Paragon Real Estate Equity & Investment Trust 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number 0-25074
PARAGON REAL ESTATE EQUITY AND INVESTMENT TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Maryland   39-6594066
(State or other jurisdiction of   (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
1240 Huron Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

(Address of principal executive offices)
(216) 430-2700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company þ
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes þ     No o
     The number of the registrant’s Common Shares outstanding as of May 12, 2008, was 442,342, including 38,130 common shares held in treasury.
 
 


 

FORM 10-Q
INDEX
         
PART I. Financial Information
       
 
       
Item 1. Financial Statements
       
 
       
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EX — 31.1 Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
       
EX — 31.2 Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
       
EX — 32.1 CEO/CFO Certification Under 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act
       
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1

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Consolidated Balance Sheet
March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
                 
    March 31,    
    2008   December 31,
    (unaudited)   2007
Assets
               
Investments in equipment:
               
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  $ 5,370     $ 5,370  
Accumulated depreciation
    (3,452 )     (3,183 )
 
Net investments in equipment
    1,918       2,187  
Cash
    295,911       421,196  
Marketable securities
    120,553        
Accounts receivable
    526       551  
Other assets
    9,589       13,080  
 
Total Assets
  $ 428,497     $ 437,014  
 
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    36,142       14,025  
 
Total liabilities
    36,142       14,025  
 
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies
               
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred A Shares — $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 authorized: 277,455 and 277,955 Class A cumulative convertible shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, $10.00 per share liquidation preference
    2,775       2,780  
Preferred C Shares — $0.01 par value, 300,000 authorized: 244,444 Class C cumulative convertible shares issued and outstanding, $10.00 per share liquidation preference
    2,444       2,444  
Common Shares — $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 authorized: 442,342 and 442,320 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively
    4,424       4,424  
Additional paid-in capital
    30,564,478       30,568,490  
Accumulated deficit
    (26,837,899 )     (26,744,762 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net unrealized loss on marketable securities
    (11 )      
Treasury stock, at cost, 38,130 shares
    (800,735 )     (800,735 )
Unearned compensation and trustees’ fees
    (2,543,121 )     (2,609,652 )
 
Total shareholders’ equity
    392,355       422,989  
 
               
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 428,497     $ 437,014  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
                 
    For the three months ended March 31,
    2008   2007
 
               
Revenues
               
Interest/dividend income
  $ 2,386     $ 1,872  
Other income
    100        
 
Total revenues
    2,486       1,872  
 
Expenses
               
Depreciation
    269       269  
General and administrative
    95,353       121,453  
 
Total expenses
    95,622       121,722  
 
 
               
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
  $ (93,136 )   $ (119,850 )
 
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders per Common Share: Basic and Diluted
  $ (0.21 )   $ (0.27 )
 
Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding: Basic and Diluted
    442,332       442,565  
 
               
Comprehensive loss:
               
Net loss
  $ (93,136 )   $ (119,850 )
Other comprehensive loss:
               
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    (11 )      
 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (93,147 )   $ (119,850 )
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
                 
    For the three months ended March 31,
    2008   2007
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
  $ (93,136 )   $ (119,850 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in continuing operations:
               
Compensation costs and trustees fees incurred through the issuance of shares
    62,513       62,605  
Compensation costs, trustees fees and legal costs incurred through the issuance of options
          10,500  
Depreciation
    269       269  
Net change in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable and Other assets
    3,516       4,045  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    22,117       19,767  
 
Net cash used in continuing operations
    (4,721 )     (22,664 )
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Cash used for purchase of marketable securities
    (120,564 )      
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (120,564 )      
 
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Cash proceeds from issuance of Preferred C shares
          125,000  
 
Net cash from financing activities
          125,000  
 
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    (125,285 )     102,336  
Cash
               
Beginning of period
    421,196       212,706  
 
End of period
  $ 295,911     $ 315,042  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
Note 1 — Organization
Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust (the “Company,” “Paragon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”)
is a real estate company with its primary focus on searching for and reviewing value-added real estate deals, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. In addition in early 2008, the Company began to invest a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). Presently, the Company is a corporate shell, current in its SEC filings, that may be used in the future for real estate deals or sold to another company.
Note 2 — Basis of Presentation
Consolidated Financial Statement Presentation
We have prepared the consolidated financial statements without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, we believe that the included disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of March 31, 2008, the results of our operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and of our cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 have been included. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007.
We report our investments using the consolidated method of accounting as we own the majority of the outstanding voting interests and can control operations of a non-active subsidiary company. In the consolidation method, the accounts of this entity are combined with our accounts. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the continued operations as a public company and paying liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company received $500,000 during 2006 and 2007 from three trustees for payment of Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, which is being used to maintain Paragon as a public shell current in its SEC filings and to invest in publicly traded shares of REITs. The Company has continued to incur net losses and at March 31, 2008 had unrestricted cash of approximately $296,000. The decrease in cash during the first quarter of 2008 was approximately $125,000. Investments in marketable securities used approximately $120,000 and the remainder of approximately $5,000 was used to keep the Company operating as a public company. Our ability to continue as a going concern will be dependent upon acquiring assets to generate cash flow because we have no revenue generating assets.
Since 2006, Paragon has also been searching for and reviewing other value-added real estate deals, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. Because our unrestricted cash is not sufficient to allow us to continue operations, we have been reviewing other alternatives, including selling the corporate

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entity and seeking additional investors. There can be no assurance that we will be able to close a transaction or keep the Company currently filed with the SEC. Even if our management is successful in closing a transaction, investors may not value the transaction in the same manner as we did, and investors may not value the transaction as they would value other transactions or alternatives. Failure to obtain external sources of capital and complete a transaction will materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to continue operations.
Note 3 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
In order to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, management, in preparation of our consolidated financial statements, is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2008, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the valuation of deferred taxes and a related allowance, and these significant estimates, as well as other estimates and assumptions, may change in the near term.
Investments in Equipment
Our investments in equipment assets were reported at cost.
Depreciation expense was computed using the straight-line method based on the following useful lives:
         
    Years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    3-7  
Cash
We maintain our cash in bank accounts in amounts that may exceed federally insured limits at times.
Marketable Securities
Our investments in REIT common shares are valued at quoted prices in active markets as of the balance sheet date.
Accounts Receivable
As of March 31, 2008, accounts receivable of approximately $500 is a miscellaneous receivable.
Other Assets
As of March 31, 2008, other assets of approximately $9,600 is prepaid insurance.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues include interest earned on cash balances and dividends received on investments of publicly traded shares of REITs.

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Stock Based Compensation
On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004) (“SFAS No. 123R”), Share-Based Payment, which addresses the accounting for stock-based payment transactions in which an enterprise receives employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the enterprise or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. In January 2005, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which provides supplemental implementation guidance for SFAS No. 123R. SFAS No. 123R eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and instead generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. In accordance with the modified-prospective transition method, the Company’s financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123R. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair-value of stock-based awards.
Income Taxes
Because we have not elected to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes, we account for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We intend to take advantage of our tax loss carryforwards before qualifying to be a REIT again.
At March 31, 2008, we have net operating losses, and at December 31, 2007, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $1.9 million. While the loss created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against the asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2027.
We are also subject to certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The provision for state and local taxes has been reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.
Note 4 — Marketable Securities
Our investments in marketable securities are available-for-sale, as of March 31, 2008, and represent common shares of publicly traded real estate investment trusts.
As of March 31, 2008, our marketable securities had a fair market value of approximately $121,000, including marketable securities at market value of approximately $93,000 (based on market prices quoted from the stock exchanges on which the various companies are listed) and a money market account of approximately $28,000. We recorded an unrealized loss on marketable securities during the first quarter of 2008 of $11, which is shown in shareholders’ equity as unrealized loss on marketable securities.
We will recognize gain or loss on the sale of marketable securities based upon the first-in-first-out method.

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Note 5 — Equity
Effective September 29, 2006, three independent trustees of Paragon signed subscription agreements to purchase 125,000 Class C Convertible Preferred Shares for an aggregate contribution of $500,000 to maintain Paragon as a corporate shell current in its SEC filings. The Company received the installment payments from the trustees totaling $500,000 during 2006 and 2007.
In addition, on September 29, 2006, James C. Mastandrea, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Paragon, signed a subscription agreement whereby he will purchase 44,444 restricted shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Shares. The consideration for the purchase will be Mr. Mastandrea’s services as an officer of Paragon for the period beginning September 29, 2006 and ending September 29, 2008. The Class C Convertible Preferred Shares are subject to forfeiture and are restricted from being sold by Mr. Mastandrea until the latest to occur of a public offering by Paragon sufficient to liquidate the Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, an exchange of Paragon’s existing shares for new shares, or September 29, 2008.
Each of the trustees of Paragon, namely Daryl J. Carter, John J. Dee, Daniel G. DeVos, Paul T. Lambert, James C. Mastandrea and Michael T. Oliver, signed a restricted share agreement with Paragon, dated September 29, 2006, to receive a total of 12,500 restricted Class C Convertible Preferred Shares in lieu of receiving fees in cash for service as a trustee for the two years ending September 29, 2008. The restrictions on the Class C Convertible Preferred Shares will be removed upon the latest to occur of a public offering by Paragon sufficient to liquidate the Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, an exchange of Paragon’s existing shares for new shares, or September 29, 2008.
During the three months ended March 31, 2008, 500 preferred shares were converted into 23 common shares.
No options were issued or cancelled during the three month period ended March 31, 2008.
Note 6 — Loss Per Share
The Company has adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” for all periods presented herein. Net loss per weighted average common share outstanding—basic and diluted are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. As shown in the following table, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 were 442,332 and 442,565, respectively. Common share equivalents of 2,520,710 as of March 31, 2008 and 2,520,733 as of March 31, 2007 include outstanding convertible preferred class A shares, convertible preferred class C shares, warrants, and stock options, and are not included in net loss per weighted average Common Share outstanding—diluted as they would be anti-dilutive.

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    For the three months ended March 31,  
    2008     2007  
Numerator
               
 
               
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
  $ (93,136 )   $ (119,850 )
 
           
 
               
Denominator
               
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding at March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively: Basic and Diluted
    442,332       442,565  
 
           
 
               
Basic and Diluted EPS
               
Net loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.21 )   $ (0.27 )
 
               
 
           
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders:
               
Basic and Diluted
  $ (0.21 )   $ (0.27 )
 
           
Note 7 — Commitments and Contingencies
Liquidity
As of March 31, 2008, our unrestricted cash resources were approximately $296,000. Three of our independent trustees signed subscription agreements to purchase 125,000 Class C Convertible Preferred Shares for an aggregate contribution of $500,000 cash. The trustees paid installments totaling $500,000 during 2006 and 2007 which is being used to maintain Paragon as a corporate shell current with its SEC filings.
We are dependent on our existing cash to meet our liquidity needs and we have reduced our day-to-day overhead expenses and material future obligations. We have reduced overhead expenses by not replacing employees who have left, reducing office space and rent, reducing use of outside consultants, negotiating discounts on prices wherever possible, and delaying or foregoing other expenses.
Paragon has been searching for and reviewing other value-added real estate deals, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. Paragon has also been reviewing the sale of the corporate entity and seeking additional investors. In addition, in early 2008, the Company began to invest a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of other real estate companies. Presently, the Company is a corporate shell, current in its SEC filings, that may be used in the future for real estate deals or sold to another company. There can be no assurance that any of the alternatives will be adopted, or if adopted, will be successful.
Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, we may be involved in legal actions arising from the ownership and administration of our properties. In our opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, operations or liquidity. We are not currently involved in any legal actions.
Note 8 — Fair Value Measurements
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157), as it applies to our financial instruments, and Statement of

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Financial Accounting Standard No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS 159). SFAS 157 defines fair value, outlines a framework for measuring fair value, and details the required disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 159 permits companies to irrevocably choose to measure certain financial instruments and other items at fair value. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparison between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
Under SFAS 157, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date in the principal or most advantageous market. SFAS 157 establishes a hierarchy in determining the fair value of an asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy has three levels of inputs, both observable and unobservable. SFAS 157 requires the utilization of the lowest possible level of input to determine fair value. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are market data, other than Level 1, that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices in an inactive market, and other observable information that can be corroborated by market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable and corroborated by little or no market data.
Except for those assets and liabilities which are required by authoritative accounting guidance to be recorded at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we have elected not to record any other assets or liabilities at fair value, as permitted by SFAS 159. No events occurred during the first quarter 2008 which would require adjustment to the recognized balances of assets or liabilities which are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
                                         
    Carrying Amount            
    In Consolidated           Fair Value Measurement Using
    Balance Sheet   Fair Value            
    March 31, 2008   March 31, 2008   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3
 
Marketable Securities
  $ 120,553     $ 120,553     $ 120,553     $  —     $  —  
The fair value of the marketable securities is based on quoted market prices in an active market.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
Overview
Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust (the “Company,” “Paragon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a real estate company with its primary focus on searching for and reviewing value-added real estate deals, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. Paragon has also been reviewing the possibility of selling the corporate entity or seeking additional investors.
Effective September 29, 2006, three independent members of the Board of Trustees signed subscription agreements to purchase a total of 125,000 Class C Convertible Preferred Shares for an aggregate contribution of $500,000 cash, and James C. Mastandrea, Paragon’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, signed a similar agreement to accept 44,444 restricted Class C Convertible Preferred Shares as his compensation for services to Paragon for the following two years ended September 29, 2008. The Company received installments totaling $500,000 during 2006 and 2007 from three trustees for payment of Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, which is to be used to maintain Paragon as a public shell current with its SEC filings. Also, each of the trustees of Paragon, namely Daryl J. Carter, John J. Dee, Daniel G. DeVos, Paul T. Lambert, James C. Mastandrea and Michael T. Oliver, signed a restricted share agreement with Paragon to receive a total of 12,500 restricted Class C Convertible Preferred Shares in lieu of receiving fees in cash for service as a trustee for the two years ending September 29, 2008.
Because our unrestricted cash is not sufficient to allow us to continue operations, we have been reviewing other alternatives, including selling the corporate entity and seeking additional investors. In addition, in early 2008, the Company began to invest a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). Presently, the Company is a corporate shell, current in its SEC filings, that may be used in the future for real estate deals or sold to another company. There can be no assurance that we will be able to close a transaction or keep the Company currently filed with the SEC. Even if our management is successful in closing a transaction, investors may not value the transaction or the current filing status with the SEC in the same manner as we did, and investors may not value the transaction as they would value other transactions or alternatives. Failure to obtain external sources of capital will materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to continue operations, as well as its liquidity and financial results.
Brief History
Paragon was formed on March 15, 1994 as a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”). We operated as a traditional REIT by buying, selling, owning and operating commercial and residential properties through December 31, 1999. In February 2000, the Company purchased a software technology company, resulting in the Company not meeting the Internal Revenue Code qualifications to be a REIT for federal tax purposes. In 2002, the Company discontinued the operations of the technology segment. We intend to take advantage of our tax loss carryforwards before qualifying to be a REIT again.
Forward-Looking Information
This report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking” statements for the purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that these expectations will be realized. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events. Factors that could

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cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations include, but are not limited to, our failure to obtain adequate financing to continue our operations, changes in general economic conditions, changes in real estate conditions, fluctuations in market prices of our investments in publicly traded REITs, changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in our current filing status with the SEC, the cost or general availability of equity and debt financing, failure to acquire properties in accordance with our value added strategy, unanticipated costs associated with the acquisition and integration of our acquisitions, our ability to obtain adequate insurance for terrorist acts, and potential liability under environmental or other laws. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 and financial condition, including:
    Explanation of changes in the results of operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2007.
 
    Our critical accounting policies and estimates that require our subjective judgment and are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations.
 
    Our primary sources and uses of cash for the three month period ended March 31, 2008, and how we intend to generate cash for long-term capital needs.
 
    Our current income tax status.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Month Periods Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
Revenues from Operations
Interest and dividend income was approximately $2,400 for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 and approximately $1,900 for the three month period ended March 31, 2007. The increase is due to the increase in cash as a result of payments received from the sale of Class C Convertible Preferred Shares.
Expenses from Operations
Total expenses, comprised mostly of general and administrative expenses, decreased from approximately $121,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 to approximately $96,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2008, a net decrease of $25,000. This net decrease is the result of a reduction in employment cost of approximately $5,000, a reduction in professional fees of approximately $19,000, and a reduction of general office expense of approximately $1,000.
Because the Company has limited unrestricted cash available, it has been reducing overhead expenses paid with cash. The $96,000 general and administrative expenses for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 included approximately $63,000 of non-cash charges for executive officer salary and trustee fees paid with shares.
Net loss attributable to Common Shareholders
As a result of the above, the net loss attributable to Common Shareholders decreased from approximately $120,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2007 to approximately $93,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2008.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require us to make certain estimates and assumptions. A summary of our significant accounting policies is provided in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following section is a summary of certain aspects of those accounting policies that both require our most subjective judgment and are most important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. It is possible that the use of different estimates or assumptions in making these judgments could result in materially different amounts being reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investments in Shares of Publicly Traded REITs
In early 2008, the Company began to invest a portion of its available cash in publicly traded shares of REITs. During the first quarter, we invested approximately $93,000 in shares of 21 publicly traded REITs and had approximately $27,000 in a money market account with the broker, which was invested in April 2008. The Company will record the changes in market value on a quarterly basis as part of shareholders’ equity, until the shares are sold and a gain or loss is recognizable as part of operations. At March 31, 2008, the historical cost of approximately $121,000, including interest and dividends received, was the same as market value.
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Asset
We account for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. As of March 31, 2008, we have net operating losses and at December 31, 2007, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $1.9 million. While the loss created a deferred tax asset of approximately $0.7 million, a valuation allowance of $0.7 million was applied against this asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2027.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, the Company has used cash provided by operations, equity transactions, and borrowings from affiliates and lending institutions to fund operating expenses, satisfy its debt service obligations and fund distributions to shareholders. Currently, our unrestricted cash is not sufficient to allow us to continue operations and we have been reviewing alternatives, including value-added real estate deals for land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments, as well as selling the corporate entity and seeking additional investors. The Company received a total of $500,000 during 2006 and 2007 from three trustees for payment of Class C Convertible Preferred Shares, which is to be used to maintain Paragon as a public shell current in its SEC filings and investment in publicly traded shares of REITs. Presently, the Company is a corporate shell, current in its SEC filings that may be used in the future for real estate deals or sold to another company. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to maintain its current filing status or successfully close a future transaction.
Cash Flows
As of March 31, 2008, our unrestricted cash resources were approximately $296,000. We are dependent on our existing cash resources to meet our liquidity needs because cash from operations is not sufficient to meet our operating requirements.

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The decrease in cash during the first quarter of 2008 was approximately $125,000. Investments in marketable securities used approximately $120,000, and the remainder of approximately $5,000 was used to keep the Company operating as a public company. As a result, our cash balance decreased by approximately $125,000 from approximately $421,000 at December 31, 2007 to approximately $296,000 at March 31, 2008.
Future Obligations
We are dependent on our existing cash to meet our liquidity needs and have reduced our day-to-day overhead expenses and material future obligations. We have reduced overhead expenses by not replacing employees who have left, reducing office space and rent, reducing use of outside consultants, negotiating discounts on prices wherever possible, and delaying or foregoing other expenses.
Long Term Liquidity and Operating Strategies
Our unrestricted cash of $296,000 is sufficient to meet only the Company’s current liabilities. Our ability to continue as a going concern will be dependent upon our acquiring assets to generate cash flow for the Company. Since 2006, Paragon has been searching for and reviewing value-added real estate deals, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, other real estate investment and operating companies, and joint venture investments. Paragon has also been reviewing other alternatives, including selling the corporate entity and seeking additional investors. During 2006 and 2007, the Company received installments of $500,000 from three trustees for payment of Class C Convertible Preferred Shares.
Current Tax Status
At March 31, 2008, we have a net operating loss, and at December 31, 2007, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $1.9 million. While the loss created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against the asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2027.
We, and certain of our subsidiaries, are also subject to certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The provision for state and local taxes has been reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.
Interest Rates and Inflation
Because Paragon is a corporate shell without debt, expense is not affected by interest rates. Interest rates do however affect the amount we can earn on our cash balances. Since 2006, Paragon has been searching for and reviewing other value-added real estate deals, including land development, retail, office, industrial, hotel, and joint venture investments, as well as reviewing other alternatives, including selling the corporate entity and seeking additional investors.
We were not significantly affected by inflation during the periods presented in this report due primarily to the relative low nationwide inflation rates.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of March 31, 2008, the date of this report, James C. Mastandrea, our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, and John J. Dee, our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon this evaluation, Messrs. Mastandrea and Dee concluded that, as of March 31, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and our consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner.
Further, there was no change during the last quarter in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the normal course of business, we may be involved in legal actions arising from the ownership and administration of our properties. In our opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, operations or liquidity. We are not currently involved in any legal actions.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibits
     
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit Description
 
 
   
31.1
  Section 302 Certification pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 — Chief Executive Officer
 
   
31.2
  Section 302 Certification pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 — Chief Financial Officer
 
   
32.1
  CEO/CFO Certification under Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  Paragon real estate equity and investment trust
 
 
  By:   /s/ James C. Mastandrea    
Date: May 12, 2008    James C. Mastandrea   
    Chief Executive Officer   
 
  Paragon real estate equity and investment trust
 
 
  By:   /s/ John J. Dee    
Date: May 12, 2008    John J. Dee   
    Chief Financial Officer   
 

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