium
     units sold                                                            11     11      12

    Proceeds                                                            $22.9  $15.4   $13.9

    Income                                                               $2.9   $4.6    $3.3

Land & Development

At the end of the year, the Company's land & development portfolio totaled $1.04 billion, with eight projects in production, nine in development and 14 in the pre-development phase. These projects are collectively entitled for approximately 15,000 lots and units.


             Land & Development Portfolio Overview

                                                               $ in millions
                                                               ---------

    Wholly owned assets held for
     investment                                                $952.1

    Joint venture investments                                    84.8
                                                                 ----

    Total                                                      $1,036.9

The Company's asset management efforts and capital investment have transformed its land portfolio from land that was only 20% properly positioned when it took ownership to a portfolio with approximately 90% of land properly positioned at the end of the year.


                                                                              Land & Development Portfolio by Type

                                                                                                                $ in millions
                                                                                                                -------------

                                                                Master                                   Waterfront            Urban / Infill         Total

                                                               Planned

                                                             Communities
                                                             -----------

    # of projects                                                            10                                              6                     15              31


    In production                                                        $181.6                                         $139.7                  $53.6          $374.9

    In development                                                        257.2                                          138.5                    3.6           399.3

    Pre-development                                                       130.5                                            7.6                  124.6           262.7
                                                                          -----                                            ---                  -----           -----

    Gross book value                                                     $569.3                                         $285.8                 $181.8        $1,036.9


                                                                         Land & Development Activity for Q4'16

    Land development revenue                                               $8.0                                              -                  $6.0           $14.0

    Land development cost of sales                                        (6.9)                                             -                 (4.3)         (11.2)
                                                                           ----                                            ---                  ----           -----

    Gross margin                                                           $1.1                                              -                  $1.7            $2.8

    Income from sales of real estate                                          -                                             -                   8.8             8.8

    Earnings from land development equity method investments                0.1                                            2.5                  (3.8)          (1.2)

    Total                                                                  $1.2                                           $2.5                   $6.7           $10.4


    Capital expenditures / Contributions                                  $14.5                                           $1.3                   $4.6           $20.4

During the quarter, the Company transferred Grand Vista, which represented 8.8% of its land & development portfolio, into its stabilized operating property portfolio after successfully signing a lease with a Fortune 100 company covering the full use of the site. The lease has a 5-year term, with one three-year extension. Based on the terms of the lease, the initial net operating income of the property will be $7.5 million per year, versus $(0.3) million of annual net operating loss at the property prior to the lease signing.

In addition, iStar sold Artesia, a 30-acre land and development project in Scottsdale, AZ for $36.0 million to a newly formed 50/50 venture between iStar and Meritage Homes. iStar recognized $8.8 million of income from sales of real estate reflecting the share of the interest sold to a third party. Both venture partners contributed $7.0 million to the venture and iStar provided the venture with a $27.0 million senior loan. The venture will seek to develop new communities at the mixed-use project, including more than 500 luxury condominiums and townhouses, a private 10-acre recreational park with running and walking trails, resort-style pools and a 20,000-square-foot community clubhouse. The two-, three- and four-bedroom residences are expected to be priced from the low $400,000s to more than $1 million.

As previously discussed, iStar acquired, via deed-in-lieu, title to an infill land asset in downtown Chicago, IL which had previously served as collateral for a loan held by the Company.

Capital Markets and Balance Sheet

The Company is capitalized with unsecured and secured debt, preferred equity and common equity.


                        Capital Structure

                                                $ in millions
                                                -------------

    Secured debt                                                   $738.6

    Unsecured debt                                               $2,651.3

    Preferred equity (A)                                           $699.7

    Common equity (B)                                              $316.9

    Total equity (A) + (B)                                       $1,016.6


    Accumulated depreciation and
     amortization and                                              $497.0
    general loan loss reserves (1) (C)

    Adjusted common equity (B) + (C)                               $813.9

    Adjusted total equity (A) + (B)
     + (C)                                                       $1,513.6
    -------------------------------

    Note: Represents carrying value.

    (1) Accumulated depreciation and amortization includes
     iStar's proportionate share of accumulated depreciation
     and amortization relating to equity method investments.

During the quarter, the Company retired $378.3 million of convertible unsecured notes at maturity with $369 million of cash and 815,000 shares of common stock. Along with the $21.8 million of convertible unsecured notes that were repurchased in the third quarter, the Company reduced its diluted share count by 27.7 million shares during the year.

In addition, the Company repurchased 10.2 million shares of its common stock during the year for $98.4 million, or an average price of $9.67 per share. Combined with the convertible notes that were repaid, the Company reduced its fully diluted shares outstanding in 2016 by 37.9 million or 30.1%. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had remaining authorization to repurchase up to $50.0 million of common stock available to repurchase under its stock repurchase program.


                                                                    Shares Outstanding

                                                                                       in millions

                                                                                                   Q4'16 Q3'16 Q2'16  Q1'16 Q4'15
                                                                                                   ----- ----- -----  ----- -----

    Basic shares outstanding at end of period                                                       72.0         71.2          71.9  75.4  81.1

    3.0% convertible notes / strike of $11.77 (if converted) (1)                                       -        17.0          17.0  17.0  17.0

    1.5% convertible notes / strike of $17.29 (if converted) (1)                                       -        10.3          11.6  11.6  11.6

    4.5% Series J conv. preferred / strike of $12.79 (if converted)                                 15.6         15.6          15.6  15.6  15.6

    Other securities                                                                                 0.7          0.8           0.8   0.8   0.8
                                                                                                     ---          ---           ---   ---   ---

    Diluted shares outstanding at end of period                                                     88.3        114.9         116.9 120.4 126.1
    -------------------------------------------

    (1) Matured on November 15, 2016

During the quarter, the Company arranged a new $170 million delayed draw secured term loan with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan. The facility bears interest at an initial rate of LIBOR + 1.50%. At the end of the year, the Company had not yet drawn on the facility.

Subsequent to year end, the Company repriced its $500 million senior secured credit facility. The credit facility was repriced at par and bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR + 3.75% with a 1.00% LIBOR floor, a 75 basis point reduction from the prior rate of LIBOR + 4.50% with a 1.00% LIBOR floor. Call protection was extended for six months. All other terms of the facility, including its June 2020 maturity and 1.25x required collateral coverage, remained the same.

The Company's weighted average cost of debt for the fourth quarter was 5.7%. The Company's leverage was 2.0x at the end of the quarter, within the Company's targeted range of 2.0x - 2.5x.


                                                                                         Leverage at 12/31/16

                                                                                                                                                                           $ in millions

    Book debt                                                                                                                                                                            $3,389.9                                   Book equity (1)                        $1,016.6

    Less: Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                       (328.7)                                   Add: Accumulated depreciation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    and amortization (2)            473.7
                                                                                                                                                                                           ------

    Net book debt (A)                                                                                                                                                                    $3,061.2                                   Add: General loan loss reserves   23.3
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ------------------

                                                                                                                                                                                                   Sum of book equity, accumulated
                                                                                                                                                                                                   D&A and general loan loss
                                                                                                                                                                                                   reserves (B)                                           $1,513.6



                                                                                                                                                                                                  Leverage (A) / (B)                                          2.0x

    (1) Includes $699.7 million of preferred equity.

    (2) Accumulated depreciation and amortization includes iStar's proportionate share of accumulated depreciation and amortization relating to equity method investments.

Liquidity

At the end of the year, iStar had unrestricted cash and combined capacity on its credit facilities of $748.7 million.


                       Liquidity at 12/31/16

                                                  $ in millions
                                                  -------------

    Unrestricted cash                                    $328.7

    Revolving credit facility
     capacity                                            $250.0

    Delayed draw term loan                               $170.0
                                                         ------

    Total liquidity                                      $748.7

On November 30th, iStar was added as a constituent to the MSCI US REIT Index (RMZ), reflecting its hybrid business model and highly diversified portfolio. The inclusion in the high-profile index will make iStar's investment platform more visible and allow it to reach a broader pool of potential investors.

* * *

iStar (NYSE: STAR) finances, invests in and develops real estate and real estate related projects as part of its fully-integrated investment platform. Building on over two decades of experience and more than $35 billion of transactions, iStar brings uncommon capabilities and new ways of thinking to commercial real estate and adapts its investment strategy to changing market conditions. The Company is structured as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), with a diversified portfolio focused on larger assets located in major metropolitan markets.

iStar will hold a quarterly earnings conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET today, February 24, 2017. This conference call will be broadcast live over the internet and can be accessed by all interested parties through iStar's website, www.istar.com. To listen to the live call, please go to the website's "Investor" section at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those who are not available to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call on iStar's website.

Note: Statements in this press release which are not historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although iStar believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from iStar's expectations include general economic conditions and conditions in the commercial real estate and credit markets, the Company's ability to generate liquidity and to repay indebtedness as it comes due, additional loan loss provisions, the amount and timing of asset sales, changes in NPLs, repayment levels, the Company's ability to make new investments, the Company's ability to maintain compliance with its debt covenants, the Company's ability to generate income and gains from operating properties and land and other risks detailed from time to time in iStar SEC reports.



                                                                                                                                                         iStar
                                                                                                                                         Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                                                                                                                                     (In thousands)
                                                                                                                                                      (unaudited)


                                                                                                                                                                 Three Months                                                 Twelve Months
                                                                                                                                                              Ended December 31,                                            Ended December 31,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ------------------

                                                                                                                                                            2016                                 2015                                  2016                                  2015
                                                                                                                                                            ----                                 ----                                  ----                                  ----

    REVENUES

    Operating lease income                                                                                                                                           $52,149                                           $58,730                                          $213,018                                           $229,720

    Interest income                                                                                                                                       29,276                               32,463                               129,153                               134,687

    Other income                                                                                                                                          11,435                                9,718                                46,515                                49,931

    Land development revenue                                                                                                                              13,951                               71,114                                88,340                               100,216
                                                                                                                                                          ------                               ------                                ------                               -------

    Total revenues                                                                                                                                                  $106,811                                          $172,025                                          $477,026                                           $514,554
                                                                                                                                                                    --------                                          --------                                          --------                                           --------

    COST AND EXPENSES

    Interest expense                                                                                                                                                 $53,225                                           $57,302                                          $221,398                                           $224,639

    Real estate expense                                                                                                                                   33,344                               35,607                               138,422                               146,750

    Land development cost of sales                                                                                                                        11,166                               44,554                                62,007                                67,382

    Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                         12,145                               15,443                                54,329                                65,247

    General and administrative(1)                                                                                                                         21,594                               18,757                                84,027                                81,277

    (Recovery of) provision for loan losses                                                                                                                  235                                5,623                              (12,514)                               36,567

    Impairment of assets                                                                                                                                   2,731                                4,934                                14,484                                10,524

    Other expense                                                                                                                                          1,142                                   29                                 5,883                                 6,374
                                                                                                                                                           -----                                  ---                                 -----                                 -----

    Total costs and expenses                                                                                                                                        $135,582                                          $182,249                                          $568,036                                           $638,760
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     --------                                          --------                                           --------

    Income (loss) before other items                                                                                                                               $(28,771)                                        $(10,224)                                        $(91,010)                                        $(124,206)

    Income from sales of real estate                                                                                                                      16,910                               27,794                               105,296                                93,816

    Earnings from equity method investments                                                                                                                3,095                                6,249                                77,349                                32,153

    Income tax benefit (expense)                                                                                                                             306                              (3,843)                               10,166                               (7,639)

    Loss on early extinguishment of debt                                                                                                                     (1)                                 (2)                              (1,619)                                (281)
                                                                                                                                                             ---                                  ---                                ------                                  ----

    Net income (loss)                                                                                                                                               $(8,461)                                          $19,974                                          $100,182                                           $(6,157)

    Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                                                                                             2,039                                  546                               (4,876)                                3,722
                                                                                                                                                           -----                                  ---                                ------                                 -----

    Net income (loss) attributable to iStar                                                                                                                         $(6,422)                                          $20,520                                           $95,306                                           $(2,435)

    Preferred dividends                                                                                                                                 (12,830)                            (12,830)                             (51,320)                             (51,320)

    Net (income) loss allocable to HPU holders and Participating Security holders(2)                                                                           -                                 (5)                                 (14)                                1,080
                                                                                                                                                             ---                                 ---                                   ---                                 -----

    Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders                                                                                                             $(19,252)                                           $7,685                                           $43,972                                          $(52,675)
                                                                                                                                                                    ========                                            ======                                           =======                                           ========


    (1) For the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, includes $3,245 and $1,947 of stock-based compensation expense, respectively.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, includes $10,889 and $12,013 of stock-based compensation expense, respectively.

    (2) HPU Holders were current and former Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program. On August 13, 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 100% of the outstanding HPU shares through an exchange offer. Participating Security holders are non-employee
     directors who hold common stock equivalents and restricted stock awards granted under the Company's LTIP who are eligible to participate in dividends.



                                                                                                                                              iStar
                                                                                                                                    Supplemental Information
                                                                                                                              (In thousands, except per share data)
                                                                                                                                           (unaudited)


                                                                                                                                                 Three Months                                                Twelve Months
                                                                                                                                              Ended December 31,                                           Ended December 31,
                                                                                                                                                                                                           ------------------

                                                                                                                                      2016                     2015                      2016                     2015
                                                                                                                                      ----                     ----                      ----                     ----

    ADJUSTED INCOME (1)

    Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Income
    -----------------------------------------------

    Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders                                                                                       $(19,252)                                           $7,685                                           $43,972                                         $(52,675)

    Add: Depreciation and amortization                                                                                              14,341                               17,207                                64,447                                72,132

    Add: (Recovery of) provision for loan losses                                                                                       235                                5,623                              (12,514)                               36,567

    Add: Impairment of assets                                                                                                        6,331                                6,100                                18,999                                18,509

    Add: Stock-based compensation expense                                                                                            3,245                                1,947                                10,889                                12,013

    Add: Loss on early extinguishment of debt                                                                                            1                                    2                                 1,619                                   281

    Less: Losses on charge-offs and dispositions                                                                                   (2,225)                            (51,723)                             (14,827)                             (55,437)

    Less: HPU/Participating Security allocation                                                                                          -                                   -                                 (23)                              (1,706)
                                                                                                                                       ---                                 ---                                  ---                                ------

    Adjusted income allocable to common shareholders                                                                                            $2,676                                         $(13,159)                                         $112,562                                           $29,684
                                                                                                                                                ======                                          ========                                          ========                                           =======


    (1) Adjusted Income allocable to common shareholders should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) or to cash
     flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of the Company's liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to fund the Company's cash needs or available for distribution to shareholders. It should be noted that the Company's manner of calculating this non-GAAP
     financial measure may differ from the calculations of similarly-titled measures by other companies. Management considers this non-GAAP financial measure as supplemental information to net income in analyzing the performance of our underlying business. Depreciation and amortization includes our
     proportionate share of depreciation and amortization expense relating to equity method investments and excludes the portion of depreciation and amortization expense allocable to non-controlling interests. Impairment of assets includes impairments on cost and equity method investments recorded in other
     income and earnings from equity method investments, respectively. Effective in the second quarter 2016, the Company modified its presentation of Adjusted Income to include losses on charge-offs and dispositions of previously impaired or reserved assets to provide a more informative metric for investors
     to help evaluate our operating performance. Losses on charge-offs and dispositions represents the impact of charge-offs and dispositions realized during the period. These charge-offs and dispositions were taken on assets that were previously impaired for GAAP and reflected in net income but not in
     Adjusted Income.


    Reconciliation of Adjusted Income per Share Guidance
              to Net Income per Share Guidance


                                                             For the Year
                                                             Ending

                                                             December 31,
                                                             2017
                                                            ------------

    Targeted Net Income per Diluted
     Common Share                                                   $0.65


    Add: Depreciation and
     amortization                                           $0.67 - $0.75

    Add: Other non-cash adjustments                         $0.51 - $0.59

    Less: Losses on charge-offs                                 ($0.36) -
     and dispositions                                             ($0.44)


    Targeted Adjusted Income per
     Diluted Common Share                                           $1.50



                                                                                                                                   iStar
                                                                                                                      Earnings Per Share Information
                                                                                                                   (In thousands, except per share data)
                                                                                                                                (unaudited)


                                                                                                                             Three Months                          Twelve Months
                                                                                                                          Ended December 31,                    Ended December 31,
                                                                                                                                                                ------------------

                                                                                                                         2016                   2015             2016                  2015
                                                                                                                         ----                   ----             ----                  ----

    EPS INFORMATION FOR COMMON SHARES

    Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar(1)(2)

    Basic                                                                                                                       $(0.27)                                 $0.09               $0.60   $(0.62)

    Diluted                                                                                                                     $(0.27)                                 $0.09               $0.55   $(0.62)

    Net income (loss)

    Basic                                                                                                                       $(0.27)                                 $0.09               $0.60   $(0.62)

    Diluted                                                                                                                     $(0.27)                                 $0.09               $0.55   $(0.62)

    Adjusted income

    Basic                                                                                                                         $0.04                                $(0.16)              $1.53     $0.35

    Diluted                                                                                                                       $0.04                                $(0.16)              $1.15     $0.35

    Weighted average shares outstanding

    Basic                                                                                                              71,603                            83,162                     73,453   84,987

    Diluted (for net income per share)                                                                                 71,603                            83,581                     98,467   84,987

    Diluted (for adjusted income per share)                                                                            72,038                            83,162                    114,102   85,395

    Common shares outstanding at end of period                                                                         72,042                            81,109                     72,042   81,109


    (1) Including preferred dividends, net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and income from sales of real estate.

    (2) On August 13, 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 100% of the outstanding high performance unit (HPU) shares through an exchange offer.





                                        iStar
                             Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                    (In thousands)
                                     (unaudited)


                                  As of                          As of

                           December 31, 2016               December 31, 2015
                           -----------------               -----------------

    ASSETS


    Real estate

    Real
     estate,
     at
     cost                                       $1,906,592                     $2,050,541

    Less:
     accumulated
     depreciation                  (414,840)                        (456,558)
                                    --------                          --------

    Real
     estate,
     net                                        $1,491,752                     $1,593,983

    Real
     estate
     available
     and
     held
     for
     sale                             83,764                           137,274
                                      ------                           -------

                                                $1,575,516                     $1,731,257

    Land
     and
     development,
     net                             945,565                         1,001,963

    Loans
     receivable
     and
     other
     lending
     investments,
     net                           1,450,439                         1,601,985

    Other
     investments                     214,406                           254,172

    Cash
     and
     cash
     equivalents                     328,744                           711,101

     Accrued
     interest
     and
     operating
     lease
     income
     receivable,
     net                              14,775                            18,436

     Deferred
     operating
     lease
     income
     receivable                       96,420                            97,421

     Deferred
     expenses
     and
     other
     assets,
     net                             199,649                           181,457
                                     -------                           -------

    Total
     assets                                     $4,825,514                     $5,597,792
                                                ==========                     ==========


    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY


     Accounts
     payable,
     accrued
     expenses
     and
     other
     liabilities                                  $211,570                       $214,835

    Loan
     participations
     payable,
     net                             159,321                           152,086

    Debt
     obligations,
     net                           3,389,908                         4,118,823
                                   ---------

    Total
     liabilities                                $3,760,799                     $4,485,744


     Redeemable
     noncontrolling
     interests                                      $5,031                        $10,718


    Total
     iStar
     shareholders'
     equity                                     $1,016,564                     $1,059,112

     Noncontrolling
     interests                        43,120                            42,218
                                      ------                            ------

    Total
     equity                                     $1,059,684                     $1,101,330


    Total
     liabilities
     and
     equity                                     $4,825,514                     $5,597,792
                                                ==========                     ==========


                                                                                                                             iStar
                                                                                                                       Segment Analysis
                                                                                                                        (In thousands)
                                                                                                                          (unaudited)


    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016


                                                              Real               Net           Operating            Land &              Corporate
                                                                              Lease                                                                          Total
                                                             Estate                            Properties            Dev                  / Other
                                                             Finance
                                                             -------

    Operating lease income                                          $       -                             $38,765                                   $13,277                         $107                $          -  $52,149

    Interest income                                            29,276                        -                             -                              -               -                  29,276

    Other income                                                1,986                      709                          7,864                             281              595                   11,435

    Land development revenue                                        -                       -                             -                         13,951                -                  13,951

    Earnings from equity method investments                         -                     953                          2,299                         (1,177)           1,020                    3,095

    Income from sales of real estate                                -                   5,242                          2,867                           8,801                -                  16,910
                                                                  ---                   -----                          -----                           -----              ---                  ------

    Total revenue and other earnings                                  $31,262                              $45,669                                   $26,307                      $21,963                      $1,615  $126,816

    Real estate expense                                             -                 (5,024)                      (19,358)                        (8,962)               -                (33,344)

    Land development cost of sales                                  -                       -                             -                       (11,166)                -                (11,166)

    Other expense                                             (1,086)                       -                             -                              -            (56)                 (1,142)

    Allocated interest expense                               (13,910)                (16,850)                       (5,577)                        (8,848)         (8,040)                (53,225)

    Allocated general and administrative(1)                   (3,699)                 (4,450)                       (1,564)                        (3,601)         (5,035)                (18,349)
                                                               ------                   ------                         ------                          ------           ------                  -------

    Segment profit (loss)                                             $12,567                              $19,345                                    $(192)                   $(10,614)                  $(11,516)   $9,590
                                                                      =======                              =======                                     =====                     ========                    ========    ======


    (1) Excludes $3,245 of stock-based compensation expense.


                                                                                                                              iStar
                                                                                                                        Segment Analysis
                                                                                                                         (In thousands)
                                                                                                                           (unaudited)


    FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016


                                                               Real                Net           Operating             Land &            Corporate
                                                                                Lease                                                                         Total
                                                              Estate                             Properties             Dev                / Other
                                                              Finance
                                                              -------

    Operating lease income                                           $        -                             $148,002                                 $64,593                         $423                 $         -  $213,018

    Interest income                                            129,153                         -                              -                            -                -                 129,153

    Other income                                                 4,658                     1,633                          33,216                         3,170             3,838                   46,515

    Land development revenue                                         -                        -                              -                       88,340                 -                  88,340

    Earnings from equity method investments                          -                    3,567                          33,863                        30,012             9,907                   77,349

    Income from sales of real estate                                 -                   21,138                          75,357                         8,801                 -                 105,296
                                                                   ---                   ------                          ------                         -----               ---                 -------

    Total revenue and other earnings                                   $133,811                              $174,340                                $207,029                     $130,746                     $13,745   $659,671

    Real estate expense                                              -                 (19,058)                       (82,401)                     (36,963)                -               (138,422)

    Land development cost of sales                                   -                        -                              -                     (62,007)                -                (62,007)

    Other expense                                              (2,719)                        -                              -                            -          (3,164)                 (5,883)

    Allocated interest expense                                (57,787)                 (65,880)                       (23,156)                     (34,888)         (39,687)               (221,398)

    Allocated general and administrative(1)                   (15,311)                 (17,585)                        (6,574)                     (13,693)         (19,975)                (73,138)
                                                               -------                   -------                          ------                       -------           -------                  -------

    Segment profit (loss)                                               $57,994                               $71,817                                 $94,898                    $(16,805)                  $(49,081)  $158,823
                                                                        =======                               =======                                 =======                     ========                    ========   ========


    (1) Excludes $10,889 of stock-based compensation expense.




    AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016

                                                      Real                Net           Operating           Land & Corporate
                                                                         Lease                                                   Total
                                                     Estate                            Properties            Dev    / Other
                                                     Finance
                                                     -------

    Real estate

    Real estate, at cost                                    $          -               $1,384,255                   $522,337                        $          -               $     -   $1,906,592

    Less: accumulated depreciation                          -               (368,665)              (46,175)                -                       -              (414,840)
                                                          ---                --------               -------               ---                     ---               --------

    Real estate, net                                        $          -               $1,015,590                   $476,162                        $          -               $     -   $1,491,752

    Real estate available and held for sale                 -                   1,284                82,480                 -                       -                 83,764
                                                          ---                   -----                ------               ---                     ---                 ------

    Total real estate                                       $          -               $1,016,874                   $558,642                        $          -               $     -   $1,575,516

    Land and development, net                               -                       -                    -          945,565                        -                945,565

    Loans receivable and other lending investments,
     net                                            1,450,439                        -                    -                -                       -              1,450,439

    Other investments                                       -                  92,669                 3,583            84,804                   33,350                 214,406
                                                                                                                                                                   -------

    Total portfolio assets                                    $1,450,439                $1,109,543                   $562,225                          $1,030,369                $33,350    $4,185,926

    Cash and other assets                                                                                                     639,588
                                                                                                                              -------

    Total assets                                                                                                                       $4,825,514
                                                                                                                                       ==========




                                                                                                                            iStar
                                                                                                                   Supplemental Information
                                                                                                                        (In thousands)
                                                                                                                         (unaudited)


                                                                                                                                                                                 Twelve Months Ended

                                                                                                                                                                                  December 31, 2016

    OPERATING STATISTICS


    Expense Ratio
    -------------

    General and administrative expenses - trailing twelve months (A)                                                                                                                                       $84,027

    Average total assets (B)                                                                                                                                                     $5,272,579

    Expense Ratio (A) / (B)                                                                                                                                                           1.6%


                                                                                                                                                                                   As of

                                                                                                                                                                             December 31, 2016

    UNENCUMBERED ASSETS / UNSECURED DEBT


    Unencumbered assets (C)(1)                                                                                                                                                   $3,777,656

    Unsecured debt (D)                                                                                                                                                           $2,669,772

    Unencumbered Assets / Unsecured Debt (C) / (D)                                                                                                                                          1.4x


    UNFUNDED COMMITMENTS


    Performance-based commitments(2)                                                                                                                                               $406,477

    Strategic investments                                                                                                                                                          45,540
                                                                                                                                                                                   ------

    Total Unfunded Commitments                                                                                                                                                     $452,017


    LOAN RECEIVABLE CREDIT STATISTICS                                                                                                                             As of

                                                                                                                                     December 31, 2016                       December 31, 2015


    Carrying value of NPLs /

    As a percentage of total carrying value of loans                                                                                               $191,696                14.0%                      $60,327      3.9%


    Total reserve for loan losses /

    As a percentage of total gross carrying value of loans(3)                                                                                       $85,545                 5.9%                     $108,165      6.6%



    (1) Unencumbered assets are calculated in accordance with the indentures governing the Company's unsecured debt securities.

    (2) Excludes $158.7 million of commitments on loan participations sold that are not the obligation of the Company but are consolidated on the Company's balance sheet.

    (3) Gross carrying value represents iStar's carrying value of loans, gross of loan loss reserves.



                                                                                                                                      iStar
                                                                                                                            Supplemental Information
                                                                                                                                  (In millions)
                                                                                                                                   (unaudited)


    PORTFOLIO STATISTICS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016(1)


    Property Type                                                   Real               Net Lease              Operating
                                                                                                              Properties             Land &          Total           % of

                                                                   Estate                                                              Dev                          Total

                                                                  Finance
    ---                                                           -------

    Office / Industrial                                                         $168                                           $772                           $122              $       -          $1,062  23%

    Land & Development                                                   -                               -                                 -               1,037          1,037             22%

    Hotel                                                              333                              136                                108                    -           577             12%

    Entertainment / Leisure                                              -                             490                                  -                   -           490             11%

    Mixed Use / Collateral                                             292                                -                               171                    -           463             10%

    Condominium                                                        381                                -                                82                    -           463             10%

    Other Property Types                                               237                               23                                  -                   -           260              6%

    Retail                                                              63                               57                                125                    -           245              5%

    Strategic Investments                                                -                               -                                 -                   -            34              1%
                                                                       ---                             ---                               ---                 ---                          ---

    Total                                                                     $1,474                                         $1,478                           $608                 $1,037           $4,631 100%
                                                                              ======                                         ======                           ====                 ======           ======  ===


    Geography                                                       Real               Net Lease              Operating
                                                                                                              Properties             Land &          Total           % of
                                                                                                                                                                    Total
                                                                   Estate                                                              Dev

                                                                  Finance
    ---                                                           -------

    Northeast                                                                   $790                                           $380                            $47                   $234           $1,451  31%

    West                                                                87                              305                                 38                  362            792             17%

    Southeast                                                          127                              235                                150                  157            669             15%

    Mid-Atlantic                                                       168                              153                                 54                  219            594             13%

    Southwest                                                           77                              184                                239                   28            528             11%

    Central                                                            151                               79                                 66                   32            328              7%

    Various                                                             74                              142                                 14                    5            235              5%

    Strategic Investments                                                -                               -                                 -                   -            34              1%

    Total                                                                     $1,474                                         $1,478                           $608                 $1,037           $4,631 100%
                                                                              ======                                         ======                           ====                 ======           ======  ===



    (1) Based on carrying value of the Company's total investment portfolio, gross of accumulated depreciation and general loan loss reserves.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/istar-announces-fiscal-year-2016-results-300413143.html

SOURCE iStar