Transcontinental Realty First Quarter 2002 Net Loss of $.17 vs. $.04 Net Income in 2001


DALLAS, May 15, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc. (NYSE:TCI) Wednesday announced decreased rent income and lower gains on real estate sales resulted in a first quarter 2002 net loss of $1.38 million, or $.17 per share, on revenue of $30.66 million, as compared to net income of $309,000, or $.04 per share, on revenue of $34.53 million for the first quarter of 2001.


 In the first three months of 2002:

 * Rents decreased to $30.87 million, from $35.27 million in 2001, due to
   sales of 25 properties in 2001 and 2002 and lower occupancy in the
   hotels, partially offset by six properties purchased in 2001 and 2002,
   and higher occupancy rates in the apartments and commercial properties
   in 2002. 

 * Gains of $5.4 million were recognized on sales of two apartments and a
   warehouse and from gains of equity investees, as compared to gains 
   totaling $6.5 million on real estate sales in 2001.
 
 * Interest and other income increased to $1.1 million, from $638,000,
   primarily due to loans funded in 2001 and first quarter 2002.

Total expenses for first quarter 2002 decreased to $37.42 million, from $40.70 million in 2001, primarily due to property sales in 2001 and 2002:


 * Property operations expense decreased to $19.47 million, from $20.40
   million in 2001, due to 2001 and 2002 property sales and lower hotel
   expenses, mostly offset by property purchases and increased leasing
   costs and utilities at the apartments and commercial properties.

 * Interest expense decreased to $9.16 million, from $11.21 million in
   2001, due to property sales, principal paydowns and lower variable
   interest rates.

 * Advisory fee decreased to $1.42 million, from $1.50 million in 2001.

 * General and administrative expense decreased to $2.20 million, from
   $2.43 million in 2001, due to lower legal and other professional fees.

Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc., a Dallas-based real estate investment company, invests in real estate through direct equity ownership and partnerships nationwide.


                         FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
        (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
    
                                                Three months ended 
                                                     March 31, 
                                               2002           2001

 Income from rents                       $    30,869     $    35,265
 Expense from operations                      19,468          20,395
    Operating income                          11,401          14,870

 Other income                                   (209)           (735)
 Other expense                                17,956          20,303
 Gain on sale of real estate                   5,429           6,484
                                             (12,736)        (14,554)

 Net income (loss)                       $    (1,335)    $       316
 Preferred dividend requirement                  (45)             (7)

 Net income (loss) applicable to
   Common shares                         $    (1,380)    $       309

 Earnings Per Share
    Net income                           $      (.17)    $       .04

 Weighted average common
    shares used to compute
    earnings per share                     8,042,594       8,686,346

            

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