Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

Safehold Inc. Interim / Quarterly Report 2011

Nov 8, 2011

32137_10-q_2011-11-08_5b7a31e0-ebaa-4049-bec9-dab466323a18.zip

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

Use these links to rapidly review the document TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="CENTER" COMMAND=ADDING_LINEBREAK

FORM 10-Q

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

(Mark One)
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period
from to

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Commission File No. 1-15371

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="CENTER" COMMAND=ADDING_LINEBREAK

iSTAR FINANCIAL INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Maryland (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 95-6881527 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1114 Avenue of the Americas, 39 th Floor New York, NY (Address of principal executive offices) 10036 (Zip code)

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 930-9400

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="CENTER" COMMAND=ADDING_LINEBREAK

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (i) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (ii) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý 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 definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer ý Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No ý

As of November 2, 2011, there were 81,917,894 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of iStar Financial Inc. ("Common Stock") outstanding.

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=404627,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]BA48501A.;10',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:30' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

TOC_END

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc. Index to Form 10-Q

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

COMMAND=ADD_START_LINKTABLE User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Part I. Consolidated Financial Information Page — 2
Item 1. Financial Statements: 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 2
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)—For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and
2010 3
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)—For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)—For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and
2010 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 39
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 53
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 53
Part II. Other Information 55
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 55
Item 1A. Risk Factors 56
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 56
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 56
Item 4. (Removed and Reserved) 56
Item 5. Other Information 56
Item 6. Exhibits 57
SIGNATURES 58

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE COMMAND=ADD_END_LINKTABLE

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=2,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=118857,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]BG48501A.;14',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:10' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

TOC_END

Table of Contents

PART I. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

iStar Financial Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of September 30, 2011
ASSETS
Loans and other lending investments, net $ 3,283,725 $ 4,587,352
Net lease assets, net 1,726,922 1,784,509
Real estate held for investment, net 954,646 833,060
Other real estate owned 669,331 746,081
Other investments 621,167 532,358
Assets held for sale 33,759 —
Cash and cash equivalents 217,015 504,865
Restricted cash 39,316 13,784
Accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net 15,924 24,408
Deferred operating lease income receivable 69,417 62,569
Deferred expenses and other assets, net 122,630 85,528
Total assets $ 7,753,852 $ 9,174,514
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 154,095 $ 134,422
Debt obligations, net 5,995,050 7,345,433
Total liabilities $ 6,149,145 $ 7,479,855
Commitments and contingencies — —
Equity:
iStar Financial Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock Series D, E, F, G and I, liquidation preference $25.00 per share (see Note 12) 22 22
High Performance Units 9,800 9,800
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 138,616 issued and 80,509 outstanding at September 30, 2011 and 138,189 issued and 92,336
outstanding at December 31, 2010 139 138
Additional paid-in capital 3,825,793 3,809,071
Retained earnings (deficit) (2,041,975 ) (2,014,013 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (see Note 15) 1,508 1,609
Treasury stock, at cost, $0.001 par value, 58,108 shares at September 30, 2011 and 45,853 shares at December 31, 2010 (237,341 ) (158,492 )
Total iStar Financial Inc. shareholders' equity $ 1,557,946 $ 1,648,135
Noncontrolling interests 46,761 46,524
Total equity $ 1,604,707 $ 1,694,659
Total liabilities and equity $ 7,753,852 $ 9,174,514

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=3,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=325040,FOLIO='2',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FA48501A.;7',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:10' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
Revenue:
Interest income $ 45,851 $ 84,210 $ 186,805 $ 287,295
Operating lease income 41,369 40,471 123,090 124,760
Other income 10,140 8,616 26,413 22,869
Total revenue $ 97,360 $ 133,297 $ 336,308 $ 434,924
Costs and expenses:
Interest expense $ 91,777 $ 77,286 $ 258,183 $ 246,815
Operating costs—net lease assets 5,048 5,226 14,303 11,279
Operating costs—REHI and OREO 19,792 19,111 55,582 45,166
Depreciation and amortization 14,814 15,246 46,354 46,722
General and administrative 26,978 24,239 77,077 76,569
Provision for loan losses 9,232 78,414 30,462 277,242
Impairment of assets 9,912 3,832 14,165 17,041
Other expense 3,974 4,219 7,156 13,321
Total costs and expenses $ 181,527 $ 227,573 $ 503,282 $ 734,155
Income (loss) before earnings from equity method investments and other items $ (84,167 ) $ (94,276 ) $ (166,974 ) $ (299,231 )
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net (3,207 ) 9,525 102,348 118,305
Earnings from equity method investments 10,817 6,523 54,881 31,703
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes $ (76,557 ) $ (78,228 ) $ (9,745 ) $ (149,223 )
Income tax (expense) benefit (1,354 ) (722 ) (9,731 ) (2,557 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations(1) $ (77,911 ) $ (78,950 ) $ (19,476 ) $ (151,780 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 1,052 (104 ) 498 20,473
Gain from discontinued operations 22,198 4,422 22,198 270,382
Net income (loss) $ (54,661 ) $ (74,632 ) $ 3,220 $ 139,075
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,002 (858 ) 558 (857 )
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. $ (53,659 ) $ (75,490 ) $ 3,778 $ 138,218
Preferred dividends (10,580 ) (10,580 ) (31,740 ) (31,740 )
Net (income) loss allocable to HPU holders and Participating Security holders(2)(3) 2,008 2,539 845 (3,145 )
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareholders $ (62,231 ) $ (83,531 ) $ (27,117 ) $ 103,333
Per common share data(1):
Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from continuing operations:
Basic and diluted $ (0.96 ) $ (0.94 ) $ (0.55 ) $ (1.91 )
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.:
Basic and diluted $ (0.71 ) $ (0.89 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 1.10
Weighted average number of common shares—basic and diluted 87,951 93,370 91,020 93,556
Per HPU share data(1)(2):
Income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. from continuing operations:
Basic and diluted $ (182.34 ) $ (177.74 ) $ (102.06 ) $ (361.26 )
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc.:
Basic and diluted $ (133.87 ) $ (169.27 ) $ (56.33 ) $ 209.67
Weighted average number of HPU shares—basic and diluted 15 15 15 15

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $(76,909) and $(79,808), respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $(18,918) and $(152,637), respectively. See Note 14 for detail on the calculation of earnings per share. (2) HPU holders are current and former Company employees who purchased high performance common stock units under the Company's High Performance Unit Program. (3) Participating Security holders are Company employees and directors who hold unvested restricted stock units and common stock equivalents granted under the Company's Long Term Incentive Plans that are eligible to receive dividends (see Note 13).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

3

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=4,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=387188,FOLIO='3',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FC48501A.;12',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:10' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

COMMAND=ROTATED_TABLE WIDTH="150%"

iStar Financial Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"150%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

iStar Financial Inc. Shareholders' Equity — Preferred Stock(1) HPU's Common Stock at Par Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings (Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Treasury Stock at cost Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2010 $ 22 $ 9,800 $ 138 $ 3,809,071 $ (2,014,013 ) $ 1,609 $ (158,492 ) $ 46,524 $ 1,694,659
Dividends declared—preferred — — — — (31,740 ) — — — (31,740 )
Issuance of stock/restricted stock unit amortization, net — — 1 16,722 — — — — 16,723
Net income for the period(2) — — — — 3,778 — — (542 ) 3,236
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income — — — — — (101 ) — — (101 )
Repurchase of stock — — — — — — (78,849 ) — (78,849 )
Contributions from noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — 1,900 1,900
Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — (1,121 ) (1,121 )
Balance at September 30, 2011 $ 22 $ 9,800 $ 139 $ 3,825,793 $ (2,041,975 ) $ 1,508 $ (237,341 ) $ 46,761 $ 1,604,707

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="19%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) See Note 12 for details on the Company's Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. (2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net income shown above excludes $16 of net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

4

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=5,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=75821,FOLIO='4',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FE48501A.;36',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:10' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 3,220 $ 139,075
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
Provision for loan losses 30,462 277,242
Non-cash expense for stock-based compensation 15,622 13,597
Impairment of assets 14,140 18,903
Depreciation and amortization 47,142 55,036
Amortization of discounts/(premiums) and deferred financing costs on debt 23,489 (15,899 )
Amortization of (discounts)/premiums and deferred interest on lending investments (52,027 ) (81,636 )
Discounts, loan fees and deferred interest received 3,303 10,539
Earnings from equity method investments (54,881 ) (31,703 )
Distributions from operations of equity method investments 45,846 26,245
Deferred operating lease income (6,750 ) (8,010 )
Gain from discontinued operations (22,198 ) (270,382 )
Gain on early extinguishment of debt, net (98,624 ) (119,457 )
Other non-cash adjustments (2,497 ) 653
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Changes in accrued interest and operating lease income receivable, net 5,747 15,521
Changes in deferred expenses and other assets, net 1,720 (6,021 )
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 33,851 (14,850 )
Cash flows from operating activities $ (12,435 ) $ 8,853
Cash flows from investing activities:
New investment originations $ — $ (100,000 )
Fundings under existing loan commitments (58,141 ) (303,336 )
Repayments of and principal collections on loans 1,068,797 1,209,098
Net proceeds from sales of loans 88,751 413,983
Net proceeds from sales of net lease assets 672 1,362,983
Net proceeds from sales of other real estate owned 139,279 374,881
Net proceeds from repayments and sales of securities — 213,239
Contributions to unconsolidated entities (31,462 ) (15,793 )
Distributions from unconsolidated entities 16,434 7,778
Capital expenditures on net lease assets (11,138 ) (10,108 )
Capital expenditures on REHI and OREO (34,915 ) (18,528 )
Changes in restricted cash held in connection with investing activities (25,165 ) (260 )
Other investing activities, net 708 (3,003 )
Cash flows from investing activities $ 1,153,820 $ 3,130,934
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under secured credit facilities $ 2,913,250 $ 499
Repayments under secured credit facilities (1,385,602 ) —
Repayments under unsecured credit facilities (506,600 ) —
Borrowings under secured term loans 124,575 —
Repayments under secured term loans (1,682,009 ) (1,131,186 )
Repayments under unsecured notes (375,127 ) (264,388 )
Repurchases and redemptions of secured and unsecured notes (371,827 ) (811,773 )
Payments for deferred financing costs (35,545 ) —
Preferred dividends paid (31,740 ) (31,740 )
Purchase of treasury stock (78,849 ) (7,476 )
Changes in restricted cash held in connection with debt obligations 200 11,189
Other financing activities, net 39 (9,903 )
Cash flows from financing activities $ (1,429,235 ) $ (2,244,778 )
Changes in cash and cash equivalents $ (287,850 ) $ 895,009
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 504,865 224,632
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 217,015 $ 1,119,641

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

5

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=6,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=717453,FOLIO='5',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FG48501A.;16',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:31' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

Note 1—Business and Organization

Business —iStar Financial Inc., or the "Company," is a fully-integrated finance and investment company focused on the commercial real estate industry. The Company provides custom-tailored investment capital to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate and invests directly across a range of real estate sectors. The Company is taxed as a real estate investment trust, or "REIT." The Company's primary business segments are lending, net leasing and real estate investment. See Note 11 for discussion of the impact of recent economic conditions on the Company and business risks and uncertainties.

Organization —The Company began its business in 1993 through private investment funds and became publicly traded in 1998. Since that time, the Company has grown through the origination of new lending and leasing transactions, as well as through corporate acquisitions, including the acquisition of TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. in 1999 and the acquisition of the commercial real estate lending business and loan portfolio of Fremont Investment and Loan, a division of Fremont General Corporation, in 2007.

Note 2—Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Basis of Presentation —The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Such operating results may not be indicative of the expected results for any other interim periods or the entire year.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes to conform to the 2011 presentation.

Principles of Consolidation —The Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, controlled partnerships and variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Consolidated VIEs —The Company consolidates OHA Strategic Credit Fund Parallel I, L.P. ("OHA SCF"), which was created to invest in distressed and undervalued loans, bonds, equities and other investments. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, OHA SCF had total assets of $53.6 million and $45.7 million, respectively, no debt and $0.1 million of noncontrolling interests. The investments held

6

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=7,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=884194,FOLIO='6',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FI48501A.;29',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 2—Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation (Continued)

by this entity are presented in "Other investments" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had a total unfunded commitment of $21.9 million to this entity.

The Company also consolidates Madison Deutsche Andau Holdings, LP ("Madison DA"), which was created to invest in mortgage loans collateralized by real estate in Europe. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Madison DA had total assets of $56.9 million and $58.0 million, respectively, no debt and noncontrolling interests of $8.3 million and $8.6 million, respectively. The investments held by this entity are presented in "Loans and other lending investments, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Unconsolidated VIEs —The Company determined that as of September 30, 2011, 24 of its other investments were in VIEs where it is not the primary beneficiary and accordingly the VIEs have not been consolidated in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. As of September 30, 2011, the Company's maximum exposure to loss from these investments does not exceed the sum of the $235.9 million carrying value of the investments and $8.1 million of related unfunded commitments.

Note 3—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

As of September 30, 2011, the Company's significant accounting policies, which are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, have not changed materially.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," which requires entities to present net income and other comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements of net income and other comprehensive income. The new requirements are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company will adopt this ASU for the reporting period ending March 31, 2012, as required.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, "Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs." This ASU is a result of joint efforts by the FASB and IASB to develop a single, converged framework on how to measure fair value and what disclosures to provide about fair value measurements. This ASU is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles of U.S. GAAP, however, it expands existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively. The Company will adopt this ASU for the reporting period ending March 31, 2012, as required.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-02, "A Creditor's Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring," which provides additional guidance to creditors for determining whether a loan modification is a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). The guidance provides additional considerations in determining whether a creditor has granted a concession and adds factors for creditors to consider in determining whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The new ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011 with retrospective

7

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=8,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=767744,FOLIO='7',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FI48501A.;29',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 3—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

application for loan modifications that have occurred from January 1, 2011. Loan modifications that qualify as TDRs are considered impaired and will be measured and recorded prospectively in the period of adoption. The Company adopted the standard in the period ended September 30, 2011, as required. As a result of this adoption, the Company reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after January 1, 2011 for identification as troubled debt restructurings. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had a recorded investment of $50.9 million in loans for which the allowance for credit losses was previously measured under a general allowance for credit losses methodology and are now specifically reviewed for impairment. Based on a current evaluation of potential losses, no specific reserves were required for these loans. See Note 4 for further details on the impact of the adoption of this guidance.

In January 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-01, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20," which temporarily deferred the effective date in ASU 2010-20, "Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses" in respect of disclosures related to troubled debt restructuring until FASB finalized ASU 2010-20 (see above). ASU 2010-20 requires companies to provide disaggregated levels of disclosure by portfolio segment and class to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature of loan modifications and troubled debt restructurings. The Company adopted the TDR disclosure provisions of ASU 2010-20 in the period ended September 30, 2011, as required. See Note 4 for additional disclosures required by the adoption of these provisions.

Note 4—Loans and Other Lending Investments, net

The following is a summary of the Company's loans and other lending investments by class ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Type of Investment As of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Senior mortgages $ 3,277,891 $ 4,390,770
Subordinate mortgages 214,405 305,245
Corporate/Partnership loans 485,708 689,535
Total gross carrying value of loans(2) $ 3,978,004 $ 5,385,550
Reserves for loan losses (710,117 ) (814,625 )
Total carrying value of loans $ 3,267,887 $ 4,570,925
Other lending investments—securities 15,838 16,427
Total loans and other lending investments, net $ 3,283,725 $ 4,587,352

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Loans and other lending investments are presented net of unearned income, unamortized discounts and premiums and net unamortized deferred fees and costs. In total, these amounts represented a net discount of $94.0 million and $62.7 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. (2) The Company's recorded investment in loans as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $3.99 billion and $5.41 billion, respectively, which consists of total gross carrying value of loans plus accrued interest of $12.8 million and $21.3 million, for the same two periods, respectively.

8

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=9,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=791498,FOLIO='8',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FI48501A.;29',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 4—Loans and Other Lending Investments, net (Continued)

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company funded $58.1 million under existing loan commitments and received principal repayments of $1.07 billion. During the same period, the Company sold loans with a total carrying value of $132.1 million, for which it recognized charge-offs of $23.4 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company received title to properties in full or partial satisfaction of non-performing mortgage loans with a gross carrying value of $240.8 million, for which the properties had served as collateral, and recorded charge-offs totaling $48.3 million related to these loans. These properties were recorded as real estate held for investment ("REHI") or other real estate owned ("OREO") on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets (see Note 5). In addition, during the same period, the Company received equity in an entity that took title to a property in satisfaction of a non-performing mortgage for which the property had served as collateral. The Company held a participation in the mortgage with a gross carrying value of $74.6 million and charged-off $29.2 million upon receiving the equity interest (see Note 7).

Reserve for Loan Losses —Changes in the Company's reserve for loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 2011 2010
Reserve for loan losses at beginning of period $ 701,228 $ 1,181,288 $ 814,625 $ 1,417,949
Provision for loan losses 9,232 78,414 30,462 277,242
Charge-offs (343 ) (235,041 ) (134,970 ) (670,530 )
Reserve for loan losses at end of period $ 710,117 $ 1,024,661 $ 710,117 $ 1,024,661

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

The Company's recorded investment (comprised of a loan's carrying value plus accrued interest) in loans and the associated reserve for loan losses were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Individually Evaluated for Impairment
As of September 30, 2011:
Loans $ 1,900,885 $ 2,014,760 $ 75,130 $ 3,990,775
Less: Reserve for loan losses (631,211 ) (76,700 ) (2,206 ) (710,117 )
Total $ 1,269,674 $ 1,938,060 $ 72,924 $ 3,280,658
As of December 31, 2010:
Loans $ 2,296,599 $ 3,034,310 $ 75,907 $ 5,406,816
Less: Reserve for loan losses (692,610 ) (120,200 ) (1,815 ) (814,625 )
Total $ 1,603,989 $ 2,914,110 $ 74,092 $ 4,592,191

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

9

ZEQ.=4,SEQ=10,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=413531,FOLIO='9',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FI48501A.;29',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 4—Loans and Other Lending Investments, net (Continued)

Credit Characteristics —As part of the Company's process for monitoring the credit quality of its loans, it performs a quarterly loan portfolio assessment and assigns risk ratings to each of its performing loans. The Company's recorded investment in performing loans, presented by class and by credit quality, as indicated by risk rating, was as follows ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Performing Loans Weighted Average Risk Ratings Performing Loans Weighted Average Risk Ratings
Senior mortgages $ 1,683,232 3.29 $ 2,394,270 3.48
Subordinate mortgages 192,082 3.22 307,509 3.20
Corporate/Partnership loans 478,134 3.62 685,848 3.76
Total $ 2,353,448 3.35 $ 3,387,627 3.51

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Note:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Ratings range from "1" to "5" with "1" representing the lowest risk of loss and "5" representing the highest risk of loss.

The Company's recorded investment in loans as of September 30, 2011, aged by payment status and presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"120%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Current Less Than and Equal to 90 Days Greater Than 90 Days(1) Total Past Due Total
Senior mortgages $ 1,842,261 $ 68,147 $ 1,375,201 $ 1,443,348 $ 3,285,609
Subordinate mortgages 215,740 — — — 215,740
Corporate/Partnership loans 478,132 — 11,294 11,294 489,426
Total $ 2,536,133 $ 68,147 $ 1,386,495 $ 1,454,642 $ 3,990,775

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Note:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) All loans with payments more than 90 days past due are classified as non-performing and are on non-accrual status.

10

ZEQ.=5,SEQ=11,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=549344,FOLIO='10',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FI48501A.;29',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 4—Loans and Other Lending Investments, net (Continued)

Impaired Loans —The Company's recorded investment in impaired loans, presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"150%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of September 30, 2011 — Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance As of December 31, 2010 — Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Related Allowance
With no related allowance recorded:
Senior mortgages(2) $ 216,852 $ 217,945 $ — $ 404,861 $ 404,126 $ —
Corporate/Partnership loans 10,110 10,160 — 10,110 10,160 —
Subtotal $ 226,962 $ 228,105 $ — $ 414,971 $ 414,286 $ —
With an allowance recorded:
Senior mortgages(2) $ 1,602,712 $ 1,592,418 $ (599,472 ) $ 1,834,008 $ 1,825,150 $ (683,948 )
Subordinate mortgages 23,657 23,735 (23,657 ) — — —
Corporate/Partnership loans 64,853 65,140 (10,288 ) 64,465 64,919 (10,477 )
Subtotal $ 1,691,222 $ 1,681,293 $ (633,417 ) $ 1,898,473 $ 1,890,069 $ (694,425 )
Total:
Senior mortgages $ 1,819,564 $ 1,810,363 $ (599,472 ) $ 2,238,869 $ 2,229,276 $ (683,948 )
Subordinate mortgages 23,657 23,735 (23,657 ) — — —
Corporate/Partnership loans 74,963 75,300 (10,288 ) 74,575 75,079 (10,477 )
Total $ 1,918,184 $ 1,909,398 $ (633,417 ) $ 2,313,444 $ 2,304,355 $ (694,425 )

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) All of the Company's non-accrual loans are considered impaired and included in the table above. In addition, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, certain loans modified through troubled debt restructurings with a recorded investment of $280.9 million and $294.3 million, respectively, are also included as impaired loans in accordance with GAAP although they are performing and on accrual status. (2) Amount includes impaired loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality.

11

ZEQ.=6,SEQ=12,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=188423,FOLIO='11',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FI48501A.;29',USER='LBURNET',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 4—Loans and Other Lending Investments, net (Continued)

The Company's average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recognized, presented by class, were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"150%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Senior mortgages $ 230,888 $ 1,788 $ 645,653 $ 1,569 $ 331,478 $ 31,374 $ 722,722 $ 19,856
Subordinate mortgages — — — — — — 1,755 74
Corporate/Partnership loans 10,110 240 21,044 — 10,110 560 31,879 1,310
Subtotal $ 240,998 $ 2,028 $ 666,697 $ 1,569 $ 341,588 $ 31,934 $ 756,356 $ 21,240
With an allowance recorded:
Senior mortgages $ 1,583,105 $ 1,873 $ 2,195,637 $ 925 $ 1,693,366 $ 5,994 $ 2,556,167 $ 4,694
Subordinate mortgages 24,783 — 93,912 46 18,726 — 96,406 107
Corporate/Partnership loans 67,446 81 85,940 — 66,961 250 65,282 —
Subtotal $ 1,675,334 $ 1,954 $ 2,375,489 $ 971 $ 1,779,053 $ 6,244 $ 2,717,855 $ 4,801
Total:
Senior mortgages $ 1,813,993 $ 3,661 $ 2,841,290 $ 2,494 $ 2,024,844 $ 37,368 $ 3,278,889 $ 24,550
Subordinate mortgages 24,783 — 93,912 46 18,726 — 98,161 181
Corporate/Partnership loans 77,556 321 106,984 — 77,071 810 97,161 1,310
Total $ 1,916,332 $ 3,982 $ 3,042,186 $ 2,540 $ 2,120,641 $ 38,178 $ 3,474,211 $ 26,041

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded interest income of $26.3 million related to the resolution of certain non-performing loans. Interest income was not previously recorded while the loans were on non-accrual status.

Troubled Debt Restructurings —The Company's troubled debt restructurings, presented by class, had the following impact to its recorded investment in loans ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"150%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Number of Loans Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Number of Loans Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Senior mortgages 3 $ 65,107 $ 65,107 7 $ 191,158 $ 190,893

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

12

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=13,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=632806,FOLIO='12',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FK48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 4—Loans and Other Lending Investments, net (Continued)

Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted during the period were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Number of Loans Outstanding Recorded Investment For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 — Number of Loans Outstanding Recorded Investment
Senior mortgages 1 $ 12,257 2 $ 40,262

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company restructured three loans that were considered troubled debt restructurings. The Company extended the maturity of two of these loans with a combined recorded investment of $49.3 million, while leaving the interest rate unchanged. The loans have a new weighted average maturity of 0.4 years with conditional extension options in certain cases dependent on pay down hurdles. The Company extended a discounted payoff option on the third loan that is currently classified as non-performing.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company restructured seven loans that were considered troubled debt restructurings. In addition to the three loans modified during the current quarter that are described above, the Company restructured four additional loans in the first half of the year. The Company reduced the rate on three of these loans with a combined recorded investment of $105.7 million, from a combined weighted average rate of 8.3% to 4.7% and extended the loans with a new weighted average maturity of 1.4 years, with conditional extension options in certain cases dependent on pay down hurdles. The Company extended the term of the remaining loan by six months with the interest rate unchanged. In addition, as of September 30, 2011, the Company had $6.1 million of unfunded commitments on modified loans considered troubled debt restructurings.

For the six loans that were extended, the Company believes the borrowers can perform under the new terms and has classified these loans as performing. Generally when granting financial concessions, the Company will seek to protect its position by requiring incremental pay downs, additional collateral or guarantees and in some cases lookback features or equity kickers to offset concessions granted should conditions improve.

The Company's determination of credit losses is impacted by troubled debt restructurings whereby loans that have gone through troubled debt restructurings are considered impaired and assessed for specific reserves and are not included in the Company's assessment of general reserves. Loans previously restructured under troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default are reassessed to incorporate the Company's current assumptions on expected cash flows and additional provision expense is recorded to the extent necessary.

Encumbered Loans —As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, loans and other lending investments with a carrying value of $2.12 billion and $2.83 billion, respectively, were pledged as collateral under the Company's secured indebtedness.

13

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=14,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=838976,FOLIO='13',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FK48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 5—Real Estate Held for Investment, net and Other Real Estate Owned

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company received title to properties with an aggregate estimated fair value at the time of foreclosure of $192.5 million, in full or partial satisfaction of non-performing mortgage loans for which those properties had served as collateral. Of these, properties with a value of $124.1 million were classified as REHI and $68.4 million were classified as OREO, based on management's current intention to either hold the properties over a longer period or to market them for sale in the near term.

Real Estate Held for Investment, net —REHI consisted of the following ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Land held for investment and development As of September 30, 2011 — $ 635,467 $ 606,083
Operating property
Land 82,266 69,807
Buildings and improvements 250,264 165,025
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (13,351 ) (7,855 )
Real estate held for investment, net $ 954,646 $ 833,060

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

The Company recorded REHI operating income in "Other income" and REHI operating expenses in "Operating costs—REHI and OREO," on its Consolidated Statements of Operations, as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
REHI operating income $ 8,207 $ 5,597 $ 22,356 $ 14,111
REHI operating expenses $ 12,130 $ 8,944 $ 31,422 $ 21,113

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Other Real Estate Owned —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company sold OREO assets with a carrying value of $142.8 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded net impairment charges to OREO properties totaling $9.3 million and $12.6 million, respectively, and recorded net expenses related to holding costs for OREO properties of $7.7 million and $24.2 million, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded net (recoveries)/impairment charges to OREO properties totaling $(0.4) million and $16.8 million, respectively, and recorded net expenses related to holding costs for OREO properties of $10.2 million and $24.1 million, respectively.

Encumbered REHI and OREO —As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, REHI assets with a carrying value of $142.5 million and $28.4 million, respectively, and OREO assets with a carrying value of $163.8 million and $232.1 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for the Company's secured indebtedness.

14

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=15,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=478258,FOLIO='14',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FK48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 6—Net Lease Assets, net and Assets Held for Sale

The Company's investments in net lease assets, at cost, were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Buildings and improvements As of September 30, 2011 — $ 1,619,747 $ 1,651,998
Land and land improvements 448,153 454,925
Less: accumulated depreciation (340,978 ) (322,414 )
Net lease assets, net $ 1,726,922 $ 1,784,509
Assets held for sale $ 33,759 $ —

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company realized $22.2 million of the gain previously deferred as part of its June 2010 sale of a portfolio of 32 net lease assets. At the time of sale, the Company had reduced its gain on sale and recorded a liability based upon certain contingent obligations, which have now been fully resolved. The gain has been recorded in "Gain from discontinued operations" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

The Company receives reimbursements from customers for certain facility operating expenses including common area costs, insurance and real estate taxes. Customer expense reimbursements were $6.1 million and $17.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $6.2 million and $23.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. Of these amounts, $5.8 million and $18.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, were included as a reduction of "Operating costs—net lease assets," and the remainder in 2010 was included in "Income (loss) from discontinued operations" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company sold net lease assets with carrying values of $1.17 billion, which resulted in initial gains of $270.4 million. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company recorded impairment charges on net lease assets of $5.7 million and $6.1 million, respectively, of which $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, were included in "Income (loss) from discontinued operations" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Allowance for doubtful accounts —As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the total allowance for doubtful accounts related to tenant receivables, including deferred operating lease income receivable, was $3.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Encumbered Net Lease Assets —As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, net lease assets with a carrying value of $1.20 billion and $1.02 billion, respectively, were encumbered with mortgages or pledged as collateral for the Company's secured indebtedness.

15

ZEQ.=4,SEQ=16,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=717296,FOLIO='15',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FK48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 7—Other Investments

Other investments primarily consists of equity method investments. The Company's other investments and its proportionate share of results for equity method investments were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"140%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Equity in earnings
Carrying value as of For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
2011 2010 2011 2010
Oak Hill(1) $ 162,679 $ 176,364 $ 1,078 $ 2,217 $ 8,788 $ 10,707
LNR 142,984 122,176 12,509 2,336 36,572 2,336
Madison Funds 114,581 92,265 (941 ) 1,398 7,016 7,452
Other equity method investments 190,417 131,418 (1,829 ) 572 2,505 11,208
Total equity method investments $ 610,661 $ 522,223 $ 10,817 $ 6,523 $ 54,881 $ 31,703
Other 10,506 10,135
Total other investments $ 621,167 $ 532,358

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Note:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Subsequent to quarter end, the Company sold a substantial portion of its interests in Oak Hill. See Note 18 for further details.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company received an equity interest of $45.4 million in an entity that received title to a property previously serving as collateral for a loan investment of the Company.

Encumbered Other Investments —As of September 30, 2011, other investments with a carrying value of $44.4 million were pledged as collateral for the Company's secured indebtedness.

Summarized Financial Information

LNR —The Company owns approximately 24% of the outstanding equity of LNR and the Company's chairman and chief executive officer is the chairman of LNR's board of directors. The following table represents investee level summarized financial information for LNR ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011(2) For the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2011(2)
Income Statement
Total revenue $ 73,167 $ 155,877
Net income attributable to LNR $ 52,171 $ 152,537

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of June 30, 2011 As of September 30, 2010
Balance Sheet
Total assets(1) $ 1,307,568 $ 1,189,438
Total liabilities(1) $ 601,117 $ 724,311
Noncontrolling interests $ 43,487 $ 37,092
LNR Property Corporation equity $ 662,964 $ 428,035

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) LNR consolidates certain commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligation trusts that are considered VIEs, and for which it is the primary beneficiary, that have been excluded from the amounts presented

16

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=17,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=522770,FOLIO='16',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FM48501A.;35',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 7—Other Investments (Continued)

(2) The Company records its investment in LNR on a one quarter lag, therefore, amounts in the Company's financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are based on balances and results from LNR for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2011.

Note 8—Other Assets and Other Liabilities

Deferred expenses and other assets, net, consist of the following items ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Deferred financing fees, net(1) $ 25,250 $ 5,527
Net lease in-place lease intangibles, net(2) 18,700 24,469
Other receivables 12,078 13,521
Leasing costs, net(3) 11,958 8,267
Corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment, net(4) 9,453 11,016
Prepaid expenses 8,658 5,265
Loan receivables 7,835 —
Other assets 28,698 17,463
Deferred expenses and other assets, net $ 122,630 $ 85,528

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, in connection with the Secured Credit Facility, the Company recorded deferred financing fees of $33.3 million (see Note 9). Accumulated amortization of deferred financing fees was $10.3 million and $21.1 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. (2) Represents unamortized finite lived intangible assets related to the prior acquisition of net lease assets. Accumulated amortization on net lease intangibles was $31.7 million and $26.6 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Amortization expense related to these assets was $1.7 million and $5.1 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $1.6 million and $4.8 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. (3) Accumulated amortization on leasing costs was $5.0 million and $5.3 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. (4) Accumulated depreciation on corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment was $7.6 million and $7.2 million as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

17

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=18,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=450425,FOLIO='17',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FM48501A.;35',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 8—Other Assets and Other Liabilities (Continued)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following items ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Accrued expenses $ 45,840 $ 19,800
Accrued interest payable 41,658 38,143
Deferred tax liabilities 18,804 13,729
Property taxes payable 13,766 5,880
Security deposits and other investment deposits 12,169 2,874
Unearned operating lease income 9,222 10,423
Other liabilities 12,636 43,573
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 154,095 $ 134,422

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

18

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=19,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=752082,FOLIO='18',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FM48501A.;35',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 9—Debt Obligations, net

As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company's debt obligations were as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"120%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Carrying Value as of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010 Stated Interest Rates Scheduled Maturity Date
Secured credit facilities:
Tranche A-1 Facility $ 1,071,332 $ — LIBOR + 3.75%(1) June 2013
Tranche A-2 Facility 1,450,000 — LIBOR + 5.75%(1) June 2014
Line of credit — 618,883 LIBOR + 1.50% June 2011
Line of credit — 334,180 LIBOR + 1.50% June 2012
Unsecured credit facilities:
Line of credit — 501,405 LIBOR + 0.85% June 2011
Line of credit 243,709 243,819 LIBOR + 0.85% June 2012
Total credit facilities $ 2,765,041 $ 1,698,287
Secured term loans:
Collateralized by loans, net lease, REHI and OREO assets $ — $ 1,055,000 LIBOR + 1.50% June 2011
Collateralized by loans, net lease, REHI and OREO assets — 612,222 LIBOR + 1.50% June 2012
Collateralized by net lease assets 309,537 190,223 5.05% - 7.68% Various through 2026
Total secured term loans $ 309,537 $ 1,857,445
Secured notes:
10.0% senior notes $ — $ 312,329 10.0% June 2014
Unsecured notes:
5.80% senior notes — 107,766 5.80% March 2011
5.125% senior notes — 96,916 5.125% April 2011
5.65% senior notes — 196,593 5.65% September 2011
5.15% senior notes 288,521 322,006 5.15% March 2012
5.50% senior notes 102,345 102,345 5.50% June 2012
LIBOR + 0.50% senior convertible notes(2) 787,750 787,750 LIBOR + 0.50% October 2012
8.625% senior notes 501,701 501,701 8.625% June 2013
5.95% senior notes 448,453 448,453 5.95% October 2013
6.5% senior notes 67,055 67,055 6.5% December 2013
5.70% senior notes 200,601 200,601 5.70% March 2014
6.05% senior notes 105,765 105,765 6.05% April 2015
5.875% senior notes 261,403 261,403 5.875% March 2016
5.85% senior notes 99,722 99,722 5.85% March 2017
Total unsecured notes $ 2,863,316 $ 3,298,076
Other debt obligations 100,000 100,000 LIBOR + 1.5% October 2035
Total debt obligations $ 6,037,894 $ 7,266,137
Debt premiums/(discounts), net(2)(3) (42,844 ) 79,296
Total debt obligations, net $ 5,995,050 $ 7,345,433

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) These loans each have a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. As of September 30, 2011, inclusive of the floors, the Tranche A-1 Facility and Tranche A-2 Facility loans incurred interest at a rate of 5.00% and 7.00%, respectively. (2) The Company's convertible senior floating rate notes due October 2012 ("Convertible Notes") are convertible at the option of the holders into 22.2 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (reflecting a conversion price of $45.05), on or after August 15, 2012, or prior to that date if certain conditions are met. None of the conversion conditions have been met as of

19

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=20,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=936299,FOLIO='19',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FO48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 9—Debt Obligations, net (Continued)

(3) As of September 30, 2011, includes unamortized original issue debt discounts of $26.2 million associated with the Secured Credit Facility completed in March 2011.

Future Scheduled Maturities —As of September 30, 2011, future scheduled maturities of outstanding long-term debt obligations, net are as follows ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

2011 (remaining three months) $
2012 1,743,657
2013 1,971,319
2014 1,552,198
2015 105,765
Thereafter 650,833
Total principal maturities $ 6,037,894
Unamortized debt discounts, net (42,844 )
Total long-term debt obligations, net $ 5,995,050

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Note:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Includes minimum required amortization payments on the Secured Credit Facility.

Secured Credit Facility —In March 2011, the Company entered into a new $2.95 billion senior secured credit agreement comprised of a $1.50 billion term loan facility bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3.75% and maturing in June 2013 (the "Tranche A-1 Facility") and a $1.45 billion term loan facility bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 5.75% maturing in June 2014 (the "Tranche A-2 Facility"), together the "Secured Credit Facility." Both tranches include a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. The Tranche A-1 Facility and Tranche A-2 Facility were issued at discounts to par of 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively. Proceeds from the Secured Credit Facility were used to fully repay the $1.67 billion and $0.9 billion outstanding under the Company's secured credit facilities, which were due to mature in June 2011 and June 2012, respectively, and to repay $175.0 million of the Company's unsecured credit facilities due in June 2011. The remaining proceeds were used to repay other unsecured debt maturing in the first half of 2011.

The Secured Credit Facility is collateralized by a first lien on a fixed pool of assets consisting of loan, net lease, OREO and REHI assets. Proceeds from principal repayments and sales of collateral are applied to amortize the Secured Credit Facility. Proceeds received for interest, rent, lease payments, fee income and, under certain circumstances, additional amounts funded on assets serving as collateral are retained by the Company. The Tranche A-1 Facility requires that aggregate cumulative amortization payments of not less than $200.0 million shall be made on or before December 30, 2011, not less than $450.0 million on or before June 30, 2012, not less than $750.0 million on or before December 31, 2012 and not less than $1.50 billion on or before June 28, 2013. The Tranche A-2 Facility will begin amortizing six months after the repayment in full of the Tranche A-1 Facility, such that not less than $150.0 million of cumulative amortization payments shall be made on or before the six month anniversary of repayment of the A-1

20

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=21,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=511544,FOLIO='20',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FO48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 9—Debt Obligations, net (Continued)

Facility, with additional amortization payments of $150.0 million due on or before each six month anniversary thereafter, with any unpaid principal amounts due at maturity in June 2014.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company used proceeds from principal repayments and sales of collateral to repay $428.7 million of its Tranche A-1 Facility. These repayments exceeded the $200.0 million amortization requirement for December 30, 2011 and have reduced the cumulative amortization payments due on or before June 30, 2012 to $21.3 million. Repayments of debt prior to maturity have resulted in losses on early extinguishment of debt of $3.3 million and $10.5 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, related to the acceleration of discounts and unamortized deferred financing fees on the portion of debt that was repaid.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company received $9.1 million pursuant to an agreement with a holder of the Company's previously outstanding secured credit facilities. The amount effectively reduced the par value that was repaid to the debtholder and was accounted for under ASC 470-60, resulting in $3.7 million being recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as a gain on extinguishment of debt. As the same lender participated in the new Secured Credit Facility, the remaining amount was recorded as a premium to that facility and will serve to reduce a portion of future interest expense through its maturity.

Unsecured Credit Facilities —In June 2011, the Company repaid the $329.9 million remaining principal balance of its LIBOR + 0.85% unsecured line of credit.

Secured Term Loans —In June 2011, the Company entered into a $120.0 million secured term loan financing maturing in July 2021. This financing is collateralized by net lease properties occupied by a single tenant and bears interest at 5.05%.

In March 2011, the Company refinanced its maturing $47.7 million outstanding principal balance secured term loan. In addition, during June 2011, the Company entered into an additional $4.6 million secured term loan. These loans bear interest at LIBOR + 4.50%, mature in 2014 and are cross-collateralized by the same net lease assets. Simultaneously with the financings, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to exchange the variable rates on the notes for fixed interest rates (see Note 10).

Secured Notes —In January 2011, the Company fully redeemed the $312.3 million remaining principal balance of its 10% senior secured notes due June 2014. In connection with this redemption, the Company recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $109.0 million in its Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Unsecured Notes —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company repaid, upon maturity, the $170.4 million outstanding principal balance of its 5.65% senior unsecured notes, the $96.9 million outstanding principal balance of its 5.125% senior unsecured notes and the $107.8 million outstanding principal balance of its 5.80% senior unsecured notes.

In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased $59.6 million par value of its senior unsecured notes with various maturities ranging from September 2011 to March 2012. In connection with these repurchases, the Company recorded an aggregate gain on early extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

21

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=22,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=967503,FOLIO='21',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FO48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 9—Debt Obligations, net (Continued)

Debt Covenants

The Company's Secured Credit Facility contains certain covenants, including covenants relating to collateral coverage, dividend payments, restrictions on fundamental changes, transactions with affiliates, matters relating to the liens granted to the lenders and the delivery of information to the lenders. In particular, the Company is required to maintain collateral coverage of 1.25x outstanding borrowings. In addition, for so long as the Company maintains its qualification as a REIT, the Secured Credit Facility permits it to distribute 100% of its REIT taxable income on an annual basis. The Company may not pay common dividends if it ceases to qualify as a REIT.

The Company's outstanding unsecured debt securities contain corporate level covenants that include unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness and a fixed charge coverage ratio. The unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness covenant is a maintenance covenant, while the fixed charge coverage ratio is an incurrence test. Based on the Company's unsecured credit ratings, the financial covenants in its debt securities, including the fixed charge coverage ratio and maintenance of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness ratio, are currently operative. If any of the Company's covenants is breached and not cured within applicable cure periods, the breach could result in acceleration of its debt securities unless a waiver or modification is agreed upon with the requisite percentage of the bondholders. While the Company expects that its ability to incur new indebtedness under the fixed charge coverage ratio will be limited for the foreseeable future, it will continue to be permitted to incur indebtedness for the purpose of refinancing existing indebtedness and for other permitted purposes under the indentures.

The Company's Secured Credit Facility contains cross default provisions that would allow the lenders to declare an event of default and accelerate the Company's indebtedness to them if the Company fails to pay amounts due in respect of its other recourse indebtedness in excess of specified thresholds or if the lenders under such other indebtedness are otherwise permitted to accelerate such indebtedness for any reason. The indentures governing the Company's unsecured public debt securities permit the bondholders to declare an event of default and accelerate the Company's indebtedness to them if the Company's other recourse indebtedness in excess of specified thresholds is not paid at final maturity or if such indebtedness is accelerated.

Ratings Triggers

Borrowings under the Company's unsecured credit facility bear interest at LIBOR based rates plus an applicable margin, which is based on the Company's corporate credit ratings. The Company's ability to borrow under this facility is not dependent on the level of its credit ratings.

Note 10—Derivatives

The Company's use of derivative financial instruments is primarily limited to the utilization of interest rate hedges or other instruments to manage interest rate risk exposure and foreign exchange hedges to manage its risk to changes in foreign currencies. The principal objective of such hedges are to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with the Company's operating and financial structure and to manage its exposure to foreign exchange rate movements.

22

ZEQ.=4,SEQ=23,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=649449,FOLIO='22',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FO48501A.;24',USER='OALBERT',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:35' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 10—Derivatives (Continued)

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"150%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Derivative Assets — As of September 30, 2011 As of December 31, 2010 Derivative Liabilities — As of September 30, 2011 As of December 31, 2010
Derivative Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value
Foreign exchange contracts Other Assets $ 1,650 Other Assets $ — Other Liabilities $ 1,202 Other Liabilities $ 223
Cash flow interest rate swap Other Assets — Other Assets — Other Liabilities 1,179 Other Liabilities —
Total $ 1,650 $ — $ 2,381 $ 223

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

The tables below present the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"150%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Derivatives Designated in Hedging Relationships Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings (Effective Portion)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011:
Cash flow interest rate swap Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $ (529 ) $ (181 ) N/A
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011:
Cash flow interest rate swap Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $ (1,530 ) $ (353 ) N/A

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"110%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
Derivatives not Designated in Hedging Relationships 2011 2010 2011 2010
Foreign Exchange Contracts Other Expense $ 21,152 $ (2,109 ) $ 12,259 $ (908 )

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Non-designated hedges —Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company's exposure to interest rate movements, foreign exchange rate movements, and other identified risks, but may not meet strict hedge accounting requirements. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings.

23

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=24,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=569924,FOLIO='23',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FQ48501A.;44',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:32'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 10—Derivatives (Continued)

The following table presents the Company's foreign currency derivatives outstanding as of September 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Derivative Type Notional Amount Notional (USD Equivalent) Maturity
Sells EUR/Buys USD Forward 141,500 $ 189,937 December 2011
Sells GBP/Buys USD Forward £ 50,110 $ 78,308 December 2011
Sells CAD/Buys USD Forward CAD 52,941 $ 50,745 December 2011

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company entered into interest rate swaps to convert its variable rate debt to fixed rate. The following table presents the Company's interest rate swaps outstanding as of September 30, 2011 ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Derivative Type — Interest rate swap Notional Amount — $ 47,731 LIBOR + 4.50 % 6.11 % March 2014
Interest rate swap $ 4,575 LIBOR + 4.50 % 5.575 % June 2014

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Over the next 12 months, the Company expects that $0.9 million of expense and $0.7 million of income related to the qualifying cash flow hedges and previously terminated cash flow hedges, respectively, will be reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings.

Credit risk-related contingent features —The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company either defaults or is capable of being declared in default on any of its indebtedness, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

In connection with its foreign currency derivatives, as of September 30, 2011, the Company has posted collateral of $13.1 million, which is included in "Restricted cash" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies

Business Risks and Uncertainties —The economic recession and tightening of capital markets adversely affected the Company's business. The Company experienced significant provisions for loan losses and impairments resulting from high levels of non-performing loans and increasing amounts of real estate owned as the Company took title to assets of defaulting borrowers. The economic conditions and their effect on the Company's operations also resulted in increases in its financing costs and an inability to access the unsecured debt markets. Since the beginning of the crisis, the Company has significantly curtailed asset originations and has focused primarily on resolving problem assets, generating liquidity, retiring debt, decreasing leverage and preserving shareholder value.

The Company saw signs of an economic recovery during 2010 and early 2011, including some improvements in the commercial real estate market and capital markets. These conditions resulted in reduced additions to non-performing loans, reductions in provisions for loan losses and increased levels of liquidity to fund operations, which allowed the Company to complete the Secured Credit Facility in March of 2011. The current volatility within the capital markets and commercial real estate market continues to

24

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=25,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=911961,FOLIO='24',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FQ48501A.;44',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:32'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

have an effect on the Company's operations, primarily evidenced by continuing elevated levels of non-performing assets and limited access to liquidity. Additionally, improvement in the Company's financial condition and operating results and its ability to generate future liquidity, are dependent on a sustained economic recovery, which cannot be predicted with certainty.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $1.76 billion of debt maturing and minimum required amortization payments due on or before December 31, 2012. The Company had $217.0 million of unrestricted cash outstanding at quarter-end and its capital sources in the coming year will primarily include loan repayments, proceeds from strategic asset sales and may include debt refinancings and equity capital raising transactions. However, the timing and amounts of proceeds from asset repayments and sales, and the Company's ability to consummate debt refinancings and equity capital raising transactions are subject to factors outside its control and cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company's plans are dynamic and it may adjust its plans in response to changes in its expectations and changes in market conditions. The Company would be materially adversely affected if it is unable to repay or refinance its debt as it comes due.

Unfunded Commitments —As of September 30, 2011, the maximum amount of fundings the Company may be required to make under each category, assuming all performance hurdles and milestones are met under the Performance-Based Commitments, that it approves all Discretionary Fundings and that 100% of its capital committed to Strategic Investments is drawn down, are as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Loans Net Lease Assets Strategic Investments Total
Performance-Based Commitments $ 57,568 $ 9,880 $ — $ 67,448
Discretionary Fundings 155,574 — — 155,574
Other — — 30,493 30,493
Total $ 213,142 $ 9,880 $ 30,493 $ 253,515

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Note 12—Equity

Preferred Stock —The Company had the following series of Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Cumulative Preferential Cash Dividends(1)(2)
Shares Authorized, Issued and Outstanding ($ in thousands)
Series Par Value Rate per Annum of the $25.00 Liquidation Preference Equivalent to Fixed Annual Rate (per share)
D 4,000 $ 0.001 8.00 % $ 2.00
E 5,600 $ 0.001 7.875 % $ 1.97
F 4,000 $ 0.001 7.8 % $ 1.95
G 3,200 $ 0.001 7.65 % $ 1.91
I 5,000 $ 0.001 7.50 % $ 1.88
21,800

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

25

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=26,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=152020,FOLIO='25',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FQ48501A.;44',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:32'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 12—Equity (Continued)

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Holders of shares of the Series D, E, F, G and I preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Dividends are cumulative from the date of original issue and are payable quarterly in arrears on or before the 15th day of each March, June, September and December or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day. Any dividend payable on the preferred stock for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as of the close of business on the first day of the calendar month in which the applicable dividend payment date falls or on another date designated by the Board of Directors of the Company for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than ten days prior to the dividend payment date. (2) The Company declared and paid dividends aggregating $6.0 million, $8.3 million, $5.8 million, $4.6 million and $7.0 million on its Series D, E, F, G, and I preferred stock, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. There are no dividend arrearages on any of the preferred shares currently outstanding.

Dividends —In order to maintain its election to qualify as a REIT, the Company must currently distribute, at a minimum, an amount equal to 90% of its taxable income, excluding net capital gains, and must distribute 100% of its taxable income (including net capital gains) to avoid paying corporate federal income taxes. The Company has recorded net operating losses and may record net operating losses in the future, which may reduce its taxable income in future periods and lower or eliminate entirely the Company's obligation to pay dividends for such periods in order to maintain its REIT qualification. Because taxable income differs from cash flow from operations due to non-cash revenues and expenses (such as depreciation and certain asset impairments), in certain circumstances, the Company may generate operating cash flow in excess of its dividends or, alternatively, may be required to borrow to make sufficient dividend payments. The Company's Secured Credit Facility permits the Company to distribute 100% of its REIT taxable income on an annual basis, for so long as the Company maintains its qualification as a REIT. The Secured Credit Facility restricts the Company from paying any common dividends if it ceases to qualify as a REIT. The Company did not declare or pay any Common Stock dividends for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

Stock Repurchase Programs —On August 8, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $65.0 million of its Common Stock from time to time in open market and privately negotiated purchases, including pursuant to one or more trading plans.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased 12.3 million shares of its outstanding Common Stock for approximately $78.8 million, at an average cost of $6.40 per share, and repurchases were recorded at cost. As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $0.6 million of Common Stock available to repurchase under its Board authorized stock repurchase programs.

Note 13—Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits

Stock-based Compensation —The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $7.2 million and $15.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $3.9 million and $13.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, in "General and administrative" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of September 30, 2011, there was $28.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted stock units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining

26

ZEQ.=4,SEQ=27,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=416732,FOLIO='26',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FQ48501A.;44',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:32'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 13—Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits (Continued)

vesting/service period of 0.77 years. As of September 30, 2011, an aggregate of 3.3 million shares remain available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the Company's 2006 and 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plans.

Restricted Stock Units

2011 Awards —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company granted 721,257 service-based restricted stock units to employees with original vesting terms ranging from two to three years. Unit holders will receive shares of the Company's Common Stock in the amount of the units granted, net of statutory minimum tax withholdings, if and when the units vest. As of September 30, 2011, 720,057 of the awards remain outstanding. These awards carry dividend equivalent rights that entitle the holder to receive dividend payments prior to vesting, if and when dividends are paid on shares of the Company's Common Stock. The aggregate grant date fair value of these awards was $6.3 million.

Other Outstanding Awards —In addition to the awards granted in 2011, noted above, the following awards remained outstanding as of September 30, 2011:

27

ZEQ.=5,SEQ=28,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=281366,FOLIO='27',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FQ48501A.;44',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:32'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 13—Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits (Continued)

The fair value of the modified December 19, 2008 market-condition based restricted stock units, were determined by utilizing a Monte Carlo model to simulate a range of possible future stock prices for the

28

ZEQ.=6,SEQ=29,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=1004897,FOLIO='28',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FQ48501A.;44',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:32'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 13—Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Employee Benefits (Continued)

Company's Common Stock. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of this market-condition based award:

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Risk-free interest rate 0.092 %
Expected stock price volatility 57.75 %
Expected annual dividend —

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Stock Options —As of September 30, 2011, the Company had 44,296 stock options outstanding and exercisable with a weighted average strike price of $29.82 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.66 years.

Common Stock Equivalents ("CSEs") —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company awarded to Directors 61,160 CSEs with a service vesting period ending in May 2012. These CSEs pay dividends in an amount equal to the dividends paid on the equivalent number of shares of the Company's Common Stock from the date of grant, as and when dividends are paid on the Common Stock. The aggregate grant date fair value of these awards was $0.5 million. As of September 30, 2011, 343,118 CSEs granted to Directors remained outstanding and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $2.0 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors decided pursuant to the terms of the non-employee directors deferral plan to require settlement of CSEs in shares of the Company's Common Stock, thereby eliminating the cash settlement option. This modification converted these liability-based awards to equity awards and as such, the Company reclassified $2.4 million from "Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities" to "Additional paid-in capital" during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

401(k) Plan —The Company made gross contributions to its 401(k) Plan of approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

Note 14—Earnings Per Share

The following table presents a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations ($ in thousands, except for per share data):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (77,911 ) $ (78,950 ) $ (19,476 ) $ (151,780 )
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,002 (858 ) 558 (857 )
Preferred dividends (10,580 ) (10,580 ) (31,740 ) (31,740 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders, HPU holders and Participating
Security holders $ (87,489 ) $ (90,388 ) $ (50,658 ) $ (184,377 )

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

29

ZEQ.=7,SEQ=30,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=281049,FOLIO='29',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FQ48501A.;44',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:32' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 14—Earnings Per Share (Continued)

Earnings per share allocable to common shares and HPU shares are calculated as follows ($ in thousands, except for per share data):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
Earnings allocable to common shares:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders $ (84,754 ) $ (87,722 ) $ (49,127 ) $ (178,958 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 1,019 (101 ) 483 19,870
Gain from discontinued operations 21,504 4,292 21,527 262,421
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders $ (62,231 ) $ (83,531 ) $ (27,117 ) $ 103,333
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per common share 87,951 93,370 91,020 93,556
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders $ (0.96 ) $ (0.94 ) $ (0.55 ) $ (1.91 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.01 — 0.01 0.21
Gain from discontinued operations 0.24 0.05 0.24 2.80
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to common shareholders $ (0.71 ) $ (0.89 ) $ (0.30 ) $ 1.10
Earnings allocable to High Performance Units:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders $ (2,735 ) $ (2,666 ) $ (1,531 ) $ (5,419 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 33 (3 ) 15 603
Gain from discontinued operations 694 130 671 7,961
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders $ (2,008 ) $ (2,539 ) $ (845 ) $ 3,145
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
Weighted average High Performance Units outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share 15 15 15 15
Basic and diluted earnings per HPU share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders $ (182.34 ) $ (177.74 ) $ (102.06 ) $ (361.26 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 2.20 (0.20 ) 1.00 40.20
Gain from discontinued operations 46.27 8.67 44.73 530.73
Net income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. and allocable to HPU holders $ (133.87 ) $ (169.27 ) $ (56.33 ) $ 209.67

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

30

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=31,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=516645,FOLIO='30',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FS48501A.;46',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 14—Earnings Per Share (Continued)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the following shares were anti-dilutive (in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

2011 2010
Joint venture shares 298 298
Stock options 44 143

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Note 15—Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The statement of comprehensive income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial, Inc. is as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
Net income (loss) $ (54,661 ) $ (74,632 ) $ 3,220 $ 139,075
Other comprehensive income:
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on available-for-sale securities into earnings upon realization — — — (4,206 )
Reclassification of (gains)/losses on cash flow hedges into earnings upon realization (178 ) 79 (531 ) (340 )
Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities (129 ) 36 499 76
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges (284 ) — (877 ) —
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cumulative translation adjustment (922 ) 1,780 808 352
Comprehensive income (loss) $ (56,174 ) $ (72,737 ) $ 3,119 $ 134,957
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,002 (858 ) 558 (857 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to iStar Financial Inc. $ (55,172 ) $ (73,595 ) $ 3,677 $ 134,100

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Accumulated other comprehensive income reflected in the Company's shareholders' equity is comprised of the following ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities $ 697 $ 198
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges 1,949 3,357
Unrealized losses on cumulative translation adjustment (1,138 ) (1,946 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 1,508 $ 1,609

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

31

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=32,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=800763,FOLIO='31',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FS48501A.;46',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 16—Fair Values

Fair value represents 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. The following fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to be used in valuation techniques to measure fair value:

Certain of the Company's assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value either on a recurring or non-recurring basis. Assets required to be marked-to-market and reported at fair value every reporting period are classified as being valued on a recurring basis. Other assets not required to be recorded at fair value every period may be recorded at fair value if a specific provision or other impairment is recorded within the period to mark the carrying value of the asset to market as of the reporting date. Such assets are classified as being valued on a non-recurring basis.

The following table summarizes the Company's assets and liabilities for which fair value adjustments were recorded as of the end of the respective periods ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Total Fair Value Using — Quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
As of September 30, 2011:
Recurring basis:
Financial Assets:
Marketable securities—equity securities $ 434 $ 434 $ — $ —
Derivative assets $ 1,650 $ — $ 1,650 $ —
Financial Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities $ 2,381 $ — $ 2,381 $ —
Non-recurring basis:
Financial Assets:
Impaired loans $ 214,760 $ — $ — $ 214,760
Non-financial Assets:
Impaired OREO $ 55,325 $ — $ — $ 55,325

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

32

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=33,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=609994,FOLIO='32',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FS48501A.;46',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 16—Fair Values (Continued)

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Total Fair Value Using — Quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
As of December 31, 2010:
Recurring basis:
Financial Assets:
Marketable securities—equity securities $ 699 $ 699 $ — $ —
Financial Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities $ 223 $ — $ 223 $ —
Non-recurring basis:
Financial Assets:
Impaired loans $ 616,070 $ — $ — $ 616,070
Impaired equity method investment $ 1,535 $ — $ — $ 1,535
Non-financial Assets:
Impaired OREO $ 54,141 $ — $ — $ 54,141

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

In addition to the Company's disclosures regarding assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the financial statements, it is also required to disclose the estimated fair values of all financial instruments, regardless of whether they are recorded at fair value in the financial statements.

The carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of September 30, 2011 — Carrying Value Fair Value As of December 31, 2010 — Carrying Value Fair Value
Financial assets:
Loans and other lending investments, net $ 3,283,725 $ 3,140,431 $ 4,587,352 $ 4,256,663
Financial liabilities:
Debt obligations, net $ 5,995,050 $ 5,569,033 $ 7,345,433 $ 6,767,968

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Note:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) The carrying values of other financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accrued interest receivable and accounts payable, approximate the fair values of the instruments. The fair value of other financial instruments, including derivative assets and liabilities and marketable securities are included in the previous table.

Given the nature of certain assets and liabilities, clearly determinable market based valuation inputs are often not available, therefore, these assets and liabilities are valued using internal valuation techniques. Subjectivity exists with respect to these internal valuation techniques, therefore, the fair values disclosed may not ultimately be realized by the Company if the assets were sold or the liabilities were settled with third parties. The methods the Company used to estimate the fair values presented in the two tables are described more fully below for each type of asset and liability.

Derivatives —The Company uses interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives to manage its interest rate and foreign currency risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using discounted

33

ZEQ.=4,SEQ=34,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=491854,FOLIO='33',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FS48501A.;46',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 16—Fair Values (Continued)

cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and implied volatilities. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own non-performance risk and the respective counterparty's non-performance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of non-performance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. The Company has determined that the significant inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Securities —All of the Company's available-for-sale and impaired held-to-maturity debt and equity securities are actively traded and have been valued using quoted market prices. The Company's traded marketable securities are valued using market quotes, to the extent they are available, or broker quotes that fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Impaired loans —The Company's loans identified as being impaired are nearly all collateral dependent loans and are evaluated for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell, to the carrying value of each loan. Due to the nature of the individual properties collateralizing the Company's loans, the Company generally uses a discounted cash flow methodology through internally developed valuation models to estimate the fair value of the collateral. This approach requires the Company to make significant judgments in respect to discount rates, capitalization rates and the timing and amounts of estimated future cash flows that are all considered Level 3 inputs. These cash flows generally include property revenues, lot and unit sale prices and velocity, operating costs, and costs of completion. In more limited cases, the Company obtains external "as is" appraisals for loan collateral, generally when third party participations exist, and appraised values may be discounted when real estate markets rapidly deteriorate.

Impaired OREO assets —If the Company determines an OREO asset is impaired it records an impairment charge to adjust the asset to its estimated fair market value less costs to sell. Due to the nature of the individual properties in the OREO portfolio, the Company generally uses a discounted cash flow methodology through internally developed valuation models to estimate the fair value of the assets. This approach requires the Company to make significant judgments with respect to discount rates, capitalization rates and the timing and amounts of estimated future cash flows that are all considered Level 3 inputs. These cash flows generally include property revenues, lot and unit sale prices and velocity, operating costs, and costs of completion.

Impaired equity method investments —If the Company determines an equity method investment is other than temporarily impaired it records an impairment charge to adjust the investment to its estimated fair market value. To estimate the fair value of an investment in a fund that invests in real estate, the Company estimates the fair value of the individual properties held within the fund using a discounted cash flow methodology through internally developed valuation models. This approach requires the Company to make significant judgments with respect to discount rates, capitalization rates and the timing and amounts of estimated future cash flows that are all considered Level 3 inputs. These cash flows are primarily based on expected future leasing rates, operating costs and sales prices.

34

ZEQ.=5,SEQ=35,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=1029103,FOLIO='34',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FS48501A.;46',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 16—Fair Values (Continued)

Impaired cost method investments —If the Company determines a cost method investment is other than temporarily impaired, it records an impairment charge to adjust the investment to its estimated fair market value. The Company estimates the fair value of its impaired cost method investments using internally developed valuation models.

Loans and other lending investments —The Company estimates the fair value of its performing loans and other lending investments using a discounted cash flow methodology. This method discounts estimated future cash flows using rates management determines best reflect current market interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar characteristics and credit quality.

Debt obligations, net —For debt obligations traded in secondary markets, the Company uses market quotes, to the extent they are available, to determine fair value. For debt obligations not traded in secondary markets, the Company determines fair value using a discounted cash flow methodology, whereby contractual cash flows are discounted at rates that management determines best reflect current market interest rates that would be charged for debt with similar characteristics and credit quality.

35

ZEQ.=6,SEQ=36,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=141473,FOLIO='35',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FS48501A.;46',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 17—Segment Reporting

The Company has determined that it has three reportable segments based on how management reviews and manages its business. These reportable segments include: Real Estate Lending, Net Leasing and Real Estate Investment. The Real Estate Lending segment includes all of the Company's activities related to senior and mezzanine real estate debt and corporate capital investments. The Net Leasing segment includes all of the Company's activities related to the ownership and leasing of corporate facilities. The Real Estate Investment segment includes all of the Company's activities related to the operations, repositioning and ultimate disposition of REHI and OREO properties.

The Company evaluates performance based on the following financial measures for each segment ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"130%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Real Estate Lending Net Leasing Corporate/ Other(1) Company Total
Three months ended September 30, 2011:
Total revenue(2) $ 47,290 $ 41,369 $ 8,207 $ 494 $ 97,360
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments — 650 (1,267 ) 11,434 10,817
Operating costs (1,382 ) (5,048 ) (19,792 ) (2,592 ) (28,814 )
Interest expense (41,858 ) (22,915 ) (20,387 ) (6,617 ) (91,777 )
General and administrative(3) (4,801 ) (2,628 ) (2,338 ) (10,058 ) (19,825 )
Segment profit (loss)(4) $ (751 ) $ 11,428 $ (35,577 ) $ (7,339 ) $ (32,239 )
Other significant non-cash items:
Provision for loan losses $ 9,232 $ — $ — $ — $ 9,232
Impairment of assets $ — $ 650 $ 9,262 $ — $ 9,912
Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 13,544 $ 761 $ 509 $ 14,814
Capitalized expenditures $ — $ 6,237 $ 18,949 $ — $ 25,186
Three months ended September 30, 2010(5):
Total revenue(2) $ 86,464 $ 40,471 $ 5,597 $ 765 $ 133,297
Earnings from equity method investments — 605 — 5,918 6,523
Operating costs (1,691 ) (5,226 ) (19,111 ) (2,528 ) (28,556 )
Interest expense (46,109 ) (15,536 ) (12,147 ) (3,494 ) (77,286 )
General and administrative(3) (6,489 ) (2,186 ) (1,709 ) (9,972 ) (20,356 )
Segment profit (loss)(4) $ 32,175 $ 18,128 $ (27,370 ) $ (9,311 ) $ 13,622
Other signficant non-cash items:
Provision for loan losses $ 78,414 $ — $ — $ — $ 78,414
Impairment of assets $ — $ 4,202 $ (370 ) $ — $ 3,832
Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 13,262 $ 1,373 $ 611 $ 15,246
Capitalized expenditures $ — $ 2,395 $ 7,593 $ — $ 9,988

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

36

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=37,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=658775,FOLIO='36',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FU48501A.;50',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:55'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 17—Segment Reporting (Continued)

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"130%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Real Estate Lending Net Leasing Corporate/ Other(1) Company Total
Nine months ended September 30, 2011:
Total revenue(2) $ 189,273 $ 123,090 $ 22,356 $ 1,589 $ 336,308
Earnings (loss) from equity method investments — 1,919 (6,718 ) 59,680 54,881
Operating costs (1,697 ) (14,303 ) (55,582 ) (5,459 ) (77,041 )
Interest expense (127,105 ) (60,837 ) (53,080 ) (17,161 ) (258,183 )
General and administrative(3) (15,750 ) (7,538 ) (6,577 ) (31,590 ) (61,455 )
Segment profit (loss)(4) $ 44,721 $ 42,331 $ (99,601 ) $ 7,059 $ (5,490 )
Other signficant non-cash items:
Provision for loan losses $ 30,462 $ — $ — $ — $ 30,462
Impairment of assets $ — $ 650 $ 12,643 $ 872 $ 14,165
Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 40,474 $ 4,315 $ 1,565 $ 46,354
Capitalized expenditures $ — $ 11,138 $ 34,915 $ — $ 46,053
Nine months ended September 30, 2010(5):
Total revenue(2) $ 293,902 $ 124,760 $ 14,111 $ 2,151 $ 434,924
Earnings from equity method investments — 1,873 — 29,830 31,703
Operating costs (9,340 ) (11,279 ) (45,166 ) (3,981 ) (69,766 )
Interest expense (166,062 ) (34,232 ) (36,270 ) (10,251 ) (246,815 )
General and administrative(3) (20,145 ) (7,855 ) (4,400 ) (30,572 ) (62,972 )
Segment profit (loss)(4) $ 98,355 $ 73,267 $ (71,725 ) $ (12,823 ) $ 87,074
Other signficant non-cash items:
Provision for loan losses $ 277,242 $ — $ — $ — $ 277,242
Impairment of assets $ (3,925 ) $ 4,202 $ 16,764 $ — $ 17,041
Depreciation and amortization $ — $ 39,907 $ 3,757 $ 3,058 $ 46,722
Capitalized expenditures $ — $ 10,108 $ 18,528 $ — $ 28,636
As of September 30, 2011:
Total assets(6) $ 3,314,539 $ 1,895,826 $ 1,708,325 $ 835,162 $ 7,753,852
As of December 31, 2010:
Total assets(6) $ 4,636,777 $ 1,915,164 $ 1,594,859 $ 1,027,714 $ 9,174,514

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Corporate/Other represents all corporate level and unallocated items including any intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to consolidated Company totals. This caption also includes the Company's joint venture investments and strategic investments that are not related to the other reportable segments above, including the Company's equity investment in LNR of $143.0 million and $122.2 million, as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and the Company's share of equity in earnings from LNR of $12.5 million and $36.6 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $2.3 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. See Note 7 for further details on the Company's investment in LNR and summarized financial information of LNR.

37

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=38,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=648828,FOLIO='37',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FU48501A.;50',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:55'

Table of Contents

iStar Financial Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(unaudited)

Note 17—Segment Reporting (Continued)

(2) Total revenue represents all revenue earned during the period related to the assets in each segment. Revenue from the Real Estate Lending segment primarily represents interest income, revenue from the Net Leasing segment primarily represents operating lease income and revenue from Real Estate Investment primarily represents operating revenues from REHI properties. (3) General and administrative excludes stock-based compensation expense of $7.2 million and $15.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $3.9 million and $13.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. (4) The following is a reconciliation of segment profit (loss) to income (loss) from continuing operations ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
Segment profit (loss) $ (32,239 ) $ 13,622 $ (5,490 ) $ 87,074
Less: Provision for loan losses (9,232 ) (78,414 ) (30,462 ) (277,242 )
Less: Impairment of assets (9,912 ) (3,832 ) (14,165 ) (17,041 )
Less: Stock-based compensation expense (7,153 ) (3,883 ) (15,622 ) (13,597 )
Less: Depreciation and amortization (14,814 ) (15,246 ) (46,354 ) (46,722 )
Add: Income tax (expense) benefit (1,354 ) (722 ) (9,731 ) (2,557 )
Add: Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net (3,207 ) 9,525 102,348 118,305
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (77,911 ) $ (78,950 ) $ (19,476 ) $ (151,780 )

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

(5) Prior period presentation has been reclassified to conform with current period presentation. (6) Intangible assets included in Net Leasing at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were $18.7 million and $24.5 million, respectively.

Note 18—Subsequent Events

On October 25, 2011, the Company sold a substantial portion of its interests in Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. and related entities in an all cash transaction. The transaction was completed in part through sales of interests to an unrelated third party and to the principals of Oak Hill, and in part through a redemption of interests by Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. The Company expects to record a pre-tax gain of approximately $30 million on the carrying value of the investment in the fourth quarter of 2011. Glenn R. August, a director of the Company who was appointed to its board of directors in connection with the Company's acquisition of the Oak Hill interests in 2005, is the president and senior partner of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. and acquired a portion of the interests in the transaction.

38

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=39,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=751428,FOLIO='38',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FU48501A.;50',USER='AGUERRE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:55' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

TOC_END

Table of Contents

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

Certain statements in this report, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements are included with respect to, among other things, iStar Financial Inc.'s (the "Company's") current business plan, business strategy, portfolio management, prospects and liquidity. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In assessing all forward-looking statements, readers are urged to read carefully all cautionary statements contained in this Form 10-Q and the uncertainties and risks described in Item 1A—"Risk Factors" in our 2010 Annual Report (as defined below), all of which could affect our future results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. For purposes of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the terms "we," "our" and "us" refer to iStar Financial Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

The discussion below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the "2010 Annual Report"). These historical financial statements may not be indicative of our future performance. We have reclassified certain items in our consolidated financial statements of prior periods to conform to our current financial statements presentation.

Introduction

iStar Financial Inc. is a fully-integrated finance and investment company focused on the commercial real estate industry. We provide custom-tailored investment capital to high-end private and corporate owners of real estate and invest directly across a range of real estate sectors. We are taxed as a real estate investment trust, or "REIT," and have invested more than $35 billion over the past two decades. Our primary business segments are lending, net leasing and real estate investment.

The lending portfolio is primarily comprised of senior and mezzanine real estate loans that typically range in size from $20 million to $150 million and have original terms generally ranging from three to ten years. These loans may be either fixed-rate (based on the U.S. Treasury rate plus a spread) or variable-rate (based on LIBOR plus a spread) and are structured to meet the specific financing needs of borrowers. Our portfolio also includes senior and subordinated loans to corporations, particularly those engaged in real estate or real estate related businesses. These financings may be either secured or unsecured, typically range in size from $20 million to $150 million and have initial maturities generally ranging from three to ten years. Our loan portfolio includes whole loans, loan participations and debt securities.

Our net lease portfolio is primarily comprised of properties owned by us and leased to single creditworthy tenants, where the properties are generally mission critical headquarters or distribution facilities that are subject to long-term leases. Most of the leases provide for expenses at the facility to be paid by the tenant on a triple net lease basis. Net lease transactions have initial terms generally ranging from 15 to 20 years and typically range in size from $20 million to $150 million.

Our real estate investment portfolio includes real estate held for investment ("REHI") and other real estate owned ("OREO") properties acquired through foreclosure or through deed-in-lieu of foreclosure in

39

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=40,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=857286,FOLIO='39',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FW48501A.;26',USER='WWASSER',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:31'

Table of Contents

full or partial satisfaction of non-performing loans. We have developed significant expertise in the ownership and repositioning of multifamily, condominium, master planned and development properties, and through the infusion of capital and/or intensive asset management, we generally seek to reposition these assets with the objective of maximizing our recovery with respect to the investments.

Our primary sources of revenues are interest income, which is the interest that borrowers pay on loans, and operating lease income, which is the rent that corporate customers pay to lease our properties. We primarily generate income through the "spread" or "margin," which is the difference between the revenues generated from loans and leases and interest expense and the cost of net lease operations. Going forward, we also expect to earn income from our other real estate investments. Income from real estate investments may include operating revenues as well as income from sales of properties either in bulk or through unit sales. This income will be reduced by holding costs while the real estate investments are redeveloped, repositioned and eventually sold.

Executive Overview

For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, we incurred a net loss of $53.6 million, compared to a net loss of $75.5 million for the same period last year. The year-over-year improvement is due to a lower loan loss provision and impairments of $19.1 million in the current quarter, compared to $83.8 million in the same period last year, as well as a $22.2 million gain from discontinued operations previously deferred as part of the June 2010 sale of a portfolio of 32 net lease assets. The improvement was partially offset due to lower revenue of $97.4 million compared to $133.3 million in the same period last year, as well as higher interest expense of $91.8 million compared to $77.3 million in the prior year end. Increased interest costs from our senior secured credit facility will continue to impact our future earnings.

From a credit perspective, the provision for loan losses and the risk ratings of our performing loan and net lease portfolios continued to trend lower relative to the prior year. Our balance of non-performing loans decreased to $1.02 billion at quarter-end, compared to $1.07 billion in the preceding quarter, and we also experienced a reduction in loans on our watch list. During the quarter, transfers of assets into REHI and OREO were offset by OREO condominium unit sales, which left the combined balance in these portfolios at $1.62 billion at quarter-end as compared to $1.59 billion at June 30, 2011. We continue our intensive asset management work on repositioning assets within these portfolios as we seek to maximize their value. The costs of carrying and repositioning these assets, net of REHI revenues, totaled $11.6 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

During the quarter we generated $318.2 million of proceeds from our portfolio which, together with cash on hand, enabled us to retire $402.5 million of debt, including $183.8 million on the A-1 Tranche of our secured credit facility and the repurchase of $48.3 million par value of our senior unsecured notes. As of September 30, 2011, we had $1.76 billion of debt maturing and minimum required amortization payments due on or before December 31, 2012. During the quarter we repurchased approximately 13.0% of our outstanding common shares, or 12.1 million shares for $77.0 million, increasing our book value per share. In addition, we funded a total of $55.1 million of investments. We had $217.0 million of unrestricted cash outstanding at quarter-end. We expect that our capital sources in the coming year will primarily include loan repayments and proceeds from strategic asset sales, and may include proceeds from debt refinancings and equity capital raising transactions.

In the near term, we expect that new investments will be limited relative to expected repayments and that we will continue to use excess proceeds primarily to deleverage, thereby further strengthening the balance sheet and reducing our asset base. Improvement in our financial condition and operating results, as well as our ability to generate future liquidity, are dependent on a sustained economic recovery, which cannot be predicted with certainty.

40

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=41,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=837442,FOLIO='40',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FW48501A.;26',USER='WWASSER',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:31'

Table of Contents

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 $ Change % Change
($ in thousands)
Interest income $ 45,851 $ 84,210 $ (38,359 ) (46 )%
Operating lease income 41,369 40,471 898 2 %
Other income 10,140 8,616 1,524 18 %
Total revenue $ 97,360 $ 133,297 $ (35,937 ) (27 )%
Interest expense $ 91,777 $ 77,286 $ 14,491 19 %
Operating costs—net lease assets 5,048 5,226 (178 ) (3 )%
Operating costs—REHI and OREO 19,792 19,111 681 4 %
Depreciation and amortization 14,814 15,246 (432 ) (3 )%
General and administrative 26,978 24,239 2,739 11 %
Provision for loan losses 9,232 78,414 (69,182 ) (88 )%
Impairment of assets 9,912 3,832 6,080 >100 %
Other expense 3,974 4,219 (245 ) (6 )%
Total costs and expenses $ 181,527 $ 227,573 $ (46,046 ) (20 )%
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net (3,207 ) 9,525 (12,732 ) >(100 )%
Earnings from equity method investments 10,817 6,523 4,294 66 %
Income tax (expense) benefit (1,354 ) (722 ) (632 ) 88 %
Income (loss) from discontinued operations 1,052 (104 ) 1,156 >100 %
Gain from discontinued operations 22,198 4,422 17,776 >100 %
Net income (loss) $ (54,661 ) $ (74,632 ) $ 19,971 27 %

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Revenue —The decrease in interest income is primarily due to a decline in the average balance of performing loans to $2.42 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $3.87 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in performing loans was primarily due to loan repayments and sales as well as performing loans moving to non-performing status (see Risk Management below).

Operating lease income recognized on net lease assets increased primarily due to new tenant leases entered into during the past year.

The increase in other income was primarily driven by an increase in operating income from additional REHI assets acquired during the last twelve months, and slightly offset by less loan prepayment penalties received.

Costs and expenses —Total costs and expenses decreased primarily due to lower provisions for loan losses resulting from fewer loans moving to non-performing status and a lower overall balance of non-performing loans during the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. Additionally, repayments and sales of performing loans resulted in a reduction in the required general loan loss reserve. (See Risk Management below.)

Offsetting the decline were increases in interest expense, impairment of assets and general and administrative expenses. Interest expense increased primarily due to higher interest rates on our Secured Credit Facility entered into during 2011, partially offset by lower average outstanding borrowings. Our weighted average effective cost of debt increased to 5.74% for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 3.57% during the same period in 2010. The average outstanding balance of our debt

41

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=42,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=577656,FOLIO='41',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FW48501A.;26',USER='WWASSER',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:31'

Table of Contents

declined to $6.26 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2011 from $8.48 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2010.

Impairment of assets recorded in each period related to OREO assets that were sold or marked to market based on changing market conditions.

The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to additional stock-based compensation expense resulting from the modification of our December 19, 2008 restricted stock units. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the modification of the December 19, 2008 awards.

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net —During the third quarter of 2011, we recognized a net loss on early extinguishment of debt, primarily related to the write-off of unamortized deferred fees and debt discount resulting from repayments of the Tranche A-1 facility. During the same period in 2010, we retired $125.0 million par value of our senior unsecured notes prior to maturity and recognized an aggregate gain on early extinguishment of debt of $9.5 million.

Earnings from equity method investments —The increase in earnings from equity method investments was primarily attributable to our investment in LNR. During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded $12.5 million of earnings from this investment compared to only $2.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010. This increase was partially offset by losses and lower returns recorded by certain of our stragetic investments primarily due to weaker market performance as compared to 2010.

Gain from discontinued operations —During the three months ended September 30, 2011, upon full resolution of contingent obligations, we realized a $22.2 million gain from discontinued operations previously deferred as part of the June 2010 sale of a portfolio of 32 net lease assets.

42

ZEQ.=4,SEQ=43,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=274760,FOLIO='42',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FW48501A.;26',USER='WWASSER',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:31'

Table of Contents

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 $ Change % Change
($ in thousands)
Interest income $ 186,805 $ 287,295 $ (100,490 ) (35 )%
Operating lease income 123,090 124,760 (1,670 ) (1 )%
Other income 26,413 22,869 3,544 15 %
Total revenue $ 336,308 $ 434,924 $ (98,616 ) (23 )%
Interest expense $ 258,183 $ 246,815 $ 11,368 5 %
Operating costs—net lease assets 14,303 11,279 3,024 27 %
Operating costs—REHI and OREO 55,582 45,166 10,416 23 %
Depreciation and amortization 46,354 46,722 (368 ) (1 )%
General and administrative 77,077 76,569 508 1 %
Provision for loan losses 30,462 277,242 (246,780 ) (89 )%
Impairment of assets 14,165 17,041 (2,876 ) (17 )%
Other expense 7,156 13,321 (6,165 ) (46 )%
Total costs and expenses $ 503,282 $ 734,155 $ (230,873 ) (31 )%
Gain on early extinguishment of debt, net 102,348 118,305 (15,957 ) (13 )%
Earnings from equity method investments 54,881 31,703 23,178 73 %
Income tax (expense) benefit (9,731 ) (2,557 ) (7,174 ) >100 %
Income from discontinued operations 498 20,473 (19,975 ) (98 )%
Gain from discontinued operations 22,198 270,382 (248,184 ) (92 )%
Net income (loss) $ 3,220 $ 139,075 $ (135,855 ) (98 )%

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Revenue —The decrease in interest income is primarily due to a decline in the average balance of performing loans to $2.73 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $4.12 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in performing loans was primarily due to loan repayments and sales as well as performing loans moving to non-performing status (see Risk Management below). The decrease was partially offset by $26.3 million of interest income recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, related to certain non-performing loans that were resolved, including interest not previously recorded due to the loans being on non-accrual status.

Operating lease income from net lease assets decreased primarily due to tenant lease expirations and lower percentage rent earned period to period.

The increase in other income was primarily driven by an increase in operating income from additional REHI assets acquired during the last twelve months, and slightly offset by less loan prepayment penalties received.

Costs and expenses —Total costs and expenses decreased primarily due to lower provisions for loan losses and other expenses. The decline in our provisions for loan losses primarily resulted from fewer loans moving to non-performing status and a lower overall balance of non-performing loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. Additionally, repayments and sales of performing loans resulted in a lower portfolio balance leading to a reduction in the required general loan loss reserve. (See Risk Management below.)

Other expense was lower primarily due to reduced loan costs and loan restructuring costs incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

43

ZEQ.=5,SEQ=44,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=768379,FOLIO='43',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FW48501A.;26',USER='WWASSER',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:31'

Table of Contents

Offsetting these declines in expenses were increases in interest expense and operating costs for net lease assets, REHI and OREO assets. Interest expense increased primarily due to higher interest rates on our Secured Credit Facility entered into during 2011, partially offset by lower average outstanding borrowings. Our weighted average effective cost of debt increased to 5.09% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to 3.39% during the same period in 2010. The average outstanding balance of our debt declined to $6.69 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from $9.60 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

The increase in operating costs for net lease assets were primarily due to increases in bad debt expenses and other general property cost increases.

Operating costs for REHI and OREO were greater due to an increase in the number of properties held in the current period.

Gain on early extinguishment of debt, net —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we fully redeemed our $312.3 million remaining principal amount of 10% senior secured notes due June 2014 and recorded a $109.0 million gain on early extinguishment of debt. This was partially offset by losses on extinguishment of debt related to the write-off of unamortized deferred fees and debt discount resulting from repayments of our secured credit facilities and the Tranche A-1 facility. During the same period in 2010, we recorded an aggregate gain on early extinguishment of debt of $118.3 million related to the retirement of $582.5 million par value of our senior secured and unsecured notes, the redemption of $282.3 million of senior secured notes, and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing and other costs resulting from the repayment of our secured term loans that were collateralized by net lease assets sold during the period.

Earnings from equity method investments —The increase in earnings from equity method investments was primarily attributable to our investment in LNR that was made in July 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded $36.6 million of earnings from this investment as compared to only $2.3 million during the same period in 2010 due to the fact that this was a new investment. This increase was partially offset by losses and lower returns recorded by certain of our stragetic investments primarily due to weaker market performance as compared to 2010.

Income tax (expense) benefit —Income tax expense increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period last year, primarily due to taxable income generated from our investment in LNR Property Corporation, which was originated in the third quarter of 2010 and is held in a taxable REIT subsidiary.

Income from discontinued operations —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, income from discontinued operations included the operating results from a net lease asset held for sale. During the same period of 2010, income from discontinued operations included operating results of net lease assets sold in the previous 12 months including the sale of the portfolio of 32 net lease assets, which was sold during the second quarter of 2010, as well as assets held for sale as of September 30, 2011.

Gain from discontinued operations —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, upon full resolution of contingent obligations, we realized a $22.2 million gain from discontinued operations previously deferred as part of the June 2010 sale of a portfolio of 32 net lease assets. During the same period in 2010, we sold net lease assets, including a portfolio of 32 net lease assets, and recognized an aggregate initial gain of $270.4 million.

44

ZEQ.=6,SEQ=45,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=16066,FOLIO='44',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FW48501A.;26',USER='WWASSER',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:31' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

Adjusted EBITDA

In addition to net income, we use Adjusted EBITDA to measure our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) plus the sum of interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, provision for loan losses, impairment of assets and stock-based compensation expense, less the gain/loss on early extinguishment of debt, net.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to consider, in addition to net income (loss), as it may help investors evaluate core operating performance prior to interest expense, income taxes and certain non-cash items.

Adjusted EBITDA should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as shown in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss) (determined in accordance with GAAP), as an indicator of our performance, or to cash flows from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our liquidity, nor is Adjusted EBITDA indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs or available for distribution to shareholders. Rather, Adjusted EBITDA is an additional measure for us to use to analyze how our business is performing. It should be noted that our manner of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may differ from the calculations of similarly-titled measures by other companies.

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

For the Three Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, — 2011 2010
(in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA
Net income (loss) $ (54,661 ) $ (74,632 ) $ 3,220 $ 139,075
Add: Interest expense(1) 91,777 77,286 258,183 277,330
Add: Income taxes 1,354 722 9,731 2,557
Add: Depreciation and amortization(2) 15,077 15,915 47,142 55,051
Add: Provision for loan losses 9,232 78,414 30,462 277,242
Add: Impairment of assets(3) 9,912 5,375 14,140 18,902
Add: Stock-based compensation expense 7,153 3,883 15,622 13,597
Less: (Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt, net 3,207 (9,525 ) (102,348 ) (118,305 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ 83,051 $ 97,438 $ 276,152 $ 665,449

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Interest expense of $30,515 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is included in discontinued operations. (2) Depreciation and amortization of $263 and $789 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $669 and $8,329 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, is included in discontinued operations. (3) Impairment of assets of $(25) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and $1,543 and $1,861 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, is included in discontinued operations.

45

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=46,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=502488,FOLIO='45',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FY48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

Risk Management

Loan Credit Statistics —The table below summarizes our non-performing loans, watch list loans and the reserves for loan losses associated with our loans ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Non-performing loans
Carrying value(1) $ 1,024,142 $ 1,351,410
As a percentage of total carrying value of loans 31.3 % 29.6 %
Watch list loans
Carrying value $ 41,820 $ 190,553
As a percentage of total carrying value of loans 1.3 % 4.2 %
Reserve for loan losses
Total reserve for loan losses $ 710,117 $ 814,625
As a percentage of total loans before loan loss reserves 17.9 % 15.1 %
Non-performing loan asset-specific reserves for loan losses $ 613,185 $ 667,779
As a percentage of gross carrying value of non-performing loans 37.5 % 33.1 %

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Note:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, carrying values of non-performing loans are net of asset-specific reserves for loan losses of $613.2 million and $667.8 million, respectively.

Non-Performing Loans —We designate loans as non-performing at such time as: (1) the loan becomes 90 days delinquent; (2) the loan has a maturity default; or (3) management determines it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. All non-performing loans are placed on non-accrual status and income is only recognized in certain cases upon actual cash receipt. As of September 30, 2011, we had non-performing loans with an aggregate carrying value of $1.02 billion. Our non-performing loans decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, primarily due to transfers of non-performing loans to REHI and OREO as well as sales and repayments.

Watch List Loans —During our quarterly loan portfolio assessments, loans are put on the watch list if deteriorating performance indicates they warrant a higher degree of monitoring and senior management attention. As of September 30, 2011, we had loans on the watch list (excluding non-performing loans) with an aggregate carrying value of $41.8 million.

Reserve for Loan Losses —The reserve for loan losses was $710.1 million as of September 30, 2011, or 17.9% of the gross carrying value of total loans, compared to $814.6 million or 15.1% at December 31, 2010. The change in the balance of the reserve was the result of $30.5 million of provisioning for loan losses, reduced by $134.9 million of charge-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Due to the continued volatility of the commercial real estate market, the process of estimating collateral values and reserves continues to require us to use significant judgment. We currently believe there is adequate collateral and reserves to support the carrying values of the loans.

The reserve for loan losses includes an asset-specific component and a formula-based component. An asset-specific reserve is established for an impaired loan when the estimated fair value of the loan's collateral less costs to sell is lower than the carrying value of the loan. As of September 30, 2011, asset-specific reserves decreased to $633.4 million compared to $694.4 million at December 31, 2010,

46

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=47,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=725421,FOLIO='46',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FY48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

primarily due to charge-offs on assets that were sold or transferred to REHI and OREO. The decrease was offset primarily by impairments on new non-performing loans.

The formula-based general reserve is derived from estimated principal default probabilities and loss severities applied to groups of performing loans based upon risk ratings assigned to loans with similar risk characteristics during our quarterly loan portfolio assessment. During this assessment we perform a comprehensive analysis of our loan portfolio and assign risk ratings to loans that incorporate management's current judgments about their credit quality based on all known and relevant factors that may affect collectability. We consider, among other things, payment status, lien position, borrower financial resources and investment in collateral, collateral type, project economics and geographical location as well as national and regional economic factors. This methodology results in loans being segmented by risk classification into risk rating categories that are associated with estimated probabilities of default and principal loss. We estimate loss rates based on historical realized losses experienced within our portfolio and take into account current economic conditions affecting the commercial real estate market when establishing appropriate time frames to evaluate loss experience.

The general reserve was $76.7 million or 3.3% of the gross carrying value of performing loans as of September 30, 2011, compared to $120.2 million or 3.6% of the gross carrying value of performing loans at December 31, 2010. The decrease in the balance of the general reserve was primarily due to the decrease in performing loans outstanding to $2.34 billion as of September 30, 2011 from $3.37 billion as of December 31, 2010. The reduction in general reserves as a percentage of performing loans outstanding was primarily attributable to an improvement in the weighted average risk ratings of performing loans outstanding to 3.35 at the end of the current period compared to 3.51 as of December 31, 2010.

Risk concentrations —As of September 30, 2011, our total investment portfolio was comprised of the following property/collateral types ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"150%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Property/Collateral Types Performing Loans Net Lease Assets Non-performing Loans REHI OREO Total
Land $ 210,920 $ 56,023 $ 346,492 $ 661,048 $ 105,836 $ 1,380,319 18.7 %
Apartment / Residential 618,009 — 263,656 37,255 429,272 1,348,192 18.3 %
Retail 384,063 159,622 188,091 59,777 31,453 823,006 11.2 %
Office 173,688 493,699 51,509 17,125 5,700 741,721 10.1 %
Industrial / R&D 88,048 494,958 21,393 48,911 1,100 654,410 8.9 %
Hotel 355,828 129,278 74,473 42,464 16,046 618,089 8.4 %
Entertainment / Leisure 78,232 427,101 78,529 — 1,066 584,928 7.9 %
Mixed Use / Mixed Collateral 242,452 — — 88,066 78,858 409,376 5.6 %
Other property types 185,042 — — — — 185,042 2.5 %
Other Investments — — — — — 621,167 8.4 %
Total $ 2,336,282 $ 1,760,681 $ 1,024,143 $ 954,646 $ 669,331 $ 7,366,250 100.0 %

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Note:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Based on the carrying value of our total investment portfolio gross of general loan loss reserves.

47

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=48,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=906938,FOLIO='47',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FY48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2011, our total investment portfolio had the following characteristics by geographical region ($ in thousands)(1):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Geographic Location Carrying Value(2)
West $ 1,698,790 23.0 %
Northeast 1,348,952 18.3 %
Southeast 1,094,044 14.9 %
Southwest 794,718 10.8 %
Various 711,782 9.7 %
Mid-Atlantic 704,833 9.6 %
Central 422,224 5.7 %
International 302,009 4.1 %
Northwest 288,898 3.9 %
Total $ 7,366,250 100.0 %

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Substantially all of our assets are located in the United States, with California 15.0% and Florida 10.7% representing the only significant concentrations (greater than 10.0%) as of September 30, 2011. (2) Based on the carrying value of our total investment portfolio gross of general loan loss reserves.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, we generated a total of $318.2 million in proceeds from our portfolio, including $271.8 million in loan principal repayments and $46.4 million from sales of OREO assets. These proceeds, together with cash on hand, enabled us to retire $402.5 million of debt, including $183.8 million on the A-1 Tranche of our secured credit facility, the remaining $170.4 million of our 5.65% senior unsecured notes due September 2011 and the repurchase of $48.3 million par value of our senior unsecured notes. The cumulative amount repaid on the A-1 Tranche is $428.7 million as of September 30, 2011, which exceeds the $200 million minimum amortization requirement due to be paid on or before December 30, 2011. During the quarter, we repurchased 12.1 million shares of common stock for $77.0 million. In addition, we funded a total of $55.1 million of investments and paid preferred dividends totaling $10.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2011, we have $1.76 billion of debt maturing and minimum required amortization payments due on or before December 31, 2012. We had $217.0 million of unrestricted cash outstanding at quarter-end and our capital sources in the coming year will primarily include loan repayments, proceeds from strategic asset sales and may include proceeds from debt refinancings and equity capital raising transactions. For the remainder of the year, we expect to use these capital sources to supplement operating revenues in order to repay our debt obligations and to fund loan commitments, investment activities and operating expenses, including costs to reposition our OREO and REHI assets during the next 12 months.

We believe that our available cash, expected proceeds from asset repayments and sales and other financing alternatives will be sufficient to meet our obligations during the remainder of the year. However, the timing and amounts of proceeds from asset repayments and sales, and our ability to consummate debt refinancings and equity capital raising transactions are subject to factors outside our control and cannot be predicted with certainty. We actively manage our liquidity and continually work on initiatives to address our liquidity needs. Our plans are dynamic and we may adjust our plans in response to changes in our expectations and changes in market conditions. We would be materially adversely affected if we were unable to repay or refinance our debt as it comes due.

48

ZEQ.=4,SEQ=49,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=514161,FOLIO='48',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FY48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations —The following table outlines the contractual obligations related to our long-term debt agreements and operating lease obligations as of September 30, 2011.

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"140%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Principal And Interest Payments Due By Period — Total Less Than 1 Year(1) 2 - 3 Years(1) 4 - 5 Years 6 - 10 Years After 10 Years
($ in thousands)
Long-Term Debt Obligations :
Secured credit facilities $ 2,521,332 $ 21,332 $ 2,500,000 $ — $ — $ —
Unsecured notes 2,075,566 390,866 1,217,810 367,168 99,722 —
Convertible notes 787,750 — 787,750 — — —
Unsecured credit facilities 243,709 243,709 — — — —
Secured term loans 309,537 14,122 105,707 — 163,201 26,507
Trust preferred 100,000 — — — — 100,000
Total principal maturities $ 6,037,894 $ 670,029 $ 4,611,267 $ 367,168 $ 262,923 $ 126,507
Interest Payable(2) 852,819 312,617 400,091 63,728 47,988 28,395
Operating Lease Obligations 36,186 5,416 8,630 7,835 14,305 —
Total $ 6,926,899 $ 988,062 $ 5,019,988 $ 438,731 $ 325,216 $ 154,902

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) Long-term debt obligations due during the years ending December 31, 2012 and 2013 are $1.74 billion and $1.97 billion, respectively. (2) All variable-rate debt assumes a 30-day LIBOR rate of 0.24% (the 30-day LIBOR rate at September 30, 2011).

Secured Credit Facility —In March 2011, we entered into a new $2.95 billion senior secured credit agreement comprised of a $1.50 billion term loan facility bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3.75% and maturing in June 2013 (the "Tranche A-1 Facility") and a $1.45 billion term loan facility bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 5.75% maturing in June 2014 (the "Tranche A-2 Facility"), together the "Secured Credit Facility." Both tranches include a LIBOR floor of 1.25%. The Tranche A-1 Facility and Tranche A-2 Facility were issued at discounts to par of 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively. Proceeds from the Secured Credit Facility were used to fully repay the $1.67 billion and $0.9 billion outstanding under the Company's secured credit facilities, which were due to mature in June 2011 and June 2012, respectively, and to repay $175.0 million of our unsecured credit facilities due in June 2011. The remaining proceeds were used to repay other unsecured debt maturing in the first half of 2011.

The Secured Credit Facility is collateralized by a first lien on a fixed pool of assets consisting of loan, net lease, OREO and REHI assets. Proceeds from principal repayments and sales of collateral are applied to amortize the Secured Credit Facility. Proceeds received for interest, rent, lease payments, fee income and, under certain circumstances, additional amounts funded on assets serving as collateral are retained by us. The Tranche A-1 Facility requires that aggregate cumulative amortization payments of not less than $200.0 million shall be made on or before December 30, 2011, not less than $450.0 million on or before June 30, 2012, not less than $750.0 million on or before December 31, 2012 and not less than $1.50 billion on or before June 28, 2013. The Tranche A-2 Facility will begin amortizing six months after the repayment in full of the Tranche A-1 Facility, such that not less than $150.0 million of cumulative amortization payments shall be made on or before the six month anniversary of repayment of the A-1 Facility, with additional amortization payments of $150.0 million due on or before each six month anniversary thereafter, with any unpaid principal amounts due at maturity in June 2014.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we used proceeds from principal repayments and sales of collateral to repay $428.7 million of the Tranche A-1 Facility. These repayments exceeded the $200.0 million amortization requirement for December 30, 2011 and have reduced the cumulative

49

ZEQ.=5,SEQ=50,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=778643,FOLIO='49',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FY48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33'

Table of Contents

amortization payments due on or before June 30, 2012 to $21.3 million. Repayments of debt prior to maturity have resulted in losses on early extinguishment of debt of $3.3 million and $10.5 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, related to the acceleration of discounts and unamortized deferred financing fees on the portion of debt that was repaid.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we received $9.1 million pursuant to an agreement with a holder of our previously outstanding secured credit facilities. The amount effectively reduced the par value that was repaid to the debtholder and was accounted for under ASC 470-60, resulting in $3.7 million being recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as a gain on extinguishment of debt. As the same lender participated in the new Secured Credit Facility, the remaining amount was recorded as a premium to that facility and will serve to reduce a portion of future interest expense through its maturity.

Unsecured Credit Facilities —In June 2011, we repaid the $329.9 million remaining principal balance of our LIBOR + 0.85% unsecured line of credit.

Secured Term Loans —In June 2011, we entered into a $120.0 million secured term loan financing maturing in July 2021. This financing is collateralized by net lease properties occupied by a single tenant and bears interest at 5.05%.

In March 2011, we refinanced our maturing $47.7 million outstanding principal balance secured term loan. In addition, during June 2011, we entered into an additional $4.6 million secured term loan. These loans bear interest at LIBOR + 4.50%, mature in 2014 and are cross-collateralized by the same net lease assets. Simultaneously with the financings, we entered into interest rate swaps to exchange the variable rates on the notes for fixed interest rates (see Note 10).

Secured Notes —In January 2011, we fully redeemed the $312.3 million remaining principal balance of our 10% senior secured notes due June 2014. In connection with this redemption, we recorded a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $109.0 million in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Unsecured Notes —During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we repaid, upon maturity, the $170.4 million outstanding principal balance of our 5.65% senior unsecured notes, the $96.9 million outstanding principal balance of our 5.125% senior unsecured notes and the $107.8 million outstanding principal balance of our 5.80% senior unsecured notes.

In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we repurchased $59.6 million par value of our senior unsecured notes with various maturities ranging from September 2011 to March 2012. In connection with these repurchases, we recorded an aggregate gain on early extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Unencumbered/Encumbered Assets —As of September 30, 2011, we had unencumbered assets with a gross carrying value of $4.83 billion, gross of $752.1 million of accumulated depreciation and loan loss reserves.

The carrying value of our encumbered assets by asset type is as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

As of — September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010
Loans and other lending investments $ 2,120,490 $ 2,832,184
Net lease assets 1,195,408 1,021,783
REHI 142,476 28,376
OREO 163,755 232,150
Other investments 44,432 —
Total $ 3,666,561 $ 4,114,493

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

50

ZEQ.=6,SEQ=51,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=414859,FOLIO='50',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]FY48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';4-NOV-2011;14:33' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

TOC_END

Table of Contents

Debt Covenants —Our Secured Credit Facility contains certain covenants, including covenants relating to collateral coverage, dividend payments, restrictions on fundamental changes, transactions with affiliates, matters relating to the liens granted to the lenders and the delivery of information to the lenders. In particular, we are required to maintain collateral coverage of 1.25x outstanding borrowings. In addition, for so long as we maintain our qualification as a REIT, the Secured Credit Facility permits us to distribute 100% of our REIT taxable income on an annual basis. We may not pay common dividends if we cease to qualify as a REIT.

Our outstanding unsecured debt securities contain corporate level covenants that include unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness and a fixed charge coverage ratio. The unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness covenant is a maintenance covenant, while the fixed charge coverage ratio is an incurrence test. Based on our unsecured credit ratings, the financial covenants in our debt securities, including the fixed charge coverage ratio and maintenance of unencumbered assets to unsecured indebtedness ratio, are currently operative. If any of our covenants are breached and not cured within applicable cure periods, the breach could result in acceleration of our debt securities unless a waiver or modification is agreed upon with the requisite percentage of the bondholders. While we expect that our ability to incur new indebtedness under the fixed charge coverage ratio will be limited for the foreseeable future, we will continue to be permitted to incur indebtedness for the purpose of refinancing existing indebtedness and for other permitted purposes under the indentures.

Our Secured Credit Facility contains cross default provisions that would allow the lenders to declare an event of default and accelerate our indebtedness to them if we fail to pay amounts due in respect of our other recourse indebtedness in excess of specified thresholds or if the lenders under such other indebtedness are otherwise permitted to accelerate such indebtedness for any reason. The indentures governing our unsecured public debt securities permit the bondholders to declare an event of default and accelerate our indebtedness to them if our other recourse indebtedness in excess of specified thresholds is not paid at final maturity or if such indebtedness is accelerated.

Ratings Triggers —Borrowings under our unsecured credit facility bear interest at LIBOR based rates plus an applicable margin, which is based on our corporate credit ratings. Our ability to borrow under this facility is not dependent on the level of our credit ratings.

Derivatives —Our use of derivative financial instruments is primarily limited to the utilization of interest rate hedges or other instruments to manage interest rate risk exposure and foreign exchange hedges to manage our risk to changes in foreign currencies. The principal objectives of such hedges are to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with our operating and financial structure and to manage our exposure to foreign exchange rate movements. As a result of the repayment of the secured credit facilities a portion of our multi-currency borrowing capacity was extinguished. Accordingly, upon repayment of the facilities we simultaneously entered into foreign currency hedges to manage our exposure on foreign denominated investment assets. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions —We are not dependent on the use of any off-balance sheet financing arrangements for liquidity.

Unfunded Commitments —We generally fund construction and development loans and build-outs of space in net lease assets over a period of time if and when the borrowers and tenants meet established milestones and other performance criteria. We refer to these arrangements as Performance-Based Commitments. In addition, we sometimes establish a maximum amount of additional funding which we will make available to a borrower or tenant for an expansion or addition to a project if we approve of the expansion or addition in our sole discretion. We refer to these arrangements as Discretionary Fundings. Finally, we have committed to invest capital in several real estate funds and other ventures. These arrangements are referred to as Strategic Investments. As of September 30, 2011, the maximum amounts of the fundings we may make under each category, assuming all performance hurdles and milestones are

51

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=52,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=223616,FOLIO='51',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]GA48501A.;20',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

met under the Performance-Based Commitments, that we approve all Discretionary Fundings and that 100% of our capital committed to Strategic Investments is drawn down, are as follows ($ in thousands):

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Loans Net Lease Assets Strategic Investments Total
Performance-Based Commitments $ 57,568 $ 9,880 $ — $ 67,448
Discretionary Fundings 155,574 — — 155,574
Other — — 30,493 30,493
Total $ 213,142 $ 9,880 $ 30,493 $ 253,515

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Transactions with Related Parties —We have substantial investments in non-controlling interests of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. and 13 related entities. In relation to our investment in these entities in 2005, we appointed Glenn R. August to our Board of Directors. Mr. August is the president and senior partner of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. and holds a substantial investment in these same entities. As of September 30, 2011 we have $22.4 million of unfunded commitments to these entities. See Subsequent Events below.

Equity —On August 8, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $65.0 million of our Common Stock from time to time in open market and privately negotiated purchases, including pursuant to one or more trading plans. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we repurchased 12.3 million shares of our outstanding Common Stock for approximately $78.8 million, at an average cost of $6.40 per share, and repurchases were recorded at cost. As of September 30, 2011, we had $0.6 million of Common Stock available to repurchase under our Board authorized stock repurchase programs.

Subsequent Events —On October 25, 2011, we sold a substantial portion of our interests in Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. and related entities in an all cash transaction. The transaction was completed in part through sales of interests to an unrelated third party and to the principals of Oak Hill, and in part through a redemption of interests by Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. We expect to record a pre-tax gain of approximately $30 million on the carrying value of the investment in the fourth quarter of 2011. Glenn R. August, a director of our board who was appointed to our board of directors in connection with our acquisition of the Oak Hill interests in 2005, is the president and senior partner of Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. and acquired a portion of the interests in the transaction.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported as assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We have established detailed policies and control procedures intended to ensure that valuation methods, including any judgments made as part of such methods, are well controlled, reviewed and applied consistently from period to period. We base our estimates on corporate and industry experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances.

A summary of our critical accounting estimates is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting estimates as of September 30, 2011.

New Accounting Pronouncements —For a discussion of the impact of new accounting pronouncements on our financial condition or results of operations, see Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

52

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=53,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=981290,FOLIO='52',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]GA48501A.;20',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11'

Table of Contents

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

There have been no material changes in Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for the first nine months of 2011 as compared to the disclosures included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. See discussion of quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk under Item 7a—"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company has formed a disclosure committee that is responsible for considering the materiality of information and determining the disclosure obligations of the Company on a timely basis. The disclosure committee reports directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the disclosure committee and other members of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) or Rule 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

There have been no changes during the last fiscal 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.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company's periodic reports.

53

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=54,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=771757,FOLIO='53',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]GA48501A.;20',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

Table of Contents

(This page has been left blank intentionally.)

54

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=55,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=62994,FOLIO='54',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]GZ48501A.;5',USER='CHE106469',CD=';2-NOV-2011;22:11' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

TOC_END

Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries is party to various pending litigation matters that are considered ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business as a finance and investment company focused on the commercial real estate industry, including loan foreclosure and foreclosure-related proceedings. In addition to such matters, the Company or its subsidiaries is a party to, or any of their property is the subject of, the following pending legal proceedings.

Citiline Holdings, Inc., et al. v. iStar Financial, Inc., et al.

In April 2008, two putative class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York naming the Company and certain of its current and former executive officers as defendants and alleging violations of federal securities laws. Both suits were purportedly filed on behalf of the same putative class of investors who purchased Common Stock in the Company's December 13, 2007 public offering (the "Company's Offering"). The two complaints were consolidated in a single proceeding (the "Citiline Action") on April 30, 2008.

On November 17, 2008, Plumbers Union Local No. 12 Pension Fund and Citiline Holdings, Inc. were appointed Lead Plaintiffs to pursue the Citiline Action. Plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Complaint on February 2, 2009, purportedly on behalf of a putative class of investors who purchased the Company's Common Stock between December 6, 2007 and March 6, 2008 (the "Complaint"). The Complaint named as defendants the Company, certain of its current and former executive officers, and certain investment banks who served as underwriters in the Company's Offering. The Complaint reasserted claims for alleged violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act, and added claims for alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. Plaintiffs allege the defendants made certain material misstatements and omissions relating to the Company's continuing operations, including the value of the Company's loan portfolio and certain debt securities held by the Company. The Complaint seeks certification as a class action, unspecified compensatory damages plus interest and attorney's fees, and rescission of the public offering. No class has been certified. The Company and its current and former officers filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint on April 27, 2009 and, on March 26, 2010, the Court issued its order granting, in part, the dismissal of certain Securities Act claims against certain of the Company's current and former officers, but denying the motion as to all claims asserted against the Company. Accordingly, the discovery process has commenced. The Company believes the Citiline Action has no merit and intends to continue defending itself vigorously against it.

Shareholder Derivative Actions

Two shareholder derivative actions, filed in April and May 2010, are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaints in these actions were filed, purportedly on the Company's behalf, against the Company's Board of Directors and certain current and former executive officers. These actions arise out of the same facts and circumstances alleged in the Citiline Action (described above) and assert that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company and were liable to the Company for unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement and waste of corporate assets.

Plaintiffs in these derivative actions have sought monetary damages, reimbursement for professional fees, improvements in governance and controls and disgorgement of profits. The Company, as a nominal defendant on whose behalf the plaintiffs claim they are acting, filed motions to dismiss these claims on the basis that neither shareholder had established the right to usurp the Board of Directors' power to decide whether and when a suit should be filed. On March 31, 2011, the Court issued its order dismissing one of these suits, Kautz v. Sugarman, et al., in its entirety. The Plaintiff in the Kautz matter has appealed this dismissal. Briefing before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is complete and oral

55

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=56,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=754143,FOLIO='55',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]JA48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';7-NOV-2011;16:49'

Table of Contents

argument has been set. Also on March 31, 2011, the Court denied the Company's motion to dismiss the other action, Vancil v. Sugarman, et al., and granted Plaintiff the opportunity to conduct limited discovery related to the subject matter of the suit. Discovery in the Vancil matter is underway and is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Shareholder Letters

In 2010, the Company received letters from two shareholders alleging that certain current and former officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company. The allegations made in these two letters are materially the same as those made in the Vancil suit described in the preceding paragraph. A special committee of independent directors was formed by the Board of Directors to investigate the claims made in these letters. The shareholders on whose behalf these letters were written complied with the special committee's request to furnish evidence of their continuous ownership of iStar shares. The special committee of independent directors undertook a thorough investigation of the claims made in these letters and concluded there is no substantiation for the claims of wrongful conduct referenced in the letters. After careful analysis and deliberation of the findings and recommendations of the special committee, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt the special committee's recommendation to reject the demands contained in these letters and to terminate any pending derivative actions based upon such demands.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

See the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2011:

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"120%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

August 1 - August 31, 2011 8,285,390 Average Price Paid per Share — $ 6.20 8,285,390 Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans(1)(2) — $ 26,269,547
September 1 - September 30, 2011 3,787,287 $ 6.77 3,787,287 $ 642,504

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

Explanatory Notes:

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" (1) On August 8, 2011, the Company authorized the repurchase, from time to time, on the open market or otherwise, of up to an additional $65 million of its Common Stock at prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, including pursuant to one or more trading plans. There is no fixed expiration dates to this stock repurchase program. (2) On March 13, 2009, the Company authorized the repurchase, from time to time, on the open market or otherwise, of up to an additional $50 million of its Common Stock at prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, including pursuant to one or more trading plans. There is no fixed expiration dates to this stock repurchase program.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

None

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

56

ZEQ.=2,SEQ=57,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=38587,FOLIO='56',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]JA48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';7-NOV-2011;16:49'

Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

a. Exhibits

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

Exhibit Number Document Description
31.0 Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.0 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
101 The following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2011, is formatted in XBRL (" eXtensible Business Reporting
Language "): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2011 and 2010, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2011 and 2010 and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).*

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

COMMAND=ADD_LINERULETXT,NOSHADE COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1.0PT" WIDTH="26%" ALIGN="LEFT" * In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

57

ZEQ.=3,SEQ=58,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=369168,FOLIO='57',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]JA48501A.;22',USER='MKEANE',CD=';7-NOV-2011;16:49' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT

COMMAND=ADD_BASECOLOR,"Black" COMMAND=ADD_DEFAULTFONT,"font-family:times;" COMMAND=ADD_TABLESHADECOLOR,"#CCEEFF" COMMAND=ADD_STABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;" COMMAND=ADD_SCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:solid #000000 1.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" COMMAND=ADD_DCRTABLERULES,"border-bottom:double #000000 2.25pt;margin-bottom:0pt;" PARA=JUSTIFY

TOC_END

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COMMAND=ADD_TABLEWIDTH,"100%"

User-specified TAGGED TABLE

iSTAR FINANCIAL INC. Registrant
Date: November 8, 2011 /s/ JAY SUGARMAN Jay Sugarman Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
iSTAR FINANCIAL INC. Registrant
Date: November 8, 2011 /s/ DAVID M. DISTASO David M. DiStaso Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)

end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE

58

ZEQ.=1,SEQ=59,EFW="2205952",CP="ISTAR FINANCIAL INC",DN="1",CHK=230405,FOLIO='58',FILE='DISK122:[11ZDE1.11ZDE48501]JC48501A.;10',USER='LBURNET',CD=';8-NOV-2011;11:04' THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT TOCEXISTFLAG