Arbor Realty Trust Announces Tax Treatment of 2012 Dividend Distributions

UNIONDALE, N.Y., Jan. 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR), a real estate investment trust focused on the business of investing in real estate related bridge and mezzanine loans, preferred and direct equity investments, mortgage-related securities and other real estate related assets, announced today the tax treatment of its 2012 dividend distributions for the Company's common shares of beneficial interest.

During 2012, the total per share distributions paid on Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. common stock was $.285. For tax reporting purposes 100% or $.285 will be classified as dividend income (of which 100% are non-qualified dividends). The 2012 distributions paid with respect to Arbor Realty Trust's common stock (CUSIP #038923108 and traded under ticker symbol ABR) are summarized on a quarterly basis, as follows:

Note: Shareholders are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors as to their specific tax treatment of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. dividend distributions.

About Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

The Company is a real estate investment trust, which invests in a diversified portfolio of multi-family and commercial real estate related bridge and mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, mortgage related securities and other real estate related assets. The Company commenced operations in July 2003 and conducts substantially all of its operations through its operating partnership, Arbor Realty Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries. Arbor is externally managed and advised by Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC, a national commercial real estate finance company operating through 14 offices in the US that specializes in debt and equity financing for multi-family and commercial real estate.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release, including with regard to the Company's securities offering and contemplated use of proceeds, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, but are not limited to, continued ability to source new investments, changes in interest rates and/or credit spreads, changes in the real estate and capital markets, and other risks detailed in the prospectus relating to the offering and the documents incorporated by reference therein, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

CONTACT: Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.
         Paul Elenio, Chief Financial Officer
         516-506-4422
         pelenio@arbor.com

         Media:
         Bonnie Habyan, SVP of Marketing
         516-506-4615
         bhabyan@arbor.com

         Investors:
         Stephanie Carrington / Amy Glynn
         The Ruth Group
         646-536-7023
         scarrington@theruthgroup.com
         aglynn@theruthgroup.com